In all seriousness, after The Beast’s recent post on the impact of true freshmen (versus being redshirted) and my comments on Bryce Brown transferring (as well as the disservice the Brown family has done both their coddled sons), this latest deleted scene is perfect from a timing standpoint.
In the clip below, the great Melvin Bratton expresses his disappointment with Howard Schellenberger redshirting him for the 1983 season. Bratton talks about how he was part of a class with guys like Alonzo Highsmith, Jerome Brown, Winston Moss, etc. – all guys Bratton felt “couldn’t hold a stick” to him.
Bratton played in a high school system where he didn’t know how to pick up blitzes, which brought on the shirt. He called his mother (after practice) and told her to inform Pittsburgh coaches that he was packing his bags and heading north. The thought of riding the pine wasn’t part of his game plan.
To mama’s credit, she informed Melvin that he wasn’t quitting and he wasn’t going anywhere. He made a commitment to the University of Miami and he had to honor the choice he made.
Bratton felt he was mentally ready, but in hindsight realizes he wasn’t strong enough and now credit’s Schnellenberger for doing the best thing for him as a young man.
Hardly the way the recruiting game and redshirting works out these days, eh? The Brown Brothers. Robert Marve. You name it, kids don’t want to ride the pine (even if it’s in their best interest) and even worse, the sports-minded parents who think they’re helping their coddled child, instead of teaching a harsh lesson about manning up and staying true to their word.
Simply put, we need more parents like Melvin’s mama.
Check the vid below and make sure to order “The U” on DVD. We’re currently taking preorders and are offering FREE SHIPPING between now and 8/15. Click here for news on our DVD launch party on Monday August 16th with the Rakontur guys!
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