Last Friday we ran a story covering the citation of Wyoming redshirt junior guard Charles Hankerson Jr., who currently faces charges for possessing less than three ounces of marijuana.
At the time of the story, I was thrilled by the opportunity to report on the probable cause of Hankerson’s suspension. By the time the story ran, I found myself ethically divided.
As a young, starry-eyed aspiring journalist, I’m still able to buy into the idea that we fulfill some sort of watchdog role when doing our jobs. As corny as it sounds, I like the idea that we play a part in uncovering corruption in the world around us.
What Hankerson did was not wrong, and by no stretch of the imagination was it corrupt.
The NCAA does not see it that way, though.
According NCAA regulations, Hankerson is probably looking at losing the remainder of his eligibility.
This is hardly a fair punishment for him, or any other NCAA athlete, that chooses to partake in a substance that, according to a survey conducted by wordpress.com, 71 percent of college students have tried at some point.
Not to mention the fact that marijuana is now completely legal for recreational use in two states.
Is it really fair to the NCAA athletes in those states to be restricted from enjoying a legal substance that now carries the same legal implications as a beer?
The NCAA owes it to the athletes they represent to keep up with the times and adapt their penalties for marijuana use to fit changes in the legality of marijuana.
Currently marijuana is considered a “street drug”, according to the NCAA’s drug policy. The category also includes heroin.
It’s apparent that this categorization has become antiquated.
At the very least, the NCAA should lower their current penalty for marijuana use so that offenders do not face the same consequences as heroin users.
The times are changing; it would be in the NCAA’s best interest to change with them. Otherwise more and more athletes will face undue penalties for using a substance that is becoming more decriminalized nationally by the day.
I truly wish the best of luck to Charles Hankerson Jr. The charges and suspension he currently faces are unfair given the caliber of his transgression. His presence on the Wyoming lineup will be sorely missed.
