You Can't Blame Ronald Steele

It's the same old story. A college basketball player gets worn down by his coach and then abruptly leaves. Add Ronald Steele to the list.

Ronald Steele is a former player for Alabama. He would routinely play 40 minutes a game during his first two seasons. Then he needed knee surgery. Then he needed another knee surgery. Sat out an entire season and tried to make a comeback this season. Plantar faciitis and his rehabbed knee slowed down his game and he decided to leave Alabama.

Bill Bryant of the Huntsville Times, says "can you blame him".

Bryant says: "Can you blame a guy who spent close to 40 minutes per game on the basketball court during his first two years in Tuscaloosa? Then, during his junior year, when his sore knees became an issue, he was still out there for more than 30 a night?"

He goes on to say: "Betrayed by his body, Steele has gone from a dual-threat point guard to one that has trouble defending and settles too easily for 3-point attempts. His shooting percentages - 47.3 percent as a freshman, 41.6 as a sophomore, 38.4 as a junior and 36.6 this season - reflect his diminished skills, something his heady, old-school savvy can't overcome."

Alabama coach Mark Gottfried's entire Alabama coaching career lately has relied on Steele. There has been a lot of speculation that if Alabama couldn't reach the tournament Gottfried would be out of a job.

"Some may question why he left unfinished business on the court, but during his tenure as Alabama's point guard, Steele has always thought about the team first."

You can't blame Steele. His whole basketball career is flashing in front of his eyes and he still has a broken down body. He needs to collect his thoughts for he can come back with a team stronger than ever.