Jordan Burgason: Disgraced 3-Point Marksmen Shouldn't Be Judged Too Harshly

Jordan Burgason has been kicked off his Lipscomb team, but hold off on judgement of this dead-eye shooter. 

Burgason is the nation's Division I three-point percentage leader. He was shooting 52.6 percent from beyond the arc.

This has not stopped Lipscomb from giving Burgason the boot for violating team rules. He is a senior, which means this suspension will be the likely end to his collegiate career. 

Here is Lipscomb athletic director Philip Hutcheson from a staff report by the Sporting News. 

"

I love Jordan and wish him nothing but the absolute best. But he broke university rules that he knew he was breaking. We had clearly advised him, and he was aware of the consequences of making a bad decision.

"

There was no mention of which rule was violated. While the natural temptation is to think that a player of this caliber was booted for a serious offense of shocking magnitude that is in violation of the laws of the land and not just a university, there is a very good chance that is not the case here. 

Lipscomb's Strict Code of Conduct

Lipscomb has the rigid code of conduct policy that I can barely read without violating.

A glance at the code of conduct, and it quickly appears that this is one strict Christian school. The code of conduct forbids alcohol, cursing and gambling and it includes a sexual morality policy. It also addresses how its students should dress and does not allow them to go to bars. 

This is certainly the school's right, and Burgason agreed to this code when he decided to attend. To his credit, he is not making any excuses or pointing any fingers for his dismissal. 

Burgason Accepts the Blame

Burgason was gracious and took full responsibility for his actions. The above Sporting News article quoted him as saying: 

"

I want to thank Lipscomb for the unbelievable opportunity that it has given me. The whole university has showed so much grace to me. But despite that, my actions have not shown a respect for the university and its policies and for that I am sorry.

I'll never forget the memories that I've made here. Thank you for the love and support that everyone has shown throughout my time here. You will always be family to me.

"

That is a mature and endearing policy by a young man that could have easily come off as bitter or as a spoiled athlete. 

Perception of Burgason

In light of the strict code of conduct policy, it becomes apparent that there is a good chance that he was in violations of a policy that many schools would consider more a facet of daily life than a concern. 

While he showed a lack of discipline by not adhering to the rules of the university he chose to attend, this stigma should not follow him around or haunt. He came off as a humble and thoughtful individual, and the university had glowing things to say about him.

Hopefully, Burgason will find a home in professional basketball so his career does not have to draw to a close on this note and he can keep his sweet stroke going.