Latest news with #Tuggle
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Why Barry Odom dismissed 1 Purdue football player, added Georgia transfers with driving arrests
Barry Odom emphasized discipline as a bedrock principle for his Purdue football tenure. He established it with expectations for attention and attendance at his first Boilermaker team meetings. He reinforced it with the 'Winning Edge' program — grueling, up-tempo offseason workouts designed to enhance mental toughness as much or more than physical skills. When freshman safety Antonio Parker was arrested on drug charges and other infractions weeks after arriving on campus, Odom dismissed him from the team. It sent a message about standards and expectations. It did not, though, establish a blanket zero-tolerance policy toward players with run-ins with law enforcement. The recent vehicle-related infractions of Georgia transfers NiTareon 'Nitro' Tuggle and Marques Easley do not belong in the same legal conversation as Parker's crime. Yet they illustrated the sometimes murky waters into which coaches must wade when rebuilding a roster via the transfer portal. Relationships with high school recruits are built over months or years. In the portal, they sometimes come together in a matter of days. Odom said his staff does what it can to build a network of sources for all incoming players on that truncated timeline. Our book on Purdue men's basketball's Final Four run makes the perfect Father's Day gift 'We've all made mistakes, or I certainly know I have,' Odom said in a Thursday video interview with local media. 'I think there's education pieces that I'm responsible for. ... You've got to decide No. 1, did he make a mistake? OK, why did he make it? Has he learned from it? Are we willing enough to have him in our program because he was issued a citation? 'I'm not the only one making those decisions. There's a number of people that go into stamping yes or no. But we also feel like the culture, the surrounding people that we have that are part of our organization, that we're in a position that it becomes the DNA of who we are on doing the right things and protecting the team and becoming great student-athletes at Purdue.' Tuggle and Easley came to Purdue from a Georgia program notorious for vehicle-related legal issues. Tuggle, a wide receiver, was arrested for speeding and reckless driving on March 19. The police report asserted he was driving 107 mph in a 65 mile-per-hour zone. In a plea deal, Tuggle pleaded guilty to speeding in exchange for dismissal of the reckless driving. Easley, an offensive lineman, was charged with three counts of reckless conduct and one count of reckless driving after crashing his vehicle into the front of an apartment complex on March 22. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, investigating troopers said in the crash report they found evidence of 'laying drag' — intentionally skidding the car. Per online court records, Easley's case has not reached resolution. At the time he and Tuggle entered the portal, both players had been suspended by Georgia. According to the Banner-Herald, Georgia players or support staff members have been charged with speeding, reckless driving or racing in 32 incidents since Jan. 15, 2023. That's the date football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a high-speed crash. Odom said his staff scrutinizes every incoming player, not merely those with a public incident in their past. They look for evidence of a love for the game. They make sure the players know the academic commitment at Purdue exceeds that expected at many other institutions. 'If all of those things align, then we know structurally they will thrive in our system,' Odom said. A QB, skill players, OL and more: Who is in Purdue football's 2026 recruiting class? Another incoming player, safety Myles Slusher, was suspended by Arkansas after a 2022 arrest for disorderly conduct. He served a one-game suspension and left the program soon after. That's three players with public brushes with the law out of the 26 signed in the spring window. Transferring to Purdue provided both Tuggle and Easley a chance to move closer to home, and further from Athens. Tuggle played at Northwood, located southeast of South Bend. Easley grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and played at Kankakee (Illinois) High School, located south of Chicago and about 90 minutes from Ross-Ade Stadium. Odom said both players could make an impact quickly. The Boilermakers need playmakers, and Tuggle was a four-star, borderline top-100 prospect out of high school. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Easley was also a four-star prospect, ranked in the top 200 per some services. He retains four years of eligibility, while Tuggle comes with three. Odom said he's been impressed with Tuggle's linear speed and ability to change directions. Easley has 'transformed his body' to better use his 'exceptional feet.' Those attributes show up on film. Recent events meant Odom and his staff had to be sure about their evaluation in other areas, too. 'Any time you're going to try to recruit a young man to your campus you make sure they're a fit in every single area,' Odom said. 'And if they're not, it doesn't matter how good of a player you think they are. It'll never work.'
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Why Geelong Cats have been kicked out of their home ground for Superman star this weekend
The Geelong Cats have temporarily been booted from their home at GMHBA Stadium - but for a good reason. Hollywood has taken over Kardinia Park as filming ramps up for a new sports drama starring Superman actor David Corenswet. The untitled film, believed to be called Mr Irrelevant, tells the moving true story of 1983 NFL draft pick John Tuggle. Tuggle was the final pick in that year's draft, earning the nickname 'Mr Irrelevant' — but he went on to defy expectations. He became the first last-drafted player to make his team's final roster, suiting up for the New York Giants in 1983. He played all 16 games, started five, and was named the Giants' Special Teams Player of the Year. Tragically, Tuggle's life was cut short by cancer, diagnosed after shoulder pain in 1984 led to further tests. Despite his illness, he kept training with the team, and the Giants supported him until his death at age 25. His story has since been honoured by the NFL and was the subject of ESPN's 30 for 30 short, The Irrelevant Giant. Now, his remarkable journey is heading to the big screen, with filming already underway in Geelong. Corenswet is taking on the lead role, with Oscar nominee Michael Shannon portraying legendary coach Bill Parcells. The project is being helmed by director Jonathan Levine and produced by Skydance Sports. Filming at Kardinia Park has seen the 40,000-seat stadium transformed into an NFL venue for two weeks. The Cats were able to continue training without disruption, using their alternative base at Deakin University. Filming will wrap up in time for the Cats to return to their home ground on Monday for training They won't return to Kardinia Park until after their blockbuster match against Collingwood tonight at the MCG. Filming is also taking place at La Trobe University's Sports Park in Bundoora, where footy fields are being converted into gridiron ovals. Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks announced the film would inject nearly $29 million into Victoria's economy. The production is expected to create more than 800 jobs for Victorian screen workers and extras. Over 500 Victorian locals are involved, including members of the gridiron community playing umpires, referees, and support crew. Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin welcomed the project, calling it an exciting opportunity for the region. VicScreen chief Caroline Pitcher and local MPs Christine Couzens and Alison Marchant also joined the announcement. Producer Gillian Bohrer praised Victoria's diverse sporting locations as ideal doubles for cities like New York and California.
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Hollywood superstar takes over AFL club for a fortnight
The new Superman has forced Geelong off their own ground. Hollywood superstar David Corenswet has taken over GMHBA Stadium for a fortnight to build his latest movie. The film, expected to be called Mr Irrelevant, is based on American footballer John Tuggle. Mr Irrelevant is the somewhat cruel nickname given to players who are drafted into the NFL with the last pick of a year's draft haul. Tuggle became that man in 1983 but he made a mockery of the title, played in his first season, and was awarded the New York Giants Special Teams Player of the Year. According to Wikipedia, 'Tuggle became the first player in league history picked last in the draft to make the NFL on the team that drafted him. Tuggle played most of the 1983 season on special teams, but was promoted to starting fullback in week 12 when Rob Carpenter was injured.' Tuggle sadly died not long after, however, when he lost a cancer battle. He was only 25 years old. Filmmakers are intending to turn GMHBA Stadium and La Trobe University Sports Park in Bundoora into American football stadiums. Corenswet will play Tuggle and Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is playing Giants coach Bill Parcells. Geelong players will train on a 'mixture' of tracks while they lose access to their home base. Credit: Getty Images The movie is a Skydance Sports project and will be directed highly acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies, Long Shot). 'The state's amazing sports facilities and varied locations can double locations like New York, California and Mexico, so we knew there was no better place to bring this project to life,' Skydance EVP of physical production Brad Carlson said. Geelong locals can also expect to see the film crew shooting scenes around the local town. As far as timing goes for Geelong players, the break from their home ground won't be too disruptive. The Cats are currently enjoying a run of three games at the MCG. After beating Hawthorn on Easter Monday, the Cats now have Carlton and Collingwood in the next fortnight at their home from home, before hosting the Giants in Round 9 at GMHBA Stadium. A Geelong spokesperson told that the players will use a 'mixture' of tracks while the filming goes on, but it won't interrupt their preparation for the games Geelong also have an alternative training base at Deakin University which actually helps their preparation for MCG games given it is the same dimensions as the hallowed turf in Melbourne. Yesterday (Wednesday) they trained on the cricket ground outside the stadium at Kardinia Park. But next week it is likely they will use Deakin for their main sessions ahead of the Collingwood blockbuster. The will get the ground back before the clash with the Giants. Movie fans will be able to see Corenswet as the new Superman in July, when the highly anticipated blockbuster will be released in Melbourne.
7NEWS
24-04-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Hollywood superstar David Corenswet takes over GMHBA Stadium at Geelong to film John Tuggle story
The new Superman has forced Geelong off their own ground. Hollywood superstar David Corenswet has taken over GMHBA Stadium for a fortnight to build his latest movie. The film, expected to be called Mr Irrelevant, is based on American footballer John Tuggle. Mr Irrelevant is the somewhat cruel nickname given to players who are drafted into the NFL with the last pick of a year's draft haul. Tuggle became that man in 1983 but he made a mockery of the title, played in his first season, and was awarded the New York Giants Special Teams Player of the Year. According to Wikipedia, 'Tuggle became the first player in league history picked last in the draft to make the NFL on the team that drafted him. Tuggle played most of the 1983 season on special teams, but was promoted to starting fullback in week 12 when Rob Carpenter was injured.' Tuggle sadly died not long after, however, when he lost a cancer battle. He was only 25 years old. Filmmakers are intending to turn GMHBA Stadium and La Trobe University Sports Park in Bundoora into American football stadiums. Corenswet will play Tuggle and Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is playing Giants coach Bill Parcells. The movie is a Skydance Sports project and will be directed highly acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies, Long Shot). 'The state's amazing sports facilities and varied locations can double locations like New York, California and Mexico, so we knew there was no better place to bring this project to life,' Skydance EVP of physical production Brad Carlson said. Geelong locals can also expect to see the film crew shooting scenes around the local town. As far as timing goes for Geelong players, the break from their home ground won't be too disruptive. The Cats are currently enjoying a run of three games at the MCG. After beating Hawthorn on Easter Monday, the Cats now have Carlton and Collingwood in the next fortnight at their home from home, before hosting the Giants in Round 9 at GMHBA Stadium. A Geelong spokesperson told that the players will use a 'mixture' of tracks while the filming goes on, but it won't interrupt their preparation for the games Geelong also have an alternative training base at Deakin University which actually helps their preparation for MCG games given it is the same dimensions as the hallowed turf in Melbourne. Yesterday (Wednesday) they trained on the cricket ground outside the stadium at Kardinia Park. But next week it is likely they will use Deakin for their main sessions ahead of the Collingwood blockbuster. The will get the ground back before the clash with the Giants. Movie fans will be able to see Corenswet as the new Superman in July, when the highly anticipated blockbuster will be released in Melbourne.
NBC Sports
21-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Former Georgia WR Nitro Tuggle commits to Purdue
Editor's Note: This article first appeared on the leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here. Former Georgia wide receiver Nitro Tuggle is returning to his home state of Indiana, as he has committed to Purdue. Tuggle spent the 2024 season with the Bulldogs. He played in eight games and recorded three receptions for 34 yards (11.3 yards per catch). Georgia head coach Kirby Smart announced in March that Tuggle, along with offensive lineman Marques Easley, were suspended indefinitely due to separate reckless driving incidents. According to police reports, Tuggle was driving more than 100 miles per hour. Tuggle will have three years of eligibility remaining to play for head coach Barry Odom and the Boilermakers. He will still have the option to redshirt if needed as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Tuggle played 45 offensive snaps and recorded an overall grade of 56.8. He also played 17 snaps on special teams. Tuggle flirted with the idea of entering the transfer portal during the winter window this past December as well, but ultimately decided to stay with Georgia at the time. As a prospect out of Northwood High School in Nappanee, Indiana, Tuggle was considered a four-star wide receiver and ranked as the No. 92 overall recruit in the 2024 class. He also ranked as the No. 3 player in the state of Indiana and the No. 21 wide receiver in the cycle. Stay locked in on the Rivals Transfer Tracker to keep up with the latest transfer news, portal entries, commitments, and rankings. For a deep-dive into the transfer portal, make sure you visit the Rivals Transfer Search page. The Rivals Transfer Portal X account is a must-follow for any college football fan. The spring college football transfer portal window is scheduled to open on April 16th, 2025 for 10 days. It is the second transfer window of the 2025 recruiting cycle. The winter college football transfer portal window opened on December 9th, 2024 for 20 days. There was also a five-day window for players to transfer after their team finished postseason play. Additionally, players get a 30-day window to transfer when their head coach leaves.
