http://www.detnews.com/2005/msu/0508/02/D02-266924.htm
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Big Ten: Notebook
Spartans tackle off-field issues
Several players have had run-ins with the law, and Smith says it's part of their maturation.
By Dave Dye and Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News
CHICAGO -- Michigan State coach John L. Smith said he believes his players are becoming more demanding of one another on the field.
Now, he wants them to do that off the field.
"We've got to get them to be a little more demanding off the field and make them hold each other a little more accountable there," Smith said Monday at the Big Ten kickoff meetings. "That will come."
A lack of accountability resulted in several offseason incidents in which players were charged with various crimes, including running back Jason Teague on charges of assault and battery, receiver Aaron Alexander and running back Tony Howard on charges of drunken driving, and offensive lineman Gordon Niebylski and defensive tackle Domata Peko on charges of disorderly conduct.
Meanwhile, cornerback Jaren Hayes has been suspended from the team indefinitely following an altercation with a teammate.
"I think it's just like your own kids," Smith said. "Any time somebody makes a mistake, you feel a little bit let down. But it's your kids. They are yours.
"You're going to give that kid an opportunity to correct the problem. And, doggone it, if he doesn't, then you have to correct it. They're growing up. You hope they're growing up. This is part of their maturation process. They're going to make some mistakes."
Smith said he typically handles the discipline on a case-by-case basis with no set penalties.
"I think that's wrong," he said of establishing predetermined punishments. "I don't think there's (often) anything that's totally black and white. Everything's in the middle. It's all gray area."
Smith said Teague's status is an example of this "gray area." He said Teague will participate in training camp next week.
Asked if there could be a suspension coming when the season begins, Smith said: "I don't know that. That's an ongoing deal."
Two-way Trent? (Lloyd looking for his own version of Teddy?)
Morgan Trent is considered the fastest player at Michigan, and he must be a fast learner because he has been moved from receiver to cornerback.
But that doesn't mean he won't ever see the field on offense. Coach Lloyd Carr said Monday not to be surprised if Trent plays both ways.
"There are situations where speed is what you really need," Carr said. "I'm talking specifically about the two-minute, or the end-of-the-half, end-of-the-game situation where the guy can really spread the field. He's got that kind of capability. Because he already had one year as a receiver, it makes sense to use some of the things he already knows."
But Carr said Trent understands his role is at cornerback.
Injury update
Nerve injuries have ended the Michigan careers of linebacker Lawrence Reid and fullback Roger Allison. Both injuries were related to the neck and shoulder.
Extra points
Smith said he doesn't expect junior-college receiver Emory Jones to qualify academically at MSU.
... Senior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney, who has had a foot injury and weight / conditioning problems the last few seasons, is in "the best shape he's been in," Smith said.
You can reach Dave Dye at
dave.dye@detnews.com and Angelique S. Chengelis at
angelique.chengelis@detnews.com.
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