Im kinda torn on this issue. On one hand you have the arguement that he was there two years and shouldnt warrant a retired number. But now that I think about it, his number should be retired and for these reasons. 1. He was the best point guard\players in the NCAA his soph. year, and one of the best his Fresh. year. 2.He led a team of role players to the final four. I also believe he led the NCAA in assists either one or both of his years at texas. Also with college hoops being 1 year and done, why not retire Carmelo and other one year wonders. It might be a little soon to do it, but everyone gets there number retired these days. I was at a Yankee game this past summer and Ron Guidry was inducted into monument park. That was the biggest joke in yankees history, he had one good year, and hes not even a HOFer. Anyways although a bit premature Ford's jersey retiring is just. So Fitgerald should defienetly have his jersey retired, no questions asked.

T-Barr

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okay here is a comment from someone on a diffrent site. can you argue his points?? I think its a joke that TJ Fords number is retired. clemens, earl campbell and ricky williams are the only other texas jerseys that have been retired.

Beard

If he had won the Heisman, sure. But as for now, I'd wait to see how good of an NFL career he has. Sure, that shouldn't matter. But face it, it does in borderline cases such as Fitzgerald's.

Two years of awesome catches and a Biletnikof Award ain't enough in and of itself. If it were, Bryant's jersey would be up there.
Lee | Email | 02.10.04 - 9:28 am | #

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I agree with Lee. If he turns out to be one of the best receivers in NFL history, then Pitt will likely retire the number. (That's why Schmidt's number is retired - although he did have a fine college career).

The one thing that the players whose jersey numbers are retired have in common is a great college career - a four year career. Not just a couple of great years. That has to count for something.
Patrick | Email | 02.10.04 - 11:23 am | #

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Seems we're on the same page then. I ran out of time to post (Angie insisted I stop) so that's why I didn't give my opinion.

Pitt has been very stingy (and that's a good thing) about retiring numbers. It blew my mind a couple years ago when Maryland retired Joe Smith's number. Smith left after 2 years to go pro. A draft bust (#1 pick), who is now at best an average player. Or the Colorado Avalanche retiring Ray Borgue's (sp?) number; despite the fact that he only played there for one or two seasons. I think retiring numbers in general, is something to be done only in elite circumstances.

Fitzgerald has to take a penalty for not finishing school (not even getting through his junior year, though I don't fault him for the decision).

Things that will tip it in his favor: Getting his degree, as he said he intends to still do. A great pro career. And of course, being a willing, visible supporter/booster of Pitt.
Chas Rich |

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So Clemens, Williams, and Earl Campbell have retired jerseys in Texas. Ok, but the thing is, especially in basketball there is NOT going to be someone who stays more than 2 years and be a superstar. So are you not going to recognize someone who went for 1 or 2 years and dominated your conference and the nation? If thats the case, just say that no ones number will be retired for the rest of college basketball history. Another point, if you are a bench warmer your freshman and sophomore year behind a seasoned vet, then start your junior year, and become a national superstar your senior year does that warrant a retired jersey just because of the 4-year span? I think not, i believe its more impressive to stay 2 years and be dominant than stay four an be dominant 1 year. Like I said in my last post, Texas basketball would be NOWHERE without TJ Ford. He made them the program that they are now.
Larry Fitzgerald, was the best reciever in Pitt football history, and was arguably the best reciever in the natiom last year. 'Elite Circumstances' is something that Larry Fitzgerald fall into. He dominated the Big East for two straight seasons, and why should he be 'punished' by the university that he basically made into a ranked team. Because if your trying to tell me Pitt would be where they are now if they didnt have Fitz, then your lying to yourself and your family.

T-Barr

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i will keep u posted on what they say. im stayin outa this one

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