BREAKING NEWS: Duckett confirms he will leave MSU early to enter NFL Draft

Speculation became reality today as T.J. Duckett announced that he plans to enter April’s NFL Draft. At a 4 p.m.

Police briefs 01/10/02

McPherson returns from west African nation

One of the strongest advocates of MSU’s study abroad programs returned Monday from his own overseas adventure. MSU President M.

BREAKING NEWS: Duckett leaves behind legacy

T.J. Duckett, with his announcement today that he’ll pass up his senior season to enter April’s NFL Draft, is bidding farewell to a college career full of highlights.Among the impressive stats compiled by the 6-1, 249-pound Kalamazoo native: Ranks sixth in MSU history in most rushing attempts with 621. Ranks fifth in career rushing yards with 3,379. Ranks ninth in most rushing touchdowns in a single season with 12. Ranks fourth in career rushing TDs with 29. Ranks eighth in most rushing attempts in one season with 263. Ranks fifth and seventh in most rushing yards in a season with 1,420 yards and 1,353 yards. Earned USAToday.com National Player of the Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors following his 211-yard performance in MSU’s 26-24 victory over Michigan in November. Became the first running back in Spartan history to run for at least 200 yards against Michigan. Had his break-out game against Penn State in 1999, rushing for 159 yards and scoring four TDs. Had three 200-yard rushing games in his Spartan career - against Michigan, Iowa and Marshall.Duckett’s decision to enter the NFL Draft came despite a chance to help lead the Spartans to a potential Big Ten title next year.Many analysts say with him in the backfield next season, MSU’s offense would be potent - especially with the Jeff Smoker-Charles Rogers tandem.Duckett, experts say, will be either a late first-round or early second-round selection in the draft.MSU head coach Bobby Williams said he can’t fault his junior running back for the decision he made.“T.J.

High school students protest ban on out-of-state field trips

More than 250 East Lansing High School students left in the middle of their classes at 8 a.m.

SN has shown poor news judgment

My friends and I, for a while now, have called The State News the “Daily Oppressor.” We have so named it for various reasons, one being the large amount of grammatical errors.

Technology at the forefront of show

Detroit - The North American International Auto Show is likely one of the biggest technological showcase of the year.

Should he go, should he stay?

Trust me, this is not a plea for T.J. Duckett to return next fall. Actually, I have no clue if the big guy will depart the banks of the Red Cedar for the NFL’s big bucks, but speculation has the 3,379-yard career-rusher fleeing MSU in a limo after his 4 p.m.

MID-DAY UPDATE: Students keep racking up debt while shrinking job market makes repaying loans difficult

The federal General Accounting Office reports about half of those who graduated from college last year had an average of $19,400 in student loans.Meanwhile, the struggling economy and shrinking job market are making loans and debts harder to repay.Joyce Banish, vice president of marketing at the MSU Federal Credit Union, suggests students having trouble paying off debt should contact their financial institution immediately.“Some institutions will reduce an interest rate,” Banish said, adding that other options for students include putting members “on hold,” until they can catch up with their payments.For more information on this story, see Friday’s edition of The State News.

Spartans treading unfamiliar waters

Bloomington, Ind. - The No. 25 MSU men’s basketball hasn’t lost three games in a row since 1997.

U await, debate Ducketts decision

T.J. Duckett told The Associated Press he hasn’t made his decision on whether to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.The Spartan star running back will announce his decision at 4 p.m.

New faces to appear in RHA

The Residence Halls Association will see five new faces at its meeting Wednesday.The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered Straight Ally Students is now represented by a member from each of its five caucuses across campus.The change marks the first time the caucuses will join the alliance representative in voting on RHA matters, therefore giving six votes to groups who represent the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered community on MSU’s campus.

Give blood

Give blood. You may save someone’s life. The nation’s blood banks have experienced severe shortages for a few years.

Sad Goodbye

T.J. Duckett has given MSU football a good ride since stepping onto the field at Spartan Stadium. It will be sad to hear his early decision to rush away from the sidelines. A source close to Duckett told The State News the junior running back will announce his plan to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft at 4 p.m.

Michigan weather helps produce fine wine

Though useable crop numbers are down, many Michigan wineries expect to release a quality batch of wine for the coming season. The Michigan Department of Agriculture cited a cold winter and a dry summer as adverse conditions for grape growers, reducing the amount of grapes harvested.

Law denies financial aid to drug users

MSU’s Office of Financial Aid has not been impacted by a federal law that denies assistance to students who have had prior drug convictions, but the law has been faced with opposition.“Various institutions are being affected in various ways,” said Rick Shipman, executive director of the Office of Financial Aid.

Police satisfaction down for youth

Results from the 2001 Traffic Encounter Citizen Survey show young people are not as satisfied with police officers during traffic encounters as older citizens.

Icers find goals from unexpected player

Quick, who leads sixth-ranked MSU in goal scoring?No, it’s not senior captain Adam Hall, sensational freshman center Jim Slater or even thunder-shooting junior wing Brian Maloney.It’s John-Michael Liles - a 5-foot-10 defenseman from the renowned hockey hotbed of Indiana.Against Quinnipiac on Saturday, Liles became the first Spartan to notch 10 goals this season.

Life lessons

New York - For the first time since 1973, students at Pace University have to shield their eyes from sunlight peeking in their windows. A perpetual shadow was cast on the 9,000-student campus by the 110-story World Trade Center towers when they were built almost 30 years ago. Students say they see the light now - the world isn’t as innocent as they thought it was. “It’s like a reality check,” said Sara Shikhman, a Pace University junior.

Spikers sign recruit

MSU volleyball head coach Chuck Erbe announced the signing of Caroline Belichto a National Letter of Intent for the 2002-03 season. “She’s a tremendously well-rounded player that will fit in well with all the players we have here,” Erbe said. The Illinois native was a three-year letter winner at Lyons Township High School, leading her team to conference and regional championships as a junior and a senior. Belich, a 6-1 outside hitter, earned all-conference and all-region honors as her team reached the sectional finals the last two seasons. “She’s a great athlete,” said Erbe.