Code of Conduct Needed for UI Athletes?

As we all sadly know, several UI athletes have been in trouble with the law recently. Rich McBride just got whacked by a Champaign County judge for a DUI. Jamar Smith faces felony charges from an alleged drunk-driving incident where his teammate Brian Carlwell suffered a concussion. Former football players Jody Ellis & Derrick McPhearson are in court this Friday facing allegations of burglary.

Wisconsin recently implemented a code of conduct for its student-athletes. As soon as a student-athlete is charged or arrested, the player is suspended from the team and a factual inquiry takes place to determine the proper disciplinary measure.

This is needed in Champaign. Such a policy would require forward thinking, a commodity sorely lacking in the DIA. But hey, Loren Tate says this is a good time to be a fan of the Fighting Illini!!