"I have been on a short leash and at Tennessee I am on even a shorter leash," Hood said. "If I...

"I have been on a short leash and at Tennessee I am on even a shorter leash," Hood said. "If I jaywalk, I will make the front page. I think that is one of the prices that you have to pay. I honestly don't think it's that big of a price, to be disciplined and do the right thing."

VolQuest.com - Spotlight's glare on Hood, supporters

almost 3 years ago Joel Hollingsworth 3 comments 0 recs |

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Grace & a second chance

The kid blew it when he was younger. Actually I can’t just say he blew it or call it a “mistake” because it was grievously wrong. The girl has forgiven him. He’s paid his price and turned his life around. He was given a second chance when he didn’t deserve it; someone else paid a price for his deep error to give him that chance. I am glad Knox Catholic did that for him before they even knew he was a great athlete.

I am glad UT is doing that for him now.

This isn’t a charity. Kiffin gets a great football prospect with outstanding grades and a turnaround story that will make good headlines if the kid succeeds. He will be on a short leash and one screw up will mean he’s gone. It’s a quid pro quo.

It’s also great PR for the living room of some of these top recruits who come from tough neighborhoods. We set the rules, Hood lives by them, look at his success as a young man on & off the field, etc… Mama, Auntie, I will take care of your son.

by memphispete on May 6, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

Can we move this comment to your other Post? It's lonely over here.

by memphispete on May 6, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with you Pete

I am not going to condone what the kid did (especially after I read the Court opinion), but he was 13. That matters to me. When I was 13 I was young, naive, thought I was bulletproof, and was extremely stupid (now I am just stupid). The point is that we all make mistakes — his was greater than those made by most. Still, I do believe that people in general deserve a chance to turn their lives around after going down the wrong path. Lord knows I’ve had second chances in life.

I think that argument for getting a second chance is all the more compelling for someone as young as he was who has, by all accounts, done everything in his power to change himself and those around him in a positive way.

I say give him that chance. Sure, he could slip up again. But he also might be the kind of young man who is a powerful leader because he knows just how costly mistakes can be. If I’m Kiffin, I tell him that he will be under a microscope — zero tolerance. If he plays by the rules and stays on course though, I say he’s welcome at Tennessee.

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lawvol: Gate 21 - Life, the Universe, & the Bounce of the Ball

by lawvol98 on May 6, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions