Probably Not The Right Way To Go Out, AJ Barker

Hey A.J. Barker, in my 24 years on this earth, I've learned that sometimes it is best just to keep your mouth (or your keyboard) shut. That's too bad that you quit the Gophers football team just before the season ended. I know the Gopher football team isn't in the national title discussion, but that doesn't mean you're exempt from going your own way. And even though coach Jerry Kill might be a jerk, so what? Dealing with jerks is part of life.

Writing notes to jerks is also an extremely terrible idea. Especially notes online that are already all over ESPN and a bunch of other national media outlets. You've exacerbated this situation and opened up a Pandora's box of people offering their opinion on you or your situation. (I suppose I'm one of them.)

If you're still hurt, my apologies. I understand being upset over Coach Kill yelling at you, but who hasn't been yelled at?Again, I hate bullies. I hate being yelled at, but I was taught to have a stiff upper lip and move on. My dad taught me not to lower myself to your opponent. Deal with this situation like a professional and talk to the coaches one on one. I don't think ranting on the internet has ever been considered a good career move.

I'm sure you're a good person A.J. and I'm sure Jerry Kill is an alright person as well. I don't know the Gophers locker room, so I don't know the extent of what happened.

What I am saying is that announcing that you quit via a (now very public) tumblr post is a terrible, terrible idea. You've opened up the jaws of the unforgiving internet public on yourself and the Gopher football program (which probably didn't need this sort of attention.) If I was a boss and I saw this sort of thing, I wouldn't hire you.

You've got a lot to learn, AJ.