Anyone that thought the Pitt Panthers wouldn’t hold a grudge against former head coach Todd Graham, they can think again.
Rightfully so, Pitt wasn’t happy with the way Graham left to be the coach at Arizona State, less than a year after the Panthers hired him. The Panthers did not give permission for Graham to talk to Arizona State, so he resigned to take that job.
Then in classy Graham style, he sent a text message to players on his way out instead of meeting with them. That action made everyone from the players to the fans unhappy and pretty much cemented his reputation as a scumbag and as a coach who couldn’t be trusted.
But while Graham always had his eye on better things while at Pitt, it seems like it is the Panthers turn to get even as this time Graham won’t be getting the player he desires.
After running back Rushel Shell elected to transfer earlier in the week, it was presumed that he would join Graham in Tempe.
That’s something the Panthers simply aren’t going to let happen.
Pitt has the right to block any player from transferring to any school and according to ESPN’s Joe Schad; they have elected to block Shell from transferring to Arizona State.
Former Pitt running back Rushel Shell will not be released to transfer to Arizona State to play for former Pitt coach Todd Graham.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 5, 2013
Shell won’t be released to Arizona State or Arizona. Also considering Cal and UCLA.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 5, 2013
Some may view this as a bit of a childish act for the Panthers, but in this case I believe they should be commended for taking a stand.
You have an unlikeable coach in Graham who did a lot of people wrong while at Pitt and the Panthers should have some hard feelings towards him.
In addition, they can’t allow Graham to pluck their best players away at will.
Shell’s transfer is damaging for the Pitt program and they should have some say in where he ends up.
At the end of the day though, karma will come back to bite you.
That’s true not only in the case of Graham, but also in the case of Shell, who didn’t have the nicest things to say on his way out of Pitt.
I don’t owe this city anything period y’all make accusations but don’t know the facts but keep doing what you do best!
— Rushel Shell (@RushelShell) April 2, 2013
It’s not known where exactly Shell will continue his collegiate football career, but we do know two things.
It won’t be at Arizona State and neither Shell nor Graham will be welcomed back at Pitt any time in the near future.
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
