Boone: DUI busts coincidence, but … a concern’
OXFORD – Ole Miss athletics director Pete Boone says a recent string of alcohol-related arrests of Ole Miss athletes doesn’t reflect the bigger picture, and he’s confident in the system in place to combat alcohol abuse.
Last week’s arrest of baseball player Tim Ferguson on driving under the influence-related charges was the third such arrest for an Ole Miss athlete in less than a month.
Baseball player Drew Pomeranz was arrested Aug. 23, and football player Fon Ingram was arrested Sept. 14.
Ingram was actually charged with DUI. Pomeranz and Ferguson refused to submit to breath tests and received other charges.
“Yes, it is a concern. As far as there being three in a short time, I think it’s coincidence, but one is a concern,” Boone said. “When there’s one arrest it’s a concern. There have been three in a short period of time, but when you look over the last 18 months É We have over 400 athletes.”
Ingram’s offense was in-season for his sport. He was suspended for Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt and faces other discipline from Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt.
djournal.com
9/21/08
