McElrathbey planning to transfer to HowardBy Larry Williams (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Monday, June 23, 2008
CLEMSON — The next stop on Ray Ray McElrathbey's journey will be Washington, D.C. McElrathbey's mother confirmed Sunday that her son is planning to transfer to Howard University after his planned graduation from Clemson in August. McElrathbey, who gained fame for taking custody of his then 11-year-old brother Fahmarr in the summer of 2006, gradually fell into disfavor with Clemson's coaching staff. In March, head coach Tommy Bowden told McElrathbey he was no longer on the team. Clemson athletic director Terry Don Phillips offered McElrathbey an opportunity to attend graduate school and be a graduate assistant in the athletic department, but McElrathbey declined. McElrathbey is expected to take Fahmarr to Howard. Their mother, Tonya McElrathbey, said Ray Ray chose Howard primarily because of academics. Howard is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Bison compiled a 4-7 record last season McElrathbey took charge of raising his brother two years ago as their mother struggled with a decade-long drug addiction. Tonya, who lives in Atlanta, said she has been sober since October of 2006. McElrathbey redshirted in 2005 as a defensive back and played sparingly on special teams in 2006 before switching to running back. In September 2006, the NCAA made McElrathbey an exception to its long-standing rule against extra benefits, allowing him to receive aid in the form of a trust fund set up for Fahmarr, and also daily care provided by the coaches' families. McElrathbey has not responded to recent messages left on his cell phone. Reach Larry Williams at lwillliams@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 3 comment(s)
Posted by mcfadden00 on June 23, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A more complete picture of Ray-Ray's journey would have included this info on his impending graduation from Clemson:
"It wasn't a hard decision to pick Howard because I graduate from Clemson with a degree in Sociology on August 9th and Howard has a tremendous Master's Degree program in communications," McElrathbey told Bennett in the SouthernPigskin.com exclusive interview. "Howard is also in a huge market in Washington D.C. It was a no brainer."
Congratulations to Tonya on her sobriety! It is an amazing accomplishment to go from where she was to 19 months sober. I hope she knows that the Clemson community will always pray for her and root for her continued success.
Posted by Rggr on June 23, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He will have a solid education and plenty of job offers. This will change lives for future generations of that family. Good for him and also for his mother for getting off drugs.
Posted by prosperous_hb on June 23, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good story!