UGA

By Brian

July 23, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I’m speachless

By Cuz

July 23, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

What, there are other schools that have problems with their atheletes and the law? Whooda thunk it.

Nice blog dear ignorant one. Three in a row, new record for you. Keep it up.

By Ed

July 23, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

A 12-year old at an after-prom party? They should arrest her parents as well.

By mcdawg

July 23, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

and we thought driving a moped w/a suspended licenses was bad

By Gen Neyland

July 23, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

This accusation against Collins makes any open container or wrong turn on a Moped look elementary, my dear Watson…

By Michael

July 23, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

It’s like the mess we got into with Jim Harrick. Sooner or later there going to take a kid that will end up hurting them way more than helping them. Yes some kids deserve a chance but you’ve got to choose those who get them very carefully. By in large you should take kids with no legal or academic issues. You’ve got to look at where Ok State is there trying to move up so taking a risk on a kid that can make a difference is worth it to them. I’d like UGA to get to the point we don’t have to do that in football ala Odell Thurman.

By Cuz

July 23, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

General, I concur.

By SECCoachnDallas

July 23, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Is OSU a University or a reform school? I know that we are innocent until proven guilty, but…

By Cuz

July 23, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

The University of Miami is really ticked off. They thought they had a copyright on THUG U.

By Hunk Erdown

July 23, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

He was 17, she was 12. His own High School didn’t allow him to play anymore, but Okie State did? With DNA proving he and his friends had sex with her it seems that the only question is whether it was statutory rape or forcible rape. It is absurd to even consider that a 12 year old girl could give consent to 4 men to go ahead and have their way with her, one after the other. They said she lied about her age…give me a friggin break. It “Might” be slightly different if she were 16 or maybe even 15, but 12? They “alledgedly” took a 12 year old little girl and gave her vodka and orange juice until she “consented”.

He shouldn’t even be out of jail on bond, much less playing football on scholarship. Kudos to University of Texas for withdrawing from him, shame on Oklahoma State. We can only hope that Collins can go spend time in a Texas Penitentiary where he can give some “consent” to a couple of dudes named Carlos and Mohammed.

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 23, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

This isn’t about guilty until proven innocent at this point. He admitted his guilt. It is now about how good his lawyer is to get a reduced sentence or the charges dismissed. Sex with a 12 year old, under age alcohol consumption? Mike Gundy, a man of character, wants to change the mascot to the Outlaws.

By Marietta Dawg

July 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Luckily this guy’s not transferring to UGA! Btw, anyone know when season tickets will be mailed???

By Steeledawg

July 23, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

I usually get my season tickets in the first or second week of Aug.

What a scumbag, I can’t believe OSU would let this guy play. I have never forgiven Harrick and Adams for letting Tony Cole in. The safety of the student body is the administrations most important priority, even more so than winning. OSU is taking a hugh risk.

By shane

July 23, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

not transferring to uga? do you honestly think cmr would touch this guy with a ten foot pole? i doubt it! i guess okie state got a couple of good years out of him,but a 12 yr old? it bothers me that some of these guys are handled with kid gloves in high school,then college,then we wind up with the mess we have in the nfl now. people that keep bailing out these kids do them no favors.

By Buck in the NW

July 23, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Carter, thanks for reporting the negative about the other side. I suspect the trial will take him off the field but if it somehow doesn’t, then I’ll lose a lot of the respect that I have for the Cowboys right now.

By RUFF

July 23, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

IM NOT DEFENDING THE ACT OF THIS GUY… BUT DID HE KNOW IF THE GIRL WAS 12 YEARS OLD? …. I WAS IN WALMART 2 WEEKS AGO, AND MET THIS FEMALE WHO LOOKED LIKE SHE WAS 25 YEARS OLD. TURNS OUT, SHE WAS 12 YEARS OLD. THESE DAYS, KIDS BODIES MATURE AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE. HER BODY WAS THAT OF A PORNOGRAPHIC STAR. I AM GOING TO ASSUME HE DIDNT KNOW HER AGE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY WERE AT AN AFTER PROM PARTY WHERE YOU WOULD ASSUME EVERYONE IS YOUR AGE!

By uga student

July 23, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

she was 12 and he admits to having sex with the girl!?!?! how is this guy playing football at OSU? He should be locked up for statutory rape regardless if the girl consented or not because she was ONLY 12 YEARS OLD! How screwed up is the legal system from state to state when in georgia we have genarlow wilson sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual sex with a girl 2 years younger than him yet this douchebag has been awaiting trial for 3 years free on bond and still playing D1 football…

By uga student

July 23, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

i hope he didnt know she was 12…

By Ben

July 23, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

RUFF- Seriously, gimme a break man. That’s pathetic.

By AltamahaDawg

July 23, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Kids body DO NOT mature at an earlier age now. relative to when? If anything 12/14 was considered a woman a few generation ago, but we are not seeing some dramatic change in the evolution of human being physical maturity rate now in the last half century. That’s just a rediculous comment. Now young ladies act, dress, and want to think they are older now, but that’s no excuse for not knowing the difference.

By Michael Grant

July 23, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

I was denied entry into UGA and had to go to Arkansas for a whole lot less than this.

By Atlanta Gator

July 23, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

A couple of comments …

First, having sexual intercourse with an underage girl is statutory rape; while there is some variation from state to state, it is virtually always a “strict liability crime,” that is, the girl’s consent is irrelevant, and the perpetrator’s knowledge of her actual age is irrelevant. If the perpetrator had carnal knowledge of an underage female, he’s guilty of statutory rape——period. There are no excuses nor extenuating circumstances.

Second, while there is some variation from state to state, 12 years old is younger than the age of consent in every one of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Having admitted to having sex with a 12 year-old, Collins is guilty by definition. The best he can hope for is jury nullification (a majority of the jury disregards the judge’s instruction and refuses to convict in contravention of the the law), or a sympathetic judge who imposes a lighter sentence.

Third, as for the sexual assault, rape or forcible rape charge, as defined under Oklahoma law, the 12 year-old’s consent is the key to the perpetrators’ guilt. Four high school seniors having sex with a drunk junior high school girl? Wow. Even if she actually consented, her consent may not have been legally valid because of her impaired condition. Collins and these other three guys appear to be in a LOT of trouble.

Fourth, why would Oklahoma State offer this kid a scholarship? I have no earthly idea. If convicted of either statutory or forcible rape, Collins will be required to register as a sex offender, even if by some miracle of great defense lawyering he serves no jail time. I can only imagine the protests by campus women’s organizations that will ensue if this kid is convicted. The administration, athletic department and coaches screwed up big time. This makes the Michael Vick case look trivial by comparison; after all, the Falcons didn’t offer Vick a contract AFTER he had been charged with electrocuting dogs. Good grief. WHAT were these people thinking?!

Finally, Alta~dawg, I do have to differ with you on one specific point. It is very well documented that the onset of puberty among American pre-teens has been accelerated by 1 to 2 years over the last 75 years of documented American medical research. While scientific opinions vary regarding the cause or causes of the early onset of puberty, there is a great deal of conjecture that it may be linked to the large quantity of artificial hormones used in American meat production or the presence of other substances in our food … or it simply could be a function of better health and nutrition. But, the trend is very real and very well documented. It is also irrelevant to whether Collins is guilty or not.

By Lee

July 23, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

The ONLY bright spot in this sordid mess is that Texas told him to get lost. At least there is still a smidgeon of integrity in college athletics.

Sadly, I think there are too many other programs that would do exactly what Oklahoma State did, sign the guy and play him.

But, what do you expect. There’s not much difference between a #5 team and a #25 team. Teams are so close, one or two blue chip players can make all the difference. When coaches are pulling down hundred$ of thou$and$ in salary plus endorsement deals, many are tempted to take the low road.

I think it is time for the NCAA to take a firmer stance on this kind of crap — but I’m not holding my breath.

By WTF

July 23, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Carter, my care factor is ZERO. Write about something more that pertains to the Dawgs. If this clown raped the girl, then I’m sure he’ll be found guilty.

By AltamahaDawg

July 23, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

well that is indeed a fine point. Obviously you were just funnin me, and realize that is FAR from the point.

In fact your rock solid google research actually proves my (intended)point even if I didnt state it with lazer sharp scientific specificity. If in 75 years girls are are maturing all of 1.5 years sooner (I’m guessing nutrition), then claiming “girls are maturing a lot faster now”, as in, some excuse for not knowing the difference between a 12 yr old and an adult (I dont care if its legal at 14 in Texas) is hardly going to hold up. Oh 12? Hell, I thought she was 13.5!

Atlanta Gator, would be interested to get your take on the SEC east this year.

By Oh god help me

July 23, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

When does SEC media days start? I swear to god I can’t take this any longer.

S.O.S.

By Dennis

July 23, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

How quick you forget Harrick. Rape charges? You name it. UGA already has the reputation that you are trying to lay on somebody else. Pick the board out of your own eye.

By jon

July 23, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Dennis, From all dawg fans out there….SHUT UP! Harrick was fired you MORON! The HC at OK State is still in a position of leadership. Those of us in Athens are ashamed of his era to this day. Sure, I will pull the board out of my eye and bust it over your moroninc skull hoping some sensible statements will seep out. Now, to more important issues… The Dawgs go on to win the SEC Championship but, unfortunately, I think they will drop one to LSU during the regular season.

By Atlanta Gator

July 23, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Alta~Dawg——My take on the SEC East? Hmm. You know I’ve never been much of a smack-talker, and I can’t say that I’ve got a got a good crystal football this year. Some preseasons, the likely division winner seems perfectly obvious to me; others, it seems there are two likely contenders. This season, it strikes me that there are way too many young and talented (but untried) players, too many great seniors who have graduated or juniors who have moved on to the NFL, and too many other undecided intangible factors to be make a credible prediction. Young talent? UF, UGA, UT, in no particular order (with a nod to USC’s freshman class). Experienced offense? Slight edge to UGA. Experienced defense? Slight edge to UT. Coaching? UF, UGA, USC, in no particular order, but the Evil Genius’ ‘Cocks are likely to figure as significant spoilers (they’re going to take one of the first three out of contention, and maybe one of the contenders in the West, too).

What makes the difference? Coaching, coaching, coaching. Spurrier is still good, but doesn’t have the mix of talent and experience to do better than 4-4 0r 5-3. So it’s Richt or Meyer, whoever gets the most out of his imperfect mix of current talent and experience. (Sorry, Gen Neyland, but I don’t think Big Phil pulls even this year.)

So, Alta~Dawg, that’s my opinion, for what it’s worth. I reserve the right to change it if the ‘Cocks upset the Dawgs, and the Vols beat the Gators, ‘cause then it will be a “Katie, bar the door” wide-open race.

By Gen Neyland

July 24, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator

No need to apologize. Why do you think Fulmer experimented with a no-huddle and a 3-4 D..? We are hurting in some key spots, this I know. The East may not be the terror of the SEC in 2007, but as you referenced, a spoiler of sorts with no dominate program…and I’m with you on the ’ IFS ‘…

By Traditional Dog

July 24, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Why is it that the most lucid comments on this blog are from a Gator? As a UGA Law grad, I can tell you he is exactly right about the legal definitons of rape. He also has a keen eye for football. How could a person like that be a Gator fan?

By Hunk Erdown

July 24, 2007 4:04 AM | Link to this

Traditional Dog-

His comments were most lucid.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

By Hunk Erdown

July 24, 2007 4:24 AM | Link to this

It really gripes me when people use big words and try to act like us “poor ole” Georgia boys can’t figure them out. I went for a job interview and the little smarta$$ doing the hiring said, “Well after talking to you and looking at your application, things are indicative that you would fit in here just fine.”

Well, I grabbed my coat and hat and told him, “No thank you sir, ya’ll ain’t indict-ing nothing in me, whether it fits or not!”

He thought he could slip something over on me… I had no idea it was that kind of place.

By AltamahaDawg

July 24, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

The fact I know you are not much of smack talking is why I asked. I think you are right, Sc will upset the apple cart. UT,UF,UGA are obviously going to knock one or the other out so that not really an upset, just standard fair. Obviously nobody around here is looking past ANY conference game. This might one of the more difficult years to predict.

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 24, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

ATL Gator, way to spell it out, thanks. Good summary of the SEC East too. I have to agree with that one.

RUFF, I would think the majority of fellow posters here would recommend not going to Walmart to pick up chicks. Did her “Bratz” backpack not give you a hint?

By Buck in the NW

July 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator, I agree and that’s why, exactly why, I believe that the Dawgs 1st two games are so important to us. I do not put a 3rd place finish out of the hands of SOS. The East vs. West could be more exciting than we’ve seen in a while and if Tenn. can run the “No Huddle” will the master of that not be far behind? That’s 90% of what Richt ran at FSU.

By Buck in the NW

July 24, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

It’s time to take Dewayne Allen from N.C. off the commit list and put him on the Ga. is the favorite list. He’s now saying that he won’t decide until maybe signing day but CMR getting out into the schools has helped Ga. to have one of their strongest commit lists. That’s IMO because it can’t be proven for sure. Still it’s nice to see.

By Marietta Dawg

July 24, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Oh god help me I believe that the SEC media days begin tomorrow. Can someone let me know if I’m wrong?

By shane

July 24, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

what kind of red-neck goes to walmart to pick up women? go to winn-dixie,then you can help her put the baby and the grocery sacks in the firebird. someone as smart as buck will have to figure out the sec east this year. it looks wide open to me. the old ball coach will make a move,look out general,and atlanta gator. spurrier wants to beat ya’ll as bad as he wants us. the east is loaded with talent,also loaded with freshmen,as a bball coach[can’t remember who],said once,”the best thing about a freshman is,next year he’ll be a sophmore.”. the old adage is,live with freshmen,die with freshmen.

By Atlanta Gator

July 24, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

“How could a person like that be a Gator fan?”

Well, Traditional Dog, I paid my tuition, went to class most days, collected the sheepskins, and I still have the notes. LOL

All kidding aside, we have more in common than you know, counselor. As Alta~Dawg, Buck, Cuz, gdawg~zoo, Hunk, Gen Neyland and many of the rest of the gang will vouch, I am the “reasonable man” (at least by Gator standards).

BTW, guys, I can’t wait for college football season to start, either … and this fall, I plan to finally attend at least one UGA home game in Athens (seriously). If anyone has a line on an extra ticket, I’m willing to pay the scalper and buy the beverages if you don’t mind hosting a wayward Gator.

By I-DOG

July 24, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Lee, I agree with you that kudos are in order to TX for not admitting him. After examples like Michael Grant and Chaney the Lb that couldn’t get into UGA for mere hints of impropriety, there is absolutely no way Collins would make it into UGA.

The fact that OK State admitted him and that he actually played in games and that he might play against UGA even while under Indictment and ADMITTING to having sex with a 12 year old girl (presumably as a 17 year old), just shows the inbalance of what UGA is doing with four different players missing significant parts of the season for posession of alcohol.

Penn State players are involved in a brawl, no missed time. Georgia Tech has a felony drug dealer play in the very next game he could, FL suspends a player for only their first practice game against a nobody, and now is it possible that Collins will suit up against UGA?

If he does, how will Blake Barnes feel about being suspended for the game for having a cup of beer on a city sidewalk while being OVER 21.

I know that Blake wouldn’t be playing anyway because he was beaten out by another player, but the fact that he is suspended while Collins plays is more than a little ironic.

By Buck in the NW

July 24, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I-dog, I THINK(that being the opertive word) that the two players who have criminal charges against them aren’t on the team now. The rest including those who had charges dropped are the Stadiumn Cleaners. I believe that Joe Pa had several players get into trouble and that’s why thw entire team will be late to the parties. Don’t know about anyone else but if I’m on that team we would have had a “come to Jesus” about what would happen to anyone else who got in trouble and cause us to be Stadiumn Cleaners. I think that part of the punishment is really funny. Do you wonder if the players who did nothing wrong might be a little steamed? Nice to see Carter finally admit who the Dawgs QB is in ‘07.

By austindog

July 24, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

So this guy is a football superstar, signed with the Longhorns, a regular TX celebrity, and she’s 12? Twelve?!!

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

July 24, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

When Les Miles was at OSU he recruited and won several games with players who had significant problems with the law. Gundy actually has cleaned up some of the Miles problem players. It was regular news for the first year or so that someone was being kicked off the team. However, he still has many players with problematic pasts. OSU fans/boosters(Pickens) allow a lot more to go under the radar for the sake of getting good players. Having said all of that, OSU has many upstanding hardworking kids on their team.

Overall, OSU is a pretty good team. The potential exists for a really hard fought game. Don’t expect to steamroll em.

Go Dawgs!

By AltamahaDawg

July 24, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Atlanta gator, i have said a fw times in here the difference between the (us) and the (them) can sometimes be a matter of where you are born. Out side of a bit of fun , I’ve never had any issue with anyone in here who pulls for the enemy, as long as they just spell it out, and want to talk about the game, not just take a shot at my alma mater. I’ve never understood how anyone thinks that the rediculous lame crap putdown they some up with makes them look like anything but an idiot with no real knowledge of the sport, and usually a pretty good indication of how they actually are in person. Thats being said, we have our own in here from time to time to be sure.

Buck, when you read that lil story on Stafford today, remember, if your “reaction” last more than 4 hours, you need to see a doctor.

By I-DOG

July 24, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Buck:

Thanks for the info and opinion.

From what I read, the two that had charges against them… have been suspended for SUMMER Semester only, making them eligible for EVERY pratice and of course every game.

I have not read anything that would indicate that these two won’t play every down for the Nitanny Lions this year. If anyone knows of information to the contrary, please share it.

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 24, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

P-Dawg, thanks for the update. You have to keep us posted since you are there. What is the feeling surrounding this kid? There has got to be something being said about him still being on the team and practicing and playing?

By I-DOG

July 24, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Carter:

I just re-read the last part of your post where you write “remember, Collins has not been proven guilty of anything.”

I don’t believe that is a true statement. He has admitted to having sex with a 12 year (that he thought was older) and the state law in TX apparently considers it a crime to have sex with a person under 14… so he has admitted to a crime of more or less statutory rape.

If our DL admits to the papers and to Richt that he had ANYTHING to do with the assualt, don’t you think the kid will NEVER play a down for UGA? If he admitted to any violent criminal activity, I just can’t see a scenario where he would don the red and black.

Can you?

Collins is guilty by his own admission and no decision has been made about his playing time this year and he obviously played without punishment last year.

It will be interesting to see what OK State does on this one. Keep us informed Carter, and thanks for the interesting article!

By Marietta Dawg

July 24, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Is there any coincidence that she was 12 and that both Texas and OSU play in the Big 12??? All kidding aside, this kid shouldn’t be playing football anywhere. Let’s hope he doesn’t make the trip to Sanford.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

July 24, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo, its a little different here in OK. Overall the media nor the fans focus on issues like this. OU gets 90% of the attention and generally its only positive in nature. OSU/OU fans and press are much more tolerant of issues off the field. This is actually the first I had heard about Collins. Over the past 5 or 6 years OSU has had several players who got in trouble while in school or before they were recruited. When Collins goes to court and receives a sentence/aquitle he will be a 1 minute story and the evening news and buried on page 3 in the sports section. People here focus on winning.

When OU’s Bohmar and Quinn got in all their trouble, the fans and media focussed really heavily on how OU did the right thing and didn’t deserve NCAA punishment. OSU fans really didn’t get into the fray. OU caught more flack from Texas fans than OSU fans. Don’t get me wrong OU and OSU are the biggest of rivals, but they try to keep their dirty laundry in the hamper—so the speak.

Probably, last post until tommorrow.

By Atlanta Gator

July 24, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Guys——Just for informational purposes, under Georgia law, the age of consent for purposes of defining “statutory rape” is 16 years old (not 14, as it apparently is in Texas). In other words, young ladies who have not yet had their 16th birthday are the proverbial “jail bait”; if you have sexual intercourse with a 15 year-old, you are guilty of a felony, punishable by a mandatory minimum of one year in jail and perhaps as many as 20 years.

If the perpetrator is younger than 18, and the young lady is older than 14 (but still younger than the age of consent, i.e. 16), the perpetrator is guilty of a misdemeanor. Even if a 14 to 18 year-old kid is convicted of a misdemeanor for consensual sex, that 14 to 18 year-old kid will have to live with a sex-related conviction on his record for the rest of his life.

One last wrinkle: Georgia’s statutory rape law is gender neutral; a 19 year-old girl is guilty of a felony for having sex with a 15 year-old boy, too.

For those of you who have sons who are dating girls under the age of 16, it may be time to have a very blunt conversation with them. This is serious stuff that could ruin someone’s life.

By Atlanta Gator

July 24, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Oops. I forgot to mention one last pertinent point. If the perpetrator is 21 years or older, and has sexual intercourse with a person younger than 16, the mandatory minimum sentence is 10 years, not 1 year. Again, this is serious stuff.

By Big Dawg

July 24, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator good to see you back on the blog, how has your summer been going? I see you want to go to one of our home games this year, I wish I could help you out, but unfortunantly I won’t be attending any games myself. I would really love to be at the Cocktail Party because Buck has plans to be there. As for the Collins kid that is terrible and only serves to remind me that you can never ever be too careful. Whether this guy and his two buddies are convicted or not their reputation has been ruined and will follow them the rest of their lives.

Now as to the upcoming season I can’t hardly wait and I believe most people are going to be surprised by just how strong the Dawgs are on offense and defense. I also believe that those doubting Tim Teebow as a passer are going to be surprised as well. I agreed with most of your post but you gave Tennessee a slight edge on defense. At this point I would have given the edge to the Gamecocks because they have 10 returning starters on defense. Plus from having seen Tennessee play at least 8 times last year they were very pourous against the run.

By ConyersDawg

July 25, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe we are discussing a guy who would hardly get 70 tackles in a season.

What is the deal with you Carter? If your going to write something on okst let it be about football and not negative legal junk on another team.

Who approves this crap?

By gdawginkalamazoo

July 25, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

ConyersDawg, when we post a response we do. And as much as we would try to avoid posting a response some bug or reptile or lazy porch dog will come one here with a blast at UGA. Then we have to respond and it snowballs from there. Oh well.

By Buck in the NW

July 25, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Kalamazoo, well said.

By david

July 25, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Thayer Evans is a writer for “Sooners Illustrated” and does some free lance work for the NY Times (another credible source). Compared to other articles on the subject, Thayer’s article does not even sound like it is covering the same case. Collins has maintained his innocence since the beginning. Many have claimed that the girl has only accused the older two guys too (not Collins).

Also, the DA has been reprimanded by the judge because this case has taken over 3 ½ years and issues with the DNA evidence (or lack there of). Two assistant DA’s recently resigned and this case is beginning to look a lot like the Duke case. If you are interested in this case, do some research and write about it but don’t rely on what Thayer Evans is reporting especially if it is related to Oklahoma State University or the University of Texas.

By I-DOG

July 25, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

David,

That is fair, I don’t know anything about this one other than from that one article and Carter’s post here. If he is truly innocent then that is a different situation.

However, it doesn’t seem plausible that an article could be written indicating that Collins admitted to having sex with the girl, but that he thought she was older.

If that is not true, I believe Mr. Collins would have a libel case against the NY Times.

It should be black and white, either he has admitted to this or he hasn’t.

By godawg

July 25, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Just another example of Carter taking someone else’s work and posting it on the blog so he won’t have to come up with an original thought or do any research.

By Hunk Erdown

July 25, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

David

I did the some of the research you’re talking about before I posted way up there ^.

I never said that Collins admitted to anything, but where I got my info said that the dna evidence was strong and said that Collins was matched with it. Also, I found that one of the reasons the DA has delayed the case at all was the traumatic affect that the case has had on the main witness who, again, WAS 12 YEARS OLD when this happened to her. She is only 15 years old now. I didn’t spend hours and hours researching, but I was satisfied that the sources I found were as reliable as one could expect, and based on what I found, to compare this case to the Duke case is a worse stretch of the truth than anything you could possibly reprimand anyone on here for.

If Collins is innocent, or found not guilty, (two different things) fine he will be cleared. He is being scrutinized closely for good cause, we’re talking about a guy who has been given a full scholarship for an education and football. Especially when it is a State institution, should he be in a situation where in the face of these charges, should he be allowed to even be accepted for such a scholarship? Its bad enough that the taxpayers have to pay to keep these guys up while they serve their sentences in prison, but in his case, the taxpayers have to pay for him to get an education and showcase his football skills for the NFL while he waits for his trial? I still maintain that he has no business being out on bail much less being treated with the priviledge of a free education courtesy of the taxpaying citizens. His High School agreed with me to the point that they didn’t allow him to even play High School ball anymore with the charges. Texas agreed with me and withdrew their offer. Even if Thayer Evans is such a homer for the Sooners as you say, what exactly has he done wrong? He should not report on the case to the NY Times, because he also writes for the Sooners? I would like to know where you got your info saying there were problems with, or a lack of DNA evidence. I would also like to know where you got the info that asst D.A.’s were resigning because of this case. I would like to follow your lead and get more details. I’d appreciate it if you’d post your sources. Thanks— Hunk

By david

July 25, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Thayer Evans is a writer for “Sooners Illustrated” and does some free lance work for the NY Times (another credible source). Compared to other articles on the subject, Thayer’s article does not even sound like it is covering the same case. Collins has maintained his innocence since the beginning. Many have claimed that the girl has only accused the older two guys too (not Collins).

Also, the DA has been reprimanded by the judge because this case has taken over 3 ½ years and issues with the DNA evidence (or lack there of). Two assistant DA’s recently resigned and this case is beginning to look a lot like the Duke case. If you are interested in this case, do some research and write about it but don’t rely on what Thayer Evans is reporting especially if it is related to Oklahoma State University or the University of Texas.

I will agree with you that unlike Duke it does appear that there was a real victim in this case. Also, it does appear that the DA has a solid case against the older two defendants (one was 27 at the time). Like Duke, there is something very strange going on in the DA’s office. While the DA has said they have DNA evidence that links the older two defendants to the case they have not said that about the two teens. The DA has also refused to share the evidence or their findings with the defense. This was argued in a hearing last week and now that it looks like they are being called-out on it the assistant DA’s have resigned. Why? Could it be because there are some ethical issues? Maybe, they don’t have any evidence? Who knows but assistant DA’s don’t usually cut and run like this. Something’s odd in Texarkana.

Now tell me what would happen at an SEC school if you had one of your member institution’s players accused of something like this and the case had been going on for three years. How many hundreds of articles would you be able to find. How many papers would be committing resources to this? Remember Chris is a big time player. A future NFL guy. This is big news. Texas and Oklahoma could easily fit into the SEC states because football is big and news like this is huge. The trouble is that outside of a few articles in the Texarkana Gazzette and a couple in the Daily Oklahoman there has been nothing written about this. Nothing. Do a search on Google News. You have to be stupid if you think the Dallas Morning News, the Kansas City Star, the Houston Chronicle, and many others have not had reporters checking this story out. Obviously they have not found anything worth reporting because the articles are not there.

Thayer seemed to find some newsworthy information but most of it does not agree with what has already been written. Stories like this have a big audience. If there is any truth to what Thayer wrote last weekend, you can guarantee that the Dallas Morning News would have had it’s version Monday morning. I guess I missed it.

By David

July 25, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Sorry Hunk I forgot to address your issue with Chris being on scholarship.

First of all, the revenue that football players generate more than pay for any education that the taxpayers provide to them through their scholarship.

Next, when Mike Gundy took over as head coach at Oklahoma State. He took a few months to clean the house of the troublemakers that Les Miles brought into the program. He released some very good players including a guy by the name of Prentiss Eliott who is one of the best WR’s Oklahoma State has seen. There were guys leaving Stillwater on a weekly basis. Even Chris Collins does not have as much on the field potential as some of those guys. Thus, I would put a lot of confidence in Gundy’s history and judgment and conclude that there is a lot more to Chris’ side of this case than any of us realize.

By Dawg4life

July 25, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Anyone who wants to see true discipline in action should read the story Mark Schlabach wrote on ESPN.com while at ACC Media Days. He wrote about Randy Shannon, the new Miami head coach, and the new brand of discipline he is installing. He has laid down the law and has clearly outlined the harsh punishments for players that break his rules. For instance, players aren’t permitted to have cell phones in class. If they do and are caught, not only does that player get his cell phone taken for two weeks, any player on the team who was in a class with that player, regardless of whether the other player has a cell phone or not, will also lose their cell phones for two weeks.

This seems tyrannical at first, but it promotes players looking out for each other and encouraging each other to do what’s right. I think that’s what we need at UGA. Imagine, if that type of rule were administered, would we have had a situation with Tavares Kearny (highly recruited football player who was suspected of using his cell phone to cheat on a test…he either ended up being suspended or decided to leave the team) that we had a few years ago? Probably not. And I doubt we would be reading and posting on blogs about players who are being arrested or charged with doing something afoul of the law.

I know the situation in Miami was much graver than has been traditionally in Athens (a Miami player last year was shot and killed, the on-field brawl with FIU, etc., vs. a few alcohol violations at UGA), but breaking the rules is breaking the rules, period. I love Mark Richt to death and I think he’s a helluva coach and person, and I think he’s the ideal role model for the young men on our football team, but I also think that it’s up to them to strive to follow his lead. And when they don’t do that, I think it’s imperative that he give them a shove in the right direction the way Shannon is doing.

I was gonna post a link to the article on ESPN.com, but I thought it might be better for everyone to read it here. In my opinion, the very last quote at the end of the article says it all!!

PINEHURST, N.C. — New Miami coach Randy Shannon instituted several new rules for the Hurricanes when he replaced Larry Coker as coach in December. For the most part, the new tough standards kept the Hurricanes out of trouble this summer.

Miami players were noticeably absent from the police blotter this summer, a feat that has to please athletic director Paul Dee and university president Donna Shalala.

Last year, Miami endured two gun-related incidents off the field — defensive lineman Bryan Pata was murdered outside his apartment and reserve safety Willie Cooper was shot in the buttocks after being confronted by an unknown person. The assailant fled when teammate Brandon Meriweather fired his own gun at the man.

On the field, the Hurricanes were involved in an ugly melee with Florida International in Miami’s 35-0 victory on Oct. 14. The ACC suspended 13 players for their roles in that brawl.

Those distractions contributed to Miami’s 7-6 record in 2006 — the program’s worst finish since a 5-6 mark in 1997 — and Coker’s firing after six seasons.

Shannon, who had worked as Coker’s defensive coordinator since 2001, was hired to replace his former boss and set out to clean up the mess.

“The things we were trying to do were deteriorating,” Shannon said. “When a bunch of little things pile up, it becomes a mountain.”

Shannon outlawed guns for Miami’s players — any player caught having a weapon will not only be kicked off the team but also dismissed from school.

“If you’re living in Iowa and you’re going hunting, it’s fine to have a rifle or shotgun,” Hurricanes guard Derrick Morse said. “But if you’re living in Miami, you don’t need to be walking around with a handgun. I wish it was a year earlier when that rule went into effect.”

Shannon also requires any player with a grade point average lower than 2.5 to live on campus. If a player is living off campus and falls below the 2.5 mark during fall semester, he’ll be required to move back into dorms for spring semester.

“You better not sign a year lease if you’re not going to take care of your classes,” Morse said. “They’ve got to deal with that. They’re grown men. They’re 21 or 22 years old. They’ve got to act like grown men.”

Players caught having cell phones in class will lose their phones for two weeks. Any teammates attending the same class also lose their cell phones for two weeks.

“Guys are looking out for each other now,” Morse said.

If players skip class, Morse said, Shannon not only requires them to complete extra conditioning but also demotes them on the depth chart.

“His discipline is at a level where it’s almost crazy,” defensive end Calais Campbell said. “You don’t want to do anything wrong.”

By Atlanta Gator

July 25, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Give Coach Shannon his due; it sounds like he is determined to reverse UM’s unfortunate tradition of poor sportsmanship on the field and legal run-ins off the field. I hope he can win games, too, because UM needs a head coach of his character. More importantly, UM’s players need a coach of his character.

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

July 25, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

USA today has this story about Collins.

[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2007-07-25-oklastate-collins_N.htm]

By P-Dawg in Tulsa

July 25, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

(http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2007-07-25-oklastate-collins_N.htm)

By I-DOG

July 26, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

P-Dawg:

I read that USA Today story this morning.

Obviously, Collins will be playing against UGA and everyone else. The OK State coach has said he will play until either he quits or somone drags him off the field. (presumably referring to law enforcement)

Again, how will T. Chandler feel about not playing in the first game of his career that he was schedule to start because he drank beer underage, when across the field there is a guy who admitted to statuatory rape (while maintaining his innocence on the full rape charge) that will be allowed to play?

I know that each institution is different and there are no common standards among NCAA Football in this regard, but how can it be that different?

By Jimmy

July 26, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

I heard that the chemicals being put in foods like chicken these days make girls breasts bigger than back in the day?? LOL hilarious, but it does give credence to the whole “girls bodies are maturing faster than yonder days” theory.