Ok I want to preface this with two things. 1) I am not and will never try to be a writer or reporter 2) This is a VERY limited sample size to draw conclusions about how every former player was treated by the administration at VT after they left.
This past season I had the fortune to attend my first Hokie Home football game since 96/97. During a pregame tailgate in Lot 1 for the OSU game, I was again fortunate enough to meet three former Hokie football players from the late 90's early 2000's. I assumed these guys would all be inside the stadium during the game if not on the sideline because two of them had even played a few years in the pros. Well to my shock I was wrong and in a big way. These guys informed me that while Frank Beamer and any coach they had while at Tech was always available for an email and sometimes phone call they were not invited to any events involving the team or school. I asked why they thought this was and they didn't really want to lay the blame at anyone's feet.
Fast forward to just after the spring game when I interact with a former player on twitter.
#ThisIsHome #Family #VTSpringGame Future looks great! But the past has been left behind. No room for former players. We love u #HokieNation— Derek Smith (@vtskin70) April 24, 2016
@VT_Football @hokiesports @WhitBabcock @HokieClub @vick757 @RTD_MikeBarber @VTSandsman #tradition#family pic.twitter.com/gSe2ta7sR8— Derek Smith (@vtskin70) April 26, 2016
I was very Surprised to be reading this about how VT former players felt like they were being treated. So I reached out to Mr. Smith
@vtskin70 ? From clueless fan, what keeps former players from doing those things within the Hokie Club or Monogram club now?— Hokie Fireman (@FF_Hokie) April 26, 2016
@FF_Hokie Not sure. Ask @WhitBabcock He makes the decisions for involvement— Derek Smith (@vtskin70) April 26, 2016
@FF_Hokie It was directive from prior administration not Coach Beamer and coaches. Beams always showed love. We just couldn't have access— Derek Smith (@vtskin70) April 26, 2016
Seeing as how I am not and will never try to be a reporter Im not sure where this will end up in terms of what happened when and whose fault it is. But it seems to have struck a chord because this came out today.
Sounds like the VT Athletics is taking some steps to inform, update, & welcome back former football players. Putting together a database.— Kyle Bailey (@KyleBaileyRadio) April 27, 2016
I know I enjoy seeing former players on the sideline, however I dont think it should be limited to the stars in the NFL. Let these guys have some access to the team, let them be mentors, let them use the weight room etc. I know several other schools have Football Letterman groups like Georgia's, http://www.ugalettermensclub.com/default.asp. This seems like something that could really help not only the players grow as men and players but maybe bring in more money to continue the program on an upward trajectory.
EDIT: There is an umbrella all encompassing former letter winner alumni group for every sport at VT. It's called the monogram club. However until recently it was not very active and I don't know many details about how they interact with former players. They were mentioned during the spring game as a group standing behind the end zone.
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