Heisman should have gone to better person

The Heisman trophy is about excellence in college football. It shouldn’t be just about excellence on the field.

There’s no doubt of Baker Mayfield’s skill on the field, but someone should have taught him some manners. His behavior toward the Kansas fans, grabbing himself and shouting obscenities, has sadly become a sign of our times. Oklahoma coaches and fans should inform him that his bad behavior insults them and their school. He apologized afterward, but the ox was in the ditch by that time.

I’m sick of people thinking an apology erases their behavior. These guys are setting an example, whether they realize it or not. They are ambassadors and representatives of their school, city and state. If they’re too arrogant to care, they shouldn’t be awarded anything. Who wants to give an award to a jerk?

Awarding the Heisman go to people such as Baker Mayfield makes me think it’s not worth much. Character and integrity need to be criteria as well as skill. It’s a good thing he wasn’t up against Deshaun Watson. Now there is a class act.

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Heisman should have gone to better person."