Tommy Bowden hates happy endings

S

South Austin

2,500+ Posts
After being inspired by the story of Ray Ray McErathbey's sacrifice to provide a home for his little brother while at Clemson, I'm disappointed in Tommy Bowden's decision to pull his scholarship.

I'm glad the national media is picking up this story.

Link
 
Unbelievable.
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Here's to hoping he can transfer to another school and that everything will work out best for the both of them.

Again...thank God for Mack Brown.
 
This will backfire bigtime.

Every kid Clemson will recruit is going to hear, "If Coach Bowden is willing to drop Ray Ray McElrathbey like a bad habit, what's he going to do to you if you hit a bump?"
 
I'm not defending Bowden, but there is more to the story than that article conveys.

Ray Ray has reportedly had issues with the coaching staff and a history of missing team meetings and other functions.

He is also due to graduate this summer, so losing the scholarship is not as tragic as it may seem. Clemson has offered him a graduate assistant position and financial aid if he chooses to remain and pursue a second degree.
 
Wow, what a heartless man Tommy Bowden has proved himself to be. I understand that some players get lost in the depth chart - it's happened here many times. However, a coach has to know that some scholarships you honor regardless of contribution on the field, because some contributions are bigger than just football.

Clemson should be ashamed. I would never want my son to play for a man like Bowden.
 
No kidding. But we pretend that college football is about the student athlete, playing with honor and the fans. It is about money, donors and contributions when it all shakes out.

But even then, this just sucks and I hope that it falls back on them in a big way.
 
Clemson has done PLENTY for Ray Ray and his bro. Bowden is not in the wrong here... the kid is graduating, his brother has over $100,000 in a trust fund set up for him, the assistant coaches families all helped taking care of his little brother and he was offered a GA position. Tommy is taking the high road and not airing out Ray Ray's problems with the teams to the media.
 
I don't see what the problem with what Bowden did.

I mean I do it all the time when I play NCAA. Sometimes I have to be a cold and calculating figure when I cut players deep on the depth chart to make room for highly touted recruits I just brought in. It's a heartless affair, but I sleep comfortably convincing myself those players are just computer programmed codes.
 
I like how player scholarships are on a year to year basis when it benefits the school. When a school doesn't need a player anymore, he's gone. However, if said player wants to transfer after a coach leaves, well hell, the man puts it to him.

If a player has to honor a 4/5 year committment to a school, the school should honor their end of the bargain.
 
Ray Ray is graduating this summer. You would think as a college graduate he would be able to support himself and his brother, especially with the $100,000 trust fund.

He becomes a charity case if he continues to accept a football scholarship without any expectation of helping the team. To Auburn it would be like being put on probation and losing a scholarship. I'll bet Bowden has someone he would like to give that 'ship to who will actually help his team.
 
just like schools honor the multi-year contracts for coaches, or vice versa? and most schools will let kids transfer upon request rather than say no and have them be unhappy and lower the morale of the rest of the team. if the kid was able to get a free degree and his brother gets a decent trust fund from the coaches/students/alumni, it seems like he has made out ok.
 
Okay, I also was hoping for an update on other Tommy Bowden familial goings on. I kept up with the Bowdens for several months couple seasons ago.

I have to say, this thread did a complete 180 on my excitement level.
 
Mack should give him a scholly. Don't know if he could contribute on the field, but the example he could set for some of our players (anyone for that matter) is tremendous. Ray Ray and his brother epitomize courage, resilience, and love. All are necessary in life and on the football field. Ray Ray is an example of just how powerful those traits can be and what they can do.

Give him a scholly, Mack. Good for Ray Ray & Fahmarr. Good for the team. Good for UT.
 
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