Earlier today, those associated with the MT program and incident with Navy reached out to those affected to apologize. Following those phone calls they released the following statement...
RESPONSES FROM MIDDLE TENNESSEE HEAD COACH RICK STOCKSTILL AND LINEBACKER RODERIC BLUNT ON INCIDENTS DURING MONDAY’S ARMED FORCES BOWL VS NAVY
HEAD COACH RICK STOCKSTILL
“After seeing the replay of the game, I saw things that I was unable to see live from the sideline. I have called Navy Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo, quarterback Keenan Reynolds, and Brant Ringler, the executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, and apologized for Roderic Blunt’s actions.
“I have strived to run a first-class program and I do not condone this type of play. We have shown a history of good sportsmanship and, this season, we ranked as the ninth-least penalized team in the country. We were called for just one defensive personal foul penalty prior to the bowl game.
“I understand the game of football and what goes on out on the field, but there is no place for that type of behavior. It was a very emotional game for both sides, played with a lot of passion and sometimes players get caught up in that emotion. However, the bottom line is we hold ourselves to high standards and we expect our players to be good representatives of our university.
“Roderic knows the consequences of his actions. As head coach, I will take steps to ensure our team understands the importance of proper behavior and the conduct we expect as Blue Raiders.”
COMMENT FROM LINEBACKER RODERIC BLUNT
“I would like to apologize to my team, coaching staff, Navy, and most importantly, Keenan Reynolds for my actions Monday. I accept responsibility and the consequences of my actions. It was my last college game and emotions were at an all-time high. But there is still no excuse for my actions and know this is not a reflection of Blue Raider football.”
(12-31-2013 05:06 PM)baruna falls Wrote: Classy move by coach and player. Smart move by MT admits to recognize problem and deal with. Good job MT
I think that's all most people wanted to see happen. It also makes sense that the coach wouldn't know what occurred from the sidelines in detail until later after the game.
(12-31-2013 05:13 PM)randaddyminer Wrote: anyone have video of what happened?
Late hits, shoves after plays, he stuck his finger through the QB's facemask and poked his eyes (this wasn't seen by officials but was clear on the video replay).
He came to play thugball, not football.
His ejection was justified and should've happened several plays before it did.
(12-31-2013 05:13 PM)randaddyminer Wrote: anyone have video of what happened?
Late hits, shoves after plays, he stuck his finger through the QB's facemask and poked his eyes (this wasn't seen by officials but was clear on the video replay).
He came to play thugball, not football.
His ejection was justified and should've happened several plays before it did.
C'mon there are a bunch of threads about what happened and trashing the guy. This is the thread about the apology and aftermath. He said video of what happened, not paraphrase ten threads.
I'm impressed with Coach Stockstill. He acted quickly and decisively when he had the facts. Issue is over win, in my opinion, and there should be no I'll will by anyone yo MTSU.
Anyone who has played sports knows that "emotions" are a big part of ALL competition. The program, coach and player have apologized and that's all that they can do at this time.
I'm pretty sure that Stock will not allow for this type of behavior in the future...
Quote:“Roderic knows the consequences of his actions. As head coach, I will take steps to ensure our team understands the importance of proper behavior and the conduct we expect as Blue Raiders.”
Quote:“Roderic knows the consequences of his actions. As head coach, I will take steps to ensure our team understands the importance of proper behavior and the conduct we expect as Blue Raiders.”
What are those consequences?
Good question. How do you punish a player who has played his last game?
BTW, I appreciate the apologies. They don't erase what happened, but they seem sincere.
(This post was last modified: 01-01-2014 12:03 AM by Lee Moses.)
Quote:“Roderic knows the consequences of his actions. As head coach, I will take steps to ensure our team understands the importance of proper behavior and the conduct we expect as Blue Raiders.”
What are those consequences?
I'm pretty sure having his name tarnished across the nation was enough. Five years of stellar attitude and commitment wiped away in one moment. He was tried and convicted in the court of public opinion. There probably isn't anything more damaging we could have done to him even if he was returning.
Quote:“Roderic knows the consequences of his actions. As head coach, I will take steps to ensure our team understands the importance of proper behavior and the conduct we expect as Blue Raiders.”
What are those consequences?
I'm pretty sure having his name tarnished across the nation was enough. Five years of stellar attitude and commitment wiped away in one moment. He was tried and convicted in the court of public opinion. There probably isn't anything more damaging we could have done to him even if he was returning.
Two problems with that. First of all, you make it sound like this is something that happened to Blunt, when in fact it is a situation that he created. Second of all, it makes Stockstill and the MTSU administration an observer/bystander in all this, when they are the ones who are supposed to hold their players accountable for their actions.
(This post was last modified: 01-01-2014 01:51 PM by Native Georgian.)
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