[PAmedic]

I'm solidly with TALLY on this one.

you're outta your collective minds if you think the average LU kid is a saint.

#1: I wouldn't expect anyone to be
#2: I don't care

Reportedly 60% of HS kids in this country have tried recreational drugs- I see many of them and treat them every year. I would venture to say the number MAY be slightly lower in private or religous schools, but not 0%.

More than half of middle and HS students have some sort of sexual experience, many probably have more than me! (only half kidding!)

HS kids experience this stuff PRIOR TO COMING TO LU and are not discriminated against for their past "mistakes". Everyone deserves a second or even third opportunity in these types of cases. *remember, we really don't know the full extent of the violations here*

Prospective student athletes, including potential transfers, deserve the same respect. (Assuming no one has murdered or raped anyone- I would regard that or any felony CONVICTION as a legitimate safety concern)

Having said all that, we need to make sure the public perception does NOT become "LU will do anything to win", though that is often the case w/ nationally successful D1 FB programs (FSU)

[SuperJon]

You guys have always heard the saying that "preacher's kids are always the worst" and it's true to an extent for a lot of LU's campus. So many things are forbidden that a lot of students will do them just to see what the big deal is or just because they're told not to everyday. It happens a ton over spring break or Christmas/summer break. They get back with their friends from home and the Liberty Way goes out the door. These guys deserve a second chance. We've all had one.

[Hold My Own]

I dont know where I stand on this issue...part of me says this may be their only chance to be surrounded by God seeking people, then part of me say's heck no until enough time has passed and they've proved a new outlook on life (which time isnt an option when it comes to college sports) but you know what, if we give them a true 0 tolerance policy then maybe....but they'll have to do some talking in order to prove to JF and others that they have had the change of heart

[Sly Fox]

My issues are that these kids have had their mistakes made very public in the Commonwealth. So the appearance of us taking players of questionable character in order to win is my biggest concern. But like I said, I'm not sold one way or the other.

[SuperJon]

If Coach Rocco and Jerry held a press conference and said, "Look, we know these guys screwed up and screwed up very publicly. We believe everyone deserves a 2nd chance. (Then use some Biblical examples). These student-athletes will be held to a 0-tolerance policy and we hope that their lives will be benefited by being at Liberty." then I think thing would be ok.

[nickrichard]

Does anyone know if any of these players are EVEN interested in LU? These arguments could all be a moot point without any interest on their part.

[TallyW]

c'mon nick... facts have never muddied up the board before!!!!

[Brokeback Flamer]

Does anyone know if any of these players are EVEN interested in LU? These arguments could all be a moot point without any interest on their part.

How could they not be?? We are the Worlds Most Exciting University!
My take is simple - if these kids show interest, they will be here. Any spiritual justification will come later and be believed. It is all about winning and any ONE of these cats can help us win. I am not going to wax on about their character, second chances or whatever. This is all about winning.

[A.G.]

To play devils advocate, you guys are willing to compromise the integrity of the program for wins?

SWEET! Sign me up. I knew you would come over to the Dark Side of the Force.

[Hold My Own]

Does anyone know if any of these players are EVEN interested in LU? These arguments could all be a moot point without any interest on their part.

How could they not be?? We are the Worlds Most Exciting University!
My take is simple - if these kids show interest, they will be here. Any spiritual justification will come later and be believed. It is all about winning and any ONE of these cats can help us win. I am not going to wax on about their character, second chances or whatever. This is all about winning.

LU turns down athlete's all the time in EVERY sport b/c they would not be a good fit...you know that! We could have a All-Star team from some of these guys and girls that are turned away! JF only asks that the majority of the players be solid Christians not all...and dont forget this is the same school that John Rocker the mouth from the south came on a official visit!

[A.G.]

You're right--but just as some of the LU coaches turn down players with great character that would be great fits as role players because they (the coaches) don't have a clue about building a TEAM, most of the coaches will let some shady characters in because of the TALENT aspect.

[Stevev]

I just hope that if these 3 are really interested, that we don't get into another Randy Moss or Cecil Collins type of situation. I guess we will have to leave that in the hands of Coach Rocco and trust his judgement at this point. Might be an opportunity to turn these guys lives around for the better. Might as well go for it if the opportunity presents himself and hope that the coaching staff can do their thing.

[Sly Fox]

Cecil the Diesel ... now there's a blast from the past.

Seriously, Coach Rocco knows these guys as well as just about anyone can so I'm going to trust his judgement. But we certainly are treading on thin ice.

[Stevev]

Excuse my ignorance on this situation, but what are the odds that we get all of these 3 guys? What are the odds that we get just 1 of them? Is this just a longshot at best.

[Sly Fox]

It appears Brooks is likely headed to the NFL Supplemental Draft but he could transfer to a I-AA or DII in order to increase his draft stock. The other two are likely to transfer to a I-AA and we would certainly fit the bill from a football & coachinG standpoint. Whether or not the are prepared to withstand the requirements of the Liberty Way is another matter.

[Stevev]

Thank you Sly. Any one of these guys would help out quit a bit.

[Brokeback Flamer]

To play devils advocate, you guys are willing to compromise the integrity of the program for wins?

SWEET! Sign me up. I knew you would come over to the Dark Side of the Force.

I don't know AG I may scare off several. What is interesting is what really happens when we are told a player "doesn't fit". I bet a dollar to a donut that these "rejected" athletes had no intention of coming here in the first place, but to save face we are told that "we didn't want them". Life is much easier KNOWING you are selling out for wins!! Besides, if any of these guys DO come, I rest assured knowing that any and all indiscretions will be covered up until after graduation!!

The Force is strong in this one

[A.G.]

any and all indiscretions will be covered up until after graduation!!

It certainly would not be the first time.

[bigsmooth]

i have said it before earlier...brooks is not coming here, and i doubt franklin will either. vince redd would be the most intriguing, and my sources in cville say he has some interest. he was also a good high school hoops player in tennessee, and played for pete gillen one year after football was over.

[A.G.]

Now THAT'S all we need to boost the integrity of the basketbal team.

[Hold My Own]

I could only imagine if Coach D was trying to bring in these 3 players...AG you would start a protest each and every day SoulForce style!!!

[Brokeback Flamer]

Well for starters I am sure AG would expect nothing less from Coach D. We all live up to our expectations. I have no problem bringing them in, I have no problem with coach D bringnig players like this in (and he has) but lets just call it like it is.

As for a Soul Force protest, that would be great. I have a new pair of flats I would like to wear with my spring chafon

[Hold My Own]

Well for starters I am sure AG would expect nothing less from Coach D. We all live up to our expectations. I have no problem bringing them in, I have no problem with coach D bringnig players like this in (and he has) but lets just call it like it is.

As for a Soul Force protest, that would be great. I have a new pair of flats I would like to wear with my spring chafon

I didnt expect much of a different attitude a few years ago and I defenitally dont expect much of a different one now, so thank you for living up to your expectations!

[A.G.]

HMO--you have me confused with someone else. I was one of Coach D's biggest supporters this year. Not sure where you got your information. I was one of the ones saying to "be patient," and applauded him for keeping the players' intensity up. You may mean NickRichard or Intheknow?

[Brokeback Flamer]

Well for starters I am sure AG would expect nothing less from Coach D. We all live up to our expectations. I have no problem bringing them in, I have no problem with coach D bringnig players like this in (and he has) but lets just call it like it is.

As for a Soul Force protest, that would be great. I have a new pair of flats I would like to wear with my spring chafon

I didnt expect much of a different attitude a few years ago and I defenitally dont expect much of a different one now, so thank you for living up to your expectations!

Wow Psychic expectations!! Considering I have only been here recently I am glad to meet expectations so quickly!! Mama said I was an overacheiver!!
All I want is to have things called like they are, nothing more and nothing less. If we bring in "these types" of players then fine, lets just not sugar coat it. What is wrong with that? Instead, we have a tendency to cover up and make excuses for the players and decsions made to bring them in. I don't think any of them WOULD come here, but it is a great esoteric debate to have. A good question to ask would be: What would the response be if you we DID bring them in and said something like "Obviously this young person is a tremedous talent who can help our team. It is our hope that the Liberty atmosphere will help with this young persons development and grow. If they chose to follow the rules they will stay, if not they will be gone." Sound good? I agree, but the REAL question is: Would we let them go IF they broke a rule? Yes or No? (Deal or No Deal?)