Josh Smith's Appeal for an Open Transfer Denied, Buff Fans Left to Wonder What's Next?

by irish1611 on Jun 22, 2009 6:57 PM MDT in Football Feature Stories Comment 24 comments

Josh Smith makes a touchdown grab against West Virginia last season.

The Josh Smith saga took a little more of an interesting turn today as the academic appeals board assembled by the University denied Smith's desire to have an open transfer to 8 - 10 schools. Instead, fulfilling Smith's request to further his music career, the former Buff will only be allowed to further his education at the University of Southern California. USC is supposedly the only school who has the music major Smith listed as his reason for transfer. According to the Daily Camera, the Buffs leading special teams player from a year ago will have only a couple of options:

"Smith’s options are now limited to transferring to USC, paying his way to another school for one year before being allowed to receive financial aid or returning to CU."

No one knows if USC would actually offer Josh Smith a scholarship to play football there and considering their talented wide receiver depth chart, finding room for Smith might be difficult.

Basically this signals that their is a lot more to the story than we know about. For the transfer appeal committee to agree with the decision of athletic director Mike Bohn and head coach Dan Hawkins decision to limit Smith's escape route certainly points in the direction of unknown events behind closed doors. You have to believe that the appeal committee is there to separate possible athletic implications and formulate a decision in the best interest of the student-athlete both on the field and off the field.

Whether you agree or disagree with Mike Bohn's description of student-athletes as investments or Josh Smith's desire to transfer to his list of schools on his terms, I think we are all in question mode about what makes this situation different from the rest of the transfers that go on with players like one of the newest Buffs in wide receiver Toney Clemons (transfer from Michigan Wolverines) or former Buff running back Marcus Houston who of all places went to Colorado State, a team who Colorado plays once a year. Even Dan Hawkins admits times have changed and it isn't just limited to his program, that kids are going for instant gratification or as he puts it "the grass is always greener on the other side."

What if Cody Hawkins wanted to transfer? Scotty McKnight? Ryan Miller? Darrell Scott? Is this now the standard for the University of Colorado? Is it the standard we want to present for future and current Buffs? I don't know.

Another question would be if Josh Smith went to Mike Bohn & Dan Hawkins and said, "Mr. Bohn, coach Hawkins, our offensive coordinator just left and we don't have a full-time wide receivers coach right now. Based on that, I would like to go to a more stable situation. I would like to go to school XYZ and try it there," would we be in the same predicament? Is it all about the music career that has Bohn, Hawkins and the administration flirting with that dangerous public relations line? Is the music career the reason we are even discussing the ramifications of this decision on the future of running back Darrell Scott, arguably the most important player for the Buffs future?

Again, all questions, no answers. It is a head scratcher with the public is certainly being the public on this one and the people behind the scenes are truly keeping it in house. It has to be right? A music career cannot be the reason for all of this posturing.

I do not think this will end positively, either way, unless we hear shortly that Josh Smith has come back on board and realized that he didn't make the right choice, blaming it on his youth and how he is ready to suit it back up for the Buffs. Other than that, I don't see how the University comes out positive in this unless we hear the rest of the story.

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geez

just let him go and let him move on….

by roxbombers on Jun 22, 2009 7:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Tough to understand this situation

But as bad as things may look to those of us on the outside, I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to Bohn, Hawkins, et al. I’m sure they’re disappointed that one of the most electric players on the team has decided to bolt — hell, we all are — but these guys are professionals with years of experience dealing with student athletes. I trust that our coaches and athletic department personnel are capable of dealing with this situation without emotion and making decisions based on the rules and facts in the case. I think today’s decision by the board of appeals reinforces that. There’s got to be something else going on here.

On a side note, judging by the total lack of coverage on Conquest Chronicles (http://www.conquestchronicles.com/), the USC faithful couldn’t care less about the prospects of Josh Smith transferring to their program. But it’s possible that JS will show up on their radar screen once the Kevin O’Neill news dies down.

by highlandsbuff on Jun 22, 2009 8:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

USC Fans aren't that excited

On a side note, judging by the total lack of coverage on Conquest Chronicles (http://www.conquestchronicles.com/), the USC faithful couldn’t care less about the prospects of Josh Smith transferring to their program.

There was some discussion on the WEARESC forum but it ended about June 3. Not that much interest, until nephew was a package deal.

They have so much depth in every position, he’d have been just one of the masses there. He stood out at Colorado, for better or worse. I hope Josh’s next decision serves him well, whatever it is.

by JustmyOp on Jun 22, 2009 9:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

No one at USC cares

At all.

I talked to a few people this week, mostly about the Air Strike Tournament a couple of weekends ago. No one mentioned Josh Smith (and my allegiance is very well known). when pressed, Most of them didn’t care and the rest didn’t even know that he was transferring.

If this is an issue for legit non football reasons- he’s going to find out that he’s not as hot a commodity as he might think, and have to accept it. If it’s a football reason, then he’ll be back on campus. Simple as that.

Also, my boy Junior Onyeali is getting noticed out west. I don’t care for that. CLOSE THIS HAWK!

by Hallux Valgus on Jun 22, 2009 9:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Onyeali is raking it up...

he should look at our depth chart and realize he has a great shot at playing early…sounds like he has a great motor:

D-line: Nduka Onyeali (Denver, Colo./Mullen)

If there was an overall MVP for the camp, regardless of position, it would have gone to Onyeali. The lineman was unblockable in one-on-one drills. He uses his hands very well and is incredibly strong. He plays on the edge but at 5-foot-11, he may have to make the move to linebacker or add weight and move inside to tackle in college. Regardless where he plays, Onyeali has the raw talent to be a difference-maker at the school of his choice.

The Ralphie Report - Go Buffs!...All Colorado Buffaloes on SBNation - http://www.ralphiereport.com/

by irish1611 on Jun 22, 2009 9:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've been on him for 2 years now

I saw that mention. But you can look back and see my comments BEGGING for him. for a long damn time. He is a pure pass rusher with an NFL body. Period. This is my guy. If he comes to CU, he is automatically my favorite player. If he doesn’t, he is the biggest punch in the gut ever. He’s my favorite player among all that I’ve scouted. He’s a better pass rusher that Kasa coming out of high school- and it isn’t close. He might play linebacker, but he’d be the best linebacker we’ve had in a decade. He’s that explosive. I think he’s better than Brian Cushing at the same spot. And I don’t think it’s close.

by Hallux Valgus on Jun 22, 2009 9:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawk needs to CAMP OUT at Mullen

Make that school our feeder and CU would have one of Colorado’s top 5 player every yr.

You think that Logan and Hawk could talk these kids into staying home, but so many studs from Mullen have left during Barnett, hopefully Hawk can change that, like he has locked up the top talent every yr.

by roxbombers on Jun 22, 2009 11:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is tough for me to say...

but honestly, not much has become of most of the Mullen guys who leave. And this goes back as far as I can remember, back to the Emmitt Mosely/ Ryan Clement days.

Going backwards: Devin Aguilar would have been nice: he looks like a solid receiver at Washington. Scaife and Alex Smith would have helped. We did sign Maurice Greer, but he never matriculated. Clint Brewster has already transferred. Nolan Brewster? Who knows.

We did get Roman Hollowell, Stephone Robinson, Brian and Shawn Daniels, and they have had success to varying degrees. Now we’ve got Givens and Conte. We also had Duren transfer in: he got the boot for legal reasons.

also, I keep hearing that Logan is no real friend to CU because he wants a job and keeps getting passed over (which seems to have some merit, going back to the Steve Cutlip days). I also have a theory that, since Mullen isn’t a neighborhood school, the players there are less likely to stay local for college. Those players have been exposed to the business side of football since 9th grade (Mullen sells friggin CLUB SEATS)

by Hallux Valgus on Jun 23, 2009 8:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've heard that MANY times too

If Logan did encourage his guys to look at CU I’m sure Mullen would be our #1 feeder school, but I don’t think he does. I don’t think he tells them NOT to go to CU either, but there definitely seem to be some hard feelings.

by nebraskasux on Jun 24, 2009 12:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

This was absolutely the right decision.

Bravo to our university for holding our student athletes to their word. Josh Smith committed to play football at the University of Colorado. If he wants to leave to further his music career, and there is only one school that offers that program, then he should be happy that we are granting him a release to attend that school. If he has other unnannounced intentions then he should come clean and own up to his choices. There is NO SHAME in him wanting to transfer. There is shame in lying as to why you want to transfer. If he’s being honest with the program then he should be totally satisfied with the outcome of the decision.

by Buff-in-IL on Jun 22, 2009 9:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

Im proud of the school for standing up for itself and not just being used. The school and the team should be the commodity in the college situation, not the player being the commodity. What i mean by that is that the player should want to come to the school, instead of the school catering to the every need of the player just so they play with them. Its not right. I think thats whats wrong with college basketball is that the schools are at the mercy of the players.

That being said I’m not ensuing that J-Fly is using the school or has any deviant reasons for doing what hes doing, I just like that were setting the precident that the school comes before players.

"It's like an owl without a graduation cap; Heartbreaking!!" -Tracy Jordan

by 303buff on Jun 22, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the reason for wanting to leave is irrelevant...

No one asks the English student why they want to transfer. He should be free to do as he wishes. Bohn and Hawkins are just mad because their investment didn’t pan out.

by BuffaloSoldier on Jun 23, 2009 4:31 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

They probably do

if the English student in question is on a Boetcher scholarship

by denver_sc on Jun 23, 2009 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

No one asks the English student why they want to transfer.

English majors don’t often sign a legal contract committing themselves to another year at an institution. If they did, in exchange for a scholly, they’d be bound by the same agreements. When JFly signed up for another year this spring, he effectively put this type of “changed my mind” decision in the hands of the University.

He’s not the only football player to have limits imposed on a transfer.
When Robert Marve asked Miami to release him, they included a block on 27 other schools.
CU just took it up a notch, since Josh was the one who said music major close to home.

Josh can STILL go anywhere he wants to go. He just has to pay for it.

by JustmyOp on Jun 23, 2009 6:12 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree that this approach...

…makes sense for the University of Colorado, but good luck getting the national media to understand that if/when they get a hold of this story. Hawkins and Bohn will be painted as win-at-all-costs black hats who are all too willing to get in the way of a young man’s future.

We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats

by TB on Jun 23, 2009 6:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Would it really surprise anyone

To get another soapbox, holier-than-thou article from Rick Reilly talking about this and how he’s ashamed to be a CU grad again? A_hole.

by denver_sc on Jun 23, 2009 9:31 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Agree

Rick Reilly is an A_hole. I will not read any of his work until he apologizes to CU

by CleBUFFS on Jun 23, 2009 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing Wron With What CU Is Doing Here

Most schools limit the transfers of their athletes. What CU is doing here isn’t anything different that what has happened in most transfers recently. Don’t forget, the kid is on full scholarship. For an out of state student, that’s about $20k a year the school has invested in just his housing and education, not to mention the training costs, food and equipment costs for football and the personal investment made by school personnel. I would be more irritated if CU let their scholarship athletes transfer without question. CU invests in these kids because they commit to CU for four years of eligibility. If they get drafted or are talented enough to go on to the next level, it is what it is, But CU isn’t investing in these kids for two years to see them go on to another school. When this large of an investment in time, money and people is made in someone, you can’t just expect to dance out the door and not burn bridges. The LOI is no different than if a pro athlete had signed a 4 year contract to perform for a pro team. It’s perfectly within CUs rights to treat this matter in any way they chose. If that means, god forbid, holding some spoiled athlete to a commitment, then more power to them!

by SanDiegoBuff on Jun 23, 2009 10:03 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Some Advice to Young Josh

Son, fall on your sword. Hard. Immediately. Apologize to your coaches, teammates, Univeristy, and fans for the recent saga. Wear Buff pride on your sleeve, check your ego out when you walk out of the front door. Ask for forgiveness, and dedicate yourself to your football craft and your team and stay a Buff. People have short memories, especially when success follows. You can still be a legendary Buff, and that’s what people would remember.

The great thing about music, is (these days) you can follow it as your passion in your free time, and improve constantly simply by doing what you love. What Josh is looking for, he won’t find in a classroom. Just find like minded-music oriented people on campus or in the community – and there are LOTS – and play around with music. Experiment. Learn what comes naturally and what you enjoy, and dive into it.

by BuffsFan99 on Jun 23, 2009 10:23 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

If it's truely about a music major

my advice to Josh would be to enroll at the school of his choice and then figure out how to get student loans or a couple JOBS to pay for the coming school year. Hundreds of thousands of students do it every year. Then I believe any school can give him an athletic scholarship if they so desire.

“Smith’s options are now limited to transferring to USC, paying his way to another school for one year before being allowed to receive financial aid or returning to CU.”

It appears the basic sticking point is initial transfer year. Either way he’ll have to sit out and not play for 1 year. It’s not a birthright to have a free college education off someone elses back. Remember FREE means someone one else pays for it. I personally would like to see all schools have a uniform policy on athletic scholorship transfer requests. It seems each school gets to handle it how it feels best.

I personally think there is more to this than a music degree, but there is a difference between belief and proof, and I don’t have the later. If Josh were to decide to stay, CU would have to honor his scholorship but I am curious to know if his team mates would want him back knowing the only reason he is back is the other deal fell through? Would Hawk even have to let him back on the team?

My guess Josh is gone no matter what. Hope things pan out for the young man. He did look good in Black and Gold.

Go Buffs..

by CrazyBuff on Jun 23, 2009 11:27 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Logic

My question to Josh would be why is he appealing if he was telling the truth? If he wasn’t telling the truth, hopefully he’ll learn that the truth is always the best option in the long run. It may have been easier in the face-to-face moment with Hawk to tell him “I want to do music in SoCal” when he was thinking “I want to leave the CU football team and play somewhere else”, but in the long run, this smokescreen, if that’s what it is, was bound to backfire.

I agree though, that no one will care about this if he decides to come out and say he hadn’t thought it all the way through and would love to finish up his football career @ CU, while pursuing music after. I mean, CU has put a ton of WRs in the NFL over the past 30 years, if that’s what he wants – Bloom, Chivarini, Westbrook, Branch, hackett, johnson, etc. etc.

I just hope UCLA has nothing to do with this.

by BuffulanceMan on Jun 23, 2009 12:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs