Michigan State Football: Should Jon Reschke be allowed to return?

After leaving the team back after the 2016 season due to racist comments, Jon Reschke is seeking a return to the Michigan State football program.

Everyone says things throughout their lifetime that can be considered “unforgivable” or “regrettable” but it’s how you carry yourself and prove that those words don’t define you that shed light on the kind of person you truly are.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 takeaways from 2018 spring game

Former Michigan State linebacker Jon Reschke was caught saying some inappropriate, derogatory comments about teammates back in 2016, leading to his dismissal/mutual departure.

The locker room chemistry was seriously lacking and his words caused a rift between teammates which was too much to mend. The chemistry was repaired in 2017, leading to a 10-3 season, but two years later, Reschke could be seeking a return to East Lansing to play football.

This picture was posted on Instagram recently and it seems like “the plan” for Reschke right now is to return to Michigan State.

However, should this be allowed by Mark Dantonio and the Spartans?

The first thing that came to my mind after seeing this was an article from David Harns on isportsweb following Reschke’s departure from the team back in 2016. It was Darien Harris’ take on the issue, stating that second chances aren’t a bad thing, but Reschke’s should come away from East Lansing.

What this means to me is that what he did affected the team more than anyone would even realize. He believes in second chances yet what Reschke did/said was far beyond one at Michigan State.

I can’t even begin to act like I know what it feels like to be the subject of derogatory comments, but I know that I’d be hurt if I was put in the teammate’s shoes. Those words are more hurtful than I can imagine and I just don’t think they can be easily forgiven.

The only way Reschke should be allowed back on the team is if he gets full team approval. Meaning that if there is anyone with opposition to his return, Dantonio should realize that this may cause some unnecessary friction. There’s no need for that in a locker room that has been since mended.

Sure, Reschke is one of the better linebackers, talent-wise, Dantonio has had since taking over at Michigan State, but he did said some unforgivable things about a teammate. Reschke could make a move to defensive end to give the Spartans depth there, but at what cost? Would he truly make this team that much better?

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 must-have 2019 targets

If the team unanimously votes him back, then so be it. However, it just seems as if the risk outweighs the reward. I could be proven wrong here, but I’d want to hear what the players have to say about this potential return. Michigan State will have an elite defense regardless, it doesn’t seem to be worth risking chemistry for one player.