News has already spread like wildfire that Demetrius Jones has decided to transfer from Notre Dame to another school. That’s unfortunate, and we wish him luck. What’s really disappointing in all of this is it appears Jones just sprung the news on the ND coaching staff and his teammates late this afternoon.
Coach Charlie Weis released a statement Friday afternoon. He said, “At 2:30 today (Friday), while boarding the bus to Michigan, I was notified that Demetrius Jones had decided not to make the trip. I have not spoken to Demetrius and can only say that he missed the team bus. Any additional comment would be without all the facts.”
After having heard so many stories about what a great leader and strong character Demetrius Jones is, frankly this behavior is a little stunning.
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If that’s the case, then it’s a case of mis-recruiting. An “ND Guy” wouldn’t pull something that lame. But, Weis couldn’t be picky in that class – he had to take talent, even if it wasn’t necessarily the kind of guy he really wanted (e.g. Sharpley/Clausen/Crist) – the kind of guy that will suck it up and battle for playing time, or help his team while doing his best. Maybe Jones has a reason, maybe we dont know the whole story, but I cant think of a legit reason why you wouldnt at least let someone know about this beforehand. I’m sure it has some guys rattled on the team, and that’s the last thing this team needs. Again, if it’s true, poor and fairly classless choice by the young man.
Not only did DJ transfer to NIU, but since there have been more than 12 days passed since the semester began, he has to sit out both 2007 AND 2008, and will have two years eligibility remaining starting in 2009.
So much for our option QB
I don’t really think DJ’s leaving will upset the team. After all, he took a cowardly way out, just not getting on the bus on Friday. It can only be interpreted as a gutless decision, and the rest of the team will likely not miss him. Probably the happiest guy about it is E. Sharpley.
Dumb move, Darius….
I meant to say, “Dumb move DEMETRIUS.”
Wow. Coach Weis may or may not be surprised, but I’ll bet he’s disappointed. If Jones is bailing out after his first encounter with adversity, he’s probably not the guy we need. At the same time, the G-Tech game was probably not a fair “tryout” with the O-line playing so poorly. I would have liked to se what he can really do.
I dont know what I’d say is a scummier move, this or Aaron Nagel’s hijinx. Both have the air of a coward and a primadonna, both negatively impact the school, and both are going to schools that are lacking in every area that ND has a strength. UF- classless coach, dumb kids, NIU – no history of success, anonymity.
Confused 19-yo kid makes a bad decision without taking advantage of the opportunity to talk to the one guy who could give him solid advice(CW). What a shame. I feel really bad for him. Seems clear he did this very hurriedly, with lots of emotion and little thought. I understand if he’d gone to Northwestern he’d only be out this year, and have three to play, because their school year hasn’t even started yet. Just a shame, and yet another issue for the coaching staff to deal with.
On second thought, after witnessing the debacle in Ann Arbor yesterday, maybe Demetrius knew what he was doing, although the way in which he did it showed no class at all.