13 athletes receive sanctions

Thirteen men’s basketball and baseball players received sanctions for violating the USU Eastern Athletic Department Drug Testing Program.
An off-campus party was held on Oct. 26 in which the athletes attended and some were seen drinking alcohol and smoking. After the party, some returned to campus residence halls while others to their off-campus apartments.
Several infractions of the program were broken by the athletes at the party, including the consumption of alcohol, whether as a minor or being of age to legally drink.
“Athletes are held to a strict standard and violations can result in loss of playing time, loss of athletic scholarships and being kicked off a team,” Vice Chancellor for Student Services, Alex Herzog, said. He said some of the athletes can face student disciplinary procedures through the college’s code of conduct.
Each of the athletes who attended the party were summoned to appear before the substance abuse committee which is composed of a representative from the counseling center, a coach, member of student government, dean of students, campus police, associate vice chancellor of institutional advancement and director of athletics. Tyson Chappell, Ph.D., served as the chair of the committee.
According to Athletic Director Dave Paur, each athlete that plays for USU Eastern, has signed a document stating that they “attended a mandatory meeting in which the content of the drug-testing program was reviewed and explained to them.”
“The athletic program is designed to promote the physical and mental health of its student athletes while protecting the individual rights to privacy…it also states that the department of athletics believe that alcohol and drugs have no place in intercollegiate athletics participation. The policy states alcohol poses a serious threat to the growth, development and overall physical and mental well-being of our student athletes,” states the policy.
Of the five basketball players, some were suspended from games and one was cleared of all violations.
Many of the baseball players involved in the incident were dismissed from the team prior to being sanctioned from the committee. These individuals were let go due to policies set forth by the baseball program. The players that were sanctioned faced consequences from both the committee as well as from the baseball program.
Head Coach Scott Madsen said, “The baseball program is very disappointed with the actions of these few individuals. We have dealt with these individuals and will continue to work hard to represent the school and the community in a positive way. These young men are extremely sorrowful for their actions and are committed to doing whatever it takes to create a better appearance for the baseball program.”