Nick Turner’s arrest for allegedly trying to pass counterfeit money at Remington’s Hunt Club is no secret. Turner’s story has received a great deal of attention in campus, local and national media. While this story would be big news regardless, it is foolish to think that this case isn’t receiving extra attention because Turner is a football player-and a high-profile member of the team, at that.
Turner’s position as a football player places him in the public eye-that alone should make him aware that he represents MSU in whatever he does, wherever he goes. Because of this, he should be held to higher public scrutiny rather than be allowed to act however he pleases.
That said, Turner is still presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to Turner’s defense attorney, Charles Yoste, the legal process may take a long time. A hearing to determine probable cause for bringing charges against Turner will be held in early November. If probable cause is found, Turner’s case will be presented to the grand jury in January. It will determine whether Turner should face trial by Circuit Court.
But until then, Turner is out on bond and a free man.
Several other people associated with the alleged incident have received excess, and perhaps undue, criticism.
Many people blame MSU football head coach Jackie Sherrill for Turner’s alleged actions. However, Sherrill banned the football team from Remington’s Hunt Club several months ago. Turner should not have been at the nightclub in the first place.
Some Sherrill critics claim the football team lacks discipline, but they seem to fail to realize that the football players are free to make their own decisions. While a coach is supposed to provide discipline and structure to his team on and off the field, it is unreasonable to expect him to be responsible for every player all the time.
Another person receiving unfair criticism as a result of this alleged event is Hunt Club owner Bill Norris. Everyone should remember that the club is a victim in this case. Norris has been criticized for reporting the incident that led to Turner’s arrest. He was not trying to get a football player in trouble; Norris was simply protecting his business by reporting the counterfeits.
Turner has been suspended from the football team. Suspension is the only necessary disciplinary action at this time because Turner has not been indicted, and, as stated earlier, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The public and the media should remember that Turner is responsible for his own actions but is entitled to due process of law. We encourage everyone to reserve judgment until the legal process is complete.