Swarbrick Discusses ND Football on WSBT

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Irish TE Ragone Arrested

Notre Dame Tight End Michael Ragone was arrested Saturday for possession of marijuana on the Indiana toll road after being pulled over for speeding.  The university and coach Kelly have yet to decide Ragone's fate, though the infraction will likely result in his absence on the field and in the classroom in South Bend.

Mike Ragone was coming off an impressive spring, capped off by a strong showing at the Blue-Gold game.  Projected as the number two TE behind Kyle Rudolph, Ragone was sure to see increased playing time heading into his senior season this fall.

Brian Kelly is now faced with his first opportunity to demonstrate how he will handle off-field issues with his players.  Irish fans are watching closely to see how the new coach upholds the high standards set at Notre Dame.  While this arrest is the first negative Kelly has had to face at ND, his reaction to this incident will set a tone for his players moving forward, which could be spun to a positive teaching point.  While Coach Kelly will certainly have his input as the head coach, much of Ragone's fate lies in the hands of ND's Office of Residence Life.  

Irish fans will also be watching how #83 reacts to his mistakes.  We can't help but be reminded of Kyle McAlarney, former ND basketball player, who also faced marijuana charges while a student-athlete and was removed from the school (and the basketball program) for a year.  McAlarney showed great character by bouncing back from his poor decision through a gut check and hard work.  He gained entry back into the university and once again contributed on the hard court.  Ragone has previously fought through adversity in his football career at ND, having suffered a torn ACL in 2008 that kept him from action.  Hopefully he will recognize his mistakes, correct his behavior, and fight through this trial as well.

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ND Fanpoll: Is This Video Good or Bad for ND?

The release of the following "promotional" video has created quite the buzz among sports fans this past week.  It seems that this video has caused many Fighting Irish fans to shake their heads in shame while the roar of laughter continues to spread from gut to gut among ND haters.

Before I continue, take a look for yourself:


Now having viewed this "viral video hit", ask yourself the following question: Is this good or bad for the image of Notre Dame?  (VOTE ON THE POLL TO YOUR RIGHT)

It seems that the intent of this video was to demonstrate the fun, "hip" side of ND.  However, many would argue that the opposite was accomplished.  On the flip side, Darius Walker had this to say about the the video created by an artist named Freekbass:

“As a former student-athlete, I absolutely love this video. I understand that our great university is full of years of tradition which sometimes makes it difficult to change that way of thinking. We are living in a new age of 'entertainment' and regardless of own individual opinions, we have to take note of the changing world and try to position ourselves using the same values our school is built upon. This video is definitely ‘non-traditional’ which is especially good for the sports programs. I can’t remember a time when I even heard an upbeat song or any type of music before a game. This song can be that tool for the sports programs. Ted is not reinventing the wheel, he just put some new tires on it.”

I seem to be torn here.  As a lifelong Notre Dame fan I have a hard time not supporting something created for the purpose of promoting the Blue and Gold.  That said, as I watched this video I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.  I honestly thought the video was a joke.  I wasn't the only one laughing.  Unfortunately ESPN, Deadspin, EDSBS and many many others had the same reaction.

A facebook group called "Protest "We are ND" video" has popped up in response to this University-endorsed promotion.  The group was apparently started by students whom share my feelings of disappointment.  The group is barely 4 days old and is well over 3 thousand strong.

How do you feel about the video?  Comment on this post and place your vote on the poll to your right.

Fight on Irish.

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