Amid all of the football ugliness, the news of Levance Fields’ attempted assault of an off duty police officer added to the misery. He was charged with aggravated assault, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and others. Luckily, it looks like he’s out of most legal trouble. Today, his charges were reduced to simple assault, which will require him to enter a nine month program. If he makes it through the nine months without another incident, his record will be cleared.
He hasn’t worked out with the team since his September 16 arrest, but how he’ll be able to participate.
“I think this addresses the government’s concern for punishment, but also allows us to earn a clear record,” DelGreco said.
In a statement, coach Jamie Dixon said, “The initial report of this incident did not reflect the young man I have come to know.”
“We have let the judicial process run its course and acknowledge today’s decision,” Dixon said. “Levance has been, and will continue to be, held to our team’s disciplinary standards. Those disciplinary actions will remain within the confines of our program.”
I’m feeling a bit better about the upcoming hoops season now that we’ll have our point guard with the team — not in prison.
I’m hopeful for Fields. He’s been given a second chance where without, his life experience and direction (the latter influenced greatly at Pitt) could easily be for naught, defined only by a wasted scholarship.
For those who feel differently (above), you’ve obviously not considered your tax dollars, or your neighbors’ for that matter. I’m willing to believe (for now) that this is the exception — not the rule — when evaluating Fields, the person. (Assessing him as a bball player over the past years, it’d be wrong to deny benefit of doubt.)
The University should nevertheless ensure suspension. Any other course of action without consequence would mock whatever standards in place by the School and its athletic programs.
How’s Kinder doing?
Watch a game with my fiancée (you’ve met), twin brother, and me before season’s close, I hope. Reach me at markon8@yahoo.com if interested. Hope all’s well. –Neil
So if this was Scirrotto and PSU, we’d be hearing cries about “kangaroo courts” and “PSU justice.” Can I ask what’s the difference here?
I still think this is a little more defensible, though, if only because Fields didn’t manage to hurt anybody. And he was drunk. Assaulting people when you’re sober is worse.
