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For UCLA football, the shame doesn’t stop on the
field.
While still waiting for the final word from the NCAA regarding
DeShaun Foster’s violating the association’s
“extra-benefits” regulation, head coach Bob Toledo
learned on Thursday that quarterback Cory Paus was arrested for
driving under the influence of alcohol this summer.
This isn’t the first time Paus has been arrested for an
alcohol-related offense. In Mono County two years ago, Paus plead
guilty to a lesser but similar charge that turns into a DUI if the
person receives another conviction within seven years.
It’s understandable that young players make mistakes, but
its disgraceful that those in charge of holding them accountable
are acting irresponsibly.
Toledo should have suspended Paus after learning of his arrest,
and he should not have allowed him to play against USC.
If Toledo doesn’t uphold a strict standard of discipline
for his athletes as the head coach, it’s unlikely anyone else
will ““ especially with the athletic department’s now
apparent lax standards.
Toledo faced a similar situation in the past and didn’t
learn from his mistake. Last season, Foster plead guilty to a
misdemeanor marijuana possession charge and paid a $250 fine.
Toledo refused to suspend or punish Foster for the incident,
claiming: “He was guilty of having it. He wasn’t guilty
of using it.”
Perhaps if Foster had been duly reprimanded the first time, he
would have thought twice before taking that sport-utility
vehicle.
According to the department’s drug education and testing
policy, players are required to undergo counseling the first and
second time they test positive for substance abuse.
A suspension is not mandatory until a player’s third
offense ““ before this, it’s up to Toledo whether the
player will be suspended.
The nature of Paus’ and Foster’s offenses and the
lack of any punishment by Toledo raises suspicion as to whether
favoritism overshadows right action. Would the same tolerance for
drunk-driving arrests and marijuana possession extend to less
prominent players ““ players less critical to the success of
UCLA’s football team and the continuance of Toledo’s
job as head coach?
Letting star players stay in the game after such offenses may
help the team’s chances this season (or not). In the long
run, the message it sends to players will only turn UCLA football
into a dirty program.
Toledo is sending the message that high profile athletes have
nothing to fear from the UCLA Athletic Department if they behave
inappropriately. Though it won’t rectify the situation,
Toledo cannot let Paus play against Arizona State and future
violations by any of his players should be dealt with strictly.
The Foster and Paus events should serve as a wake-up call for
all athletic coaches: If they don’t maintain their
department’s respectability, the university loses it as
well.