Crime-free Panthers: endangered?

Commitment. Teamwork. Pride.

That’s what athletic director Steve Pederson ordered as the… Commitment. Teamwork. Pride.

That’s what athletic director Steve Pederson ordered as the athletic department’s motto in 1997. But not even five years later, some of our highest-profile athletes have chosen to not follow this creed.

Last week, 77 athletes were named to the Big East Academic All-Star team. But notably, none came from the football or men’s basketball teams.

So out of more than 100 members of these teams, not a single one had a QPA greater than 3.0.

What a disgrace. What a letdown to the countless students who maintain a 3.0 QPA or better while holding down part-time jobs and cheering on the football and men’s basketball teams every week. Why can’t our “star” athletes adhere to these same standards?

Ironically, both the football and men’s basketball teams continually receive the most funding, the most student support and the most publicity.

Our money gives these athletes massive scholarships. Yet they are not exerting the same commitment to academics that most of us have to practice every day.

The 77 who were honored are very praiseworthy. But there is no reason they should be exception to the rule.

Ironically, many of the honorees come from the soccer, tennis and track and field teams, which currently have nowhere to play on campus, while the men’s basketball and football teams will soon play in gleaming, multimillion dollar venues.

Both the football and men’s basketball teams have also been plagued by scandal in recent years.

There was the phone access code scandal two years ago. That showed teamwork, but not the laudable kind.

Recently, football player R.J. English was arrested for verbally assaulting a police officer.

So much for pride.

And then came Monday’s news that Antonio Bryant, Pitt’s star wide receiver, had been arrested for receiving stolen property – a $1,235 airline ticket bought with a stolen credit card.

This is not the first time he has been in trouble. Before the football team’s spring camp, he was suspended for confrontations with other players and a coach and for missing the team photo.

What happened to his commitment, teamwork and pride?

Bryant is innocent until proven guilty. But if proven guilty, he should be held accountable for his actions, no matter how much of an impact it has on the team’s success on the field.

The 77 athletes on the academic all-star team are role models for all. Other coaches, especially football coach Walt Harris, should require their players to live up to their standards.

Commitment. Teamwork. Pride. It’s about time all our athletes start fulfilling this motto.