04/19/24
February 01, 2006
ISU kicks Berryman off team: Jason Berryman, jailed a few years ago, was given a second chance and let back in to school and on to the Iowa State football team this year. He was a model citizen this year, but a few days ago was cited for being in a bar underage. Since his return to the team was contingent on staying out of trouble, he was kicked off the team. I believe in giving people second chances, especially when they truly realize they screwed up and want to do better, but I don't ever seem to hear of any cases where an athlete actually makes the most of his second chance (i.e. Marcus Vick). I couldn't believe Berryman's dad's quotes in the article about how he things this is a harsh punishment, seeing as many people didn't think he should have been let back on the team in the first place. Seems like his dad's attitude might be part of the reason he doesn't seem to be able to stay out of trouble.
posted by BradBehleISU to football at 10:53 AM - 12 comments
I'm glad that they kicked him off the team. When you are given a second chance it is not just for a couple of months or for a season, it is for the duration of your tenure there. It's just like us in the workplace, if I screw up and is given a second chance and screw that up, I deserve to get fired. Great job ISU, I hope this sends a message to their recruits, mess up and get kicked off the team. It's the only way to keep your program clean and keep the bad kids out.
posted by chucodimebag at 12:38 PM on February 01, 2006
I am sure glad that my trips underage to the college town bar(s) were not under media and college scrutiny. ISU did not have choice in this one, but truthfully, if you subjected the same standard to the average college kid, they would not pass either. As the parent of six I just feel a sense of sadness and tragedy for Jason and his family. We have become a nation that worships alcohol and sports. And once again another young person has been caught in the trip wire. The standard on alcohol and conduct should no be applied only to athletes. How many federal aid education recipients were in the same bar underage? Should we place them on suspension and then if they are allowed to return to college should we take away their tuition grants and aid? I don't have an answer. Should we force random drug tests on college students and dismiss them if they fail? Somehow the standards have to make sense....
posted by sailorus at 01:06 PM on February 01, 2006
Berryman was on a "zero tolerance" policy when he was let back on the football team. He knows what would happen if he violated his propation and/or a Law. I do not fill sorry for him. A person must be held responsiable for his actions.
posted by daddisamm at 01:50 PM on February 01, 2006
Gimme a break....he has an underage beer and gets kicked off the team? Especially when the glorification of the football athlete so often revolves around going to bars?? There seems to be a little double standard here, methinks...
posted by smithers at 02:24 PM on February 01, 2006
I understand the conept of zero tolerance. Recently my six year old boy was observed knocking down another six year old while playing at recess (they were wrestling). Pretty normal at his age. Under the school district's zero tolerance policy for physical contact he received a written record, detention, and I was required to take an afternoon off and meet with the superintendant. How silly. "But rules are rules." I agree the school had no choice with Jason. The school had no choice with my six year old either. I support their right to make and enforce the rules. That doesn't make zero tolerance the correct answer. It was just a rule to be followed with Jason. Its just amazing how my six year old's experience has changed my perspective on school policies that are written to politically correct zero tolerance standards. And in our culture, I feel sad whenever I see a young adult that gets screened out for what amounts to gross immaturity / stupidity. My problem is that I have had far too many birthdays. Jason has not had enough and in our culture, he may well be doomed to not having many more now. Two years ago my then 21 year old (an NCAAA athlete) managed to get arrested with TWO counts of felony assault for his obvious involvement in a fight in a bar. The school looked the other way and strong lawyer allowed him to walk away with a misdemeanor $5 Dollar fine, $5000.00 legal bill and a year of alcohol counseling. Today that same young man of mine works 60 hours a week, is doing well in corporate America and spends his weekends with Habitat for Humanity. The difference? My money I suppose. Maybe I did the wrong thing for my son. Maybe I did the right thing. With three kids over the age of 25 I am just inclined to think that the rules for age 23 and under just have to be applied with more precision than zero tolerance policies will ever allow.
posted by sailorus at 03:04 PM on February 01, 2006
He could always apply at FSU or Nebraska, they will take him.
posted by bobrolloff at 03:29 PM on February 01, 2006
By the way sailorus, excellent point of view. I respect what you wrote, and am glad to hear about your sone being a responsible adult. God bless.
posted by bobrolloff at 03:32 PM on February 01, 2006
I see your point of view, Sailorus. However, Berryman had already been convicted of assault, spent time in jail, and was reinstated to the team (with a scholarship), with the understanding that he stay out of trouble. The coach and many others took a chance with him, as many people didn't think he would change. Berryman claimed in the press that he realized the errors of his ways, and was very greatful for his second chance. I question how much he changed if he decided to do something that he must have known would result in him getting kicked off the team if he got caught. Also, I believe he still gets to keep his scholarship, so even though he isn't on the team, he still has another chance to complete his school and get a good job. I hope he does.
posted by BradBehleISU at 05:13 PM on February 01, 2006
Great, another blow to the program. Even if he was a "bad" guy, he was a good player. He did get what he deserved, however. After blowing his first chance, I'm surprised that he made it back, and now he's really up the proverbial creek with no paddle of any sort.
posted by boredom_08 at 05:59 PM on February 01, 2006
Jason wasn't using his head, at least not the one atop his shoulders. I mean the dude was 18 days away from turning 21.
posted by chrisly13 at 07:03 PM on February 01, 2006
I liked your story, Sailorus. However in Berryman's case he had spent time in jail and was on porbation. I feel ISU has been more than fair. What works for one person doesnt always work for theh other guy
posted by daddisamm at 09:51 AM on February 02, 2006
It was his responsebility to stay out of trouble and he couldn't handle it so his dismissal from the team is 100% justified. Finally a school (outside Va Tech) that is dealing punishment the way it should be. However this guy will probably just declare for the draft and end up like so many othrer misguided athletes, broke.