Turpin Time

Treat Athletes The Same As Others - No Better, No Worse

Posted by: Jim Turpin

Thursday, September 18, 2008 4:36 PM

     The decision to extend Jamar Smith's probation had been handed down Wednesday morning.  Less than 24 hours later the first caller to my talk show insisted that if it had been anyone other than an athlete, he would have been treated a lot differently.

     After he reeled off several suggestions about what should have been done, I replied, "Why don't we just hang him?"   It was not a very professional answer, but I have grown weary of those who blather on about special treatment for athletes.

     Every other caller - and there were several - felt Jamar had been treated fairly and praised the way he admitted, "I am an alcoholic," and outlined his plans for the future.

     Jamar will serve 18 months of probation, wearing an ankle bracelet all the while.  The bracelet will show whether he has consumed any alcohol.  He will also continue participation in a treatment program.   He has been getting treatment in Peoria and has been attending AA meetings.

     He intends to enroll at Southern Indiana University in Evansville in December.  If he plays basketball during the 18 months of probation he will have to do so wearing the ankle bracelet.  That will not be pleasant - especially when playing road games.   Students can be mean to opposing players.

     The new sentence was worked out by Jamar's attorney (Mark Lipton) and Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz.  The sentence included 180 days in jail, but he won't have to serve any of that if he abides by all terms of the probation.   The case will be reviewed - check to see how he is doing - on December 22nd.

     Attorneys tell me that it is not unusual for probation to be extended - it happens a lot.

     Attorney-Author Bob Auler, who has represented many Illinois athletes in the past, said "I don't want them treated any better than anyone else, I just want to make sure that they aren't treated any worse."

     Seems right to me.

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