Former SMU RB Dickerson Trashes School's Football Program

DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) -- Former SMU and Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson was a proud member of the "Pony Express" rushing attack in the late 70's and early 80's. Now, he's the program's biggest critic.

Dickerson joined Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday to discuss his feeling towards the Mustangs, who are without a coach following June Jones' resignation on Monday.

"I look at TCU and SMU. TCU is in Fort Worth -- and Fort Worth is a fun city. But SMU is right in Dallas, Texas," said Dickerson. "TCU has got it. They have fans coming to the games, and we're just still sitting on our hands like we don't get it."

(Photo: Mark Lyons / Getty Images)

Dickerson believes that Jones was unable to get help from "upper management" at SMU, saying his "hands were tied" in his tenure.

Other non-traditional football schools, like Stanford, have been able to rise to prominence, according to Dickerson. But SMU hasn't gotten past its tainted history -- and drastic measures are needed.

"It's like we're just sitting there talking about the death penalty that happened 30 years ago. It's time to get over that. I talked to four players yesterday. All of us are frustrated former players. All of us said the same thing. If they don't want to do anything, just kill the program."

While most schools and former athletes have a mutual admiration for each other, Dickerson feels that many athletes from his era still aren't welcome at SMU.

So when Ricky Seals-Jones, Dickerson's cousin and the top prospect in Texas in 2012, asked if he should visit SMU, Dickerson was direct with his answer.

"No, do not take a visit. Do not even waste your time going there."

Seal-Jones is now a wide receiver at Texas A&M.

And while SMU once competed at the highest level with the likes of Texas A&M and the University of Texas, Dickerson said the talent just isn't there.

"I guarantee there are some high schools around the country that could beat them. There's no doubt. They just don't have the talent."

The SMU program peaked in the early 80's, when a number of players -- including Dickerson -- were allegedly involved in a recruiting scandal that ultimately led to the program's death.

Dickerson didn't explicitly say that SMU should return to breaking the rules, but he does believe that cheating is rampant in college sports -- and necessary to compete with the big boys.

"They still cheat. All of the schools still cheat. The big schools still cheat. You think Texas isn't cheating? You think A&M isn't cheating? You think Alabama ain't cheating? Yeah right. That's laughable...You ain't cheating, you ain't trying."

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