Thoughts on a ‘De-Commit’

I read an article this morning on some comments made by Vanderbilt Head Football Coach James Franklin on players who had changed their verbal commitment from Vandy  to another school when signing their Letter of Intent (LOI).  Last year on 'National Signing Day' I remember this being a topic in Atlanta because of some comments that Coach Johnson had made at Georgia Tech on the same issue. The point that got the most interest was that Coach Franklin said that these men who changed their commitment 'lacked honor and integrity'.  He was obviously frustrated, mainly because the players changed their mind on signing day, but of course he should not have questioned their character.  However, I do think he's right on target with some of his comments. First off, let me say that I am not an advocate of hearing how these 'are just kids.'  I think high school seniors should be at a place in their lives where they are becoming young men and women and if they are old enough to make decisions on where to spend their efforts getting an education, they are old enough to be held to certain 'adult' standards.  Just flippantly saying, 'Well, they're a kid and make mistakes' should not be part of this conversation. You may be saying, 'Hold on, what about the schools/coaches that do the same thing' (like not following through on a scholarship offer, or offer to several players at the same position) and I would say they should be held to the same - if not higher level of accountability.  Shouldn't giving your word really mean something? It comes down to this - what does commitment mean?  Here is what Coach Franklin had to say: I think the biggest thing is when a kid commits to Vanderbilt, I go into great detail and make sure they understand what they’re doing – that they understand ‘commitment’ and ‘what commitment means.’ That I’d say if five other schools come in and offer you, would you change your mind? We make sure everybody is on the same page: the kid, the parents, and the high school coach. We explain it in real detail. I would just rather a kid not commit to us than commit and not be completely sure what he’s going to do. I would strongly recommend to any athlete that I am working with to understand that giving your word is a very strong example of who you are.  Make your word your bond and stick to it.  Sometimes the best thing to do is to not comment or to even tell someone that you don't have an answer yet.  Don't just say what you think you want someone to hear.  I would also recommend that when it comes to committing to college - especially if you will also be playing sports - to wait until you are 100% certain before you let a coach or administrator know (and don't sign a LOI before you are 100% certain for sure!).  That way if your circumstances change, or you change your mind, you won't be going back on your word or your commitment.  Let them know of your interest in their program, but be honest that you have not fully made your decision and don't want to commit until you are certain. On the other side, be sure to get specific details from the coaches at the school you are considering as well - for example, if you commit will they continue to recruit your position?  If so, why? Lastly, I bet Coach Franklin wishes he could take back saying a student-athlete lacks honor or integrity by signing at another school.  People do make mistakes and are free to change their mind, just choose your words carefully and consider what it means to make a commitment. Commitment Definition: a pledge or promise; an agreement, vow to do something in the future. The entire article can be found here if you would like to read it:  http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2012/02/10/vanderbilt-coach-elaborates-on-controversial-comments-on-de-commitments-and-the-uga-recruit-that-flipped/ Thanks, Coach Peacock