Ty Hughes Apr 15 08

Cut the cancer before it can spread the rest of the body. If this kid really is guilty (and we don't know that yet), this is the right time to continue making the moves Bo has to support an upstanding collegiate program. As he said with regard to cutting class, what you do off the field is a reflection of what will occur in the lockerroom and on the field as well. Do what's right, whatever the cost.

Husker Mike Apr 15 08

First thing is to let the legal process figure out what happened. The "first reports" can often be rather misleading. (Anybody remember Damon Benning's arrest the same day Lawrence Phillips assaulted his ex-girlfriend? It turned out to be just the opposite.)

Once the facts are known, then make a decision based on those facts, irregardless of what kind of football player he is. In fact, bringing up his abilities on the field only confuses the situation. We know he's probably a very talented player; he wouldn't have been offered a scholarship if he wasn't. But any decision that might need to be made shouldn't be influenced by athletic concerns.

OU7times Apr 15 08

Mike is absolutely right, in my opinion. If this kid IS found guilty, then do the right thing. This could send a message to Pelini's squad and future teams. "If you are a dirtbag, you don't play here". This mentality of 'winning first' has no place in the NCAA. I wouldn't believe that Coach woud even entertain the thought of allowing a player on the team with similar baggage. The fact that a player MIGHT be a great talent should have no bearing.

Dwayne Apr 15 08

I wonder if Pelini has spoken to Osborne about this and if so what was said. It happens, and it may be better that this kind of thing happening now rather than after his arrival to Lincoln.

donfl Apr 15 08

I would bet that if BO did speak to TO about this he would have told him "go with your gut feeling." TO was reluctant to admit it but finally said that the Lawrence Phillips episode was his worst mistake involving people that are undisciplined in their approach to life. Talent has nothing to do with making the right choice for the good of the team. If he must be let go, so be it.

Josh Apr 15 08

I agree with Husker Mike in that we should let the legal process determine what exactly occurred. Then, and only then, can Bo make an informed decision about Josh's future at NU.

I'll preface this next section by saying I'm not condoning juvenile behavior, nor am I defending Josh. Consider this perspective: coaches, mentors, clergy, and the like, need to be in the business of giving young people a second chance. What kind of message would leaders be sending if they failed to grant second chances? I understand zero tolerance, but how can one begin the change process if not allowed to "right a wrong"? Again, I'm not defending Josh's behavior because it appears to be irresponsibly juvenile in its very nature. All I'm saying is think of all the irresponsible things you may have done when you were 18 years old. I know I'm not proud of some of the things I did at that age. Granted, I never was in trouble with the law, but that's because I was lucky enough not to get caught.

OU7times Apr 16 08

I believe in the part about second chances and actions that would warrant such allowances but this situation is very different. Once again, IF he is found guilty Coach Pelini's decision wouldn't even matter, at that point. What this individual is accused of is 'Strong Arm' robbery (FELONY).Example: In the state of Kansas (where I live) it can be a punishable offense carrying a sentence from 5-10 years. The amount of cash taken would have no bearing in the sentencing guidelines. That would be in prison, not jail. Second chances seemed to have worked well in the case of MO Purify and Hunter Teafatiller last year. So, I can see in some cases where second chances do work out.