Mississippi State chooses football over doing the right thing

— -- Mississippi State had a chance to take a stand Thursday, to prove that the sordid mess at Baylor could bring a teachable moment to football programs beholden to winning at all costs.

Instead, we got more of the same. A school president bowing at the feet of the football program? Future victories over doing the right thing? Botched explanations for decisions? Yes, please!

Rather than send a strong message, Mississippi State cowered and opted to give a second chance to incoming ESPN 300 recruit Jeffery Simmons because he is really good at football -- less than a week after Baylor coach Art Briles lost his job for giving out too many second chances to players who were really good at football.

Simmons still has misdemeanor assault charges pending, after he was shown on video beating a woman repeatedly. (His next scheduled court date is June 14.) But he will be allowed to enroll at Mississippi State with conditions, and serve a one-game suspension.

One game. Against mighty South Alabama. Slow clap. Way to make a statement, gentlemen.