Now here's the perfect cellmate for Aaron Hernandez http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_27906569/ex-nfl-player-lawrence-phillips-suspected-murder
It bothers me a little that he was already known to be a bad character when Osborne took him off suspension for dragging his girlfriend down the stairs by the hair just to help out in the demolition of Florida and Steve Spurrier. But.... his asistance wasn't needed: ( from Wikipedia ) "Epilogue[edit] The 1995 Nebraska squad has been voted as the greatest college football team of all-time in many surveys, including the all-time Sagarin ratings.[1] An ESPN poll has them at #3, only behind the 1971 Huskers and 1972 USC Trojans.[2]"
:roll: I saw Lawrence Phillips play in high school. He should never have been recruited by any college. He played at four different high schools in four years and he was already a member of the Crips, even in those days... I see that the inmate he killed was another murderer from San Bernardino County named Damion Soward. I wonder if he was related to the infamous USC football player R. Jay Soward who was also from this area? It wouldn't surprise me...
Seriously weak bait there Dave. Hernandez was a known thug as well. These guys make mistakes. Would you rather they never take a chance on a kid? I'd suspect that both Osborne and even Meyer have more success turning kids around than they do failing to do so. ****, Meyer roomed Hernandez with Tebow. That's worse than saying you need Jesus. That's like saying you're so out of control we're gonna put a Saint at your hip at all times. There really is only so much one can do. At some point in time, the kids have to be accountable for themselves. I sincerely believe you guys would be shocked to know just how many players of your favorite team(s) were either gang members, or have strong gang ties. Sometimes, all these kids need is a chance. Sometimes, the kids need a kick in the ass. Sadly, Phillips needed a kick in the ass a long time ago. This guy who was killed is the cousin of RJ Soward.
And the problem is we don't hear about the successes. They go on to graduate, overcome their background, and live normal lives. We only get to hear about the guys that make the post office bulletin board. :cry:
I agree with your post Corey in general and especially the above statement. The problem I have is what is known and when is it known. This is the basic question that gets programs in trouble and brings heat down on coaches. In Phillips case a lot was already out in the open for the public eye to see so the perception wasn't so good when Osborne decided to trot him out on the field and release him from suspension just to help bury the Gators. Like I said.... his help wasn't even needed.
Did you read the book (Osborne's) Dave?....did ya listen to Damon Benning's (also on '95 team) radio show last week?..... Every man is responsible for their actions....but Lawrence was lucky to even get to his junior year in college with what his background was like before.... I'll try and find the link to the radio show...Benning was his roomate...besides being from West Covina, he obviously had one F upped childhood which you can't pin completely on him.....we are products of our enviroment, but I've always said you show me F upped parent(s)...I'll show you a troubled kid. Lawrence is no different than any other similar case. Back to Osborne....once again, not knowing the whole story....at what point do you quit on a kid? But you are right....we shoulda started the cheerleaders in the 2nd half.
And here's the link to a good read for you Dave. http://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/product/On-Solid-Ground,675591.aspx
I agree with gipper that Hernandez and Phillips might make good roommates. I agree with REC about MCG fishing. I agree with Corey's whole post. And while I haven't read Osborne's book I fully understand Huskerman's defense of Osborne and if I lived in Nebraska I would have voted for Osborne. Hoping I don't rile the Buckeye fans up I have to say that Meyer tolerated to much from some of his players when he was at Florida. I didn't think so at the time but have to admit that now. Hopefully that isn't true of him and Ohio State and in no way am I accusing him of it. My 2 cents.
Bill..... if Meyer absolutely knew bad things about Hernandez and played him anyway then he's as vulnerable to the criticsim that Osborne is. In Osborne's case.... bad things were public knowledge about Phillips. In Meyer's case.... hindsight and unproven speculation is all I see.
AJ, I did just listen to the radio segment. It was very emotional and educational. And I agree that helping someone break out of their situation to something better is the right thing to do. It is a worthwhile segment to listen to, close to 30 minutes long but worth it.
Thanks Bill.... What I found interesting was how Osborne engaged the whole team about it.....explained the pro's and cons after listing them on the chalkboard....everybody talked about it....Benning even said he struggled with it hard.....I liked how he (Tom) put it to the team for a vote. Can you imagine being a little kid, and your mom's BF is holding you down and urinating on you?....while mom is watching?.....
I can't imagine it AJ and the thing about bringing it to the whole team is enlightening. It's always pretty easy for fans of other schools to second guess what your team is doing while justifying their own teams actions.