As True Blue MTSU Blue Raider football fans, we were all happy campers with the positive national press the Blue Raiders got from Stephen Rhodes' story this past fall. Recall, Rhodes is the US Marine combat veteran who walked on to play for the Blue Raiders following some roadblocks placed, then removed, by the NCAA. However, this one player's story, while an awesome positive reflection on our team, doesn't define our school and/or the Blue Raiders.
Likewise, we now have to live with the story of one player, Roderic Blunt, who according to those who know him best, behaved out of character with over-the-top unsportsmanlike behavior in the 2013 Armed Forces Bowl against the Naval Academy. Most observers would agree that his actions did reflect poorly on the Blue Raiders and on MTSU, As a fan and long time BRAA supporter, I hate to realize the black eye taken by the program. That, and it's hard enough being True Blue in Hog country.
It's one GAME, and one kid who has expressed his apology and genuine contrition, which has been accepted by those he directly offended. Coach Rick Stockstill also offered apologies and has taken withering criticism from people who know nothing about him. The question is not "is it enough?", but facing into the fact that it has to be enough. There will likely be other consequences relative to this player's future, fair or unfair. What else can be done?
What's over-the-top too is the eye-bulging, vein-popping hyperbolic outrage. Message boards are abuzz with suggested penalties as harsh as removal from the team (Rod's a senior and played his last game) to expulsion from school. Ridiculous. I reckon a lot of us in the cheap seats are glad the missteps we made at 22 weren't "caught on tape" and dissected on national TV.
The otherwise great defensive effort would have been tremendous exposure for the Blue Raider program. It's a shame that is not the focus of the post-game discussion. Also, keep in mind that 40-some other Blue Raiders competed with class and sportsmanship.
This too shall pass. Black eyes heal and fade. Move along, nothing to see here.
