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Newspaper thefts considered serious offense

By Brent Lyday

Commerce – Texas A&M University-Commerce has pursued disciplinary action for the football players involved in the East Texan thefts that occurred across campus Thursday Feb. 25.

"A&M-Commerce does not stand back idly when crimes like these are committed," said Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president. "We hold our students and staff to a high standard, and will take appropriate action to remedy the situation."

According to the University Police Department, copies of the East Texan, the university's student-run newspaper, were taken in a coordinated effort from every campus distribution location shortly after their distribution Thursday morning. The East Texan's front page featured a story about the recent arrests of two A&M-Commerce football players for drug-related offenses.

Carlton Cooper, A&M-Commerce athletic director, said that while disciplinary actions have been taken, the athletes and coaches are determined to learn from the situation and move forward.

"I am very disappointed that members of our football program made an error in judgment. We are sorry that this happened, and will continue to cooperate and assist the campus administration with their investigation," Cooper said. "We have a tremendous respect for our school newspaper, the students who produce it and freedom of speech. This situation will assist in our development both personally and professionally."