A Southern Florida judge called out newly-appointed USF head football coach Charlie Strong.
Judge Margaret Taylor presented her unpopular opinion of Charlie Strong while overseeing a case against USF defensive end LaDarrius Jackson. Jackson was arrested Monday night and appears in front of the judge facing charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment.
Strong has since suspended Jackson from all team-related activities.
Taylor, a USF alumni, questioned Strong’s ability to control and essentially lead his players during Jackson’s appearance in court.
Jackson is the second USF football player to be arrested in recent months.
Now-former USF defensive back Hassan Childs was charged with aggravated assault and possession of marijuana back in March. Strong released Childs following the incident.
However, simply releasing the players (in whom he did not recruit) is not enough for Judge Taylor.
Taylor called upon Charlie Strong in what seems to be an urgent plea to get his players under control when off the field. However, Taylor may need to conduct some research on Strong’s past. Strong, who was hired by South Florida in December, has continually stressed the importance of off-field character to his players. During his tenure at the University of Texas, Strong released and suspended more than 10 players due to off-field actions.
Strong has stressed discipline all throughout his coaching career. He released the following statement regarding Judge Taylor’s comments:
Statement from USF HC Charlie Strong. pic.twitter.com/nl0HlCWu5j
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) May 3, 2017
Despite calling Strong’s ability to control his players into question, Judge Taylor ventured to take the rage-induced rant even further. Taylor questioned Strong’s ability to control players on the football field and whether or not USF was the right fit for him.
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Additionally, near the end of her speech, Taylor seemingly blamed Strong for being responsible for the actions of his players and the suffering of the community.
Chances are, Strong will come down hard on his players in months to come.