Which do you choose. Winning or Integrity?

The letter “W” is essential in the world of coaches. Their careers are defined by the letter, but their legacy is defined by the letter “I”.

I have been a LSU Tiger fan since I was 9 years old. I will be 60 on the 30th of this month. I have rooted for the Tigers through the Stoval years, and the “Curly” years. I openly wept back in January 2004 when my beloved Tigers beat Oklahoma and once again four years later when we beat the Bucks. I love the Tigers and I love to see them win. But winning is more than putting more points on the scoreboard. Real winning is doing what is right. Real winning is “Integrity”. Even when it means the “W” s do not come as often. What makes me a true LSU Tiger fan is that I believe in integrity and from everything I have seen, Coach Miles has integrity.

I, like many of you have followed the “incident” of this past week on every “channel” I can find. I listen to Baton Rouge sports call in shows (on line), I watch ESPN , and even Fox. I begin relaying the story to my wife and most of the time she simply rolls her eyes and tells me she is just not that interested.

Coach Miles is very aware that his actions regarding the “incident” will define him as a coach as well as a person. He is very aware of the national perception of both him as well as his team. He will do what is right. His integrity will shine through.

So with that said, here is how I feel “it will go down”.

1. Each member of the “squad” who “violated” curfew will be asked a series of questions. Each member will be aware that should anything they answer be proven to be untruthful, it will be potentially result that they are removed the team.

2. Any player who admits to have participated with the “incident” of last Friday morning will be indefinitely suspended for playing with the team or participation in any practices or drills. This suspension shall go in effect regardless of when or if the BRPD files any charges or not. This suspension shall last minimally through the first game of the year (Oregon); the home opener (Northwestern State); and first conference game (Mississippi State). At the end of that period, one or more of the suspended players may be allowed to "participate" or play depending on Coach Miles discretion. In the event the BRDP were to file any criminal charges against any player (s) on the current LSU squad, that / those player (s) would automatically continue to be suspended or will be suspended (again) and will remain suspended until either the player is judged to be innocent or convicted. If one or more of those “charged” are convicted or “pleads” , that player (s) will automatically removed from the squad and will not be eligible to be reinstated on the team.