This is the third time that LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux has been suspended. He’s a junior.

I hope that Les Miles have the nerve to do what other college coaches (including himself), in both basketball and football, haven’t had the integrity to do: Kick this kid off the team. Time and time again, we see examples of athletic programs sending mixed moral messages to their players by giving the most talented break after break while preaching a message of accountability, respect and class to the kids seeing the least amount of playing time.

Case and point, last month Wake Forest dismissed a reserve running back for threatening messages he posted to his Facebook page. No second chances, no temporary suspension until they play a conference rival. Nothing. Just a handshake and a ride to the bus station.

Meanwhile, kids like Perrilloux who, for all intents and purposes has been a problem since arriving in Baton Rouge, has been suspended three times for violation of team rules. Former UConn point guard Marcus Williams was suspended by coach Jim Calhoun for his part in the heist of laptops from dorm rooms but was allowed to rejoin the team just in time for the starts of the Big East conference opener against Marquette. Isn’t that convenient?

I admonish Calhoun, Miles and coaches like them for taking moral stands of convenience and not sending a stronger message to not only their athletes but middle school and high school kids. The hypocrisy of the actions of these coaches and the special treatment received by the best players does not go unnoticed.

For now, the message seems to be that if you can run fast, shoot a jump shot or elude a blitz, you get to play by a different set of “team rules.”

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