Local high school athletes angered over punishment

But the parents say the punishment was too harsh, and the school's standards should not apply when the students are not in school.

The problems began when the eight boys broke into the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club June 21 and stole $15 worth of beer and $40 worth of wine coolers, according to a Michigan State Police report.

The club agreed not to press charges if the boys paid for a new door, $40 apiece. They were also required to apologize to club members and are in the process of completing 40 hours of volunteer work each for the club.

The school suspended the eight students - seven football players and one cross-country runner - from sports for 30 days.

The district has argued that sports are a privilege and not a right. As such, participation can come with added requirements, school board members agreed. The code includes specific bans against theft, destruction of property, buying or selling alcohol or drugs, violations of the law, and nine other items.

"The reason we have the code is to uphold high values for our athletes and our school district," school board trustee Jill Taylor said.

The students and their parents appealed. David Cahill, an attorney, told the school board Wednesday night that the punishment was unfair in several ways.

Cahill said the school's rules should apply only to activity while in school, during competition or when in uniform.

The students were not given a proper hearing before punished, he said.

The code's criteria for punishment are too vague, and the parents already worked out a fair punishment, he said.

"They did not get away with anything," Cahill said. "We all say enough is enough."

Trustee Janet Roberts said she felt the district gave the students and parents adequate hearing opportunities and she also disputed the attorneys' argument that the district suffered no detrimental effects from the theft.

Other athletes and students have been left to worry whether the district's rules are evenly applied, she said.

The board voted unanimously Wednesday night to uphold the suspensions. Cahill said it had not been decided whether to go to court on the issue.

If the suspensions started yesterday, the football players would miss the rest of the regular season, which ends Oct. 30. The cross-country runner also would miss the remainder of that season.

10-02-98