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In the wake of 4/20
Posted May 2, 2008
In the wake of the recent 4-20 events on the University of Colorado campus, where university and police officials gave tacit approval to roughly 10,000 folks taking part in breaking the law, here's a thought going in the opposite direction:
It would behoove CU officials to find a way to renew drug testing for University of Colorado athletes.
Yes, we are more than familiar with the suit brought by former CU "athlete" Dave Derdeyn in the mid-1980s, when a Colorado court found CU's drug-testing policy to be unconstitutional, based on the right to privacy.
But the thought here is that maybe it's time to test the waters again.
Anyone who argues that even the "casual" use of illegal drugs -- and alcohol, for that matter -- doesn't hinder performance on the field and in the classroom is smoking something good for breakfast.
When athletes sign a letter of intent, they are in effect promising to give their best efforts in return for the opportunity to receive a college education. Anything that hinders the delivery of said promises, from either side, is a breach of that contract.
Across-the-board drug testing for athletes -- at every university and college -- could only help prepare student-athletes for the rigors they will face when they leave school. More and more companies every day are instituting drug testing as a matter of course in the employment process.
Giving student-athletes a hint of what lies ahead in the real world couldn't hurt.
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Posted by bouldabuff on May 2, 2008 at 3:06 p.m.
Neil,
Your article here states that even "casual" use of alcohol hinders performance in the classroom and on the field. What are you smoking?
Abuse of anything, whether it be marijuana, alcohol, or junk food is dangerous and should not be tolerated. These are kids Neil, let them have a beer, let them try new things as long as they are responsible. Don't punish them for being college students.
Having said that, I think most student-athletes realize what lies ahead of them in the "real world" - that's why they are having fun in college. WAKE UP NEIL!!
Posted by LJBUFFS on May 2, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.
I agree Neil, staying away from these activities will also keep them out of these fights that keep coming up. I'm sure if all the athletes stayed away from drugs, alcohol and parties we wouldn't have had all these suspensions. like my parents said, 'nothing good happens past midnight.' and to the poster above. sure they are college students, when you sign your letter of intent you make the choice then that your college experience may be a little different than the average student.
Posted by SnowBuff on May 4, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.
Right. So your saying Geer would have attacked 2 dudes, and that Behrens would have left a trail of blood before passing out, if they had been high? Since they were drunk, lets try and bust them for weed!
Something is missing from this article.....
Right, lets find NEW ways to bust our athletes. This makes no sense. All of the problems this year stem from ALCOHOL, a legal substance if you are over 21.