McKinner Dixon Suspended: We've Been Here Before
by Seth C on Apr 14, 2009 6:28 AM CDT
in Texas Tech Football
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According to LAJ's Don Williams' Red Raiders Football Notebook, senior defensive end McKinner Dixon has been suspended indefinitely. I'll let Captain Mike Leach take it from here:
Texas Tech coach Mike Leach said he suspended defensive end McKinner Dixon indefinitely on Monday for not taking care of his schoolwork responsibilities.Asked how likely it is that Dixon will be with the team next season, Leach said, "I don’t think it’s very high.’’
Snip
"We’ve got 130 people out there,’’ Leach said. "I’m getting sick and tired of wasting time on a handful of people who can’t do what they’re told. It’s like the 95-5 (idea): You spend 95 percent of your time on 5 percent of your players. Baloney. I’m not doing that.’’
We've been here before, haven't we McKinner?
After Brandon Williams declared for the NFL Draft, we all did some hand-wringing about who would step-up in his place. With Dixon's imminent departure, I think Rajon Henley's move to defensive end become permanent, while you should expect to see a steady diet of Brandon Sharpe, Daniel Howard, and Brandon Sesay all taking turns at defensive end. The wildcard in all of this is DE Ryan Haliburton, who I can only hope is making some progress. Of course this turns into a much more difficult situation if one of the the following three cannot contribute immediately: Chris Perry, Myles Wade and Pearlie Graves. And the move a couple of weeks ago to send linebacker Victor Hunter to defensive tackle all makes a little more sense.
As you can probably imagine, this pretty much neuters any sort of big-time pass-rush experience that the Red Raiders had going into the season and now this will be left the guys who want to play football.
If I had to guess, this is how I see the depth chart if the season were to start today, although I think that the only sure starters are Henley and Whitlock, the rest is up for grabs:
- DE: Rajon Henley and Daniel Howard
- NT: Colby Whitlock, Victor Hunter and Chris Perry
- DT: Richard Jones, Britton Barbee and Myles Wade
- DE: Brandon Sharpe and Brandon Sesay
But back to Dixon, it's unfortunate that he's been given so many opportunities and he seems to have pissed them away, mostly because he can't keep his head in the books. I hope that Dixon can figure it out, but I'm not betting on it.
Not really having to read between the lines, Leach seems pretty tired of Dixon's act and you may question some of what Leach does as a coach, but it really seems to be a guy that puts academics first.
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This is a tough one to overcome
Dixon was a viable contender to make All Big-12 this year, but he has continually, for years, been a classroom hazard. I agree completely with the Cap’n. He cannot allow this to always be an issue when he has plenty of other players who do take care of their classwork. Dixon has managed to derail an great opportunity to have an outstanding year to draw some attention from the professional ranks. I seriously doubt any pro team will keep him on their list now. He obviously does not have the makings of greatness over the long run. His time is over. Onward and upward…….McKinner who????
TTpilk
Man that hurts
our two best DE’s gone just like that. The perils of having a coach who genuinely considers academics to be important, I guess.
What a fool
Dixon has become. The opportunity to play for a team that went 11-1 season and a good chance of making some noise again this season. What a waste of talent. I have to go with Leach on this one as we don’t need any half ass players hitting the field this season. Academics does play a part in a players work ethic and character.
It is easy to talk about the importance of academics when you’re penalizing the 5th string walk-ons, but Mike Leach is the real deal. Mckinner Dixon is a starter, but Leach offers no quarter. When he or his staff walks into living rooms and explains to mothers and fathers that their children are coming to Lubbock to get an educate and then to play football, in that order, he can say it with a straight face.
This is not convenient for the program. But this is a perfect example of standing by your principles when they are inconvenient, which is the only time morally serious people ever have to do so anyways.
Dixon needs to get to class and claw his way out of the doghouse, just like others before him. If he can’t do that, then he’s got bigger problems than not playing football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Yup
We all know this is the reason he left Tech in the first place a couple years ago, then if I recall correctly, there were some issues last fall with his grades. And I do think this is a recruiting tool that Leach can use with influential parents of recruits out there.
I just wish Mckinner the very best in the future, wherever that may be for him.
Looks like we're all in agreement on this one
It doesn’t take much to remain eligible. If you can’t put in the effort to maintain your academic status then quit wasting everyone’s time. Tech had enough issues with the 76 violations a few years ago, so I think it’s good we have a coach who makes a stand and promotes academics as a priority.
Dang
Hopefully he can work his way back onto the team. This is a huge loss, but you are at the school for a reason.
Solid Decision on Leach's Part
I love how he sticks to his principles. This gets the attention from the national media. For example, I have a friend from Ohio who e-mailed me about the Ed Britton scenarion (desk at the 50 yard line). He read about it in Ohio. Leach’s behavior in this arena impresses people. They know it’s the right thing.
Make this a permanent suspension. This fool has had too many chances. Hats off to Leach for standing by his rules and principles, regardless of spot on the depth chart.
you've been here before in more ways than one
Someone can correct me if I’m wrong here, but I believe there was an eligibility issue with Dixon last off-season that was finally cleared to allow him to play. I think an appeal had to be made on his behalf?
IIRC, a similar appeal was made on behalf of Ofa Mohetau in a previous year, and he was allowed to play. A similar appeal was made on behalf of Jarrett Hicks in 2006, and he was allowed to play. Both Mohetau and Hicks went on to wash out academically, and throw away their second chance. I think the problem here is that when y’all are having to make appeals in August to get a player eligible to play, huge warning lights should be blinking.
Maybe there are other players who have had the same issue and straightened up and we don’t know about it, but Hicks, Mohetau, and Dixon are very high-profile players, and all have failed after being given second chances.
As I said, you’ve seen this all before.
My first gut reaction
is to say that this was someone else, but the more I think about it, I’m not sure. In any event, Shannon Woods was in Leach’s doghouse last year and pulled himself out, that’s probably the most recent one that I can recall. Just like any coach, Leach will give players a chance to make it better, but few take that opportunity. I think I remember a story from last year where Hicks was at practice, so although he may not have done well to finish his degree, he’s apparently okay with the coaches.
Sigh.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Academics are the #1 priority
It would be great if a college did not have to be concerned with grades, but at what cost. When a young person fails to perform in the classroom, life after college will become extremely hard. I am unemployed, having been laid off since January 16. The one thing I have to deal with that is the toughest is that I failed to complete my schooling and obtain a degree. Most jobs that are posted that pay decently, usually require a minimum of a BA or such, plus 1 to 10 years of experience. Well, experience I got, a degree…no. Even degreed people are having it tough right now, but normally the degree will provide the best of opportunities available. I hope McKinner turns it around and seriously pursues a degree because he will definitely need it in the future. I am not sure he should be reinstated, but that may be a moot point with the Cap’n. He expects a certain level of cooperation and commitment. If he does not get it, it is “Bye, bye, Birdie” to the culprit. This can only be a positive on the recruiting trail, probably already is a positive.
TTpilk
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