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profisme · Post by **profisme** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:20 pm

Ramonce Taylor from Texas is planning on transferring somewhere though it isn't decided where he wants to go. If he goes to another 1-A school he would have to sit out a year but if he goes 1-AA he would be eligible this fall.

He scored 15 TD's last year for the University of Texas. He did have a marijuana possession charge against him that is still pending.

All of the amazing production aside, here is an issue that can really show us where everyone stands on the issue of potential problems that student athletes could have versus the production and publicity that they can garner for their university. I guess the question posed here is: Is it a good or bad idea to bring in this particular player?

Personally I know that there have been many players on the teams that have used marijuana, no names need be mentioned, but it is the case. I know that several of these student athletes are considered to be very good, upstanding citizens. I believe it could be a real hot-button issue if a player of Taylor's caliber were brought here, especially after the Miller/Lebrum incident (not students at the time of the incident), and the higher scrutiny level for incoming student atheletes.

Where does everyone stand on this issue?

JahGriz · Post by **JahGriz** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:34 pm

I think you have to take it on a case by case basis. This kid had 15lbs of pot in his car I believe. I'd probably say it is a bad idea to take him.

If an 1/8 of and ounce was found, I'd give the kid another chance.

It all depends on what the off the field problems are, IMO.

Kids drink, fight, smoke pot, etc. But that doesn't always mean they are bad, or trouble in general. But if they drink all the time and get a few DUI's, or are always in fights, or deal drugs (being caught with 15 lbs might indicate he wasn't just a casual user

) then send them packing, and don't pick them up.

I'm sure it is a fine line, one that is hard to draw, and would be drawn in a different place by just about everybody.

GOKATS · Post by **GOKATS** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:48 pm

In addition to being arrested with 5 lbs. of marijuana Taylor had serious academic issues. Given this situation I can't see very many schools giving him a serious look. I didn't post a vote because of the way the poll is worded- I think you need to look at each situation on an individual basis ala Joey Thomas, and the decision should be a simple yes or no without any consideration given to the athletic accomplishments of the individual if other problems exist.

In your post you state that the question is regarding Taylor specifically, in which case I would vote no.

Go Scats Go · Post by **Go Scats Go** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:23 pm

Its been reported that he is going to play NIAI football in Texas, thats a long fall. My guess is that since the trial is still pending he cant move very far.

catsrback76 · Post by **catsrback76** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:12 am

I say you don't take a kid like that in. For several reasons not the least being that athletics is not the schools rehab program. We do not need to take in problems like this only for a few TD's. It is one thing to deal with it, if it raises it's head in your program, it is quite another to invite it into your program with the thought that a kids football production is more important than school image, education, and team chemistry. Don't go after a kid like this he needs to get a few things lined out in his head before he plays another down, anywhere.

BobcatBlood · Post by **BobcatBlood** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:38 am

A minor violation shouldn't preclude a player from being recruited. A conviction, or even strong evidence, of dealing is NOT minor! A kid who gets an MIP for being at a party, should not have his college opportunity limited. IMO

Without knowing the details of this situation I'd have to say that the academic side should be a huge factor. If a kid has been in minor trouble BUT has excellent grades - say 3.0 or better and decent ACT/SAT scores, he/she might be worth pursuing. However, if academics have been a struggle - forget it.

It is too much to expect a kid, whether from Great Falls or Hollywood, to adjust to a whole new college life, dramatically increase their academic performance AND play ball. If a kid has learned to balance time in highschool by keeping up with grades and sport, he/she is far more likely to be able to do that same thing when they get to college. Remember, they are basically independent for the first time - even though they get help from coaches, staff, etc., they need to be able to manage their time and set priorities.

LTown Cat · Post by **LTown Cat** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:56 am

As others have said it definitely depends on the problem off the field. What if a kid grows up without parents and gets caught stealing when he is 18 to feed his younger siblings? All we would see is a charge for theft, but does he really have serious off-field problems? Now, that could lead to more serious problems, but it might not--who knows. I also know of people with no problems who get mixed up in stuff later--either way you are taking a chance.

I'm really not saying I have an opinion either way, but it definitely needs to be case-by-case.

HelenaCat95 · Post by **HelenaCat95** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 9:15 am

This related (not directly) to the subject at hand.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska will allow a recruit accused of sexual abuse to join the football team, but coach Bill Callahan says a "zero tolerance" policy will be in effect for defensive back Major Culbert.

Culbert was sentenced this month in Eugene, Ore., to five years of probation and 25 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of criminal trespassing and harassment in connection with an incident during his January recruiting visit to the University of Oregon.

Culbert, from Harbor City, Calif., and another player on the recruiting visit originally were charged with sexually abusing two women in a dormitory room.

Callahan met Wednesday with Culbert and his family, then announced that Culbert would be among the 105 players who would report for preseason practice next Wednesday.

"The charges against Major in Oregon have been reduced to a misdemeanor, but we take this situation very seriously," Callahan said.

For Culbert to have his scholarship reinstated, Callahan said, he had to agree to a series of requirements and restrictions. Those conditions weren't specified, other than that Culbert would have to perform community service in Lincoln.

"We have granted him a second chance to be a part of our program, and, accordingly, he will operate under a zero-tolerance policy from this point forward," Callahan said. "We believe his willingness to accept these terms reflects positively on his character and commitment to focus on academics and athletics while here at Nebraska."

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Is it a good or bad idea to bring in a player of elite 1-A caliber if he has had problems off the field?

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