Quote:UVA is image conscious and models themselves after Duke, GaTech, and Notre Dame.  Under the Beamer era, Va Tech didn't care about their image and as a result, had significantly more arrests in comparison.  I used to live in DC for 12 years and UVA had a much better reputation than VaTech.  It was only recently that I discovered VaTech is a really good academic school.  Unfortunately, at times I really think the image of the football team diminishes the academic achievements of a university on a holistic basis.

 

The bolded couldn't be farther from the truth.

 

UVA historically has held their heads higher in the air and looked down on VT in a socio-cultural "superior" way, but you simply cannot whitewash the Beamer era as a "didn't care about their image" way whatsoever.  That would be complete ignorance.

 

Yes, the taste of success with Michael Vick did cause Beamer and staff to take risks in the Marcus Vick era that they never had before (or after), but make no mistake about it... they certainly have not tolerated any such behavior before or since.

 

The school was highly embarrassed by what younger Vick and his crew brought on the reputation of VT, which is a very good one outside that era.  They moved quickly and nipped it in the bud in a way few programs do, or have.

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