The UW Athletic Department suspended running back Lance Smith in mid-July for alleged battery and disorderly conduct involving his former girlfriend. Conveniently, the Athletic Department reinstated him on Aug. 6 - just in time for the first practice. We applaud the efforts of Dean of Students Lori Berquam for suspending Smith for five away games, but this is yet another example of misconduct by student-athletes going unpunished. Head coach Bret Bielema needs to establish the notion that improper conduct by his players is unacceptable, and playing sports does not put athletes above the law.
Bielema has expressed he and the UW Athletic Department are capable of punishing athletes appropriately. Looking to previous responses to misconduct by student athletes, however, this editorial board is not convinced that Bielema's claim is credible. Junior cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu was suspended from the team for committing residential burglary in late November 2006. Yet, he was reinstated in time to play in the Capital One Bowl against Arkansas in early January 2007.
In April 2005, former UW halfback Booker Stanley was arrested for assault at Mifflin Street Block Party, and was initially suspended for only two practices. Only subsequently was he kicked off the team before the next season. Stanley has since been convicted of three felonies.
What message does treating criminal activity by student athletes with leniency send to our student athletes and the community? In the case of Lance Smith, Bielema failed to take early and swift action to punish this alleged"" misconduct, which was captured on a camera at the Open Pantry, 1401 W. Regent St. The UW Athletic Department should have made a stronger statement in their initial punishment. Athletes need to understand their celebrity status does not free them from punishment.
Bielema recently campaigned on Smith's behalf to reduce his five-game suspension. Regarding the recent Lance Smith incident Bielema said: ""It's an unfortunate situation for Lance and everyone that's been involved. It's kept lingering on and on, and we just want to put it behind us."" It does not appear Bielema has gotten the point.
