We all like to party, some more than others. Reese Dismukes probably falls into the latter category.
Unfortunately, Zeke Pike and Michael Dyer are also fond of the party lifestyle.
What does it say about our team or coaching staff that so many of our players have had trouble with the law lately?
Pike, Dismukes and Dyer all exhibit a lack of responsibility.
When an athlete, whether college or professional, gets the chance to play for a well-known team, they are given a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to show the world what they are made of. If they're lucky, they get famous. They receive some of the best coaching in the world, but in the end, it is their responsibility to live up to their potential.
We can't blame coach Gene Chizik for the actions of these players, and we certainly can't disagree with his decision to suspend or outright dismiss those who break the law. They put him in a difficult spot.
The Auburn team is expected to hold respect and honor in the highest regard. Chizik is defending that respect and honor in the best way he knows.
Kevin Scarbinsky, of the Birmingham News, penned a column for Al.com on Aug. 26 that suggested our football program "is headed out of control." He cited the armed robbery involving former players Antonio Goodwin, Mike McNeil, Shaun Kitchens and Dakota Mosley as an example of how far down the drain our team has gone.
We think Scarbinsky was way off base, and he had no reason to bring up June 9 shooting as an example to further his point. No matter what he says, that incident was not about football and never will be.
It seems Scarbinsky and the sweaty masses of Bammers that commented on his column either want Chizik and his staff to baby-sit the team 24 hours a day or disband the team all together. They do not realize that these players are the ones who lack responsibility. No one is kidnapping these guys and pouring booze down their throats; they are doing it to themselves.
Much like you can't make a horse drink, you can't stop a football player who wants to make a fool of himself. Chizik is not Pike, Dyer or Dismukes' parent and he shouldn't be expected to coddle rule-breakers. We will never try to justify the actions of these players. They made mistakes; they should have to deal with the consequences like everybody else. But we believe it is unnecessary and short-sighted to blame the poor judgment of Pike, Dyer and Dismukes on the coaching staff.
If anything has been learned from the Penn State disaster, it's that accountability is in short supply. However, we think the disciplinary actions Chizik has taken show he cares more about the solidarity of Auburn than a few star recruits.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
