(09-21-2014 12:38 PM)tolfbfan Wrote: I AGREE WITH EVERY COMMENT MADE. But, I could see a situation where he attends classes. Is Drug tested constantly and is clean. Does what he is supposed to do. Isn't allowed on team as practice player till next spring. Is required to practice all next season without playing. Keeps attending classes. Keeps his nose clean. Plays spring ball again. Keeps doing right things. Fall comes around 16-17. If he has made no mistakes. I would allow this "current thug" an opportunity to right his life because he is no longer behaving like a thug. One mistake....OUT THE FLIPPIN DOOR. There have been issues over the last 4-5 years that have been addressed in a private manner [discipline issued-tough at times, don't let the door hit your arse on the way out] to keep the program clean. I'm sure the AD would have to be on board and this staffs track record on these type issues is stellar in my opinion. My desire is a taxpaying citizen and right now he isnt going to be one. Isn't that the "grand scheme" to athletics.
and take away or withhold a scholarship and university resources from who? Someone that hasn't shown a need to be "redeemed?" Time and resources are limited. What makes this young man more deserving?
That video is always going to exist.
Whether what occurred he felt provoked, deserved, is his personality, was a slip of mind, whatever, it's never going to go away. Whatever reason he did react and act that way, I don't think it is going to go away because he's given an opportunity on the football team.
The young man can "redeem" himself though many paths but not through football. Do well in school, graduate, and live a productive, peaceful life, in that he might overcome the stigma of that video. He can find personal redemption, if that's in his vocabulary, through the hardest road. He does that and no one should be looking over his shoulder, judging him and still call themselves "righteous."
I would never inhibit the young man's attempts to or anyone's personal attempts on their own time to help him get all things right but there are plenty of others that can benefit from the opportunity of university athletics that haven't shown his slip of humanity.
Using university athletic resources IMO, should be off the table. Whatever he accomplishes at UT should be on his own efforts and his own nickel. Our coaching and athletic staff should not be involved.