Notre Dame Quarterback Tommy Rees Deserves Better from Irish Fans

These past few years being a Notre Dame fan has had definitely its share of downs. The 3-9 season was probably the lowest. However, during that season never once was I embarrassed to be an Irish fan. The team was trying its best and did improve during the year. Nothing that has transpired over the last few years has ever made me embarrassed to be a Notre Dame fan.

That was true until today.

I am absolutely ashamed of many of my fellow Notre Dame fans.

A year ago Michael Floyd was arrested for driving under the influence and was suspended from the team until he satisfied all of head coach Brian Kelly's requirements. During that time, I don't remember seeing any articles or hearing any fans calling for Floyd to be removed. The concern was actually that he get back on the field. That is what the hope should be for—he made a mistake and was given a chance a redemption, and he made the most of it.

There is no doubt about it: What Tommy Rees did was bad judgment. He got a little drunk and made bad choices. Find me a 19-year-old who hasn't. Unfortunately, his bad choice involved police.

I am all about making him accountable. I am all for Kelly giving him the same or similar conditions he gave to Floyd in order to return to the team.

I am absolutely sick, though, of all the happy comments I have seen on here from fellow Notre Dame fans. This is an unfortunate situation for the team and for the university. It should be treated and talked about as such.

I see jokes like the police caught him because he was too slow. I also see comments like remove him from the team. Yes, remove him. Really?

For those of you making those comments, were you saying the same thing about Floyd a year ago?

I can deal with comments saying he is not the answer at quarterback and that Everett Golson deserves to start. That is fair criticism but nothing personal. However, here is a kid that has a record of 12-4 as a starter. That blows Jimmy Clausen's winning percentage out of the water. Fans should appreciate that, but unfortunately many don't. That embarrasses me.

I am not calling for Rees to start. I believe it is time to move toward Golson. The kid has too much upside and the offense is too limited with Rees. However, that does not mean I don't appreciate the contributions he has made to this team and understand his value as a backup to Golson.

Andrew Hendrix is a complete bust at quarterback and would be better served switching positions. Gunner Kiel doesn't look like he will be ready for another year. That leaves Rees as the only viable option as a back up.

Therefore, fans should not be making comments of joy about this. He made a bad choice and he will have to answer for that. However, I hope Kelly makes conditions for him similar to that of Floyd and I hope Rees can still be on the team and get the second chance he deserves. That is what all Irish fans should want, and I am embarrassed of the ones who want anything else for Rees.