Today during the Tigers first preseason football practice, Dabo Swinney announced that Sammy Watkins would be suspended for the first two games of the regular season. One in the Georgia dome against Auburn and one at home against Ball State. Back in early May Sammy Watkins was pulled over, arrested and charged with the possession of marijuana.
The day following the arrest Swinney released the statement stating he believed Watkins would miss time, but he could earn his way into a less lengthy suspension if he followed a plan Swinney had set out for him. According to Dabo, Watkins succeeded above and beyond expectations throughout the plan. This left media outlets speculating whether it would be a game, two games, or even no time at all.
Friday Swinney stated that the suspension could have been anywhere from 2-4 games depending on how well Watkins followed guidelines. Swinney also stated he was glad he didn't act on emotion, because of how upset he was after the incident occurred.
Watkins was very humble and apologetic towards the incident and was willing to take whatever punishment was given his way.
My first initial thought to this suspension was that of surprise. Not surprised that Watkins was suspended, but that he was suspended for two games. I figured maybe a half suspension, or a game suspension would be handed down, but Dabo obviously did not care who committed the crime. In Dabo's eyes, and Sammy's eyes, and the eyes of Tiger nation, Sammy made a huge mistake that hurt a lot of people. He is a role model, kids looked up to him, and still do. It's a good situation for parents to tell they're kids that Sammy is human like all of us, and he made a mistake, but the way Watkins has handled himself throughout all of this speaks volumes to his character. Watkins is a natural bred leader. He leads by example, with his humble, non-arrogant play on the field and is learning to be a vocal leader as well. I have no doubts Watkins will return a new person from this. It is also visible that this has lit a fire under Sammy Watkins. If you thought he was good last year, now he is playing the game with a chip on his shoulder, a chip he feels he owes to his teammates. I feel sorry for Clemson's week 3 opponent the Furman Paladins.
The suspension also speaks volumes to the type of standards Dabo Swinney holds for his team. Many coaches would have brushed the incident aside making quotes such as, "Everyone does it," or "Just a minor mistake he made, they're only kids." However Dabo chose to not only to punish, but to make a statement in the process. He doesn't care if you're All-American, Mexican-American or just plain 'Merican, if you break rules, you're going to be punished. Take notes Derek Dooley. In an era of the paid player and illegal benefits, this is a very morally strong decision by Dabo and speaks volumes to how he runs the Clemson program.
Now Clemson prepares for a matchup in the Georgia Dome against the Auburn Tigers, without Sammy Watkins. The Deuce will not be loose in the Georgia Dome, but I believe that there still will be some sick looking dreadlocks dashing all over the field. DeAndre 'Nuke' Hopkins, a steady, consistent #2 receiver for the Tigers, has been praised for his offseason work in the weight room and on the field. Some observers of practices have even made the statement he is as good if not better than Sammy Watkins. Maybe Nuke views this as his time to make a statement, his breakout game. Another man who Clemson has an option to slide into the 2 spot is rising Sophomore Martavis Bryant, who I fully expect to be a major improvement on his performance from last year. Clemson has receivers to fill in for Watkins, but someone like Sammy is not easily replaced. I still believe Clemson will win, but it will be closer.
It hurts me to see the suspension, I was initially surprised, but I love the fact that Dabo held to his team and moral standards. I love the way Sammy Watkins has dealt with his actions. And I can't wait to see how this develops throughout the year.
Matthew Kreh
No comments:
Post a Comment