Iowa State football: David Irving’s irresponsible actions huge blow to the Cyclones

The Iowa State football team parted ways with senior defensive tackle David Irving, creating a huge blow to the defense that already had plenty of problems in last season’s campaign.

Oct 12, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (21) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive tackle David Irving (87) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Following the Cyclones’ spring game on Saturday, head coach Paul Rhoads informed the media that Irving was dismissed from the team after his actions during Tuesday night’s riot in Ames during VEISHEA week.

From College Football Talk:

"“It’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of this football program and represent Iowa State football, Iowa State athletics and Iowa State University,” Rhoads said. “David Irving has exhausted that privilege to represent this football program by not meeting the expectations that we’ve laid out for him.”"

Everybody deserves a second chance, and even though Irving’s dumbassery on Tuesday night resulted in immediate suspension and potential jail time with a felony, perhaps he could have done anything possible to repair his image.

However, this wasn’t his first incident with the law. Irving was charged with domestic assault late last season after cutting a woman’s hair with a pair of scissors along with her hand and side of her leg.

Irving was already on the road to repair his image after being suspended for a game resulting in that incident. Not even five months after that incident, Irving joins a riot that involves destroying public property.

Not only is that completely and indefensibly idiotic, but it’s completely selfish. Irving not only ruins any kind of a football future in college and faces criminal punishment, but he also effects the football team in a big way.

Nov 2, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Cory Morrissey (48) forces a fumble by Kansas State Wildcats running back John Hubert (33) during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats defeat the Cyclones 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

There’s a lot of talent coming back on this Iowa State football team as they try to rebound from a 3-9 finish, but the defensive line still remains as a huge question mark. Defensive tackle was the least of the team’s worries before March.

Now? Rodney Coe was dismissed from the team on March 13th, and he going to come in as a senior along with Irving. Now two seniors that were had the most talent on the defensive line and were going to be anchors are history.

Looking back at last season, if you count both the middle of the line and the ends, only right end Cory Morrissey comes in as a senior and returning starter.

Nose tackle Brandon Jensen left the team in February. The lone senior currently listed on the line, Tyler Harmeyer, is a transfer from Iowa Western and redshirted last season.

For all athletes, not just at Iowa State, hopefully this serves as another lesson about being an idiot in public. Do it, and run the risk of losing a scholarship, going to jail, and affecting the entire team’s future. It’s one thing when an injury takes away talent from a team. Don’t compound it with stupidity, especially when being under the gun already.