Opinion: Up A Creek Without An Ore

The Hokies entered spring practice having to fill many voids left by the departure of the winningest senior class in Virginia Tech history.   Add running back to the mix now.
           
It’s become old news that Branden Ore is no longer with the Virginia Tech football team. Many people are outraged at him, or Beamer for kicking him off the team.  In a case of removing Ore from the team, it is about time for Tech as well as other big programs to promote this course of action.  Although many believe that this type of punishment was harsh, it is necessary, especially for an institution like Virginia Tech.

Let’s not forget that most fans cannot go to an away tailgate without hearing about the brothers Vick.  Isn’t it time for change?  Like it or not, media attention of the Vick brothers goes right back to the institution.  It is hard to go watch football without someone calling Hokie fans dog-murderers, or mentioning “hold-ups” at McDonald's.  In addition, coaches mentioned repeatedly that when they met with Ore, he was always in trouble or late to meetings and practices.  The Virginia Tech football team did a good job of stopping it before something potentially damaging started with Ore.

Once again, like it or not, student-athletes are the most privileged at any school.  I, myself, was a student-athlete, and had many things given to me for my athletic accomplishments. However, with great privilege should come great responsibility.  Sure, I went to practice everyday; I had deadlines; I had responsibilities within my sport.  I made sure, though,  that I completed my work, attended class and stayed out of trouble.  Playing sports is a privilege provided the university’s funds.  Student-athletes, in a sense, are getting paid to play the sport they love.  Why are we having problems with student-athletes getting in trouble?  Shouldn’t all student-athletes be grateful that they are getting a free education and playing a sport at an excellent institution?

The football team should especially be grateful to play at this institution. Not saying that Ore wasn’t proud to play here, but he had been in trouble previously that led fans to believe that maybe he didn’t care.  It’s hard, because I love Virginia Tech football, as I imagine 95% of this campus does.  I attend football games on a regular basis, and I enjoy seeing our team win and do well.  So seeing a talented player breaking team rules is hard to watch.  Furthermore, our athletes are public figures, locally and nationally.  When students recognize a football player, they more than likely want to converse with that athlete.  In addition, ESPN College Gameday makes mention of Virginia Tech all the time in their broadcasts.  So, the football team is representing our institution whether they realize it or not.

In addition, it has become more and more apparent that if students go pro, a portion has had the mentality that they can do whatever they want.  For example, Pacman Jones, or (dare I say it) Michael Vick, or people who have been involved with excessive violence.  It’s OK, though; they’re professional athletes, right?  People are giving many athletes the impression that they are above the law.  That breaking rules does not matter.  If athletes cannot follow the rules of the NCAA and still are given the right to play their sport, what’s next?  Please know, this is not limited to Ore, or the specific action made by Virginia Tech.  This is a general comment: teams and the NCAA need to come down harder on disobedience.

Academics and professional sports aside, Ore did not perform as well as he did in years past.  He had a strong showing in the Orange Bowl, but he also broke team rules and was benched for the first quarter.  Would his contribution have helped if he had played?  Perhaps,  perhaps not, but it left fans feeling that Tech could have won that game if he had played the first quarter.  Besides, it will be a breath of fresh air to see Kenny Lewis Jr. and Jahre Cheeseman get their chance next season.  These two have been seemingly foaming at the mouth to get their chance to play.  That motivation and opportunity should play in Tech’s favor, as the two backup tailbacks should do well for this team.

Viewers may be upset at the previous mentioned comments.  However, this is not specific to Branden Ore.  I wish him the absolute best.  I hope he does well in whatever he decides to do.  If he decides to go to the NFL, I will root for him, as he was a great athlete at this institution.  This is more of a message to all those involved in collegiate athletics. Institutions should not tolerate consistent disobedience; they have rules for a reason.  In addition, student-athletes should enjoy the sport that they play.  You will never forget the experience that you had in collegiate sports (I know I won’t forget mine), but remember that many of you are receiving a free education.  Feel honored, and take advantage of your unique and special privilege.  If NCAA student athletes are supposed to go pro in something other than sports, take advantage of it!

Part of Planet Blacksburg’s mission is to get students published.  Some our content comes from guest writers and from articles written for class by non-member students.  The views expressed by these “Contributing Writers” are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Planet Blacksburg as an organization.