Brandon Warren overcomes marginal grades to fulfill his lifetime dream of becoming a Seminole. Less than six months later he leaves for home. Now his former hero, Bobby Bowden, is the ogre who won't let him achieve his new dream, to wear UT Orange. (Cue the ominous musical chord)
Where did it all go wrong? The popular theory: Brandon's homesick and wants to be 
with his Mom who's recovering from cancer. Or has recovered from cancer. But the questions surrounding it would have Columbo scratching his head. If Brandon missed
Alcoa so much, why didn't he bolt for home last fall and admit he made a mistake? If it's because of Mom, why did he commit to FSU last year when her cancer was worse? Even more puzzling, why did he report back after Christmas break if he wanted to be home with Mom?
The "school ain't cool" theory. Brandon struggled to get into FSU. So was he really ready, willing and able to do college level work? When he registered in January, was the heavier load that college atheletes take in the off-season just too overwhelming?
The really ugly conspiracy theory. Cancer treatment is hugely expensive. The Warren
family is facing a grim financial future trying to pay all the bills. Could it be that somebody in the Big Orange Nation knows a guy who knows a guy who can help?
While we have no facts to substantiate this theory, shadier things have happened in the wacky world of college football. It's one explanation for Brandon's abrupt change of plans. And with the financial pressure on the family possibly affecting his Mom's recovery, who could blame him?
The real crime. From everything we know, Brandon's a good kid. No question he has amazing football talent. It's such a bummer he's wasting it — this season and maybe next. We'll miss him, but wish him the best. Too bad he's not a basketball player who could leap to the NBA after his freshman year with a big payday to take care of Mom.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?