Posted March 27, 200618 yr SIU basketball player charged with drunken driving Associated Press Mon, Mar 27, 2006 CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois star guard Jamaal Tatum was charged with drunken driving. He was arrested early Saturday by campus police and charged with driving under the influence and failing to yield, the school said. He posted $100 bond. Salukis coach Chris Lowery said the 21-year-old junior was ``extremely remorseful`` and ``understands there will be consequences.`` Lowery has not decided on how he will discipline the player. ``He has to recognize that when you are in the public eye, when you`re a role model for kids, you just can`t put yourself in that kind of situation,`` the coach said. Tatum, of Jefferson City, Mo., averaged 15 points and 3.3 assists this season. Southern Illinois lost to West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
March 27, 200618 yr Poor judgement on Tatum's part. He had another charge a while ago, damaging property, and last year Jaamal Foster(backup forward) got a DUI as well. That being said, Tatum(99% of the time) is a standout scholarship player. If I am not mistaken, he is pulling a 3.7 GPA in business(might have the major wrong), so it's not like he's a bad seed. He's a good guy that made a mistake. Bench him for 3 games, I can't argue with that. But you can't make the punishment any more strict than what Foster got IMO. Unless he was on the strip(where he shouldn't of been if drinking), any place in Carbondale is in walking distance. Maybe a long walk, but nothing bad. Truly a sad day for one of the most popular players(IMO) that the Salukis have ever had, and a truly great guy, on a truly great program.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.