gophers/ncaa

Good article. I'm not convinced Mbakwe will make the Gophers a better team. He *CAN* make them a far better team, but he has screwed up so many times, he's going to have to prove he is a season long asset, rather than a distraction and liability. If I were a betting person, I would rather go without him and develop a team without his gamble. But as long as he is here... prove me and all Gopher fans wrong, Trevor. It's not for me, it's your only hope.

"As the Gophers begins their season Friday night, this shouldn't be viewed as a second chance or third chance for Mbakwe. This is a last chance." ---- At the U? No. At the U, the last chance is just the one after the previous last chance and so forth.

He will not complete the season, he will run into issues. He has basically played just one year of college basketball due to all the off court issues.

For athletes who can help you win, the great thing about last chances is that there's ALWAYS one more.

I'd be curious to know if he's gotten his degree yet. He's certainly been a student long enough to be well into a master's program.

If he can write a check to pay off his scholarship why is he even on a scholarship? Give it to someone who can not afford to go to college.

Given his record and in spite of all of the second chances that he has been given, it is almost a certainty that Mkwabe will screw up again and be kicked off of the team. The team has to continue to learn to play without him and if and when he can contribute, see that as a bonus.

I agree with the assessment that today's college athletes are codelled too much by coaches, players, fans. Where is this young mans parents or legal guardians? This one player has proven over and over that Tubbys code of tolerance is flimsy at best which sends the wrong message to teammates and future players, "hey if this guy can get away with it why can't we?" pull it together mister leader, rebounder, 6th yr senior. Prove yourself with your character. Please.

Maybe some should understand the kid is what, 21,22. Many of us did completely stupid things at that age. Throwing every young person under the bus for their mistakes isn't productive. Most turn into decent people. He's made mistakes but nothing that should have disqualified him from having a chance to play ball at the U, yet. If he's going to talk he should keep it to basketball and otherwise shut up, play and go to class. He should know he is hardly a lock to make it in the NBA. Many of those who criticize Tubby and the U for giving Mbakwe another chance are the same people who criticized him for White. Seems to me Tubby has disciplined when necessary even when he knew he was going to lose good players. Every situation is different and possibly others who got in hot water didn't react to the discipline they received in a positive manner.

Our hero, Trevor Mbakwe will turn 24 years old during this season. Way too old for college hoops. He has been on parole and probation for various crimes he has committed. Is this what UofM athletics has reduced itself to? Maybe he should take his undergraduate degree in recreation, parks and leisure studies and leave town.