Clemson wronged McElrathbey, should have released Vincent

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, March 10, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Clemson Tigers
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The Big Stink out in Clemson is the recent release of running back Ray Ray McElrathbey, as Tiger head coach Tommy Bowden chose not to renew the Atlanta native's scholarship for the 2008-09 school year.

McElrathbey came to fame in 2006 when it hit the media that the university denied him the opportunity to acquire additional financial help to raise his younger brother, Fahmarr, of whom he had custody. The McElrathbey brothers had struggled financially because of their mother's drug addiction and their father's gambling problem. Once the news became public, the university and ACC mysteriously found a way to allow McElrathbey additional financial help. Damage control at its finest.

But what was the feel-good story of 2006 has recently turned malodorous among many fans.

After sifting through quote after quote, it has become crystal clear that the only reason Bowden released McElrathbey was to open up a scholarship. Talk about loyalty. He was told Saturday, the first day of spring practice. Talk about timing.

But what makes zero sense is, in light of linebacker Cortney Vincent's troubles, why Ray Ray?

Vincent, an upcoming senior, has an unresolved DUI from December of last year, and now is suspended indefinitely due to a violation of team rules. Although a very good linebacker, Vincent has appeared to become more and more of a problem so much that the very displeased Bowden talked of a "possible dismissal after spring." Since that is the case, why not kill two birds with one stone and revoke Vincent's scholarship given his situation is clearly worsening?

Not that I outright want Vincent gone; everybody makes mistakes. But if Bowden needed to release someone, why not him?

Unless Bowden is planning on opening up a second scholarship.

Now that the stink is in the noses of the general public, we discover today that Clemson has offered McElrathbey a graduate assistantship with the athletic department where he will receive help with tuition and books. More damage control.

Which all could have been avoided if Vincent was tabbed the one to fall.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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