Dismissing receiver right call for Missouri

There is still a lot of work to do in cleaning up the revenue-sports programs at Mizzou. The crimes, the poor conduct and the embarrassments must end.

At least Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel did his part, putting his effective leadership to use by expelling out-of-control sophomore wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham from the team.

I respect Pinkel for taking a principled stand here, even if it means cutting ties with his most talented offensive player and a proven game-changer in the SEC.

Green-Beckham was a dangerous receiver, but it’s unacceptable to be a dangerous person. To his credit, Pinkel understood the difference.

To some, this was the obvious decision to make. The only decision to make. Some will argue Pinkel should have dismissed Green-Beckham before now.

This troubled young athlete has made a series of terrible decisions, two of which led to previous arrests in marijuana-related incidents. Young people tend to do dumb things, and I believe mistakes can be forgiven as long as there is evidence of a commitment to change.

Obviously that wasn’t happening with Green-Beckham. His latest display of alleged irresponsible conduct was abominable and couldn’t be tolerated.

The police didn’t arrest Green-Beckham, didn’t file charges and dropped the matter after the alleged victims refused to snitch. But the official police report was damning and filled with disturbing details that included Green-Beckham forcing his way into an apartment and getting violent with a girlfriend and another woman. This was straight from the Lawrence Phillips playbook, and that’s frightening.

Still, I didn’t see this as an easy decision for Pinkel. He could have finessed this, could have continued down the line with Green-Beckham, could have played the cynical image-rehab game. The coach could have announced that Green-Beckham would remain suspended, be given an opportunity to receive therapy for anger management and have the chance to prove that he was worthy of rejoining the Tigers.

Because there was no arrest, Pinkel had an opening and could have run a power play through it. Sticking with Green-Beckham would have drawn criticism and ridicule from some, and praise and support from others. Pinkel had that option. He’s built equity at Mizzou, has established a formidable power base and is coming off a terrific 2013 season.

Pinkel could have ridden out the storm and sheltered Green-Beckham. Pinkel followed his values instead. By willingly sacrificing what Green-Beckham could do for him on the field and on the scoreboard, Pinkel may be a lesser coach, but this makes him a better leader.

All major-college coaches are under pressure to win, to field an entertaining product, to compete for conference titles and invitations to prestigious bowl games, and to keep the money flowing from happy donors who demand a successful football program.

That is why coaches succumb to the temptation. It’s why they are willing to enable players who produce touchdowns and victories and keep the money flowing in. A top recruit and performer like Green-Beckham has the brand of elite talent that can help sustain a highly profitable business enterprise.

I have to think that Green-Beckham knew this, which is why he apparently assumed he had a free pass to do whatever he pleased, with no fear of repercussions. It’s understandable. From a young age the most coveted athletes learn that adults will overlook their character flaws, pull them out of jams and blame others in the aftermath of misdeeds.

Pinkel isn’t perfect, but I think he’s a cut above many others in his industry. By bouncing Green-Beckham, Pinkel reaffirmed that he does have standards and that his players must abide by a reasonable code of conduct. The coach made it clear that he would not exempt Green-Beckham from following the rules, and the receiver ran out of chances.

Pinkel and Mizzou will benefit from this, long term. There are still plenty of good recruits who happen to be good kids.

They want to play in a positive environment created by strong coaches who set a firm template for personal accountability and teamwork. There are kids who have no desire to go astray, run with the wrong people or be pampered by insecure coaches.

By dismissing Green-Beckham, Pinkel sent a message to every good-kid recruit out there: Mizzou is the right program. You can compete in big games in the best league in college football. You can succeed in the classroom and on the field.

You can put yourself in position to earn a degree, or play in the NFL, and the coaches will do everything they can to help develop you as a person and a player. But to have that, you’ll have to agree to be a responsible citizen and a respectful teammate.

That’s a positive, sturdy platform to stand on, and that’s where you’ll find Gary Pinkel.