Jarboe off to Troy

When Josh Jarboe was dismissed from the OU football team, I speculated that he might end up at a place like Houston or Troy. And indeed, Jarboe is headed to Troy. I figured a school like Georgia or Tennessee wouldn’t welcome Jarboe, either.

But why? That’s a question that will make you think. It certainly makes me think.

Why is a place like Troy considered a halfway house for troubled athletes? Why is Bob Stoops taking a big risk by putting Jarboe (and his gun conviction) on scholarship, but Troy coach Larry Blakeney isn’t? If Jarboe gets in further trouble, why does Blakeney get a pass, but if Jarboe had encountered further hot water at Tennessee, Phil Fulmer would have been roasted?

A place like Oklahoma or Tennessee comes under a great deal more scrutiny than a place like Troy. To whom much is given, much is expected.  And schools like Troy have to take a chance on a background like Jarboe if it ever wants to suit up a talent like Jarboe.