Even if you thought this was the course of action the football program should’ve taken, this is still one of those “WOW!” moments in sports.
Just a few short hours after Dorial Green-Beckham released a statement accepting responsibility for his actions, Missouri shocked the college football world by announcing that the talented but troubled wide receiver has been dismissed from the football program.
“This decision was made with the best interests of all involved in mind,” said head coach Gary Pinkel in a statement. “Dorial’s priority going forward needs to be focusing on getting the help he needs. As we have all along, we will continue to do everything we can to assist Dorial and his family. We care deeply about Dorial and his well-being, but hopefully he can benefit from a fresh start.”
Since coming to Mizzou in 2012 as Rivals.com’s top-rated player in that recruiting cycle, Green-Beckham has twice been suspended, and twice he’s been arrested on pot-related charges — one felony in nature — in addition to the latest Columbia Police Department investigation into an alleged robbery. The latter was by far the most disturbing as an incident report stemming from the report of a first-degree burglary stated that Green-Beckham pushed one woman down a several steps as well as injuring another female, his girlfriend, very early this past Sunday morning.
The victims, one of whom was quoted in the incident report as stating she was afraid of the media and community backlash, declined to press charges, forcing the police to drop the case.
Green-Beckham was indefinitely suspended earlier in the week, and remained that way even after he was “cleared” in the robbery probe.
“We have a high standard of conduct for our student-athletes,” said athletic director Mike Alden. “Though we provide the resources and mentoring to all of our student-athletes, we are also responsible to the community at large and to the ideals and values of the University of Missouri. We have determined that this was a necessary step for our football team, athletic department, the University and our community.”
Despite Green-Beckham’s checkered past, he would have undoubtedly -- hopefully after he gets his issue straightened out -- become one of the most sought-after transfer in the recent memory. At 6-6, 225 pounds, Green-Beckham is one of the most talented receivers in the country and has the stats to back it up: last season during the Tigers run to the SEC championship game, the sophomore led the team with 59 receptions and 12 receiving touchdowns.
Those numbers and his raw physical ability will have teams clamoring for his services -- if he even makes it back to the FBS level.
As for the immediate future, Green-Beckham has three options: drop down to the FCS level or lower (JUCO ranks included) and play immediately; transfer to an FBS program and sit out the 2014 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules; or sit out the 2014 season entirely. As he’s not three years removed from high school, the NFL’s supplemental draft this summer would not be an option.
After the 2014 season, Green-Beckham could then play at the FBS level (unlikely) or make himself available as an early entrant to the 2015 NFL draft (highly likely). In other words, we’ve likely seen the last of Green-Beckham on the big stage of major college football.
Hopefully, again, after he gets his head on straight and works through what appears to be myriad issues.