Wright State head coach Billy Donlon discussed at today's meeting of WSU's Athletics Council his squad's wrongdoings over the last offseason that has landed four players in the courtroom.
"There is no body who gets more disappointed than I do when we have guys make really poor choices," Donlon said. "We had some guys make some really poor choices but I will say as a reminder to all of us as we get further and further away (in age), I remember what it was like when I was 18. I would hope that no one would define me by a few poor choices that I made when I was in college. What I am asking of all of you, for those who are still on our team, that you do not define them either. Be disappointed, be disappointed in me, but don't be unforgiving of them because I can promise you that as young people, they are quality young people.
"It has never been our policy since I have been here as the assistant or the head coach, we have never announced publicly whether it be suspensions or other things we do to discipline them. Here is why: I do not think 18-22 year olds multiple times need their names in the paper for their transgressions. I would think for your son or daughter, you would not want your son or daughter's name in the paper eight or nine times for their transgressions. I think that gives us a more principled, disciplined view that if it was your son or daughter."
Donlon has not announced punishments for Mark Howell, JT Yoho and Zach Lett who were given misdemeanor charges over the offseason. Senior forward Tavares Sledge was arrested for a firearms charge. Sledge was released from the team three weeks later.
Last year, Donlon and WSU's Athletics Department released two statements announcing that Sledge had been suspended indefinitely for a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Sledge's suspension lasted 14 games.
Donlon went onto say, "We have done things and will continue to do things that will try and rectify the behavior."
Wright State has an exhibition game Nov. 5 against Ashland. WSU's regular season opener is Nov. 14 versus Belmont.
Donlon was asked whether players should be allowed to live off the campus. Donlon responded that he is going to request his players to move out of the Province Apartments. He said the atmosphere of the Province has not been positive for his athletes since the complex began allowing non-students to live there.
A large number of WSU's men's basketball players, including the four who are in legal troubles, have addresses listed at the Province.
Big thanks
A huge thank you to the Wright Wing last night for its hospitality last night for the Guardian/WWSU Tip Off Show. We had a great crowd and insight from former WSU coach Jim Brown and women's basketball players Abby Jump and Kim Demmings. My counterpart at WWSU is looking to do the show again. I will keep you posted on when this takes place.
