This is a troubling development to say the least. Absent the personal concerns this is unnecessary drama for a team with enough on its plate going into the game versus Michigan State. If everything that Barker says is true and not embellished (gut feeling that's a big IF), then Kill and co. will have some questions to answer.
Calling a kid a "faggot" is a massive no-no. I've been around sports long enough to know
that a lot of derogatory language can be thrown around but in this day and age that stuff won't fly,
especially if legal action is possible. The faith stuff is interesting to say the least, if Goldy the
Gopher can get suspended for
kneeling to mock a player praying, directly degrading someone on a religious basis too will probably
draw a strong reaction as well.
That being said, Barker's letter was a horrendous decision on his part, he has absolutely
nothing to gain by airing dirty laundry like this. I can understand his frustration about not being
offered a scholarship if that was the main crux of the issue, but to make this public and cast this
light on it will only hurt him if his goal is really to play high level football next year. This couldn't
have turned out worse for all parties involved.
On an aside, if I wanted a study guide for a freshmen level psychology class I'd print out his letter
and use it. How many definitions are you going to try and write out in a letter to a football
coach?! Regardless of the situation Barker sounds like he has some personal and school issues to work out, and quite a bit of hubris too boot. He'll end up regretting putting this letter on the
internet, even if it is within his right to do.
Enjoy Winona or St. Johns for your senior football A.J., if they'll even have you.
