Thursday: Greetings from New Orleans (Update: Tech kicker sent home)
I look glumly at the conveyer belt in New Orleans upon which my bag never came.
HELLO FROM THE BIG EASY, WHERE THERE ARE NO HIJINKS TO REPORT YET but stay tuned. Hokies and Wolverines both practice today, and Andy and I will be filing stuff daily in advance of next week’s Sugar Bowl. Be sure to keep an eye on Andy’s blog throughout the next few days.
-Speaking of which, Andy reports that Cody Journell has been released from jail after making bond. Backup kicker Tyler Weiss is expected to be available to the media today, so we’ll try to get you a feel for his mindset.
-Doughty texted me from Atlanta saying there was a “big platter of nuggets, brownies, wings, etc. in hospitality room.” So he should be fully fueled to start giving you daily Chick-fil-A stories on UVa-Auburn today.
-Tough day for the Bowl Guide yesterday, which drops to 6-6 against the spread with an 0-2 performance. Toledo minus-3 was something of a bad beat if you saw that finish, but nobody likes a whiner. We’ll get back on the horse today with Florida State -3 over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl (5:30 p.m., ESPN) and Baylor -9 over Washington in the Alamo Bowl (9 p.m., ESPN).
READER COMMENT O’ THE DAY
-Again, great job by all yesterday. Let’s go with Garry Zettersten:
This whole thing in Blacksburg gets curioser and curioser. Visualize this please: 3 guys break into your house and one points a gun at you. Why? You stole their pot. After they leave, you go out looking for them and beat them up. Honest?
OK, so where did the gun go? Are you really going to chase a guy with a gun if you don’t have one? Or a bigger one? Or more of them?
Somehow the police get involved. Still not clear in my mind how that happened. I have never heard of a guy calling the cops to report a break-in where the headline comment was “They said I stole their dope” (talk about confirming George Carlin’s sense of humor).
The AD says “I don’t know nuttin’ ’bout nuttin’ ‘cepptin da heat laid charges on my boy Cody so I sat his butt down”. And oh yea “Go ask Seth”.
I am OK with sitting Cody, Bowl Game be damned. I really would prefer to have Cody miss the game and have it prove to be unjust than let a felon play (assuming their is a conviction or plea bargin).
I am OK with Hudson playing ball as no charges are filed and if we sat every athlete who got in an altercation of some kind there would be no sports.
Now lets see a show of hands for all those who think universities, alcohol, guns and drugs all belong in co-habitation.
Clearly Carlin was right when his response to the question “What do you think of the dope problem?” was “We have too many dopes”.
Geez. And the AD is their leader? C’mon man……
NAME THAT TUNE
Well in the town where I was raised,
The clock ticked and the cattle grazed
Time passed with amazing grace,
[title of song]
Miscount all the beers you drank...
You can lie on a river bank,
Paint your name on a water tank
Miscount all the beers you drank,
[title of song]
December 29, 2011 - 8:44 AM
Travelin` thru the South means maybe there won`t be to much grunge this week Kenny Chesney- “My Hometown” The Animals had one that comes to mind too. Innocent `till proven guilty, baby. Maybe Cody can take a bus to New Orleans.
Ralph nails the artist. The title, however, is a little off.
Aaron, great start to the trip if you got there and your luggage didn’t. Hope it showed up sooner than later.
Today’s bowl games should go according to predictions. Florida St. has something to prove and RG3 will prove once again why he won the Heisman.
Looking forward to bowl stories from Atlanta and Nawlins. Doug’s not the only one eatin’ good. The Times-Dispatch had a story this morning about UVA winning a food eating contest as part of the team activities at Chick-fil-A. Apparently they set a new record. Maybe its a sign of good things to come.
That would be ‘Back Where I Come From?’
Garry’s forgetting one thing from the story. The gun in question, per Andy’s story, was an air-pressure-powered Airsoft handgun. For those unfamiliar with the Airsoft handguns, here’s what Wikipedia has to say about them:
Airsoft guns are a subclass of BB guns, which are usually considerably lower energy and possess far less damage potential to humans and property (though they are subject to similar safety issues). Airsoft guns were developed for several reasons, one of which was to create a safer method of indoor target shooting. Most early Airsoft guns were single action (single pull of the slide, single shot) type that came with “sticky targets” where the plastic bb stuck to the target long enough to determine the accuracy of the shot, then slid down into a catch tray as later shots hit the target. This also facilitated easy reuse of the plastic bb’s as they were originally not as easy to find. Airsoft guns were then quickly adopted into paintball type sports as they hurt less than a paintball, and don’t make a smelly mess. Airsoft guns are also available in far more shapes, sizes, and models than paintball. Proper safety gear including a full face mask are usually required when engaging in Airsoft shooting sports.
That’s right – a pellet gun, and more likely a paintball gun, was used in this situation. Sure, it’ll hurt to get shot by it, but at worst you’ll put someone’s eye out! It’s not like we’re talking about a .45 or a Saturday Night Special here. So, if I had three young men attempt to rob me using a paintball gun, I would absolutely chase them down and kick their collective butts before dragging them to the police. I realize that my hypothetical situation is not what happened here, but I still don’t blame Hudson and his roommate for going after them. A man’s home is his castle, after all, and you should defend it as such.
Now, does using a paintball gun excuse these three for being idiots? God, no, it doesn’t. If anything, they’re even bigger idiots for using a paintball gun. Who in the world is stupid enough to invade someone’s home for money owed, especially over drugs, to begin with? And then to do it with a FREAKIN’ PAINTBALL GUN? These three are lucky that they went after someone who apparently didn’t have a real firearm else they’d all be up for the Darwin award for 2011. As it is, this should make John Boy and Billy’s “Dumb Crook News”.
Now, with that bit of information, the weapon charge should be reduced but the rest of the situation? Let the police finish their investigation and the courts decide what should be appropriate. My gut tells me they’ll likely serve a suspended jail sentence with credit for time already served, get hit with probation – likely a few months, and possibly a hundred hours or so of community service. Unless, of course, any of them have been in trouble with the law before.
Situations like this are why multi-year scholarships are a mistake without some major out-clauses. Yeah, 18-22 year old men make mistakes and do dumb things like this and maybe this will be a one time incident that Cody will learn from and (hopefully) be a better person for in the end, but some are genuinely bad eggs such as Marcus Vick. Could you imagine the nightmare facing Virginia Tech if Marcus had a multi-year scholarship? And, no, I don’t think Cody’s scholarship should be pulled until the courts have had their say. The more severe the punishment from the courts, the more severe his punishment should be from Virginia Tech.
Janet scores.
Have fun in the Big Easy!
I split the games yesterday to move to 7-5, which I’ll take considering the start.
And the lack of baggage coming down the conveyor is precisely why when I flew last, I either shoved it all in a couple carry-on bags, or just made a Walmart run once I arrived for what wasn’t absolutely critical to take from home. I just flat don’t trust checking my luggage. Not that i have fancy or nice stuff, mind you. But it is my stuff, and I prefer making sure it stays that way instead of winding up on some random dude walking Bourbon Street looking up at the balconies.
Donald, loved the John Boy and Billy reference. Mad Max would definately have something to say about this. I agree that the fate of Journell’s scholorship should not decided until the courts have had their say. However, I think no matter the outcome, Journell should seriously consider a transfer to another proram and get a fresh start somewhere else.
2012 prediction…this Hudson episode will be Greenberg’s undoing. I can’t imagine this team being very successful with this baggage following them everywhere they go, whether he’s charged or not. Can you imagine Cameron and all the water pistols or posters of Air Guns they’ll have in the stands there? You’re better off losing a player rather than an entire team and season.
Oh, man, the luggage didn’t make it? That stinks. Some low life in the back probably took it – welcome to the Big Easy – the home of the con. Some dude is running around on Bourbon Street wearing A-Mac underwear right about now.
I’m a bit jealous of Doughty. Our tailgates always involve a big platter of Chick-fil-a nuggets, with ever dipping sauce available. Always the first thing to go, despite many other home prepared items that are better. He’s in heaven, an unlimited supply. Wow.
Gotta disagree with my fellow Rick, this isn’t Greenberg’s issue, it is Weaver’s. The hierarchy is this – the CAP (the University policy) – the AD (who administers it) – the Coach (who has to deal with it).
Besides, Seth really hasn’t had any other issues that could lead to his “undoing.” People that think that way, are simply Greenberg haters. He has done things just fine, despite unrealistic expectations of some that don’t know any better.
I don’t give a crap what the Dungeon and Dragon Dorkies do when we show up. If they really wanted to drive their point home, they’d all vomit in the stands, except that is so far past history none of them even would know about it.
I would just like to ask Donald which constitutional rights he thinks college students should have and which ones they shouldn’t have and how he decides between the 2.
I agree with Ralph. The way Weaver interprets things Journell being release must mean he is innocent so get his but on the next plane to New Orleans.
All of them provided they haven’t had those rights previously taken away for things like being a convicted felon, though I honestly think the 26th amendment should be repealed and the voting age should be moved to 25 at a minimum, with an exception made for those in the military (active and reserve). Why? I didn’t deny them any rights. I never denied their right to bare arms or their right to due process with my statements. If anything, I enforced it by saying
a. “the weapon charge should be reduced” based on the the information that they used an airgun and not an actual firearm.
b. “Let the police finish their investigation and the courts decide what should be appropriate” – due process
c. “no, I don’t think Cody’s scholarship should be pulled until the courts have had their say. The more severe the punishment from the courts, the more severe his punishment should be from Virginia Tech” – again, due process. I’m not even advocating it be pulled, but that the punishment from Virginia Tech should be as severe as the punishment he receives, if any, from the courts.
So, please, tell me which of these 27 amendments I denied these young men.
1st Amendment – not applicable because I’m not Congress
2nd Amendment – never said he couldn’t keep and bare arms
3rd Amendment – not applicable
4th Amendment – I never advocated an illegal search and seizure or a warrant without probable cause
5th Amendment – No imminent domain, they were held with probable cause and released on bond, not subject to double jeopardy, did not imply he should self-incriminate, and I didn’t advocate denial of due process
6th Amendment – didn’t say anything that would deny him a speedy trial by an impartial jury of his peers, that he shouldn’t be confronted with witnesses against him, that he should be denied witnesses in his favor, or that he shouldn’t have legal counsel
7th Amendment – didn’t deny him a trial by jury or the ability to appeal
8th Amendment – didn’t advocate excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment
9th Amendment – didn’t infringe upon, or deny him, his unenumerated rights
10th through 27th amendments – don’t apply
Thanks, Janet. got that confused with Montomery Gentry, I guess. Bags fly anywhere free, right Aaron
Donald, not to nitpick, but it’s bear, not bare. Original Greg, as much as I hate not having a proven place kicker in Nawlins, there is absolutely no way Cody should be there. Even if he gets out of this predicament, sending him to NO would just prove that our priorities are way out of kilter. I’m hoping his spending several days in jail over Christmas, missing the Sugar Bowl, letting down his family, friends, teammates, school, hometown, on and on, will straighten this kid out. Here’s hoping he is able to learn from this experience, grow up, and become a better man, one we can all respect, whether in a Hokie uniform or not.
OK Bob H, balls in your court. Unless you have a research staff of about 20, you’d better move on.
Bob H. Any more questions The Donald?
Just for the sake of clarity, here is an image of some “airsoft” guns… http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR9_xLsxCPNpP4NNFbvq0uddYjigPGrl0wLmZcZhoDLax62fa3w … pretty realistic huh? There have been many incidents in the past where people have been injured or even killed for brandishing toy guns far less realistic than these. Personally I don’t minimize the seriousness of the weapons charges in my mind since I can see scenarios where someone could have easily ended up dead here rather than just getting their butts whooped. The Domino’s 3 got off pretty easy on that count.
Addendum… from what I have read, the gun in question was an airsoft handgun… here are more images.. http://armyoftwoairsoft.webs.com/pistols.htm
Nah, Bob doesn’t need a research staff of 20 or more. Nor does he need a lot of free time. People think I have a ton of free time – and some days I do, but sometimes I grab this stuff and post it while on my lunch break like the Auburn post of a few days ago. Other times while I’m waiting for an application to finish (un/re)installing or for a P.C. to finish rebooting to see if the fix worked. The motto of I.T., sometimes, is HUAW – hurry up and wait.
I will admit, in re-reading my statements, that saying “And, no, I don’t think Cody’s scholarship should be pulled until the courts have had their say” can be construed as advocating the scholarship be pulled after the court rules, whether he is found not guilty or not; that’s because English was never a strong subject for me and I do have a tendency to improperly phrase what I’m trying to say. I want to see all of the evidence and what the court rules first, then I’ll form my own opinion of whether his ‘free ride’ should end or if Virginia Tech’s punishment beyond suspension, if any and if warranted, is appropriate or of more or less should be done.
Just heard on the Sean Bielawski show – kicker Tyler Weiss missed curfew last night and has been sent home on a buss. Justin Myer will now handle all of the kicking duties for the Sugar Bowl.
Bus, not buss. Man, I’m a spelling error mess today.
I’m not reading through all of these posts, or trying to rationalize any logic, or lack thereof in any of them, but from what I can see, one thing I favor is not necessarily pulling Journell’s scholarship, but a semester suspension of it is certainly appropriate.
As a Hokie Club donor, I sure don’t want my funds going to support him being in school, not until he has had his due process. Ma and Pa Journell can kick in for a semester, at least, if they want to keep him in school and potentially eligible to retain said scholarship, but I sure as hell don’t want my money paying for it. I don’t have to follow due process to donate.
Donald said he wanted a show of hands who believe universities and guns should be in cohabitation. I take that to mean that he feels they should not be in cohabitation.
Given he feels that way and the 2nd amendment of the constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms (not bare arms, as clearly it is constitutional to bare your arms, legs, etc. at a college campus) I am curious what other constitutionally protected rights he feels should be denied young adults only because they attend a university.
I didn’t see an answer to the question I asked. Unless you take the response “all of them” seriously, which I don’t.
Someone tried to question “THE DONALD”. That makes my day. Its not often that I read a blog comment section and immediately go — “That’s not going to go well, at all.” Next time my wife starts giving me the ole what for, I will give you a call Donald. I need to win one of those arguments in this lifetime.
It’s like I said over on the Andy Bitter side. You have a QB who can pick up 10 yards on a QB sneak, just go for it on 4th down in every red zone situation, and go for two on every extra point attempt. No kicker, no problem!
(crap, posted this on the wrong blog to begin with . . . this has post o’ the day slathered all over it)
So, where is Tyler now? My guess is somewhere between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, with no chance of stopping off at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa for dinner . . . . so sad!
When did I ever say that universities and guns should not be in cohabitation? Please show me, Bob, because when the April 16th shooting happened AND when the shooting earlier this month occurred, I was very much in favor of an armed student body. Before it was known that the second ‘victim’ was, in fact, the shooter, I said pretty plainly that only two people would be dead, at most, if it weren’t for the stupidity of a gun free zone – one of which would have been the perpetrator.
And I did answer your question. If you want me to give you more than a three word answer, I will. Though I disagree with the 26th amendment setting the voting age to 18 and feel it should be 25 for anyone who is not a current or former member of the United States military (active duty or reserves), I believe that college students are protected fully under the Constitution of the United States of America unless they have performed an act that would have such protections revoked – such as convicted felons being disallowed from voting and owning firearms.
And, Jesus Christ, I used bare instead of bear. Cut me some slack. I’m human and I make typing mistakes.
Donald,
Explain your statement then: “Now lets see a show of hands for all those who think universities, alcohol, guns and drugs all belong in co-habitation.”
If you mean that to state that you are “pro” guns at universities then that is a very odd way to state your support.
Which is it Donald, are you for or against students at universities being armed?
Hokies #1 is sent home, and that’s the back-up kicker. Talk about getting “Weiss”er after the “Greyhound 6″ fiasco of yesteryear. The question now is, who’s next to board the lonely ride back home? I’m so glad I opted to stay near my woodstove. Ah, that’s the life.
First ” idiot ” sent home, how many more will follow ? I say Over/under is 3 !!
Aaron, make sure you have a Samuel Jackson beer while your down there!
Bob H.
I just Google searched that comment. I didn’t say it – Garry Zettersten did. It’s comment number 19 on yesterday’s blog. In fact, to quote today’s pick for reader comment of the day…
“-Again, great job by all yesterday. Let’s go with Garry Zettersten:”
“Now lets see a show of hands for all those who think universities, alcohol, guns and drugs all belong in co-habitation”
So I never said it, and am fully in favor of an armed student body – provided those armed have met all necessary qualifications for carrying a firearm. After all, we don’t want people who don’t respect guns or have other issues carrying them around. In my opinion, anyone who has a concealed carry permit should be allowed to carry their weapon on Virginia Tech’s campus.
Apology accepted, Captain Needa.
I am shocked that Aaron used my whole posting today, including my mis-type of the word “their” rather than “there”. I make typing errors as well.
I don’t know why you are picking on Donald (Bob H) I am the one who does not believe students should be allowed to possess firearms on campus. As a resident of the soverign, gun loving state of Texas (and holder of a concealed carry license issued in that state) I believe that our Bill of Rights is not an absolute. I believe that your right to free speech does not permit you to yell “fire” in a crowded theater. I believe that your right to move your hand ends as a form of self-expression at the tip of my nose.
My soverign and gun loving state has chosen to forbid the carrying of otherwise legal firearms in some public locations. Among these are the campuses of schools of all levels. Another location is any establishment offering food or drink that makes 51% of its gross income from the sale of alcohol.
If this soverign and gun loving state can see fit to restrict guns under these two conditions it seems reasonable to me to suggest that schools, guns and alcohol do not mix.
I have no big problem with air pistols, except if one is pointed at me (the object they propel can really hurt). I did not read (or do not remember reading) that the gun in question was this type. I haven’t thought long or hard about it but I don’t believe this circumstance changes my basic view. Things that release projectiles at high speeds, kids and alcohol are a bad combination. Just like driving cars, boats or planes combined with alcohol are bad combinations.
Hope Coach brought a soccer player or two to New Orleans with him. If one of the substitute kickers was the lunter who knocked one into the stands for a total forward distance of 9 yards – well – hard to say but I don’t think it will be good. I do not hold misses over 45 yards against any kicker.
Go Hokies! Beat Big Blue!
I meant to type “punter” not “lunter”
Oh for the love of…
Bob H – the comment that has you so up in arms, bare or otherwise, was not made by the Donald. It was in the Reader comment of the Day by Garry Z. If you guys are going to call people out, at least get the names right! It also states “Universities, ALCOHOL, guns, and DRUGS” (emphasis mine). You can take that as an affront to the second amendment or simply as a comment that drunk or stoned 18-22 year old guys who are armed can do some really stupid things.
Sorry Garry – your post hadn’t shown up before mine.
Donald,
I couldn’t tell from the above that you were quoting someone else. I don’t much like the idea of armed students but I like even less them being totally defenseless and their 2nd amendment rights being trampled on.
I am glad we agree on that and my public apology to you on that.
I think VT’s future bowl games need to have the stipulation that they occur with 2 weeks of season’s end! (TIC)
Dan @26. Maybe we can call that Beamer Ball 2, Original Ralph
Tech has just ordered a kickers shoe for Coale. Frank’s going deep on this one. This doesn’t bode well for the IQ of kickers,
What is wrong with this Virginia Tech team? Can’t they ever get their act together? They are already a national embarrassment and they haven’t even played in the Sugar Bowl yet. They need a house cleaning from the top down. They are going to be an absolute laughing stock of NCAA football.
Maybe Frank Beamer need to dress up one of the Cheerleaders and give them a try?
I’m just saying.
Kickers getting their kicks ? Just asking.