Tiger athletes have been in the news a lot in the past year, butnot just for appearances in post-season play. In the past week, twoTiger football players were charged with arson to personalproperty, and five Tiger football players are being investigated ina counterfeit money ring. All this comes on the heels of a recenttrial in which Clyde Wade was found not guilty of fraud. We askedUniversity of Memphis students what they think of all the badpublicity the Tigers have been getting.
Photos and interviews byJulia Weeks
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"I try not to judge peopleuntil all the facts are in. Our judicial system says people areinnocent until proven guilty." —Artis Harris, sophomore fine artsmajor |
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"I think it is a reflectionof what goes on in the world. Athletes get away with a lot of stuffat every university."
—Cynthia Loyd, senior University College |
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"Athletes are held tospecial standards, but take Clyde Wade for example. He was provennot guilty. I believe people are innocent until provenguilty."
—Edward Phillips, senior film major |
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"If players are guilty oftorching a vehicle, they should face consequences. You can'tdo that in the real world, even if you're a football player.That seems inappropriate." —AJ Robinson, senior international relationsmajor |
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"If nothing happens to theplayers and they're guilty, I would say they (are getting)special treatment."
—Stacy Turk, sophomore psychology major |
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"I'm kind of biased,since I used to play sports. But I hope everything works out forthe football team."
—Ted Smith, library employee |
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"I think athletes get awaywith everything because they play sports. They don't getrecognized for things they do wrong."
—TImishia McKenzie, sophomore psychologymajor |
