TCU Coach Gary Patterson Sets the Curve

After a 4-0 start in a season where TCU joined the Big 12, things were looking up for this new BCS contender. That’s when things started to go terribly wrong for the Horned Frog faithful. Last week, starting quarterback Casey Pachall was pulled over by police for running a stop sign. He was then arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, followed by an indefinite suspension by head coach Gary Patterson. Only later did Coach Patterson come out saying a decision would be made after the weekend, leading to a press conference today addressing the issue. Today, Patterson addressed the media and college football world in a way that many should take note of. He didn’t kick Pachall off the team for good, or let him off much easier than deserved because as we all saw this Saturday; the Frogs aren’t near the team without him. Rather, Patterson sat down with Pachall and his parents and found a solution that would help everyone, especially the 21 year-old quarterback. Patterson announced that Pachall would not be enrolled in school for the remainder of the season, and would be checking into rehab for treatment. Patterson was quoted saying, “If he gets clean he can come back.” This decision came after the Frogs ended a 12-game winning streak, which to-date was leading the country. “For those of you that think it’s about wins and losses you’re wrong.”, Patterson stated when discussing a very difficult decision. “I’ve got a young football team and a person who obviously needs help,” Patterson explained when discussing the future of his quarterback and previously undefeated football team. This situation was a great time for me to get on my soap box and discuss something I feel has been handled completely the wrong way in the past. For the record, I am in no way condoning athletes that abuse the superiority and power they have, but when dealing with young college athletes, I think sometimes we are much too hard on them. These kids range from the ages of 18-22, many living away from home for the first time. They are being bombarded with media, fellow students, teachers, and above all, boosters. Most of you adults can remember your younger days or college times, and most of them consist of a few stories your husbands, wives, and kids will never hear. Being in the spotlight like major college sports are today leaves no room for error for these athletes, making mistakes that are made daily by others seem much larger by those in the sports world. Patterson took a different route than coaches and schools have in the past, he took a route that, in his eyes, was the best for the young man and the team. Hopefully this will set a precedent for other coaches and schools dealing with troubled athletes. The whole purpose of coaching as Patterson stated is, “You try to change people’s lives, that’s what this is about.” This philosophy should be taught in any and every coaching clinic around the world, because it truly is the sole purpose of coaches and teachers. Let’s stop forgetting about kids because they won’t be able to help us win the next game, but instead help them win in the remainder of their lives, outside of sports. Follow me @DFWsportscreed Edited by Dustin Hughes