A point of concern the ISU athletics department may want to consider — set similar standards of behavior for student-athletes and coaches. Set these standards high and stick to them, because like it or not, these athletes and coaches are role models for the younger generation. They’re also the people who largely represent the university as a whole.

After the Larry Eustachy scandal smeared the university’s reputation and Eustachy subsequently resigned, Iowa State hired head coach Wayne Morgan.

In Morgan, students, faculty, staff and alumni found hope that tougher punishments would be enforced for violating behavior agreements, and that the team would be held to the high standards those in the public spotlight were held to.

It seemed Morgan was on track, suspending Jackson Vroman after a May 24 incident in Spirit Lake where he was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Consistent with athletic department policy, Jackson Vroman is suspended indefinitely from the basketball team. Once the legal system has ruled on this situation, we will address it further. This type of behavior is unacceptable,” Morgan said after the May incident.

Then Vroman was charged with drunken driving Oct. 13. On Nov. 25, Vroman apologized for his drunken driving arrest and said he was committed to the ISU team.

He was reinstated in time for the game against the University of Northern Iowa on Nov. 30. “I’ve been dealing with some various issues and problems for some time now,” Vroman said in the Dec. 1 article, “Vroman leads Cyclones to win.” “Although I’ve made some big mistakes, I’m hopeful that, through continuing to get help on many levels, I can overcome my problems.”

Yes, student-athletes are human, and they have their own problems — they deserve second chances. But how many chances should student-athletes get?

After being charged and arrested twice, Vroman has been “suspended indefinitely” twice and been told that his actions were “disappointing.” The only penalties Vroman has faced on the court have been missing a few exhibition games and the season opener, and not being named captain for missing these games.

If former coach Larry Eustachy resigned after violating behavior agreements in his contract, why has Vroman been given several “last chances?”

Isn’t it time to hold these athletes — who are in the public eye just as much as coaches — to a level above the rest?