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University of Maine student athletes are facing increased penalties and will be undergoing a mandatory alcohol abuse prevention program due to recent defiance of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. Administrators held a mandatory meeting for all student athletes on Wednesday evening in the Memorial Gym to discuss the impact that violations are having on the athletic program.
“While I recognize that those who have run into trouble represent a small percentage of UMaine student-athletes, the trend line is unacceptable,” University President Robert Kennedy said in an e-mail prior to the meeting. “It is a privilege to wear the Black Bear uniform and that privilege brings with it serious responsibilities. UMaine student-athletes are role models for young people and they represent our university every minute of every day.”
The athletic department has already matched the 17 total criminal violations for last year in the first months of school this year, according to UMaine athletic director Blake James. The UMaine administration has doubled all penalties for Student-Athlete Code of Conduct violations until further notice.
Punishments for SACC violations are based on a point system. When an athlete breaks the rules, they are given a number of points depending upon the severity of the violation. Once the athlete has five points, they are suspended for one game. Continued violations result in more suspensions and eventual dismissal from the team.
The most recent offenses have crossed all team lines. Last week, UMaine women’s soccer captain Laura Harper was summonsed for furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol after police broke up a party at her residence. At that same party, football player Landis Williams was summonsed at the same party for possession of alcohol by a minor.
A softball party that violated NCAA and school hazing policies was uncovered this summer, resulting in team suspensions.
In late September, football running back Anthony Cotrone was charged with assault for an altercation in Orono and was suspended for one game. In addition, football Assistant Coach Michael Winslow was arrested for driving under the influence and has since resigned. Other violations included misuse of identification and receiving stolen property.
“We are a program with a tremendous athletic and academic reputation that is creating a perception that we are out of control,” James said to the athletes packing the bleachers at the meeting.
James and Kennedy are discussing steps to ensure the message is getting through to the athletes. Kennedy, who did not attend the meeting, called the recent trend disturbing and said it had to stop. In an effort to educate students, Dean of Students Robert Dana is working with the athletic administration to create a mandatory alcohol abuse prevention program for all student athletes.
The program will be an ongoing series of town-meeting style discussions in addition to more structured lectures. The problem the athletic department is facing reflects a larger national problem, Dana said.
“Every student deserves to have alcohol abuse education,” Dana said. “We live in a national drinking culture. If students are educated about the impacts of alcohol ads and the effect drinking related crimes have on the community, they can help push back that culture. It is a big responsibility, but it comes with the territory.”
Adam Farkes, first-year quarterback of the UMaine football team, agrees with the actions being taken.
“I think it is something that helps the entire program of Maine athletics,” Farkes said. “It makes sure all athletes have proper knowledge of the message the University wants to send out. All I can say is that we as athletes want to be publicized for the right things and our accomplishments.”
Administrators hope to overcome the recent hits to the reputation of the UMaine athletic program.
“The greatness of our program has been forgotten,” Dana said. “Student athletes have not been focused on how they are presenting themselves and people have made mistakes.”
Enforcing rules on coaches has also been a concern for the university. Aside from Winslow’s recent resignation from the football team, the former women’s head basketball coach resigned after a drunk-driving incident last year. Dana asserted that coaches must be good role models and will be held accountable for their actions.
“We’ve had some people make a few mistakes, and they have all been taken care of,” Dana said.
