ESPN's Jemele Hill weighs in on Michigan State's decision to reinstate player who said N-word in text

At Big Ten Media Days, it was reported that Michigan State was letting suspended LB Jon Reschke back on the team 17 months after he sent a text message that included the N-word.

According to coach Mark Dantonio, it’s still up to Reschke to earn back the respect of his teammates, but it does appear he’ll have that chance.

Recently ESPN’s Jemele Hill, who has become an outspoken voice when it comes to race and sports, weighed in on the Spartans’ decision. As you can see in the string of tweets below, she acknowledged that it’s a complicated issue and urged fans, players and coaches to think carefully about their actions moving forward:

This is a complicated situation that in many respects boils down to the question of whether the juice is worth the squeeze. Here’s what I mean: https://t.co/20wYwj6ahb

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 25, 2018

The part that’s tricky is that his black teammates were asked how they feel about him returning to the team. Their feelings should be considered obviously, but are they truly in a position to answer honestly if they feel the coaches want him back?

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 25, 2018

I’m sure coach Dantonio is trying to use this as a teachable moment. But why does the teachable always seem to come at the expense of our dignity?

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 25, 2018

And finally, considering that Reschke didn’t seem to have a whole lot of options. Is it worth it having him on your team?

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 25, 2018

Oh, one more thing: Michigan State fans, should you see him on the field or hear the announcer say his name, that is not an applause cue. It’s OK to do nothing at all.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) July 25, 2018

As mentioned, Reschke won’t be on scholarship this fall, and it remains to be seen if he’ll ever regain his scholarship.

But he has his shot at redemption, and now it’s up to him to make the most of it.