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.

Irish TE Ragone Arrested