Last week, MSU senior running back Jason Teague had a warrant out for his arrest in connection with the October assault and battery of an MSU alumna, and the East Lansing Police Department claimed to have received no word from him. The police say several unsuccessful attempts were made to contact Teague during the past several months.
This seems odd, considering The State News was able to reach him by telephone with little trouble.
We understand the police don't have the resources to track down and arrest everyone with an outstanding warrant. We also believe that Teague should be treated as everyone else is treated - no better, no worse.
Although it might be tough for the opposing team to get a hold of Teague on the run, it definitely would've been easy for the police to track him down. Their attempts to contact him in the previous months should've included a call to MSU head coach John L. Smith or a trip to the football team's open practice last April, where Teague rushed nine times for 45 yards.
This would only require a little planning and forethought. The fact that this didn't happen suggests special treatment because police don't consume extra resources to make a few simple phone calls.
Student-athletes need to be held accountable for their actions off the field just as everyone else is. Therefore, the police's policy of waiting for individuals to contact the department, even though officers certainly know how to reach them, should be changed.
Holding everyone to the same standard is especially important after the rash of incidents during the last several years involving MSU football players. Eric Knott and Damon Dowdell were involved in a 1999 incident with a 13-year-old girl that led to criminal sexual conduct charges for both. Dawan Moss was arrested for drunken driving, fleeing and eluding police and resisting arrest in 2002. Irving Campbell and Terry Love were arrested in 2004 for setting off "MacGyver bombs" outside a Spartan Village apartment as a prank. And Jeff Smoker was suspended from the team in 2002 during a time that he struggled with substance abuse.
The problems of the past are by no means the fault of Smith. However, we challenge him to do something to put an end to the bad reputation being built for the football program. Smith is known as a laid-back fellow, but a little discipline never hurt anyone.
Football players are local celebrities, and they are representatives of the university. Being in trouble with the law isn't a good way to flaunt that celebrity.
