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Tomey's decision 'an outrage'

To the editor,

Here we go again.

How many times do we have to hear about criminal acts by members of the football team before the U of A says enough is enough? Assault, rape, textbook scams, drive-by shootings, and now petty theft. Yes, this is a team we can be proud of! Last year was the only year that we can recall, in the last several years, in which criminal acts by the players did not make headline news.

It's amazing what the team can accomplish when they're not out getting arrested.

Dick Tomey's comments make it quite clear that he knows his players were involved in theft. It is an outrage that he will allow them to play in Saturday's game against Penn State. What better way to teach our new young players that this kind of behavior won't be tolerated than to suspend them from a nationally televised game? Maybe that will teach them a lesson they will actually remember for the next four years.

President Likins, aren't you concerned about the message this lack of punishment is sending? (And, no, being duly reamed out does not constitute punishment.) Regardless of whether or not criminal charges will be filed, their behavior is a disgrace to the team and to the U of A.

Failing to respond appropriately sends a clear message that our football players do not have to be personally responsible for their actions and that somebody will always be there to protect them. It also sends the message that the U of A tolerates this kind of behavior. And what about the children of Tucson who look up to the football players as role models, as our Godson does? Please, Dr. Likins, if Coach Tomey does not have the courage to do what is right, we urge you to.

We know who we'll be rooting for on Saturday...and it won't be a gang of bullies. At least we know that Joe Paterno wouldn't put up with this kind of crap...neither would Lute Olson.

Eric J. Anderson

Steward Observatory

Kirsteen E. Anderson

College of Education