Buckeyes' Recruit Turner Shot, Teen Girl Killed

For the second time since April, Ohio State University recruit Jamel Turner has been shot. Turner is listed in critical condition at Youngstown's Saint Elizabeth Hospital, according to WKBN.com. A 17-year old girl was killed in the shooting and her ex-boyfriend is considered the prime suspect.

Considered one of the top defensive recruits in the country, Jamel Turner was also shot in a drive-by situation in Youngstown in April. Turner posted on his Facebook page (screenshot here) that he was hit two times but "can still play football so its alll (sic) gravy".

According to Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State Buckeye's head football coach Jim Tressel sent a message saying that he had "not communicated with Jamel". With prior statements by Tressel regarding not speaking with Jamel Turner following his signing day or the April shooting, there is speculation that Turner's college football career may be in jeopardy.

Jamel Turner had a difficult childhood with little stability. Just prior to signing his letter of intent to play football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Turner told the Dispatch he was carrying a B average at Virginia's Fork Union Military Academy. However, following the April shooting, it was reported that Jamel Turner had been expelled from Fork Union and had returned to Youngstown, hopefully to obtain his high school diploma. It is still unclear as to whether Turner did achieve that diploma.

One shooting incident could be considered an unfortunate occurrence. Two shootings within a two-month period, with the second resulting in the death of a teenage girl, indicate that Jamel Turner is keeping some bad company.

I am reminded of another Jim Tressel recruit from Youngstown. He was talented, USA Today's Offensive High School Player of the Year when he played at Warren G. Harding High School. The first true freshman to ever start for Ohio State, he led the Buckeyes to the 2003 BCS National Championship over the Miami Hurricanes.

Then Maurice Clarett started having "issues". Clarett eventually fell so far that he ended up in prison after robbing two people and being caught with multiple weapons in his vehicle. Clarett is on the final leg of his prison journey, one that will hopefully complete that chapter in his life for good.

Jamel Turner was handed the world on a platter but doesn't seem ready to take advantage of it. I'm certain many other high school athletes would gladly jump at the opportunity to take full advantage of a football scholarship to the Ohio State University.

Sources: WKBN , Columbus Dispatch
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