Irish fans set for the full college football experience as notorious Nebraska Cornhuskers come to town – by Dave Hannigan. The University of were playing South Alabama Jaguars in their season opener three seasons back. type game a gridiron powerhouse typically selects so they can start campaign with guaranteed victory. Except at half-time led just 14-7. offense was sputtering without Maurice Washington. A highly-regarded sophomore running back and kick-off returner he suspended awaited trial on felony charges revenge porn case involving distributing video an underage girl being sexually assaulted. “We’re not ball very well right now” admitted head coach Scott Frost interview ESPN and lo behold Washington immediately restored line-up third quarter. He carried six times 39 yards caught pass 13 more ran out 35-21 winners. Like many game chose do what best his team rather than right. later pleaded no contest sentenced 30 days jail plus two years’ probation. By then longer university. is character leading into Dublin take Northwestern Wildcats Aviva Stadium next week. If Aer Lingus litany other corporate sponsors involved this shindig wanted give sports taste authentic experience all its exploitative chew-these-young-men-up-and-spit-most-of-them-out glory have chosen wisely. With rabid fanbase institution proud history winning (although lately) equally hard-won reputation often doing wrong thing when it matters most. When current redshirt quarterback 1995 (sitting because transferred from Stanford) Lawrence Phillips then Nebraska’s back broke Frost’s apartment dragged own ex-girlfriend Katie McEwen down flights stairs hair before smashing her mailbox. Phillips served six-game suspension but field business end help them win national championship. Of course. university currently probation violating NCAA rules last year himself waiting serve five-day ban part that debacle newly-arrived offensive co-ordinator Mark Whipple previous job comparing foul committed against one players “rape”. According festivities schedule around there will be Cornhuskers’ pep rally Merrion Square Friday cheerleaders school band. No word which coaches or speak here’s hoping Ron Brown takes microphone some point. loquacious who has various capacities off decades delivered rousing speech Lincoln council meeting while railed attempt introduce laws prevent discrimination LGBTQ+ community. “As says scripture homosexuality sin” said Brown. “The real question I you is ‘What does God say?’ Ultimately if don’t relationship Jesus really Bible-behaving mentality anything goes. Ultimately speaking day thinks most.” took over 2018 Brown despite well-publicised homophobia first hires. Imagine analyst (his most apt title) make spending time week progressive country world legalise same-sex marriage popular vote? Tourism Ireland once made beautiful promoting celebrating fact international audience same body now those bringing employers Ireland. After four mediocre seasons 15 wins 29 losses beleaguered agreed 20 per cent pay cut salary mere $4 million. That number ordinary even parlous recent record makes him look grossly overpaid. Especially considering how much are permitted little money name image likeness (NIL) earn comparison. For putting bodies line incurring concussions haunt decades physical injuries destined disfigure dotage biggest stars trouser $4000 season. Less half boss gets single day’s work. There sound financial reasons match Dublin. faithful travel great numbers spend hugely. live television broadcast include sumptuous shots scenic inevitably twee shamroguery boot. Cameras doubt capture cavorting merrily along Lansdowne Road wearing commemorative leprechaun merchandise already flogged online. only any “fans” told black should lynched kneeling protest anthem 2016. Céad míle fáilte indeed.