Tomorrow, Nick Seuberling follows up his wildly successful blog debut, and Friday, Andy Barch takes his turn. Don't forget, you can read all of our blogs by accessing our archives.
By Brian George
bgeorge@pigskinpodcast.com
I'm sure many college football fans, and more specifically, Clemson fans, remember the great story of Ray Ray McElrathbey, who despite juggling a full college schedule and the rigors of ACC football, took custody of his younger brother after their mother struggled with cocaine addiction.
After appearing in all 13 of the Tigers' games, mainly on special teams, in 2006, McElrathbey tore his anterior cruciate ligament prior to the beginning of the 2007 season and eventually saw his career at Clemson come to an end. The Tigers already have a stud backfield with James Davis and C.J. Spiller, so playing time was likely to be scarce for McElrathbey even if he was healthy.
McElrathbey announced Monday that he is transferring to Howard to continue his athletic career. I applaud the move, and hope success finally finds him on the football field as it has off it. After being suspended at one point for a poor academic performance, McElrathbey made the academic honor roll in the fall of last year and is set to graduate from Clemson with a sociology degree this summer.
Even if McElrathbey decides not to suit up for the Bison (and it couldn't hurt; Howard was 4-7 last season), it's refreshing to hear stories like this one of a kid striving to be the best and appearing in the headlines for all the right reasons.
This week alone, four players have been in some kind of legal trouble.
- Alabama linebacker Jimmy Johns -- as far as I can tell, no relation to the sandwich conglomerate -- was charged with selling cocaine and possessing ecstasy. How colorful.
- Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel was charged with aggravated assault and battery after allegedly beating his girlfriend.
- UCF running back Ricky Kay was suspended after doing $5,200 in damage to a fire sprinkler system.
- And finally, Colorado linebacker Michael Sipili is being sued over an assault that took place in Boulder last year. Sipili was suspended from school and from the 'Buffs football team last year but is expected to start for Dan 'Go play intramurals, brother!' Hawkins this season.
It wasn't a real surprise to see the stories mentioned in the last paragraph but was quite a shock to most when McElrathbey's story initially came out. Now with a degree in hand, he'll head off to Howard, possibly play for the Bison, have some success and close the book on his college and athletic careers and be successful in life.
And maybe some other college players will take a page out of his book and learn to be leaders and role models both on the field and off -- before the jail cell slams shut.
why was this underage kid out drinking, well because he is a football player who thinks he owns the world. instead of setting an example, he is vandalizing the school that finances him. loser.