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What About Grambling's Football Legacy After Hiring Art Briles?

Has winning at all costs become the priority of Grambling's storied football program?

Redemption is entrenched in the HBCU culture.  The philosophy of forgiveness and grace is frequently introduced by our churches and centers of higher learning.  Thus, the Black community understands the value of a "second chance."  Daily, many fight for those same second chances for our young people - for the athletes and students.

With this in mind, Grambling's hiring of Art Briles appears to be an act of absolution, rather redemption. Unfortunately, the act seems to disregard the 94-year legacy of Grambling football's high values and integrity.  

What would Eddie Robinson have said about Hue Jackson and Dr. Scott's decision to extend an offer to Briles?   Doug Williams disapproves and many other alumni.

Briles has nothing to lose, but everything to gain. If the Tigers win, he wins. If the Tigers should lose, on Hue Jackson and Dr. Scott will lose. 

Briles can exit as the biggest winner. Either he will land a new coaching job or become an advisor for some program.

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Grambling, on the other hand, will need to mend fences.

Jackson Comments 2
Art Briles
Jackson State head football coach Deion Sanders, left, and JSU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson
Grambling State University QB Noah Bodden

'Xs and Os' vs. 'Ls and Ws'

From an Xs and Os perspective, hiring Briles makes sense. Determining who deserves a second chance is up to the powers-that-be at Grambling State University. 

Still, no one has publicly stood side-by-side with Briles and faced public scrutiny. Especially in front of a press conference's lights, cameras, and reporters' questions. Why dodge speaking on the hire? 

I'm not sure. Only one point has clarity. Grambling is willing to risk the public backlash for the sake of the WINS and re-capture the SWAC title in 2022.