Les Miles On Dismissing Tyrann Mathieu: "One Of The Worst Things I’ve Ever Done"

It was "One Of The Worst Things I’ve Ever Done" does not need any moralistic interpretation from privileged hypocrites who say it turned his life around. Mathieu got a hand up from Arians, who had a troubled youth, PP7, and the Peterson family. It was an anguished Miles who could hung his head at that press conference. Alleva bagged Perilloux and Mathieu, the 2 MVPs of the 2 SEC Championships. Without those no NC games, to all of which Miles owes his wealth. LSU owes athletes from broken families their full support not ruining their lives over a difference in culture. Nothing good comes of that. He almost committed suicide. Mathieu brought in over 50 million dollars in 2011 in just TV revenue, averaging $18,000 per second he was on the screen and earning LSU prime TV spots, also boosting recruiting, ticket, and memorabilia sales. His dismissal cost him and the school a fortune, probable Heisman, 1st round top 10 riches, endorsements, and a possible NC in 2012. It also correlated to a mass exodus of 21 players as early NFL draftees.

Les Miles is probably the biggest reason TM7 hasnt turned out like Johnny Manziel. Johnny needed somebody to tell him "no" but never got it.

I bet that baw is still smoking, I am

Les' dismissal is partly the reason he turned out ok. He got the wake up call.

It might have been "one of the worst things I've ever done" per Les, but hindsight is 20/20 and that disciplinary action might have been the best thing that ever happened for HB. From that point forward in his life HB learned that the world was much bigger than just him. He reached out and got the help he needed...not just in the areas in which he was disciplined, but also spiritual and psychological with PP and his family. HB needed that rock...PP and his family gave him that rock. I hope PP and PP's family can always be in HB's life giving him that support he needs.

A reminder of where Tyrann was when les had to dismiss him. Rips my heart out. Really happy for him. Such a great example for other players in all sports that struggle breaking loose of their past and not letting it define them. That ain't easy to do which makes him all the more amazing. Now I just pray for all his NFL seasons to be injury free. LINK

Les says having to dismiss Tyrann from the program was "one of the worst things I've ever done" I feel like he was mean it was one of the worst things he had to do.

Agree with km. Releasing Tyrann was the best thing that Les has done. It served as an opportunity for Tyrann to appreciate very important learning moments of being a human- suffering consequences, having perseverance and employing an understanding the importance of planning for the future while delaying immediate gain. No Les, you're wrong. Sticking to principles is rarely a bad thing. Saban, on the other hand, would rather blame the police. No need for consequences.

In hindsight, releasing HB from the team was probably the best thing that could have happened. It was the impetus that changed HB's life for the best.

Honey Badger don't care what Les Miles says! OK I am just joking. He really does in this case. Les loves his players and tried to give Tyrann many opportunities to straighten out. All things happen for a reason and I think Tyrann has learned with the support of Patrick Peterson and his family. I hope Tyrann continues his path to greatness and knows to put some of that money away.

I think its fitting that not only was Tyrann arguably the greatest game changing player in LSU history, but he also has exhibited so of the best life changing behavior too. Family problems, personal problems, and injury problems, he has fought through adversity that has beaten bigger and stronger men.

The absolute best game changing player I ever witnessed in person that has played for LSU. I admire Les for doing what he had to do, as it is a team sport and NO ONE is above the team. Les had to do it as he had to do it to Perriloux also. It's on the players.

While he was seriously missed in tiger stadium, being dismissed probably pushed him to clean up his life and become what he is today...

If he was never dismissed he wouldn't have developed the character that has turned him into the best safety in the league.

If he was never dismissed he wouldn't have developed the character that has turned him into the best safety in the league.

Tyrann should have dismissed Les!

What a great story. Always fun to watch and be a fan of. Zona fans are lucky to be spoiled with LSU talent.

The everything happens for a reason fits perfectly in this case.