Heard the news about sexual assault allegations against Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson this morning on the radio:
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. (SI.com) -- Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson was accused Thursday of sexually assaulting a woman at the team hotel, and his status for the Fiesta Bowl may not be determined until game time.
Kansas State sports information director Garry Bowman said coach Bill Snyder would meet with athletic director Tim Weiser and school president Jon Wefald on Thursday night to discuss the issue, but said a decision likely will not be made until late Friday.
Kevin has already written a good deal about this, pointing out the fact that ESPN is still not reporting the sexual assault angle. Couldn't be because the game is being televised on ABC, could it? In any event, I wholeheartedly agree with Kevin that Roberson should not be allowed to play in tonight's game. I am also steadfastly convinced he's going to play anyway.
The accusation doesn't enter into it - the police and the Maricopa County attorney will determine if criminal charges should be filed - but the fact remains that Roberson admitted he blew off the team's curfew. If Snyder fancies himself any kind of disciplinarian, he doesn't have much of a choice. Of course, anyone not raised like Princess Elspeth in Dragonslayer knows the star QB has about as much chance of getting suspended from an entire bowl game as I do of being named Pope. If Roberson gets benched for more than a quarter, I'll be very surprised.
Personal recollection time. Did you know yours truly was busted for a similar violation in college? I was caught in a female friend's dorm room after curfew our freshman year. Worse, her front door was closed, which was specifically forbidden even if members of the opposite sex were visiting during legal hours. The punishment for our illicit 2 AM tryst, which consisted of playing spades and drinking coffee? We were put on probation for a semester and forced to attend a week's worth of disciplinary seminars. Ell Roberson should be so lucky.
Just a reminder how they do things in Division III.
A more fitting scenario would involve the young woman's brother covertly knee-capping Mr. Roberson with a tire iron on the eve of the game.