Sammie Stroughter Releases Statement

Sammie Stroughter has released a statement through OSU:

Stroughter releases statement ... Riley comments - OregonLive.com: Behind The Beavers Beat

"On behalf of the family, I would like to take this time to release a brief statement regarding recent practices missed prior to the official start of the season. During the past year my family and I have experienced a considerable amount of grief and mourning due to the passing of two family members who were important male role models in my life. In addition to these losses, Coach Jim Gilstrap, who recruited me to OSU, passed away this summer.

"These losses have taken my entire family by storm and the grief from these incidents has affected each one of us differently. It has been the decision of my immediate family and I that I take whatever time needed to get over what I am personally experiencing due to the sudden changes in my life. Academics and football are very important to me and I appreciate all of the support I've received from the entire OSU coaching staff, teammates, faculty and the loyal supporters of Oregon State football.

"Also, I would like to extend my prayers and support to the Gilstrap family. My football career would not have been possible without Coach Gilstrap's help and guidance.

"As you may know, my walk with Christ is strong; I know that he will get my family and I through this difficult season. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' ( Phil 4:16.)"

My guess is that he will Redshirt this season and can come back this year or next if he stays in school.

Beaver Nation is with you Sammie. Wish you the best.

Sammy Stroughter not happy?

Apparently there is more drama in fall camp. And this deals with one of the linch-pins for this coming season, Sammy Stroughter.

First, I ready in today's G-T that Sammy is currently "off-limits" to the media:

Kirkpatrick Blog

Something is going on with Sammie Stroughter, but I don’t know what, yet. OSU officials call it personal issues, but he is expected to be at practice Friday.

However, OSU is putting people around him so no media, no OSU marketing or anyone else can get to him for about a week. The purpose is “to allow him to be an athlete and student.”

I think this shield is going to create more than it stops. Hopefully, Stroughter will be his usual outgoing self and clear this up soon so it doesn’t linger on throughout the season.

- Cliff

Then I read in the comments on Cliff's blog on a different post:

# Tony Says:
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:01 pm

Cliff,

I heard a rumor that Sammy Stroughter who is really good friends with Coye was upset with Riley’s decision and not coming back for his senior. Please tell me he is on campus.

Well, he is clearly in camp, but I don't like the fact that he's not happy. If Tony is right, then perhaps Coye's dismissal wasn't as cut and dry as we think.

Boy, I sure hope the drama dies down a bit as we get going.

I'll be going to the practice today and see how the team looks. My wife attended yesterday's practice and said the team looked good. She mentioned the new TE Reese by name, so he must have done something good. She also overheard the coaches saying the teamwork was starting off good on the first day. Well, that's good news.


Go Beavs!