Forcier: Miami too far away

CORAL GABLES — I always respect people when they say they’re making a decision for “personal reasons.”

They have no obligation to justify to me, or you, or anyone why they choose to do something.

So I didn’t have a problem with Tate Forcier telling the University of Miami he wasn’t transferring to UM after all — despite signing a financial aid agreement in February and publicly announcing his transfer — because of personal reasons.

But I do have a problem Forcier trying to get us to buy a lie.

Tuesday, he told ESPN he decided not to transfer to Miami because, “I just didn’t feel comfortable and wanted to be closer to home. Miami is completely on the other side of the country.”

He also said, “It would have been fun playing there. But I just wanted to be closer so my parents can afford to come to the games.”

At the same time, he told ESPN he’s now interested in Auburn, USC, San Diego State, Montana, Kansas State and San Diego.

Oops.

Auburn isn’t exactly close to his hometown of San Diego, nor is it an easy or inexpensive trip from the West Coast. Try finding a hotel one game weekend anywhere near Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Furthermore, Forcier had no issues with playing far away from home when he was at Michigan for two years. The distance was just fine when he was the starter and Denard Robinson hadn’t yet outworked him for the job.

It’s interesting that Forcier became homesick when he hasn’t stepped on Miami’s campus since his first and only visit here in February, at which time he decided to become a Hurricane.

I’m more inclined to believe the reason Forcier isn’t coming to Miami has to do with academics since he was academically ineligible for Michigan’s bowl game.

Whatever his reasons, they didn’t matter. Until he lied.

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2011/05/forcier-miami-too-far-away.html