When does it end? This is the question I keep asking myself after learning of yet another incident shedding a negative light on the Big East. A few days ago, Louisville sophomore Terrence Jennings and senior Jerry Smith were arrested at an alumni homecoming party for an altercation they got into with a person at the party. Not only are Jennings and Smith supposed to be key contributors to the Cardinals this year, but Smith is a team captain along with senior guard Edgar Sosa. I think we all know the importance of leadership, especially from captains, after last year’s performance by Cunningham, Clark, Tchuisi, and Anderson. So far this year, before the season even starts, the following Big East players have either been arrested, suspended, or both: Daryl “Truck” Bryant (WVU), Joe Mazzulla (WVU), Reggie Redding (Villanova), Gilbert Brown (Pittsburgh), and now Jennings and Smith. These players get a chance to play in one of the best conferences, if not the best. They get an opportunity at a great education and for virtually all of them, it’s a free education. Not only that, but many have the chance to earn the big bucks at the next level and be set for the rest of their lives. It just boggles my mind that these athletes continuously put their career/lives/education/etc. in jeopardy for stupid things. I guess the Big East not only lost a lot of talent from last year, but also lost a ton of intelligence. Who will be next to screw up?
Jay from Orange
October 14, 2009
It’s unfortunate. But welcome to the real world. And its not just big east players getting into trouble. It too bad.