Say this about Al Golden’s short tenure as the University of Miami’s coach — it hasn’t been boring.
“It’s been TMZ since I’ve been here,” said Golden, referring to the celebrity gossip TV program and website. “I mean, let’s be honest? It’s been tough.”
Golden, on the job for almost two years, had to deal in his first season with the fallout of the Nevin Shapiro scandal. There also has been no shortage of drama recently.
The latest came last week when three key players — linebacker Eddie Johnson, receiver Rashawn Scott and special teams standout Gabe Terry — did not accompany the team for Saturday’s game against Virginia in Charlottesville.
The three players weren’t at Monday morning’s practice, either, as the Hurricanes (5-5) began preparations for Saturday’s home finale against South Florida (3-6).
Scott, UM’s second-leading receiver, appears the least likely to return any time soon. The sophomore was indefinitely suspended last week for undisclosed reasons and has already been ruled out of the USF game. Golden said Monday he didn’t know if there would be “closure” regarding Scott’s status.
The situations surrounding Johnson and Terry are less clear. Both were left home for UM’s 41-40 loss to Virginia for football-related reasons, Golden said.
Johnson is the Hurricanes’ second-leading tackler while Terry is one of their top special team players.
Asked if he knew when they would be back, Golden responded: “I don’t know yet. I just wanted to get through the (Virginia) game film. They weren’t part of that. I just want to get through today and we’ll move forward with them tonight and (Tuesday).”
The turmoil surrounding Scott, Johnson and Terry comes on the heels of recent incidents involving defensive linemen Kelvin Cain and Luther Robinson. Cain left the team without notice last month before being allowed back; Robinson’s father went on radio to criticize Golden.
“I’m looking forward to the day when we’re focused on our opponents and not talking about all that,” Golden said. “For two weeks now that’s all we’ve been talking about - we’re in the (ACC’s Coastal Division race) and this is what we need to focus on. Obviously some guys lost their focus.”
The disciplinary issues were a factor in the loss to Virginia. The absence of Johnson coupled with injuries that kept linebacker Denzel Perryman and safety Deon Bush out of the game left the Hurricanes without three of their top defensive players.
It also shortened the rotation used by defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio. Miami normally employs 25-27 players on defense. On Saturday, that number was 21.
Virginia took advantage by going on two long touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining.
“It impacted us,” D’Onofrio said. “The injuries you could deal with. The personal decisions are the ones that guys have to grow up and man up and respond in a positive manner.”
Golden said the Hurricanes have a unity council made up team leaders who can impose their own suspensions on wayward teammates. Golden did not say that was the case with Scott, Johnson or Terry.
“We need guys to hold each other accountable, not be afraid to enter the danger,” Golden said.
Part of the problem for the Hurricanes is their youth. The only senior starter on offense is tailback Mike James; on defense the only senior starter is cornerback Brandon McGee.
Golden said that James has taken a leadership role, telling his teammates that he doesn’t want to be liked, but respected for his commitment.
“We need more of that right now,” Golden said. “Because you have to break the cycle. You can’t hand down (poor decision-making) as acceptable to the next generation of Miami Hurricanes. You just can’t.”
McGee said players will handle those who step out of line.
“It’s going to be tough love,” McGee said. “We’re not going to say, ‘Oh, it’s OK.’ ”
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