 In
the midst of one of the most scandalous and shocking weeks in college
football history, the Appalachian State University football program
has joined the fray.
The arrest of Michael V. Porter for allegedly possesing and manufacturing
steriods with intent to sell brings our university into the circle
of questionable behaviors by college athletes.
This charge does not compare to the six sex charges rumored against
University of Colorado football team athletes, but does serve notice
that Appalachian sports are not as wholesome as once believed.
Last spring, the university's Board of Trustees approved a plan
to pump $30 million into the athletic department.
A large portion of that money was directed toward the football team
in an effort to bolster the program.
Among the upgrades to the football program: new locker rooms, a
new weight room, the addition of FieldTurf, an increase in the seating
of Kidd Brewer Stadium, a new chancellor's box and the introduction
of skyboxes.
The students were also hit with a $55 fee increase to help pay for
the upgrades.
This fee was implemented despite strong opposition from the student
body.
Naturally, students expect to see their money go to use and to see
a better product on the field.
What students do not expect to see is that one of their fellow student-athletes
arrested.
Steroids cheat everyone, the law, the team and the fans.
Sgt. Andy LeBeau said there will be more arrests forthcoming, although
he did not specifically say they will involve athletes.
It could be that this incident is completely isolated and that no
one else on the team is in danger of being arrested.
The Appalachian hopes this is an isolated case.
We hope we can trust our student-athletes to perform at the top
of their natural game.
If it is not isolated, we hope Appalachian State University takes
the necessary steps to restore the reputation and integrity of our
football program.
Athletic Director Roachel Laney and his staff are genuinely disappointed
that someone in their program was allegedly using steroids and there
is only one thing the Athletic Department can do.
After Porter’s trial, the university must conduct its own
investigation.
As an accredited and esteemed university, Appalachian has no other
option. |
