Miami Hurricanes Football: How Many Chances Should Ray Ray Armstrong Get?

Fans found out this week that current Miami Hurricanes safety Ray Ray Armstrong will not be playing in this Saturday's game at Florida State.

Armstrong was found to be in violation of 'team rules,' and according to head football coach Al Golden, "The matter [will] be dealt with further when the team returns from Tallahassee."

Armstrong sent out a tweet Sunday night, one that he probably shouldn't have.  He tweeted the following: "Just left Prime112 wit @arinicolelife never seen a chicken this big."

Now at first it would seem like Armstrong was out having a nice dinner with a friend.  However, @arinicolelife turns out to be Ari Washington, a publicist and owner of a company that represents professional athletes "in their charity and foundation ventures."

The NCAA will investigate this matter further, and it is unclear whether or not Armstrong was in fact violating any rules.  But if it turns out that Armstrong did accept a free dinner—well, we all know what happens next.

Armstrong was suspended for the first four games of the season for his involvement with former UM booster and Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro.  When Armstrong was being recruited by the University of Miami, he allegedly accepted improper benefits, which led to his being suspended. 

So now that Armstrong has found himself on the ineligible list for the second time this season, when is enough truly enough?  Will Armstrong be given yet a third chance?

If he is found in violation and somehow I found myself as the Hurricanes head football coach, I for one would have to say farewell to Mr. Armstrong.  He seems to be nothing more than a distraction, and his antics are unfair to the rest of the team. 

Put up or shut up, right?

Prior to the beginning of the season, Armstrong was viewed by some as the number one safety in the country.  To this point, his return has been rather lackluster.

He did, however, record his first interception last weekend vs. Duke.  But Armstrong continues to miss tackles, constantly finds himself out of position and tends to get burnt by the deep ball.

It seems as if he needs to quit going for the knockout and focus more on the fundamentals.

Ray Ray is doing nothing more than wasting what talent he has.  With each suspension he faces, his stock within the NFL draft slips that much more.  I would like to see Armstrong come back this season and be the voice of the defense, but that may seem like wishful thinking. 

If he does leave for the pros, I wish him the best.  I'm sure most would agree that Armstrong is not ready for the NFL—not yet.  He still needs to fine tune his game.  It would be wise for Armstrong to stick around for his senior season—that is, if he still has a place on the team.

So Ray Ray, wear that No. 26 with pride.  Remember who wore that number before you—it was only one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game.  Let him serve as an example of how a safety should play. 

I'm sure Sean Taylor is somewhere shaking his head.