Hate to see talented young athletes make the wrong decision over and over again. At some point you just have to quit holding their hand and let them go. My guess is he will be D3 or NAIA sooner rather than later.

My understanding is that Zeke was very close to being academically ineligibly for the fall semester, and thought attending class was optional.

 

It's pretty tough to be academically ineligible after one semester of college.

I didn't think it would possibly end like this. It's not good when you are an enrolled frosh and a sports writer talks about using a scorecard to tally issues.

It's a big enough story, that WXIX 19 had a bit about it on their 10pm news tonight 6/26!!

I hope that he has finally been humbled, realizes that the sun comes up whether he is awake or not, and goes back to AU with a purpose. I hope that he has learned to keep his head on straight. Only time and Zeke will answer that.

I hope that he has finally been humbled, realizes that the sun comes up whether he is awake or not, and goes back to AU with a purpose. I hope that he has learned to keep his head on straight. Only time and Zeke will answer that.

 

Is it really his choice? I would think AU is holding all the cards. Why would they leave it up to a kid that has done nothing but make BAD choices on whether he wants to return or not? I'm thinking AU is sending him home and they will let him know if "They" want him back. Zeke needs to sit and reflect and sweat it out for awhile. I think about all those student athletes that sweat it out wondering if they got in or not. Maybe it is Pikes turn to worry.

My hope has always been that a new environment would benefit Zeke. Having others around him with like or greater talent, as opposed to most often being the best on the field. Having to work harder than others to get where you want to go. Being coached in a fashion that says 'I appreciate your talent, but all of your talent means nothing to me without your best effort. Until I see that, you have no chance of getting on the field.'

 

What I have known for a long time is that the environment around his hometown is toxic for Zeke. Coming back to home may be his undoing. He came back to Dixie for graduation and received a loud booooo from his peers, as well as others in the assembled crowd. Most of the discord is of his own doing, though others have enabled him along the way.

My concern is that upon arrival 'home' Zeke may not feel welcome out in public. Someone will likely remind him of his failures. (You know what they say about the rath of those you have stepped upon in your rise to the top.) Being that decision making is not a strong suit, he may react inappropriately and the result will be one more strike against him.

 

Hopefully the wake up call, and a little natural maturation will enable a turnaround and success will follow. I just lack confidence in that taking place while being at home.

Is it really his choice? I would think AU is holding all the cards. Why would they leave it up to a kid that has done nothing but make BAD choices on whether he wants to return or not? I'm thinking AU is sending him home and they will let him know if "They" want him back. Zeke needs to sit and reflect and sweat it out for awhile. I think about all those student athletes that sweat it out wondering if they got in or not. Maybe it is Pikes turn to worry.

 

Henry, from what I heard today from AU writers on the radio it's Zeke's choice as long as he knows it's zero tolerance policy.

My hope has always been that a new environment would benefit Zeke. Having others around him with like or greater talent, as opposed to most often being the best on the field. Having to work harder than others to get where you want to go. Being coached in a fashion that says 'I appreciate your talent, but all of your talent means nothing to me without your best effort. Until I see that, you have no chance of getting on the field.'

 

What I have known for a long time is that the environment around his hometown is toxic for Zeke. Coming back to home may be his undoing. He came back to Dixie for graduation and received a loud booooo from his peers, as well as others in the assembled crowd. Most of the discord is of his own doing, though others have enabled him along the way.

My concern is that upon arrival 'home' Zeke may not feel welcome out in public. Someone will likely remind him of his failures. (You know what they say about the rath of those you have stepped upon in your rise to the top.) Being that decision making is not a strong suit, he may react inappropriately and the result will be one more strike against him.

 

Hopefully the wake up call, and a little natural maturation will enable a turnaround and success will follow. I just lack confidence in that taking place while being at home.

If he was my kid, I'd rather take my chances of him being at home where i can keep an eye on him versus a few hundred miles away from him.

Than again, that didn't work out to well in the past either??

If he was my kid, I'd rather take my chances of him being at home where i can keep an eye on him versus a few hundred miles away from him.

Than again, that didn't work out to well in the past either??

 

As long as he is an athlete on a DI campus, he'll face scrutiny and popularity that many of us will never experience. His Dad could live in his off campus apartment with him, in the end, Zeke has to make the right decisions.

Henry, from what I heard today from AU writers on the radio it's Zeke's choice as long as he knows it's zero tolerance policy.

 

Zeke Pike and zero tolerance are things that do not belong in the same sentence. I am not too sure that a change of scenery from Auburn where he can start off with a new slate would not be in his best interest. A year or two in a JUCO away from the media spotlight and the 24/7 newscycle that goes with the high profile programs might allow Zeke the opportunity to mature.

Aside from what ever happens with this young man's football career, I hope he figures IT out. The IT being, whatever IT is that will motivate him to make better choices, do the right thing all the time, etc. The same IT that we want for all of our kids.

Okay I was no angel when I was 19, but come on dude. Who was supposed to be watching him?

My main concern, if I'm Auburn is, how can a kid who can't manage to make wise decisions in his own life lead my team? This isn't like a wide receiver or outside linebacker who got in trouble. This is the kid that will be playing the position on the field that requires the most presence, poise, and intelligence. You don't see many successful big time DI QBs getting arrested.

My main concern, if I'm Auburn is, how can a kid who can't manage to make wise decisions in his own life lead my team? .

 

 

It worked out well for AU and Cam Newton (see U of Florida experience).