The World According to Oatney

Latest on the Palmetto State field brawl

Well, punishment has officially been doled out in that game-ending brawl involving the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Both schools have voluntarily agreed that they will not accept bids to a post season bowl game.

While some may think the punishment a bit too harsh, I think it is a wonderful idea. Players who engage in such unsportsman-like behavior need to be reminded that their are consequences of the actions they take. Suspension is not a hefty enough penalty, all that means is that the players in question may be lazy for a week or a few. Taking a bowl game away from players removes the one thing many of them most look forward to. During a bowl trip, players often get to visit tourist sites, go to theme parks, even meet women in some cases. If the bowl game, the opportunity the players often look to all year, is removed from them as punishment for bad sportsmanship or even rotten play, perhaps they will learn the hard way that if you "do the crime" you will "do the time."

Good for Clemson and SC...I can only wish other schools whose players so embarrass them would consider taking similar actions.

posted by Deacon David Oatney @ 12:50 PM