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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2018
133rd YEAR ISSUE 32
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Three students arrested for burglarizing dorm rooms EMMALYNE KWASNY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mississippi State University Police Department arrested three students for burglarizing dorm rooms. Ty Abraham, freshman mechanical engineering student, and Jamal Jones,
freshman computer engineering major, were arrested on Tuesday, and have since been suspended from MSU. They were booked at Oktibbeha County Jail with bond set at $5,000. They were both released. Erik Russell was arrested earlier on Jan. 27, and was also
suspended from MSU. MSU Police Department Chief of Police Vance Rice said the three worked in conjunction, primarily burglarizing unlocked rooms in McKee Hall. Vance advised students to keep their rooms locked. “Lock your Residence hall
rooms, especially when you are asleep or away. Leaving your room unlocked for a one-minute trip to a neighbor or the restroom, is 30 seconds longer than a thief needs,” Vance said. “If you want to keep it, lock it up.” Rice said this is an ongoing investigation.
Ty Abraham
Jamal Jones
Erik Russell
Gun law affects MSU campus JOSH BECK
NEWS EDITOR
The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill regarding enhanced concealed weapon owners carrying on public property, including universities. The bill will provide the legal grounds to sue if enhanced licensees’ rights are infringed. House Bill 1083 passed by a vote of 80-29 on Wednesday and the Senate will soon considered it. Mississippi State University’s official policy prohibits students, faculty and visitors from possessing a firearm in certain locations such as residence halls, Humphrey Coliseum, Davis Wade Stadium and Mitchell Memorial Library. Other locations include: academic buildings, fraternity & sorority housing; Sanderson Recreation Center; Longest Student Health Center; College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Center; Child Development Center; Aiken Village Preschool; University Television Center; and any research centers. However, this policy could to be in violation of the 2011 HB 506, which greatly expanded Mississippi resident’s ability
to conceal carry. According to HB 506, advanced concealed weapon owners are permitted to carry in schools, elementary through university, in courthouses, except in courtrooms during a judicial proceeding and a myriad of other once-
“public property.” “We have a fundamental responsibility to protect our students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campus,” Keenum said. “In recent years, the Mississippi Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning adopted policies to allow
Jennifer McFadden, The Reflector
restricted places. MSU President Mark Keenum responded in a statement explaining MSU’s policy is in accordance with Mississippi’s current gun laws, because the Mississippi Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning determined classrooms and residences halls are not
concealed weapons into ‘public’ venues on campus, but has not allowed firearms into areas determined ‘nonpublic,’ such as classrooms and residence halls.” Glenn Boyce, Mississippi commissioner of higher education, said in a press release, HB 1083 not only jeopardizes student and staff safety but also
undermines the university’s and local law enforcement’s ability to enforce policies on campuses. “The safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors on our university campuses is a top priority for the Board of Trustees and University leaders,” Boyce said. “HB 1083 compromises our ability to protect and ensure the safety of those on our campuses because it nullifies and prohibits any policies and/or authority to designate sensitive areas of campus where weapons should not be allowed.” As it currently stands, HB 1083 is a bill to provide legal protection to the 67,144 Mississippi residents who are licensed enhanced weapon carriers. The principal author of HB 1083, Rep. Andy Gipson (R) of District 77 (Rankin, Simpson) said this is not an amendment to the preexisting concealed carry law, but a preemptive step to avoid damaging litigation. “House Bill 1083 makes no substantive changes to the enhanced concealed carry law,” Gipson said. “The primary advantage is establishment of a nonlitigation process to resolve illegal gun bans that violate the statutory rights of Mississippi citizens.” GUN LAW, 2
SOCSD attracts teachers EMMA MOFFETT STAFF WRITER
The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District will host their first Jacket Job Fair from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday in the Sudduth Elementary School Gymnasium. This job fair is a recruiting event for student education majors, and new and veteran teachers looking to teach grades K-12 in the SOCSD. Christy Maulding, assistant superintendent for curriculum & instruction for the SOCSD, said while this job fair is focusing on recruitment toward education majors, there are a range of jobs in the education industry which will be available and discussed. “Although we are targeting individuals that are education majors, other individuals that are
FRIDAY
interested in being teacher assistants, administrators, etc. are welcome to come and introduce themselves,” Maulding said.
secondary education major with a concentration in social studies from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, said he is unable to attend the job
“It is a fantastic opportunity that we as education majors have been given. It’s not very often that events like this occur, and because it is local, it gives people the opportunity to stay close the university.” -Brett Beatty, senior secondary education major Every school in the SOCSD will have a representative at the job fair, and Maulding said she believes this event will expose potential teachers to the unique and hospitable climate teachers in the SOCSD experience. Brett Beatty, senior
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HI: 60 LO: 54 SKY: Rainy
HI: 63 LO: 50 SKY: Rainy
HI: 58 LO: 35 SKY: Rainy
POP: 50%
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fair but is interested in the opportunities the event has to offer. In addition, Beatty said many education majors and veteran teachers will utilize the event. “I do believe this job fair will be very helpful to graduates from secondary education and elementary
education programs,” Beatty said. “This really opens opportunity we wouldn’t otherwise have. It is a fantastic opportunity that we as education majors have been given. It’s not very often that events like this occur, and because it is local, it gives people the opportunity to stay close the university.” Beatty said he is not only excited about the Jacket Job Fair, but is excited to see a school district making such a strong effort to recruit and retain teachers. Beatty said many of his friends will attend the Jacket Job Fair in hopes of finding full-time positions after graduation. Julie Fancher, principal at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School, said there is a significant shortage of teachers across Mississippi, and said they are working to recruit and retain teachers.
FORECAST: Keep an umbrella handy this weekend! Another cold front will sweep through Northeast Mississippi, increasing the odds for showers and thunderstorms over the next couple of days. Friday night through Sunday morning will look very soggy, as some areas could expect 1 to 3 inches of rainfall. Joey Curtis, Campus Connect Meteorologist
SOCSD, 2
Courtesy Graphic | Lynn Spruill
The original proposal study area for annexation. The green area is the current city of Starkville while the red is the proposed addition. The Board of Alderman changed the area under consideration on Tuesday night, scaling back some of the eastern territory to a section line.
City officials discuss annexation KATIE POE
At the meeting, Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn Sr. asked Spruill what her “rush” was to move forward with the annexation. Spruill said she would like to have a population above 30,000 before the 2020 Census, adding the process would take 18 months to two years. If implemented, the biggest part of the land in the annexation would include areas to the east and south of Starkville, which includes Mississippi State University. Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins asked Spruill what the “rational basis” of taking in MSU would be. “The rational basis for me would be their population,” Spruill said. “Between us and that divisional area in the east, that is the area where we are growing...They are already partners with us in most things. I think, with the exception of Oxford and Ole Miss, every university in the state is within the city limits of its partner.” Spruill said if the university agrees with the annexation, it would add about 6,000 people to the city’s population. However, MSU has to decide if it wants to be included in the city limits. Spruill said depending on the annexation agreement, the university could choose to retain control over its own police, streets and buildings, as it does now.
STAFF WRITER
At the Starkville Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday, the board approved phase one of its annexation study, deciding to begin the second phase. The board approved the motion to move onto the phase two study with a 5-2 vote. Perkins and Vaughn voted against. The proposed annexation would add four areas surrounding the city of Starkville into the city limits, and therefore increase the population from about 25,000 to more than 38,000 residents. Right now, Slaughter and Associates Urban Planning Consultants are conducting the phases of studies. The board voted Tuesday to remove a section in the east, and then subsequently the first phase was approved. The second phase will determine the impact the new areas would have on the city, such as streets, sewage, water, and economic costs and benefits. Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said the population growth would benefit the city. “I think that it matters,” Spruill said. “I’ve always thought that from our perspective we continue to grow when others around us do not...I think population matters.”
BOA, 2
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018
Obituary
Gregory Miller Puckett Gregory Miller Puckett, age 23, of Columbus, MS, passed away February 3, 2018, in Starkville, MS. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chad Kingsbury officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory 2nd Ave. location is in charge of arrangements. Miller was born September 21, 1994, in Columbus, MS, to George Gregory “Greg” and Raquel Rond Puckett of Columbus, MS. He was a 2013 graduate of Heritage Academy where he excelled in sports. Miller was all conference in football and played on the 2012 state championship team. As a sophomore, Miller was the 100 meter sprint state champion. His senior class voted him Most Likely to be Remembered and Class Clown. Miller attended Mississippi State University where he pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and attended First United Methodist Church. Miller loved the outdoors, had a contagious smile, enjoyed hugs, and loved his boys. Miller was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Willis N. Puckett, II, and maternal grandfather, Malcom Rond. In addition to his parents, survivors include his brother, Ricky Puckett and his wife Carly of Columbus, MS,
sisters, Stacey Puckett of Columbus, MS, Davie Ann Puckett Sellers and her husband Kyle of Hattiesburg, MS, paternal grandmother, Marilyn Miller Garner and her husband Bobby of Columbus, MS, maternal grandmother, Ann Roach and her husband Sidney of Houston, TX, and nephews, Atticus Joel Puckett, Willis N. Puckett, III, and Camp Sellers. Pallbearers will be Cade Lott, Taylor Fields, Hudson Bean, David Hardy, Aaron Studdard, Matthew Morrison, Bill Phillips, Brad Dickey, Tyler Marchek, Sawyer Perkins, Lawson Peel, Clark Atkins, Evan McElrath, Tyler Sundman, Glenn Akins, Jeb Stevens, Lou Adams, Ben Hargrove, Gage Long, and Steele Henderson. Honorary pallbearers will be classmates at Heritage Academy, friends at Mississippi State, and all the many friends that Miller loved and enjoyed. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Youth Program, P.O. Box 32, Columbus, MS, 39703, or Heritage Academy Sports Boosters, 625 Magnolia Lane, Columbus, MS, 39705.
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GUN LAW Gipson explained if a public establishment prohibits a registered enhanced concealed carrier, it is within the gun owner’s rights to report the incident to the Mississippi Attorney General’s office. “Aggrieved ‘enhanced concealed carry’ licensees can challenge an arguably illegal rule, have the Mississippi Attorney General review the rule, and, if deemed illegal, the agency has up to 30 days to correct the rule,” Gipson said. “Only if the agency refuses to conform to the law may the individual sue for declaratory or injunctive relief. I was recently made aware of major pending litigation against the universities for violating the enhanced concealed carry law. If HB 1083 passes, the litigation can be avoided.” Rep. Rob Roberson (R) of District 43 (Oktibbeha, Winston) explained while the bill was drafted with good intentions, the issue should be up to the university’s policy. “I do not like voting against the NRA, however, there are places in this world we do not need to have guns,” Roberson said. “I think our gun rights are very important, and I think Dr. Keenum respects that. However, I think it is telling when there are certain games where you can’t walk in with a cowbell, but now we are going to allow
CONTINUED FROM 1
people to walk in with a pistol, that is a peculiar dynamic in my mind.” Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey said should HB 1083 pass, it will cause a ripple-affect throughout SEC play. “If HB 1083 is adopted to permit weapons in college sports venues, it is likely that competitors will decline opportunities to play
from our member universities due to safety concerns associated with the passage of such laws intended to allow weapons at our athletic events and sports venues,” Sankey said. A week after the initial amendment, the Arkansas Legislature approved a measure to exempt sporting events from their new concealed carry law,
“I think it is telling when there are certain games where you can’t walk in with a cowbell, but now we are going to allow people to walk in with a pistol, that is a peculiar dynamic in my mind.” -Rob Roberson, Representative of District 43 in Oxford and Starkville, game officials will decline assignments, personal safety concerns will be used against Mississippi’s universities during the recruiting process and fan attendance will be negatively impacted,” Sankey said.Sankey also referred to a similar instance, which occurred last year in Arkansas, where the Arkansas Legislature proposed to allow guns in all sporting events. “When similar laws have been introduced in the past, the SEC office has received clear statements of concern
prohibiting guns in stadiums. However, Gipson said he does not feel the two cases are similar, and should not be used to evaluate one another. “I suppose anything is possible, but I doubt it,” Gipson said. “Unlike Arkansas, HB 1083 is not a new law. It is just a new process to challenge illegal bans. Unlike Arkansas, 67,144 law-abiding Mississippi citizens currently have the right to campus carry, because they paid their license fees and received the required firearm training.”
BOA “I personally would have no problem with that, and would write that under the annexation ordinance,” Spruill said. Spruill said if MSU agrees, its residents could vote in city elections, which is a significant benefit. Tuesday night, the board also: Removed considering calling for a public hearing for the go cup ordinance. The board decided to host
SOCSD
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Fancher said the SOCSD wants to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where teachers love to come to school every day. At Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School, Fancher said she believes the school makes every effort possible to provide incentives for teachers, as well as making teachers feel welcomed and appreciated. Overall, Fancher said they foster an atmosphere focused on building relationships and connections. When they focus on those things, she said, she believes success for the schools and teachers is sure to follow. Among many of their initiatives, Fancher said she believes the Jacket Job Fair will positively impact the SOCSD by showing potential teachers how valuable they can be to the school district and community. “Our main goal is to promote opportunities at all schools in the district, and give those veteran teachers and recent college graduates a chance to experience our school culture,” Fancher said.
CONTINUED FROM 1
more work sessions before a public hearing. They will discuss the ordinance at a work session at 12 p.m. Friday. Approved the proposed warranty deed between the Starkville Country Club, Inc. and the city, accepting the dedication of a part of Fairway Drive and the entirety of Sand Wedge Drive. Appointed H. Russell Rogers to the Municipal Airport Board for a threeyear term.
Heard from Starkville Police Department Police Chief Frank Nichols as he gave police recognition awards to policemen and women who responded to the Walmart shooting. Approved a public hearing to determine whether some parcels are “in such a state of uncleanliness as to be a menace to the public health, safety and welfare of the community”. Approved transferring a 1994 Ford F-150
from Starkville Utility Department to Starkville Street Department. Accepted a Homeland Security grant of $18,054 to purchase a 2018 Polaris 900 Crew and Medlite Transport Deluxe to use at public events in the city and MSU football games. Approved a playground project at J.L. King Park from Bliss Products Inc. at a cost of $42,850.34. Approved adding four new tasers to inventory of the city.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 @REFLECTORONLINE
BULLETIN BOARD
An In-Class Distraction
BAD DAWGS Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 Student was arrested in Starkville for sale of Methamphetamine. Student was arrested in Starkville for cyberstalking. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018 8:47 a.m. Knife was found in Herzer Hall by custodian worker. 2:26 p.m. Student reported damages to his vehicle while parked at the Humphrey Coliseum. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018 1:57 a.m. Student was arrested on Blackjack Road for speeding 37/20, and DUI (first-time offense). Justice Court citations were issued. Notable traffic violations: Five MSU citations were issued for speeding. Justice Court citation issued for speeding 50/20 on College View Street. Justice Court citation issued for expired tag on Blackjack Road. Justice Court citation issued for expired driver’s license on Barr Avenue. Justice Court citation issued for suspended driver’s license on Blackjack Road. Justice Court citation issued for suspended driver’s license on Garner Circle. Justice Court citations issued for speeding 50/30 and an expired tag on Blackjack Road.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY...
SUDOKU
Feb. 6 puzzle solutions
... in 1825, because no candidate received the then magic number of 131 electoral votes, the presidential election was decided by the U.S. House of Representatives, who voted in former President John Quincy Adams. Out of 261 electoral votes, Andrew Jackson received 99, 84 for John Quincy Adams and the remaining 78 split between two other candidates. Despite Jackson winning the popular and electoral votes, Representative Henry Clay (a former candidate) campaigned in the House for Adams, and ensured Adams’ victory. He would
become a top Cabinet member for Adams. ... in 1944 American literary genius, Alice Walker was born in Eatonton, Georgia. Walker was born to sharecroppers, the youngest of eight children. Graduating college in 1965, she moved to Mississippi to become a civil rights activist, and wrote poetry. Her first collection of poetry was published in 1968. In 1970, she published her first novel. Her most notable work is “The Color Purple,” published in 1982. She is still alive today. history.com CLASSIFIEDS P R I V A T E COLLECTIONS SALE: Thousands of WWII military items. No guns. Pez Candy dispensers, political button collection, Elvis Presley collectibles, Slits Beer Can Bank and much more. Cash only. By appointment only. Call 901-626-2763. Sardis, MS. Well worth the drive! Are you an artist or an aspiring business person? Are you interested in selling your designs and work? If so, you should check out the Starkvegas Flea Market to rent a booth. Email starkvegasfleamarket@ gmail.com or call Julie at 662-769-6180. The Mississippi State University’s Collegiate FFA chapter is selling Mississippi Ag T-shirts! They are $15. Any orders over an XL size
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shirt is $2 extra, making them $17. Make sure to order by February 16th, and if you have any questions, please contact Carla Jagger at cbj170@msstate.edu or contact Matthew Lee at 601-270-6102. One room in a fourbedroom house for rent with two full bathrooms. Hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, garage parking, fenced backyard, and a large living area with a fire place. Other three rooms occupied by MSU students. Only seven minutes from campus. Only available to MSU students. For more information, call 662-312-5630. The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Classifieds are listed at $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are listed at $3 per issue,
pre-paid. Lost and found items: Found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed at standard ad cost. CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email to club_info@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector. All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 @REFLECTORONLINE
OPINION
College teams could benefit from proposed MLB experiment JONATHAN HAYNES
for managers and coaches. There is only one problem: the fans. A fine line exists between making the game faster (a top priority in an American media landscape increasingly populated by viewers with shortened attention spans) and changing the game itself.
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Picture it: 10 years from now, two baseball teams have suffered through nine sweltering innings and the game remains at a draw. The coach has a furrowed brow — his team is in the midst of a homestand, and one of his pitchers is out for the season with Tommy John surgery. If this game goes too deep into extra innings, he risks exhausting pitchers he desperately needs in the upcoming contests. According to Ronald Blum with CBC Sports, Major League Baseball will experiment during spring training and the All-Star Game with a rule designed not only to help coaches in these situations but to also ensure games finish sooner. If a game goes into extra innings, a runner will be placed on second base at the outset of the inning. A wellexecuted bunt and a single can end the game with only one extra inning played. This is mightily convenient
“They take a certain pride in the fact baseball is the only professional sport to be played without a clock.”
They take a certain pride in the fact baseball is the only professional sport to be played without a clock. If some games go for three hours and some four, well, it is just the way the game is played. According to them, it is just unseemly to give teams an unearned runner on second base. After all, nothing in life is free; why
Victor Mather with The New York Times reports disdain among many MLB fans. Old-time purists demarcate this border, and they have proved to be difficult to appease on some so-called “innovations.”
Outrageous microtransactions have persisted for far too long
ZACHERY ABUNEMEH
is a junior majoring in political science. Contact him at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.
Microtransactions have been a part of gaming culture for decades. Stretching all the way back to arcades, video games have always tied money into their products. In recent years though, microtransactions have skyrocketed and are now ruining quality video games. For the most pristine example of this, look at Battlefront 2. Before its release, fans and gamers alike were lambasting Battlefront. Star Wars fans were angry because EA and Dice, the companies making the game, had ruined their beloved franchise; while gamers were angry because of the obvious scam the game morphed into. Star Wars fans were one of the first groups to express their outrage with Battlefront 2, due to its lack of fan support. If you are a Star Wars fan, the first few things you want to do when you play a Star Wars game is use a lightsaber, use the force and play as your favorite characters. Most Star Wars games, if possible, find a way fulfill those goals. Battlefront, on the other hand, laughs at the fans. In order to unlock all the special characters in Battlefront, which include Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and others, it originally took players 4,528 hours, or nearly six months of gameplay, according to Matt Davidson with IGN. If you do not have six months to kill playing Battlefront, you can instead pay about $2,100 of real money to unlock the characters. What is even more laughable is the this only unlocks the
base characters. In order to upgrade those characters to their max levels, even more hours or dollars are needed just to enjoy your game. In response to the understandable outrage, EA and Dice reduced the in-game price for special characters by 75 percent and completely changed the loot crate system. Of course, this leaves a very good question: after all the outrage, is Battlefront 2 a good game? Gamers were obviously outraged alongside Star Wars fans regarding the microtransactions in Battlefront 2, but gamers were not surprised by the decision to include them. Gamers are almost numb to microtransactions and come to expect them by this point. What they also expect, though, it is at least a quality game. Battlefront 2 does not live up to even the lowest of expectations. While the game is visually stunning, the progression system simply is broken. In order to improve your character in any way, players need to unlock loot boxes, which randomly generate items for players to use. These items can be new weapons, clothes or even characters. The problem arises when players notice how difficult it is to improve strictly via gameplay. Skilled players, or players with better items, receive boosts to their score at the end of missions while other players receive fewer rewards. This might seem fine and fair at first, but with the loot box system in place, new or unskilled players cannot receive the gear needed to compete adequately. Therefore, they constantly get destroyed in matches. Battlefront is nearly unplayable until you improve your character. This predicament leaves players with two options: either keep grinding while not enjoying your new game, or pay real money in order to improve and enjoy it.
Of course, this design is completely intentional. As Dave Their with Forbes states, “Creating points of friction for new players is bad if you’re trying to design a fun experience, but it’s good if you’re trying to create pressure to cash-in on microtransactions.” Gamers are practically forced to pay extra money in order to play a $60 game. That is insulting. At this point, microtransactions in gaming have officially become a nuisance. Players can no longer ignore them. While Battlefront is stealing the headlines and receiving all the anger, other games have used similar tactics for years. Battlefront just took it a step too far.
“As a community, all of those who enjoy video games need to unify to expel microtransaction from our beloved games.” As a community, all of those who enjoy video games need to unify to expel microtransactions from our beloved games. Big name companies like EA, Ubisoft and Konami are creating purposely broken games, just to milk a few extra dollars from their customers. This practice is unacceptable. Luckily, it seems I am not the only one who shares this outrage. Sales for Battlefront 2 underperformed upon release, according to Chris Morris at Fortune, and sales have continued to not meet expectations. If one good event may have come from the release of Battlefront, maybe it spells the end of microtransactions.
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until July 31 and teams can still swap for postseasoneligible players until Aug. 31 with waivers. A myriad of opportunities exists for these teams. On the other hand, I would not mind testing the rule out at the college level. For example, if a pitcher here at Mississippi State University gets injured,
Campus parking is already bad enough without game day traffic
CHRIS LOWE
is a junior majoring in business information systems. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
Coming from a student who attends a very large university and lives off campus, trying to get parking and access to the campus are some of the most stressinducing and critical aspects of the experience. I can comfortably say parking and access to campus cause daily problems for commuter students, so the idea of making these factors any worse than they usually are is quite agitating. Yet, on gamedays, people who pay for the privilege of a place to park their vehicles are routinely inconvenienced in a significant way. Personally, I have a Commuter West parking permit. During high-traffic times of the day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., usually), it can be an extremely cut-throat process to find an open parking spot. That is on a regular day, so on the days leading up to a football or basketball game, the large influx of fans just worsens an already annoying situation. For football games, especially SEC matchups, the droves of people setting up their tailgates all over campus can cause clogs in traffic via crosswalk usage and vehicles parked blatantly in the road. On basketball gamedays, the
parking zone in the back of the coliseum is filled to the brim, or otherwise just hard to reach. To me, Mississippi State University is a place of education first and foremost, and a sports team second. I am just as big a fan of our guys and girls as anyone else, but those of us who pay up to $24,000 annually to attend this school according to the MSU financial aid site, deserve priority over the fans just here to watch the games. I understand tailgating is a core part of the gameday experience, and parking is not exactly pleasant on some gamedays, but this is not reason enough to make access to our campus harder than it needs to be. To hear a student’s perspective, Caroline Douglass, an MSU student writer for the Odyssey, summed up my thoughts on the parking situation pretty well in an Aug. 2016 article on another aspect of the parking conundrum. “Why do I see kids circling
parking lots they have a decal for?” Douglass wrote. “Why are some lots so overbooked that some kids have to ride a shuttle despite having paid for a decal? Why do some of us pay $135 for a parking pass (outrageous, by the way) only to find the only available spaces are in gravel parking?” Why is it reasonable to add another few hundred people to the mix in the middle of the day? I could make an argument against parking as a whole on this campus, but I realize the situation is more complicated than I must be aware. I would rather take baby steps, and the most obvious one is to me is restricting gameday parking and setup until at least mid-afternoon. If the students were allowed to have an uninhibited day of classes before the campus clogs up, I believe the university would at the very least send the message they hear our cries regarding parking and will offer a solution beyond a parking garage which costs even more money.
REFLECTIONS Madam CJ Walker
“I want you to understand that your f irst duty is to humanity. I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves, but about others.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Life Editor/Will Wells
Managing Editor/Kristina Domitrovich News Editor/Josh Beck
should baseball be different? I tend to lean on the side of the adoring public in this case. At the highest level of competition, each team has a multitude of minor league teams from which they are able to draw upon for more players. Furthermore, the trade deadline for Major League Baseball is not
head coach Andy Cannizaro does not have the capability to trade with another SEC team to acquire another player. Another conundrum at this level is many players are not superstars with million dollar contracts yet. The NCAA is the testing-ground for these players, the trial-by-fire eliminates all but the very best. Because there is no fallback at this level, if a pitcher blows out his arm here, his path to success becomes much harder than an established player at the major league level. The same risks apply at the college level. It may become apparent baseball loses its luster when players are allowed to be placed in scoring position “for free.” However, I suspect at the college level, this rule will significantly reduce the pressure on pitchers and coaches. Sometimes the public’s approval in the short term must be sacrificed for a greater selection of skilled players in the long term.
Circulation/Erin Blake circulation@reflector.msstate.edu
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018
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LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
5
Students celebrate black history month at MSU EMMA MOFFETT STAFF WRITER
In celebration of Black History Month, Mississippi State University’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center coordinated a variety of events for students to respect, reflect and educate themselves on the history of African-Americans. There are eight different events in place throughout the entire month, two of which have already occurred. These events are a result of collaborations among HCDC staff members and students. The HCDC made preparations for the celebration of Black History Month over the last year. With different perspectives and ideas, the HCDC created a range of unique events to appeal to everyone. A staff member in the Latino community who felt a conversation on the AfroLatino community would be
beneficial to students from varying backgrounds, as well as highlight a community which is often overlooked inspired the Afro-Latino Discussion Panel Joy Bradford, program coordinator for the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, said students will find at least one event which sparks their interests because of the amount of events. Despite the complexity of planning the different events being held, Bradford said HCDC easily shared the load among faculty and different student organizations, such as the Men of Excellence who led the Barber Shop Talk in the Dawg House on Wednesday. Bradford said she made it important for each event to be of high quality and worth people’s attendance. The largest of these events is the Black Alumni weekend, which will host black MSU alumni, and will be comprised of social and educational events.
Jazz and Poetry Night
Black Alumni Weekend
#matter
Black Out Party
February 10th, 2018 // 9pm Dawghouse February 12th, 2018 // 6pm Fowlkes Auditorium
February 16-18th, 2018 Mill Conference Center
February 24th, 2018 // 9-12pm Auxillary Gym, Sanderson Center
Afro-Latino Discussion Panel
February 13th, 2018 // 5-7pm Celebration of Black Art: Fowlkes Auditorium
Back to Black February 28th, 2018 // 7pm Bettersworth Auditorium
JM, TR
In the events which have occurred, Bradford said they have already seen diversity in attendance and they hope the trend continues throughout the rest of the month. “We are celebrating the history of the AfricanAmerican community, but even if you are not a part of that community, come on out and celebrate with us,” Bradford said. President of the Black Student Association Arsemen Brown, senior chemistry student from Madison, Alabama, said
Chew on This: Valentine’s Day COURTNEY O’BRIEN STAFF WRITER
It is that time of year. Time for the giant stuffed animals responsible for taking up space and never be used because we are adults, ridiculous jewelry, billions of flowers and other romantic gestures to be bought and never looked at again. It is time for proposals because guys feel the need to step it up. It is time for expensive dinners to be made or bought.It is time for Valentine’s Day. Now, I can imagine you reading this and thinking, “She’s such a lonely, depressing
cynic, who has never been in love.”You are quite wrong. I freaking love being pampered for no apparent reason other than society dictates my lovely man gets me shiny things. I do not know why it happens, but it means my darling gets me chocolatecovered strawberries and pretty bobbles to decorate myself in. To make it up to my Casey that society will not let him get a day where I pamper him and give him nice things for no apparent reason, I will make him a delicious meal. I love Italian food because it is easy, filling, delicious and cheap to make. I recommend
making spaghetti carbonara. I like to get some veggies in during dinner, since lunch and breakfast are essentially glorified snacks for me. Veggies marinated in balsamic glaze go great with the pasta. If you are making a dinner for Valentine’s Day, you will need a dessert. I’m a firm believer that making someone a cake tells them how much you love them. Think about it, every important birthday or get together you have ever had or been to has had a cake. From the cake at a wedding, to the cake at our 90th birthday party, it matters. Finish the night off right with a delicious sugary treat.
Student Spotlight: Jackie Valdes
EMMA MOFFETT STAFF WRITER
Listen to our Life Podcast coming out Tuesday as we discuss local theatre productions!
Jackie Valdes, a junior marketing major from Flowood, choose to attend Mississippi State University because of how encouraging and inspiring her roadrunner was when she came and toured campus. Because of the impact her roadrunner made in her own life, she knows how important her own position is as a roadrunner. Throughout her time at MSU, Valdes has been active on campus. She is currently involved in the Latino Student Association and is the Vice President of Administration for Roadrunners. Valdes said her time spent being a part of campus organizations helped her grow into a well-rounded individual and encourages students to find organizations interesting to them. “Get involved with as many things as you can, and be friendly to anybody and
Emma Moffett | The Reflector
everybody because you never know who you are talking to and who will become your best friend,” Valdes said. Valdes finds volunteering has become an important part of her life because it allows her to meet new people and make a difference in someone’s life. In the future, Valdes hopes to turn her love for volunteering into a career by
working for a non-profit. While Valdes said she has countless reasons to encourage people to attend MSU, there is one thing MSU offers that makes it impossible for anyone to walk away without a smile. “Try the MSU Ice Cream, and you will fall in love with Mississippi State instantly,” Valdes said.
they have tailored the BSA meetings this month to include highlights on important and overlooked figures throughout black history. The BSA is leading an event Feb. 12 called #MATTER in the Fowlkes Auditorium, where students will engage in structured conversations on issues impacting the black community. While Brown said she is hoping to attend all of the events she can for Black History Month, she said
she is most excited about Celebration of Black Art: Back to Black, and the opportunities to learn from it. “It is really important because it helps showcase the different cultures and where it started,” Brown said. “It shows the progression that African-Americans have made. It’s important for us to be able to reflect and take that in order to be more appreciative of our culture.” Derrick Anderson, senior mechanical engineering student and President of Kappa Alpha Si, said he and the members of his fraternity are looking forward to the events this month. Kappa Alpha Si is also hosting a black mental health open-panel discussion with different representatives from the city on Feb. 26 in the Dawg House. While they did not originally intend for this event to be a part of Black History Month, Anderson said things fell into place
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs half, stirring until smooth.In a large 3 tablespoons white sugar bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in 10 ounces frozen raspberries eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla 2 tablespoons white sugar and melted white chocolate. Pour 2 teaspoons cornstarch half of batter over crust. Spoon three 1/2 cup water tablespoons raspberry sauce over 2 cups white chocolate chips batter. Pour remaining cheesecake 1/2 cup half-and-half cream batter into pan, and again spoon three 24 ounces cream cheese, softened tablespoons raspberry sauce over the 1/2 cup white sugar top. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool 3 eggs and serve with remaining sauce. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, three tablespoons sugar and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a nine-inch springform pan. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, two tablespoons sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to boil, and continue boiling for five minutes, or until sauce is thick and drippy. Strain sauce to remove seeds. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt white chocolate chips with half-and-
Balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Cover and cook veggies, basting with sauce occasionally.
for the event to happen this month. Anderson, a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, said he knows this month will be a catalyst for important conversations across campus and hopes people take hold of this opportunity. “We would like for everyone to come out to as many events as they can within this month,” Anderson said. “Race is always an issue to talk about. Cultural divide is always an issue to discuss. We see black history as a month for celebration and conversation.” Bradford said she hopes to see more students branch out and attend these events this month since these events are not only a time for a celebration, but for personal growth as well. “Diversify yourself by coming and learning about something different,” Bradford said. “It may make you step outside of your comfort zone, but you will be a better person for it.”
Spaghetti Carbonara
1 pound spaghetti 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 slices of bacon, diced 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 4 eggs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the spaghetti. Drain it. Toss with one tablespoon of olive oil and set aside. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon. Remove the bacon and drain onto paper towels leaving two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Add remaining olive oil and heat in the same skillet. Add onion and cook over medium heat. Add garlic and cook one minute. Return cooked bacon to pan. Add spaghetti.Heat through, adding more olive oil if it seems dry or is sticking together. Add beaten eggs and cook, tossing constantly until eggs are barely set. Quickly add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and toss again. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 @SPORTSREFLECTOR
SPORTS
Football adds eight to signing class Softball to TAYLOR RAYBURN SPORTS EDITOR
Lindsay Pace | The Reflector
Nick Weatherspoon dribbles down the court. He had 18 points in MSU’s win over Alabama.
Bulldogs pick up key win at home against Alabama RENALDO HOPKINS II STAFF WRITER
The Mississippi State University’s men’s basketball team put up a fight as they pulled away from the University of Alabama Crimson Tide with a 67-63 victory on Tuesday night. It was a back-and-forth affair throughout the game, with both teams showing dominance on their end of the floor. Ultimately, the Bulldogs (18-6, 6-5 SEC) came away with a win behind the outstanding play by the Weatherspoon brothers, with Nick taking the lead in scoring with 18 points, and Quinndary closely behind him with 15. Head coach for the Crimson Tide (15-9, 6-5 SEC), Avery Johnson, Sr., praised MSU for how well they played against his team, mostly on the defensive end. “They did a terrific job at defending us,” Johnson said. “We tried to get the ball inside, but maybe they front the post. They were not going to allow you get it in.” MSU’s defense was an important key in their win Tuesday, as they caused Alabama 13 turnovers, as well blocking seven shots and stealing the ball four
times to keep the Crimson Tide from using their offense to get rolling. MSU’s two big men, Abdul Ado and Aric Holman, put on a defensive clinic as the two combined for six blocks and 12 rebounds, with Holman leading the team in rebounds, as he had seven. When asked about the mentality on Tuesday’s game, Nick Weatherspoon, a freshman from Canton, commented on the confidence of the team “It’s a crazy conference,” Nick Weatherspoon said. “We saw that some of the teams we beat, they’ve beat them. So, after seeing those teams beat them, we know that we could beat them.” The Bulldogs’ head coach Ben Howland commented on the big win against Alabama. “When you think about some of their (Alabama’s) wins, this is obviously our best win of the year,” Howland said. “They (the Bulldogs) are preparing so hard and I’m really proud of that. Their ability to lock into doing what we are doing.” The Bulldogs next game is 1 p.m. Saturday at Missouri. The next home game for the Bulldogs is against Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.
Getting in
SHAPE for the
NEW YEAR?
Name
Aaron Brule 3 star Jaden Crumedy 4 star Brad Cumbest 3 star Esaias Furdge 3 star Cameron Gardner 3 star Stephen Guidry 4 star Malik Heath 4 star Devonta Jason 4 star Jett Johnson 3 star Kwatrivous Johnson 4 star Kameron Jones 3 star Sh’Mar Kilby-Lane 3 star Fabien Lovett 3 star Jalen Mayden 4 star Marcus Murphy 3 star Johnquarise Patterson 3 star Shawn Preston Jr. 3 star Jaylon Reed 3 star Devon Robinson 3 star Geor’quarius Spivey 3 star Nathaniel Watson 3 star La’Damian Webb 3 star Cameron Young 3 star
Pos. LB DE TE DB TE WR WR WR LB OL OL OLB DT QB ATH WR DB DB DT TE LB RB DE
Ht.
6-1 6-5 6-5 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-2 5-8 6-3
Wt.
206 233 235 162 215 185 205 195 225 360 295 225 300 215 188 170 187 178 260 220 214 185 310
Moorhead said Watson will start out at linebacker, where he plays all depends on the depth chart. In December, MSU made waves when they signed three 4-star wide receivers. Wednesday, they added more to their receiver class in 3-star Johnquarius Patterson, a 6’, 170-pound product from Pearl, who helped Pearl High School win the MHSAA 6A Title. The last two players to sign with MSU were 3-star recruits Cameron Young and Kameron Jones. Jones, an offensive lineman from Starkville, entered Wednesday committed to LouisianaLafayette, but was given a late offer from MSU and took it. Young is a 6’3”, 310-pound defensive end from Meadville, but can play either side of the ball. “He is a big strong athletic fella,” Moorhead said. “He is a guy that can play end, play inside and you never know. Sometimes the best offensive linemen are ones that get moved over from the other side of the ball. So we will keep that open-ended and see where his development takes him.”
Hometown
(star ratings are 247sports.com composite)
Metairie, LA (Archbishop Rummel HS) Hattiesburg, MS (Oak Grove HS) Hurley, MS (East Central HS) Clarksdale, MS (Clarksdale HS) Starkville, MS (Starkville HS) New Roads, LA (Hinds [MS] HS) Jackson, MS (Callaway HS) New Orleans, LA (Landry-Walker HS Tupelo, MS (Tupelo HS) Greenwood, MS (Greenwood HS) Starkville, MS (Starkville HS) Hollywood, FL (Copiah-Lincoln [MS] CC) Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS) Sachse. TX (Sachse HS) West Point, MS (West Point HS) Pearl, MS (Pearl HS) St. James, LA (St. James HS) Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS) Memphis, TN (Whitehaven HS) Monroe, LA (Richwood HS) Maplesville, AL (Maplesville HS) Opelika, AL (Beauregard HS) Meadville, MS (Franklin County HS) JM, TR
open their season this weekend
MELISSA WEITZEL STAFF WRITER
With Mississippi State University Softball beginning their 2018 season this Friday, head coach Vann Stuedeman, along with senior infielder Morgan Bell and senior pitcher Holly Ward, met with the media on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are coming off a 36-22 season with an NCAA tournament regional berth in 2017, after a down year in 2016. MSU has nine freshmen and a transfer student this season, making it a young team, but Stuedeman is proud of her upperclassmen in helping the younger players succeed. “These seniors and juniors have done a great job of getting those kids in our culture,” Stuedeman said. Stuedeman said the team will depend on senior pitcher Holly Ward. The Bulldogs lost Alexis Silkwood, who pitched 153 innings last year. It is now up to Ward to step up and take on those innings. “It is really on Holly (Ward) to decide how good we are going to be,” Stuedeman said. Those are high expectations for Ward, but she believes she and the other pitchers can handle it. “We are all just excited, and we’re ready,” Stuedeman said. “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. Just go out there and know you can, and dominate the best you can.” The Bulldogs open their season against Mississippi Valley State at 3 p.m. and the University of Nebraska Omaha at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Starkville. SECNetwork+ and WatchESPN will stream the games. Admission is free.
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With national signing day having come and gone, Joe Moorhead appeared pleased with his first recruiting class as head coach at Mississippi State University. With 15 of the 23 players signing in December, MSU was low on spots for February’s signing day. The class finished 27th in the country and ninth in the SEC. “Certainly we had a bunch of highly-rated kids in the initial 15,” Moorhead said. “There was an extended period between the 20th and now, and what it allowed us to do is have a more concentrated effort.” MSU signed eight players on Wednesday, and the highest rated of which is 247sports.com composite 3-star Fabien Lovett. Lovett, a defensive end from Olive Branch, originally committed to MSU in August, but de-committed on the first of the year to explore his options. Lovett picked MSU over Florida, where former MSU head coach Dan Mullen is. As usual, a large part of
the overall class came from Mississippi, as 13 of the 23 players are homegrown. Beyond Mississippi, Moorhead looked in the south: grabbing five players from Louisiana, two from Alabama and one from Tennessee, Florida and Texas. Going into Louisiana, MSU picked up a commitment from Aaron Brule, a 3-star linebacker out of Metairie, Louisiana. Moorhead dialed in on the corner position, signing two on Wednesday, 3-stars Jaylon Reed and Esaias Furdge. Furdge is 5’11”, 162 pounds and from Clarksdale, and Reed is 6’ and joins Lovett coming in from Olive Branch. Moorhead commented on the height of the two corners. “Two similar players in a certain regard,” Moorhead said. “(They are) taller guys, long and cover a lot of ground, great change of direction and have great acceleration.” One of the more versatile players signed on Wednesday is Nathaniel Watson, a 3-star, 6’2” 214-pound athlete from Maplesville, Alabama.
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