Last year at this time, Duquesne University was dealing with major upheaval and tragedy following a shooting at a school-sponsored event. Five Duquesne basketball players were shot. Sympathy for the program was rampant. While, thankfully, none were killed, the injuries effectively ended one career, and another player filed a lawsuit against the school -- while still on scholarship.A year later, Stuard Baldonado, the player who filed a lawsuit was suspended from the team indefinitely for violating the "code of student rights." What exactly? Turns out he decided that drug dealing was a good idea to fill the time in between his rehabbing, classes and practices.
Mr. Baldonado, 22, who did not play last weekend in Toronto because of academics and a long rehabilitation for bullet wounds in the left elbow and lower back, was charged with criminal conspiracy involving the manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance.No drugs were found on Baldonado, but he was charged with conspiracy as his friend had two baggies with marijuana in them.
...
Police said Mr. Baldonado acted as a lookout while another man crossed the street and handled a drug transaction. Police said the unidentified man then crossed back over to where Mr. Baldonado was standing and the two got into a taxi.
Obviously losing yet another player in the past week frees up a scholarship or two. The Dukes actually had some "good luck" in accepting Damian Saunders after he failed to academically qualify at Marquette. Saunders is considered a 4-star recruit, and was accepted the week before the Baldonado arrest.
Apparently Duquesne and Coach Ron Everhart, while not tolerant of lookouts who are suing the school, had no problem with a player arrested for possession of marijuana this summer. No, I'm sure it was because Baldonado violated the school's student code of conduct. Saunders transgression happened before he enrolled at the school so there was no student code violation.
Saunders was only possessing. Baldonado was with someone else who was buying or selling. Totally different issues. Or it could just be the different talent levels of the two.
UPDATE: Baldonado is pleading not guilty to the conspriacy charge.
Previously at FanHouse:
Shedding Players at Duquesne
Marquette Has/Had Too Many Recruits
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-06-2007 @ 10:40AM
bizzo5000 said...
So where is the "Stunning Hypocrisy"? You answered your own question with the whole violating the "code of student rights." It's kinda hard to violate student rights when you aren't a student yet.
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9-06-2007 @ 3:01PM
jerry said...
Granted Saunders likely wouldn't be brought into the program under those circumstances if he were a lesser prospect, but really, the benefit of the doubt should be given if that stuff didn't happen under Duquense's watch as they can suspend or jettison him later when his inevitable next transagression takes place.
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9-06-2007 @ 9:57PM
Denny DU '70 said...
(1) Agree that headline is overstated. (2) Mr. Saunders was not charged, apparently a case of wrong place, wrong time, wrong people. That incident was (according to the coach) not involved in Marquette's decision to deny admission; it was academic considerations. Duquesne also investigated the incident before he was admitted to school. He is attending classes. Whether or not he will play depends on already delayed NCAA Clearinghouse decision. Reports indicate the clearinghouse has a large backload and is focusing on athletes in sports that are already underway. (3) Regarding Duquesne's suspension actions against Stuard Baldonado, his attorney in the civil action action against the school is the only person, in public, to suggest a connection between the suit and the suspension. The decision to suspend him was made in accordance with the schools code of conduct. No one from the school has spoken about the decision because to do so would violate another code of conduct, a student's privacy. The school's procedures call for a hearing with the student et al. before action can be taken. There is an appeal process. Coach Everhart's suspension from the team was a statement of the obvious - anyone not in school can't be on any athletic team. Unfortunately for Stuard, there had been other incidents and, Wednesday night, a new one with the police. The police charges are subject to a hearing to determine if charges should be brought before further action is taken by the city. (4) I'm not sure what Duquesne has done that makes it hyprocritical. Given the above, an apology at least, needs to be given to Duquesne.
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9-12-2007 @ 11:22PM
Bert said...
Charles Rich's headline is perfectly choosen!
Knowing this "case" in detail I would bet that a lot of people will be very surprised about more facts which will revealed soon. If you look for morale - don't look for it in College Sports!
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9-15-2007 @ 1:22PM
Daniel said...
Even our Byzantine justice system recognizes the difference between possession and sale
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10-05-2007 @ 12:26AM
mark Dudash said...
You obviously have failed to apologize to Coach E & this great catholic institution. Unlike Pitt with L. Fields Baldanado was immediately suspended under university policy. Once again Pitt has internal discipline via Jamie Dixon. Yes 1 week later Baldanado busted in same location by same officer.How about the charges in miami involving his girlfriend. My man im waiting for an apology for your article.
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10-16-2007 @ 10:04AM
Bert said...
Felony charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment against Stuard Baldonado stemming from a May incident in Miami-Dade County, Fla. involving him and his girlfriend were suspended and he was put into a diversion program that maintains his not guilty plea and requires him to attend six months of counseling for domestic intervention.
If Baldonado successfully completes the classes, the charges officially will be dropped. (from http://www.post-gazette.com)
The drug conspiracy charge against suspended Duquesne University forward Stuard Baldonado has been dismissed. (from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
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