offiss
04-04-2005, 05:07 PM
I hear you. I understand what you're saying about the NCAA and NFL. And while I don't necessarily agree with it and while I'm not quite as cynical about our colleges, I do understand the argument.
As for the bridges he burned, I was referring to the whistle-blowing and numerous accusations he made about OSU on his way out. The investigation is ongoing, so I won't speculate as to the truth of those accusations, but the point stands that the minute he decided to leave for the NFL early, he also started burning all of his bridges behind him. By coming out publicly and ripping OSU like he did, he ensured that he would not have a place to go back to if the court ruled against him. That, to me, is poor judgment.
And he is certainly no Ray Carruth or Ray Lewis (at least not yet), but I (and many other scouts and coaches) still have concerns with his character. Setting aside the character concerns, he still doesn't really strike me as a guy that has what it takes to be an NFL back. And if he did, he wouldn't be projected as a 5-7th rounder right now. Character concerns alone are only ever going to drop a guy one or two rounds at most, and usually less than that (see William Green, Fred Smoot).
From what I can remember maybe I need a refresher here is he really didn't come out and slam them until he officially new he was out of the NFL, then he started in on I believe Andy Geiger and co. but I am not positive of the timing.
As for bad charactor or criminal tendancies dropping a player only a couple of round's? Not if the Ravens or Cowboys are drafting! :food-smil
As for the bridges he burned, I was referring to the whistle-blowing and numerous accusations he made about OSU on his way out. The investigation is ongoing, so I won't speculate as to the truth of those accusations, but the point stands that the minute he decided to leave for the NFL early, he also started burning all of his bridges behind him. By coming out publicly and ripping OSU like he did, he ensured that he would not have a place to go back to if the court ruled against him. That, to me, is poor judgment.
And he is certainly no Ray Carruth or Ray Lewis (at least not yet), but I (and many other scouts and coaches) still have concerns with his character. Setting aside the character concerns, he still doesn't really strike me as a guy that has what it takes to be an NFL back. And if he did, he wouldn't be projected as a 5-7th rounder right now. Character concerns alone are only ever going to drop a guy one or two rounds at most, and usually less than that (see William Green, Fred Smoot).
From what I can remember maybe I need a refresher here is he really didn't come out and slam them until he officially new he was out of the NFL, then he started in on I believe Andy Geiger and co. but I am not positive of the timing.
As for bad charactor or criminal tendancies dropping a player only a couple of round's? Not if the Ravens or Cowboys are drafting! :food-smil