DMN: SUSPENSION

[jkflamebo]

well the betting line on the game was swiped off the board

[bagice]

At 1-9, I don't really care, the only thing left at stake is trying to snap our FBS losing streak and personal accomplishments, if they knew the rules and the strike system and still tested JJ, let em sit the rest of the year, they both had chances to set some special records with two games left and they just sabotaged themselves.

As a fan though, this is feeling more and more like a bait and switch, I was so ready for this season, big time coach, Willis running the Run and Shoot, Sanders and Robinson at WR.....now all three gone.

This is just about as bad a news that BLM was going to start this week, I was looking forward to Turner starting at QB, he can just as easily hit the open receivers as BLM, but Turner doesn't throw INTs and actually knows when to run with the ball.

/cheers

[SoCal_Pony]

Is SMU truly on a level playing field?

If these kids learn that attention to detail, in academics, in football and in life, is the key to success... That'll pay off considerably better over the course of the next few years than the boost we'd get from a 3 win season.

-CoS

That is the real issue to me...do Top 25 programs allow attention to detail in ACADEMICS dictate FB decisions.

[J.T.supporta]

Is SMU truly on a level playing field?

If these kids learn that attention to detail, in academics, in football and in life, is the key to success... That'll pay off considerably better over the course of the next few years than the boost we'd get from a 3 win season.

-CoS

That is the real issue to me...do Top 25 programs allow attention to detail in ACADEMICS dictate FB decisions.

they do if over half the team cheats on a standardize test like at FSU

[ponyboy]

Brings back around the great Mike Cavan suspensions circa 1996. FIRST YEAR coaches must establish discipline in a program early. Its like forcing your kid to do his homework and proper study habits from the first week of school. Once you establish that discipline-everybody is on the same page. I supported Mike Cavan in his suspensions in 1996 and support June Jones if stated rules were violated.

Ditto.

[Cadillac]

That is the real issue to me...do Top 25 programs allow attention to detail in ACADEMICS dictate FB decisions.

They wouldn't have to, because they already have a pool of predators waiting to pick off anyone who slips up. I truly believe that this is about football, even if the actual violations were academic. It's just a question of commitment and following rules.

I guess to answer your question I'd say: I don't know. Ask me again when we're a top 25 team.

-CoS

[03Mustang]

This is just about as bad a news that BLM was going to start this week, I was looking forward to Turner starting at QB, he can just as easily hit the open receivers as BLM, but Turner doesn't throw INTs and actually knows when to run with the ball.

Give Turner a full game and he'll throw plenty of picks. BLM is a much better college level QB IMO.

[J.T.supporta]

This is just about as bad a news that BLM was going to start this week, I was looking forward to Turner starting at QB, he can just as easily hit the open receivers as BLM, but Turner doesn't throw INTs and actually knows when to run with the ball.

Give Turner a full game and he'll throw plenty of picks. BLM is a much better college level QB IMO.

how many full games did we give BLM and how many picks did he throw in those games?

just a question, not a judgement

[EastStang]

I support JJ in this whether we were 1-9, or 10-0. You can't let stars ride on rules or the other players figure why should they obey the rules. You need look no further than the NY Giants. The pundits thought Coughlin was crazy to pick a fight with Barber his star running back. Guess what Barber left and the Giants won the Super Bowl. Coughlin now is fighting with the team Tumor and they have lost only one game this year and appear to be rolling to the playoffs. Football is a sport which requires discipline. If a player isn't where he is supposed to be, the team is in trouble. If a player tries to go solo, the team suffers. JJ is also preparing these young men for life. Most employers don't like f-ups in their midst. We are not UT, and SMU does care about its players and the lives they have after football. We don't want to see a former SMU player be the next Dexter Manley. So, on this there should be no debate. Its a three strike rule and these players figured they wouldn't get caught. Its a lot harder to skate around the rules than just follow them.

[Rebel_Pony]

Is SMU truly on a level playing field?

If these kids learn that attention to detail, in academics, in football and in life, is the key to success... That'll pay off considerably better over the course of the next few years than the boost we'd get from a 3 win season.

-CoS

That is the real issue to me...do Top 25 programs allow attention to detail in ACADEMICS dictate FB decisions.

That is the point: SMU is not a Top 25 program. Keep in mind JJ's recent press conference comments concerning the fact he'd never seen a program in the pros, college, or anywhere, where people weren't putting in their time not only when required but on off-hours. This suspension is not just about "academics": it sends message to these kids, if you don't want to play, you won't. JJ is trying to change the losing culture at SMU, and he should be applauded for it.

[Longtime]

Do you change the losing culture by burying your only QBs with any experience in favor of a true freshman who didn't even go through spring? Do you do it by making bad decision after bad decision in the few games we've been competitive in? Not trying an onside kick, not kicking a field goal, punting at the opponent's 37...

When JJ named BLM the starter, it sent a clear signal that this was going to be a rebuilding season. When you can't find a way to get Justin Willis on the field - at QB or anywhere else - you're not trying to win.

The best way to change a losing culture is to actually try to win some games.

[ReedFrawg]

Do you change the losing culture by burying your only QBs with any experience in favor of a true freshman who didn't even go through spring? Do you do it by making bad decision after bad decision in the few games we've been competitive in? Not trying an onside kick, not kicking a field goal, punting at the opponent's 37...

When JJ named BLM the starter, it sent a clear signal that this was going to be a rebuilding season. When you can't find a way to get Justin Willis on the field - at QB or anywhere else - you're not trying to win.

The best way to change a losing culture is to actually try to win some games.

I agree 100%. No reason in my mind why JW shouldn't have started - or at least played - early in the season. You can groom BLM, let him take some/half of the snaps and then let him take over mid-season if he starts to perform or if JW struggled. But to give up on the season while Willis (your most talented offensive player IMO) sits on the bench is just shocking. Even beyond this, you are right about several questionable in-game decisions.

[SMU2007]

This suspension is a good thing. It doesn't make a damn bit of difference if we win 1 game or 3 games this year. But it is important to create a certain mindset on the hilltop