Bill, It all goes back to accountability! Unfortunately many of our role models, government leaders, etc. are showing very poor judgement. How can we berate these young teenagers, who are out of their home environment and subjected to new situations and far too much attention? Don
You're right to an extent, Don. But at what point do the adults take control? The pressure to win at all costs is at the root of this whole mess.
This is the crux of the problem: Evans was fired because he embarassed the program, because he was in a leadership position AND MORE IMPORTANTLY he could be fired with out affecting a single win or loss for any Georgia athletic program. What Georgia athlete, Fla athlete, or any other school, was every fired for his first DUI? I'll bet none, because they would affect a win/loss of the program they were involved in at their university. They would not be easily replaced. It's very difficult to boot a player who is a difference maker from a program. Not only would it hurt the W-L, but as they pointed out it might even hurt recruiting. From that article:
I would have to disagree a bit Terry. Evens is old enough to have learned better, he should have matured though the years. I would expect more from him and not give him as much room for error as I would a young person. Other than that your points are well taken. Don and George your points are well taken also. I don't believe there is one canned solution for every offense. I also believe that getting people to accept responsibility is important but you won't do that if you get rid of them at every first offense. Interesting comment about Adults being in charge. I like this comment from the article.
Bill I disagree with your disagreement. Evans was high profile and expendable, so they could easily make a statement by firing him. His secretary wouldn't have been fired for the same offense, she wouldn't have made any headlines. I do agree that kids can deserve a second chance for some things though. As I have posted, nobody has been tougher on kids than ND, and I think they have gone to far in some instances.
Terry, I don't know where we are in any big disagreement. Other high profile people have kept their jobs though a DUI situation but there was also the issue of the woman etc. I think Evans put himself in a position that he had to resign. For the most part I think working with players to improve their actions beats cutting them in the clear and throwing them under the bus.
One of the things that I don't agree with, is I don't think the Coach should have the lead in the discipline for non-football behavior issues. Not that he should have some input, but I don't think the coach should be the guy making the call on what level of discipline the kid gets. There should be a University level group to deal with this and all kids, star football player or Math major should recieve the same level of discipline for things like DUI, Drug issues, and other violations of civil and criminal codes.
I agree 100% with your last Terry. That would add a little more to the recruiting business, wouldn't it? Not only does the kid have to be a great athlete that you can keep eligible, but also a decent character guy. I actually think the coaches should have NO say in stuff like that. The university should have a "court" that deals with all students equally. No passes for athletes or Rhodes scholars alike. People need to be accountable for what they do, and that includes young adults.