Texas A&M–Commerce to Take Action for Newspaper Thefts

From Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president:

As a scholar of the media and former journalist, I learned long ago the difference between accuracy and truth. In recent days, a number of statements have been circulating in the media surrounding an unfortunate and embarrassing episode that occurred on our campus last week: the theft of an entire press run of our student newspaper, The East Texan, from distribution stands throughout the university.

The lead story in the missing edition concerned the arrest of two students who had been charged with drug possession, one of whom was currently a member of the football team. This was certainly a newsworthy event, and was fully covered in the East Texan article.

As soon as the newspaper theft was discovered, a police investigation was launched. A review of surveillance video suggested that members of the football team were involved. However, the evidence was insufficient to prosecute and the University Police Department has closed the case, referring it instead to the university’s internal processes for resolution.

During the course of the police investigation, statements were gathered from a number of individuals, including Head Football Coach Guy Morriss. Coach Morriss, frustrated by his players’ actions and in a misguided attempt at humor, characterized the theft as a “team-building exercise,” appearing to make light of a serious incident.

This is the point at which accuracy and truth diverge. Coach Morriss’s statements, as recorded in the police report, were accurately quoted and widely circulated in numerous news stories that ran both locally and nationwide. However, his unfortunate remarks did not convey a larger truth: that he is a seasoned professional who is deeply committed to, and concerned for, building the character of students through athletics.

Our own internal investigation revealed that Coach Morriss did not condone or encourage the theft of the papers, acted quickly to identify those who were responsible, and is putting in place appropriate disciplinary measures.

However, he is going beyond simply punishing those who stole the papers. He is working with experts in the university – faculty members and counselors – to provide support, education, and guidance for student-athletes so that they may be better equipped to make good decisions – as members of both the university community and of society – that will contribute to positive change.

I am personally embarrassed by what took place, but am determined that as a university, we will learn from our mistakes. We will emerge from this incident with a better understanding of one another, and with a renewed commitment to our vital mission of transforming lives and shaping futures.

AJ of TX 1:52PM March 05, 2010