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USC quarterback Mark Sanchez started summer classes this week while also officially remaining on ``interim suspension'' by the student-affairs office.
That's something akin to double-secret probation in the movie, ``Animal House,'' because there's been no trace of a suspension. Such confusion is nothing new when it comes to student affairs.
Last summer, it suspended cornerback Eric Wright for three semesters then changed the penalty to three years after hearing criticism when the original sentence was reported in the Daily News.
One person who apparently is not on interim suspension is vice president of student affairs, Michael Jackson, who we hear recently traveled to China.
Frankly, I'm wondering why there is even any type of suspension in play with Sanchez. Just because someone has accused him of wrong doing? Hell, I think that until he is actually charged formally, which the DA seems to be struggling with at this time, then Sanchez should be considered innocent and treated thusly by the University. As far as the NOW's participation on this subject....They are irrelevant.
Well its great to see that USC isn't running scare from the NOW crazies!
Its what I would expect from this "she said" / "he said" case.
Scott did you ever find out if NOW set a letter to the DA's office as well?
Fight On!
rick
From what I understand, "interim suspension" is used in these kinds of cases where the ultimate facts are still in play so that punishment, if any, can be handed down retroactively. At least that's how the University where I went to law school used it.
If the case against Sanchez is dropped and the school determines he has done nothing wrong to warrant suspension (at least under the code of conduct rules), Sanchez gets credit for the calls work he has completed. If they didn't do this and suspended him, forbidding him from attending classes or getting credit from the classes he did take (I.e. forbidding him to take finals), and if the facts completely exonerated him, both legally and as regarding school policies, then Sanchez would have a very good lawsuit against the University, with potentially a very large damage award.
But if Sanchez is liable criminally and/or therefore violated some kind of university code of conduct, etc., the University could possibly retroactively deny Sanchez from credit for classes already taken and the classes he is currently taking.
Granted, I am not a USC administrator, so I am not privy to USC student affairs procedures. But that is how I understand how these "interim suspensions" work.
If it seems confusing, and it is, always remember that Universities are the ultimate deep pocket. All these confusing rules are designed in mind with covering a school's ass from potential civil liability.
I agree with Shine. Innocent until proven guilty, and Sanchez should not/can not be penalized unless and until there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing to justify punishment. Forbidding him to complete class work and finals would punish him before he is even charged, cause him to be suspended from the football team, and lose a year, and put him behind in school.
I agree that Sanchez shouldn't be punished by the university before he's even been brought to trial. There are other students at this university who have been arrested and had charges brought against them, but because they aren't high-profile, no one gives them a second thought.
I think there is a lot of pressure within the university to institute a more punitive system for immediate suspension, but the University doesn't do so less for altrusitic reasons of justice and more to protect their backsides.
Guarantee 'SC attorneys and insurance carriers vetted the disiplinary policies before they were established.
Yeah, let's not suspend the guy for using a fake ID! Look at the big picture Trojans!