State fans were full of praise for Simmons’ selection, as well as for the young man. Many Ole Miss fans, certainly not all, were critical of Simmons’ selection. They tweeted that the Conerly was “tainted” while Simmons’ selection was “disgusting”. After more than 50 years of writing and watching the Egg Bowl rivalry, I can tell this: If the roles were reversed – were Simmons and Ole Miss Rebel? – the reactions to the events would have been almost identical. My daddy used to say, “It depends upon whose ox gets gored.” A.J. Brown, an extraordinary Ole Miss receiver won the Conerly over Nick Fitzgerald (State’s not-so-productive quarterback). Rebel fans were happy with the selection, while State fans thought that Nick Fitzgerald was being robbed. Because of the three-year-old incident in which Simmons was convicted of simple assault and malicious malice for striking a woman multiple times between high school graduation and college, this year’s volume is higher than usual. You’ve probably seen the video. It was horrendous. Scott Stricklin (then-Mississippi State athletic Director), stood by Simmons despite much criticism. Stricklin spoke to Macon’s community, church, and school leaders. He spoke to Simmons. He concluded that Simmons was a good boy who had made a horrible mistake. Stricklin stated publicly that he expected Jeffery to be a part in the structure and discipline of our football program. Jeffery will be held responsible for his actions at MSU and there will be consequences if any future incidents occur.” Here’s the deal: No incidents have occurred. Not. One. Simmons is a great student-athlete. He holds a better than 3.0 GPA for family science and human development. He was twice on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. He has been involved in many community activities, including speaking at schools, camps, and mentoring students in Macon. For his contributions in the classroom, community and field, he was awarded the Mississippi State Newsom Award. It is a story about redemption. John Cohen, the state athletic director, said that Jeffery has fulfilled all of his requirements. He has been a model student-athlete, and despite being double-teamed by his opponents, has been a true beast on the field. He is the best player for one of the most formidable defenses in the country. Deuce McAllister (an Ole Miss man) was the featured C Spire Conerly banquet speaker. Simmons and McAllister were seen having a private moment following the awards ceremony at Jackson’s Country Club of Jackson on Tuesday night. McAllister later said that he was just complimenting Simmons for all his accomplishments and advising him not to lose heart. What is the State-Ole Miss thing? McAllister stated, “One night per year, they are the enemy.” They want to be defeated. We’re all Mississippi. Jeffery asked me to tell him that I would do whatever I could to help him. Simmons accepted the Conerly award, which was named after one of Ole Miss’s greatest football heroes. He thanked his family, coaches, and fans. He spoke about how the difficulties he faced have helped him become a better person. He spoke about a poem that he lives by and has attached to his bathroom mirror. This allows him to see it every morning as he brushes his teeth and washes his hair. It’s called “See It Through” and is written by Edgar Allen Guest. The poem is suitable for all sexes, regardless of whether you are supporting Ole Miss, Mississippi State, or another state. Simmons said to me, “Google it.” Simmons told me to Google it.
Set your shoulders and lift your chin.
Place your feet on the ground and grab a brace.
It’s futile to try and dodge it.
Do your best;
You might fail but you can conquer._x000D
It’s worth it! You may find black in the clouds around you_x000D
Your future might seem grim._x000D
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep your body in good shape.
The worst is inevitable,_x000D
Take stock of everything you can do._x000D
It will not save your life._x000D
It’s worth it! Even though it may seem futile,
If you are struggling with problems,
Remember that you are facing
See what other men have done.
You might fail but you will keep fighting._x000D
Do not give up no matter what you do._x000D
Keep your eyes open, but keep your head up to the finish._x000D
It’s worth it!
