Regarding the Virginia Tech wrestling saga involving those players who want to transfer to Iowa, several of the Iowa parents have thrown out the word commitment and promise when talking about the alleged communication by Jim Weaver of a general release policy (general policies are subject to being applied on a case by case basis of course).
I would also like to know if (former Tech wrestling coach Tom) Brands told his recruits there was a good chance he would leave Virginia Tech for another job soon.
For me the issue is not whether or not Weaver issued a statement saying that Virginia Tech generally had a release policy nor is the issue for me whether or not some of these recruits want to follow Brands to Iowa rather than stay at Tech, the main thing I want is for the parents and players to stop using the word “commitment “and “promise.”
It rings hollow when these same players are not looking to fulfill their own commitment to wrestle for Tech.
Just come out and put everything out there the way it is. The players and parents changed their mind. They committed to Virginia Tech, enrolled and enjoyed the benefits of being a scholarship athlete at Virginia Tech. The main reason they came to Tech has left and they have now changed their minds and want to leave.
Fine. If there was some kind of informal statement by Weaver in closed-door meetings with parents to the effect that Tech has a general open release policy, then Weaver has the right to change his mind just as these scholarship athletes have changed their mind.
Commitment. I don’t actually care if the wrestlers and parents don’t want to adhere to their commitment; just don’t go around expecting others to adhere to their alleged commitments.
Michael Turner, Leesburg
Wrestlers should learn life’s consequences
As a graduate and longtime supporter of Virginia Tech, I beg to differ with Bill Richardson’s opinion (“Mailbag, “July 5).
First, I am sure Jim Weaver would rather be spending time with his family instead of dealing with issues like this. Unfortunately he has to deal with this situation like all other issues that affect Virginia Tech athletics. As usual, he is doing a great job and I support his decision 100 percent.
Second, there is no question that, in the best interest of the university and athletics, Virginia Tech pursued and was granted admission to the ACC (a conference Tech should have been in for many years). Richardson failed to point out that the move came at a rather significant price — exiting the Big East and joining the ACC. Most decisions in life come with a price to be paid and I fail to see why the wrestlers and their families feel that they should be above this basic principle.
Last, it is refreshing to see someone take the position that people need to be accountable for their decisions. Virginia Tech made a commitment to the young men just as they made a commitment to the university. I have not heard anything that would lead me to believe that Virginia Tech has not fulfilled it’s obligations. The young men have decided not to fulfill their commitment to the university and need to be held accountable for this decision.
Whether the wrestlers owe Virginia Tech anything is not the issue. The issue is whether young men are willing to accept the consequences of the decisions they make. After all, that is what life is supposed to be about, isn’t it?
Darrell Caldwell, Fredericksburg
Wrestling Gear
