How big a deal is it?

I think every team goes through things like this. The reality is the only people who are concerned with this instance are Tech fans, coaches and players. I seriously doubt the suspensions/actions have a negative effect on parents…if anything, I think they appreciate the fact the coach, right or wrong, is willing to put anyone on the bench for breaking a rule.

If I’m a parent about to shuffle my son off to college on scholarship, I want a coach who demands accountability of his players no matter what their status or ability. Also, a 79% graduation rate certainly would sound better than 50% knowing that my son has a 0.001% chance (or whatever) of making his career and getting rich in the NFL.
I shudder to think of all the “issues” that were swept under the rug at other schools just so they could keep their players in the starting lineup. Not at Tech. Leach wouldn’t care – if Crabtree had broken team rules he would have sat him the same as Carter or any other player. I would respect that special treatment is not given to any player, and that the rules are enforced. I certainly would feel more comfortable being in this type of environment versus one that is “high energy, high profile, and winning.” Sure I want to be successful, but not at any cost.

Who wants to be USC or even UT? There is a reason M. Brown has coach on the payroll who monitors ethical behavior of the players. As stated by many right here I’m very happy to be Raider. That means following the rules. Benching a guy for breaking the rules is a leadership call. You can bet the egregious behavior was just that. Whatever B. Carter did was so beyond the pale he had to be made an example of. The Lubbock campus can’t be haven for rehab cases, thugs, non- students or semi pro athletes. Otherwise we lose one of the things most valued by us Alum’s, fans, parents and educators: credibility.

It pretty much tells a parent that Leach stands for something more than just what happens on the football field. That may be a differientiating factor to a parent who’s concerned about their child’s overall situation and experience.
I think one of the biggest risks of negative fallout from this current situation is that a bunch of people (and the media), without the real facts of the situation, start grumbling and complaining and turning it into a big deal.

What Brown at TU did to kindle for his late night drive.

What do you think Leach would have done to him. I for one as a parent love the fact that he treats these kids as like this. IE. The mid winter studying from mid field.

The only negative for me was how Leach acted in front of the press. Instead of following his strict policy of not discussing such things, he went on a mini-rant about narcissistic players and then said Carter’s loss wouldn’t hurt the O-line at all. Suspending my kid for breaking the rules is one thing, but making personal attacks on his character in the national media is a whole ‘nother ballgame. In addition to being inappropriate, remarks like that could cost an NFL hopeful millions of dollars (see Crabtree). And saying a pre-season All-American senior Captain won’t be missed at all is just another personal diss, not to mention an outright lie.
 
For the money he’s being paid, Leach ought to know that matters such as these are circumstances where his usual ‘cuteness’ should be put aside.

Capt Leach has been pretty consistent about Football related info stays in-house as a team policy. So what it really boils down to is Carter broke team rules so there are consequences. And I am sure most (if not all) of you are the same within your family.

Bottomline is he is teaching Carter and the rest of the players that there are consequences to your actions. It’s a valuable lesson they should feel lucky to learn.

I think that combined with the graduation rates and other positive aspects of the program would make a parent feel good about having their kid play for Tech.

Sufficiently concerned that they will discourage their child from attending a University? To what extent does it matter to the kid? Wouldn’t that be on a case by case basis? Do any families besides 5 star recruits — and even them? — have any expectation or interest in their kids becoming team captains?

Even scary answers to all the above questions are counteracted by things like: Do you want your kid to attend a University where players are treated equally, regardless of how good they are? Favoritism is not something that Mike Leach is often accused of. Lots of starters have had the hammer slammed on them as harshly as role players or bench players.

Texas Tech is a meritocracy. That is a selling point.

As a parent, I would want my child to be coached under Leach and his staff. Too many kids today think it is all about them.
Brandon will be better for this disciplinary action by Leach, just you wait and see

Leach has been one of the more amusing coaches in football over the years. But, he has also been very consistent with his ‘behavior training’. Star power does not enter into the equation when he is dealing with any team member. He has displayed that in the past and will continue to do so. Now, he is not always perfect in his statements, but the discipline never wavers. The players get this and understand the consequences because he has made it very clear to them. There are some coaches who do not adhere to this level of disciplinary action when a key player is involved, unless the issue is unavoidable because the NCAA has become involved. Leach never, on purpose, tries to avoid confrontation and discipline when needed. I applaud him for his action, even if all the right things may not have been said. How the team reacts and plays this weekend will be a guiding light int0 the whole situation. I think the players are fine and are willing to move on to make this another season to remember, for all the good things.

… you see more of this word in the news everyday. I, for one, am very glad. This episode involving Brandon Carter SHOULD make Raider fans and players proud and even more confident in Coach Leach, in my opinion. Obviously there is MUCH that we do not know, and will never know ( positive point #1). Discipline one of your captains? You bet, IF he broke team rules and could not somehow make amends. Fail to do so and you send a message to the rest of the team: SOME folks are above the rules. Not so with Captain Leach. Same rules for everyone. (positive point #2). Next, minimize the expected effect that the suspension might have on the TEAM, as they prepare to move forward without a great player: indicate that his presence will not be missed. Message to team: there are several good players waiting their chance to fill someone’s shoes and become the next Brandon Carter. “I’m not worried about 1 player when I have a whole team to worry about.” (positive point #3).

Leach would not have done Brandon any favors if he had swept his unacceptable behavior under the rug. OTHER Big 12 teams do that. As far as any comments that Leach might make about his players – and tying that to costing them money – VERY shortsighted! Leach has the responsibility to be accountable to every member of the football family – coaches, players, administration, even to a lesser extent, fans. In his position of authority and ACCOUNTABILITY, he has no choice but to clearly draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. I have NO DOUBT that Brandon knew that when he crossed the line. Leach may very well contribute to the successful NFL career of Carter by simply holding him accountable for his actions. Every potential employer in the NFL values maturity, including accounability and being willing to follow the rules. Leach may have just MADE Brandon Carter millions of dollars by making him live with the consequences of his actions. Leach was willing to make a small sacrifice of losing Brandon’s considerable talent, rather than lose a significant amount of respect and loyalty from the rest of the team. Regardless of how fans feel about it ( and I am really very disappointed that Brandon’s future is uncertain!) this was the right thing to do.