Major Decision
6 comments so far
July 7, 2006 by
Nebraska Head Coach Bill Callahan is faced with a big decision. Does he repeat his scholarship offer to Major Culbert, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of trespassing and harassment for his role in the alleged sexual assault of a female University of Oregon student, or rescind the offer?
It presents something of a can’t-win scenario. If you invite him back you're compromising the image of the program. And Major may be so upset about being cut loose when things got tough that he either declines the offer or brings a bad attitude to Lincoln. But if they pass on the defensive back, they miss out on a player at an area of critical need (defensive back). These kinds of decisions are where coaches earn their big paychecks.
I was ready to say give up on the youngster until I learned the accusers both would like to see the perpetrators keep their scholarship offers. If they are saying the guys deserve a chance, then who am I to disagree? Given Callahan’s track record so far (one of giving player’s second chances), it seems likely he will allow Culbert to receive the scholarship, provided the school’s administration doesn’t have a problem with it.
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darren Jul 07 06
Interesting take, Steve. I agree that this is somewhat of a "can't win" for BC and company. He'll encounter critics either way.
I'm curious as to why you say BC's track record is that of giving players second chances. Is that based on Leon's leaving and being allowed to come back? Because, in my opinion, the opposite is true and BC has shown a great willingness to cut players loose.
He kicked his best player (Incognito) off of the team in a year when they sure could have used him. And, BC cut a productive reciever off the team (Mulkey) for running afoul of the law.
Just my opinion on a touchy situation.
Steve Jul 07 06
There have been at least a couple of DWI's he's looked the other way on (or I should say, handled in house). Don't forget Mulkey had a few strikes (as did Incognito) before BC said "you're out".
So I think the precedent is there for second chances. Third or Fourth though may not be the case.
hack Jul 07 06
pull the scholarship, bill takes away a chance for a young man to better himself; keep it in play, we do good, huskernation will have to put up with comparisons to LP back in the day.
heads, nebraska loses; tails, nebraska haters win.
Lothar Jul 09 06
To me, this is a no-brainer, at least based on what I know about the situation (which admittedly, isn't much). From everything I have heard, Culbert is a good kid that made a mistake. He's never been in trouble before and it seems that this is an isolated incident. The victims are okay with a second chance.
In my mind, Callahan should bring Culbert on, but he should be on a short leash, at least for a year or two.
omarhuskerfan Jul 10 06
I don't see it as give the kid another chance. We all come to points were if we mess up once we are done. Let him go somewhere else. I'm a good kid and I have never messed up to assalt charges. Have I messed up? yes.
I think Lyda(sp?) Murtha is a good kid who is put off by the strip club on his recruiting visit, not Culbert who tries to get off on his recruiting visit.
justthefacts Aug 26 06
omarhuskerfan ---your such a negative person and please get a life!!