(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 10:04 AM)gusrob Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 07:58 PM)ncrdbl1 Wrote:  Aww Hell No.

The team is going to play in a bowl in Hawaii.

If you ain't playing then in Memphis youse a staying.

If you make the trip then decide not to play afterward then you pay for your expenses.

If I were an adult on the coaching staff, I'd be eery of taking a player to Hawaii if they weren't playing. It's hard enough to be responsible for someone else during their stupid-years (16-24). Even harder if I have nothing to hold over their head, as in they're done playing for me - playing time, suspension, etc are no longer options. But.....these are typical Bowl Game concerns.

You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

(12-07-2021 09:47 AM)southpaw1 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 09:41 AM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 01:52 AM)MvETigers Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 07:32 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:44 PM)SeñorTiger Wrote:  Reward for bailing on your team the last game of the year?

Once you are out of the playoff picture aren't they all just exhibition games?

Well do league championships matter...For us that means nothing towards the playoff picture.

Tell Cincy and Oklahoma State that.

Yeah...They are not us.

The stars aligned perfectly for Cincy. If that Okie state dude had stretched a half yard further Cincy would be preparing for a meaningless bowl themselves.

I agree...It was a perfect storm for Cincy...

Notre Dame loses another game or 2 and they are likely out as well...

Took two undefeated regular seasons and a win over Playoff Contender...That was the only way it was going to happen.

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 10:04 AM)gusrob Wrote:  If I were an adult on the coaching staff, I'd be eery of taking a player to Hawaii if they weren't playing. It's hard enough to be responsible for someone else during their stupid-years (16-24). Even harder if I have nothing to hold over their head, as in they're done playing for me - playing time, suspension, etc are no longer options. But.....these are typical Bowl Game concerns.

You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

(12-07-2021 12:04 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

100% agree on the glorified scrimmage . I have been saying for years that bowls mean NOTHING-ZERO---928 bowls now--500 gets you in LOL---ONLY THE PLAYOFFS MATTER--but it's still a scheduled game and players should post----using that logic- when a team is eliminated from a shot at the PLAYOFFS --all players should just opt out the rest of the season--why continue to play to try to make a glorified scrimmage --heck every player thinks they are going to get drafted LOL

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 10:04 AM)gusrob Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 07:58 PM)ncrdbl1 Wrote:  Aww Hell No.

The team is going to play in a bowl in Hawaii.

If you ain't playing then in Memphis youse a staying.

If you make the trip then decide not to play afterward then you pay for your expenses.

If I were an adult on the coaching staff, I'd be eery of taking a player to Hawaii if they weren't playing. It's hard enough to be responsible for someone else during their stupid-years (16-24). Even harder if I have nothing to hold over their head, as in they're done playing for me - playing time, suspension, etc are no longer options. But.....these are typical Bowl Game concerns.

You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Henderson opted out as a junior, AND the game was in Memphis. I'm pretty sure he was allowed to stay in Memphis.

(12-07-2021 04:00 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 10:04 AM)gusrob Wrote:  If I were an adult on the coaching staff, I'd be eery of taking a player to Hawaii if they weren't playing. It's hard enough to be responsible for someone else during their stupid-years (16-24). Even harder if I have nothing to hold over their head, as in they're done playing for me - playing time, suspension, etc are no longer options. But.....these are typical Bowl Game concerns.

You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Henderson opted out as a junior, AND the game was in Memphis. I'm pretty sure he was allowed to stay in Memphis.

He missed the Liberty bowl as a ""SOPHOMORE"" (BECAUSE OF INJURY)---he returned to MEMPHIS then after Junior year went pro

(12-07-2021 04:17 PM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 04:00 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Henderson opted out as a junior, AND the game was in Memphis. I'm pretty sure he was allowed to stay in Memphis.

He missed the Liberty bowl as a ""SOPHOMORE"" (BECAUSE OF INJURY)---he returned to MEMPHIS then after Junior year went pro

You are right. Sophmore season out with an injury. Opted out his junior season.

(12-07-2021 09:47 AM)southpaw1 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 09:41 AM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 01:52 AM)MvETigers Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 07:32 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:44 PM)SeñorTiger Wrote:  Reward for bailing on your team the last game of the year?

Once you are out of the playoff picture aren't they all just exhibition games?

Well do league championships matter...For us that means nothing towards the playoff picture.

Tell Cincy and Oklahoma State that.

Yeah...They are not us.

The stars aligned perfectly for Cincy. If that Okie state dude had stretched a half yard further Cincy would be preparing for a meaningless bowl themselves.

If Cincinnati hadn't made the playoffs this year, we'd be hearing about a 12-team playoff, or congress would get involved.

(12-07-2021 12:17 PM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:04 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:24 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  A high character person would fulfill their commitment/scholarship by playing a scheduled game----if not they should get their scholarship pulled and billed--jmo---didn't a school out west do that ?

You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

100% agree on the glorified scrimmage . I have been saying for years that bowls mean NOTHING-ZERO---928 bowls now--500 gets you in LOL---ONLY THE PLAYOFFS MATTER--but it's still a scheduled game and players should post----using that logic- when a team is eliminated from a shot at the PLAYOFFS --all players should just opt out the rest of the season--why continue to play to try to make a glorified scrimmage --heck every player thinks they are going to get drafted LOL

The coaches have been leaving early before bowl games forever...

No one ever cared...Now that Players (The Little Guy) start doing it and now it is an issue. Seems strange.

(12-07-2021 05:55 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:17 PM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:04 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

100% agree on the glorified scrimmage . I have been saying for years that bowls mean NOTHING-ZERO---928 bowls now--500 gets you in LOL---ONLY THE PLAYOFFS MATTER--but it's still a scheduled game and players should post----using that logic- when a team is eliminated from a shot at the PLAYOFFS --all players should just opt out the rest of the season--why continue to play to try to make a glorified scrimmage --heck every player thinks they are going to get drafted LOL

The coaches have been leaving early before bowl games forever...

No one ever cared...Now that Players (The Little Guy) start doing it and now it is an issue. Seems strange.

The school has the option of keeping a coach until the bowl game is played. It just usually doesn't go that route because it's better for the program. Same as firing a coach. I guess a program should start cutting players prior to the bowl if they aren't playing to cut down on expenses to make it less strange.

How some people try to make this an issue about the "little guy" getting screwed over is hilarious.

(12-07-2021 11:01 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 10:04 AM)gusrob Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 07:58 PM)ncrdbl1 Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:07 PM)Keeper Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:03 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  Pffft...

Hawaii trip...

You play in this game...

Birmingham bowl...Then yeah I understand.

All players should take the trip, even those who will opt out of the game. This is a reward for having played for the Tigers, and this is only an exhibition game!

Aww Hell No.

The team is going to play in a bowl in Hawaii.

If you ain't playing then in Memphis youse a staying.

If you make the trip then decide not to play afterward then you pay for your expenses.

If I were an adult on the coaching staff, I'd be eery of taking a player to Hawaii if they weren't playing. It's hard enough to be responsible for someone else during their stupid-years (16-24). Even harder if I have nothing to hold over their head, as in they're done playing for me - playing time, suspension, etc are no longer options. But.....these are typical Bowl Game concerns.

You guys can't be serious. So you are saying if Calvin Austin and JJ Russell, two high character players who have given their heart and soul to this team for years, want to opt out of the bowl game to avoid risking injury while they prepare for the NFL draft, they shouldn't get to go to Hawaii with the team as a reward for pouring everything they've got into this football program for years?

I'm really glad you guys aren't coaches.

Should opt-out players go on the trip?

To channel my inner Human Beinz:


"No-no, no, no-no, no-no-no-no
No, no-no, no, no, no-no, no-no, no
No-no-no-no, no-no, no, no-no, no"

This is a trip for the team.

If they opt out they are no longer with the team.

Glad you're not the coach you would destroy discipline.

Actions have consequences.

The team is going to play in a bowl game either you're with the team or you're not with the team.

(12-07-2021 05:55 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:17 PM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:04 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

100% agree on the glorified scrimmage . I have been saying for years that bowls mean NOTHING-ZERO---928 bowls now--500 gets you in LOL---ONLY THE PLAYOFFS MATTER--but it's still a scheduled game and players should post----using that logic- when a team is eliminated from a shot at the PLAYOFFS --all players should just opt out the rest of the season--why continue to play to try to make a glorified scrimmage --heck every player thinks they are going to get drafted LOL

The coaches have been leaving early before bowl games forever...

No one ever cared...Now that Players (The Little Guy) start doing it and now it is an issue. Seems strange.

But the schools didn't take the coach along to the bowl game after he announced he's not going to coach.

Norvell didn't get to go to Cotton Bowl on the Tigers dime and he led the team to the most wins ever in a single season and highest winning percentage in career history.

Shouldn't he have been rewarded for what he did that year?

Some of you are so hung up about making players responsible for their choices.

If a coach cannot go to a bowl game after leaving job then why should a player be able to after deciding not to play.

(12-07-2021 05:55 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:17 PM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:04 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:34 AM)MemphisFootballFan Wrote:  You couldn't run a college football program and treat the players like that in this day and age. This isn't the 1960's anymore. You wouldn't be able to recruit, you couldn't retain players. Darrell Henderson opted out the bowl game AS A FRESHMAN - you wouldn't have let him come back.

This ranks high among the idiocy I've seen expressed on this message board - not an easy accomplishment.

I hope every player on this team enjoys himself in Hawaii.

Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

100% agree on the glorified scrimmage . I have been saying for years that bowls mean NOTHING-ZERO---928 bowls now--500 gets you in LOL---ONLY THE PLAYOFFS MATTER--but it's still a scheduled game and players should post----using that logic- when a team is eliminated from a shot at the PLAYOFFS --all players should just opt out the rest of the season--why continue to play to try to make a glorified scrimmage --heck every player thinks they are going to get drafted LOL

The coaches have been leaving early before bowl games forever...

No one ever cared...Now that Players (The Little Guy) start doing it and now it is an issue. Seems strange.

You mean coaches have been roasted by fan bases for negotiating and taking a job before finishing the season at hand? I remember both Norvell and Fuente getting roasted by fans for bailing early...

I suspect most all players will go to Hawaii.
And then a few, once they get there, will contract tendonitis.

(12-08-2021 12:48 AM)MvETigers Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 05:55 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:17 PM)jsw3ent Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 12:04 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(12-07-2021 11:55 AM)jsw3ent Wrote:  Thanks for making my point---character has steadily eroded since the 60's

Treat players like that---yeah--what a shame it would be to actually hold the little darling snowflakes to their commitment --and maybe instill a little values ---the entitlement society

If a coach can take a kids scholly because he is not good enough, no one should blink an eye at a star player not playing in a glorified scrimmage.

100% agree on the glorified scrimmage . I have been saying for years that bowls mean NOTHING-ZERO---928 bowls now--500 gets you in LOL---ONLY THE PLAYOFFS MATTER--but it's still a scheduled game and players should post----using that logic- when a team is eliminated from a shot at the PLAYOFFS --all players should just opt out the rest of the season--why continue to play to try to make a glorified scrimmage --heck every player thinks they are going to get drafted LOL

The coaches have been leaving early before bowl games forever...

No one ever cared...Now that Players (The Little Guy) start doing it and now it is an issue. Seems strange.

The school has the option of keeping a coach until the bowl game is played. It just usually doesn't go that route because it's better for the program. Same as firing a coach. I guess a program should start cutting players prior to the bowl if they aren't playing to cut down on expenses to make it less strange.

How some people try to make this an issue about the "little guy" getting screwed over is hilarious.

wolo?

Tigers have moved to a 7.5 point favorite.

(12-06-2021 06:07 PM)Keeper Wrote:  All players should take the trip, even those who will opt out of the game. This is a reward for having played for the Tigers, and this is only an exhibition game!

This is the right thing to do and the best course of action to help recruiting.

(12-17-2021 07:55 AM)ImaTiger Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:07 PM)Keeper Wrote:  All players should take the trip, even those who will opt out of the game. This is a reward for having played for the Tigers, and this is only an exhibition game!

This is the right thing to do and the best course of action to help recruiting.

at the senior banquet, every player, coach, ga,etc i spoke with was stoked about the trip.

(12-17-2021 07:55 AM)ImaTiger Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:07 PM)Keeper Wrote:  All players should take the trip, even those who will opt out of the game. This is a reward for having played for the Tigers, and this is only an exhibition game!

This is the right thing to do and the best course of action to help recruiting.

Let’s say I’m set to retire tomorrow, but there’s the corporate function coming up in a month. It’s in Hawaii and I’d really like to go. Do I delay my retirement until after, participate in preparations for said trip, be an active contributor on said trip, or do I move on with my retirement? Those are my only two choices. Suggesting they allow me to come out of retirement and make the trip anyway (at their expense) with a promise to stop by and say hello while there, would have never been an option with any company I’ve ever worked for.

I don’t begrudge Austin one bit for opting out. I understand why he thinks protecting himself from injury is more important than a trip to Hawaii. I support his decision and wish him well, but Elvis has left the building.

(12-17-2021 10:07 AM)Browning Hall Wrote:  

(12-17-2021 07:55 AM)ImaTiger Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:07 PM)Keeper Wrote:  All players should take the trip, even those who will opt out of the game. This is a reward for having played for the Tigers, and this is only an exhibition game!

This is the right thing to do and the best course of action to help recruiting.

Let’s say I’m set to retire tomorrow, but there’s the corporate function coming up in a month. It’s in Hawaii and I’d really like to go. Do I delay my retirement until after, participate in preparations for said trip, be an active contributor on said trip, or do I move on with my retirement? Those are my only two choices. Suggesting they allow me to come out of retirement and make the trip anyway (at their expense) with a promise to stop by and say hello while there, would have never been an option with any company I’ve ever worked for.

I don’t begrudge Austin one bit for opting out. I understand why he thinks protecting himself from injury is more important than a trip to Hawaii. I support his decision and wish him well, but Elvis has left the building.

I understand that logic and pretty much agree with it.

However, IMO this is a decision that should be left to the coaches and players. If they want Austin there then he should be there.