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It’s rare to see a former player publicly criticize his program. Usually if it does happen, it’s during a frustrating loss.
Former Nebraska star and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Kenny Bell took to Twitter to vent about a problem he has with an apparent weight room change.
According to Bell, Nebraska took down any acknowledgement of players from the last 10 years in the weight room. He fired off a slew of tweets about the injustice he felt it was:
Today i found out anybody that trained in the weight room in the past 10 years has been removed from the walls. @Huskers no love for alum???
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
That hurts. Was told that because "we didnt train right" our records in the weight room at our Alma Mater are removed? Ouch.
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
Forgettin the old regime I understand, let's move forward. But guys that gave 5 years to the program? @Ameerguapo deserves to b in that room
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
Abdullah acknowledged that, as well:
History is so easily forgotten theses days… Well ignored rather.
— Ameer Abdullah (@Ameerguapo) April 6, 2016
Bell made sure to clarify his feelings toward Nebraska:
I am not complaining, and i am not angry. I am genuinely saddened. I love that program and the guys that are apart of it. Disappointed.
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
This has NOTHING to do with the football staff. That kind of decision comes from the 3rd floor, the Administration level.
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
I think I may have a few on the field records as well…. I don't remember tho, let me know if u find any https://t.co/Tsmh4C26us
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
Bell went on 1260 AM in Omaha to talk about the subject. He said that current players made him aware of the change, which is what set him off.
As Bell said, that isn’t a decision made by Mike Riley or another coach. Perhaps this is more of the continued frustration that boiled over from Bell and others after the Bo Pelini firing. Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst took plenty of heat for not addressing players in person to inform them of the firing.
The program’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards was looking for some sort of response, which he later got from Nebraska. Upon the public complaint, Nebraska assistant AD Boyd Epley announced in a statement that Nebraska would restore all the records.
“…All records will be restored and displayed regardless of the testing procedure, as we want to recognize all of our record holders regardless of the timing and testing system.
“We are really proud of our athletes who worked hard in our strength and conditioning program to achieve great things.”
Bell appreciated the acknowledgement:
Appreciate the clarity Mr. Epley, just wanted an explanation https://t.co/jNVooUy3L9
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) April 6, 2016
Connor O'Gara is the senior national columnist for Saturday Tradition. He's a member of the Football Writers Association of America. After spending his entire life living in B1G country, he moved to the South in 2015.