The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Athlete knew he would not start

I read Zack Creglow's article "Brandon Jacobs finds a home in Carbondale," and it is so opinionated and full of falsehoods that I had to respond. I grew up in Illinois, and I am proud to say I did. I also now reside in Auburn, Ala., and work as a professional for a large insurance corporation. Now, I think the folks back in Illinois need to be informed about this news article because I have lived here in Auburn since 1996. I have found Auburn to be a great place to raise a family, and I also love the community and support Auburn athletics. Minorities are respected and treated very well in Auburn. In fact, I could tell you more bad racial stories from my days living in Illinois than I have ever seen around here.

Brandon only lived in Auburn for a short time, maybe a year. He knew coming into Auburn that he would be fighting for a position behind two talented and veteran running backs. One thing about playing football in the SEC, I know for sure, is you play for the team and you earn your respect, and those out for personal glory usually don't make it. You pay your dues. I have seen more talented players than Jacobs come in who play hard and patiently wait their turn and make the best of their opportunities, and if they are team players, they come out on top.

I don't believe for one minute he was told he would start at Auburn before proving it on the field. Not even veteran players are guaranteed starting positions. There are very few primadonnas in this league. Also if you transfer expecting to be treated like a "star," your teammates are usually not going to like that type of attitude. Your playing time is not based on past glory or what the folks back home are thinking.

Brandon Jacobs didn't fit in at Auburn because he was trying to play for himself and not for the team. I wish him the best of luck at SIU because I still follow sports from my home state of Illinois. I imagine the coaches and players at SIU will also expect Jacobs to prove himself worthy of playing on their team. He will need to start playing for his school (SIU) and not for the name sewn on the back of his jersey. This article was based on Southern stereotypes and opinions of a bitter football player that is upset because he wasn't treated like he was in high school or junior college.

Alan Bevard

Auburn, Ala.

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