Les Miles made the right decision Thursday when he removed three players from the LSU football team after each was arrested. Following each athlete’s arrest on charges of various offenses and receiving widespread media coverage, Miles’ decision came as a pleasant surprise in a department which often turns a blind eye to less obvious infractions.
Miles’ action should set a precedent for the Athletic Department. A zero tolerance policy should be taken in regard to athletes and crime. As a university with such a large face in the athletic community, our athletes reflect the caliber of our students more than most other facets of the school. And while they haven’t been convicted, Miles’ decision speaks volumes. Athletes hold a prominent place in campus society, and their coaches and mentors should not allow them to run amok.
The removal also serves as a show of good faith to alumni and others watching the University administration closely. Miles’ message implies he will not stand idly by as his players mar the face of the University. Instead of having the country mock our team for allowing lawbreaking. Onlookers can instead praise Miles and other administrators for respecting the value of well-rounded, well-behaved athletes who represent the University.
It is hoped that the hard-line stance will also deter other athletes from engaging in negative activity. Many live for their sport of choice. They derive great pleasure from their chosen sport, practicing and competing on a national level. The three athletes who were kicked off the football team should not by any means reflect poorly on athletes as a whole, and Miles’ decision goes a long way to ensure that it doesn’t.
Team members of those kicked off should learn the lesson that criminal conduct will not pay. Regardless of fairness, accusations of criminal offense look just as bad in the public eye as convictions, so urging athletes to avoid crime entirely is essential.
College athletes should be held to a level of accountability that is as high or higher than those who compete professionally.
Miles is making the right move by following the example of the NFL. Defensive lineman Adam “Pac Man” Jones was recently placed on suspension from the Tennessee Titans after a series of run-ins and charges on which he has not yet been convicted. If that’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for this University.
—–Contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]