So here was Brownell’s dilemma. He had to punish Duggins in some way to show him and the rest of the Raiders that drinking in a bar, then driving, is not the way to spend an evening.
He also didn’t want to go too soft, showing the community that star players can get away with anything.
Brownell doesn’t want to discuss what went into his final decision, but I think it was a little harsh, given that Duggins has nothing else on his blotter and always seems like a decent man.
I’m guessing Brownell was looking ahead to what could have happened, or what might happen the next time. That patrolman might have stopped Duggins from driving into a ditch just after crashing into another vehicle.
That didn’t happen, but the message is sent anyway, and the next guy who gets picked up over the limit will likely sit more games than Duggins.
In the long view, everyone will recover: Duggins, the Raiders and the coach over his decision.
I’m not going to say he was wrong, but three games is a strong message. If there are no more incidents, maybe it was the right one to send.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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