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Naming rule-breakers came down to relevance
Editorial
Last week, the Times made a decision to print the names of four John F. Kennedy football players suspended from extracurricular activities by the Cheektowaga-Sloan School District for breaking the students' code of conduct. This decision was based on the relevance of the situation and its impact on the community.
The students who were suspended allegedly consumed alcohol at an off-campus location on September 29, then arrived at a school-sponsored event with alcohol on their breaths. An off-duty police officer providing security used a breath analyzer on the students, and the device detected alcohol. The students were suspended for five days and barred from extracurricular activities for 30 days.
Because of their stature in the community, athletes are often held to a higher standard. The fairness of this standard is not at issue here. Student athletes are usually required to sign a code of conduct under which they agree not to break certain rules. Included in these rules is abstinence from alcohol. The code of conduct appears to have been violated.
Among the players suspended were three starters on the football team, including one of the offensive stars. When a player of this stature does not dress for a game, the community notices, and many may question the player's absence. If an athlete who is expected to play in a game doesn't participate in said game due to illness or injury, this should also be reported. The Times duly reported the information.
It is Times policy not to publish the names of persons under the age of 18 in our police blotter section. The names of persons age 16 and older who commit more serious crimes are printed because the Times publishes stories on these crimes separate from the blotter. The significance of this situation, as demonstrated by the district's disciplinary action, underscores our decision.
While this incident was undoubtedly embarrassing for the students, their families and friends, we hope that the entire community learns from the experience.
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