Jonathan Newsome's arrest last week put Ball State's new "Rise Up" motto under attack.
Coach Pete Lembo sent a bold message to Newsome by suspending him for the first two games of the season.
Lembo served Newsome exactly the punishment he deserved.
Compared to a lot of other places, Newsome's suspension looks a little severe.
In March, Georgia starting cornerback Branden Smith was arrested for possession of marijuana and it looked as if Smith would face at least a one-game suspension. But earlier this month, Smith's suspension was lifted and he was cleared to play.
Newsome has been given every opportunity to correct his wrongs. He received help for his grades over the last year and his arrest warrant for missing a court date was overlooked and swept under the rug.
He hasn't displayed any sense that he's working to correct himself. In reality, Newsome is digging a deeper and deeper hole to climb out of.
Newsome arrived to this program with such high expectations. He was a projected starter on opening day at defensive end.
Nobody is going to feel sorry for him, because his stupidity is his own damn fault.
Lembo has stood his ground and made his mark. His message is clear. "Behavior that embarrasses the football program and the university will not be tolerated," he wrote in his newsletter last week.
Obviously, Newsome will be needed down the road, especially against some of the heftier teams in the Mid-American Conference, such as Northern Illinois, Ohio and Toledo.
I understand that. I get it. He's an important piece to this defense. Lembo and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman are going to need him. But now the coaching staff has to worry about Newsome staying out of trouble.
It's reality check time for Newsome. He's been given another opportunity, one that many people don't get.
Read More
Delta baseball defeats Yorktown in extra innings to become Delaware County champions
By Zach Carter / May 11, 2024The Eagles defeated the Tigers 5-2 in extra innings to win the Delaware County baseball tournament. It's the first time Delta has won the event since 2017.
'I'm grateful and proud:' No. 6 Ball State falls to No. 1 Miami in MAC Championship title game
By Zach Carter / May 11, 2024The No. 6 Cardinals fell to the No. 1 Redhawks 8-0 in the MAC title game. It's the farthest the Cardinals have advanced in the tournament since 2015.
'Building into something great:' Ball State softball advances to the MAC title game for the first time since 2015
By Zach Carter / May 10, 2024No. 6 Ball State defeated No. 5 Central Michigan, No. 4 Toledo and No. 2 Ohio Friday to advance to the title game of the Mid-American Conference Championship. The Cardinals will face the No. 1 Miami Redhawks. If Ball State was to win, a second game will need to be played due to the Redhawks undefeated tournament record.
