Would you want AJ Barker back on the Gophers team in 2013?

Would you want AJ Barker on the Gophers team in 2013?

  • Yes, I believe in second chances and AJ deserves a second chance.

    Votes: 53 40.2%

  • No, AJ burned too many bridges.

    Votes: 79 59.8%
  • Total voters
    132
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How does Barker's mom BFF feel about this? She should be the final arbiter of everything involving Gopher football. If she is good with it, obviously Kill should do it.
 

I would say no. I think you are asking for more headaches than it would be worth. But I will not be the one making the decision ultimately and as a fan will support whatever decision is made.
 

Agree with many on this thread. I want to say 'no', but 20-year old kids make mistakes, say dumb things, and have inflated senses of self-worth. If Kill thinks he can come back more mature, having learned something, and contribute without detriment to the team, I'm fine with it. I would almost think Kill might let the team or captains put it to a vote. But the scholarship HAS to be off the table. And his arrest needs to be completely resolved before rejoining the team (admittedly, I have not followed as to where this is at).
 

If he had issues with his ankle and did not believe the trainers were handling it correctly, he should have seen a credible doctor and reported that to Coach Kill. Instead he came across as an entitled prima donna.

Anyway, he is a kid who blew it and personally not against his returning so long as Coaches and teammates are satisfied. They are the ones who had to deal with how he handled himself and should be the deciding factor.
 

His behavior was at the manic episode level, exacerbated by the pompous foolishness of family and friends. If he is truly contrite he will be a good teammate, but it has to be real humility, not feigned. Let him into Spring practice on probation?
 


I would allow AJ to return - but only under a very specific set of circumstances, which would have to be agreed to in writing beforehand, and agreed to by AJ, his parents, Coach Kill and AD Teague. If AJ meets the criteria, he can rejoin the team. (providing the team captains and leadership group signs off on it). If he screws up for any reason, he's gone.

From Kill's standpoint, IF AJ lives up to his end of the bargain, the Gophs get a quality WR, and Kill gets some postive PR for being magnanimous and allowing a kid a 2nd chance. Could turn out to be a win-win for the program.

From a purely FB standpoint - put AJ and Harbison at WR (& Mc Donald if he's back), and this offense could look a lot better. Plus they still have Fruechte as a possession receiver, and Jones if his knee is ok.
 

MRJ said:
I say no.

But if Kill says yes, I'll roll with it.
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my feelings as well. As far as a team vote...I prefer Kill to decide, he is paid to make the tough decisions.
 

mnsports1 said:
my feelings as well. As far as a team vote...I prefer Kill to decide, he is paid to make the tough decisions.
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The only problem with that is that it might create some division amongst guys on the team. That's why I think everybody, from coaches to players, should weigh in. That way, everything is on the table and everyone's feelings on the matter are clear. Of course, it ultimately comes down to what Kill thinks is best. I just happen to feel that in this case, the more voices considered, the better.
 

I can't believe we're wasting so much time on this spoiled/coddled 'lil sh!t. Spring ball can't come soon enough!!!
 



mnsports1 said:
my feelings as well. As far as a team vote...I prefer Kill to decide, he is paid to make the tough decisions.
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Yeah, well, Kill is actually deciding. If he would even allow it to go to a vote, that's his decision.

He left his teammates out to dry and I think that Kill's tough choice is even in letting them have a vote.
 

Calm, yourself junior! No need to toss names at a man/child.
 


Having anyone on a team like AJ, that is willing to throw his coaches, medical staff, university and teammates under the bus, does NOT deserve a 2nd chance. It is about time that the drama queen learns to take responsibility for his actions and face the consequences. Even if he had not been pms'ing during his Twitter rant, you could never take someone onto your team that has a pending drug charge.
 





Absolutely. I'd have a tremendous amount of respect for Kill if he took Baker back. Coach talks about shaping these boys into young men. If Baker comes back with his tail between his legs, and coach accepts, well, I think it would be a good life lesson.

Besides, have you seen this WR group? Remember that one catch DCT made against Iowa two seasons ago? Yeah, that one was so awesome. And loved those game changing freshmen WRs from last year- big difference makers. Hell, I couldn't even name another WR on this team besides those three.
 

Section 100 said:
Absolutely. I'd have a tremendous amount of respect for Kill if he took Baker back. Coach talks about shaping these boys into young men. If Baker comes back with his tail between his legs, and coach accepts, well, I think it would be a good life lesson.

Besides, have you seen this WR group? Remember that one catch DCT made against Iowa two seasons ago? Yeah, that one was so awesome. And loved those game changing freshmen WRs from last year- big difference makers. Hell, I couldn't even name another WR on this team besides those three.
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No one heard of Baker or Barker prior to last season either. Next.
 

Regarding AJ...it will not matter in 100 years, so let's
move on to the "good stuff" surrounding the Gopher
Football program.
 

I am a Gopher! said:
Regarding AJ...it will not matter in 100 years, so let's move on to the "good stuff" surrounding the GopherFootball program.
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AJ can be part of the "good stuff" surrounding the Gopher football program. It can be a story of redemption - not only for AJ but for Jerry Kill.
 

Go4Broke said:
AJ can be part of the "good stuff" surrounding the Gopher football program. It can be a story of redemption - not only for AJ but for Jerry Kill.
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LOL - Still haven't gotten that movie script funded yet have you?
 

I received the following advice when I was a young pup long ago. I try to pass the same along to members of the younger generation when I get a chance. "Never burn your bridges behind you because you never know when you might have to recross that bridge." Obviously AJ either never received or ignored that type of advise before he lit the torch. That being said it would take an extenuating set of circumstances for him to return to the Gopher football team. Not sure that it is possible.
 

TLHGO4 said:
That being said it would take an extenuating set of circumstances for him to return to the Gopher football team. Not sure that it is possible.
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That is a wishy washy post. Give it to us straight. Are you for or against AJ coming back to the team? From now on every poster in GopherHole is going to be judged on where they stand on this issue.
 

Go4Broke said:
That is a wishy washy post. Give it to us straight. Are you for or against AJ coming back to the team? From now on every poster in GopherHole is going to be judged on where they stand on this issue.
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No, they will not. You're not a judge.
 

Go4Broke said:
That is a wishy washy post. Give it to us straight. Are you for or against AJ coming back to the team? From now on every poster in GopherHole is going to be judged on where they stand on this issue.
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Warning to all users: From now on, not only will Gopherhole members be asked for a username and a password, but also for their stance on whether A.J. Barker should be allowed back on the team. And make sure you say yes, or you will all be subject to the almighty judgment of Go4Broke. Consider yourselves warned.
 

Go4Broke said:
That is a wishy washy post. Give it to us straight. Are you for or against AJ coming back to the team? From now on every poster in GopherHole is going to be judged on where they stand on this issue.
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My comments were not intended to take sides on the issue, but to emphasize the size of the hole AJ dug for himself. But since you asked I'll say, based on my knowledge of the situation, it would be a big mistake to allow him back on the team. Happy now?
 

Yes, if Coach Kill is on board. Everyone screws up in life, and young people screw up spectacularly. We need his talent -iIf okay with Coach, okay with me.
 

Go4Broke said:
That is a wishy washy post. Give it to us straight. Are you for or against AJ coming back to the team? From now on every poster in GopherHole is going to be judged on where they stand on this issue.
Click to expand...

You really have crossed the line. It is time for you to seek professional help and this is no joke.
 

Killjoy said:
You really have crossed the line. It is time for you to seek professional help and this is no joke.
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Maybe you can recommend a therapist to him, assuming you are getting treatment for your infatuation with Wren.
 

I think we should be able to get more than 116 people to respond to this poll. Especially because the other AJ thread is at the top of the page right now. The two threads belong together.
 


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