Thank you, Eli

[BUSongwriter]

I don't know what caused the suspension. I don't know guilt or innocence. I'm hopeful it was a stupid mistake in which no one was hurt.

I do know Elijah Childs gave us some great thrills in his time at Bradley. The one moment I'll never forget is his flying fast break dunk early in the second half that put Bradley up by five against Michigan State in the 2019 NCAA tournament game. I was watching that game with many others on the BIG screen at the Riverfront Museum theater. I jumped out of my chair and screamed like a kid.

The reason why he doesn't get a senior night farewell and honor this evening must be serious. I certainly don't want to ignore or in any way excuse whatever action led to the suspension. Actions have consequences. I simply want to thank Eli for some great basketball memories, for the hard work that led to them, and hope that the young man learns from this sad chapter and goes on to have a great life.

[Tommy]

I second that. Great post, BUSongwriter.

[Da Coach]

Thanks for posting this tribute, BUSongwriter. I am hoping this is a moot issue and Eli returns for another season.
But if not, I have really enjoyed watching him develop into a marvelously skilled player who was a key part of the resurgence of the Bradley basketball program. In the last 3 years prior to this season, Eli has brought us three 20-win seasons, and back-to-back MVC championships. That alone puts him into an elite category in Bradley history.

[patrick_o'brian]

It makes me physically ill how this all ended for Eli. It’s almost surreal. I remember almost a year ago this time we watched Darrell Brown end his career in probably the most triumphant display in decades. I felt Eli would have the same. Not even close. It’s just devastating. I love that kid!

[Kroos]

Love Eli. So sad about all of this.

[Da Coach]

One more word... Please come back next year, Eli. You deserve to finish on a high note!

[OhRotanes]

One more word... Please come back next year, Eli. You deserve to finish on a high note!

What would you say the odds of Eli coming back are? Obviously it also depends on what happens with the Springfield police

[Dub]

Eli needs a shot at redemption if it turns out he hasn’t committed a serious crime. Too hard a worker to go out this way!

[BUfan17]

It has been fun to watch him the past couple years and he has been a major contributor to the success of turning around Bradley.

That being said I think it is best for him and Bradley to part ways. Regardless if crimes were committed, that fact he was involved in something at 1 in the morning before a game tells me that his priorities aren't in the right place. I think Wardle expects more discipline and dedication than that out of his players. It is disappointing to end this way but every action has consequences.

[Dubl R 1]

I really hope Eli comes back for selfish reasons, but he also deserves such a better send off than this.

Would love to see him play along side an improved mast next year

[Da Coach]

What would you say the odds of Eli coming back are? Obviously it also depends on what happens with the Springfield police

Yeah, it depends on several factors that aren't known now. I hope the chances are better than even, but I'm not sure.

[Dubl R 1]

Is there a certain time frame when seniors have to declare they are using the “free year” of eligibility?..... or do just the standard rules for returning apply as if they were juniors in a normal year?

[Da Coach]

Is there a certain time frame when seniors have to declare they are using the “free year” of eligibility?..... or do just the standard rules for returning apply as if they were juniors in a normal year?

I haven't seen anything in the NCAA ruling about when seniors have to declare they are returning for the extra year, but I would guess the player would have to be enrolled with at least 12 credit hours (minimum required to qualify as a full-time student) at the start of the fall semester.
However, each team's head coach could give their seniors a deadline to decide.

[The Old Guy]

I don't know what happened in Missouri, but the published information stated that no one was arrested or charged with anything.. What has happened since then, to me, seems like the three involved players are assumed to be guilty until proven innocent. This is definitely just the opposite of our legal system where a defendant is assumed to be innocent until proven guilty. This seems at odds with how ISU student athletes were allowed to play even when they had been arrested and had pending pending court dates. Do the three suspended players need to get a good lawyer?

[houstonbrave]

I hope and expect Bradley will not act like ISU does in these situations.