• Two incoming Purdue football transfers from Georgia were suspended for driving arrests before entering their names in the portal.
• Purdue football brought in 26 transfers in the spring portal after bringing in 29 last winter.
• Odom explained how he and his staff vetted players before accepting them, and how he views second chances.

Barry Odom emphasized discipline as a bedrock principle for his Purdue football tenure. 

He established it with expectations for attention and attendance at his first Boilermaker team meetings. He reinforced it with the “Winning Edge” program — grueling, up-tempo offseason workouts designed to enhance mental toughness as much or more than physical skills. 

When freshman safety Antonio Parker was arrested on drug charges and other infractions weeks after arriving on campus, Odom dismissed him from the team. It sent a message about standards and expectations.

It did not, though, establish a blanket zero-tolerance policy toward players with run-ins with law enforcement. 

The recent vehicle-related infractions of Georgia transfers NiTareon “Nitro” Tuggle and Marques Easley do not belong in the same legal conversation as Parker’s crime. Yet they illustrated the sometimes murky waters into which coaches must wade when rebuilding a roster via the transfer portal. 

Relationships with high school recruits are built over months or years. In the portal, they sometimes come together in a matter of days. Odom said his staff does what it can to build a network of sources for all incoming players on that truncated timeline. 

Our book on Purdue men’s basketball’s Final Four run makes the perfect Father’s Day gift

“We’ve all made mistakes, or I certainly know I have,” Odom said in a Thursday video interview with local media. “I think there’s education pieces that I’m responsible for. … You’ve got to decide No. 1, did he make a mistake? OK, why did he make it? Has he learned from it? Are we willing enough to have him in our program because he was issued a citation? 

“I’m not the only one making those decisions. There’s a number of people that go into stamping yes or no. But we also feel like the culture, the surrounding people that we have that are part of our organization, that we’re in a position that it becomes the DNA of who we are on doing the right things and protecting the team and becoming great student-athletes at Purdue.” 

Tuggle and Easley came to Purdue from a Georgia program notorious for vehicle-related legal issues. 

Tuggle, a wide receiver, was arrested for speeding and reckless driving on March 19. The police report asserted he was driving 107 mph in a 65 mile-per-hour zone. In a plea deal, Tuggle pleaded guilty to speeding in exchange for dismissal of the reckless driving.

Easley, an offensive lineman, was charged with three counts of reckless conduct and one count of reckless driving after crashing his vehicle into the front of an apartment complex on March 22. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, investigating troopers said in the crash report they found evidence of “laying drag” — intentionally skidding the car.

Per online court records, Easley’s case has not reached resolution. At the time he and Tuggle entered the portal, both players had been suspended by Georgia.

According to the Banner-Herald, Georgia players or support staff members have been charged with speeding, reckless driving or racing in 32 incidents since Jan. 15, 2023. That’s the date football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a high-speed crash. 

Odom said his staff scrutinizes every incoming player, not merely those with a public incident in their past. They look for evidence of a love for the game. They make sure the players know the academic commitment at Purdue exceeds that expected at many other institutions. 

“If all of those things align, then we know structurally they will thrive in our system,” Odom said.

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Another incoming player, safety Myles Slusher, was suspended by Arkansas after a 2022 arrest for disorderly conduct. He served a one-game suspension and left the program soon after. That’s three players with public brushes with the law out of the 26 signed in the spring window. 

Transferring to Purdue provided both Tuggle and Easley a chance to move closer to home, and further from Athens. Tuggle played at Northwood, located southeast of South Bend. Easley grew up in Peoria, Illinois, and played at Kankakee (Illinois) High School, located south of Chicago and about 90 minutes from Ross-Ade Stadium.

Odom said both players could make an impact quickly. The Boilermakers need playmakers, and Tuggle was a four-star, borderline top-100 prospect out of high school. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Easley was also a four-star prospect, ranked in the top 200 per some services.

He retains four years of eligibility, while Tuggle comes with three. Odom said he’s been impressed with Tuggle’s linear speed and ability to change directions. Easley has “transformed his body” to better use his “exceptional feet.” 

Those attributes show up on film. Recent events meant Odom and his staff had to be sure about their evaluation in other areas, too. 

“Any time you’re going to try to recruit a young man to your campus you make sure they’re a fit in every single area,” Odom said. “And if they’re not, it doesn’t matter how good of a player you think they are. It’ll never work.”

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Buckle up, buttercup, and start perfecting that Southern accent. The madness of Netflix’s “Ginny & Georgia” has returned for its third season, and viewers will see how manipulative matriarch Georgia Miller (Brianne Howey) handles her arrest.

In the January 2023 Season 2 finale, it appeared that Georgia might’ve found her happy ending. She’d married an enamored mayor (Scott Porter) who could provide emotional and financial security. But as she danced with her groom at their wedding reception, she considered the worry that accompanies joy: “Happiness is the scariest thing to be,” she thought. “Once you’re happy, you have so much more to lose.”

Enter the police to apprehend Georgia for the murder of Cynthia Fuller’s (Sabrina Grdevich) comatose husband Tom (Vincent Legault). Georgia thought placing a pillow over Tom’s face would end his family’s suffering, but it might just be the start of hers.

Before beginning the new 10 episodes for Season 3, familiarize yourself with the series’ beloved characters.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ Season 3: How to watch ‘most explosive season yet’

Brianne Howey as Georgia Miller

Georgia is the resourceful mom stops at nothing – not even the law – to create the best possible life for her two children, Ginny and Austin. “We may not have had a traditional childhood,” Ginny says in the finale, “but my mom’s love was our white-picket fence, our safety net. She’s a force.”

To protect her brood, Georgia has killed two husbands and framed Austin’s abusive dad for embezzlement.

Who is Brianne Howey? Fans of “Ginny & Georgia” may be surprised to learn that Howey was born in 1989 outside of Los Angeles and speaks with a Southern accent only for the role. Howey, who studied acting at NYU, has appeared in Fox series “The Exorcist” and “The Passage.” She also played Amy Schumer’s pregnant friend in Netflix’s comedy “Kinda Pregnant,” released in February 2025.

Nikki Roumel as young Georgia Miller

Roumel portrays Georgia in flashbacks, showing how much she sacrificed, swindled and stole to provide for Ginny and Austin.

Who is Nikki Roumel? Roumel, 25, is a Canadian actress who also guest-starred in ABC and Netflix’s 2016-19 series “Designated Survivor,” starring Kiefer Sutherland.

Antonia Gentry as Ginny Miller

Ginny is an artful soul who has internalized the chaos of her upbringing as the child of a loving, but lawless mother. Ginny is also head over boots for her neighbor, Marcus.

Who is Antonia Gentry? Ginny is the first big role for the Atlanta-born Gentry, 27, who appeared in Netflix’s feature “Candy Jar” and series “Raising Dion.”

Diesel La Torraca as Austin Miller

Austin is the son of Georgia and the recently freed from prison Gil (Aaron Ashmore). Austin shot his dad to protect Georgia and witnessed his mom suffocate Tom.

Who is Diesel La Torraca? The Australian actor, who turned 14 in March, also counts NBC’s “La Brea” and the short film “Sweet Tooth” among his credits.

The men in Georgia’s life: Nathan Mitchell as Zion Miller

Zion is the handsome photographer hoping to make up for lost time with his daughter Ginny, as advancing his career and a split with Georgia kept them apart.

Who is Nathan Mitchell? You might’ve seen Mitchell, 36, as Black Noir in Amazon Prime’s superhero series “The Boys.”

Scott Porter as Mayor Paul Randolph

Paul is the ambitious public servant who comes from money and fell in love with Georgia.

Who is Scott Porter? Porter, 45, got his TV start on the CBS soap “As the World Turns” in 2006, and continued to consistently find work on series like NBC’s “Friday Night Lights,” CBS’ “The Good Wife” and CW’s “Hart of Dixie.”

Raymond Ablack as Joe

Joe is the attractive and kind owner of Wellsbury’s eatery the Blue Farm Café, where Ginny works. Joe has feelings for Georgia but swallows them for her happiness.

Who is Raymond Ablack? Ablack, 35, played Sav Bhandari on “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” He also appeared in Netflix’s series “Narcos” and “Maid,” starring Margaret Qualley.

The Millers’ neighbors, the Bakers: Jennifer Robertson as Ellen Baker

Ellen is a friend to Georgia and mother of twins Marcus and Maxine.

Who is Jennifer Robertson? Vancouver-born Robertson, 53, is perhaps best known as Roland Schitt’s wife Jocelyn on “Schitt’s Creek.” She’s also hosted the reality program “The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down,” executive produced by Seth Rogen.

Felix Mallard as Marcus Baker

Marcus struggles with his mental health and finding where he fits in. But he shares an undeniable connection with Ginny.

Who is Felix Mallard? Australian actor Mallard, 27, had a recurring role on the long-running Aussie soap “Neighbours,” in addition to playing a rock star who seeks refuge at his accountant’s house in CBS’ short-lived “Happy Together.”

Sara Waisglass as Maxine Baker

The theater enthusiast with a flair for drama.

Who is Sara Waisglass? Waisglass, 26, is another “Degrassi” alum. She played Frankie Hollingsworth on “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and “Degrassi: Next Class.” The Canadian actress also appeared in two episodes of USA Network’s “Suits.”

The Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease (ROAD) Foundation Inc. has awarded an $87,000 grant to the Georgia Southern University Research and Service Foundation to investigate a pioneering approach to reducing fall risk and improving cognitive function in community-dwelling adults at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).

The 13-month research project, led by Dr. Nicholas Siekirk of the Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern University, will examine whether combining exercise with direct current neuromuscular electrical stimulation (DC-NMES) can deliver superior outcomes compared to exercise alone. The study runs from May 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.

“This research represents a critical step forward in our understanding of how innovative technologies can enhance traditional exercise interventions for those at risk for dementia,” said Dr. Siekirk, the project’s principal investigator. “DC-NMES technology allows for concurrent movement and exercise, potentially offering unique advantages for maintaining both physical and cognitive function in aging adults.”

The research is particularly timely given Georgia’s aging population. Approximately 130,000 Georgians currently live with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, a number expected to increase by 46% to 190,000 within the next decade. In Bulloch County alone, an estimated 1,100 residents have some form of dementia, with 11% of those 65 and older affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Study Highlights:

• Innovative Approach: The research will explore DC-NMES as an exercise adjunct, potentially stimulating neurotrophic factors that support neuronal growth and brain plasticity.

• Comprehensive Assessment: The project will evaluate improvements in fall risk, cognitive function, physical activity outcomes, and potential delays in memory care placement.

• Community Impact: Participants will receive access to ADRD-specific exercise programs at no cost.

• Equipment Investment: The grant includes funding for FDA-cleared DC-NMES devices and comprehensive assessment tools.

The study aims to address multiple aspects of dementia risk and management, including:

1. Improving motor functions and postural control to reduce fall risk

2. Enhancing neuroplastic and neurocognitive outcomes

3. Monitoring cardiovascular health improvements

4. Promoting sustained physical activity habits

“The ROAD Foundation is proud to support this innovative research at Georgia Southern University,” said Darron Burnette representing the foundation. “We believe this study could provide valuable insights into non-pharmacological interventions that may help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life for longer periods.”

The research aligns with Georgia Southern University’s strategic pillars of Student Success, Teaching and Research, and Community Engagement, while addressing the university’s research impact areas of Holistic Fitness and Wellness and Vibrant Communities.

Initial case studies involving three participants will begin following the project launch, with plans to expand to a larger experimental investigation pending Institutional Review Board approval. Results will be disseminated through academic conferences and publications, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on dementia prevention and management.

About Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Inc.

The Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease (ROAD) Foundation Inc. is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting research, education, and community programs focused on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. For more information, visit https://rockinoutalzheimers.org.

About Georgia Southern University Research and Service Foundation

The Georgia Southern University Research and Service Foundation supports and manages research projects that advance knowledge and serve the public good. Working in partnership with Georgia Southern University faculty and staff, the foundation facilitates innovative research that addresses critical challenges facing communities in Georgia and beyond.