Callie Rivers: Austin Rivers' Sister Shouldn't Get Tormented for Dating UNC Star

The Duke Blue Devils freshman sensation Austin Rivers faces a dilemma at home—his sister, Callie, is dating Dexter Strickland, who happens to play on the North Carolina Tar Heels.  

Family bonds are always strong, but a person should be free to date whomever they want to, which is why Callie doesn't deserve any negative attention from Duke fans, nor should Austin merit any hate from Tar Heel nation for what his sister does. 

Austin was quoted by Fayobserver.com saying, "I try to stay out of my sister’s stuff.” 

This means that all those Duke and UNC fans should back off as well. If Austin isn't giving his sister slack for dating the enemy, neither should you. 

After all, it's not like Callie attends Duke. She played volleyball for Florida, and if she wants to date one of her brother's enemies, then so be it. If nothing else, it creates for some extra family fun should her and Strickland's relationship ever grow into something bigger. 

Wednesday night, Austin hit a game-winning shot as the buzzer sounded off to beat his arch-rival Tar Heels. It was the first time the two teams met this season, and it was a game Duke really needed to win. 

In that game, the UNC student section could be heard chanting "Callie Strickland" as Austin shot free throws. Fans will always heckle opposing players, but bringing in the family issues isn't necessary. 

When the Tar Heels travel to Duke on March 3, there is bound to be more talk about Austin, Callie and Strickland. 

It's awkward, which is why fans should just let it be. Nobody hassles you for who you're dating, and if they do, they'd better have a good reason for it. Callie being with a guy who plays for a team Austin is supposed to hate is not a good enough reason for the former Gator to be scrutinized. 

Callie will of course cheer on both players, but since Strickland is out for the season with a knee injury, there isn't much of a need to root for UNC.

Unless, of course, she feels like playing the mean sister role to spite her brother—but then again, they're no longer children, so I'm sure she'll go the mature route. 

Fans should as well, and leaving Callie be is the right thing to do. If you don't, you most likely open yourself to a reign of terror from her father, Doc Rivers.

That's not a good thing, because he'll probably send Kevin Garnett to hunt you down.