DemocratandChronicle.com
Syracuse football recruit Ashton Broyld has been suspended for “inappropriate gestures” following a high school basketball game against Irondequoit (NY) in which he fouled out.
Murky facts have compounded the issue, as speculation has run rampant on what Broyld actually did. Some reports suggest he flipped the bird after the buzzer, others say he dropped his pants and heckled the crowd.
A call to Rush-Henrietta High School Athletic Director Tom Stewart was not returned. The district released a statement addressing the issue.
“The school district is aware of an incident involving one of our students after Wednesday’s basketball game at Blue Cross Arena. The behavior described is completely unacceptable. We expect our student-athletes to be good ambassadors of the school district and community, and to display sportsmanship at all times. This is a student disciplinary matter that will be dealt with in accordance with the district’s code of conduct. Because of student confidentiality laws, the district is unable to provide further information.”
The black hole of information in the online marketplace is not good for Broyld right now. The lack of clarity and sketchy reports by Rochester’s WHEC-TV of “inappropriate gestures” suggest more than just a middle finger was given to the Irondequoit fans.
Broyld was a Fizz guest on National Signing Day and seemed like a good kid. This incident shocked me when I first read about it. However, clearly something of note occurred because Broyld has been suspended.
These are the ramifications that could be on the table for the star quarterback and his time at SU:
– Broyld could lose his scholarship. The police were called and are investigating the incident. This would seem unlikely because the police have not charged Broyld with a crime.
– The 6’4″, 225 pound behemoth has severely hurt his chances of playing quarterback at Syracuse. QB1 is a leadership position for Doug Marrone, and this looks awful. With consummate hard-worker Ryan Nassib, former NYS player of the year John Kinder and strong-willed recruit Terrel Hunt on the roster, there’s a solid possibility Broyld is forced to make a position switch.
– Broyld enters 2011 camp on the shortest leash of anyone on the team, new or returning. The Dougie has made a point of scrubbing the roster of poor character guys, while heavily disciplining those who screw up. Talent be damned, there is nobody more important than the team to the current head coach.
– The kid has some growing up to do. This is unacceptable behavior for a student with a D1 scholarship on the line. Whatever happened was done in public. Bad idea.
There is four years of evidence from high school that suggests Broyld can be a leader and a great player. One incident may not make Broyld, but consequences loom with such a reportedly disgusting offense.
Posted: Ted Conroy
