Zac Crews…

[WetBreeches]

Where I think so much of the vitriol comes from is the perception (or fact) that an athletes consequences for negative behavior is dependent upon their ability to run fast, throw far or jump high. The faster they run, the further they throw or the higher they jump equates to a reduced penalty. If Crews was a preferred walk on there would have been an immediate press release that UM doesn't condone the language used and he is no longer a signee for the Griz. I also believe if he possessed the skill level of a preferred walk on there would be zero talk of him potentially joining the Bobcat Football team after a period of acclimation. It's unfortunate people who are really upset at the "system" (disproportionate application of "consequences") target the individual, but it's much easier to attack an individual. Before the pitch forks come out...I think what Crews said was abhorrent and even as an "inside" joke is unacceptable. I also think he deserves a shot at redemption and an opportunity to learn from his mistake(s). I just hope the opportunity is more about learning than his ability run fast and jump high.

And today is the perfect day to talk about this as Watson receives a 6 game ban for at least 30 reported incidents of sexual assault. Vontaze Burfict once got a 12 game suspension for "targeting", Calvin Ridley a year for gambling, and Travis Jonsen cut for a DUI. I'm not going to rank which offense is the "worst", just wanted to list out different "offenses" and the ensuing "penalty".

[GoldstoneCat]

Where I think so much of the vitriol comes from is the perception (or fact) that an athletes consequences for negative behavior is dependent upon their ability to run fast, throw far or jump high. The faster they run, the further they throw or the higher they jump equates to a reduced penalty. If Crews was a preferred walk on there would have been an immediate press release that UM doesn't condone the language used and he is no longer a signee for the Griz. I also believe if he possessed the skill level of a preferred walk on there would be zero talk of him potentially joining the Bobcat Football team after a period of acclimation. It's unfortunate people who are really upset at the "system" (disproportionate application of "consequences") target the individual, but it's much easier to attack an individual. Before the pitch forks come out...I think what Crews said was abhorrent and even as an "inside" joke is unacceptable. I also think he deserves a shot at redemption and an opportunity to learn from his mistake(s). I just hope the opportunity is more about learning than his ability run fast and jump high.

And today is the perfect day to talk about this as Watson receives a 6 game ban for at least 30 reported incidents of sexual assault. Vontaze Burfict once got a 12 game suspension for "targeting", Calvin Ridley a year for gambling, and Travis Jonsen cut for a DUI. I'm not going to rank which offense is the "worst", just wanted to list out different "offenses" and the ensuing "penalty".

Preach. Legit sexual predator gets a third of a season. Equal isn't really equal. Crews should not be canceled over something said at 17. I've got some concern over outside blowback but i think, as tdub said, program culture is strong enough to overcome that. I suspect he's right as well that the culture inside the program is strong enough to allow this potential move to be a learning experience for all, but i would sure want to have buy-in from the team leaders before i brought him in.

[VimSince03]

https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=50991

I ranked two players as "rare" in my ranking system for the 2022 Montana recruiting class: Taco Dowler and Zac Crews. Take a peak to see what I wrote on the pair. Senior track seasons were not included at the time.

[kennethnoisewater]

I'd like to see Zac really go on the offensive about teaching kids in MT how much their words matter. I think a lot of kids use the n-word, and I don't think for them it has anything to do with race. It's like people using the c-word...I don't think they're usually referring to a woman's genitalia. They're using it for shock value and for a laugh. That doesn't make it right, and I think that's where Zac can help make some sense out of what weight that word carries.

I'd think plenty of school administrators would welcome him with open arms to speak at an assembly to the student body. What you say on social media matters. What you say in private matters. Some words just don't need to be said at all. Just get them out of your vocabulary. If Zac Crews can speak to thousands of kids in MT about his mistake and encourage them to think about what they say, I think that should go a long way with the public. I think HS principals could vouch for him, assuming they felt he was being genuine. Ultimately though, I think it's going to be a team decision whether he plays football somewhere or not. Black players are going to have to come out and say "we've spent time with this guy and we trust him completely".

You can rant and rave about how the world shouldn't be this way, but it is this way. If this was a painting contractor, you would probably say "I don't care, this guy can paint and I need him". But it's a public university taking public funding, and you have to be really careful about where that public funding goes. Beyond that, it's a meticulously-assembled group of young men who you've worked diligently to build chemistry with. If you have guys in that locker room who don't trust him, you can't afford that division.

[coloradocat]

https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=50991

I ranked two players as "rare" in my ranking system for the 2022 Montana recruiting class: Taco Dowler and Zac Crews. Take a peak to see what I wrote on the pair. Senior track seasons were not included at the time.

What position do you think he plays in college (MSU or otherwise)?

[cats2506]

I think he was pretty young when he made this mistake, he should have an opportunity to go beyond that. I trust our staff and the culture of our team. Whatever they decide I will be good with, I am sure they will handle this far better that those folks over the divide did.

[VimSince03]

https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=50991

I ranked two players as "rare" in my ranking system for the 2022 Montana recruiting class: Taco Dowler and Zac Crews. Take a peak to see what I wrote on the pair. Senior track seasons were not included at the time.

What position do you think he plays in college (MSU or otherwise)?

I really think he's an edge defender at the next level. On offense, he's an athletic tight end but I think you sacrifice some of his talent if you stick him on offense. The length and explosiveness matches the profile of a future DE/OLB.

[TomCat88]

https://bobcatnation.com/bobcatbb/viewt ... 17&t=50991

I ranked two players as "rare" in my ranking system for the 2022 Montana recruiting class: Taco Dowler and Zac Crews. Take a peak to see what I wrote on the pair. Senior track seasons were not included at the time.

What position do you think he plays in college (MSU or otherwise)?

I really think he's an edge defender at the next level. On offense, he's an athletic tight end but I think you sacrifice some of his talent if you stick him on offense. The length and explosiveness matches the profile of a future DE/OLB.

When in doubt/question put your best athletes on defense.

[Cataholic]

I'd like to see Zac really go on the offensive about teaching kids in MT how much their words matter. I think a lot of kids use the n-word, and I don't think for them it has anything to do with race. It's like people using the c-word...I don't think they're usually referring to a woman's genitalia. They're using it for shock value and for a laugh. That doesn't make it right, and I think that's where Zac can help make some sense out of what weight that word carries.

I'd think plenty of school administrators would welcome him with open arms to speak at an assembly to the student body. What you say on social media matters. What you say in private matters. Some words just don't need to be said at all. Just get them out of your vocabulary. If Zac Crews can speak to thousands of kids in MT about his mistake and encourage them to think about what they say, I think that should go a long way with the public. I think HS principals could vouch for him, assuming they felt he was being genuine. Ultimately though, I think it's going to be a team decision whether he plays football somewhere or not. Black players are going to have to come out and say "we've spent time with this guy and we trust him completely".

You can rant and rave about how the world shouldn't be this way, but it is this way. If this was a painting contractor, you would probably say "I don't care, this guy can paint and I need him". But it's a public university taking public funding, and you have to be really careful about where that public funding goes. Beyond that, it's a meticulously-assembled group of young men who you've worked diligently to build chemistry with. If you have guys in that locker room who don't trust him, you can't afford that division.

Great post. At least with me, I have already been using this incident in discussion with kids I coach. Kids can and should be learning from this incident already. Every coach should be discussing this issue with their kids. And even more importantly, every parent should also have this discussion with their kids.

[RickRund]

Interesting read:

https://buttesports.com/sentinel-great- ... all-limbo/

He is attending MSU - football future in air . . . Sounds like he got dragged around a bit by UM, but tough situation for any coach.

I'm all for second chances, but this kid better be on a short leash... real short.

Wholeheartedly agree. He sure does seem to have taken responsibility Some of the comments in the story are absolutely nasty... I could add more but that would break into politics/politicians/family members.

[asstastic]

My vote is let him play for us.

[Montanabob]

Just remember, you can only use the n word if you are a comedian, politician, or black.

[luckyirishguy25]

Just remember, you can only use the n word if you are a comedian, politician, or black.

Was this Necessary? It wasn't funny.

[TomCat88]

My vote is let him play for us.

I'll second.

[Cat Grad]

Just remember, you can only use the n word if you are a comedian, politician, or black.

Was this Necessary? It wasn't funny.

Glad you responded. Terrible and much worse than what the high school kid, in his immature post, said. Kids are kids at times, but an adult?

[Montanabob]

Just remember, you can only use the n word if you are a comedian, politician, or black.

Was this Necessary? It wasn't funny.

Glad you responded. Terrible and much worse than what the high school kid, in his immature post, said. Kids are kids at times, but an adult?

It is the truth. A black calls someone a n it is ok. I call some a cracker and it's racist.

[Hi-Line Bobcat]

Just remember, you can only use the n word if you are a comedian, politician, or black.

Was this Necessary? It wasn't funny.

Glad you responded. Terrible and much worse than what the high school kid, in his immature post, said. Kids are kids at times, but an adult?

It is the truth. A black calls someone a n it is ok. I call some a cracker and it's racist.

It’s laughable that someone thinks what you said is way worse than what Crews said, that’s complete ****** if they honestly think that.You aren’t wrong and I’m sure you will get hammered by the pc/woke crowd for saying it.

[Hi-Line Bobcat]

Go on egriz and look at the tweets Akem and Curran have out there. It’s a perfect example of what montanabob already stated.

[Rich K]

Just remember, you can only use the n word if you are a comedian, politician, or black.

Was this Necessary? It wasn't funny.

It's not funny. It wasn't meant to be. It was serious and it was the truth. Why would you think it was supposed to be funny? Only a moron would try to find humor in this situation.

[The Butcher]

Two comments after reading this thread:

1. From the coaching staff’s perspective; is the risk worth it? Every player that comes into the program was a stud and one of the best from their high school. Do all of those players pan out? Of course not. Now is the backlash really worth the risk when you probably can find a player just as good without the baggage?

2. There is no way a coaching staff would sit down an entire team to listen to Zac tell his side of the story or apologize. If he was already on the team I could see that happening, but he was never part of the team… This was NEVER a real option, guaranteed.
I had mentioned it on the College forum; I would have thought the JC route would have been a better choice than going part time. If he has a good season he could find another team outside of Montana that would put him on their roster.