But talk on campus Monday was that a third team member in less than four months was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
"Football players get benefits, so do all athletes for that matter, for pre registration, etc.. they have benefits it’s not fair that they take advantage of that," said Leticia Ruiz, UH Manoa Senior.
Around 2:30 Saturday morning Senior Punter Alex Dunnachie was arrested for DUI, joining Quarterback Cayman Shutter and Linebacker Reid "Alema" Tachibana who were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in March and June.
"Three is kind of a lot and I mean it’s not good, it’s not making the school look good, but I hope the students are still able to support the team and still able to stand behind our school," said UH Manoa Junior Glory Hashimoto.
In 40-career-games Dunnachie has averaged 41-yards per punt and is considered the warriors top NFL prospect by several publications.
"Horrifying. This is just so scary to hear, I think that team is really looked up to by their peers and so having them feel like they are invincible in a way leads a really bad example," said Abigail Nickell, Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Hawaii Executive Director.
Shutter was suspended for the first four games of the year following his DUI arrest. Tachibana’s and Dunnachie’s punishments are expected to be handed-down following their court dates.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving says a four game suspension isn’t sending a strong enough message.
"Clearly not. That’s what the first kid got, we’re on our third now so clearly they need to step it up a little bit," said Nickell.
UH Athletics Director Jim Donovan said in a statement:
"This is not typical of the 450-500 student-athletes that we have here at the University. We certainly do not condone this type of behavior. Needless to say, we are frustrated and disappointed. I know Coach Chow has talked to the team in regards to this type of behavior and how serious it is – and he certainly is frustrated and upset that it happened again. We understand people make mistakes, but the seriousness of these mistakes mean these student-athletes will have to own up to it, learn from it, and very likely will pay a price depending on the facts of the situation and outcome of the legal process."
"I think Hawaii will support them no matter what they are doing, so it’s OK for the game season, we just hope that they’ll be better soon," said Ruiz.
The misuse of alcohol by college students is of great concern to NCAA leadership.
A 2009 NCAA study released in January of this year found that among 20,474 student-athletes surveyed, nearly 39% reported consuming six or more drinks in a single sitting.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
