Nu'Keese Richardson, Mike Edwards, Janzen Jackson, Broken Field of Dreams

At 2 AM on Thursday, November 12^th, University of Tennessee players, Mike Edwards and Nu'keese Richardson approached a car and told the occupants to, "Give us everything you got." In that instant, these young men, who've played the game of football most of their lives, put their college football careers in jeopardy. When they received scholarships to play football at a major university, their families celebrated; the hard work and sacrifices had been rewarded. Now, in only their first year, they risk throwing it all away.

Nu'keese Richardson was a heavily recruited receiver out of Pahookee High School. Richardson first selected the University of Florida, before ultimately deciding to attend, the University of Tennessee. Ohio native, Mike Edwards, hoped to play for hometown, Ohio State University, but when they didn't offer a scholarship, the cornerback found himself at Tennessee. Fellow freshman, Janzen Jackson, was the second ranked cornerback in the nation. While initially deciding to stay close to home and play for LSU, Jackson would later change his mind and sign with Tennessee.

Jackson worked his way into the lineup, and was the Volunteers starting strong safety. Richardson, a return man and receiver, recorded his first touchdown catch in his last game, versus Memphis. These three men stood at the door of their futures, they had full scholarships with the opportunity to play football in front of thousands of screaming fans. What more could they want? Instead of concentrating on their studies and football, these men made the decision to go out into the Tennessee community, and commit a crime against some of its citizens. At a time when these men should have embraced Tennessee as a home away from home, they decided to leave their mark on the state, not by their play, but by their violent actions.

Richardson and Edwards have been dismissed from the Tennessee football team. It's not clear yet what punishment Janzen Jackson will face. Jackson has already been suspended for a game this season, and now finds himself in trouble again. While their 2009 football season may be over, these young men still have time to work toward redemption. The University of Tennessee and its football team will go on without these men. The Volunteers don't need these three players. What's not known is what happens to Richardson and Edwards now. Is the future they dreamed of as little boys playing pee wee football, over?

Maybe these young men will grow from this. Maybe they'll realize the opportunity they had and make the most of it if they are fortunate enough to receive another one. Whatever drove them to that gas station, hopefully it's something they can overcome. Edwards, Jackson, and Richardson went from college football players to criminals, what they become now, is up to them.

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/2009-02-05-tennessee-jackson_N.htm
http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=3610555
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4647094