AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2005 > September > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDisdain for Katrina transfers misplaced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When the rich get richer we, being the way we are, look for ways to slam the process. It comes so naturally. Because so often, such cynicism is warranted — be it over insider trading or high school recruiting (alleged).
This time, however, let all of goodwill and sensibilities give a big high-five to the Parkview Panthers. Yes, those Parkview Panthers. Everybody’s favorite whipping boy for the sin of attracting quality football players from other people’s schools. Unless, of course, it’s Brookwood’s turn at the stake.
For now, Parkview will be taking the hits.
Snipes are probably going to be flying over news that one of the top football linemen in the state of Mississippi has already donned practice pads, adding yet another weapon to the Panthers’ already loaded arsenal.
Some may say: It’s a travesty.
We say: Get over it!
Yes, Parkview needed to shore up its O-line. If not, Caleb King might gain only 2,000 yards and the Panthers, gasp, may lose another game. Then, along comes J.C. Brignone. And even before the kid has played a single down, the sad attacks — an anonymous caller, for example, cried foul — have already begun.
Who among us would readily trade places with J.C. Brignone?
Not me.
Folks, some things are bigger than playing time, or the tipping of competitive balance. You know, things like catastrophic hurricanes. You may have heard of Katrina; it’s been all over the news.
Along with death and destruction, the storm brought an end to the Brignones’ precious way of life.
Most likely, their family home in Bay St. Louis, Miss., will survive only in their memories. J.C.’s teammates at St. Stanislaus College Prep are scattered across the South — never again to take the field as one. Blessedly, J.C. Brignone has found a familiar new home with Parkview, a school he looked up to as a child growing up in Gwinnett.
I know what will get some people’s goat. It’s the fact J.C.’s new forwarding address for college recruiters just happens to be at one of the top football programs in the South.
Certainly, disdain for how other Panther stars landed on Cole Drive may be warranted — but it’s misdirected.
As far as the GHSA is concerned, Parkview — like other schools in Gwinnett and elsewhere — has merely played by the rules, as loose as they may be, when so-and-so changed schools. For this discussion, no need to single out any kid, since other schools are equally as accommodating. Besides, there must not be illicit recruiting going on in Georgia, since the GHSA never finds the evidence.
The indignation with J.C. Brignone’s enrolling at Parkview must come from a deeper source. If you’re the type easily hurt by the truth, better cover up all the mirrors. The reflection would surely be painful.
Under normal circumstances, the GHSA line on transfers — endorsed, mind you, by your kids’ educators — allows for the liberal (in the actual sense, not the nouveau political) movement of players between schools. Even back and forth in some cases. And since the rules are applied equably to one and all, c’est la vie. Such is life.
Or even more fitting, laissez faire. Let the people do as they do.
Now, if the root of your angst lies not with Parkview, but with the GHSA for relaxing its already loose eligibility standards to lend a hand to those displaced by Mother Nature’s wrath, then you really, truly have a problem.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
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By michael
September 8, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this
i thank the school did the right thang by letting this kid come in i mean he has been through so much back in bay saintloius give parkview a break so what the kid is a division 1 prospect who really cares he has his life it just a game!!!!
By Rebecca
September 10, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this
For the love of God, people! Those of you so indignant that this child once again has the oportunity to participate in a sport which he enjoys (and possibly secure his future by virtue of a college athletic scholarship)don’t have enough to do. Why not channel that misdirected energy into something positive? Suggestion: help our fellow Americans hebuild their lives by volunteering with the Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts.