AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMiami a black-eye for ACC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The University of Miami football program has become the problem child of the ACC.
Too harsh? Well, let’s consider the facts. Saturday’s stupid brawl with Florida International marks the third time in less than a year that Miami has embarrassed itself and the ACC on national television:
*There was Miami’s version of WWE Smackdown with LSU in the tunnel at the Chick-fil-A Bowl last December.
*On Sept. 16, Miami, in a juvenile attempt to recapture its lost “swagger,” jumped up and down on the logo at Louisville, causing a a pregame scuffle. Miami gets thumped 31-7, but the story was not the game, but the misbehavior before the game.
*In the aftermath of Saturday’s idiocy at the Orange Bowl, which featured Brandon Meriweather, a team captain, stomping on an FIU player and Anthony Reddick using his helmet as a weapon, the school and the ACC have handed down a one-game suspension for 13 players. At the writing of his blog Monday morning there was word that there may be some further penalties.
It’s not enough.
Given the behavioral pattern of certain members of the football team, the message has obviously not gotten through to the student athletes at Coral Gables. I suggest that John Swofford, the ACC commissioner, make the following recommendations:
*Any player who used his helmet as a weapon or stomped on another player last Saturday will be immediately suspended for the rest of the season.
*Any player who left the bench to participate in the fight will be suspended for three games. Sitting out this week against Duke just doesn’t count as any kind of meaningful punishment.
*If the University of Miami football program is involved another altercation of any kind this season, it will be banned from postseason play.
*If Miami is banned from postseason play, a portion of shared revenue for the 2006-07 year will be withheld by the conference.
The ACC invited Miami to join in order to improve the academic and athletic profile of the league. At the time, the ACC was given assurances that Miami, thanks to the work of former coach Butch Davis, had cleaned up its renegade act.
Guess not.
It’s too easy to blame head football coach, Larry Coker, for this. This falls on the doorstep of UM President Donna Shalala and athletics director Paul Dee. This is a problem that needs to be fixed and it won’t be fixed by endless apologies and excuses.
If heads need to roll and scholarships need to be revoked then do it. And do it now.
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Comments
By tim
October 16, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Couldn’t have said it better, Tony. The “U” has become a joke. Even worse was the announcer on CSS, Miami alum Lamar Thomas, urging on the behavior - stating that he “should take the elevator on down there” and that the two teams should “meet in the tunnel after the game” and repeatedly saying how no one was to disrespect Miami in the OB (Orange Bowl) and that these FIU players merely were getting what they deserved. He deserves to be fired and should make a public apology to ALL football fans for his comments. He was completely out of line.
It is only slightly more indicative of the fall of the “U” that the score which set off the brawl merely gave them a 14-0 lead in the THIRD quarter. My, oh my, how the mighty have fallen.
By lakebuzz
October 16, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
Agree with all. But as a GT fan I want no excuses enroute to our first ACCCG. Enough Miami Crap, BEAT Clemson!!! College Gameday for the second time this season!! THWG!!
By notaracistlikeyou
October 16, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
sorry that the more ‘urban’ miami team has come and given a ‘black eye’ to the good ‘ol boy college football establishment you hold so dear to your heart. where were your calls for post-season bans and scholarship revocations after the sc-clem affair?
an overmatched team with a chip on their shoulder came in emotional and let those emotions get the best of them and started a fight. that team of course was fiu, not miami. it has happened before it will happen again.
get off your pedastool and remember that boys will be boys. not to say what happened was alright, but it happened for a reason. and miami cannot be blamed for the start of this fight. you only have to watch the video once to know that.
as for the foot-stomping and helmet-hitting, once a fight breaks out im not aware of any gentlemen’s rules that exist as to what actions are and are not permissable.
the acc begged for miami. miami did not need the acc (for football at least). so let it go…
By War Eagle
October 16, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
ACC brought this on themselves. They knew Miami’s nickname was the “Criminals” and now they learn exactly what they got. ACC should kick Miami out of the ACC just like the Big East kicked Temple out. Miami is a problem kid ready to explode with disaster. Expel them and invite another team in. There are teams like Navy that are not playing in a conference and Navy would not only boost athletic standards but academic ones as well.
By GT
October 16, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Miami has had this problem for years. It was seldom the ghetto riot we saw Saturday or the locker room visit at the Peach Bowl but it has been there. I expect guns will be next. Hell I may pay a little extra to watch that….shoot out at the Orange Bowl. You wouldn’t have to worry about suspending anybody they would all be dead.
By CaneinATL
October 16, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
This is an idiotic blog, the LSU brawl was all LSU and involved an LSU player leveling a Miami player in the tunnel with his helmet. But guess what, that player never got in trouble and it was hardly mentioned. Stamping on a teams logo pregame is something that FSU does at every stadium, without any media attention, UM does it once and the world is ending. Finally, before you post an inane blog like this, watch the tapes, FIU was itching for a fight all game, UM turned the other cheek the whole night until a their kicker and holder get decked and stamped on. Im sorry, if I am Larry Coker and my players dont respond, id be pretty darn dissappointed. The pure media hate for UM stretches all aroud the country, even in the ATL
By CaneinATL
October 16, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
WarEagle, Miami’s nickname was the criminals? Huh, what are you talking about buddy, thats Florida State. Before you post something, get your facts straight. By the way, UM brings more $ to the ACC than any other team through the football television contract. So, the ACC needs UM more than they need it.
By John
October 16, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Their nichname is not the ‘Criminals’ - it is the ‘Co-Canes’.
By socal
October 16, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
I agree Tony. Just as bad though is that a former player who was doing the color for the tv broadcast actually was praising the players and suggesting they take it to the parking lot following the game. Miami has once again become a national embarrassment. At least Cocker can save some face by suspending players. Perhaps the reason they’ve lost some of their swagger is due to the selfish, borderline criminal players they’ve allowed in school for so long. Remember Willie Williams? Let’s not forget that after all his problems he chose to leave school instead of being forced out. Allowing bad characters into school for the sake of winning was bound to catch up with Miami. Now they’re having trouble doing that. With all the bad publicity, sometimes it’s hard to remember that Miami is actually a very good academic school. Institutions like Miami set a horrible example for children placing football above all else.
By CaneinATL
October 16, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
GT, nice racist comment, not a surprise from a GT fan. No matter if the 13 guys get suspended for the rest of the season we will beat you in ATL in 2 weeks. Mark my words, its over for you now.
By ScrewMiami
October 16, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
I completely agree with Tony. To suggest (as others on this blog have) that the fight was warranted and that there are no “groundrules” for stomping on people and beating them with helments is ridiculous. That type of behavior, regardless of who started it (it took the whole damn UM team to save their holder) will continue to be Miami Football’s identity. Bunch of thug, rules don’t apply to us so-called football players that don’t know how to act civilized.
By mark
October 16, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
CaneinAtl-Last time I checked, Miami has white players too. You don’t have to be black to be a thug. Way to play the race card.
By sam galloway
October 16, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Tony your thoughts on the fact that the same replay official that worked the LSU Auburn game also owrked the Fl Auburn game and blew calls in both games that helped the Auburn cause. Add to that he reportedly has 2 sons who attended Auburn and lives near Auburn. And finally while it would seem any turnover should be reviewed automatically he made the Gators use their final time out to even get hisw all to quick - he did not use enough time to see all the angles- review. Now if the review is going to be like appealing a baseball umpires call where they seem to have a secret signal - don’t overturn me on this one- then why have it.
By GT
October 16, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
What you got planned CaneinATL, shanking Calvin?
By crs
October 16, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
I am certainly not defending Miami and their actions but FIU was certainly not innocent in what happened Saturday night. Not once does barnhart reference that FIU players were doing the same things that he references the Miami players doing. In a fight certainly you have the right to defend yourself and your teammates. Miami is not the only team culpable in this situation.
By Dan
October 16, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
notaracistlikeyou- I think the displeasure of most people about the situation is that Miami, who conveniently is always the victim, has had this happen before on national t.v. I’m all for a good bar brawl when someone grabs your girl but the fact that you think stomping with cleats and using helmets as weapons on the playing field is acceptable is unsettling.Boys will be boys? Maybe if there is some competitive shoving and trash talking but completely losing your cool and swinging your helmet at people’s heads is not ok. I understand that FIU is to blame to but when your the bigger school who just wiped the field with the little guy, stay the bigger man and don’t lower yourself down to them.
By Elroy
October 16, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
Why is it that some feel the color of one’s skin excuses all actions, no matter how violent or socially unacceptable.
“I have a dream that one day my children will be judged by the content of the character, not the color of their skins”
Martin Luther King
By abc
October 16, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
To say “boys will be boys” is ridiculous. Boys like that don’t belong in NCAA Football. End the season for both teams, forfeit the rest of their schedules. Who needs em?
By tim
October 16, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
CaneinATL:
The Miami/LSU game was not “started” by an LSU player hitting anyone with a helmet. All news sources reported it started when Miami players attempted to assault a LSU player (a player who was raised in Miami) who stole a Miami game ball from a Miami ballboy. While someone undoubtedly did use a helmet during the ensuing melee (since 2 Miami players were knocked unconscious), there was never any concrete evidential footage of the actions of any player on either side. It certainly was an indictment on both schools, but the recurring theme at the “U” seems to indicate that such behaviour is acceptable (as you defend it as such in your post).
And whether or not “FIU was itching for a fight all game” – stomping on people’s heads with your cleats and swinging helmets is completely unacceptable, and in fact, downright cowardly. Fine, you want to stick up for your players and fight someone – go right ahead. Hit someone with a helmet? Nothing more than a spineless coward who is scared to fight, instead choosing to use a weapon. As John Witherspoon said in the movie Friday, “kids today are just sissified.”
Although I am sure you will disagree, “thug” is not a racist term – it is a term that describes one’s tendency towards certain behaviors. If you equate that term with a particular race, perhaps it is yourself who has racist predilections.
And I don’t think anyone here is gnoring the actions of FIU. The same, if not harsher, disciplinary actions should be taken against them, but the reason the “U” gets so much attention is because they are, er, excuse me, WERE a national power. Schools such as that will always be more closely scrutinized, and rightfully so, especially given the problems the program has endured in the past.
Lastly, if you beat up another student in the classroom, wouldn’t they throw you out? Is there any difference here? What’s more, shouldn’t assault charges be levied against any player on EITHER team that used a helmet as a weapon or stepped on other players with their cleats?
By southerngent
October 16, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Watching Meriweather stomp on somebody reminded me of, ohhhhhhhhh, Albert Haynesworth. Now, he got suspended for 4 games. And although, there may not be an “gentlemanly” rules, A PUNK IS A PUNK, AND A THUG IS A THUG. And the fact that Meriweather was on of at least 3 U-guys stomping on 1 FIU player shows that fact. As a UGA fan, I had loads of respect for most what Miami does and has done in the past. HAD. Same type of players were there for Butch Davis, yet he didn’t have these problems. Oh wait, since he’s white does that make this a racist post? NOTARACISTLIKEYOU=Terrence Moore
By A.D.
October 16, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
we wus jus tryin to bus sum heeds. We can’t win a football game at “The U”. LSU,Louis and FIU whupped our A$$. But hey we’s look cool.
By GTVegas
October 16, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this
I agree with Tony on all accounts and think that the proposed punishments should flow over to FIU (with appropriate modifications, of course).
There is no excuse on either side. I would like to add that any stomping of other players or use of a helmut as a weapon (especially this) should bring the same charges as if it was done outside the stadium, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon….whatever is appropriate. There is no excuse as neither of these are done in self defense.
The punishments/actions of both teams have nothing to do with race. Punish all those involved equally, but PUNISH them.
A single game suspension is nothing for those Miami players, especially given their next game. Most of the starters involved with a single game suspension would most likely have sat the second half anyway.
There are alot of emotional games in today’s college football environment and they do not erupt into sideline clearing brawls.
These things will not stop until the punishments handed down are appropriate.
By CJ
October 16, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
We don’t lie, we don’t lie, we don’t line….Co..Canes.
What does “the U” stand for? Uncultured barbarians.
By champ
October 16, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
Man, Tony, you be absolutly, 100 percint wrong. This be about keepin it real. You caint allow no body to disrispecked you like FIU did. Miami wuz jes keepin it real.
By Ryan Sutton
October 16, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
This is more than football. All that college institutions have behind it is their integrity, history, and the values they stand for. Athletic teams are in a large part an extension of the institution and its values, and these young men and women bring character, class, and pride to it. Those football players represented Miami represented the University of Miami how they saw fit.
The real losers are the alumni of Miami. They have to go into a work, apply for jobs, and be stereotyped for the behavior of the football team. I wouldn’t hire anyone from Miami right now. It will take drastic measures from Miami to show me that their instution has the core values and integrity that I look for in future employees.
By Courtney
October 16, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
Ummm, I didn’t see anything in Tony’s article (and I read it twice) that mentioned black players or anything about race at all. This is not a race issue, but it’s interesting to see that some people feel like players should get a “be a violent hoodlum for free” card just because they are black.
By NoleinATL
October 16, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
At least FSU realizes that they suck this season and don’t take out their anger on teams they are playing that may be of a lesser caliber athletically. This brawl speaks volumes not only about Miami’s frustration with their team this season but also about their sportsmanship and maturity.
By Luke
October 16, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Imagine what this teaches the impressionable youths in America. So the next time in a 12 year old Pop Warner game someone gets a little offended are they going to take their helmet off and start swinging. What happended to shutting up the opponent with your play. Why do outlets like ESPN encourage this type of behavior and trash talk. To quote Ron Burgundy, “Stay classy Miami”. You have embarrassed yourself, your tradition, and your school. WWHD. What would Howard do?
By baerdawg
October 16, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Miami has a long history of recruiting low-class thug type players. If y’all remember back to the eighties, it was the Miami players who inspired the celebration rules in place today. Back then they could not score a touchdown or sack a q.b. without going into an extravagant choreographed dance routine. (act like you have done it before, boys) Also, how is this for classy when they walked of their pre-bowl banquet with Penn State (classy) saying something about the lions not sitting down with the christians or something to that effect. It was great when Penn St. kicked their butts the next day- then acted like they had actually won a big game before… Miami is an EMBARASSMENT to college football and has been for a long time.
By GT
October 16, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
Given all of the facts of Saturday night except the name of the colleges involved and asked to pick one of the two colleges you think might be involved having the entire nation of colleges to pick from who wouldn’t have said that sounds like Miami?
By ZGOLDATOWN
October 16, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Look, its like this- FIU started the fight. They are cross-town rivals who wanted to play at Miami and didn’t get offered scholarships. They had a chip on their shoulder. After Miami scored a Touchdown to make it 14-0 the Miami player took a bow for the FIU bench. On the ensuing extra point all hell broke loose. Every person on this blog that said that one shouldn’t swing helmets or stomp once in a fight must be old, because thats just the way it is these days. When anybody makes the desicion to fight, they are not bound by any rules. You win the fight with any means nessesary, just like a team tries to win a football game any way they can. Im a 20 year old college student, and whether people on this blog believe it or not, a fight is a fight. There are no rules in a fight. It was wrong and doesn’t belong in sports with children around. I completely agree with that part. However, If someone takes down a friend of mine, there is going to be a fight. A real man alaways gets his friends back. You don’t just sit there and watch your holder get tackled and then punched while he was on the ground. I am a Tech fan, and I can assure you Tech would react the same way. As far as swinging helmets, and stomping with rubber cleats, its not a good thing, but its not the end of the world. It’s not boys will be boys, its men will be men. This is life, get over it.
By PainCane
October 16, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
It is funny how you point to the LSU peach bowl incident, but conveniently leaving out the fact that the Miami players were attacked by LSU players who had their helmets in hand, and used them to knock out two hurricanes. One of which who ended up going to the hospital. Why were the Miami players attacked you ask; well they were trying to get a UM hat back that was taken from a kid on the sidelines from Mr. Bowe (LSU WR) Where were you with your swift hand of justice and suggestions when this occurred? Oh and Michigan state can plant their flag in the middle of Notre Dame field and escape ridicule, however when Miami does the exact same thing it is an act of misbehavior? Please don’t allow me to interrupt hypocrisy at its finest.
By jackets fan
October 16, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
1 game suspensions are not enough. These guys are thugs. Brandon Meriweather was investigated for discharging a weapon, supposedly in defense of his teammate. What possible reason does a college football player have for packing heat? Because it’s a culture they’re living up to. And playing for Miami adds to that culture. The gold teeth, bling bling, hand guns, etc. They are gangster thugs. And the Miami administration and coaching staff look the other way as long as these guys can run a 4.5 40yd dash. It’s pathetic.
By jackets fan
October 16, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Oh and for those Miami fans on this blog who think it was justified, because LSU didn’t get punished, or FIU started it, both those schools should be ashamed and embarrassed as well. The SEC in general has it’s own image problem, needing to add a police report section to the stat sheet.
These schools should all take a lesson from GT. Tech had a kid arrested for the intent to distribute marijuana, Reuben Houston. GT dismissed him from the team and school, and he was only charged with the crime. A judge had to order GT to reinstate him, as his charges were pending. But at Miami and SEC schools, arrests and charges are shrugged off (and the schools are probably intervening on their behalf with the authorities) and punished with a 1-3 game suspension. There is no constitutional right to play college football, but you wouldn’t know it by these shameless colleges.
Keep thinking you were justified Canes’ fans. You are enablers.
By CJ
October 16, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
The Hurricane name doesn’t fit this institution any longer. Let’s think of some new names:
Miami Crackwh0res Miami Thugs Miami Skanks Miami StoplookingatmeorI’llpopyou
I guess the last name may be too long.
By A.D.
October 16, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Thomas said as the brawl raged out of control. “You come into our house, you should get your behind kicked. You don’t come into the OB playing that stuff. You’re across the ocean over there. You’re across the city. You can’t come over to our place talking noise like that. You’ll get your butt beat. I was about to go down the elevator to get in that thing.”
Words of Lamar Thomas former Cane. This is the mentality and type of people associated with Miami football. Give me a break it is a “Thug” mentality. Can you imagine any other College program that would foster this behavior? Clean the whole damn place out starting at the top and ending with the grounds crew.
By GTVegas
October 16, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Neither is right and both should be punished by any discipline minded coach. Ultimately, the coach is responsible for his players just as a CEO is responsible for his workers.
As for it being OK to do anything in a fight. That’s fine, but be prepared to answer for those actions, legally. It doesn’t make it right.
And for anybody out there trying to justify current wrong actions with past wrong actions, get a clue. Two wrongs do not make a right.
These kids should be punished with whatever it takes to get it through their heads that these types of actions will not be tolerated, at all, no matter who you are, what team your on, etc. These kids are legally adults and should have the self control to act like such.
Perception is reality and the current perception is that Miami, as a Football team, is out of control and has a violent tendency. Whether right or wrong, that is the perception, and, therefore, reality.
By CaneinATL
October 16, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
You guys are so naive. If my brother is getting jumped by 12 people and no authority figure (cops/referees/opposing coaches) is doing anything about it, Im going to jump right into the melee. No matter the consequences, no matter the outcome, Im getting into it. Thats what a family does for each other. What makes Miami a family is this very thing. After the Peach bowl, the family didnt stand up for each other. This time they did and I commend their actions. I dont care if you use a helmet, cleats, crutch (FIU guy did with no comment), it really doesnt matter to me.
By Reality
October 16, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
Fat Tony…..Miami a balck eye for the ACC ?….Perhaps, but Phil Fulmer, Mark Richt and their Thug programs are not a black eye for the SEC ?…..Get over your SEC bias, you just hate the ACC….
By ZGOLDATOWN
October 16, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
To Jacketsfan- As a Tech fan I think it is dead wrong the way, you and the Tech administration handled the Reuben Houston. As you said, he was only charged with the crime at the time he was kicked off the team. Last time I checked one is innocent until proven guilty in America. As for Reuban’s involvement in the plot to bring 90 plus pounds or marijuana to Atlanta, from Fresno, California,it was wrong but minimal. First of all we all know marijuana should be legal, then we wouldn’t even be talking about it. Secondly, all Reuban did was make a cell phone call to a friend of a friend. He wasn’t set to make any significant money from the deal, or to actually transport or sell any marijuana. Lay off Reuban, he did nothing wrong. And I agree with GTVegas that while there are no limits in a fight, one certainly must be ready to face the ramifications, legal or internal within the team.
By Jake
October 16, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
A one game suspension? Swinging helmets and stomping on players who are on the ground is unacceptable and should be met with a harsh punishment, not a simple slap on the wrist. Oh no, 13 players are going to miss the Duke game. I bet 10-15 high school programs in the country could beat Duke. When will “The U” stop recruiting thugs and start recruiting football players?
By Kevin
October 16, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Call it whatever U want Tony! But have U check the roster of your beloved SEC conference?
By MJ4UF
October 16, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
So here is the real question. So the ACC is clearly the worst of the major BCS conferences…even the Big East, but do they even compete with the MAC? When Ga. Tech is your power house, it must be time to play some basketball. Also, CaneinATL hates white people.
By AL
October 16, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
How do you take care of your family sitting on the bench? If Miami is a family , your daddy is going to be out of a job because of family members behavior. If everybody got in a fight on the football field because of something somebody said it would be a fight every game. Miami is getting their butts kicked on the field and a gang mentality has prevailed because they know they suck. If not condoning violence is naive then count me in. The rest of the country is not wrong or naive for not agreeing with the “family”. Coker bye-bye and the rest of the staff.
By kevin
October 16, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Jake, visitation will begin for the Univ. of Tenn player is on friday. But, U can leave something on the books for them anytime…
By The Saint
October 16, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this
Just remember: you can’t spell “thug” without the U.
By bllshtdetector
October 16, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Mr (or Mrs) notaracistlikeyou….
You may not be a racist but uranidiot!
By ihate_em_all
October 16, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
The ACC(Atlantic C0ck Chuggers) are all a bunch of sh!tty, worthless teams. Always overated, undercoached and just generally flat out suck. Let’s just remove them from the entire BCS equation and add in a REAL conference, the SUNBELT! They are good enough to beat the pants off of any Chan Gailey coached ‘tards any day of the week. Coker and Gailey should just give into their passions and pound each other’s arses, maybe between the 2 of them they can figure out how to recruit some class instead of drug dealing, thug fighters. Aftewards I bet that gailey glady gives Coker a reach around…
By MJ4UF
October 16, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
A.C.C. = Anyone Can Compete
Just look at your top 2 teams, #13 Clemson, and #19 Ga Tech. Even the big east has 2 teams in the top 10.
By kevin
October 16, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
MJ4UFool. That is the same Ga. Tech that beat up an Auburn team that beat UFool. Get it Gator Chump!
By CaneinATL
October 16, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
MJ4UF, im white buddy, so dont throw the ant-white race stuff at me. By the way, win another NC than talk buddy, you just lost to a garbage Auburn team who gotten shalacked by ARK last week. Way to go guys, Chris Leak for heisman!
By CW
October 16, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
Who started the fight is immaterial. UM players stomping people on the ground and swinging a helmet like a hammer is the issue. And no, none of this has anything to do with race. When it happened two years ago between Clemson and South Carolina, both schools imposed their own post-season ban, so what is being proposed above is not going too far. And this whole idea of the ACC needing Miami more than Miami needs the conference is garbage. The Miami TV market doesn’t just disappear if that school drops out of the ACC or joins another conference.
By Cane in ATL sucks
October 16, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Hey CaneinATL SHUT up!
Miami is pathetic this year. And that is not a Racist comment. I realy like Cuban people.
By Hookem
October 16, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
its Coker’s own fault for giving scholarships to convicts. hell, one of his players was arrested 11 times and he STILL gave him a scholarship. There is more to a football team than just athletic talent. A team has to have CHARACTER. look around the NCAA. do you see a school other than Miami that is involved in these types of things? if anyone can name that school ill give him $20. Miami has a football team with NO character and a coach that allows that stuff to happen. if Coker cant take control of his own football team, then he needs to be fired. Or, maybe, he could just stop recruiting thugs.
By Trade
October 16, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
Let’s make a trade …
Vandy to the ACC … Miami to the SEC …
By ihate_em_all
October 16, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Why would the SEC want to trade their token nerd school? I mean, the acc has Tech and Duke, the SEC doesn’t need a school with a bunch of retards who can barely speak the english langauge. You guys remember Frank Gore?
By MJ4UF
October 16, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Are you talking about the garbage #4 team in the country? How about the Garbage #6 team in the country? I see 4 SEC teams in the top 15 right now, how is the ACC doing? Hey ACC, play another Thursday night game! Cause no one is going to watch you on Saturdays. CaneinATL, I know it hurts to be inferior, and black, but maybe one day it will get better. Now take the c0ck out of your mouth and recognize the power of the SEC!
By GT
October 16, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Got one thing on my mind and that is beating Clemson.
By what if
October 16, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
what if…the Mia guys were suspended for the Tech game….works for me! LOL!!! (is the one game against Dook really a penalty? or a vacation?)
Ask little V at VT about stomping…surely cost him.
By ihate_em_all
October 16, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Hey GT, don’t you mean 2 things on your mind? getting the newest texas instruments calculator and then beating clemson?
By GT/Cane Fan
October 16, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
I find it incomprehensible that football players are actually trying to injure seriously other players, as evidenced by the foot stomping and the liberal use of a football helmet as a battering weapon.
I do not lay the blame at the feet of the FIU team. Verbal jousting (trash talking) is the norm, and not the exception anymore. Good sportsmanship is lacking as most teams nowadays rub it in after a decent play, no matter what the score may be.
Therefore, by today’s standard, the sum of the above being the rule and not the exception,insults and unsportsmanlike behavior are to be expected and should not be justification for the kind of melee seen at the UM/FIU game. Frustration is not an excuse; “retaliation” is not an excuse; “defending our house” is a nice slogan but not an excuse. You defend your house by the way you play, not by your immature reaction to taunting and trash talking.
As I stated, I am a fervent fan of both teams, but deeply ashamed today of the performance & behavior of UM, both on the field and in extra curricular activities.
I agree that a single game suspension, specially against a team like Duke, does little, if anything, to prevent a re-occurence.If the coach can’t control his team, then that team does not belong on the field. If he Can’t control his team with one game suspensions, then someone from outside his spher of influence should enforce harsher measures.
Maybe we do need Butch Dabvis to come back. Till then it seems the inmates are in charge of the asylumn.
By GT/Cane Fan
October 16, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
I find it incomprehensible that football players are actually trying to injure seriously other players, as evidenced by the foot stomping and the liberal use of a football helmet as a battering weapon.
I do not lay the blame at the feet of the FIU team. Verbal jousting (trash talking) is the norm, and not the exception anymore. Good sportsmanship is lacking as most teams nowadays rub it in after a decent play, no matter what the score may be.
Therefore, by today’s standard, the sum of the above being the rule and not the exception,insults and unsportsmanlike behavior are to be expected and should not be justification for the kind of melee seen at the UM/FIU game. Frustration is not an excuse; “retaliation” is not an excuse; “defending our house” is a nice slogan but not an excuse. You defend your house by the way you play, not by your immature reaction to taunting and trash talking.
As I stated, I am a fervent fan of both teams, but deeply ashamed today of the performance & behavior of UM, both on the field and in extra curricular activities.
I agree that a single game suspension, specially against a team like Duke, does little, if anything, to prevent a re-occurence.If the coach can’t control his team, then that team does not belong on the field. If he Can’t control his team with one game suspensions, then someone from outside his spher of influence should enforce harsher measures.
Maybe we do need Butch Dabvis to come back. Till then it seems the inmates are in charge of the asylumn.
By sayhellotomylittlefriend
October 16, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
I bet Ray Lewis wishes he was back at the U slicing some (more) necks. The ACC deserves whatever bad press they get…they wanted the thUgs…they got ‘em.
By George
October 16, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Tony Barnhart continues to prove why he is the best college football writer in the country. Agree 100%. The buck stops at the top and the top ain’t sending the right message. Shalala’s little regret letter isn’t worth the paper it was printed on to the players.
By kevin
October 16, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Trade, U got a deal. We fit right in the SECrooks…
By wmmmci
October 16, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
Vandey to the ACC? There you go again, covering UGA’s Butt.
By Bystander
October 16, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
I grow very weary of jock apologists trying to excuse criminal behavior with the lame old “heat of the battle” and “very competitive guys” lines.
Why should a 20 year old linebacker get to try to maul and cripple his opponent when a 20 year old Marine would be court martialed and thrown in the brig for doing the same to an Al Qaeda terrorist? I think armed combat qualifies as “heat of the battle” and “very competitive”. The difference is that the Marine Corps changes the inside of a young man for the better, and College Athletics seems unable to do the same…
By Sherrod
October 16, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
My sentiments towards the article and half of the comments posted thus far are that they are myopic and garbage, respectively. What’s most unfortunate is that this is considered a Miami problem and that is such a farce. This is very similar to the UGA issue meaning that a reputable program, which consistently wins, receives flack for an allegedly isolated incident when in fact, it’s a problem across the board. “Miami’s” issues are not unique to them. A “black eye” to the ACC? Not hardly. Three quick things that come to mind without my doing further research are Georgia Tech’s self-admitted use of ineligible players, the Clemson-SC fiasco, and Marcus Vick. Stepping out the the ACC one could look at impropriety of Ohio State’s boosters, Reggie Bush (still not resolved…stay tuned), Brett Rhomar at Oklahoma, the University of Kansas, Michigan basketball in ‘03, and so on. Therefore, this is nothing new. If Miami instead had a 50-odd game home losing streak, not a national title to it’s name nor a history of winning (since the 80’s), none of this would make news.
The fact of the matter is that some athletes take advantage of the educational opportunities presented to them but the majority are helplessly sheperded through these systems by individuals who can see the “big picture” but instead prefer to selfishly leech. This leeching is done via illegal booster activity, acceptable on the field violence (which gradually translates to off the field), preferential treatment in the legal system, light academic loads, etc. Therefore, the (student) athlete is the loser because as we all know, one isn’t afforded many benefits that aren’t earned in the real world.
In any event, it is easy to sit back and point fingers at other institutions but the overarching concern here is that many athletes do not follow the same guidelines as thier non-athletic participating student counterparts. Tony Barnhart, I challenge you to write an article promoting a solution to the aforementioned issues (or any one issue) instead of vainly singling out an institution as if those problems are exclusive to one school…or you could not write it. However, you as well as others who ignore these institutional problems can wait until your daughter/relative is sexually assaulted, your son/relative is whacked with a helmet or knocked unconscious in a barfight, or when your loved one is hit by a drunk driver who receives a slap on the wrist. Then you’ll see the machine at it’s finest. Too bad you’ll be in the minority when a booster comes in and bails out the assailant because of what he can do on the field.
Last but not least, Lamar Thomas should be fired.
Sherrod
By wfclyon
October 16, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
I believe the head coaches plus the offensive and defensive coordinators of each school should each be penalized 1/12 of their annual salaries so that the consequences of ‘out of control’ teams are felt in the wallets of those who gain the most from these unpaid players. But this sort of unrestrained behavior is becoming the norm and, I am afraid, reflective of our whole society.
By jason
October 16, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
MJ4UF , Auburn just played SC on thursday night two weeks ago you idiot!
By Tee Draper
October 16, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
Shut the f*** up you Peice of redneck s**.
This is the U and not a worn down redneck peice of s** team you root for up in Athens.
I hope the next time you visit Miami you and your family get robbed and machine gun point you b***!!!!!!!!!
READ THIS LOUD AND CLEAR: F*** ALL YOU CRAKCERS!!!
MIAMI IS FOR THE THUGS B***!!!!
By Al Sim
October 16, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
If ever there was a reason to put a team on probation, this is it.
I think they call it “a lack of institutional control.”
By Sherrod
October 16, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Quote of the day: “Don’t argue with a fool; for they’ll pull you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
Translation: Everyone (regardless of your racial make-up) please DO NOT RESPOND to a special someone because you will further perpetuate garbage.
Thanks, Sherrod
By john
October 16, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this
to CaneinATL: Why did you call GT’s comment racist? I read over what he said and he never mentioned ‘race’. Sounds like YOU had the pre-perceived stereotype……..to everybody: This announcer Lamar Thomas. Is he keeping his job after all his comments? If so, how come? And where is U. of Miami’s President in all this? Especially since the president is Donna Shalala. She was Bill Clinton’s Sec. of Health & Human Services during his 8 year administration. So much for so-called liberals being concerned about education (LOL).
By Steve
October 16, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
The thuggish display by Miami players, whether an FIU guy “started it” or not, is just another disgusting page in the UM history book.
Why in the hell is the ACC and the NCAA tolerating this garbage?
Any player involved in this disgusting display of criminal assault ON EITHER SIDE should never be allowed to play another down of college football.
SMU got the NCAA Death Penalty in the late 70s/early 80s for crap that pales in comparison to the regular displays by Miami football players.
Axe the Hurricanes. NOW. Terminate their season as of today, and do not allow then to field a team again until every man involved Saturday is no longer a part of the university. Send a crystal clear message to every wannabe thug at any level that the NCAA is no longer going to put up with this bullsh*t.
And Tee Draper, or whatever the hell you call yourself, you ignorant walking piece of human excrement (look it up, if you can read), bring it on any time. You will find that most of us ignorand redneck crackers up around Athens were pretty much born with a gun in our hands. And unlike you and your gangbanging, thug-worshipping. inbred knuckledraggers, we can HIT our targets with amazing regularity. Miami can slide off into the Gulf of Mexico any time, provided that the slide takes you and the Hurricanes with it. We’ll all be better off.
By john
October 16, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
to Steve: You are 100% right which is why it won’t happen. Also, the NCAA President is the sanctamonous Myles Brand, the guy who fired Bobby Knight at Indiana. Why isn’t he a tough guy now? It appears he had a personal vendetta v. Knight, whereas he has no problem with a bunch of thugs stomping on others with their cleats.
By Dan
October 16, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
The ACC sold its soul when it brought Miami and its fellow thug program Va Tech into the conference.
By CJ2
October 16, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this
Horrified by the violence is Saturday’s game, Donna Shalala has issue the following statement on behalf of the university:
“All ya’ll M…..r F….s shut the f..k up. Ray Lewis will knife ya’ll m…..r f……s and ya’lls b…..s if you disrespect the “U”.”
By Sherrod
October 16, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2628282
By Lamar Thomas
October 16, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
Tee Draper….what position do you play for at the U?
By War Eagle
October 16, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Sam Galloway, you must be a true 4 time loser Bammer fan, get over it your comments have no source just bs. Auburn wins big games and it seems certain people just get p** when their school is sagging. Have you ever though that coaching might have something to winning especially having a run of 21/23 SEC wins, best in the conference last two years????
By therealstory
October 16, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t fool yourselves, Cane fans. No amount of supposed money from Miami is worth your teams idiotic behavior. You can’t justify anything about what happened Saturday. Period. The Miami football teams’ antics are an embarrasement to the ACC, but more importantly, you’re an embarrasement to yourselves.
By RamblinRoger
October 16, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
Arkansas beats Auburn! Vandy whips the mutts! Duke led Alabama in the 2nd half. Ole Miss, MS State, Kentucky are their usual sorry selves. Has anyone thought the SEC may be a little over rated!?!
GO Jackets, beat the upstate p*** cats!!!
By suwannoochee
October 16, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
Miami is an embarrassment to the ACC. And all of you who insist on bringing up race are an embarrassment to this blog.
As for college football, which I thought was the reason for this site before I started reading it, many of you are right— Clemson is the most important game, if for no other reason because it is the next one. But Tony Barnhart has a point. The Hurricanes, with or without whomever, are a critical and pivotal target in Tech’s march to the ACC game.
By Miamisucks
October 16, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
The Canes have obviously lost respect (if they ever had it)… for the game, themselves, and their whiny fans. Saturday’s thugfest was telling picture of the true character of the program…a bunch of out of control thugs. A one game suspension? Gimme a freakin’ break! I seen a few people who should be up for criminal charges let alone ever allowed the privelege of wearing a football jersey ever again. I can’t stomach the Criami fans who claim to be the victims since “they didn’t start the fight”. Don’t get caught up in that garbage…grow up and play football, you loosers! UM needs to feel some pressure from the NCAA and other programs, but if they continue on the path their on, eventually they will just self-destruct like they’re doing right now. Miami Sucks! What a black eye for those who love and respect the sport!
By Jobey
October 17, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
the Miami players got what they deserved. Team dismissals are fine for unsportsman like conduct like this. Miami has a reputation for starting brawls and talking smack anyways. They need some discipline at Miami on the sports program. Thats what happens when you get a bunch of African heritaged thugs together on TV.
By K Hat
October 17, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Lamar Thomas couldn’t contain his Miami-thug attitude during the broadcast of the game on CSS. “They should meet in the tunnel after the game and get it on some more”. That being one of many boneheaded statements this “professional” broadcaster made.
Did it ever occur to this Lamar Thomas that promoting violence is not part of a broadcasters job? CSS showed Miami and FIU how to punish someone when they cross the line.
By K Hat
October 17, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Lamar Thomas couldn’t contain his Miami-thug attitude during the broadcast of the game on CSS. “They should meet in the tunnel after the game and get it on some more”. That being one of many boneheaded statements this “professional” broadcaster made.
Did it ever occur to this Lamar Thomas that promoting violence is not part of a broadcasters job? CSS showed Miami and FIU how to punish someone when they cross the line.
By GT
October 17, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
Make me think of those old Harvard/Yale games back in the turn of the 20th century. No wonder those two schools got out of the major league football business.
By Yowzers
October 17, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
I don’t think it is fair to call Miami the Co-Canes. More like Crackheads.
By Roswell Ed
October 17, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
Are you really taking up for Miami? What kind of megalomaniac are you? It’s almost like you’re proud of this behavior. What a disgrace.
I want to read how it was L’ville’s fault that the Canes jumped on their logo.
1 piece of crap is a turd. 90 pieces of crap is the U!!!!
Which is a bigger bum? The thUgs or the ones who make excuses for the thUgs?
Is this how you have raised your children? I raise mine to take responsibility for his actions. Don’t make excuses and act like a man not a spoiled brat!!!!!!
Look at how a school that wants it’s player to be men treats them when they get in trouble. Blackmon was suspended for 6 games for UNDERAGE DRINKING!! Those games included USC, LSU and Ark. Not Duke.
War Eagle!!
By wahoo69
October 17, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Dear Notaracistlikeyou: You may not be a racist, but you may be a moron.
Remember what happened after the Clempson-SC fight? The respective school presidents (without inducement from the ACC) barred their own schools from post season play. (And post season money). It was the last game of the year, so further game suspensions were not applicable. Since Miami is unlikely to be eligible for post-season play, this penalty is insufficient. Thus, with respect to punishments, Brother Barnhart has a point.
Regardless of who started the fight Saturday night, Miami has a history of intimidation, fights and poor sportmanship generally, not just this season, but for decades. To the point that the University attemted to deal with it - thus the Butch Davis comments.
When a fight breaks out, there are “gentlemen’s rules” dictating the behavior the participants. You (and apparently Miami alum Lamar Thomas)just don’t know them.
As to the ACC begging Miami to join, my recollection is that two other schools were “begged” as well, and that Miami proactively fought a legal challenge from the Big East in order to pursue it’s dream of joining the ACC.
You got any facts to the contrary, moron?
By War Eagle
October 17, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
Jimmy Johnson started this Miami rollercoaster of crime. He is worst example of college football coaching., no comparison,A win at all cost coach was the reason he could not stay in college ball moving to Dallas Cowboys.They got him out of Oklahoma State before the cylinder was fired on their campus. he puts on a good front, but lacks character.
By coach e
October 17, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Tony, I can tell you have never played football. You may love the game but will never know what is like to play and react under game conditions.
By Scooter11
October 17, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Lamar Thomas: Gone.
By coach e
October 17, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
None of you seem to understand that College Football is a multi-billion dollar business. The players don’t make any money - punish someone who is making the money. $$$$$$$$$
By Route96
October 17, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Hey ACC, thanks for taking U and VT off our hands! Sincerely, The Big East
By Glenn
October 17, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Hey GT, don’t you mean 2 things on your mind? getting the newest texas instruments calculator and then beating clemson?
Don’t you know anything? TI’s are trash, we prefer HP’s.
By Top Dawg
October 18, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this
Hey notaracistlikeyou: You have a strange view of reality if you think this column is racist. Your remarks and name exemplify a knee-jerk mentality that is long on emotion and short on facts and intelligence. I have always liked the Canes b/c they beat FSU year in and year out. Well, they used to anyway. But pointing out other bad conduct does not justify Miami’s bad conduct on Saturday. That is a bad and losing argument for you.
Oh yeah, and learn to spell. (“pedastool” and “permissable”?????????) You will at least not look stupid, despite the lack of substance in your argument.
By JMann
October 18, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
<>
You mean Barry Switzer, right? For all of Miami’s bluster in that time period, no one committed any acts that compared with Oklahoma’s complete lack of institutional control at the same time, and it’s a good thing that such impropioties no longer occur there…oh, shoot, waitaminut.
Also, not to justify Miami’s behavior, but I’m just waiting to see who the first person to say “FIU sucker-punched a kicker to start this”. And yes, a bad thing happened but the hysterical indignation that has gone on in its aftermath is just as bad.
Oh by the way also, the same weekend that UM-FIU happened…
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-10-17-dartmouth-fight_x.htm
…this happened. The next person to call THEM a group of thugs will be the first.
By Lock 'em all up
October 18, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
When Holy Cross or Dartmouth have players shooting it out on the weekends, maybe then they’ll start being called thugs.
It’s a classic four year old response to complain about “look what Johnny’s getting away with, teacher!” Grow up. Oh wait, you’re a obviously a UM jockstrap holder, and unable to function as an adult.
By JMann
October 18, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
So my maturity has been questioned in the form of name-calling? That’s the goober calling the kettle black…
Yes, Miami did a stupid thing on Saturday. It was a very stupid thing. But the hysterical indignation that’s gone on around it has been just as stupid if not stupider. I was embarassed Saturday and Sunday, and then came the tidal wave of reactionaries that not only acted as if the University of Miami ran over their dog, but emerged out a tunnel from a cloud of smoke to do so.
And what people have been DOING is one thing, what they say is another: I performed a little experiment, using Google News as my guide with the following results.
Number of search results for looking up “Hurricanes thugs”: 42
Number of search results for looking up “Dartmouth thugs”: 0
Is either incident justified because of it? No, but for worse and not for better, it is two decades worth of reputation and when something like this comes along that frames the image that people have already, they take that perception and run with it to the point of ridiculousness. All of which has done the impossible, which is even in the face of this as an embarassment, the impending silliness almost makes me feel sorry for Miami.
By Jason
October 18, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this
Miami is a joke of a school after the way they handled this. It also reflects on the ACC and NCAA that no one is stepping in to take further action. Alabama and Duke should cancel their games and sue for damages.
It looks like Miami is only allowing people going for a GED to play—-that would be a good place to start with cutting players.
By Halloweiner
October 18, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Cane, I’m putting together my halloween costume this year and I’m thinking I’ll go as a gang-banging-gun-toting-thug-criminal-scumbag…Can I borrow your UM jersey?
By Canes' cheerleader 1983
October 22, 2006 01:09 PM | Link to this
Here are some facts. They brawl in South Bend. I was there when the police told us to hit the floor of the bus because the ND faithful started throwing bottles and threaten to shoot our bus. The ND cheerleaders also threw the IBIS during halftime into the goalpost after swinging him by his feet and hands. I was terrified especially since I was the only black cheerleader on the field and young. They burned Bernie Kosar in effigy. ND oversold the game to make money so fans were placed on field during the game where they threw bottles.
This thing is way overblown. I am embarassed by the brawl and do not condone the behaivor. However, I know first hand that the media has skewed this to create sound bites, drive ratings and in some cases just to be cruel.
The zero tolerance policy is just a punishment option and can’t be definitive. No one other than Miami and the ACC can dictate the punishment because no one can be fair and objective. I’ve already heard one station suggest that Duke just provoke Miami. Heck, if zero tolerance was the only option schools would put this in their play book for Miami.
The racial comments are true. Is the punter who tried to take the starting punter with a knife described as a thug. You folks want it both ways. For example, many say Miami should have risen above the FIU tauntings because they are Miami and should know better. Then I suggest to you judgmental public it is time for you to rise of above this and remember these are kids. Tell the media, no more sound bites give facts by stats on which school has the most thugs, tell me about Dartmouth, call Christian Lattener a thug and the Duke program for stepping on player down on the court.
To many (not hirigin a Miami grad) by the actions of few is why America is in deep doo-doo. Grow, research the facts and develop an open an informed mind.