Reader comments
Syracuse High School football players charged in crime spree
56 comments | Read story
G | 11:20 a.m. July 3, 2008
They liked the rush huh. Sent them to prison for a few years, that'll give
'em a real rush!
no doubt | 11:32 a.m. July 3, 2008
if they were in some other jurisdiction and had all their backing ,,, they would
still play..watched many a pothead get to play by an administration that always
looked the other way..while the honest ones sat the bench and knew the real
deal...then they want to talk law , order , integrity...whooop-di--doo to you!!
Comments continue below
Anony | 11:34 a.m. July 3, 2008
Poor kids. Mixed up in the wrong... It's hard today for kids. Most of us
prude, Utah mormons don't understand that right and wrong is so much harder
for the younger generation. They knew it was wrong, but they didn't care.
The joy, the thrill from doing something bad... There's a rush alright.
It's a sad thing.
Anonymous | 12:19 p.m. July 3, 2008
Do the right thing and suspend these five for the football season. Give them the
rush of having to sit out something that they enjoy. If they play they will
probably be the team captains.
I agree . . . | 12:25 p.m. July 3, 2008
These kids will probably still play, but it won't be because the coach and
principal want to win. They will play because the principal, superintendant,
and coach won't want to deal with these kid's parents whining about
"Why isn't my Johnny playing!?!" and threatening to sue them,
the school, and the district if their kids don't get to play. It is their
god-given right after all. Heaven forbid these kids learn a life lesson by
losing something they enjoy because of their poor choices.
Tom | 12:29 p.m. July 3, 2008
Poor kids? Are you kidding me? I am the owner of one of the businesses they
robbed. They not only stole from my faily but destroyed heirlooms and other
items that cannot be replaced. Send them to jail to rot.
Anonymous | 12:33 p.m. July 3, 2008
I hope they're out picking up trash on the freeway this fall and not
playing football. The UHSSA should have the ability to ban individuals like this
from participating in any extracurricular events, EVER. Maybe if there were a
true consequence for their actions, the rush wouldn't be quite so
attractive.
Maybe they should have to donate labor to the struggling small businesses that they destroy with their actions.
Maybe they should have to donate labor to the struggling small businesses that they destroy with their actions.
Anonymous | 12:39 p.m. July 3, 2008
I agree with Tom. Any incident involving alcohol, drugs, streroids, theft, etc.
should also carry with it a lifetime ban from participating in any UHSSA
sanctioned activity, PERIOD.
These kids should also have to make adequate restitution to the businesses, as well as fulfill any penalties required by law.
These kids should also have to make adequate restitution to the businesses, as well as fulfill any penalties required by law.
consequences | 12:52 p.m. July 3, 2008
If you do the crime you do the time. This isn't about revenge or sympathy.
It is clearly about facing the consequences for their actions.
Coach | 1:35 p.m. July 3, 2008
The Coach should have done a better job with these boys. He could have set the
tone for the whole team by setting some standards.
Coach??? | 1:49 p.m. July 3, 2008
What are you thinking to the one that wrote about the coach. It's not the
coaches fault!!!! It's the parents!!!! The coach has a whole team to lead
and make rules, but the parents of these 5 kids (imature) need to take the
fault!!!!!
Mike W | 1:59 p.m. July 3, 2008
What a disgrace... these kids should be off the team permanently. As a resident
of Syracuse these kids acts have embarassed the community, and the fact that
"home confinement" is their punishment to this point is disgusting. I
will be calling, emailing the school demanding their expulsion, I suggest others
do the same.
Are the names of these kids out there anywhere for us to see to verify if these kids do eventually in fact get kicked off the team?
Are the names of these kids out there anywhere for us to see to verify if these kids do eventually in fact get kicked off the team?
sj | 2:02 p.m. July 3, 2008
Re Coach:
I wouldn't blame this on the coach. Our job is not to make sure they pass class, go church, stay out of trouble. There are other people who effect players besides a coach. All a coach can do is teach them, just like a parent. In the end it was the kids poor decision and that is where the blame should be put.
I wouldn't blame this on the coach. Our job is not to make sure they pass class, go church, stay out of trouble. There are other people who effect players besides a coach. All a coach can do is teach them, just like a parent. In the end it was the kids poor decision and that is where the blame should be put.
Anonymous | 2:13 p.m. July 3, 2008
The coach has no blame these kids are still minors the parents are 100%
responsible for there kids. The coach sees them 2 hours a day during the fall
how is it his fault
?
?
Play | 2:17 p.m. July 3, 2008
These kids won't play, I know the Principal and the Coach of Syracuse, they
are done, and this is not the fault of the Coach, this is all on the parents.
Shocker | 2:22 p.m. July 3, 2008
Is there a high incidence of criminal activity among students at Syracuse? Give
me a break!
Kids | 2:36 p.m. July 3, 2008
Kids make poor choices. FACT OF LIFE.
Sometimes poorly parented kids make poor choices.
Sometimes well parented kids make poor choices.
Should there be consequences? Definately. If they are under 18, prison probably won't be, and probably wouldn't teach them anything other than how to be criminals.
I say restitution. Work at real jobs, pay everything back no matter how long it takes.
Unfortunately, heirlooms can't be replaced. Nor can the time these boys should lose by working and missing sports.
I know people who did dumb things when they were young, spent jail time, and turned their life around.
IF the right guidance is given from here out, and IF the boys respond well, maybe some good citizens will come of it.
I'd have to say, no offense to Tom, if this these kids are put on the right path by this, that is the most important thing, though again, the owners should receive restitution for their losses.
Sometimes poorly parented kids make poor choices.
Sometimes well parented kids make poor choices.
Should there be consequences? Definately. If they are under 18, prison probably won't be, and probably wouldn't teach them anything other than how to be criminals.
I say restitution. Work at real jobs, pay everything back no matter how long it takes.
Unfortunately, heirlooms can't be replaced. Nor can the time these boys should lose by working and missing sports.
I know people who did dumb things when they were young, spent jail time, and turned their life around.
IF the right guidance is given from here out, and IF the boys respond well, maybe some good citizens will come of it.
I'd have to say, no offense to Tom, if this these kids are put on the right path by this, that is the most important thing, though again, the owners should receive restitution for their losses.
The Rock | 2:37 p.m. July 3, 2008
I have noticed that some kids develop a 'pack mentality' when they are
found in large groups. Homeschooled children almost never yield to this kind of
thing. The family is their pack. When kids allow the peer group to be their
pack they have more influence on each other than the parents.
I homeschool and my children have never shown any inclination to do 'what everyone else is doing'. My children are always more concerned about what the family thinks than anything else.
Restitution should always be the consequence for crimes against property. This way the punishment always fits the crime. If they burn down a house, they should be required to spend a lifetime replacing it.
I homeschool and my children have never shown any inclination to do 'what everyone else is doing'. My children are always more concerned about what the family thinks than anything else.
Restitution should always be the consequence for crimes against property. This way the punishment always fits the crime. If they burn down a house, they should be required to spend a lifetime replacing it.
Who is at fault? | 2:39 p.m. July 3, 2008
A certain couple had a child who was born blind. Who sinned a made this happen?
Who was at fault? The Father? The mother? The doctor? Or the child?
Everyone wants to assign blame. What if the parents did all they could to raise these boys, or at least some of them, to be good citizens. Are they at fault?
What about the coach? If he was a good example, set some rules, provided a positive, hard-working environment for his players, is he at fault?
And what about the kids? They are old enough to now right from wrong. They're also young enough to influenced by a ring leader. Peer pressure makes 16 year olds dumb.
Is it possible that no one is to blame. These boys did some wrong things. A lot of them. And there will likely be some punishment. Great. If they learn from it, if they return what they stole. If they make ammends.
Can we forgive them and not blame them?
Forgiveness is required of all men...
Everyone wants to assign blame. What if the parents did all they could to raise these boys, or at least some of them, to be good citizens. Are they at fault?
What about the coach? If he was a good example, set some rules, provided a positive, hard-working environment for his players, is he at fault?
And what about the kids? They are old enough to now right from wrong. They're also young enough to influenced by a ring leader. Peer pressure makes 16 year olds dumb.
Is it possible that no one is to blame. These boys did some wrong things. A lot of them. And there will likely be some punishment. Great. If they learn from it, if they return what they stole. If they make ammends.
Can we forgive them and not blame them?
Forgiveness is required of all men...
Another football parent | 2:49 p.m. July 3, 2008
You can plan on the kids not being on the football team next year. other
players have been removed from the team for far less than what these boys did.
These coaches and administration are doing a great job of cleaning up syracuse
high. You can all blame the coach for the kids making bad choices. The reality
is the coaches probably told the players to be good citizens. The kids are to
blame they are the criminals, they are the ones that stole,vandalized and
whatever else. they deserve the punishment for the crimes they committed.
Just Me | 2:49 p.m. July 3, 2008
Loser Parents = Loser kids. Fine the parents and send the kids to prison.
What a Shame | 2:57 p.m. July 3, 2008
They have let down so many people. Since the article pointed out they were
football players I will comment on the team being let down.
Usually when a school is in its second year of existence the sports programs have really good years because the underclassmen have had a lot more varsity time than at other established schools.
I'm not saying Syracuse would have had a much better football season with or without these kids, but schools like Freemont and Northridge went deep into the football playoffs in their second year of existence. Freemont even played in the State Championship and were one dropped pass(in overtime) away from winning the title.
Usually when a school is in its second year of existence the sports programs have really good years because the underclassmen have had a lot more varsity time than at other established schools.
I'm not saying Syracuse would have had a much better football season with or without these kids, but schools like Freemont and Northridge went deep into the football playoffs in their second year of existence. Freemont even played in the State Championship and were one dropped pass(in overtime) away from winning the title.
re:Another football parent | 2:59 p.m. July 3, 2008
What kind of community is Syracuse if a school that has one year of existance
has already needed a lot of "cleaning up"?
Different Tom | 3:06 p.m. July 3, 2008
They wont play again. Syracuse is only a year old. Their team is not about
winning right now it is about building. The coaches and administration could not
afford to let these kids play. They would never have a respectable program
again. As far as blame, I think you have to blame the kids that committed the
crime. As far as punishment, I used to work at Decker Lake and they don't
seem to fit the description of any of those inmates. My guess is restitution,
probation, and no more sports in high school.
Tyronne H. | 3:08 p.m. July 3, 2008
Here is what should be done. The Kids that are 17 yrs old should be tried as
adults (they are probably 17 1/2 yrs old anyway). Secondly, Make them do
countless hours of service for the victims (when the victims say they feel they
have done enough they can be done). And last but not least the lifetime ban from
all UHSAA sanctioned activites would be the best. I would prove a point with
these five kids.
Typical Football Players... | 3:27 p.m. July 3, 2008
...just starting a little earlier thats all. Hey, its what their heroes
do...why not them? Great role models these so call "athletes".
Harded? | 3:30 p.m. July 3, 2008
To Anony at 11:34.
What planet are you from? explane to me why it's harder for kids now understand right and wrong.
These kids knew what they were doing was wrong and did it anyway.
I hope they get the book thrown at them.
What planet are you from? explane to me why it's harder for kids now understand right and wrong.
These kids knew what they were doing was wrong and did it anyway.
I hope they get the book thrown at them.
Consider ability | 3:33 p.m. July 3, 2008
An atheletes ability should be considered in cases like this, his
responsibility, culpability and accountability.
Because of their position as representatives of their school and community, they should be held to a higher standard, throw the book at them.
Because of their position as representatives of their school and community, they should be held to a higher standard, throw the book at them.
thw | 3:35 p.m. July 3, 2008
I think there are some tough questions to ask before assessing penalties.
Were the crimes committed during school time?
At the time of the crimes, were the involved in football.
Are the actions of the students covered by Davis School District Policy?
Does the exclusion policy of Davis School District indicate students will, or could be transferred to different schools for disciplinary reasons? (If so, UHSAA policy itself excludes the athletes from playing for the next year.)
Are all student's involvement equal, thus indicating equal punishments?
Are the crimes such that the county attorney will file charges and place the students in custody - and where will that custody be?
We won't get much in the way of followup news to tell us what is going on. They are protected juveniles.
Were the crimes committed during school time?
At the time of the crimes, were the involved in football.
Are the actions of the students covered by Davis School District Policy?
Does the exclusion policy of Davis School District indicate students will, or could be transferred to different schools for disciplinary reasons? (If so, UHSAA policy itself excludes the athletes from playing for the next year.)
Are all student's involvement equal, thus indicating equal punishments?
Are the crimes such that the county attorney will file charges and place the students in custody - and where will that custody be?
We won't get much in the way of followup news to tell us what is going on. They are protected juveniles.
MARK A | 4:04 p.m. July 3, 2008
HANG THEM HIGH
John | 4:07 p.m. July 3, 2008
Anyone besides me in favor of waiting until they are found guilty? Being from
North Carolina and watching the Duke athletes get railroaded under false
charges, I prefer to wait until the judgement is rendered.
Re: The Rock | 4:17 p.m. July 3, 2008
This has nothing to do with what school they went to or if they went to a public
school or a home school. The reason your children never feel pressured to
"follow the pack" is because they are, in your words, never around
anyone! That's called a social deficit problem for those of us in the
psychiatric world. Come back to me in ten years when your kids are the shy ones
that will never advance in the work place because they were never taught social
skills. Obviously the actions these boys committed aren't the social
skills I'm referring to so don't come back at me with that crap.
RE/ John | 4:18 p.m. July 3, 2008
They have all confessed to the crimes. That means guilty where I come from.
Magic Happens | 4:37 p.m. July 3, 2008
I hear Kyle Whittingham has now offered each of these boys a full ride
scholarship. They'll fit right in with the U. football team.
Needs cleaning? | 4:39 p.m. July 3, 2008
These coaches and principal have done a great job cleaning up Syracuse high?
It's a brand new school, how dirty was it. It's been through one
school year. How much cleansing was there to be done?
Anonymous | 4:53 p.m. July 3, 2008
Coaches and Parents need to quit swelling the heads of the jocks and
cheerleaders and let them know they are no better than anyone else!!! That way
they may think twice and know they are not invincible to laws etc!!
About Time | 4:54 p.m. July 3, 2008
It's nice to see that a school other then Hunter High is getting the bad
ink. This story reminded me of the Granger High fiasco in the 90s when numerous
players were involved in holding up local buisnesses. Another example of
athletes believing they're above the law.
sob | 4:56 p.m. July 3, 2008
to magic happens
you are so off base they dont even need to throw
the baseman the ball
you are so off base they dont even need to throw
the baseman the ball
Kyle Whittingham | 5:04 p.m. July 3, 2008
Yea, Kyle can offer them a scholarship cuz' when they got caught they used
their REAL name. they didn't try to blame it on their BROTHER!!!
Also, any parties they had with teenage girls were their own age, so they would never be recruited by the OTHER school!!!
Also, any parties they had with teenage girls were their own age, so they would never be recruited by the OTHER school!!!
cleaning up | 5:08 p.m. July 3, 2008
Syracuse has many problems that are just like every other school. kids causing
the typical problems, drugs,theft,cheating, all the typical stuff every school
deals with. Some people think that a new school will not have any problems,
that is just not the case. A new school does not mean it will be perfect
overnight. Syracuse is on its way to being a great school with great students.
transfer | 7:14 p.m. July 3, 2008
cottonwood, skyline, or timpview would welcome some thugs
Monty Burns | 8:01 p.m. July 3, 2008
I hope the book is thrown at them. Too often the players say that I can't
go to jail because of add/adhd or it will ruin my chance to play college ball.
Other times, the schools are good about getting it swept under the rug.
Throw the book at them. Publish their names and let the public thank them in an appropriate way.
Perhaps, we can help them vandalize their houses and property, their friends houses and property and then extended before they do other peoples possessions.
Throw the book at them. Publish their names and let the public thank them in an appropriate way.
Perhaps, we can help them vandalize their houses and property, their friends houses and property and then extended before they do other peoples possessions.
Anonymous | 9:57 p.m. July 3, 2008
I think that the football players that go in trouble for doing all these
robberies should not be able to play this year. I go to Syracuse and I'm
sick of people thinking we are a bad school because of the football team that we
have. This is like the third time they have had people getting in serious
trouble.
Anonymous | 10:03 p.m. July 3, 2008
They should transfer to Woods Cross
Cancel the Move | 10:03 p.m. July 3, 2008
I was looking to purchase a home in the Syracuse area, my two sons would have
contributed to the athletic program at Syracuse High. I will not move there
now. After one year and Syracuse is starting to sound like Kearns, Hunter,
Granger etc. No Thanks!
Anonymous | 10:14 p.m. July 3, 2008
This is serious enough home confinement is inadequate. Any one else would be in
a juvenile facility.It does not surprise me how ever. Schools for years have had
a different dicipline level for athletes. This attitude has just carried over.
Anonymous | 10:33 p.m. July 3, 2008
It isn't fair to paint an entire High School on the basis of 5 students.
Syracuse High is an excellent school with awesome programs, teachers and
students. I am proud to have my son be there. The actions of a few don't
represent the many. To ensure a quality program, they should prosecute to the
full extent of the law to stop this from happening again. Many of the football
team members are excellent students and would never approve of this type of
behavior. I feel bad they will be viewed the same as these five who made wrong
choices. Sad, really.
terri | 12:06 a.m. July 5, 2008
I dont know how we can blame parents. How many of us know where out teenagers
are 24/7? We are doing the best we know, theirs no owners manual to raise the
perfect child.Satan is working on our youth harder now than ever. Who are we to
judge? I dont think this makes the school look bad. These are individuals, who
made their own bad choices.
unknown | 11:08 p.m. July 9, 2008
This is so lame cause i mostlikely know all of these kids. It's so sad to
see what people will do these days just for the thrill.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
- Mitchell's 'books' are coherent 11:04 a.m.
- Valentine not joining race in 2010 10:56 a.m.
- Two more running for 2nd District 10:56 a.m.
- Chelsea Clinton is engaged 10:31 a.m.
- Suspect in police deaths still at large 10:28 a.m.
- Gov't pressures mortgage industry 10:25 a.m.
- Sands China stock tumbles in debut 9:21 a.m.
- Vegas pinning hopes on CityCenter 9:20 a.m.
- Saab CEO courting buyers in Detroit 9:19 a.m.
- Court won't disturb $82M award 9:18 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
880 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime478
- Max Hall issues apology293
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal164
- BYU is champion of the state138
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies119
- Cave to be sealed with body inside116
- Rivalry Week is highly profane90
- Hall's legacy measured today80
- Utes won't respond to Hall70
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
Latest comments
I am not super familiar with Buddhist beliefs, but don't these books have...
Most of these comments are indicators of the sad state of our society! There...
I can't agree with you more. The only thing holding soccer back in this...
Right now I am leaning towards Herbert, but I must admit I like Corroon too....
I'm tired of the twin religions - atheism and secularism being supported by...
Wow -- this is amazingly ironic. After years of accusing BYU and is fans of...
Clearly Amy has never strapped on a helmet and tried to knock the living tar...
Count on the Nets being 0-25 when they play at the Jazz on Dec. 16th. The...
Lawrence Frank is overall a good coach. I wonder if Jazz can recruit him in...
of Hall's family is the real story. Why aren't U fans and the University...
Advertisements
When it comes to choosing between upholding respect for the law or winning the state or region championship, most principals and coaches will take the trophy every time.