When the going gets tough …

S
enior Clemson Tiger quarterback Kelly Bryant announced his intent to transfer schools last week after losing his starting position to Trevor Lawrence, a freshman QB. Apparently, the two had been taking turns in the role so far this season, but Bryant had held the starting position until his demotion last week.
I have to say that I have mixed feelings about this
situation. 
On one hand, I can understand how the loss of his position must have stung after having started 18 consecutive games – 16 of which he and his team won. And, given this is his last year of eligibility and assuming he has NFL potential, maybe it would be better for him to transfer to a school where he can resume the starting QB position.
On the other hand, deciding to transfer because he lost his starting spot really rubs me the wrong way. It bothers me that quitting is becoming an accepted response to this type of circumstance. 
Yes, Bryant started 18 consecutive games but he was trading snaps with Lawrence so far this season, so he was already sharing the field. Simply because he lost the nod to be the first on the turf does not mean he would be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Unfortunately, the attitude that just because “I’m older and have held this position means I’m entitled to remain in the position” is becoming super prevalent at all levels of sport.
While Bryant was respectful to Lawrence, he stated that “I feel like I haven’t done anything not to be the starter. I’ve been here, I’ve waited my turn, I’ve done everything y’all have asked me to do, plus more. I’ve never been a distraction. I’ve never been in trouble with anything. To me, it was kind of a slap in the face.”
While all that he claims may be true, maybe it’s just that Lawrence is better, and if that is the case, deserves the spot regardless of the time Bryant has put in over the last few seasons.
Lawrence came to Clemson ranked as a five star QB, while Bryant is only a three star. This season, Bryant has thrown 461 yards, two touchdowns and one interception to claim a 66.7 percent completion rate while Lawrence has thrown for 600 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions for a 65 percent completion rate. 
With Clemson holding the number two ranking by the Coaches Poll, the number three ranking by an AP Poll and is projected to be one of the top four teams in the playoff this season, it’s understandable that the coaching staff made the decision to start who is appearing so far to be the most productive of their quarterbacks.
I do understand Bryant making the decision to transfer at this point given the NCAA’s new policy that an athlete may play four games in a season without losing a year of eligibility. If he had played one more game for Clemson, his collegiate career would end this year. Because he announced his intent to transfer, he will be eligible to play in 2019. 
However, I really hate the message his actions are sending. He stated he quit because he felt like it was what was best for his future, and that he was going to control what he could. He also commented that he didn’t feel like he was given a fair shot.
He started 18 consecutive games … how has that denied him a fair shot?
The truth is life isn’t fair, but quitting when things don’t go the way you want them to certainly isn’t the answer.