Lots that needs to be touched on — expansion, Graham puffer, and the Century of Change — but I’ll hit this first.
The minor stir caused yesterday by reports that Dorian Bell would be transferring to Pitt has quickly fizzled out. All last evening, Chris Peak of PantherLair had tweeted that any reports of Dorian Bell transferring to Pitt were foolish. That it wasn’t happening.
Paul Zeise also backs that up.
Former Gateway standout Dorian Bell may indeed leave Ohio State, but there is absolutely zero chance he will end up at Pitt. I was told tonight by several sources that Pitt coach Todd Graham will not even consider taking Bell, who is suspended for next season for unspecified rules violations, or any player who has been in trouble elsewhere.
The three transfers to Pitt so far have been clean players. Not suspended or kicked off the team. Bell is on his third violation for what is believed to be drugs/alcohol violations. Even if Graham wanted to take the guy (which he apparently doesn’t), you have to believe that the Pitt AD and President would not sign off on this.
I can’t blame Pitt for saying no thanks. As much potential as he may still possess, it doesn’t seem worth it.
I’m not saying it should be a no-brainer or to let talent and potential outweigh past screw-ups. But he could come in, have the rules explained to him (one screw-up and you’re done), give a brief announcement to the fan base, and see where it goes. If he messes, up he is kicked off the team – end of discussion and we move on, but we can say we gave a hometown kid a chance. If he succeeds, he (and Pitt) could flourish.
I may be in the minority here, and it doesn’t seem like it will matter in the long run, but it is just a thought.
