Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Lose a college, gain a pro career?

Former Iowa basketball player charged: "WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Former Iowa basketball player Pierre Pierce turned himself in to police Wednesday to face burglary and assault charges. Pierce, 21, originally of Westmont, Ill., was to be arraigned on charges of first-degree burglary, two counts of domestic assault, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, false imprisonment and criminal mischief. Pierce was kicked off the Iowa basketball team last week after police confirmed he was the subject of an investigation into an incident at the West Des Moines townhouse of a former girlfriend. Pierce, a guard, led Iowa in scoring this season with a 17.8-point average. Iowa coach Steve Alford dismissed Pierce saying he had 'betrayed the trust we placed in him when he was given a second chance two years ago.' Pierce was charged with third-degree sexual abuse in 2002. He later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault causing injury. The case and the way it was handled by university administrators and Alford sparked controversy across the state and led to two faculty-led inquiries sharply critical of the response. Iowa athletic officials have said Pierce will remain on scholarship through this spring and that his academic status is unaffected. In early comments, Pierce's lawyer, Alfredo Parrish said Pierce had not yet decided whether to stay at Iowa or transfer to another school. He was also investigating a career in the NBA. A telephone message left Wednesday morning for Parrish wasn't immediately returned. Pierce was to be booked at the West Des Moines Police Department and transferred to the Dallas County jail where he was to be held until his court appearance at 1 p.m. at the Dallas County Courthouse. "




So, this guy rapes and beats the crap out of two girls in three years, and he still has the confidence to say through his lawyer that he's "investigating a career in the NBA"? If any team in the NBA takes him on, I hope they completely TANK! And, if any other school admits him on its athletic program -- or any other program, considering his conduct -- there will be proof that the idiots are in control of academia, and moral relativism is winning over basic human decency!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I think it should be pointed out that he's only been accused in this second instance.

Granted, even one guilt in the past is enough to provide a history, even though the baseline is short. Still, unless he's admitted to these deeds to the school, or the school has been presented overwhelming evidence, I think the school's actions are a bit too reflexive. The world if full of people, even a few famous ones, who screwed up once and never did it again.

I do agree that, at least for now, any NBA team that picks him up ought to have its managerial head examined.

But... whatever happened to 'Innocent until proven guilty'?

As an aside:

Why does every basketball player think he's Michael Jordan, yet act like the Detroit Pistons?