Reporters were warned by Bielema not to ask questions about Ikegwuonu's off-field problems. He has a hearing set for Aug. 24 in Sycamore, Ill., to deal with a motion filed by his attorney to suppress statements made by Ikegwuonu to police, on the grounds he was not read his Miranda rights.
Bielema told Ikegwuonu to answer "no comment," to a first question about his case, then walk away if there was a second question.
From the Journal-Sentinel:
Before Ikegwuonu was made available to reporters Wednesday, Bielema made it clear neither the players nor coaches would answer questions about the case.
Hey Coach, the case is something we want to know about. We want to make sure that our team and our school's reputation aren't being sold out because a kid is both a criminal and a shutdown corner. We want to be reassured that the ability to run down Darren McFadden from behind doesn't become a Get Out of Jail Free card.
And secrecy isn't helping that.
The five major disciplinary problems that have arisen in the Bielema era have combined for a combined loss of five downs of football for those involved. All those missed downs came against Bowling Green. Are we truly becoming, as my brother-in-law put it, Miami North?
2 comments:
Ummm.... no.
Here's what I predict is going to happen. The charges against Ikegwuonu are going to be dropped after he wins a suppression hearing. He and his brother are good students. I'm almost positive this was some big misunderstanding.
Lance will enter some first offender program, complete a bunch of counseling and community service, and his charges will also be dropped.
Compare this to Florida's offseason. I think they've had three or four people arrested for things like DUIs and bar fights.
Didn't Coach Bielema kick Booker Stanley off the team as one of his first orders of business when he became HC? That's a hell of a lot more than five downs.
If Jack I.'s case is still up in the air, then I can understand why he shouldn't talk about it. If it was settled, then it would be fair game.
Miami North? Please. Let's not get hysterical.
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