Fans Split on Chris Rucker Decision

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The decision to reinstate Michigan State University football player Chris Rucker after his latest run-in with the law is the talk of the sports world. The question now is whether he will and won't play Saturday against Iowa.

Green and White's decision has some fans boiling mad.

"I'd like to say Dantonio's proved he's a hypocrite who cares more about winning than he does the reputation of the school," said one caller to 97.1 The Ticket.

Others are in full support of the coach's decision to reinstate Rucker.

"I think Dantonio is looking at this as a father would," another caller said.

It comes down to Coach Dantonio's definition of zero tolerance.

Rucker was arrested for drunk driving. That run-in with the law was a violation of his probation leading him to jail. Zero tolerance means you make a mistake and you pay the price. With that behind him, is it okay for him to play?

"He went to jail. He's paying fines, and I think Dantonio's looking (at) him and saying, 'You know what? This is a good guy that did stupid things. I'm not going to take football completely away from him," said sports analyst Terry Foster.

If you listen in and you smell a bit of hypocrisy, the guys at 97.1 The Ticket will say you're right. Some people, they think, are treated differently.

"Look at Lindsay Lohan," said radio host Mike Valenti. "Can we throw her in jail, please? But this is a case of a kid that brings money to the university being treated differently, in my opinion, than Joe Average student who's going to school and is an Econ major."

Will Rucker play on Saturday, and if he does, how big of a role will he have? It could mean the difference between MSU staying undefeated, and Coach Dantonio knows that.

"8-0, biggest game in almost 50 years for Michigan State, some people who want to win at all costs, and that's what at least it looks like," Valenti said.

Late Friday, MSU's athletic director also showed his support for Dantonio's choice saying it is the best decision not only for the program, but also Chris Rucker.