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June 14, 2013

Sheldon Jeter Stuck

Filed under: Basketball,Recruiting,Transfer — Chas @ 7:11 am

Shocked. Shocked to find out that a system rigged against the student athlete came down on the side of the school and coach.

Former Vanderbilt basketball player Sheldon Jeter, embroiled in a transfer dispute with Commodores basketball coach Kevin Stallings, said Thursday his appeal to Commodores officials to be released to Pitt has been denied.

Jeter, from Beaver Falls High School, announced in May his intentions to transfer to another school closer to home. Stallings informed Jeter, as is his right under NCAA scholarship bylaws, that he could transfer to any school in the country with the exception of Pitt.

The rules for appealing a denial of transfer are stacked against the student. They can file an appeal, but it is filed with the school that employs the coach and from where the kid wants to depart. If anyone can find some examples where an appeal went against the coach I’d love to know.

The other detail is that we at least have confirmation of one piece of previously unclear information. Only Pitt was blocked by Vanderbilt and Kevin Stallings.

As the Vandy blog Anchor of Gold notes, this is the first time Stallings has put a restriction on a transfer. The reasonable suspicion on the restriction would be that Stallings believes there was some tampering — yet he won’t come out and make the accusation.

Jeter could still transfer to Pitt, but he could not receive a scholarship for the first year. That’s a tough pill to swallow and not surprisingly, Jeter isn’t saying what he will do.

Part of the problem here, is that after the initial news that Jeter had some restrictions on his transfer, no one talked. Jeter opted not to take it to the media. Apparently trying to work it out with Stallings and Vandy quietly. Vandy and Kevin Stallings refused to make any public comment. Stallings in particular wouldn’t say a word.

Side note, in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette piece it notes,

Stallings has not spoken publicly about his decision to deny Jeter a transfer to Pitt. Stallings could not be reached Thursday.

From The Tennesseean:

Stallings did not publicly disclose his reason for blocking Pitt.

Jeter has not returned numerous messages from The Tennessean seeking comment.

In case you missed some recent examples of transfers with restrictions that gained notoriety.

As for Vanderbilt’s denial of Jeter’s appeal, this isn’t the first time a college program has taken this kind of step and it certainly won’t be the last. There was Phil Martelli denying Todd O’Brien’s request to be cleared to play at UAB, and despite media pressure Martelli refused to budge.

And there’s also the case of former Wisconsin forward Jarrod Uthoff, who would ultimately be cleared to transfer to Iowa after head coach Bo Ryan was criticized publicly for prohibiting the move.

The Uthoff case from last year is the example from which I think Kevin Stallings learned the lesson of keeping quiet. Uthoff and his family made the restrictions public and helped create more attention on the matter. Bo Ryan responded — and did so poorly. He basically spoke of Uthoff as chattel. How the school and coaches invested in him by recruiting and coaching him while he was redshirting in his first year. As if that gave them greater right and claim to control his choices.

Not surprisingly, it blew up in Ryan and Wisconsin’s face and definitely played a role in removing the restrictions.

Conversely it could be fair to say Sheldon Jeter made a tactical error in being quiet about the matter. Uthoff and his parents made sure the media knew. He did interviews. Talked about it. Kept it in the news cycle and brought unwanted attention to Wisconsin and Bo Ryan.

Jeter allowed his situation to disappear from public awareness (outside of Pitt and Vandy fans). He let Vandy whisper some excuses without any rebuttal.

Jeter’s only leverage really was public attention. Vandy/Stallings, though, has the control over his transfer. The system is rigged to favor the school and coach. By trying to work quietly and with some dignity to the whole thing, he completely weakened his position to get what he wanted.





Off subject but breaking news, Eric Williams accused but now charges dropped. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR HCPC! How can he stand by his initial knee jerk reaction for Williams dismissal from the team when the charges don’t stand up in court?

This is a kid’s education/football future that we’re talking about here and it is absolutely imperative that consistancy in the head coach’s actions come through loud and clear, also.

Based on previous instances, Paul Chryst tends to be closed mouthed regarding such circumstances. However I think that he has to be open to reconsideration of William’s situation and do a good PR job in explaining his final decision, even if it nothing more than sticking to his initial dismissal from the team.

Chyrst must be asking himself, right about now, “why did I want to become a college football head coach again”??? Should be interesting to see how this plays out.

Comment by Dr. Tom 06.14.13 @ 7:40 am

Dr. Tom,
I have a different take, just because they did a plea deal doesn’t make them “not guilty”.
I said before, Chryst needs to be consistent with discipline or else he will have locker room problems. Why is KK suspended instead of kicked off team? Frankly, they both should be kicked off the team.

Regarding Jeter, before Jeter even announced, people were saying Jeter will be coming to Pitt. It appears there was tampering. It came across as a done deal by Steinbrink of Rivals before Jeter even announced his intentions.
Dixon put a block on Birch to Missouri due to rumors.
So, I don’t have a problem with blocking transfers, etc.

If Pitt wants Jeter, they can still give him a financial package of “free money”. I’m sure they will find a way. They just can’t give him an athletic scholarship.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 8:07 am

@Dr Tom

Several observations.

You are probably spot on with the apparent contradiction in treatment of players provided that PC doesn’t have insider access to additional info or there isn’t additional history with the other two kids. On surface it appears unbalanced and makes PC look poor in his leadership and decision making.

Sometimes it is important to explain yourself. Especially when you begin to look bad in the way you handle a situation(s). While we all want a disciplinarian in a coach we also want a mentor.

I am interested to understand PC’s thinking on this one.

Comment by Pitt Fan in Atlanta 06.14.13 @ 8:14 am

Walt didn’t release Getsky who had to pay his own way to Akron. Getsky of course wanted to leave after he didn’t beat out Palko.

Less than a year later, DW didn’t release Flacco after he was 2nd in the depth chart after the spring game behind the incumbent starter, Palko.

And of course, SP (I’ve read and not HCPC) did not release Shell to a few schools.

If memory serves (could be wrong) JD blocked Birch from going to Missouri?

Thus, I guess what goes around, comes around

Comment by wbb 06.14.13 @ 8:29 am

@@@@@@@@@@@@
Jeter Could pay his way or apply for financial aid based on need as a non student athlete would do.
An SEC school would find a solution. Suggest a Pitt
rep call Nick Saban!?

Comment by JR 06.14.13 @ 8:50 am

@ Pitt.Dan83, I believe the phrase is, “innocent until proven guilty in the court of law”. So I must debate your,”just because they did a plea deal doesn’t make them “not guilty”.” concept. From a LEGAL perspective, not only is Eric Williams “not guilty” in fact he is “innocent” since there are no charges against him that even exist at this juncture.

Now if your point is that Carswell, Williams and Smith all knew what was going on right under their noses, which occurred in their own residence, and that there should be accountability for such indiscretion, then that is a totally different issue. Such personal misconduct, even without legal consequences, can’t be ignored by their HC, once they are exposed to the glaring light of public knowledge.

My main point in this situation is that HCPC needs to be very purdent in how he handles this and has to demonstrate that his disciplinary actions for each individual involved is rational, consistant and fair based on the circumstances as they become apparent.

Seems like you would be in favor of dropping the hammer on all three if it was your decision and all three would be thrown off the team.

My question is, would you still feel the same way if you knew that both K.K. Smith and Williams wanted nothing to do with Carswell’s drug dealing friend that evening and that both argued with Carswell about it to the point that K.K. Smith actually left his own apartment that night to sleep elsewhere when he discovered what was going on that evening in his apartment?

This is pure juncture on my part with NO basis on inside knowledge, BUT this is just the kind of extenuating circumstances that could have a bearing on the disciplinary actions handed out to each player. There could be so much none of us are privy to surrounding this situation that we should be cautious rushing to our own conclusions on how these players should be dealt with.

Remember, you are talking about impacting three people’s lives in a very negative, dramatic way at a critical point in their lives. If Coach Chryst is sincere when he says that he has a responsibility to the best interests of his players to help them mature as students, atheletes and citizens then this situation needs to be dealt with rationally and the reasoning behind whatever HCPC decides needs to be fully explained so that he actions can be fully understood by the public.

Comment by Dr. Tom 06.14.13 @ 9:13 am

HCPC is changing the culture at Pitt and has indicated he will not be as flexible in off field matters. He may have additional information on the players real role in the crack house. Clearly he spoke to the players and they may not have been as forthcoming or more interested in their agenda than the coach. Pitt didn’t make this decision lightly but no question after Wanny, the program is still in cleaning up dodge mode and it is unfortunate that two players paid a price. HCPC is wrestling with this decision. He made it and is moving on with the continued message of do things the right way or the highway.

Comment by chethejet 06.14.13 @ 9:28 am

sorry should read is not wrestling with this decision.

Comment by chethejet 06.14.13 @ 9:30 am

jeter but the point now is were does he go that is close to home psu is still to far away i would think

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 9:32 am

Booby Mo is a short drive to Beaver Falls

Comment by wbb 06.14.13 @ 9:42 am

Dr. Tom,
Yes, in my opinion all 3 need to be kicked off the team.
They made choices and there are consequences.
Let’s not be naive about it.
Right now, Chryst needs to walk the talk. It appears he is not consistent in his discipline. Could it be influence from Woody HC to explain why KK has different discipline? Whatever the reason, it has an odor.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 9:45 am

Dan83, did any of their teammates know what was going on with the 3’s roommate, and if so, should they be kicked off the team?

Comment by wbb 06.14.13 @ 9:52 am

wbb, You are stretching it.
Apples and oranges comparison.
And we will never know now will we so why bring it up as a comparison?
Chryst can’t have it both ways. He has to walk the talk and be consistent with discipline. This has an odor.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 10:01 am

Having faced this decision as a HS coach, I cannot tell you how grueling it is. I cannot even imagine the angst that a college coach must face.

Like all legal matters, I think it is prudent to see and discover all the facts and interview each player and accuser privately….then decide.

While it appears each player is at least guilty of knowingly associating with a heroin dealer, I would ask each of the Blatherites to again review his or her past while attending Pitt. I actually used a drug dealer named “Nord” to help tutor me through Psych 185, the Psychology of Drugs.

I like HCPC and know he will make the correst decision.There is NO right decision.

Comment by Dan 72 06.14.13 @ 10:19 am

Dan72, the heroin dealer was a roommate to all 3 players at an off-campus house. It was not Pitt housing.
The words “willingly” and “knowingly” come to mind.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 10:28 am

Regarding Chryst handling of the alleged heroine house deal…

Obviously there are differentiating facts surrounding the cases against Mosley-Smith and Williams… and Carswell whose bedroom reportedly contained the scale and other items directly tied to the alleged heroine deals and the alleged dealer.

Chryst and the University clearly have discretion in decisions made in regard to each of the players so long as the facts back them up. Without question Pitt’s legal team were instrumental in guiding Chryst and Pederson through the process.

However, not knowing the details, must admit that I am surprised that Mosley-Smith is still with the team.

Guessing sincere contrition and naivete might have something to do with it.

Comment by PittofDreams 06.14.13 @ 10:31 am

On a happier subject, we have a second recruit for 2014. Here is a highlight reel for our newest DE, Shane Roy.

link to hudl.com

The kid is long and lanky at 235 lbs. He could easily support more weight on that frame when he hits the “Iron Works” at Pitt. His highlights demonstrate that he definitly has a motor and seems quicker off the snap than most of the offensive linemen that oppose him.

Comment by Dr. Tom 06.14.13 @ 10:40 am

And in regard to charges being dropped and the players still being kicked off the team…

The dismissal of Williams and Carswell from the team undoutedly is warranted according to the bar set, not by the criminal judicial system, but by the Pitt-Student Athletic Code of Conduct a portion of which reads as follows…

********

Athletic Responsibility – Student-Athletes Must:

1. Abide by all team, Department, University, Conference and NCAA rules;
2. Maintain oneself in top physical condition, within accepted health standards;
3. Attend all assigned events and organized practices unless officially excused;
4. Take proper care of equipment and return it in good condition;
5. Treat officials and opponents with respect, and avoid undue confrontations;
6. Maintain proper standards of grooming and dress; and
7. Abstain from using tobacco, alcohol and non-therapeutic drugs.

********

Comment by PittofDreams 06.14.13 @ 10:42 am

Dr. Tom,

Roy DID NOT commit to Pitt. It was a false report by ESPN (imagine that).

He is very interested in Pitt and may be leaning that way, but he has not made his decision.

Comment by srb 06.14.13 @ 10:51 am

Dr. Tom, Chris Peak said Shane Roy didn’t commit to Pitt.
Thats part of a problem with espn, rivals and scout all trying to out-scoop each other.
I think that is what caused the Jeter alleged tampering to begin with. Matt Steinbrink of rivals was first.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 10:52 am

The question is why KK M-S is still apparently a team member and EW is not.

I would assume and hope that HCPC has legit justiifcation, and not just because Pitt is so thin at DT.

Comment by wbb 06.14.13 @ 10:53 am

Do not know if I should believe ESPN anymore but they show each school’s offer list and PSU leads our list 5 – 1 with Roy out.

Comment by Frank MD 06.14.13 @ 11:33 am

PoD, I suspect if the those seven criteria were strictly enforeced there would be no players left on the Pitt Roster!

Comment by HbgFrank 06.14.13 @ 11:41 am

New Commitment: 3-star Safety Jalen Williams from New York.

Also according to his twitter, Harrisburg 3-star RB Robert Martin will announce his decision tonight between Pitt, WVU, and Rutgers.

Comment by srb 06.14.13 @ 12:19 pm

try this the one player comes to coach and says
i had nothing to do with it when i found out i left
the house.
the outher player did not leave the house and did not come to the coach has not said any thing did not plead his case to coach and player #3 might be guilty .
so he gives the one that came to him a brake the outher 2 get what is comeing to them look at it
that way.

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 12:24 pm

That sucks! I really liked what I saw of this Roy kid, hopefully Pitt will get the nod from him in the near future.

Comment by Dr. Tom 06.14.13 @ 12:25 pm

No but PC did pick up a S today in one Jalen Williams. We beat out teams like Temple, Syracuse, Umass, Old Dominion, and Buffalo. From what I read in Scouts and Rivals he is a solid 3 star.

Comment by Shawn 06.14.13 @ 12:27 pm

One kid I really like that I hope Pitt gets is TE Avery Edwards out of NC. The kid has a great motor but I don’t think it will happen because he has offers from schools like FSU VT and Louisville. Another I like on defense is Brian O’Neill. He is only a 2 star but shows good awareness and intensity.

Comment by Shawn 06.14.13 @ 12:33 pm

great pick up for pitt now go get 14 more.
i want 2 RB 4 WR 3 OT and 1 QB and 5 LB
GO GET THEM.

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 12:40 pm

@Dan72, in regards to your comment several posts ago, I’m putting mine here in case you don’t go back and check.

Ref. season ticket sales, you wondered whether SP saying we are 11K short of sold out for season, was for Heinz Field 56,500 or “Pitt’s Heinz Field” of 45K???

I think you were thinking of Pitt Stadium at 56,500.

Heinz Field is actually 65,000. So, I guess we’ve sold 54,000 season tickets.

LOL

Comment by Dan 06.14.13 @ 12:43 pm

DAN i dont think that is true may he ment for
the FS game not season tickets no way that is true
is it.

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 12:57 pm

Frankcan,
Pitt needs 3-4 Dlineman type this year. Currently no depth.
Also, I suspect Pitt will sign 20 players. More transfers or RS Jr asked to leave after 2013 season.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 1:02 pm

@Frank, that may be, didn’t see it in print.

Just commenting back to Dan72.

That sounds more reasonable.

The FSU game I would imagine will be a sell out.

Comment by Dan 06.14.13 @ 1:09 pm

link to blogs.post-gazette.com

No Frank, he was talking about the season.

Maybe it is true with the ACC and all.

Says the best season ticket sales since he’s been here, and we did have one year that really good a few years back.

Hopefully the people actually come to the games all year and we actually have butts in the seats.

I hope there aren’t 20K Notre Dame fans that bought season tickets just to get tix for the one game.

Comment by Dan 06.14.13 @ 1:19 pm

@@@@@@@@
Hope PC knows what he is doing relative
to recruiting. Competing with Temple, Umass,
Buffalo, etc. is scary.

Comment by JR 06.14.13 @ 1:28 pm

Go and try to buy FB seasons tickets now. Only bad seats left, except maybe for the 200 levels which require some serious donations, but great seats, better food, bars, TVs, etc.

Comment by rayhpgh 06.14.13 @ 1:45 pm

If you’re gonna complain about the kid’s other offers at least mention the Syracuse offer, but I understand, that would lessen your argument.

No commits, people complain.
Get a committment, and people bash the kid.

Comment by srb 06.14.13 @ 1:55 pm

Palermo recruited Williams.
If you look at Palermo background, he grew up in Newburgh, NY and went to same HS.
Now, whether that is good or bad, don’t know.
However, NY is not known as a hotbed for BCS D1 fooball players.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.14.13 @ 2:43 pm

Couldn’t our glorious AD come to the rescue of Sheldon Jeter and make this transfer happen.
Surely he knows the Vanderbilt AD and SP could call him up and do some, one on one schmoozing.
The way only AD’s can.

And after all, according to the press reports, he was instrumental in getting us into the ACC. So getting Vandy to release a player who averaged 5 points a game should be child’s play. lol

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 3:29 pm

Emel:
You are asking Pedie to actually work…for one student…behind the scenes. Certainly you see the humor in even thinking he might do that…Pedie’s a Publicity Queen.

Comment by TonyinHouston 06.14.13 @ 3:33 pm

ok,..who’s the Associate AD ? haha

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 3:47 pm

Jeter and Lacey wouldn’t be able to play this year anyway.

One alarming concern is. With 9 or 10 players on the team, is JD going to have to lace them up to act as a practice dummy ?

I do seem to remember one of the incoming football players averaged 20 ppg in hoops in HS.

So there’s the answer, JD can poach players off the football team, as it’s extremely unlikely we’ll being going to the Compass Bowl this year.
So the season will be over much earlier.

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 3:53 pm

Congrats on our 2nd recruit.

We can add this safety to the Wisconsin transfer kid that plays safety.

Ok……no more safeties please !

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 3:57 pm

Dan that is great news no more yellow seats when they pan the uper decks

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 4:47 pm

EMel enough safeties

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 4:48 pm

@pittdan83–Right about NY in general except of course for the legendary Jim brown at Cuse and pitt’s own Mark May.

Comment by pitt1972 06.14.13 @ 5:15 pm

APR scores WVU had a better score then NC or NCS
what is up with that and pitt was better then all 3
but what is up with NC.

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 5:34 pm

So we beat out Old Dominion and Temple and we are excited. God how far has our program and expectations fallen. Next we will get excited about 1 star kids who turn down Cal U and Edinboro. Wake me up when we are talking abou 4 star kids that turn down Bama, LSU, OSU and Michigan. Insert the coach chryst coached up the 2 and 3 star kids at UW

Comment by Upittbaseball 06.14.13 @ 6:13 pm

@ FRANKCAN – UNC probably tightened up on allowing athletes to take the black studies courses that caused all the scandal at UNC

Comment by PITT-cocks fan 06.14.13 @ 6:28 pm

just saying it is real bad when WVU scores better
then you and they did better then both NCS and NC.

Comment by FRANKCAN 06.14.13 @ 7:34 pm

@ Frankie

NC State is considered the WVcc of the ACC, so not much of a surprise there.

UNC is still in the middle of a scandal(UNC says academic, everyone else says athletic), but hey didn’t Lawrence Taylor & Michael Jordan go there. Nuff said.

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 8:31 pm

@ upittbaseball

This is the PC recruiting strategy (?), if you wait long enough, the faithful will be enthralled with whoever you recruit !

It’s sort of like waiting at the High School Dance, for all the girls to be picked over. But hey at least you landed one, instead of being one of the guys left hugging the wall.

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 8:34 pm

Would have loved to have been at some of these HS dances in Wisconsin.

No wonder a guy like Barry A. tore it up out there !

Comment by EMel 06.14.13 @ 8:37 pm

chethejet:

Interesting supposition but you need to provide your information source. Otherwise, you are just guessing.

Comment by TonyinHouston 06.15.13 @ 4:37 am

So the Steelers are fighting the city over funding five thousand or more seats at Heinz. I haven’t read anywhere where Pitt has a voice in this matter. Those who defend the move to Heinz claim the stadium belongs to the Steelers and Pitt, yet Pitt appears to have no voice in stadium expansion. Kind of confirms the fact that Pitt is renting Heinz, just like Miami rents Sun Life and USF rents Raymond James. Temple has a 15-year lease at the Linc; we have a similar lease at Heinz. That should end all nonsense talk of us being co-partners at Heinz.`

Comment by TonyinHouston 06.15.13 @ 4:43 am

rayhpgh:

Yes, possible sellouts for Florida State and Notre Dame. But if HCPC’s team sucks, there will be plenty of tickets for sell on Ebay and outside the stadium. Pitt still has 11,000 season tickets left to sell. It could be a record-setting year for attendance, and certainly FSU and ND will help bump up the average. All depends on the product HCPC puts on the field, don’t you think, given Pitt’s history of counting phantoms at football games?

Comment by TonyinHouston 06.15.13 @ 4:48 am

TONYINHOUSTON, my understanding is that Pitt does not rent Heinz in the sense that it does not pay rental fees, just like the Steelers do not pay for UPMC facility.

The difference is the Pitt (UPMC) built and operates the facility, while the Steelers did not build Heinz but operate it. Pretty good deal for Steelers; taxpayers built it and apparently will fit the bill for the additional seats. I believe they also benefit from Stage AE.

I’m sure Steelers are responsible for some operating expenses at both facilities, as is Pitt, but the Steelers remain the city’s darling .. while Pitt/UPMC is the largest employer in Western PA (and of course have the advantage of being tax-exempt.)

It should be known the Pirates didn’t built PNC (taxpayers) and the Pens didn’t build Consol (taxpayer and casino.)

Comment by wbb 06.15.13 @ 5:46 am

Dan72 – a comment on NY recruits (I grew up/live again in Buffalo) – we don’t have big-time football and most athletes in the city choose to play basketball, however we are a populous state that does produce high-level athletes, focusing on athletes that are great at basketball but also want to play football could really be a recruiting win for Pitt – if PC can convince them to just play FB. Being am under evaluated and recruited state, NY could really be a gold mine for Chryst if he can discover those under the radar athletes that play multiple sports.

Comment by Wannstache 06.15.13 @ 7:24 am

Wannstache, wishful thinking.
NY is not a goldmine in football. Never was and never will be. The speed of the game is much slower. The skill sets are not there, etc.
Just look at Rivals as to how many kids in NY have a 3 star or better. I believe 7. Its a waste of time to recruit NY. Let Syracuse or Buffalo have those players.

Comment by Pitt.Dan83 06.15.13 @ 7:31 am

These star systems are not good as the primary measure for determining whether a recruit is a quality recruit, IMHO.

It is obvious that there are the 5-star kids (very few in numbers) that every recruiting service knows about because they performed well early in their high school careers. The four stars are similar. There are more of these (though fewer than 5-stars). Similarly, they performed well early in their high school years and got noticed. Nearly all 3 and 2-star kids never even get rated until after their junior years or in their senior years because they didn’t see much time on the field or stand out until at least their junior season–and that often may have little or nothing to do with their ability or potential.

What makes these ratings suspect as an overall measure beyond identifying some subset of the top stars is that they miss too many players due to the highly variable nature of high school football because HS football is beset with many of the following limitations–

1. Only skill position players typically have a shot at being noticed very early–and then only if they play on a successful team where they are able to showcase their skills.

2. Coaching can range from excellent to putrid and either develop and showcase talent or not develop and or bury talent in the surrounding ineptness.

3. Size and speed of players varies greatly between 13-14 year olds and 17-19 year olds. It can also vary greatly from school to school depending on local demographics and the enrollment size of the school. So, lots of kids don’t develop the size and speed needed to be noticed until they are juniors or seniors.

For all of the above reasons, plenty of potentially excellent college prospects get buried and never noticed or rated by the recruiting services assigning stars, or at least not get rated till late in their high school career. And, the later you get noticed and rated the fewer stars you will be assigned.

The bottom line is that if you are talented but playing for a crappy HS team you won’t get noticed or offered unless you are a regular on the summer camp circuit and show well there–and not all kids with potential can afford to and do make those camp rounds.

So, the bottom line for me is I am never going to criticize the landing of any recruit based solely on his lack of star rating–but with a caveat:

The recruit must exhibit the requisite Height, Weight, Speed and Agility to play at the college level (they do measure these things at the camps). If he has that, and the coaching staff has seen him at camp and/or has seen enough film (not just highlight film but actual full game film) to believe he can be successful–which it is their job to do–then I will defer to their judgment over how many (or few) stars Rivals, Scout or ESPN has awarded. These services probably fail to identify more kids than they actually identify–especially early. Ever notice how they are always playing catch-up and assigning stars to previously unrated (because they were un-scouted) kids after thy wind up committing to a school? It happens a lot.

Comment by pitt1972 06.15.13 @ 11:51 am

This whole crack house mess puts a horrible stain on our football program and we need to distance our team from any and all associations with anyone even remotely involved. If that is an over reaction ,too bad. I have a hard time supporting any team that is in any way involved with players of this ilk. I would much prefer to lose or even disband any team that allows this type of conduct. Narcotics kill children and those who are involved in distributing them, to quote Jack Lambert,” should be hung in the street ’til their bones whistle in the wind.”

Comment by spiritofsection 22 06.15.13 @ 12:02 pm

It wasn’t a crack house. The kid from North Side was dealing heroin. So it was a heroin house.

Agree with the sentiment, however you have to realize, drugs are such a big part of the culture now for 50 years that it would be next to impossible to completely stop it. It even goes on in the Ivy League and D2 & D3 schools.

And from my understanding, pretty much every NFL team has a player who is the drug dealer for that team.

So this is more a reflection of life in these United States and the popular culture than it is of any univsersity. Until it’s portrayed, as not “cool”, it’s never going away.

Comment by EMel 06.15.13 @ 3:03 pm

@TonyinHouston
Since Pitt is state related and the Sadium Authority (or whatever they call it) is a government (local) authority, I belive the thought process is that Pitt is already represented, in an indirect way, on the issue.
Taxpayers look at Heinz as a Steeler’s facility. Taxpayer’s are right.
Taxpayer’s want the Steeler’s to start paying their own way. Taxpayer’s are right again.
You are right, Pitt is a tenant. tenant’s do what their contract says they do and in this case, it means shut up.
Terribly dissappointed in Pederson extension. The blog article tells you all you need to know, once you understand that there are “facts” and there are Pederson’s “facts”. The latter category being fiction.
“All sports will be fully funded” says Cyanide. Then we learn later that soccer is not among them. “All” it seems, is a relative term.
Best ticket sales since Pederson has been here!
Didn’t Cyanide claim “sellouts” one year? With 11k tickets still collecting dust, how can this be true?
“Improved” Trees Hall? Really? When did normal maintenance and repair equal “improvement”? Setting the flooring so water doesn’t pool is a health and safety issue, not an improvement. The locker rooms suck as do the gathering areas.
Man, this guy is a pathological liar.

Comment by sfpitt 06.16.13 @ 8:54 am

Emel, At the risk of sounding like a modern day Archie Bunker, if we took Lambert’s advice I bet the problem would go away quick. I’m only 60 and sometimes I think I have lived too long. What passes as acceptable in our current culture was considered absurdly deviant a generation ago. Two weeks ago I thought the media was going to have an orgasm gushing over the homosexual basketball player coming out of the closet as an example. Jerry Sandusky just came along a generation or two too early. Todays perversion is the futures stylish cause. The pedophiles can make the same political arguments the homosexuals have. What a world we are passing on when drug dealers are cool and perversion is glorified.

Comment by spiritofsection 22 06.17.13 @ 10:35 am

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