Nurse the Hate: Chasing My Dream Part 2

I'm not saying that I don't go through my mail that often, but I just discovered this letter that had been sent by LSU head football coach Les Miles to my attention last month.  As you may recall, I had made contact with the LSU Football Team to let them know of my desire and intention of becoming their punt returner for the next four years.  I was shocked to learn that I do not have any remaining NCAA eligibility as it has been too long since graduating from Kent State.  The fact that I am no longer considered a Heisman Trophy candidate is quite sobering.

I will, of course, petition the NCAA to see how I can make myself eligible.  If you read this letter the same way that I do, I think you will agree that Coach Miles wants me on the team but his hands are tied by these draconian NCAA regulations.  I will obviously continue to train and chase my dream of being the first middle aged man to return a kick for a game winning touchdown in SEC conference play.  As a private aside, I am slightly concerned that as I have not played full contact football since the mid 1980s there might be some physical adjustment period for me to get used to being hit by 200+ pound world class athletes with a 50 yard running start.  I'm sure I will adjust though.

Geaux Tigers!

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April 25, 2016

Les Miles

LSU

Athletic Administration Building

Baton Rouge LA  70803

Les,

Thanks for your response regarding the NCAA eligibility requirements regarding “five years to play four years from the time you start college”.  I was completely unaware of this stipulation.  I would imagine I could maybe fudge a year or two, but as I graduated from Kent State 20+ years ago, it will be difficult to explain away these past decades. 

I was obviously very disappointed to learn I would not be able to join the team to get ready for the 2016 season.  My meniscus has healed nicely though my trainer has referred to my speed as “maybe sort of slow even for a middle aged guy”.  I have been led to believe that this might be detrimental in returning punts at the Division 1 level of college football.  However, I am confident that I possess a certain “moxy” that would translate well to the SEC.  Les, as you know, football is a game of angles.  Like a changeup in baseball, my speed or lack thereof would certainly make for a different look in the return game. 

I will take a closer look at the NCAA regulations.  Perhaps I can make some sort of petition.  More importantly, don’t hold a spot for me on the 2016 roster.  I’ll see if I can get this policy changed while you concentrate on bringing "us" (as I will obviously now refer to Louisiana State University) a championship.  Let the guys know I will continue to train with the hopes of joining the team in 2017.

Geaux Tigers,

Greg Miller