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The charges against Geno Hayes have gone away.

I went to FSU with Geno Hayes. That’s not to say I knew the guy, at a school of 40,000, you really don’t know many people. But he was definitely entrenched in the minds of Seminole students and fans. Whether he was guaranteeing victory over Tim Tebow and the Gators (didn’t end well) or (allegedly) punching police officers at Chubby’s, he was tough not to hear about.

In college Hayes was involved at an unfortunate incident at a bar which ended in him being tazed and arrested and a teammate being dismissed. At the time rumor circulated the campus that it had been Hayes who had thrown the punch, but ultimately teammate Joe Surratt was the one credited with that indiscretion. Regardless, you could imagine my reaction last December, when once again Hayes was tazed and arrested, this time at the Blue Martini in Tampa. Are you seeing a pattern here?

Well, Hayes has gotten off again with little more than a slap on the wrist. In college Hayes got off without much issue after causing an incident at a bar. He clearly didn’t learn because he did the exact same thing again in Tampa last year. And once again, he’s not going to get into any trouble and I doubt this will be the last incident from Hayes.

The court will withhold adjudication on the trespassing charge. Hayes will not be required to perform community service or serve any other sentence, not uncommon in similar cases. Hayes will only be required to pay $265 in court costs.

I’m not saying I want Hayes to be in trouble or that he’s a bad guy. He’s a great player and he’s a ‘Nole. I actually really like Geno. But it’s time to grow up. Roger Goodell should probably have something to say in the way of a fine, regardless of the non-adjudication. But Geno Hayes needs to realize he’s a target. I’m sure he just drinks a bit and then reacts poorly when someone gets in his face (as many males do), but that just can’t happen again. Once is an exception, twice is a trend. Hayes can’t afford another one of these incidents. Unfortunately, until someone really holds him accountable though, this will probably continue. Which is a shame, because the Bucs need to be able to rely on Hayes in the future.

Is Geno Hayes the next Derrick Brooks?

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