Tennessee ‘s Phil Fulmer now recognizes the importance of athletics in his player’s lives. A “source” close to the program explained “Education has never done nothing for these boys. They play football good and that is what is going to make them a star. Keeping these kids off the field is like taking the food out of their babies’ mouths.”
Despite the obvious damage keeping these players off the field will cause, coaches around the country have chosen to “suspend” players, sometimes for multiple games and, in some cases, games which could be lost without the player’s help. What started in Florida then moved on to the Tuscaloosa Ghetto and then to Morgantown, has now spread throughout the country, and we are facing an epidemic of discipline-happy and selfish coaches that are putting their own reputation before their player’s lives.
Enter Herban Meyer. Meyer was already known as a rebel for his unwillingness to bow to the pressure of the media when he refused to switch from his cut off jean shorts and his mesh “peek-a-boo” denim shirts to a more “acceptable” coaching ensemble. After running back Brandon James was arrested for purchasing marijuana from an uncover narcotics agent, Meyer decided it was time to stand up for the players.
“Florida has always had its fair share of dope smoking players. If Brandon James or Jon Demps had been playing for Joe Paterno or one of these coaches today, he never would have stepped on the field” said one Florida fan. “Herban recognizes that kids today may have moved on from DUIs and are now trying marijuana and playing with guns. Florida has to keep up with the times and give these guys the same chances that countless other Gator players have had in the past.”
Another good example of a coach standing up for his player is found Knoxville. LaMarcus Coker returns to the lineup for the Tennessee Volunteers after having been suspended for a total zero games because he was in rehab during the dog days of summer practice. The suspension could have cost the Vols in the future. When comparing the James and Coker suspensions, think of what it has cost Mr. James. The so called “character” he has gained from the one game suspension for purchasing weed from a law enforcement officer will be of little use when comparing his stats to Tennessee players such as LaMarcus Coker. [Received by email from Rick Darnell]
Leave a Reply