Posts
Well, it's been a hectic few weeks, thus the low quantity of posting. However, I thought I would bring you up to speed on a few things. I hate to focus on potentially bad stuff, but let's get it out of the way...........
NCAA SANCTIONS?
First, on potential NCAA sanctions - we'll know something today at 3:00pm. My opinion is that it won't be "positive". Was this one reason Dave Braine wanted to get Chan Gailey's contract out of the way. Obviously Gailey is not mixed up in this issue from a responsibility point-of-view, but people like to draw inferences.................
SHOULD REUBEN HOUSTON PLAY?
Well, a court ordered Reuben Houston back on the team. Fine. However, he didn't order him back on the playing field. I want us to succeed as much as anyone, but if Dave Braine is REALLY concerned about the court's ruling, then he will "make sure" that Houston never sees the field. Is a court going to prove that he is capable of playing better than existing players with this much of a layoff? Personally, I think there's a little bit of lip-service here by Dave Braine. Here's what Chan Gailey said:
"He seems to be in great shape," coach Chan Gailey said. "He may play more than I thought he would. He knew what was going on. He retained a lot. . . . I believe my obligation is to play the best players. If he's one of the best, it's my responsibility to put him out there."
Sorry, but if the school wants to take a stand on this issue, then he never sees action - period. They have that power. Having said that, this is an ethical decision and the "right" path might involve making a decision that costs us a win. What would you do? I'll say this - it is these types of decisions that come from a fan base that puts winning football games ahead of ethics and morality. The constant pressure to win can "shade" a decision. Is Coach wrong? If we are beating Miami with 2 minutes left on Saturday and a Miami wider receiver beats our current starting corner for the game-winning TD, and Reuben starting would have prevented it, are you ok with that?................ Remember, Reuben has already admitted to knowingly hook up a dealer with a buyer. Maybe he gets charges dropped, but has he violated the ETHICS policy of the school? Are the 9 games he has already missed punishment enough for that? Where is your head on this one?
Meanwhile, here are more details about "similar" cases used to get him back on the team. Here is an old archive on the Cory Collins case referenced by the AJC.............