Amazing, but not surprising. It is a very sad state of affairs, but especially in the South, Football trumps character every time. I am always amazed at the people who seem to turn into apologists for all kinds of horrible behavior the second football is involved, you know what I mean?

Wow. This is just disgusting. The article failed to mention what the hell he was even doing at Knoxville Catholic High School, as opposed to a correctional facility--what's up with THAT? I just fired a pissed-off but civil email to the address you gave--thank you for that, it's good that you offered us something constructive to do about it instead of simply stewing at the injustice! Rated, and thank you so much for pointing this out.

I actually got a response from Chancellor Cheek. Here's what it says:
Dear Ms. F,

Thank you for your email. I completely understand your concerns. Please know that we did not make this decision lightly. We spent a lot of time researching the issue and talking to a lot of people who are well respected in the community. Everyone spoke very highly of Daniel.

Daniel made a terrible mistake and was involved in a very bad thing. He’s very remorseful and has worked hard to turn his life around. Catholic High gave him a second chance, and he lived up to expectations. He’s a very bright young man who wants to move past this incident and be a good representative for the team, the university and the community.

Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek

I love football as much as the next person, but this is too much. And I love how Chancellor Cheek refers to the kidnap and rape as "this incident." Although at least he (or someone representing him) wrote back.

Gross. Catholic High? There is just something so wrong with that name and all it implies. Nice to see you back.

I'm certainly horrified by the nature of his crime, as well as the scholarship offer. However, this statement from the link you posted, "Were he not a football player, he would probably be stuck in a dead end job with no respect, no college scholarships, and no opportunities," is why I struggle with deciding when a person has been "punished enough" for their behavior.

A close friend of my family was convicted for a horrible crime, one that he takes full responsibility for, and served time in prision for his felony. He committed this crime at 18 years old and was involved with the wrong crowd, using drugs and alcohol, and generally headed in the wrong direction. While in prison, this friend did everything right. He continued his education and was consistently noted for his good and beneficial behavior. He served his term and was basically dumped into the apartment complex across the street, forever labeled as a felon and with no real options ahead of him.

He was extremely lucky to get an entry-level position in his field of interest through family connections (of the church-going variety, not financial or "status" types of things) and the goodwill of many, many people trying to get him started in a good and productive life. He excelled in this position, winning praise and awards from his customers and supervisors. He also excelled personally, having abandoned the drug and alcohol abuse that had clouded his youth. His achievements were cut short when the large employer adopted a blanket policy that they would not employ anyone with a felony conviction.

He was unceremoniously dumped from his position and left again to flounder, with very few employment opportunities due to the scarlet letter on every job application - felony conviction. Mind you, this was more than 15 years after the crime was committed. Once again, he was lucky enough to stumble into an opportunity thanks to an open-minded community of friends who were willing to see him for who he is, not who he used to be.

The victim of his crime most certainly deserved justice, but it really does pain me to think that my friend will never have the opportunity to move past his mistake. He will forever be judged by the actions of an impulsive and immature 18-year old, regardless of what he achieves as a true adult. At the core, maybe its just that I believe people can change - I would hate to live in a world where a single act automatically dooms a person to a dead-end life.

So while the crimes of this football player horrify me, I'd be far more upset if he didn't seek out an opportunity to improve his life and become a better, more productive person. I sincerely hope that he takes this gift seriously and dedicates himself to enhancing the world around him.