A couple of former Texas A&M football players made remarks on Twitter about Santino Marchiol’s damning allegations that painted the program in a negative light.
You had to figure some former players would come to the defense of Texas A&M football after Santino Marchiol’s allegations against Jimbo Fisher and his staff brought scrutiny onto the program. That’s exactly what happened on Wednesday afternoon.
Dan Wolken of USA Today published a report in which Marchiol accused, via a waiver filed to the Arizona compliance department so he can play for Kevin Sumlin immediately, Jimbo Fisher and his staff of paying off recruits, disguising full practices and film sessions as study hall, and mishandling an ankle injury he suffered at a practice this summer.
The report could lead to some serious consequences if the NCAA or SEC find any truth to the report.
This never would have happened had the NCAA not had transfer rules that are completely unfair to the players. Why should a player have to sit out just for transferring when a coach can leave at the drop of a hat without penalty, and the coach actually gets paid.
That’s neither here nor there.
The allegations were sure to fire up some current or former Aggies, and the quarterback of the 2016 team got the ball rolling by straight up calling out Marchiol.
Can’t speak for all the accusations but my initial response to this is: Dude you’re embarrassing yourself. Appears as though you’re attempting to throw everyone under the bus for your lack of success. Just put your head down and get get to work. https://t.co/g6wfQtkZef
— Trevor Knight (@trevor_knight9) August 22, 2018
Agreed, can’t do it your own way and expect to see results. You see what happens with the guys that come in and do it the right way and trust the system. https://t.co/Dn3tgV2J1j
— Christian Kirk (@ckirk) August 22, 2018
Couldn’t agree more with @trevor_knight9 @ChristianDavon2. Some guys buy in and others don’t. Hate to see this program badmouthed. Some players don’t understand that you have to EARN the honor and right to wear Texas A&M across your chest. #GigEm https://t.co/DqcJ3FIxEY
— Tanner Schorp (@TannerSchorp) August 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/hubenak_j/status/1032408735375872000
It probably should be noted at this point that none of these guys actually played for Fisher. Still, they are coming to the defense of a program that has seen its integrity called into question. They clearly believe Marchiol is doing the wrong thing by coming after his former program, even though they aren’t really denying these types of things go on in college football.
There has been much chatter from the media attending Aggie practices that things have changed. The culture has changed. Fisher is tough. Sometimes that rubs players the wrong way. But, if Fisher crossed a line that should not be crossed, A&M will have to pay the consequences. Hopefully the investigation clears them of any wrong doing.
Jeff Shull is the Site Expert for the Gig Em Gazette on FanSided. Follow him on Twitter, and be sure to follow the Gig Em Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.