Professional football has its own political issues to deal with, while the college game is wrapped up with another probe investigating domestic abuse. After the University of Maryland claimed responsibility for the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair during a team workout, serious problems with how players are being treated and trained is creeping into the picture.
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In Logansville, Georgia, the Grayson Rams might be able to beat a low-level FBS football team, with multiple players already committed to major Division I programs. On Wednesday, they walked out of practice demanding change for violent, over-the-top practices that have resulted in serious injuries.
All but 18 Grayson players skipped out on practice Wednesday, protesting practice conditions by head coach Christian Hunnicutt. The players weren't asking for Hunnicutt to be fired, but they were trying to voice their concern over his coaching methods.
A parent of the players anonymously told Gwinnett Prep Sports that players were subjected to heat related issues and full body cramping, as well as multiple players breaking bones in their hands from excessive hitting in practice. Injured players claimed they were being called "soft" and felt "isolated."
Several instances resulted in ambulance trips to Atlanta-area hospitals.
After a team meeting, the problems have apparently been buttoned up, and the team is back to practice.
"We addressed the issue with our players and our focus is preparing for our opener against Tucker," Hunnicutt said.
Players at perennial powerhouse Grayson -- the top-ranked team in Georgia Class AAAAAAA -- stage walkout to protest "rough" practice conditions. They say they're concerned for their health.
Something tells me this story is far from over... Count on @wsbtv & @ajc for updates. pic.twitter.com/HCWaeLgzEH
— George Marshalek (@MarshalekGeorge) August 17, 2018
So, how can a cry for help be swept under the rug without some kind of look at how young kids are being taught a violent game?
Because in high school football, it's kill or be killed, and no matter what the problem, you just aren't tough enough.
Primadonas don’t like to work hard. They just want to take their 5 ⭐️’s to the bank. Bless their hearts. https://t.co/graFziP6GX
— Robert Ingram (@CoachRIngram) August 17, 2018
The Rams compete in Georgia's Class 7-A, the highest classification of high school football in the state — they last won the state title in 2016.
The Grayson roster is loaded from top to bottom again this year, evidenced by the high school being ranked preseason No. 5 in the country by USA Today.
These are only four of the SENIOR's being nationally recruited:
— Offensive tackle, Wanya Morris - Tennessee commit
— Linebacker, Owen Pappoe - Auburn commit
— Defensive end, Kevin Harris - Alabama commit
— Defensive back, Kenyatta Watson II - Texas commit
When the nation's top players, who dominate their position in high school sports, claim that they're being forced into dangerous practice situations, during a time when concussion-protocols and general player safety is threatened, it's time to take notice.
There's a serious chance players were just upset, and practice conditions might actually not be as serious as reports are indicating.
The game of football is dangerous, and no one to ever play the game would argue otherwise — it comes with the territory, but at some point, a line has to be drawn.
Another case of serious conditions was at the doorstep, and its quickly been swept under the rug.
Take notice: something about this game's culture is inherently wrong.
