Why I don't begrudge Alumni kids playing elsewhere

I feel like I have to revisit this topic every few years but with Kenyatta Watson and Anthony DiCosmo's sons deciding to play college football at schools other than BC, I decided to rehash the subject again (and this is getting even more personal for me as my kids age).

I love BC. I know Kenyatta Watson and he loves BC. Like me, he is married to a BC grad. I don't know DiCosmo personally, but I am aware of his activity within the BC Alumni community and it is clear he has a great commitment to his Alma mater. But their connection to BC doesn't mean BC is the right school and the right football program for their children. This is not new. Gallup, Bosa, and Phelan's kids all went to schools other than BC. We've seen plenty of siblings play elsewhere. Football is a tough sport and college is a short and important window into a young athlete's life. He needs to find the right place for him. One where he is feels he can develop as a player and a person. 

Beyond fit, sometimes it is best for everyone when a kid takes his own path. When an high-profile Alumni child has a bad experience at BC, it resonates beyond just halls of the football offices. Fans know and other Football alumni definitely know. 

Plus, these critical fans tend to be hypocrites on this idea when it plays to our favor. Is everyone glad that AJ Dillon didn't go to Notre Dame? Big things are expected of Tate Haynes. Aren't you glad he didn't follow his dad's path at Arizona State?

I didn't go to my parents' Alma maters. While my kids have been bombarded with BC stuff since they were born and I would love to be a BC parent, I ultimately want what it right for them. So don't take these commitments as some sort of snub of BC. Wish these kids luck because their dads will always be Eagles and would do the same for your kids. 

Help Frank Chamberlain's family as he battles cancer

My enduring memory of Frank Chamberlain is a game-saving tackle he made against Syracuse in 1999. Chamberlain was a tough, hard-nosed New Jersey tackler. Although he was a Henning recruit, Chamberlain was the prototype for the type of LB TOB would recruit. Now Chamberlain is battling cancer and his family needs the BC community's support.

Dear Football Alumni:

I am passing along this information as a favor to our football alumni to deliver difficult news about a beloved member of the Boston College football family. Below is a message from Frank Chamberlin’s teammates, who are asking for assistance in helping a fellow Eagle during a difficult time:

Frank Chamberlin, Class of 2000, has been diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma [Grade III Glioma], a very serious form of brain cancer. Frank, his wife Lisa, and their three young daughters are now engaged in the struggle of their lives. While Frank has recuperated from surgery and completed currently available chemotherapy and radiation treatment, the coming weeks and months will not be easy as the family searches for other forms of treatment.

In order to help Frank and his family manage the financial burden of this health crisis, we have coordinated with the Andy K. and Friends Charitable Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non‐profit organization that assists families experiencing recent illness, hardship, or adversity. One hundred percent of every tax deductable donation will go directly to the Chamberlin family.

We hope you will consider making a donation to help the Chamberlin family meet this health crisis. Please make your donation payable to the Andy K. and Friends Charitable Foundation, write “Frank Chamberlin‐BC” in the memo field, and mail to...

Danielle Stephens
441 Manchester Way Wyckoff, NJ 07481

While we continually update contact information for the Boston College football family, we understand that this information changes regularly. Please assist us by forwarding this letter to your Boston College football contacts via email or social media.

Boston College football has given us all so much: unexpected opportunities, important friendships, and the chance to chase our dreams. Most of all, it has made us all teammates for life. One of our teammates needs us now. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely, The Boston College Football Family Please consider supporting Frank Chamberlin and his family during their health crisis. Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle!

Gene DeFilippo Director of Athletics Boston College

Brace latest football alum to rebuke Spaz

Ron Brace took to Facebook today to vent his feelings on BC Football. It sparked a long series of comments and pointed criticism of Spaz. Other young football alumni weighed in too. With Ron's permission, I have posted screen shots of the exchanges.

Many think the fan criticism of Spaz is unfair and excessive. But you really have to worry when guys who played under Spaz are so vocal. BC and Gene rationalized and justified the Spaz hire because of the love and respect he had from the players. It didn't ring true then and now guys like Brace -- An All ACC player and Second Round Draft pick -- are defending Jags and slamming Spaz.

Brace doesn't speak for all football alumni nor the current players. Who knows? Perhaps the new assistants are bringing a new attitude and new energy to the team. My guess is they're not and many current players have checked out on their head coach. College Football is a tough, emotional sport. To succeed you need player buy-in and guys going in the same direction. I don't think we have that under Spaz. The Hot Seat is going to be scorching come Fall.