Coach Strong Says Charles Gaines “Didn’t Deserve To Play” On Sunday

When asked about the absence of redshirt freshman receiver Charles Gaines in the season opener against Kentucky, “I just decided he didn’t deserve to go play,” Charlie Strong told the media.

Gaines, who was listed as a starting receiver when the first depth chart was released last week, was not dressed in pads, but was on the sideline on Sunday. Strong says Gaines would make his Louisville debut this Saturday as the Cards take on Missouri State at 3:30 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

There was some talk last week that Gaines was having attitude problems during Louisville’s practice. As expected, Charlie Strong didn’t speak on the situation prior to the season opener. However, there was apparently some truth to the situation.

I’m not sure if there was any newcomer on the Louisville roster that was talked about as highly as Charles Gaines during the offseason. The Cards got solid production from the receiving group on Sunday, but if Gaines is as impressive as we’ve heard over the past few weeks, let’s hope he gets his attitude in check very soon. He could be a big time play maker for the Cards in 2012. Expect him to fit the offense like Michalee Harris did last season.