It's hard to top this video for a proud moment in one's life. There was Ed Imeokparia on national TV back in 2008, looking and sounding sharp as he announced his signing with Florida State. He was finishing his senior year at prestigious Blair Academy in New Jersey -- rubbing elbows with future corporate barons -- where he scored a 1010 on his SAT.
Fast forward to Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. when Imeokparia will be arraigned on grand theft charges at the Bay County Courthouse. He was arrested June 15, charged with swiping an expensive cell phone in Panama City.
Not exactly the direction any of us expected Imeokparia's career to go. The 5'10" athlete was a Rivals 3-Star and Scout 2-Star and a late signing day addition to the Noles 2008 class. For what it's worth, he was recruited by Chuck Amato.
Would Imeokparia have ever been able to move up FSU's depth chart, especially after the setback of a knee injury last year? Probably not, what with will all the competition now at Safety. But it's a shame to see a seemingly good kid screw up his life with a potential felony conviction -- if proven guilty.
Best case scenario: Imeokparia finds his way back into an FSU uniform. A check of the current roster at Seminoles.com shows that he's still listed.
That said, we highly doubt it. This is the first character blemish on Jimbo's watch. Apparently character now counts as much as talent at FSU. Unless Imeokparia somehow walks with no conviction, allowing him to return is counter to the message Fisher is trying so hard to send.
Sorry, Ed. Coach Bowden gave second chances, and that was enough for many players to clean up their act.
Those days appear to be over at FSU and probably most all of college football.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?