On a broad level, this is subtly being called an old story. Jasper came to Connecticut from a tough side of Miami. His father was not in the picture. His mother worked multiple jobs to support the family. He had a sister with health problems. Jasper was the first in his family to go to college. He was an expectant father. He was intent on playing professionally so he could provide for his family. Sadly, he was taken before his time by the hand of another person. For anyone who follows sports, tell me you haven't seen these same parameters --- literally --- a hundred times before. An old story that lacks not for fresh faces.
This changes the university. It changes the football program. Though not on the scale of the Virginia Tech shooting, you have to imagine there's a bit of the same pallor. The knife also cut into the sense of security on a small-ish, somewhat secluded campus. And yet, determined groups of people left behind do get through tragedies.
The authorities officially do not have a suspect yet, but have evidence that the perpetrator was not a student. This seems to be one of the main patterns in problems UConn has had in several high-profile incidents, mostly notably the annual Spring Weekend. People unconnected with the university invade, take advantage of the school's atmosphere and comely population, drink, make their trouble, then leave. UConn is a publicly-funded school, and therefore, citizens have access to many of its resources, mostly the Homer Babbidge Library. I am not advocating putting Storrs into a bubble. But, on balance, I think it's time for the administration to look into the level of access and more wisely weigh it against the safety concerns of the students.
(Image © AP Photo / UConn Athletics)
No comments:
Post a Comment