From what I heard, he had trouble staying motivated once he got here. A football career is a finite period of time where you always have to put in the effort. Hope he straightens up wherever he goes. Seems like a likeable guy.
And keeping guys who aren't doing what they need to be doing looks even worse and sets a bad example for the younger guys.
I'm not talking about that... I'm talking about the timing. This player-dump should happen the day after the bowl game, not during the season.
Yeah, we're both talking about the timing. The longer a bad influence is around, the more likely a negative effect will be had on other players. There's no benefit whatsoever in waiting a month and a half, particularly for the players who will need time to explore their own options.
Agree - A fire seemed to be lit under the defense right after Cox was let go. Most of the players must have gotten the message - follow the plan and give 100% every day or move out of the way for those who buy in. Black, it seems, didn't get the message. Wish the kid well, but also appreciate our coach insisting on his players getting with the new program.
I just think we don't know enough to have informed opinions about the timing. Perhaps Diwan was told to straighten up, warned through BCox and didn't heed to coaches satisfaction. BN is not stupid and he is a disciplinarian, This is the only thing that makes sense to me. Pretty much what ocala said above!
I haven't heard of Black being a bad influence, but all players that are a bad influence, especially in the locker room, need to kick rocks. The only bad influence that I have heard about is Cox... I don't know if Black was a problem, if he was a problem then he had to go.
Well Napier alluded to off-field decisions being what was keeping Black from playing more several weeks ago at a presser. And every time he talks about a player, he mentions their character and consistency first and foremost. So, it would appear based on the limited info we have available that Black has been struggling in that department for quite a while. I just don't see the benefit of keeping someone around if they aren't doing what is being asked, even if they aren't being an outright "problem."
Under "ideal" circumstances I might agree. But obviously, these are not ideal circumstances and Billy did what he thought was best for the team - "appearances" be damned. And as far as the examples being set goes, it's equally obvious that BN isn't kidding about it being a privilege to be a Florida Gator and that he will brook no nonsense from anyone who can't or won't get with the program. I liked DB as much as the next Gator fan, and I really hoped that he would step up this year. But he has a history of falling short, starting with his HS grades, learning his positional assignments and even making it to team meetings on time. I also have to wonder if there were other issues that we know nothing about regarding team culture. One thing is abundantly clear though - CBN ain't playin' around and it's either his way or the highway.
And I just found out that he was asked to leave, so this is about discipline and that is different from what I thought it was originally.
Billy setting a standard and making a statement. I think on field performance will continue to improve
What a wild story with Diwun. Recruited here, couldn't qualify academically, played at JUCO and fought hard to bring his grades up to par, then, I think he sat a year out at JUCO to save a year of eligibility?, finally qualified academically here, had at least one injury, lost playing time, got buried on the depth chart, and is now being dismissed after being such a celebrated success story for Gator Football. Lots of people here said they were inspired by his story, persistence, and desire to become a Gator. Now he's ushered down the road. Wow. Crazy story. Wish him well.
