mlt@mb2c.UUCP (Mark L. Tompkins) (02/06/86)
> The recent fantastic performances by Michigan State's Scott Skiles have > again caused me to have contempt for the NCAA's priorities. I can't understand > why a guy that has *multiple* arrests and convictions (I believe the number is> two or three, no more) for Driving While Intoxicated and Possession of Marijuana > and Cocaine in "small amounts" is allowed to play, but Steve Alford has to be > suspended for the Kentucky game for appearing in a calendar for a charity. > > **RULES ARE RULES** > > > Micheal Lewis @ Purdue University HEAR! HEAR! Skiles has been arrested TWICE for drunk driving and once for possession of cocaine and marijuana. His posession case is still pending in his home state of Indiana. I couldn't believe that Jud Heathcote had the audacity to say that Skiles "doesn't have a drinking problem" because "drinking on campus is the norm". While I agree that drinking among college students is widespread (GASP!), that DOES NOT give you the right to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence. Anyone who gets arrested twice in the period of one year for DUI has GOT a problem. Who knows how many times he drove drunk and DIDN'T get caught? Some members of the local media have been rather cruel, while others are ridiculously sympathetic. They marvel at how he turns in such tremendous performances while under such external pressure - I must admit it amazes me as well. But when one member of the media goes so far as to say that Skiles has "suffered enough" because of all the negative publicity, I must emphat- ically say: ** BULLSH*T! ** You know very well if this person were Joe Blow from Podunk, his ass would be in the slammer. Especially a THREE time offender. At least the NBA has some semblance of a drug policy - the NCAA's stance is ridiculous, especially when considering the Steve Alford case mentioned above - that blows my mind. It reminds me of a similar case which occured while I was attending Central Michigan. Jodi Beerman, Miss Basketball from Indiana, was recruited and came to CMU in 1983. She had been offered $10,000 to appear on the Corn Flakes box, but was informed that this was in violation of NCAA rules, and that if she wanted to do the cover, she would have to wait until after graduation. I can see where this case differs from Alford's in that she was receiving a payment, but I still think it's ridiculous. ( Wonder what they would have said if she wanted to pose for Playboy? BTW, she's quite attractive. ) At any rate, the Scott Skiles situation is mind-boggling. I would be very interested to hear what other hoop ( or sports ) fans have to say. Mark Tompkins epsilon!mb2c!mlt