March 12, 2008
Perrilloux-itis strikes the LSU football team
What was scheduled as LSU's first scrimmage of Spring was cancelled this past Saturday in favor of having the Tigers run sprints.
According to WWL-AM, the sprints were handed down by LSU head coach Les Miles as a team discipline for players skipping classes, one of the oft-repeated problems with QB Ryan Perrilloux.
Miles told the media Monday night that he wanted to have the scrimmage at the beginning of the week instead of the end. But he also admitted he wanted to send a message that academics are just as important as football by making his team run. This comes on the heels of a report that says the Tigers spent the morning running, because several players have been missing classes.
Which begs the question, has Les Miles created a monster? To the casual observer, the obvious answer is 'yes'.
While student-athlete absenteeism happens at every school and in every sport, Miles is definitely reaping what he has sowed. The LSU coach hasn't been able to stop Perriolloux from missing class and (reportedly) hasn't cut ties with the SEC Championship game MVP.
What kind of message does that send to the rest of the team? Class isn't that important and Coach isn't going to drop the hammer. And -- if this report is accurate -- Perrilloux's teammates are hearing it loud and clear.
At what point do you have to start asking if the LSU football team has any respect for Coach Miles? I don't believe that Miles intends to be sending mixed messages on discipline, but it certainly seems that way at times.
Comments:
Zac said:
posted on March 12, 2008 12:14 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
Like it or not, folks, school is about learning (among other things); it's not specifically about football. These kids have been given their scholarships, that they can garner a free education, not to mention be involved in a sport within which they excel and presumably love. Therefore, skipping classes should be treated as unacceptable behavior.
Is this a likely problem everywhere? Yes. Are some schools better at keeping athletes in class? Yes. So, because it's a problem everywhere, is that any excuse to let it slide? NO!!!
I don't care which team or which kid this involves. If he can't attend class and make acceptable passing grades, he can't play. I agree; the punishment should fit the crime, and every kid deserves a 2nd chance. Chronic repeat offenders need to get the boot, or every kid who graduates from high school with a football scholarship is going to think they can get away with just about anything.
If Miles wants to send a message, let it be that he's been a tough, but fair, HC. I think he's been more than fair with Mr. Perrilloux, et. al. Just a thought.
TE, if you’re out there, you’ve usually got the scoop. What’s the latest and greatest from tiger-land?
gatorhippy
posted on March 12, 2008 1:51 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?
said:
Perhaps a better wager would be which LSU player will be the first to be booted for missing class that isn't named Perrilloux...
Coupled with a side bet on how long after that happens for dissension among the team to set in after this happens...
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on March 12, 2008 2:06 PM — 74.185.133.40 — link — abuse?
gatorhippy, I think you're correct with that bet. When RP was "indefinitely suspended" it sure sounded to me like Les Miles was handing out temporary justice. With the whole team making trouble now, I'd expect Miles to dump a more dispensible player (probably 3rd team or lower).
War Eagle Atlanta
posted on March 12, 2008 2:50 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Ahh, the old 'I'm going to make an example out of you by dismissing someone else from the team' plan. Makes sense--discipline by proxy. Some 4th string cornerback will be the fall guy, perhaps...
The Hat doesn't strike me as being a firm disciplinarian. I like Tuberville in that sense. I think all the Auburn players know damn well which line they can't cross over.
Okay, new wager. How many posts on this thread before TE finally comes in and sets us straight?
gatorhippy
posted on March 12, 2008 3:07 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse? said:
What's truly sad here is that in the face of each kid like RP who is a "star" player, cuts class, legal truobles, etc and yet gets to keep his scholly due to winning...
There's a kid like this who does it all right and gets shafted due to winning...
It happens everywhere and it's a shame that a kid like Berniard was probably dropped from the LSU roster in order to make sure there was enough room for a guy like RP at LSU...
posted on March 12, 2008 3:51 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue
said:
@Gatorhippy - WTH? Are you just looking to stir something up? Because it really appears that way.
For those that are not aware, GH is referring to an FSU player (shock!) who was with the team for four years under scholarship, but was not asked back for a fifth year of eligibility.
gatorhippy
said:
posted on March 12, 2008 11:58 AM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?I kinda got the feeling this has been an overall team problem more so than one that has just reared its head in consideration that Ryan skipped class and not been booted...