Rutgers is closer to Brooklyn than Syracuse is.
But Syracuse was his original destination out of HS, until some unfortunate things happened involving (apparently including Gus and) some other players at his Brooklyn high school. A bunch of players were accused of being involved in a gangbang with a girl in the school, and a number, including Gus, were named, as I recall.
I'm not sure how involved Gus was in this situation, but I remember an "Augustus" Edwards being named in a newspaper report as one of the players under investigation. Now, this is three or four years ago, but I'm not sure if it was the alleged *** act that was the problem, but the poor girl was the subject of widespread social media embarrassment and abuse.
The girl ended up publicly committing suicide by falling off the platform at the subway station in front of an oncoming train. I saw the video, and it was not pleasant.
I think Gus was a friend of the girl's.
I don't think he was charged or implicated in any wrongdoing. I do remember a statement I saw when he connected to Miami late in the recruiting process and said something to the effect of, "I just want to get as far away from here as I can."
That's why he switched from Syracuse to Miami at the end (I think). I was intrigued by a big fast back like he is, but wondered if he was just big and fast, but not really a runner. I think most would agree he's mostly big and fast. That's why he never became a great RB at Miami.
I guess it's the Herschel Walker syndrome. Although that's getting to be ancient history for most of you, I remember when JJ with the Cowboys was so ready to unload this super franchise back (in college) for a guy smaller and slower, Emmit Smith.
Gus has had a disappointing time at the U and I guess he wants to try his original choice Syracuse. Really kind of sad, but I've always wondered about the quality of NYC football prospects. We've had a few, like Steve McGuire who was very good, and Robert Bass, who was OK, but I think was not as good as Ray Lewis, who I think might have beat him out (I don't remember, though). Or, i think Ray stepped in to start when Bass was hurt and never looked back.
The whole thing with Gus is kind of sad. Maybe he might have been able to do more at Syracuse.
The saddest thing is what happened to that poor girl....I remember reading her life story. Raised by a relative, no parents in her life, and to end up so devastated by the abuse and embarrassment in HS that she had to take her life. This has happened more than a few times with social media.
I'm not saying Gus was directly implicated in what drove her over the edge, or that he was in any way at fault, but I think there was a very sad backstory to how he ended up at the U, and it was apparently not a great fit.
EDIT: It was actually Tottenville on Staten Island.
Staten Island HS football stars' ban could be related to bullied teen's suicide - NY Daily News
As far as blaming Richt for blocking Gus, my reading of the story a day or so ago is that it is coming from Blake James, not CMR.
I guess that many programs and coaches believe that the risk of compromising your preparation and system is too much so many schools impose this policy, and I'm not sure it's simply out of spite. I think it's genuine concern over giving an edge to your opponent. I think CMR's past statements while at UGA show him to be more decent than most in the profession. If so, I'm glad we've got him than some of the sharks who are swarming all over the place in college football.
ANOTHER EDIT: Actually, she jumped in front of a commuter train. I don't know if it was social media, or just bullying at school. There are still a lot of videos on the internet, including, I think, of her jumping in front of the train. I watched it back around 2013, I guess when he committed to UM late in the game. I don't want to post a link. I'm not trying to disparage Gus. I'd rather he go somewhere, be happier, and maybe have a more successful college career instead of a career backup. Maybe he can be more successful in a different system.
