Laremy Tunsil Situation Another Sign We Can't Be Too Quick to Judge

It’s one of those instances in which college football fans were quick to invoke the smell test, as in “if something doesn’t smell right...”

That’s what has been hanging over Ole Miss this summer following an altercation and allegations between one of its star players, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, and his stepfather.

On Monday, Tunsil and Lindsey Miller agreed to drop domestic violence charges they had filed against each other. According to the Clarion-Ledger’s Riley Blevins, both signed the necessary paperwork last week, and instead of proceeding the case was dismissed by Lafayette County Court in Oxford, Mississippi.

While that ended the legal part of the story, there’s still no resolution to the NCAA’s ongoing inquiry or what’s going on in the court of public opinion and social media, where instead of hoping for the best, many simply assumed the worst.

Quite frankly, that’s pretty sad, but then again so are the circumstances that have come to light with this situation.

When Tunsil was a recruit out of Lake City, Florida (Columbia High School), he was not only considered the top player at his position, but 247Sports rated him in the top five overall. Combined with defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and safety Tony Conner, coach Hugh Freeze appeared to have his breakthrough signing class.

But even back then, there were red flags about Tunsil’s stepfather that were only reinforced during an open court hearing for the case on July 10 as reported by numerous writers including John Davis of the OxfordCitizen.com and Neal McCready of RebelGrove.com. 

For example, at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, hotel security had to be called to break up a dispute between Tunsil and his stepfather. What reportedly sparked the argument was Miller being upset that he had to pay for a meal he believed should have been supplied.

Another incident, this time involving Miller and Tunsil’s father, occurred at the Chick-fil-A Bowl. If that wasn’t bad enough for Tunsil, he ended up suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle during the 42-3 loss to TCU, an injury from which he’s still recovering.

The domestic violence charges in late June apparently stemmed from a confrontation following a flat tire. Tunsil said that he saw a frustrated Miller shove his mother into a table, which led to his punching his stepfather. Miller said the argument developed about Tunsil meeting with agents.

Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports

Both stated that the other was the aggressor, and the stepfather went so far as to ask for a restraining order (which was dismissed when Miller represented himself in the hearing. Tunsil and his mother hired an attorney together).

Miller also claimed that Tunsil had received multiple improper benefits from both agents and the school, including as a recruit. If any of those allegations can be proved—and the NCAA is looking into the matter—they could directly affect his eligibility and potentially cost him millions.

Physically, Tunsil is a prototype NFL offensive tackle who can protect the quarterback and also excel as a run-blocker. As a recruit he was listed as roughly 6’5”, 300 pounds, and when you’re that big and powerful, your status often doesn’t change when trying to go to the pros.

However, Tunsil needs to play this season and avoid a significant injury to achieve his draft potential. In addition to the leg setback, he missed games last season because of a partially torn bicep, and a knee injury kept him out of the 2013 Music City Bowl.

NFL teams want to know if he’s durable and, when he does have a setback, will do what it takes to get back on the field.

“He’s getting there,” senior linebacker C.J. Johnson said.

Tunsil has said he wants to be the first overall pick in 2016 draft, although some of that will depend on the needs of NFL teams. He also needs to stand out at his position.

The first offensive lineman selected in the 2015 draft, Brandon Scherff, signed a four-year contract for $21.2 million ($13.7 million signing bonus). In comparison, the sixth lineman picked was tackle D.J. Humphries at No. 24. He got a four-year deal for $8.9 million ($4.7 million bonus).

Meanwhile, the Rebels need Tunsil as well. They could have all five starters from last year’s offensive line returning, and this is probably the last chance for that 2013 recruiting class to put Ole Miss at the top of the SEC West standings.

The guess here is that Tunsil will be eligible when Ole Miss plays its opener against UT Martin on Sept. 5 (noon ET, SEC Network), if for no other reason than you have to give the player the benefit of doubt. Unfortunately that can be a rare thing nowadays.

Too often does the court of public opinion rush to judgment once a report is released involving a player off the field. Fans shouldn't be so quick to judge before all the facts are revealed. 

Last year Georgia running back Todd Gurley was accused of an assault at an Athens, Georgia, bar, when all he really did was pick up the guy’s hat.

Just before the NFL draft news broke that police wanted to speak with former LSU lineman La'el Collins regarding the shooting death of a pregnant woman. He might have been a first-round selection but instead went undrafted, and has since all but been cleared in the investigation (Collins signed as a free agent with Dallas). 

Whether you think Nick Saban should have given defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor a second chance or not, the woman who accused him of assault this spring recanted her statement to police and was subsequently arrested for giving a false report.

Consequently, Ole Miss is doing the right thing and preparing as if Tunsil will be in uniform.

“We obviously will cooperate fully with, whether it’s the NCAA process or the law enforcement process, we will cooperate fully with that,” Freeze recently said at SEC media days. “I’m very confident, like I said, in the way we do things and what we can control. I’m very confident in the person that Laremy Tunsil is too, and we look forward to that coming to a conclusion at whatever time is appropriate.”

When that might be no one knows, but Tunsil’s teammates have followed their coaches’ example, saying that they’re rallying around him just as they are with the three players competing for the starting quarterback job.

“Honestly it’s been really smooth this offseason,” junior tight end Evan Engram said. “I’m pretty sure things are going to get worked out.”

At this point we have to assume that he’s correct.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Christopher Walsh is a lead SEC college football writer.

Follow Christopher on Twitter @WritingWalsh.