Athlete (2001-2003) Michael Southall

[RaginEsquire06]

Hey, I guess you guys would sell your souls for wins. As for support, I support the Alumni , the UL Baseball, UL softball, Football, UL athletic Foundation , and united cajuns. So, don't tell me about support. I have been supporting this University since 1966, so don't talk to me about SUPPORT.

Since 1966...Ya'll better respect Mr. Jim!

[MiamiCajun32]

As a cajun basketball fan, I am stoked that Southall has so far done what needed to be done to work his way back...

I think he defintely needs to grow up, but hey, he is not such a bad kid...

I for one needed second chances, and got them, but I was not a superstar athlete so nobody noticed.

In college, I did my share of drugs, was a drunk, was put on academic probation, etc. and I am not at all proud of those acts of immaturity on my part. However, I went on to graduate from one of the best law schools in the country and am a successful attorney now. Who woulda thunk it?

Southall got caught doing the same thing that unfortunately many kids do his age... He paid the consequences in a severe way and he is humbled by it and now is desperately trying to save his career.

Even if I were not such a big cajun fan, I would be a supporter of Southall because I think he can overcome his adversity and succeed in his life.

But I am a big cajun fan and we desperately need a serious NCAA run or a top 25 ranking in regular season so we can be considered a major player in basketball for the first time since the ESPN mega athletics era began.

I truly believe that Southall can be a major factor in getting us over the hump and subsequently attract major recruits in following years, as we become more Xavier or S. Illinois like, instead of just another one and done mid-major.

It is truly impressive that the program can lose two players to the professional ranks, Wade and Greene, yet turn right around and improve on a team that shoulda coulda advanced in NCAAs.

I am pumped! Unfortunately, I live in Miami so I will not be able to be there live to see it, but it should be fun and I will be following from afar.

[RaginEsquire06]

As a cajun basketball fan, I am stoked that Southall has so far done what needed to be done to work his way back...

I think he defintely needs to grow up, but hey, he is not such a bad kid...

I for one needed second chances, and got them, but I was not a superstar athlete so nobody noticed.

In college, I did my share of drugs, was a drunk, was put on academic probation, etc. and I am not at all proud of those acts of immaturity on my part. However, I went on to graduate from one of the best law schools in the country and am a successful attorney now. Who woulda thunk it?

Southall got caught doing the same thing that unfortunately many kids do his age... He paid the consequences in a severe way and he is humbled by it and now is desperately trying to save his career.

Even if I were not such a big cajun fan, I would be a supporter of Southall because I think he can overcome his adversity and succeed in his life.

But I am a big cajun fan and we desperately need a serious NCAA run or a top 25 ranking in regular season so we can be considered a major player in basketball for the first time since the ESPN mega athletics era began.

I truly believe that Southall can be a major factor in getting us over the hump and subsequently attract major recruits in following years, as we become more Xavier or S. Illinois like, instead of just another one and done mid-major.

It is truly impressive that the program can lose two players to the professional ranks, Wade and Greene, yet turn right around and improve on a team that shoulda coulda advanced in NCAAs.

I am pumped! Unfortunately, I live in Miami so I will not be able to be there live to see it, but it should be fun and I will be following from afar.

Gotta make the trip to Lafayette...Start up your frequent flyer miles! MC...Did you take the Florida Bar? if so...how was it?

[Tripple Threat]

The person I want to hear approve of Southall's return is Chris Cameron. He was abosolutely against returning to play if Southall was granted a fifth chance. I believe Chris is very aware of the need for discipline and hustle and if he believes Southall will do those things...Then and only then will I get excited about the return of a beautifully run high low post and the high being able to pass and shoot the three...Holy sh--! Part of Chris' complaint was his misuse by our past coach and the lack of discipline by his teammates.

[Boomer]

Gotta make the trip to Lafayette...Start up your frequent flyer miles! MC...Did you take the Florida Bar? if so...how was it?

I had posted this somewhere about MS--He drank a beere at 18 and got busted---He smoked a joint and got busted----He did not make his grades and went to jail---He is now on trial to see if he can stay clean, play ball, and go to class. If he does, he gets 2.5 mill in the next year!!!!

[Rebel02]

How many times will everyone say, "He's learned his lesson. He's done what he's needed to do." Just remember, we've been through this before. I hope everyone doesn't get their hopes up too high. Everyone was looking forward to him at the start of the 2003-2004 season and what happened? Ineligible. What happened the next season when he was supposed to be back? He was in frickin jail. I'm not sold on all this "If Coach Lee thinks he's ready, then I'll welcome him back." I thought we learned our lesson when Jessie left for USF. I thought Coach Lee laid down the law. Looks like Coach Lee is looking for some W's, instead of doing what's right.

[MiamiCajun32]

Gotta make the trip to Lafayette...Start up your frequent flyer miles! MC...Did you take the Florida Bar? if so...how was it?

no, only admitted in NY, but heard FL bar is much easier. I just don't need it for the work I do.

My loyalties are torn between Cajuns and Gators (I went to UF, but grew up in Lafayette during the early 80s. So it is tough making trips all the way to Lafayette when my other team is down the road. But I will try... especially now that Southall may be back. I do go to the NCAA tourney wherever the Cajuns are... I hope this year it lasts more than one game!

[CajunRebel]

My 2 cents:

When Southall's name is announced in the Cajundome and he steps out onto the court I won't be applauding him. I know I won't be the only one and I am sure we will hear a few boos as well.

I have no respect for him and what he did to himself, his family, his team, and his fans. He doesn't deserve to be applauded and praised.

But he can always change.

[Crowley Cajun]

Another aspect...name me a team in the Belt, or the entire NCAA, that has TWO 7'0"ers,(Cameron 6'11" respectively). If you can do that, name TWO that are better than Mike and Chris??

Speaking of Chris, does anyone know how he feels about this situation? Didn't he say that he wasn't coming back if Mike did?

[Cajunsmike]

Coach Lee is much closer to this situation than anyone on here and if he determines that Southall should be let back on the team I support him 100%. I do not consider it selling our soul for wins when a guy has earned his way back on to the team.

Southall will not be on scholarship if he is on the team. Therefore, we are not selling anything.

[Cajunsmike]

The person I want to hear approve of Southall's return is Chris Cameron. He was abosolutely against returning to play if Southall was granted a fifth chance. I believe Chris is very aware of the need for discipline and hustle and if he believes Southall will do those things...Then and only then will I get excited about the return of a beautifully run high low post and the high being able to pass and shoot the three...Holy sh--! Part of Chris' complaint was his misuse by our past coach and the lack of discipline by his teammates.

Cameron will return regardless if Southall is on the team or not. He decided to represent Australia in the World University Games this summer rather than staying in school and graduating. He will now graduate in December. He made this decision when the NCAA changed the rule for Prop 48's getting their extra year. It used to be you had to graduate in four years to get the year back. Now you have to have 80% of your hours completed in four years to get the year back.

[CajunKahouna]

Southall = Trouble