THEY ARE COLLEGE ATHLETES, NOT HARDENED CRIMINALS

Editor:

I am writing in support of the three athletes caught this year with
marijuana as well as in support of the athletic department. It is
completely unfair for the media and alumni to bash these players for
their actions. These men work twice as hard as most students and
dedicate their entire college careers to making WSU a proud name. We
pump them full of pain killers and growth hormones without second
thought but treat them like animals if they want to smoke a joint and
relax after 18-hour days.

I understand the current rules and laws, but they are wrong - plain
and simple. Athletes are human beings and should have the right to
pursue happiness in whatever way they choose. I, for one, am proud to
be part of a university that does not treat athletes like hardened
criminals for behavior that should never have been illegal in the
first place.

The disgraceful behavior to me is for people to stereotype marijuana
smokers as lazy and stupid as well as to insult three young men who I
am very proud to call fellow Cougars.

Scott Langdon senior, music