Once again we have encountered the line that falls between athletes’ personal and public lives. Earlier this year, Wake Forest kicked running back Luke Caparelli off the team for some comments he wrote on his Facebook profile. Even Shaq had his police badges stripped for a distasteful rap where he slammed Kobe Bryant. Now it’s Oklahoma freshman wide receiver Josh Jarboe who has suffered the consequences of his off-field antics, getting kicked off the team for a distasteful rap video he created.
This is not the first incident for Jarboe — he was arrested in the spring for bringing a stolen gun to his high school. Jarboe’s charges were reduced to misdemeanors since he was a first-time offender, which allowed his scholarship to stand. Though Bob Stoops initially indicated Jarboe would remain on the team despite the video, he changed his mind. I defend Bob Stoops in this instance. Between the two incidents, Jarboe has displayed questionable character — might as well nip the issue in the butt before it gets worse. Don’t forget, this is the same coach who kicked his starting quarterback and offensive lineman off his team for misconduct, so he is equal opportunity. As for Jarboe and all athletes, you have the freedom of speech, but you don’t have the freedom of consequence. Probably wasn’t worth it, was it, Jarboe?
And in case you couldn’t listen to the video, here are some of the lyrics he spits:
From The Oklahoman:
Among the lyrics in his freestyle rap:
“Shoot you in the head and you might be dead with a halo. So hold on, don’t beg for your life. And hold on, don’t ask please.”
“Best believe I’m from Atlanta, from Atlanta, where they tote guns and tote AKs and AKs.”
“I’ll shoot you’re a— up like a damn pool table.”
Yeah, not exactly all puppy dogs and ice cream cones, ay? Like I said, I back Stoops here. It’s his team and if this isn’t the image he wants his players giving out, he has the right to revoke a scholarship.
