...how the language on these scholarships reads, but I'm sure it's similar to that of any contract.  Maybe it says that he's on scholarship until he graduates, regardless of how many years' eligibility he has left.  I don't think it's unreasonable for a player to expect that once he signs that letter of intent, that contract, that he should remain on scholarship until he graduates, provided that he obeys all the rules and obligations that come with it.

However, my understanding is that Ray Ray is due to graduate this summer, but has two years eligibility left, meaning that he would have to be in graduate school, presumably on scholarship, to compete.  Bowden and Clemson needed that extra scholarship, and it looked like that they no longer needed the services of Ray Ray, who was down on the depth chart of RBs.  Should they leave a guy on scholarship, who's already graduated, but has no chance of ever seeing any action on the field?

I can understand both sides, but perhaps they should have considered the negative publicity this would generate, especially taking into account the background of Ray Ray and his little brother.  Clemson has offered to help him play for another team, but that seems like little consolation for a guy who has stuck with the team literally through thick and thin.

One of the things that appeal to CFB fans most about the sport is the loyalty that is displayed by not only the fans, but the players, too.  I see this as a school callously dismissing one player's loyalty to them with no regard how it's going to effect the Clemson nation.  Don't try to tell me this is a business.  Save that crap for the pro teams.  This is a guy's alma mater, and his allegiance to it is being trashed right in front of everyone.

although scholarships are awarded for a one year term, and renewed each year, it sucks that Clemson can't show a kid some loyalty especially when he has done everything the University and AD has asked of him. The flip side of it, Bowden has flirted with the hot seat almost every year the past few seasons and he may wish to avoid any further flirtations. Still sucks anyway you look at it. My understanding is he will retain a "graduate assistants" scholarship after his atheletic scholarship ends in august. Does that mean he can still play or does he become a gopher on the sidelines? If he is interested in coaching and realizes his opportunity for playing time is doubtful this may not be a bad thing but it still reeks of a lack of respect and loyalty.