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Mulkey not bitter toward Huskers
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Thursday, Apr 20, 2006 - 11:35:04 pm CDT
Grant Mulkey said Thursday that he harbors no bitterness toward the Nebraska football program in the wake of his dismissal from the team, expressing regret that he let down head coach Bill Callahan.
“That’s what hurts me the most — letting down my coaches and teammates,” said the 5-foot-11, 185-pound wideout, who would’ve been a senior this coming season. “Coach Callahan is a great guy. He’s shown me nothing but love.”
Callahan announced Wednesday that Mulkey had been dismissed from the squad for an undisclosed violation of team policies. Mulkey declined Thursday to say exactly what led to his dismissal, but he did say grades weren’t an issue.
“All I can say is that I’ve been going through a tough time,” Mulkey said. “I just have to pick up the pieces and move on.”
Mulkey was Nebraska’s fourth-leading receiver in each of the past two seasons. Last season he had 26 receptions for 271 yards, pushing his career totals to 45 catches for 515 yards, with two touchdowns. He said he was uncertain whether he will continue his playing career.
In order to play in 2006, Mulkey would have to transfer to a university that plays in a lower division, such as Division I-AA or Division II. He said he’s on pace to earn his bachelor’s degree in economics in May of 2007.
“It’s tough to make the decision (about whether to play) when you’re feeling this much pain and grief,” he said, noting that Callahan offered help in finding a place to play. “If I didn’t play, I think I’d miss being part of a team and having that structure. I’m a competitor. I love this game.”
Mulkey wanted to make clear his high regard for the Nebraska program and its fans.
“The fans here were unbelievable,” he said. “Believe me, I’m not going to look at my time here negatively.”
BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Thursday, Apr 20, 2006 - 11:35:04 pm CDT
Grant Mulkey said Thursday that he harbors no bitterness toward the Nebraska football program in the wake of his dismissal from the team, expressing regret that he let down head coach Bill Callahan.
“That’s what hurts me the most — letting down my coaches and teammates,” said the 5-foot-11, 185-pound wideout, who would’ve been a senior this coming season. “Coach Callahan is a great guy. He’s shown me nothing but love.”
Callahan announced Wednesday that Mulkey had been dismissed from the squad for an undisclosed violation of team policies. Mulkey declined Thursday to say exactly what led to his dismissal, but he did say grades weren’t an issue.
“All I can say is that I’ve been going through a tough time,” Mulkey said. “I just have to pick up the pieces and move on.”
Mulkey was Nebraska’s fourth-leading receiver in each of the past two seasons. Last season he had 26 receptions for 271 yards, pushing his career totals to 45 catches for 515 yards, with two touchdowns. He said he was uncertain whether he will continue his playing career.
In order to play in 2006, Mulkey would have to transfer to a university that plays in a lower division, such as Division I-AA or Division II. He said he’s on pace to earn his bachelor’s degree in economics in May of 2007.
“It’s tough to make the decision (about whether to play) when you’re feeling this much pain and grief,” he said, noting that Callahan offered help in finding a place to play. “If I didn’t play, I think I’d miss being part of a team and having that structure. I’m a competitor. I love this game.”
Mulkey wanted to make clear his high regard for the Nebraska program and its fans.
“The fans here were unbelievable,” he said. “Believe me, I’m not going to look at my time here negatively.”
