Some Students Puzzled Over Athletes' Punishment
(Columbia) - The arrests and suspension of two South Carolina baseball players continues to be a hot topic on USC's campus.
Now, students are beginning to debate whether there are different standards for football and baseball players.
The discussion comes following the felony burglary charges against baseball players Lonnie Chisenhall and Nick Fuller. Coach Ray Tanner permanently suspended both.
"They should've been taken out for some games, definitely given that punishment," junior Kara Bowen said. "But because Stephen Garcia wasn't suspended from the team they shouldn't be either."
Bowen is referring to football recruit Stephen Garcia who has been arrested twice this year. Following allegations of underage drinking and keying a car, head football coach Steve Spurrier suspended Stephen Garcia from team activities for the spring semester.
"I think Stephen Garcia--the crime he committed wasn't necessarily as serious as what the baseball players did," sophomore Mike Cryer said in defense of Spurrier's decision. "I just think he committed different crimes."
Stephen Garcia also raised eyebrows following yesterday's spring practice. After the rest of the team left practice, Stephen Garcia stayed on the practice field and threw passes.
"I have a problem with it because I don't think that's fair," sophomore Quinyana Brown said. "When someone has done something wrong I think they should be punished to the full extent."
On the other hand, student Bernard Smalls had no problem with the call.
"Anybody can go out and throw a ball with anybody so I really don't see a problem with that or see it as a loophole," Smalls said.
Athletic Department Spokesman Steve Fink echoed the opinion and said Stephen Garcia did not participate in any of the team practice. He said Stephen Garcia is free to work out on his own as many students do.
Fink also said the punishments for Stephen Garcia, Chisenhall and Fuller differ because their accused crimes are drastically different. Fink said Stephen Garcia was charged with misdemeanor crimes while Chisenhall and Fuller face felony charges.
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