The consequences that college athletes receive when they disobey the law are not enough. In Iowa, the punishment for an OWI, otherwise known as operating while intoxicated, by a college athlete is significantly lower than if the same player were to get in trouble for a marijuana charge. The stipulations that the NCAA has for college athlete punishment needs a change. 

When it comes to players receiving punishment for a drunk driving crime, discretion in regards to the punishment of the athlete usually lands in the hands of the university they attend. Recent history has shown the average penalty for an OWI or a possession of marijuana charge is a three-game suspension for ISU athletes. Both instances of unlawful behavior are considered serious misdemeanors by Ames and Iowa State Police departments.

This punishment compared to that of a high school athlete is minimal. The Iowa High School Athletic Association penalizes students that are ticketed with a minor-in-possession with a 30-day suspension from games. For a high school athlete, 30 days could be nearly the entire season.

ISU athletes should be held to the same, if not higher, standards of a high school athlete. A three game suspension, especially from games outside of the conference schedule is not enough.  Let’s be honest, sitting out from games that don’t count towards your school’s record is hardly a punishment at all.  Sitting out from conference games would show that the unlawful act committed was serious and should not be taken lightly.

Athletes are held to higher standards, as they are offered extra education assistance and are the face of Iowa State athletics.  They chose this life and should have consequences that equal their new level of achievement.  

People that are in the public eye should be held to a higher standard. This is not just for athletes, but for anyone that carries a leadership position. ISU athletes not only are representing themselves, but also the Iowa State athletic department. That means that they have certain expectations to live up to, and those expectations are higher than other students.

Athletes must be held accountable for their actions. Just as they are praised for what they do on the court or on the field, they should also serve more severe punishments for when they choose to drive drunk or smoke marijuana. When you live your life in the public eye, you are expected to live up to the standards of the public. The recent actions of some athletes are unacceptable and the punishment they have received should not be lessened. It could even be increased.

These higher levels of achievements bring higher levels of responsibility. With this responsibility and achievement come higher levels of consequences.  Should an athlete only have to sit out two or three games when they potentially endanger their lives as well as the lives of those around them? No, the punishment needs to be more severe.