Spring Break
Jones "acted in team's best interest"
Chris Dell, Sports Editor, cdell@smu.edu
Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: News
SMU football head coach June Jones has been on the job for only 13 months, but in that short time he has sent his message loud and clear.
His much-publicized three strikes policy led to numerous suspensions last season, and just last week he made the decision to cut nine scholarship players from the team-several of whom have said that they will appeal the decision.
Jones, in the midst of the controversy, explained his policies and expectations at the SMU Faculty Club Distinguished Luncheon on Wednesday.
"It was a hard decision to make," said Jones in front of about 70 SMU teachers and administrators packed into the Faculty Club dining room. "But I made the decision in the best interest of, believe it or not, the kids…It's a privilege to play football at SMU. Your contract [scholarship] is for one year, not four or five years."
All athletes released from their scholarships are sent an appeals form in the mail, and they have the option to take the case before a university committee. If they win the appeal they still remain off the team, but they retain their athletic scholarships.
Jones said that the majority of the nine players had violated team rules and had "no objection." However, a couple others have voiced their disagreements and are still confused about why they were let go.
"I have still, to this current date, not been given any factual reason that had any kind of proof to why they have decided to not renew my scholarship," stated sophomore linebacker Taylor Bon in an e-mail sent last weekend. He said on Wednesday that he is appealing the decision.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Benjamin Goldthorpe confirmed, in an e-mail, that he will appeal the decision as well. A couple other players are also considering taking action.
In an interview after the luncheon, Jones did not comment on why specific players were released, except to say, "life isn't fair sometimes." He said that he even encouraged several players to appeal the decision, despite the fact that the team would lose the scholarships if the players win on appeal.
His much-publicized three strikes policy led to numerous suspensions last season, and just last week he made the decision to cut nine scholarship players from the team-several of whom have said that they will appeal the decision.
Jones, in the midst of the controversy, explained his policies and expectations at the SMU Faculty Club Distinguished Luncheon on Wednesday.
"It was a hard decision to make," said Jones in front of about 70 SMU teachers and administrators packed into the Faculty Club dining room. "But I made the decision in the best interest of, believe it or not, the kids…It's a privilege to play football at SMU. Your contract [scholarship] is for one year, not four or five years."
All athletes released from their scholarships are sent an appeals form in the mail, and they have the option to take the case before a university committee. If they win the appeal they still remain off the team, but they retain their athletic scholarships.
Jones said that the majority of the nine players had violated team rules and had "no objection." However, a couple others have voiced their disagreements and are still confused about why they were let go.
"I have still, to this current date, not been given any factual reason that had any kind of proof to why they have decided to not renew my scholarship," stated sophomore linebacker Taylor Bon in an e-mail sent last weekend. He said on Wednesday that he is appealing the decision.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Benjamin Goldthorpe confirmed, in an e-mail, that he will appeal the decision as well. A couple other players are also considering taking action.
In an interview after the luncheon, Jones did not comment on why specific players were released, except to say, "life isn't fair sometimes." He said that he even encouraged several players to appeal the decision, despite the fact that the team would lose the scholarships if the players win on appeal.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Chris
posted 2/19/09 @ 3:52 PM CST
This is absolutely disgraceful and is exactly wrong with college football today. I understand dismissing kids IF they broke rules. But it seems like he dismissed kids just because they weren't as good as guys he has coming in. (Continued…)
David Watkins
posted 2/20/09 @ 12:34 PM CST
It is the perfect reason!
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