PlayerRep said:
I'm not confused. I just want you to back up your statements with quotes from the code. I have looked at the code many times. Now, since you made some assertions, you should read the code and cull out and quote what supports what you said. Here is what you said:
"Regardless he went against the code of conduct by simply being at a house party and getting in a fight. That alone is behavior unbecoming of a Griz athlete that each sign a contract on. That is why he got a 2 game suspension."
Where does it say that being at a party and getting in a fight is a violation? Do you think he got in a fight in the house? Do you think defending oneself constitutes a fight?
Where is "unbecoming of a Griz athlete" in the code, or what do you think is the equivalent?
Where does the code say that what Strong did, or what you think he did, results in a two-game suspension?
Again, you made the statements. You said it was in the code. Now, show us where you think it's in the code. If you can show us where this stuff is in the code, that would be great. We will then all have learned something.
Trying to argue with a lawyer who is full of himself and is a completely narcissistic ass hat is already a losing battle, but I'll bite....
Directly from the code:
- It is expected, therefore, that you will conduct yourself in a manner that brings pride to your team, the department, the campus, and the community. In general, the University expects you to train and strive for athletic excellence, to demonstrate academic honesty and integrity, to respect your fellow students and athletes, and to conduct yourself as a responsible citizen
So on this first point, am I to assume that getting arrested, booked, and released on a $50,000 bond for a felony assault after fracturing a skull at a house party is bringing pride to the team, the campus, and the community? No, strike one. Was he conducting himself as a responsible citizen? No, strike two. To answer your question, I think his direct actions are the equivalent of actions and behaviors unbecoming of a Griz athlete.
Also directly from the code:
- Violations of University policies and procedures, whether or not criminal charges are filed, may also affect your ability to participate in the University’s intercollegiate athletic program
That statement allows the ACT committee to suspend a student athlete regardless of charges being formally filed, which is exactly what has happened and I think are justified and warranted.
They get further ability to suspend or take action from the following, also directly from the code:
A. CategoryIViolation
A Category I violation occurs in any situation where an individual:
Is charged with a felony and, in looking at the totality of the circumstances, it is
reasonable to believe the person committed the act (e.g., rape, sexual assault, other felony assault, felony theft, felony DUI, etc.).
o Preliminary Action: The Athletic Director or his/her designee shall take preliminary action to temporarily suspend a student-athlete from participation in practice, competition, and/or access to athletic department services when a student-athlete has been charged with a felony. The suspension is indefinite pending the outcome of criminal proceedings and disciplinary action by the ACT, which as soon as possible shall be informed by the AD or designee of the temporary suspension and meet to discuss the issue.
Now please pay attention to this next part....
- In cases where charges have not been filed, but reasonable evidence exists that a student-athlete may have committed a Category I violation (e.g., other specific and credible information exists such as arrest record, statements of law enforcement officers, University records, third-party or witness statements, or acknowledgement by the student-athlete), the ACT shall convene and determine preliminary action
Which is exactly what the ACT did and implemented the 2 game suspension. Should Strong be officially charged with felony assault charges, then the code and verbiage above dictates he be suspended indefinitely immediately.