Pubdate: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS) Copyright: 2004 The Clarion-Ledger Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805 DRUG CHARGE Athlete No Different From Others If a student at your child's school were indicted and charged, and awaiting trial for selling drugs, specifically crack cocaine, would you want that student to be able to go on at school as if life were normal in a high-profile position? Apparently, that's how Rankin County Public Schools operates, with Northwest Rankin High School running back Jeremy Bibbs. Or, is it that he's a star football athlete? Bibbs was indicted Wednesday on charges of selling 3.9 grams of crack cocaine on Aug. 21, 2003. Trial is set for February. If convicted, he faces a maximum $250,000 fine and 16 years in prison for the felony. But Bibbs is still running the football at Northwest's games. Madison-Rankin District Attorney David Clark sees it another way: "It would seem inappropriate for this person to be involved in athletics and held up as a role model." Yes, it would seem inappropriate. Bibbs is innocent until proven guilty, but he shouldn't be on the football field. Participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin