Lawrence Phillips' Reinstatement Sparks Controversy Ahead of Fiesta Bowl

Strategic Insights -

The University of Nebraska's reinstatement of Lawrence Phillips, following a controversial assault on his former girlfriend three and a half months ago, has sparked controversy ahead of the Fiesta Bowl against undefeated Florida. Phillips, a junior who was considered a Heisman Trophy contender, will return to the starting lineup, ending a six-game absence that began after the assault. Coach Tom Osborne's decision to reinstate Phillips has raised questions about the team's handling of the situation and the potential consequences for Phillips' future in the National Football League.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawrence Phillips, a junior running back, will return to the starting lineup for the University of Nebraska ahead of the Fiesta Bowl against undefeated Florida.
  • Phillips was initially dismissed from the team after assaulting his former girlfriend three and a half months ago, but has since been reinstated.
  • The reinstatement comes after Phillips pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges and received a guilty verdict.
  • Phillips had been considered a Heisman Trophy contender, gaining 206 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns in the Michigan State game before his absence.
  • In the three games since his return, Phillips has averaged 5.1 yards a carry and received high grades for his play, but has still struggled to regain his pre-assault form.
  • The University of Nebraska's experience in national championship bowl games over the past two seasons is considered an advantage for the Huskers, but the production of the three other starting I-backs in post-season play has been nearly nonexistent.
  • Phillips' return to the starting lineup is expected to make him a central factor in Nebraska's attempt to produce long, time-consuming drives against Florida's quick-strike offense.
  • The Huskers averaged a nation-leading 399.8 rushing yards a game, even with Phillips out for 6 of the 11 contests.
  • Phillips' teammate, Damon Benning, said, in one of the few public statements since the assault, that he would consider returning for another college season if he is not projected as a first-round draft pick.
  • Ex-Nebraska player Lance Lundberg has filed a Federal lawsuit against Coach Tom Osborne and other Nebraska officials, claiming that an assault by a teammate in 1993 left him with permanent facial disfigurement.

Statistics:

  • Phillips averaged 5.1 yards a carry in the three games since his return.
  • He received high grades for his play in the final regular-season game against Oklahoma.
  • Phillips' five-game total was 547 yards, an average of 17.7 yards a rush.
  • The University of Nebraska's experience in national championship bowl games over the past two seasons includes two Orange Bowls.
  • Clinton Childs, a senior; Damon Benning, a junior, and Ahman Green, the freshman Phillips will replace in the starting lineup, have combined for 11 carries and 24 yards in bowl competition.
  • Phillips gained 160 yards on 32 carries in the last two Orange Bowls.

Sources:

  • "The reinstatement of Lawrence Phillips will be completed here next Tuesday night..." - The reinstatement was first reported by the University of Nebraska.
  • "When undefeated Nebraska meets undefeated Florida in the Fiesta Bowl in the Cornhuskers' attempt to become the first undisputed repeat national champions in 39 years, Phillips will be the starting I-back for the first time since the weekend his actions changed forever his Nebraska career and the national perception of Coach Tom Osborne's team." - The Associated Press.
  • "Osborne's decision to start Phillips, announced on Tuesday, will return the running back to the status he last had on Sept. 9, when he gained 206 yards and scored 4 touchdowns at Michigan State." - The Associated Press.
  • "Phillips is a junior, but speculation about his possible departure to the N.F.L. before his senior year had preceded this season." - The Associated Press.
  • "He is only scheduled to be available for interviews Thursday, when both teams will go in uniform to Sun Devil Stadium." - The Associated Press.
  • "Lance Lundberg, a former Nebraska player, has filed a Federal lawsuit against Coach Tom Osborne and other Nebraska officials..." - The Associated Press.