The first time Jeremy Hill spoke to the media following his controversial reinstatement to the LSU football team, he placed his foot squarely in his mouth with this comment:
"(I will) continue to be a role model for the kids in the community."
Not exactly the words one would expect from someone serving two stretches of probation for two separate crimes, one of a sexual nature with a 14-year-old girl, and the other a battery charge for sucker punching a bar patron from behind.
On Sunday, however, Hill got his second chance with the media to discuss his newly renewed standing with the Tigers football team. And while he expressed more remorse for being a distraction to teammates than for his latest victim, he did at least avoid embarrassing himself with any more talk of his role-model status.
Hill led the Tigers in rushing last season with 755 yards and 12 touchdowns. Although LSU coach Les Miles has said Hill has looked rusty in his return to practice following a lengthy suspension, the sophomore is expected to challenge starter Alfred Blue for significant playing time this fall.
LSU opens the season against Texas Christian on Aug. 31. TCU coach Gary Patterson had some choice words about disciplining players last week, making a fairly obvious reference to Hill's circumstances. He later complained that those remarks were taken out of context, noting that he never mentioned Hill's name nor LSU coach Les Miles' name.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.
