Reports are that former 5-star linebacker from Gateway, Dorian Bell, might be looking to transfer to Pitt from Ohio State (hat tip to DeVanzo and others who have shot me msgs about this). Given all that is swirling around Ohio State’s program and Jim Tressel, this might be considered a situation where a player just wants out of what could be a really messed up program.
That’s not necessarily the case with Dorian Bell, who was suspended for the entire upcoming season for the always nebulous “violation of team rules.” This was his third violation of the unnamed rule. It cost him the Sugar Bowl this past season. Yes that’s right, Pryor and all the other tattoo boys made it to the Sugar Bowl but not Bell and his rules violation.
Obviously this is not a player that has shown good judgment to this point. The talent is mostly undeniable, but the decision making has been poor. I’m not sure about this one, from a character standpoint. His talent suggests taking the risk, but with three failures at Ohio State it isn’t so clear-cut.
Bell would have been a redshirt sophomore this season. Sitting out if he transfers would still give him two years of eligibility.
link to blogs.sites.post-gazette.com
Graham has yet to get a verbal 2012 HS commit .. but that class seems to be coming around
I make no judgements one way or the other. I can see the argument both for and against taking a chance on the kid.
I wouldn’t mind him coming, a second chance, knowing that he would be on a short leash, one mess up, no matter how little, you’re gone.
If they talk too him, and he still seems to be in a fog and doesn’t get it, don’t bother.
When the NCAA levied the charges against Tressel 2 weeks ago, OSU grad Kirk Herbstreet was interviewed and he said (paraphrased) ‘Face it, if this was John Cooper, he would have been long fired by now. But since Tressel has taken OSU to 6 straight BCS bowls and is 8 and 1 vs Michigan, he has a great chance of staying as OSU HC’
That just about says it all
I get that we don’t want d-bag players and I get that character is important, but at the same time forgiveness and giving guys a second chance and then changing them is what I want in our coach. Not someone who treats people like pariahs and makes an example out of them.
If he washes out of the program, it’s still a win for Pitt, because coach Graham can make an example out of him and kick him off of the team. Which in turn would enhance Graham’s reputation as an authoritarian.
…I say welcome home Mr. Bell