Steff M, Claremore (11/13/2009 5:41:31 AM)

Nice interview. "He should be fired." "He lied to us." "I'm hurt." "It gave us unwanted attention." 15 words between 2 guys? Why bother? And I'm sure the kid just HATED all that attention.

T.B'Ville, Bruins (11/13/2009 7:29:29 AM)

Sounds like if they would let the team vote on Jimmerson, he would be fired.

SC, (11/13/2009 7:33:14 AM)

They forgot to mention Fisher who should be fired too. Not only did he lie, he also does not teach his classes.

Lambo, Lawton (11/13/2009 7:51:00 AM)

After watching the video, these young men obviously still don't understand or haven't been told fully why their team forfeited games. They say it wasn't the players fault, however, 16 of their teammates shouldn't have been on the field for 2 games. I'm sure these are fine young men, but Barnett feels they could have talked the OSSAA out of the forfeits. That's just not being realistic. I would be mad at my teammates and not just the coaches for doing this to me.

RollinOkie, (11/13/2009 8:07:38 AM)

2 Questions ??
Did they know about the illegal players?
If so, why did they not speak up when it first started?
Some or the palyers had to know what was going on. They are intelligent young men and had to feel that something was not on the up and up.
All is well when your are winning, but get caught doing something wrong, start the blame game.
These coaches should also be charge in criminal court for fraud and sent to jail.

dice, tulsa (11/13/2009 8:22:01 AM)

yep rat,rat ,rat!

Jacky, small town Oklahoma (11/13/2009 8:49:31 AM)

What do you expect students to do about inelligible players? They are not the ones put in charge of the team - the ADULTS are. The players don't decide who plays and who doesn't.

It is a shame that some greedy coaches have put these young men in this position, when this should be a time for them to be enjoying their lives. Instead they get a lesson on how greedy and corrupt the people they are supposed to look up to are.

M_Sizzle, Tulsa (11/13/2009 8:54:18 AM)

I liked it better when Jenks was the only naughty athletic program...it's so easy to hate jenks because their whole program and fans actually believe their poop smells like roses.

enligtenedone, (11/13/2009 9:00:02 AM)

I agree with SC. Don't forget about Fisher. He was responsible for the paperwork and grade checks. He is a very poor Math teacher also. Not one of BTW finest. He should retire or at the very least be transferred if not fired.

PhoenixIX, Jenks (11/13/2009 9:08:22 AM)

It appears that at least two "hornets" fail to show the same loyalty for Cheaters as do the Jenks Trojan supporters.

raiford, (11/13/2009 9:11:25 AM)

A cheating coach trying to steer players to the college football program with the most NCAA sanctions in history. How shocking!

tulsandn, out in the woods (11/13/2009 9:15:47 AM)

Everyone should be held accountable for their actions, including the STUDENT\athletes who knowingly didn't keep their grades up....

I'm sure they knew their grades would be "altered" so they could continue on their journey to a well earned & deserved "Gold Ball"....

The team beat somebody 90-0, it's not like they don't have backups to replace those who failed themselves, maybe with the backups it would have only been 45-0 & not near as spectacular....

hd, (11/13/2009 9:21:06 AM)

If Booker T and Sand Springs will not be in the play off's why is Jenks still in the play off's

tksnow, (11/13/2009 9:29:15 AM)

hd, BTW ans Sand Springs violations were all in the 2009 season. Their forfeits kept them out of the playoffs. All of Jenks' violations were in the previous season for which they forfeited games. No violations were found on Jenks this season, thus no forfeits this season, so they are eligible for playoffs.

MamaMia, Jenks (11/13/2009 9:53:16 AM)

"I liked it better when Jenks was the only naughty athletic program...it's so easy to hate jenks because their whole program and fans actually believe their poop smells like roses."

Really? Jenks has never, ever been the only "naughty" athletic program. Anyone who thinks this is delusional. And of course it's easy to hate Jenks, they're held at a higher standard than most schools, and deservedly so.

forkandknife, Tulsa (11/13/2009 10:19:39 AM)

I agree. A coach is someone you look up too. Learn from. Teaches you to become a better individual by driving yourself to excellence. He is not supposed to be a liar.

Gasp, tulsa (11/13/2009 10:27:06 AM)

AS I recall Jenks had a school board member or 2 involved in their shananagans. That is quite a bit more serious than the other schools. The very top of the organization involved. Give me a break. Jenks got off easy.

what now brown cow, (11/13/2009 10:44:28 AM)

I think the NCAA needs to investigate the coach continuing to push the players to his choice of college period.

CABT, Tulsa (11/13/2009 10:54:20 AM)

skinnykenyan...why don't you stop with your ignorance. It is not funny.

tksnow...and that is fair how??? Jenks also went to the playoffs last year. They should be ineligible for playoffs like the other schools.

Lambo, Lawton (11/13/2009 11:14:24 AM)

Jacky, the players do decide who plays! If you're not doing your schoolwork, you are REQUIRED to sit. Win as a Team, forfeit as a Team. The players KNEW they weren't getting the grades to play and did anyway. Just because you are only a teenager does not make you innocent. One thing everyone forgets is that it is a PRIVILEGE to play HS sports, not a right.

hd, (11/13/2009 11:14:47 AM)

JENKS-Defination
Just enough kicks-back

Corvetteguy, Tulsa (11/13/2009 11:22:52 AM)

Sounds like two fine young men who are showing their leadership qualities both on and off the field....

CABT, Tulsa (11/13/2009 11:44:45 AM)

That's a joke...paybacks for winning a game?? Were you at the game? Most of the points were scored by special teams...give me a break. Again, that was a player vs. player battle...not adult vs. player battle. The players are being punished for adult decisions and it sucks. The academic ineligible players should be punished and sit out the number of games they played while being ineligible, but not the other players, like EB said...they busted their tails in practice and are not able to show it as a team.

wdc68, Arlington (11/13/2009 12:31:04 PM)

Lets get to the Meat & Potatoes of the situation. It is the coaches and administrative employee's responsibility to monitor the academic standing of all student/athletes. If they are below the score, they do not play. Unlike college, these are REAL KIDS. They are minors. You cannot rely on them to honestly say "my grades are bad, so I am not going to play". This should never have happened. It is inexcusable and a diservice to the players who were not doing well in school. It is easy treatment like this that gives these players a false sense of awareness about the world. Life is not easy. I'm off the mic.

Oklahoma_Angel, Tulsa (11/13/2009 1:38:08 PM)

My son plays 9th grade football & basketball for a local school. He came told me 2 days ago that his grade is slipping in Math and may need a tutor. I checked and his grade has went from 93 to 86. But the fact his he is responsible enough to know what he needs to do to make sure he isn't ineligible to play the games he loves.

Moses, Jenks (11/13/2009 1:55:13 PM)

Oklahoma_Angel, nice dog, he might be related to my "Louie!"
What a guy, he makes me laugh every time I look at him!

ikesdad, Tahlequah (11/13/2009 2:15:03 PM)

If blame was laid on all parties who are responsible for this corruption (or the several types of corruption involved in this story) then those responsible would be found to be alot more than 3 people. Ask any coach about the OSSAA and they will tell you it is a corrupt organization and a joke. I would hazard to guess that there are violations (if not crimes) to be found in every school, in every sport and in every class in our state. This time it just got too big to contain. High school sports should be about having fun and developing character. When coaches have their eyes on the prize and will stop at nothing to get it, including stepping on the dreams of their players it is completely the opposite of the way things should be.

Whoknew?, Tulsa (11/13/2009 2:17:04 PM)

The adults blew it.

Dash Riprock, Edmond (11/13/2009 2:37:17 PM)

Oklahoma_Angel, plain and simple these players know if they are eligible or not. It never ceases to amaze me that players know how to run a 'slot right, fake 36 crossbuck, X pattern on two' but are unaware of their academic status. Kudos to your son for taking responsibility, so much a part of the maturing process that so many fail to understand.

Quality, Tulsa (11/13/2009 2:48:37 PM)

@Oklahoma_Angel I agree with you students and parents alike know when their grades are slipping and should accept responsibility for their actions. This happens because some parents tell their children this is your ticket to a better life...Everyone doesn't make it to be an NFL or NBA player. I think that Mrs. Stacy as well as the assistant that ran to Memorial is just as responsible as Mr. Johnson and the coaches; it was their responsibility to complete the grade checks and they didn't... That would be like me not doing something on my job and passing the blame to someone else that wouldn't fly at all... There's enough blame to go around.

In reference to the person that said Jenks violations were this year that's incorrect. The violations came to light when a parent from Jenks got mad cause his son wasn't playing the amount of time he thought.

beachboy, (11/13/2009 3:09:58 PM)

In response to the previous post by "Quality"

Read the reports that TPS put out...it very clearly states that the 2 assistant principals were the ones who "blew the whistle" when Johnson refused to do eligibility. They are the ones who informed others and gathered the info during the investigation. The principal and athletic director were uncooperative.

Lambo, Lawton (11/13/2009 3:32:08 PM)

wdc68, I seem to recall when I was in school that it was my responsibility to keep my grades up. These 7 starters and 16 total players are responsible for their own actions. If they kept their grades up on their own, there would be no ineligibility for them. They knew they were getting bad grades and no matter how you slice the Meat and Potatoes THE STUDENTS were in the wrong too. Stay off the mic.

SS_Hippy, Tulsa (11/13/2009 3:35:08 PM)

These young men's opinions DO matter, but did the TW really need to do an interview with HS athletes?

money1, tulsa (11/13/2009 3:35:49 PM)

BTW KNEW WHAT WAS UP AND WHAT THEY WERE DOING BY CHEATING SO THE TOOK A GAMBLE CAME UP SHORT SO MAN UP AND TAKE LIKE YOU DISH IT OUT YOU GOT BUSTED NOW YOU CAN'T BE TRUSTED SO BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME BENETT AS LONG AS IT BENEFITTED YOU PLAYING FOOTBALL WITH THE TEAM IT WAS COOL KNOW YOU WANT TO POUR SALT ON THEM HOW DARE YOU TRADER BELEIVE OR NOT YOUR COACHES IS APART OF YOUR TEAM TRADER

nshock, (11/13/2009 3:38:05 PM)

Every comment i read is shameful.It was BTW the school who is at fault!!Please use some common sense, That is part of their JOB!!They get paid money to do that "job"!In no way is it any of the kids fault.That is why you have a coach and an athletic director,and principle!!Common sense people!!

money1, tulsa (11/13/2009 3:39:33 PM)

BENNETT JUST WANTS SOME ATTENTION FROM THE MEDIA TO KEEP HIS NAME OUT THERE GO TO STUDY AND HELP SOMEBODY DO A GOOD DEED QUIT CRYING OVER WHAT YOU CAN'T CHANGE IT DONE WHAT PART HE DON'T UNDERSTAND IT'S FINISH THE BTW HORNETS

TigrBakr, (11/13/2009 3:43:22 PM)

It's not unfair that these kids are being punished for other peoples crimes. It's a life lesson. Sometimes life is unfair, sometimes you get punished for other people's actions. I can't think of a better lesson for kids to learn. Life sucks sometimes. Deal with it and move on.

Kriskramed, Tulsa (11/13/2009 4:38:30 PM)

to Beachboy - the assistants didn't "blow the whistle" until per say until the ball was already rolling so they too should be held accountable for this along with Johnson. They could have informed ESC that grade checks were not being done long before they 'told'. They sat quiet for the same amount of time that the principal, ad's, coaches did check them.

They are responsible too! Along with the teachers that told no one, the students that did no work and the parents that never checked.

Whocanutrust?, (11/13/2009 6:53:21 PM)

The character of the adults speaks volume. I really feel bad for all the exploited children involved.

T-Town Brown, (11/13/2009 7:18:53 PM)

True @ Whocanutrust?

TulsaComment, (11/13/2009 8:00:40 PM)

To the high school football players, Barnett and Bennett: gentlemen, I commend you for your values and for speaking out at this time. I hope that your actions prior to this were of the highest caliber. If they were..I wish you the very best in pursuit of your goals and careers. If they weren't and you haven't learned a valuable lesson through this, you will ultimately pay the price down the road. Jimmerson and Johnson should be "fired for cause". They obviously didn't learn early lessons in life and I am certain this is NOT their first transgression. Lying and cheating doesn't get it. It is evident you both need remedial training in values, morality and should be banned from having any contact with students. You both are a very bad example with unsavory character and influence on the students. I'm sure your family and more students must be very proud of your violations and their affilliation with you.

Cougarkitty, (11/13/2009 10:30:48 PM)

Come on, as a parent I know what my son's grades are before he does because the teachers post them on the school website. It is his responsibilty to do his homework, study for his tests and make sure that HE is eligible. It is still my job as a parent to over see this. No pass no play, it is everyone's job!!

voodoo1, Skiatook (11/13/2009 11:35:30 PM)

It's a unfortunate situation that the players and fans of BTW are robbed of their season and another gold ball because of the actions of selfish few. But not to worry for these two outstanding athletes. The Cowboys and Razorbacks are both going to be title contenders with great coaches and great futures. Excited to see Barnett playing next year in Stillwater! The defense for the Cowboys are going to be dominating with Bill Young and the 2010 class!!

Jacky, small town Oklahoma (11/14/2009 3:35:46 AM)

Lambo - It is not the students responsibility to "police" themselves. If you get a promotion at work and feel you didn't deserve it because your work isn't up to par - will you turn it down? No - you'll take it and hopefully try to do better.

I don't care how good a kid you have. If they are playing when their grades don't support it, they are most likely not going to go to the coach and say "pull me coach - my grades are making me inelligible." No - they are going to keep on going in every time the ADULT tells them to.

Our children are not there to teach themselves about right and wrong...that is supposed to be the responsibility of the adults in their lives...both on the field and off.

SC, (11/14/2009 7:19:19 AM)

Dear money1,
You can't spell or write a grammatically correct sentence. That is a problem. Trader is someone who trades commodities. Ever been to Trader Joe's? A traitor is someone who betrays country, team and/or friends. The real traitors to the team were the people who did not care whether the players were getting an education. Money1, what about you? What happened to your education?

SC, (11/14/2009 7:19:19 AM)

Dear money1,
You can't spell or write a grammatically correct sentence. That is a problem. Trader is someone who trades commodities. Ever been to Trader Joe's? A traitor is someone who betrays country, team and/or friends. The real traitors to the team were the people who did not care whether the players were getting an education. Money1, what about you? What happened to your education?