Due to some stupid rule or another, Sonny Gray was prohibited from actually playing in the AFLAC game last Saturday. The reason given was that Tennessee has some sort of rule prohibiting players from participating in all-star games during the school year. Had he played, Sonny risked becoming ineligible for his spring high school season.

I did not get to see him as a result. But I understand he pitched in a scrimmage game the day before classes convened in TN, and he was outstanding. Too bad the rest of the country didn't get to see it.

Understand, the rule didn't prohibit Gray from missing classes or from attending the AFLAC game. He was there all week, and on Saturday (when I assume classes weren't in session anyway) he was in the dugout and in uniform. But he couldn't play.

Some genius will have to explain to me what purpose was served by this policy. Seems to me you just stole a fabulous life experience from a boy for no good reason.

Though I'm sure he enjoyed the trip to San Diego, and all that went with it, I'm also sure a competitor like Gray would've loved to get on the mound in the televised game for all to see.

Somebody will probably say, "Rules are rules and if we do it for him, we have to do it for everybody."

Well then, do it for everybody!

It is the job of adults in positions of authority to act like adults and to use mature judgment in exercising their authority. Somebody should have stepped up and made this work out for Sonny. And that somebody owes him an apology for not doing what common sense indicated he ought to have done.

You may want to direct your feelings to Mr. Ronnie Carter (Head of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) in Hermitage, TN.

This is not the first time and won't be the last time. Cale Iorg was also prohibited in 2004.

I followed this from pretty much the beginning and felt for the kid. Bottom line, you are taking a once in a lifetime opportunity away from him. Somebody should step in and get this ammended so that it doesn't continue in future years. Midlo Dad, you could not have said it any better.

cbg, you know what? I'm going to take you up on your suggestion.

I have sent a letter to Mr. Carter to suggest that he extend an apology to Sonny Gray, and that the TSSAA move to amend its rules to prevent this from ever happening again.

If anyone wants to see a copy, send me your e-mail address by PM.