As reported earlier, Coach Brandon has decided to suspend Anthony Turner for the first game of the season, against Wisconsin, for some legal difficulties involving marijuana. I say "reported earlier" with the word reported being a light attempt at humor. It was, in fact, on an internet message board--and therefore something of completely unknown reliability.
Coach Brandon announced it today in the Blade.
Here's the really funny part....
"I don't know how this got out - that upsets me. It's kind of one of those things I'd like to keep in-house and keep with the team.
Coach...it was on the Internet probably five minutes after you said it. Further, what did you think people were going to say when the kickoff of the Wisconsin game started??
Here is his full rationale.
When a kid screws up, in Anthony's case the possession charge, they have to serve a one-game suspension," Brandon said. "I have never said this publicly before, but the fact that the first game after the incident is Wisconsin means that will be the game Anthony sits out.Now, he goes on to point out--correctly--that while the Wisconsin game is a big deal, we want to win the MAC, and we don't need that game one little bit. Based on what we have seen, I think Barnes will struggle, and it could well cost us the game, but not the season.
Just as importantly, I think its going to put a lot of scrutiny on the program. Candidly, this wasn't a very serious situation. And as other things crop up--and they will--I think Coach will be asked to compare how other actions detrimental to the team are not worthy of a game suspension, while this one was. That's probably a distraction no one needs.
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