UK suspends Pryor for opener

[BOURBON TOWN CAT FAN]

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky defensive tackle Myron Pryor will be suspended for the Wildcats’ season opener Saturday against Eastern Kentucky University.

Rich Brooks announced the one-game suspension – for an unspecified violation of team rules – at his news conference today at Commonwealth Stadium.

Redshirt freshman Ricky Lumpkin will start in Pryor’s place.

“That thins us at a position where we don’t have a lot of experience going into this game,” Brooks said. “It’s good that Ventrell Jenkins will be available for at least spot duty in this game. He will practice most every drill tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday. We’ll see how he holds up.”

Jenkins, returning from shoulder surgery, missed most of preseason camp.

Freshman Shane McCord also could provide depth at defensive tackle, Brooks said.

“Shane McCord is clearly in the rotation,” Brooks said. “He will play this year, and as the season goes along, he could be a significant contributor in the defensive interior.”

Brooks hinted that Pryor’s violation might not have been recent, noting that between the end of last season and the start of this one, there’s “a six- or seven-month period where they have the ability to do something they shouldn’t do.”

Pryor is expected to return for next week’s game against Kent State.

“Maybe just one more reason I’m glad we’re not opening with our normal opener (against the University of Louisville),” Brooks said.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/SPORTS03/70827027

[gerntz]

More PT for Shane.

[RCS]

Well I guess that answers the question about McCord RS. I figured we were to thin to RS him but I was hoping. Interior linemen need RS for the most part.

[BOURBON TOWN CAT FAN]

Well I guess that answers the question about McCord RS. I figured we were to thin to RS him but I was hoping. Interior linemen need RS for the most part.

Especially when the SEC has lineman like this guy
http://cmsimg.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=B2&Date=20070826&Category=COLUMNISTS02&ArtNo=70825030&Ref=AR&MaxW=315&border=0
LSU looms large on the national scene, though maybe not as large as it appeared from these Fan Day shenanigans. That was 5-foot-6, 170-pound running back Trindon Holliday doing chin-ups on 6-7, 371-pound offensive lineman Herman Johnson. (Eliot Kamenitz/AP)

[poodoo]

Dick Gabriel was just discussing and praising Coach Brooks as a disciplinarian on his show. I applaud Coach Brooks for his discipline.

Ironically, I do not read those "Story Chats" at the end of articles and even wish they did not exist. As I had scrolled down to the end of the article, though, I saw Louisville wide receiver Spillman's name immediately below the piece and thus read the comment because of what I had read about Spillman in the CJ a couple of weeks ago. Spillman's trial for having been caught drinking and driving (and admitting to that, but refusing the breath test, as I recall) and having marijuana in his vehicle last January has been "continued" (delayed) three times and will now take place the Friday AFTER the UK/Louisville game. Spillman ranked extremely high in the nation as a punt returner (possibly sixth in the nation, although I'm not positive about that), besides being second on the depth chart at wide receiver. Needless to say, I thus hope Spillman, in particular, does not shine that day. Again, I applaud Coach Brooks' discipline. GO CATS! GO RICH!

[F4F]

Miss Poodoo,
I sent you a private message. Please check it.

[RedandBlackATTACK]

Poo, I wouldn't read too much into Spillman's rescheduled court appointments. The CJ quoted a number of court employees that stated it's not unusual at all in cases such as Spillman's.

Reference, his refusal to consent to a "breathalyzer", the vast majority of attorneys (at least in Ohio) where the law is "implied consent" will advise their clients not to submit to a breath test or the test (blood-urine) requested by the investigating police agency. Many police agencies will permit the individual charged with the opportunity to make a call(s) before submitting to the requested test, possibly Spillman was acting on advise given by his attorney.

I am not to upset about the possession charge, gawd knows I smoked when I was at UL (yea back in the dark age) as did many of the students and in fact a number of athletes as well. I believe most readers - posters would find it incompatible with Jonta Woodards' case, where Woodards' intent was distribution. That and the insignificant matter that ole Woody was attempting to use the US Postal System as a means to further a criminal enterprise.

Now before anyone tar and feathers (:icon_mrgreen:) Red and Black Attack, as I stated in a related thread, I certainly do not condone his actions. The fact that he was involved in an accident would strongly imply that he was impaired. The mere possession of any illegal substance including Mary Jane are a violation of team rules. Possession of alcohol by a team member not yet 21 would be as well, although I find this prohibition simply "pie in the sky" thinking.

Right or Wrong, Good or Bad the UK coaches have little if any discretionary powers when it involves UK athletes that find themselves in similar situations. Personally, I do not like the policy because it removes the coaching staff from a counseling-mentor role. Now after saying that I am not implying that any UK coach would act differently than the policy dictates. We simply do not know because the policy itself removes the coach from the decision making process, again one of the reasons I don't like the policy.

Back to Spillman, the very troubling aspect of this case is that it certainly appears he was in fact driving impaired. If you are going to "party" as the kids say, have the common sense not to get behind the wheel.


Rick
C-Bus

[TrueblueCATfan]

I applaude Coach Brooks for his discipline..other coaches should take note
I am sure Myron learned his lesson....

[RedandBlackATTACK]

"I applaude Coach Brooksf or his discipline..other coaches should take note
I am sure Myron learned his lesson...."


As do I. That being said, Coach Brooks was quoted in the CJ as saying in reference to Myron's suspension, it's a good thing we're not playing UL this week or something long those lines.

The point being that Coach Brooks acknowledges it's an easier call then could have been.

For those that enjoy "real" marching band music as opposed to the garbage the UL band plays way to much, i.e.rock, hip hop etc. Just a note I emailed the UL band director about this, much to my surprise he did NOT email me back.

Thanks to 73 Card at UL Scout:

"A great clip below, The OSU "Band March" which attracts as many or more fans than the "Buck March". The "Band March" is 4 hours before the game and 13,000 fans are waiting in St.Johns to hear them play."

http://ets.osu.edu/tbdbitl/video/skullsessionhigh.mpg (http://ets.osu.edu/tbdbitl/video/skullsessionhigh.mpg)

"Yet another great clip and great tradition. The stadium is packed an hour before the game just to greet the band, listen to crowd noise."

http://ets.osu.edu/tbdbitl/video/ramphigh.mpg (http://ets.osu.edu/tbdbitl/video/ramphigh.mpg)

"And my favorite; listen to crowd (about 30 minutes prior to K/O)"

http://ets.osu.edu/tbdbitl/video/sloopyhigh.mpg (http://ets.osu.edu/tbdbitl/video/sloopyhigh.mpg)

[bleedbluelady]

[quote=RedandBlackATTACK;317267]"I applaude Coach Brooksf or his discipline..other coaches should take note
I am sure Myron learned his lesson...."


As do I. That being said, Coach Brooks was quoted in the CJ as saying in reference to Myron's suspension, it's a good thing we're not playing UL this week or something long those lines.

The point being that Coach Brooks acknowledges it's an easier call then could have been.

I don't think that was what Coach Brooks was acknowledging at all. IMHO, he would have suspended Myron regardless of who we were playing. He's just stating it's a good thing we are facing a "not as tough opponent" during Myron's suspension.

[RedandBlackATTACK]

"I don't think that was what Coach Brooks was acknowledging at all. IMHO, he would have suspended Myron regardless of who we were playing. He's just stating it's a good thing we are facing a "not as tough opponent" during Myron's suspension."

And he very well could have. No argument here. BleedBluLady, I am just saying it made for an easier call on his part. That's all.

Did you listen-watch the best darn band in the land clips?

[bleedbluelady]

"I don't think that was what Coach Brooks was acknowledging at all. IMHO, he would have suspended Myron regardless of who we were playing. He's just stating it's a good thing we are facing a "not as tough opponent" during Myron's suspension."

And he very well could have. No argument here. BleedBluLady, I am just saying it made for an easier call on his part. That's all.

Did you listen-watch the best darn band in the land clips?

We'll have to agree to disagree. Coach Brooks would have made the call without a second guess regardless, IMHO. Would he have been more upset at Myron? The logical answer would be yes. But, after being around Coach Brooks...I doubt it. He expects certain things from his players...period. The decision wouldn't have been harder. The disappointment might have been.

No, I didn't watch anything about the bands.

[RedandBlackATTACK]

"No, I didn't watch anything about the bands."

Now that was a mistake!!! It's worth a look.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll have to agree to disagree. Coach Brooks would have made the call without a second guess regardless, IMHO. Would he have been more upset at Myron? The logical answer would be yes. But, after being around Coach Brooks...I doubt it. He expects certain things from his players...period. The decision wouldn't have been harder. The disappointment might have been.

No, I didn't watch anything about the bands.

I second your statement about coach Brooks bbl.

[RV]

We'll have to agree to disagree. Coach Brooks would have made the call without a second guess regardless, IMHO. Would he have been more upset at Myron? The logical answer would be yes. But, after being around Coach Brooks...I doubt it. He expects certain things from his players...period. The decision wouldn't have been harder. The disappointment might have been.


I agree girl. Ol R&B can't help it if he's been indoctrinated in the alternate universe of their juvie hall nation. He seems like a regular sort - just a little afflicted with the bird flu.

[poodoo]

We'll have to agree to disagree. Coach Brooks would have made the call without a second guess regardless, IMHO. Would he have been more upset at Myron? The logical answer would be yes. But, after being around Coach Brooks...I doubt it. He expects certain things from his players...period. The decision wouldn't have been harder. The disappointment might have been.



Excellently said, bleedbluelady. Too, DITTO to every word. Like you, I feel that way because of actually knowing Coach Brooks, besides listening to others who know him well. As those close to the program say, Coach Brooks is "old school," and winning is obviously not everything to him (including his not pulling Ricky Lumpkin's redshirt year when the defensive line was thin and his own job was on the line). CJ columnist Eric Crawford praised Brooks for winning and "doing it the right way." No one should be questioning Coach Brooks' integrity. If I had to bet one way or the other, I would certainly bet that Coach Brooks would have followed the rules and suspended Myron for the violation of team rules, regardless of WHOM we were playing. Too, how could he keep the respect of his players if he were to do any differently!

Also, Coach Brooks' jab about being thankful that we were playing Louisville the third game, not the first one, was obviously intended for some of the media. Rick Bozich has STILL NOT LET IT GO. His last one and a half columns have been devoted to the scheduling of that game. :thumbdn: :thumbdn: on that.

No, R&B, the situation with Spillman does not remotely match what occurred with Jonta Woodward (and how I still respect your reaction on Smith's handling of that one). HOWEVER, I still see a Louisville football player who was drinking and driving (most serious indeed and would automatically be a YEAR off the field at UK, if I'm not mistaken, which means that Myron's offense was not that particular one and is something that was thus merely left up to the coach's disgression) and also possessed marijuana and has not yet missed a game.

Who knows in regard to the continuances of the trials' coinciding with immediately AFTER the UK game! I myself had also read in the CJ where the district attorney or someone said it was a normal occurrence. Personally, I think it looks a bit suspicious. Yes, I think judges who are fans of a particular school COULD be influenced by such, and that applies to Lexington judges the same. I think it's wrong either way if that occurs. Again, though, no one knows whether or not the date of the UK/Louisville game had anything to do with it (and I'm wondering if anyone else read where Louisville's locker room has prominently displayed the days remaining to the game in Commonwealth and a BEAT UK sign--FUNNY since Louisville has two games to play before that one). Probably not, BUT I simply would not be willing to bet that it did not. :)

All I said was that after having read the article a while back, I had thought to myself that I surely hoped Spillman did not "burn" us that day. I still feel strongly the same, besides loudly applauding Coach Brooks as a disciplinarian.

You already know that I respect you as a person and poster, R&B. Too, there is no doubt how your Cards have been repeatedly beaten us on the field. Also, I think you had an outstanding team last season and will have the same this year. At the same time I think that you can surely see (if any red-colored glasses are removed :big_grin:) that UK, through the years, certainly comes out ahead in suspending players for offenses AND in having fewer players of questionable character (and I don't mean that in regard to Spillman, but in regard to taking some players other teams have refused to take because of criminal behavior, including Willie Williams, who had been arrested ONLY ELEVEN times before Miami had recruited him). Yes, there are some FINE human beings on BOTH teams (and how I admired Michael Bush and admire Hunter Cantwell, for example). UK surely wins overall in the area of discipline, though, although no score is kept in that category, of course, as we ALL know.

As Eric Crawford said, Coach Brooks is winning now and "doing it the right way." Now may Coach Brooks just CONTINUE to win. :)

P.S. Yes, I thought back to this post from last night while reading the threads about Steve Johnson today. I still think Coach Brooks does what he feels is the "right thing to do," period, though. I surely hope I am right about that. GO CATS! GO RICH!