Hopefully One of JMU’s Pros Provides an Example for Current Dukes

As our eleven long-time readers know, we’ve always had fun following JMU athletes into the professional ranks when the best of them were able to continue their careers beyond the ‘Burg. And as most of you know, with the possible exception of Arthur Moats, there’s probably no former Duke we’ve enjoyed following more than C.J. Sapong in MLS. From his rocket-ship rookie year that led to Rookie of the Year Honors with Kansas City, through some battles for playing time, and right on to his move to the Philly Union this year, as huge soccer fans, we’ve always been thrilled to follow C.J.’s career. He’s always been a positive voice on social media and a big JMU supporter (and occasionally even a JMUSB supporter!). So it was with quite a bit of disappointment and concern that we read of his DUI arrest a few weeks back. But as we all know, life is often about what you do when given a second chance. Following his suspension and after completing the MLS’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, C.J. rejoined his Union teammates this weekend and did this:

Needless to say, the lessons learned and the redemption were hopefully extra sweet and Sapong appears to be doing and saying all the right things. He also scored a goal in his first game back over the weekend. We can only hope that a few other Dukes will take this kind of advantage should they be granted a second chance at some point this summer!