Pandemonium at 4HL over Tee Tweets

[Rhode Irish]

How did Tee "wrong" us? He was the first commit in the 2012 class, signed his LOI, and EE'd. He had to leave because he failed to raise his ACT scores sufficiently. He's only culpable to the extent his lack of effort played a direct role in that failure.

I don't understand the anger that's still directed toward him.

Bingo.

 

[irishpat183]

He "wronged" us, because he didn't hold up the "student" part of the bargin.

And I call BS on his "medical condition"

 

[In Lou I Trust]

How did Tee "wrong" us? He was the first commit in the 2012 class, signed his LOI, and EE'd. He had to leave because he failed to raise his ACT scores sufficiently. He's only culpable to the extent his lack of effort played a direct role in that failure.

I don't understand the anger that's still directed toward him.

Please refer to the quotations around the word "wronged."

 

[irishpat183]

Yeah, I don't think it was us being "wronged" as much as Tee screwing up a great opportunity....

I'm just trying to explain why some people feel that way.

 

[In Lou I Trust]

But then again... if you would like a possible explanation as to how he "wronged" us you could say that ND did everything they could to get him through admissions. After that he didn't uphold his end of the agreement by doing whatever it took to improve his grades or ACT or whatever the hell it was that led to his leaving the school.

 

[irishtrain]

This is a joke-right?

 

[Emcee77]

I still find it comical how everybody was all "RKG" and "Tee is a great person" and one simple mess up that sends him packing gets half the site hating on them. If he came back, you would all root for him ya bunch of bandwagoners...

lol, EXACTLY. People act like what Tee did was so egregious. What, is this the first kid who turned out to be a little unprepared or immature for college? (Don't forget, he should still have been in high school when he was enrolled at ND.) Lots of kids go to college and treat it like a big party, never study, never go to class, get thrown out, then decide to get serious about their lives and go back to finish up. Even at ND. I can think of several I've known or known of. I don't see any reason he shouldn't be able to come back and give it one more shot if he gets the ACT up and otherwise proves that he is serious about school this time around.

 

[Emcee77]

If we brought Julius Jones and Darrin Walls back, we can bring Tee Shepard back.

+1

 

[irishdiehard]

It's my understanding that he had to leave because he didn't bring his ACT score up enough. His lack of effort academically was also a problem, though not one that would have necessitated him leaving ND after 6 weeks.

Regarding TT's Clearinghouse concerns, his ACT score would be the only problem there. Tee could easily address that on his own. The bigger hurdles are: (1) getting past ND admissions as a transfer; and (2) convincing Kelly and co. that he'll take his academics seriously this time around.

Still a big mountain to climb. Don't hold your breath.

How did Tee "wrong" us? He was the first commit in the 2012 class, signed his LOI, and EE'd. He had to leave because he failed to raise his ACT scores sufficiently. He's only culpable to the extent his lack of effort played a direct role in that failure.

I don't understand the anger that's still directed toward him.

Whiskey is right on the money here. Tee didn't want to leave ND and to my knowledge has said nothing bad about ND. If he wants to be there then I'm totally on board with giving him a second chance to put in the necessary work to earn his way into the university (ACT scores orJuco grades) and then a second chance to put in the necessary work academically once he's there.

 

[notredomer23]

he won't be back this year, but if he came back for 2013 that would be huge in regards to defensive back depth.

 

[greyhammer90]

Irish Sports Daily ‏@ISDUpdate
Is Tee Shepard trying to get back to #NotreDame? (Premium)
Irish Sports Daily Forums

Can someone paraphrase?

 

[woolybug25]

Can someone paraphrase?

Per Dboe over in the BangBang thread:

Tee is indeed trying to get back into ND but he has some work to do. He has a few things to get taken care of and feels he can do just that.


Sorry mods if its more info then I should provide. First time at this premium stuff.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I'd take him back in a heartbeat, anyone who wouldn't needs to have their head examined.

I've always thought he was a good kid, and it became apparent that he was one good lesson-learning experience away from being a Notre Dame quality guy.

It can certainly happen, but proceed emotionally as if it won't. haha

It is encouraging that he is in fact making an effort.

 

[woolybug25]

I'd take him back in a heartbeat, anyone who wouldn't needs to have their head examined.

I've always thought he was a goo kid, and it became apparent that he was one good lesson-learning experience away from being a Notre Dame quality guy.

It can't happen, but proceed emotionally as if it won't. haha

Well said.

reps

 

[woolybug25]

Interesting post on II's board. Just more speculation, but fun none the less. lol

Can Tee Shepard make it back to ND? Reply
That MIGHT be his plan after all. Here is a discussion he just had with an ND friend (Kocheronya) from the Bang Bang ND Gang which Tee started himself on Twitter:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
kocheronya@itsteeshepard: "We'llmiss ya Tee, good luck to you in the future."

Itsteeshepard: "Don't worry. I'm trying to come back"

Kocheronya: "To ND?"

Itsteeshepard: "Yep"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Someone confirmed for me that the handle truly IS his account. I dont know if the screen shot I witnessed was doctored but it came from one of the Bang Bang members who supposedly is a solid fan. Perhaps this is Tee just messing around with a fan (he has been accused of coveting attention in the past) but he would have to be REALLY starved for attention to make this comments without any grain of sincerity.

I have heard an LJ Moore quote saying that his discussions with former HS team mate, Tee Shepard, (post ND exit) have only amplified his interest in ND because Tee explained that he wanted to be at ND all along and he really enjoyed the school/staff (for the minute he was there).

This also seems to add credence to what many of us have been maintaining since his departure. Tee left due to serious academic issues. He sure wouldn't be the first prodigal son to come home after such a scenario (though his walking papers were issued the quickest of any player I can recollect).

I'm not holding out much stock...the year in JUCO may screw up his graduation timetables to the point where admissions wouldn't let him back in even if his GPA was a 4.0 and he wanted to be at ND. He HAS to be on pace to graduate in 4 years and I doubt many of his credits will transfer. Then again, "IF" the coaches know his plan then they may be able to tell him the few classes which may transfer and go towards a degree. I believe the players who left and returned were only gone for a semester...not a year.

This is one story which just won't go away. Not that I want it to go away if there really is a chance he can get back.

 

[tadman95]

I will always pull for Tee or any other kid who wants to take positive steps. It seems though that this is all on Tee in effort and attitude change for this to work. Then he would have to convince the school (coaches and admin) and get acceptance.

Seems doubtful but I tell you what, could there be a better group of kids to come back in with than the '13 class? As peers I can see them having a really positive influence on him.

 

[mgriff]

ZOMG!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

He "wronged" us, because he didn't hold up the "student" part of the bargin.

And I call BS on his "medical condition"

As I mentioned above, we don't know how much his lack of effort academically played into the situation. He had the grades for ND, but not the test scores. As a 5 recruit at a position of need for us, admissions made an exception and conditionally admitted him contingent upon improved test scores. His scores didn't improve enough, so he had to leave. Do you know what he did or didn't do to prepare?

I think it's pretty clear by this point that his "medical condition" was mostly a ruse so that Tee could leave without embarrassment. Since he's now working on coming back to ND, it was pretty smart of our coaching staff to do Tee that favor, don't you think?

Yeah, I don't think it was us being "wronged" as much as Tee screwing up a great opportunity....

I'm just trying to explain why some people feel that way.

No argument there, but what is your disappointment as a fan compared to what Tee must feel having had to leave his dream school? A school that he's still working to get back to. If you're angry at Tee, you should probably take a few steps back from CFB recruiting.

But then again... if you would like a possible explanation as to how he "wronged" us you could say that ND did everything they could to get him through admissions. After that he didn't uphold his end of the agreement by doing whatever it took to improve his grades or ACT or whatever the hell it was that led to his leaving the school.

Do you know that? No. And do remember that Tee's hearing is severely impaired; you might want to think twice before impugning the academic achievement for a young man with a serious learning disability.

Tee loved and apparently still loves ND. It sounds like he's working hard to get back here. I'm not optimistic that it will happen, but regardless of that outcome, ND fans really have no cause to be angry with him based on what we know.

 

[Grahambo]

Absolutely bring him back if he wants/can come back. I see no reason for him not to be allowed back if he is proven healthy and can demonstrate academics are important to him. Some of you should lighten up a bit and get off his back.

Life is about 2nd chances. Who hasn't needed them? Every single one of you need them. Don't be a hypocrite. EVERYTHING he was 'accused' of can be rectified with an attitude adjustment.

 

[Veer option]

Let him back in.

 

[returnofthemack]

Was it actually documented that he didn't make the requisite improvement on his ACT?

 

[jimmymac]

If he has shown he is willing to do the work... I think if he is admitted back to the university that he should spend time away from the football program, prove he is willing to work academically, then be allowed to join the team. Maybe EE in this next session, do his work, then be allowed to play in spring ball.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Was it actually documented that he didn't make the requisite improvement on his ACT?

No, but reliable sources on-campus have confirmed that Tee was skipping a lot of classes and that his ACT was the ultimate reason for his departure.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Intriguing story....

It's a bit crazy that anyone on this board would think that this possibility in any way involved them --- which is all one could read into some of the emotional quotes. Extremely weird. That sort of "everything in the world is about me" reactionary-ism borders on a form of mental problem. Simply expressing a relatively unemotional opinion that Tee probably can't pull this off [for whatever reason] would, on the other hand, be potentially objective and, thereby, sane and honorable.

Detailed commentaries about what his character consists of, when people probably have never even met the young man nor his family, are also particularly bizarre. What impulses actually related to Tee Shepard could really be at work here? The only thing that I'm reminded of is the mob mentality of a hanging or stoning hysteria.

Refusal to consider even a possibility of honesty in a person, or that anyone could ever get a second chance, particularly when the cost of that to the one screaming for his head is essentially zero, is a one-strike-and-you're-out philosophy which no civilization can endure. Thinking that Notre Dame itself can in any way be hurt by such second-chance giving borders on the preposterous, and should be entirely Notre Dame's call anyway.

Although some people take years to turn their lives around, and others never do, I have also seen people who turned them around rapidly. You get all kinds as a teacher. I flunked a clever, immature "bum" out of WMU his senior year for just, well, being a total bum classroom-wise. He cried a lot. So long, Jack. A full year later, he had restructured his life and returned, hat-in-hand, for a second chance at Environmental Studies Senior Seminar. I told him flat what he had to do. He said he understood that now. He succeeded and even helped others succeed in the class that year. And he graduated. I would NOT have recommended him for grad school and told him so, but I would recommend him for a job. He had grown up.

Tee Shepard's situation is his own, and Notre Dame's, and Coach Kelly's. Their understanding on this topic, when piled up next to ours is like the Andes to the Anthill. People say: I'm entitled to MY opinion!! Fine. Keep it inside your head or at least state it with some unemotional humility.

I always hope for the uncompleted young man to find himself. What-in-the-He!l are we in America all about??

 

[Grahambo]

Intriguing story....

It's a bit crazy that anyone on this board would think that this possibility in any way involved them --- which is all one could read into some of the emotional quotes. Extremely weird. That sort of "everything in the world is about me" reactionary-ism borders on a form of mental problem. Simply expressing a relatively unemotional opinion that Tee probably can't pull this off [for whatever reason] would, on the other hand, be potentially objective and, thereby, sane and honorable.

Detailed commentaries about what his character consists of, when people probably have never even met the young man nor his family, are also particularly bizarre. What impulses actually related to Tee Shepard could really be at work here? The only thing that I'm reminded of is the mob mentality of a hanging or stoning hysteria.

Refusal to consider even a possibility of honesty in a person, or that anyone could ever get a second chance, particularly when the cost of that to the one screaming for his head is essentially zero, is a one-strike-and-you're-out philosophy which no civilization can endure. Thinking that Notre Dame itself can in any way be hurt by such second-chance giving borders on the preposterous, and should be entirely Notre Dame's call anyway.

Although some people take years to turn their lives around, and others never do, I have also seen people who turned them around rapidly. You get all kinds as a teacher. I flunked a clever, immature "bum" out of WMU his senior year for just, well, being a total bum classroom-wise. He cried a lot. So long, Jack. A full year later, he had restructured his life and returned, hat-in-hand, for a second chance at Environmental Studies Senior Seminar. I told him flat what he had to do. He said he understood that now. He succeeded and even helped others succeed in the class that year. And he graduated. I would NOT have recommended him for grad school and told him so, but I would recommend him for a job. He had grown up.

Tee Shepard's situation is his own, and Notre Dame's, and Coach Kelly's. Their understanding on this topic, when piled up next to ours is like the Andes to the Anthill. People say: I'm entitled to MY opinion!! Fine. Keep it inside your head or at least state it with some unemotional humility.

I always hope for the uncompleted young man to find himself. What-in-the-He!l are we in America all about??

Not if that 'opinion' makes someone sound like a bumbling idiot.

 

[JD Irish]

The kid didn't show up to class at all. I'm sorry I just don't see how he could change so significantly in his time away that would make him be a positive contribution to this team

Is this really the whole story though? When Stephon missed one class, Kelly knew immediately and suspended him for it. It was a big enough deal that Stephon thought he should apologize. Given how selective ND likes to be for early enrollees, I'd think that the football staff would be extra vigilant and adamant about him attending class.

For the record, when Tee was on campus, I saw him and Sheldon more than any other football players besides maybe Kona Schwenke -- and coming out of DeBartolo, the main classroom building, no less.

 

[BobD]

I can't speak for anyone but myself and these are my thoughts on this matter.

I like the idea of the underdog overcoming all odds and making a comeback.

Many people that would sacrifice almost everything are denied just ONE opportunity to attend Notre Dame.

Could Brian Kelly look in the mirror and say "I'm giving him a second chance because he's a hard working, upstanding young man that truly deserves a second chance. This has nothing to do with winning football games"??

just MHO

 

[greyhammer90]

Is there a chance that the reason he wasn't going to class was because he knew that he wasn't going to get to stay? because of his ACT score? I don't know, just thinking out loud.

 

[yankeeND]

I personally just want to ask, can he suit up for Navy? Jk

Look give the kid a break, as far as I'm concerned if he wants to be here and he puts in the work, make it happen. Now if he doesn't want to do it the right way then forget about him. It's pretty simple really.

 

[Emcee77]

Is this really the whole story though? When Stephon missed one class, Kelly knew immediately and suspended him for it. It was a big enough deal that Stephon thought he should apologize. Given how selective ND likes to be for early enrollees, I'd think that the football staff would be extra vigilant and adamant about him attending class.

Good point, missing class cannot be the whole story. It can't even be the main reason Tee is no longer at ND. You cannot fail out of ND in one half of one semester.
(And I don't know how this works but even if Tee had completed the semester but failed every course, I don't see how it would be a reason to throw him out permanently. We are talking about an EE semester, and he could still have graduated in four years without it. Why couldn't they just throw the EE semester out and basically re-start him in the summer with the other frosh?)

Is there a chance that the reason he wasn't going to class was because he knew that he wasn't going to get to stay? because of his ACT score? I don't know, just thinking out loud.

I've been wondering this too.