College athletes are generally under a lot of pressure, particularly when their sport's season is in full swing. They're expected to excel on the field and in the classroom, and if they hold a scholarship, they could lose their ability to play and attend school if either their athletic abilities or their academics falter.
Such pressure can lead some athletes to make irresponsible choices or engage in risky behavior. A football player for the University of Oregon has been charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants. The 20-year-old player was stopped near the UO campus just over a week ago, according to a Eugene police spokeswoman. The officer pulled over the player's car around 1:22 a.m. after noting the driver was speeding, the spokeswoman said.
Suspecting the young man had been drinking, the officer arrested him and took him to the Lane County Jail for sobriety tests. He wasn't booked into the jail, but released to an acquaintance. In addition to the DUII charge, he faces charges of speeding and driving without a license. His car, which was registered to someone else, was impounded. His arraignment is scheduled for later this month.
UO athletic department officials said they were aware of the arrest but didn't say whether he faced any disciplinary action. He happens to be one of several high-profile and current football players at the school who have faced criminal charges. Two Ducks players were accused of stealing laptops and other expensive items a couple of years ago, another was charged with domestic violence and others have been arrested on charges of assault and DUII.
Although this latest arrest certainly won't help the Ducks' image, he hasn't been found guilty or even entered a plea yet. With any luck, the past arrests of his team's players won't have any bearing on the outcome of his case.
Source: CBS Sports, "Report: Oregon WR Huff arrested on DUI charges," Jerry Hinnen, March 5, 2012
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