Student suffers major stroke
Baseball team wins home opener
Sophomore Tim Taviano slowly recovering after stroke
Sophomore outfielder Cam Gibson on Wednesday at Justin Wan/The State News McLane Baseball Stadium at Devonta Bacon, basketball Old College Field.player for The Statesmen Danyelle Morrow/The State News
statenews.com | 4/3/14 | @thesnews
sports, pG. 6
Michigan State University’s independent voice
features, pG. 5
OBAMA: HIGHER WAGES WOULD HELP STUDENTS
i n v e s t i g at i o n
Student claimed MSU retaliated against her for reported assault By Simon Schuster sschuster@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
photos by Betsy Agosta /The State News
President Barack Obama runs on stage to greet a University of Michigan student before giving a speech Wednesday at the Intramural Sports Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His speech focused on raising minimum wage.
Obama visits University of Michigan to rally support for raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 By Michael Kransz and Sergio Martínez-Beltrán mkransz@statenews.com and smartinez@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
A
NN ARBOR — President Barack Obama spoke at the University of Michigan on Wednesday to rally support for raising the federal minimum wage, a change he said could drive down student loan reliance. Speaking to hundreds of students, many of
whom had camped overnight earlier in the week to receive their admission tickets, Obama addressed what he called a need for fair wages in America. “The economy increasingly has folks at the top doing really well,” Obama said. “But then middle-class families, people who are struggling to get into the middle class, they’re working harder, but their wages (and) their incomes aren’t going up. And we’re a better country than that.” The pay they deserve, Obama said, would come through a piece of legislation currently being debat-
ed in Congress. If passed, the legislation would increase the federal minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $10.10 — a change many Democrats support, although it has virtually no chance of clearing the Republican-controlled House. One hundred and ninety-six members of the Democratic delegation have signed a discharge petition to bring the bill to a vote. Republicans, on the other hand, argue raising the minimum wage could stifle small business owners’ ability to create jobs. Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who repre-
STUDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGE OF SOLICITING SEX IN WONDERS HALL By Geoff Preston gpreston@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Spectators cheer as President Barack Obama delivers a speech Wednesday at the Intramural Sports Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
sents Michigan’s 8th congressional district that includes East Lansing, said in a statement Monday that increasing
the minimum wage to $10.10 would harm businesses. See OBAMA on page 2 u
football
Cirque du Soleil visits Breslin Malik McDowell signs letter of intent for MSU By Zach Smith zsmith@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
A Cirque du Soleil performer crawls across the stage as part of the opening act of Cirque du Soleil “Varekai” on Wednesday at Breslin Center. —Danyelle Morrow, SN See the story on page 5
See OCR on page 2 u
CRIME
To watch a photo and audio slideshow of President Obama’s speech, visit statenews.com/multimedia.
e n t e r ta i n m e n t
Newly-disclosed documents regarding the federal investigation into the university’s response to sexual assault allegations reveal one student claimed MSU retaliated against her after reporting an assault “when it engaged in activities to malign her character.” As the Department of Education continues to investigate MSU’s response to reports of sexual assault and harassment, documents obtained by The State News from a Freedom of Information Act request reveal allegations leveled at the university span over three years and three separate cases. The documents provide a new level of insight into the incidents under investigation, one of which has not yet concluded nearly three years after it began. That oldest case involves the reported sexual assault of a female student by two male students in a residence hall at the beginning of 2010s fall semester. Documents show the university first received
Malik McDowell is finally a Spartan. Nearly two months after National Signing Day, McDowell Tweeted early Wednesday morning that he had sent his signed letter of intent to MSU on Tuesday night. The announcement brought with it much fanfare and a Wednesday afternoon press conference featuring head coach Mark Dantonio. According to Rivals.com, the 6-foot-6, 292-pound defensive lineman is Dantonio’s only fivestar player in the class, and brings the 2014 recruiting class to 22 players. The Southfield High product was regarded as the top prep prospect in Michigan in the class of 2014. This concludes the saga of
An MSU student who was arrested in February on a misdemeanor soliciting prostitution charge has taken a plea agreement, according to court documents. Criminal justice student Ezequiel Chapa, 21, was arrested on Feb. 11 after police received a tip he was soliciting a 55-year-old man from Ovid, Mich., for sex.
Police initially were dispatched to the dorm after residence hall staff informed them of solicitationlike activity
McDowell, who announced his commitment to the Spartans on National Signing Day, but didn’t officially sign because of a reported disagreement with his parents, specifically his mother. “It was very important that everybody be on the same page when we made this decision,” Dantonio said. “So what I tried to do on my end was sort of just be still. The lines of communication stayed open during
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said officers initially were dispatched to North Wonders Hall on Feb. 6 after being contacted by residence hall staff, who suspected solicitation-like activity. Chapa was arrested a few days later. Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III confirmed that Chapa was the one seeking the prostitute in the situation. Chapa took the plea agreement in 54-B District Court on March 20. A phone number listed in court documents as Chapa’s was disconnected. Court documents reveal Chapa originally pleaded not guilty to the charges when he was arraigned in front of 54-B District Court Judge Richard Ball on Feb. 13. Chapa is represented by ASMSU legal representa-
See McDOWELL on page 2 u
See SOLICIT on page 2 u
“It was very important that everybody be on the same page when we made this decision.” Mark Dantonio, MSU football head coach
2 | T he Stat e N e ws | t hursday, ap ri l 3 , 2 01 4 | state ne ws.com
News briefs Police: Reported assault was false An alleged assault that was said to have taken place on March 23 is now being said to have been a false report, according to a statement released by MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor. According to the statement after talking to family of the alleged victim, police determined that the victim had made the story up. She originally alleged that around 12:30 a.m. she had a struggle with a man who hit her in the face with an unspecified object while the second man watched. She told police the two men then saw a car and began to walk towards the Sparty Statue and ran toward Yakeley Hall. GEOFF PRESTON
Downed power line causes some outages A downed power line in Lansing near the East Lansing border caused a large number of power outages for residents Wednesday morning. The power line, which fell down between Coleman Rd., and Lake Lansing Rd., caused outages for 1,999 Board of Water and Light customers. The outage occurred at 6:47 a.m. Wednesday morning. By 7:05 a.m., power had returned for 1,976 of the customers, according to a statement. As of 10:18 a.m., the 22 of the remaining 23 customers who were without power had it restored, and there was a crew on site fixing the issue for the one remaining customer. The BWL said in a statement they regret any customer inconveniences caused by the outages. Erik Sargent
Three-day forecast
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OBAMA
Congress currently is debating increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 from page one
“I have always supported raising the minimum wage, but in today’s economy I think it’s dangerous ... It is imperative that the minimum wage accurately reflects the economic conditions so that business owners are not burdened,” Rogers said in the statement. With many students working part-time jobs during their college years, the legislation could increase many students’ ability to rely less on loans and more on working wages to pay
ocr
MSU spokesman Jason Cody said the university “responded fully and appropriately” from page one
notification of the investigation in July 2011. The date and location bears striking similarity to an incident involving two MSU basketball players that reportedly occurred between Aug. 29 and Aug. 30, 2010 in Wonders Hall. Although names and identifiable details of alleged victims and assailants were redacted, the documents confirm there were two alleged assailants associated with the first case, dated Aug. 29, 2010 in communication between federal investigators and the university.
MCDOWELL
McDowell’s parents initially preferred other schools who were interested in signing him, such as U-M and Ohio State from page one
VOL . 104 | NO. 222
Saturday Cloudy High: 42° Low: 29°
Index Campus+city 3 Opinion 4 Features 5 Sports 6 Classifieds 5 Crossword 3
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managing editor Lauren Gibbons
Corrections
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The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during fall, spring and select days during summer semesters. A special Welcome Week edition is published in August. Subscription rates: $5 per semester on campus; $125 a year, $75 for one fall or spring semester, $60 for summer semester by mail anywhere in the continental United States. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies $0.75 at the business office only. State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.
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of students who are graduating the chance to cap monthly student loan payments at 10 percent of your income,” Obama said. The debate on the increase of the minimum wage has been a divided one. In a previous interview, MSU professor of economics Charles Ballard said raising the minimum wage could have either a positive or negative impact on the economy. “The biggest effect will be on the low wage jobs or the jobs at the bottom,” Ballard said. Ballard said he believes the economy would not be affected in a negative way if wages increased. Next week, Congress will have a chance to cast a vote on the minimum wage. “(Members of Congress) got to make a clear choice: talk the talk about valuing hardworking families, or walk the walk and actual-
ly value hardworking families,” Obama said. “You can give America the shaft, or you can give it a raise.” Seven states and the District of Columbia have raised their minimum wages since last year. In his speech, Obama bashed U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget proposal unveiled on Tuesday, which seeks to cut $5 trillion over the next decade by repealing the Affordable Care Act. “7.1 million Americans have now signed up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare,” Obama said. “Republicans in Congress put forward a budget for the country that I believe would shrink opportunity for your generation.”
In a w ritten statement, MSU spokesman Jason Cody denied t he allegations of noncompliance. “MSU responded fully and appropriately to the incidents under review,” Cody said. “While federal law and privacy concerns prevent MSU from fully discussing specifics, we have a comprehensive record of the actions we took that supports the university’s position that we acted appropriately.” The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or OCR, informed MSU in a letter sent in July 2011 it would investigate whether the university “failed to respond appropriately” to the student’s initial report of sexual assault and the reported retaliatory harassment she received from the students and the university in the months that followed. This past February, MSU received another letter from OCR requesting additional information and notifying
MSU of their intention to visit campus. A response letter sent three days later from MSU attorney Kristine Zayko questioned the OCR’s conduct, noting MSU did not received a response from the office until almost one year after it had initially submitted information in 2011. “The delay in processing and reaching resolution in this matter is both frustrating and incompatible with the expectations that OCR places on college and universities for conducting timely investigations,” the letter reads. Another case under investigation stems from an allegation that the university didn’t respond properly to a report of retaliatory harassment. According to a letter sent to the university in Feb. 2013, the student already had filed an internal grievance with MSU but disagreed with the university’s findings, leading OCR “to determine whether the univer-
sity provided (the student) with a resolution process comparable to OCR’s.” The most recent case being investigated questions whether MSU responded “promptly and equitably” to a 2013 report and whether the university’s alleged failure to properly respond “allowed a student or students and/or the campus, generally, to continue to be subjected to a sexually hostile environment.” The department is investigating whether MSU handled complaints in a manner compliant with Title IX, which prohibits gender-based discrimination in federally-funded institutions. Institutions are notified of changes in standards of compliance through “Dear Colleague” letters disseminated by OCR. Correspondence revealed MSU worked with OCR to amend their procedures in Oct. 2010, two months after the first case occurred.
the entire process, and I give credit to his mother for doing that. That’s not easy to do.” McDowell’s parents reportedly preferred the other finalist schools interested in signing the touted prospect: Michigan, Ohio State and Florida State. Had he not signed, other coaches could have contacted him starting April 12. Dantonio said this is one of the best defensive line classes he’s recruited, and everybody has a chance to get on the field this fall as true freshmen, especially McDowell. The prized haul of incoming Spartan defensive linemen also
includes tackles David Beedle, Craig Evans, Enoch Smith Jr. and end Robert Bowers. “I think Malik will be on the field for us,” he said. “He’s just too big and strong. He can play inside, he can play outside, he can pass rush, based on what I’ve seen from him in camps and his raw physical ability.” When McDowell came to camp at MSU, Dantonio said it was his high motor ability and his capacity to sustain his energy level throughout every drill or play that made McDowell a hot incoming prospect for the Spartans. “I think this is the best place
for Malik McDowell,” Dantonio said. “I sincerely think that. But I wanted him to find the best place for him too. I didn’t want it to all be about us.”
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solicit
East Lansing officials said a prostitution solicitation case was very unusual for the city from page one
tive James Newton, who did not return multiple requests from The State News for comment. The plea agreement has a conditional requirement of no upfront jail time. After nearly 30 years with the department, East Lansing police Capt. Jeff Murphy said he has not noticed a problem with prostitution. “I don’t recall ever seeing a prostitution charge,” he said. “It would be very unusual.” Murphy said there have been cases where prostitutes from other towns have come to East Lansing and either have been robbed, assaulted or have committed crimes themselves, but he does not recall any soliciting charges. MSU police said they were able to find Chapa after being notified by residence hall employees, but East Lansing police would probably have to handle the investigation differently. “If we ever had any indication of prostitution in East Lansing, we would probably investigate it with undercover officers,” he said. “Unless you have prostitutes on the street corner, it’s hard to run across one.” East Lansing City Attorney Thomas Yeadon said East Lansing has an ordinance against soliciting prostitution, but has not seen a case go through his office in the 30 years he has been in East Lansing. “We have a soliciting ordinance under our code, but in all my years of being here, I’ve never seen anyone charged under that ordinance,” he said. Chapa is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on April 21 in 54-B District Court.
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Continued
tuition, MSU College of Education Dean Donald Heller said in an email interview. “There could be an impact on student borrowing,” Heller said. “If students can earn more while working, they will likely need to borrow less, and some students who currently borrow may not have to borrow at all with a higher minimum wage.” Obama echoed that sentiment Wednesday. “Opportunity means guaranteeing every young people access to a world-class education, and that’s got to start with pre-K, all the way through higher education,” Obama said. Obama talked specifically about the importance of helping students with their education loans. According to The Institute for College Access & Success, the average student loan debt is of $29,400. “We’re offering millions
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SOLUTION WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE
4/3/14
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit
www.sudoku.org.uk © 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | t hu rs day, a pril 3, 2014 |
Campus+city
3
campus Editor Nolly Dakroury, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Katie Abdilla, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
wildlife
embracing
nature museum Exhibit examines
risk to turtle environment By Olivia Dimmer odimmer@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
MSU alumnus Frank Tuma looks at his broken rake Wednesday after helping keep the flower beds clean in front of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Street. Tuma, who volunteers with St. Joseph The Worker Guild, has helped with landscaping for about four years. Julia Nagy | The State News
stu de nt gove rn m e nt
Four colleges facing under-representation By Kary Askew Garcia kaskew@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
MSU’s undergraduate student government general elections are underway, but hundreds of students across four colleges have no candidates to vote for. Of the 14 undergraduate colleges, four will have no representation by the end of the election: the College of Nursing; the College of Communication Arts and Sciences; the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities; and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Greg Jackson, ASMSU’s chief of staff estimated two-thirds of the student government’s general assembly representatives actually win their seats through the election process. The rest become appointed. Each student vying for a representative seat must be approved by the general assembly’s vote. ASMSU President Kiran Samra said the student government wants to reach out to colleges that
don’t have representation by getting in contact with deans and professors and setting up meetings to discuss the importance of having representation on the general assembly. Jackson said not having representation could create missed opportunities to connect with university officials and push for change. Without the help of ASMSU, he wouldn’t have been able to create a new class in the College of Business, he said. Historically, RCAH has not had representation on the general assembly. This is partially because the college is fairly new, its first enrolled class started in 2007, in addition to the college having its
own class council. Arts and humanities sophomore and RCAH Council Treasurer Leila Ballard said the council recently discussed the idea of sending a member of the council to become a member of ASMSU, she said. “With the residential college being so small, I think it wasn’t our first priority,” she said. Ballard said the council wanted to first focus on hearing students’ ideas and concerns. She also said one of the council’s goals is to collaborate with people and organizations in the community before expanding their reach to the entire student body. The council hopes to have a representative on the general assembly for the fall semester and is currently looking into the appointment process, she said. Arts and humanities sopho-
ASMSU is looking to reach out for reps
more Maggie Hermanson thinks the RCAH Council does an effective job creating change. Hermanson said the council is keen on listening to students’ needs despite not having representation on the general assembly. Although Hermanson does not have a position on the council, she said she regularly attends meetings. She says more often than not, constituents are involved in the process of decision making and event planning. Students have more of a direct role in the council whether or not they have a position, she said. “The only change that is going to be made is if people are willing to make it,” she said. For colleges with no candidates running, students can add writein candidates, given that they sign a write-in candidacy agreement prior to the elections. Constituents from the College of Nursing could not be reached for comment.
at h l e t i c s
tech nology
Some college sports gear could cause hazards, new study shows
german company to arrive in U.S.
By Sierra Lay slay@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
When purchasing fan gear representing college teams, it is easy to get riled up by the sight of a rival team’s gear displayed on the same shelf. But there could be something more toxic at work in such sports gear — harmful chemicals. In a recent study posted by the Ecology Center, a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, researchers at HealthyStuff.org tested fan gear products for toxic chemicals. The study examined 65 products from 19 universities for levels of known toxicants including lead, chlorine, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, bromine and tin. Some of the chemicals have been known to cause health problems such as birth defects, learning impairment, developmental issues in children, reproductive problems and some types of cancer. Of the 65 items tested, about 20 of them contained little or no hazardous chemicals, research director at the Ecology Center Jeff Gearhart said. But this is not to lessen the amount of concern that should be allocated to the products found to contain toxicants. The center purchased the MSU items they tested from
“We’re concerned about the cumulative effect of these chemicals. We’re encouraging consumers to buy safer (alternatives to products).” Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center
Home Depot and Kroger in Michigan. They focused on purchasing products for testing from larger retailers, because of the bigger impact they have on the market. Of the nine products tested from those two retailers, four of them had a high level of chemicals in them, according to the study. Local Home Depot and Kroger managements declined to comment on the findings. One product, an MSU cushion seat, tested positive for phthalate plasticizers can lead to breast cancer and cause birth defects. Phthalate plasticizers are banned in children’s products by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, the Michigan laws concerning such chemical levels make these products legal, as long as they aren’t for children, Gearhart said. “We’re concerned about the cumulative effect of these chemicals,” Gearhart said. “We’re encouraging consumers to buy safer (alternatives to products).” Education junior Alex Seku-
lovski said she would be concerned if products she had purchased contained such chemicals, but noted her budget would play a part in whether or not she would change her shopping patterns. “Price plays a large factor … if it was a significant jump in price (to buy an alternative), I would opt out,” Sekulovski said. Ignoring the issue of high chemical levels in certain products is an example of not getting out in front of a problem, assistant manager of the Spartan Bookstore Mike Wylie said. He said his main concern would be confronting the manufacturer. “My gut reaction would be to pull a product (off the shelf) until we had more information,” Wylie said. The Ecology Center’s mission is to inform consumers of the chemicals present in the products they consume, allowing them to change the marketplace by opting for safer products.
German printing company voxeljet will bring its first U.S. facility to Canton, Mich., this year. Voxeijit is expected to form an online presence soon after. Voxeljet is the leading provider of high-speed, large-format 3-D printers in the world. The company’s first U.S. center is expected to create 15 to 20 high-tech local manufacturing jobs in Michigan during the first three years of the project. The announcement came Wednesday from Gov. Rick Snyder, who currently is in Germany. The service center is set to allow voxeljet to print on-demand parts, molds, cores and models for automotive and industrial customers. The designs are produced using 3-D computer-aided design software. Along with voxeljet, Snyder and the Michigan delegation also met with senior executives of ZF, a world-wide leader of driveline and chassis technology. The company currently employs more than 1,350 employees in Michigan at its headquarters in Northville, Mich., and also features production facilities in Marysville and Lapeer. Erik Sargent
A new exhibit at the MSU Museum looks to illuminate the rough lives turtles live and the fate the population might face if nothing is done. “Turtles in Trouble,” which debuted Saturday, showcases the lifelong work of MSU Wildlife Information Specialist Jim Harding, who photographs and researches turtles. The exhibit also includes ceramic sculptures of turtles made by artist Mark Muhich, a friend of Harding’s. Harding said he first discovered his interest in turtles when one crawled across his driveway when he was 5. Since then, he has studied their declining population. He said human interference, such as pet trading and habitat destruction, has endangered a species that otherwise would remain sustainable. “Turtles socially and historically have been held in high esteem because they live long lives,” Harding said. “They live long lives because they reproduce very slowly and most of their eggs are destroyed. But with humans exploiting them at such a high level, they can’t keep up at that level of reproduction.” The exhibit features various photos taken by Harding and text that explains the possible fate of the turtles. After meeting Muhich, Harding encouraged him to sculpt turtles to help draw attention to the
Crossword
Across
1 Lab has lots of them 7 Many a chalet 13 Nielsen of “Airplane!” 14 Purple Label designer 15 Open, as a fern frond 16 Relieving 17 Olfactory detection 18 Rumor starter 22 Spanish pronoun 23 Vintage auto 24 Ballerina’s asset 26 Dress nattily, with “up” 27 Wrinkle-resistant synthetic 29 Alternative to gravel, perhaps 30 Humiliate 32 With 37-Across, what the circled words (shown in the appropriate direction) are capable of doing 35 Poker variety 36 Golfer Isao 37 See 32-Across 39 Part of a process 42 “Bartender, make __ double!” 43 Tie the knot on the sly 47 LBJ’s antipoverty agcy. 48 Sierra __ 51 “Papa-__-Mow-Mow”: 1962 novelty hit 52 Suffix with school
species. Being an environmentalist, Muhich saw the opportunity to combine art and environmental science. “ I hop e that people can be aware and try to do s om e thing about it,” Muhich said. “Like I said Satu rday at the opening, when I make these turtles there’s a certain point where Tricia the turtle Green says back to Brockman, me ‘you’ve Herpetology made me, Club member but what are you doing to prevent me from going extinct?’ I hope whoever views the exhibit asks themselves that same question.” Zoology and fisheries and wildlife senior Tricia Green Brockman, a member of the MSU Herpetology Club, is looking forward to visiting the exhibit and learning more about the turtles featured. “Being a (herpetology) lover, I am obviously disturbed by the fast rate of turtle disappearances around the globe,” Brockman said. “They are really susceptible to habitat distraction and human consumption, not to mention all of the problems they are facing due to global warming … They’re kind of like the canary in the coal mine for the environment.”
“
“They’re kind of like the canary in the coal mine for the environment.”
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle
54 Former “The View” co-host 55 Conglomeration 56 ‘30s-’50s British Labour Party leader 58 25-Down div. 60 One on a ladder, to a kitten up a tree 61 Property recipient, in law 62 Join up 63 Garden sides
Down
1 Prefix with scope 2 Shark, maybe 3 Comparable to a cucumber 4 Hurtful remark 5 Cocktail with cassis 6 Baseball commissioner under whom interleague play became a reality 7 Wake-up call, say 8 Pilot-licensing org. 9 Red herring 10 __ Nashville: country record label 11 “Stay Fresh” candy 12 Mesh, as gears 19 Tee off 20 Joie de vivre 21 Carrier with a Maple Leaf Lounge 24 “Here’s what happened next ...” 25 Ones getting lots of Bronx cheers 28 Hops driers
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
31 Speakeasy employee 33 Saturn SUV 34 Physics class topic 38 Bryce Canyon state 39 Cider press leftovers 40 Patricia of “Everybody Loves Raymond” 41 Of a blood line 44 “Va-va-voom!” 45 Self-assured 46 Gushes on a set 49 His last blog post ended, “I’ll see you at the movies” 50 Most Iraqis 53 Mid-11th century year 55 Eye, at the Louvre 57 Some RPI alums 59 Mike Trout’s team, on scoreboards
Get the solutions at
statenews.com/puzzles
4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | T h ur sday, Ap ri l 3 , 201 4 | staten e ws.com
Opinion
Featured blog Boy Meets World spinoff brings us back to the 90s
Ou r v o i c e | E d i t o r i a l
Time to defund ASMSU? EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Kullgren editor in chief Rebecca Ryan opinion editor Matt Sheehan staff representative Meagan Beck Opinion reporter
I
f you only vote in one student government election during your four years here, this is it.
The online ballot, which closes Monday, gives voters the option to re-approve the $16.75 persemester tax that funds ASMSU’s operations, and the $1.25 tax that funds the readership program, totalling $18 per semester. If it passes, business will continue as usual. If not, ASMSU would essentially cease to exist. The operations renewal comes up for a vote once every three years, meaning this likely will be your only chance to weigh in on this issue. In short, is ASMSU giving you your $144 worth? We wish the answer was an unwavering yes. Unfortunately, we’re not so sure. As always, we encourage everyone to vote. Although some colleges do not have candidates on the ballot, voting is an important choice because these representatives will eventually decide on who
Fans from the 90s sitcom “Boy Meets World” will now have more information about the spinoff show “Girl Meets World” from E! Online. The website released a photo and cast names today of the cast for the show that is going to be aired on the Disney Channel sometime this summer.
should be our next president. But voting doesn’t gest you vote yes on mean absentmindedly approving everything on this one. But in addition to the ballot. Probably the most important service ASMSU cur- these tangible benefits, — Christine LaRouere, State News guest reporter rently provides to students is free legal representa- ASMSU is meant to reption, which are funded in part by your tax dollars. resent students and their Read the rest online at conSome of us might not ever expect statenews.com/blog. cerns, to get into trouble. But you never Apathetic toward our based on know when you might be faced student government? colleges and with an MIP or disagreement with student groups. a landlord over a housing conYou have three However, some of these tract. This service, and the taxes options: get to know colleges currently are lackyou pay to support it, is essentialing representation. ly an insurance fee in case you your representative, James Madison College much representation you’re receiving. ever need a dependable lawyer. throw them out of has five candidates on the This service, if no other, is reaASMSU is aware of the issue, and has said office or defund ballot, while the College it will reach out to college deans to appoint son enough to vote yes on renewCommunication Arts and representatives to unfilled positions. Yet it’s no ing the tax. ASMSU altogether Sciences, College of Nursing, secret some students are apathetic toward ASMSU. Consider that ASMSU’s tax C ol leg e of Ve te r i n a r y The student government held campus-wide town also provides us free blue books Medicine and the Residential hall meetings to give students the chance to meet throughout the year from its office in the Student Services Building, and funds College in the Arts and Humanities have none. candidates running for this year’s positions and to the Red Cedar Log, MSU’s yearbook. They also Students can write in names for spots with no learn more about the program as a whole. Almost have a supply of iClickers available for rent at the candidates. ASMSU is supposed to represent the no one attended. concerns of the students, but what if no one steps beginning of each semester. Maybe you’re apathetic toward ASMSU and An additional $1.75 tax for the readership pro- up to represent the college — will those students’ it’s legal services. Maybe you don’t feel like your gram is also up for vote. It provides access to concerns still be appropriately represented? The voice is being represented. That leaves you three USA Today, Detroit Free Press, New York Times taxes might be a worthy investment if you feel options: get to know your representative, throw and Financial Times. Obviously we think read- like your representative is properly advocating for them out of office or defund ASMSU altogether. ing the news is good (big surprise), so we sug- your needs. But take a second and consider how It’s your call.
Just so you know
Comments from Facebook nn
An industry insider says MSU guard Gary Harris is signing with a professional agent
Wednesday’s poll results JUST SO YOU KNOW No 30%
Top ten pick hopefully #8 to the pistons
31% One 23%
Have you voted in the ASMSU elections yet?
None 74%
Gabriel Santiago, April 1
I don’t say this often, because it’s generally not true for the majority of kids... but he is actually better off moving on to the NBA. Niti Victor Kupatavetin, April 1
13% 56% 0
10
20
30 40 PERCENT
50
60 editorial cartoonist
Yes No, but I plan to No, and I probably won’t Total votes: 40 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday
brandon hankins bhankins@statenews.com
Today’s state news poll
Do you think the $18 per-semester tax to ASMSU is a worthy investment? To vote, visit statenews.com.
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How to reach us Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Rebecca Ryan at (517) 432-3070. By email opinion@statenews. com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823
opinion column
Promoting art should be bigger concern
T
his past Thursday marked the end of graduate student Betsy Ferrer’s art presentation in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities Art Studio above the Gallery at Snyder and Phillips halls, which featured works from different artists hailing from the greater Kisumu area, located in western Kenya. The gallery displayed beautiful pieces ranging from still lifes to animal scenes to daily Kenyan life, which were being sold in hope of raising money for a new Kisumu art gallery for local artists to showcase their work. With my long standing appreciation for the arts, it’s been tough watching a nation as capable as ours let them slip away, but Betsy’s dedication to investing in Kisumu’s creative sector was a clear reminder to me that there’s hope yet. As someone who coincidentally resided in Kisumu for the summer of 2012, where I was working on malaria and environmental projects, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Betsy’s gallery project here at MSU. During my stint in Kenya I spent my free time exploring east Africa, during which I spoke with people from all walks of life, doing my best to understand the roots of their culture. I noticed there was an emphasis on music, crafts and visual arts, as in most “developing” communities. Despite being thrilled for the city of
Kisumu that there are people such as Betsy gave me an outlet amid all the chaos to looking out for the art community’s best relax, focus and be myself, be it inside interests, I raise it as a counterpoint to what or outside of “the lines.” It’s exactly that has been happening here in the U.S. for diversity that administrators are beginning to miss dearly in student bodies today. the past decade or so. Focusing on Lansing as a comparative, I Since the stock market crash in 2007, can honestly say I don’t believe due almost solely to U.S. the students growing up in the financial sector greed guest columnist district now will graduate with and malpractice, public the same abilities as those who education has suffered graduated from the district a billions in cuts, most of mere year or two ago. Last which have been targeted year alone, more than 80 toward creative outlets positions were cut within the while at tempting to Lansing School District, the preserve the integrity of majority of which were art, “necessary” subjects, such music and gym teachers. In as math and science. It’s response to these cuts, 10-20 understandable that in sam Corden aids have been contracted this day and age, the more cordensa@msu.edu to help traditional teachers analytical subjects would incorporate these subjects into appear to be the most important to push, but a well-rounded their daily activities. Yes, this is beneficial, society can’t put all of its eggs in only a but not near an adequate replacement. Further, after Michigan’s decision to few educational baskets. Having had the fortune of being raised become a “Right to Work” state, teachers in an affluent community with excellent are being forced into new contractual schools and extracurricular options, I had situations, which put them at a further the ability to dabble in many different disadvantage. Planning periods have been subjects. There’s little doubt that each had cut, classroom sizes have been increased, their own influence on me — not just the pay has decreased down to 2005 levels and “core” subjects. Athletics taught teamwork; now they’re expected to teach subjects that English courses expanded my literary fall outside of their credentials. Believe me when I say, as someone who conscience; science and math courses taught me reason and understanding; has a parent who works as a middle school journalism gave me valuable interviewing social studies teacher, this struggle is very and writing skills; art and music courses real, and it merely continues to push peo-
ple away from the profession and weaken our public education system as a whole. For centuries, the arts have been a focal point for life, culture and celebration; yet in an era where we’ve become so focused on the bottom line and believe we’re being creative because our Instagram has “filter options,” we’ve seen the arts dragged through the mud and have done very little as a society to object. I pose the question, in an age where ADD runs rampant, should we cut the subjects that teachers openly admit help even their most restless students calm down? When obesity levels are at an all time high, should we be cutting physical fitness classes? Above all else, do we really want our society to consist of the same few types of single-minded individuals? As someone who appreciates the color in this world, I certainly hope not. Betsy believes the creative sectors in a city as underfunded as Kisumu can be of value; I stand beside her in that effort, and I find it troubling that despite the bountiful resources the U.S. possesses, we don’t do the same. The time has come to realize that public education should not serve as a pathway that inevitably leads us toward a reproduced role in a struggling society; public education must be reestablished as an institution of growth for all types of minds, in hopes of developing individuals that will someday lead us to new great heights. Sam Corden is an environmental studies senior. Reach him at cordensa@msu.edu.
5 | Th e Stat e N e ws | t h ur sday, ap ri l 3 , 201 4
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Features community
Features editor Anya Rath, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
arts
Student begins recovery after suffering from massive stroke By Erin Gray egray@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
When computer science sophomore Tim Taviano woke up from surgery, the first thing he wanted to know was how the men’s basketball team fared in the Elite Eight. Despite an MSU loss to UConn, basketball was Taviano the last thing on the minds of his loved ones. On March 24, Tim suffered from a massive stroke in his dorm room. His suitemate, journalism sophomore Jalen Walker, heard a loud thud in the morning around 7:15 a.m. and witnessed Tim stumbling into the bathroom. Walker found Tim vomiting and disoriented and called for help. “I couldn’t really tell what was going on and he started getting shorter and shorter on his responses,” Walker said. Walker tried to get Tim some water, but Tim was unable to drink it. When police, medics and firefighters made it to East Akers Hall, they also tried to get Tim talking, he said. “(Tim) knew his name, he knew who he was but he didn’t know what day of the week it was,” Walker said. Tim was immediately rushed to Sparrow Hospital. Doctors are still unsure as to how or why the stroke happened, but when he came in, Tim was bleeding from his brain. Later that morning, Tim underwent major brain surgeries to stop the bleeding, said his father, Steve Taviano. Tim was sedated the next day, Tuesday, following the surgery. Doctors held a flashlight to
his eyes and Tim remained unresponsive. There was no change on Wednesday. An MRI confirmed Tim had suffered from a stroke, and he underwent another surgery to remove the flap bone on the right side of his skull, allowing his brain to swell to stop the bleeding. Tim’s cousin, Tug Taviano, said when Tim gained consciousness after his surgeries, he wrote on a piece of paper, “Y am I here?” “He waved his hand, he told his mother he loves her, and he’s been talking to the nurses like crazy,” Tug said. He also asked after the men’s basketball team — head coach Tom Izzo had sent Tim a “get well” card on the day the team was leaving for New York, Tug said. Since then, recovery will be slow and steady. In six to eight weeks, the flap bone of his brain will be replaced, his father said. “That is just the beginning of his recovery process,” Tug said. Still, progress is being made. Doctors are considering putting a helmet on Tim on Thursday to protect his skull as he begins to walk again after his stroke. Tim is now conscious and recently finished his first full meal, his father said. In the meantime, Tim’s parents are taking time off of work to be able to be by his side in the hospital. And his cousin Tug has created a donation site asking the Spartan community to help with the hospital expenses. More than $6,000 has been raised as of Wednesday night. “The people from MSU are really taking care of us,” Tim’s father said.
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Performers Oleksii Kozakov, left, and Okelsandr Romashin practice for the Cirque du Soleil show “Varekai” on Wednesday in the Breslin Center. “Varekai” consists of both acrobatics and live music. Allison Brooks/ The State News
Cirque du Soleil returns to E.L. for third time By Casey Holland cholland@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
When hospitality business senior Celeste Wolf’s boyfriend picked her up from class, neither of them expected they would suddenly find themselves purchasing tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s opening night “Varekai” performance. However, when they saw the 19 semi-trailers outside of the Breslin Center, neither of them could resist the thought of witnessing the show’s breathtaking acrobatics and stunts. When asked what they expected to see, they unanimously agreed on one thing: “Something awesome.” Cirque du Soleil has returned to East Lansing for the third time. The 100 cast and crew members will tell the hour and 45-minute tale of “Varekai” through acro-
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batics and music at the Breslin Center every evening until Sunday night. “Varekai” is the story of Icarus as interpreted by Cirque du Soleil. Icarus, a character in Greek mythology, flew too close to the sun using wings made of wood, feathers and wax. Although his father cautioned him against it, Icarus ended up flying too close to the sun, causing his wings to melt and sending him catapulting down to the ocean. In the Cirque du Soleil performance, Icarus finds himself stranded in the mysterious forest of Varekai rather than ending up swallowed by the sea. Gasps morphed into applause as audience members witnessed Icarus’s first routine, engrossed as he used only a net as his trapeze to give the illusion of soaring above the court floor. Once in Varekai, Icarus meets
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PET CARE looking for hardworking individual, 25-30 hrs/week, days and wknds. Animal exp preferred. Resume to Melissa @ PO Box 277 Haslett 48840.
$0 DEPOSIT Special! 3 BDRMS, 2 full bath, lic for 3. Walk to class. Washer + dryer. Parking included! Only 2 Left! 517-2331121.
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years of her life practicing tumbling gymnastics. Audience members’ mouths were agape as they watched the performers flip and swing atop the trapeze. One performer, Kerren McKeeman, performed a solo acrobatic act that she choreographed. McKeeman held onto the trapeze as it lowered from a hole in the ceiling before she glided around the arena, soaring effortlessly above audience member’s heads. “It’s like any other Cirque du Soleil show — you don’t have to necessarily understand the language or story to understand what it is,” Napoli said. “It’s the beautiful acrobatics and costumes, accompanied by live music.” Prices vary by day. Check Breslin Center site for pricing information.
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a colorful cast of characters. The vibrant creatures speak in their own language, letting their precise movements and routines tell the story. Show publicist Vanessa Napoli said the story is one of rebirth and portrays everything from Icarus learning to stand on his own two feet again to falling in love. “These are things we can all relate to in our everyday lives,” Napoli said. “We always feel like we’re going through transitions where we’re getting to know ourselves.” Fifty people participate in the show. The youngest member is 18 years old, and the oldest actor is about 60. The oldest cast member to perform acrobatics is 49. Many of the show’s acrobats have been practicing since they were small children. Ayla Ahmadova, an artist for the “Slippery Slope” act, said she spent eight
Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 6 — Change your passwords or upgrade your computer antivirus. Secure the perimeter. Intuition provides a new vision of the future you want to see realized. Clean up a mess. Something’s lost but something’s gained. Let your imagination run free. Write or draw your ideas. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 5 — The Moon’s in your sign, and your words travel. Take an undisciplined approach farther than imagined. Work’s required, and it could get chaotic. Others contribute creatively. Difficulties become apparent. You can do more at home. Get family to help. Use elbow grease. Glimpse the future. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 5 — Postpone arguments. Sort and file quietly instead. Hold onto what you have. Try out your pitch on a family member. Unity of purpose prevails, so clarify the message. You see improvement in your career. Inspect a nagging suspicion, and end speculation. Relax at home. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 7 — This is a problem you can figure out. There’s more work coming in. Test intuition by researching the facts. Present results to associates. Expand a little at a time. Persuade others that you are right. Buy tickets when everyone agrees on the schedule. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — A little mistake has big consequences. Keep practicing. Do what you already know works. Timing is everything. Nothing remains the same forever, anyway. New information changes the picture. Keep digging and find the clue. Express yourself, and the impact of your message ripples out.
P:517.507.0135
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7 — You have plenty coming in, but keep expenses down anyway. A new item for the home could be appropriate. Anticipate a surprise. Others rely on your knowledge. A partner’s stubbornness causes problems. Ease things with kindness and good food. Give and receive love.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7 — Play by the rules, even as you feel like rebelling. Gather valuable information, and make a brilliant discovery. You can learn what you need to surpass an obstacle. Good news arrives, especially about joint resources. Luxuriating at home with family restores balance. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7 — Don’t stir up jealousies or controversy. Lean, but not too hard. Gentle persistence works better than force. A lucky break changes your hand. You can’t do everything, so fix things first. Proceed with care. You’re on the right track. Follow your intuition. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7 — You’re gaining confidence, despite unsettled conditions. Replace broken parts and repair infrastructure. Provide excellent service. Do it for love. Your efforts go farther than expected, with benefits beyond the amount contributed. Rewards include positive attention and cash. Nurture yourself with good food, exercise and rest. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — Savor sensual delights like flavor, aroma, color and beautiful compositions. Take creative risks, but don’t launch your project publicly yet. Consider aesthetics and mood. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Find what you need in your own backyard. Collaborate with someone fun and interesting. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 6 — Add beauty to your place... flowers maybe, color and style. The mood seems optimistic and empowered, rebellious even. Take an idea and run with it. Test the limits of a creative vision. Invest in supplies and preparation. Plan a launch or event for later. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 6 — It could get chaotic, with communications that reach farther than expected, and pleasant surprises, including a moment of sheer genius. Your partner contributes. An old competitor changes tunes. Despite a lack of orderly discipline, it could get profitable. Evaluate it all philosophically.
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Sports THE STATE NEWS nn
The women’s tennis team is looking toward two home matches this weekend after picking up its second and third conference wins against Nebraska and Iowa on Friday and Sunday. T he Spar tans won bot h matches by a score of 4-3, improving their record to 15-4 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten. This year, the team has the most wins — 15 — since the 1990-91 team, which holds the school record with 18 wins. The Spartans will be back home this weekend to compete against Illinois at noon on Saturday and No. 11 Northwestern at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
This year’s squad has collected the most wins for a women’s tennis team in more than two decades To open the Nebraska match, MSU clinched the doubles point. Senior Marina Bohrer and freshman Erin Faulkner beat Nebraska’s Maggy Lehmicke and Mary Hanna, 8-5. Junior Catherine Parenteau and freshman Athena Trouillot defeated Lisa Andersson and Hannah Sulz in a 8-4 match. MSU won the doubles points for the 14th time this season. In the singles, the team won three of six matches, and head coach Simone Jardim called the singles play a “roller coaster,” according to msuspartans.com. Nebraska won the first two singles matches, but Bohrer picked up her 14th win of the spring season, beating Lehmicke 6-4, 6-2, followed by Par-
3
Number of years it’s been since the MSU baseball team beat the Lansing Lugnuts in the Crosstown Showdown.
baseball
Spartans ready for home matches after two victories msanches@statenews.com
#SNDailynumber
sports editor Beau Hayhoe, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
women’s tennis
By Mayara Sanches
6
enteau. She defeated Andersson 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to give MSU a 3-2 lead. When Nebraska evened the match, Trouillot came back from a loss in a tiebreaker to win the final game, getting the victory for the Spartans. “I knew there was a lot on the line, and I would have to come up with something big,” Trouillot told msuspartans.com. “The support of my teammates was unbelievable. I told myself you shouldn’t play to lose, you have to play to win and that you are going to have to take it because they aren’t going to give it to you. So I went and took it.” As for the match against Iowa, Bohrer and Faulkner lost their match, as did Parenteau and Trouillot. This was only the fifth of 19 matches in which the Spartans did not get the doubles point. Bouncing back, the team won four of six singles matches, helping the Spartans win the match, 4-3. Senior Olga Chernova won two straight sets against Iowa’s Katie Zordani, tallying her 15th win of the Spring. Parenteau was the sixth Spartan to win at least 10 matches this spring, when she defeated Shelby Talcott in the Iowa match, 6-4, 6-4. Faulkner took dow n Iowa’s Mor ven McCulloch 6-4, 7-5, and Trouillot won the fourth MSU point by beating Iowa’s Aimee Tarun. “After doubles, the team brought themselves together and really did it. It wasn’t us coaches telling them to get it together, they did it for themselves. It was a whole team effort,” Jardim told msuspartans.com after saying she was not happy about losing the doubles point.
Prepping for game with Lugnuts, MSU beats Oakland at home, 5-3 By Robert Bondy rbondy@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
A day before playing the Lansing Lugnuts, MSU baseball reached a season high winning streak Wednesday afternoon, topping Oakland 5-3 in the home opener. Junior catcher Blaise Salter and junior center fielder Anthony Cheky had solid outings, with the duo combining for three doubles and a home run. Cheky got MSU on the board in the bottom of the third inning with a two-run homer. Freshman pitcher Joe Mockbee picked up his first career win as a Spartan, coming in for two innings of relief. Junior pitcher Jeff Kinley got the save on Tuesday. Head coach Jake B o s s J r. w a s pleased with the w in, despite his team not playing what he thought was its best game. “Every win’s a good win,” Boss said. “Admittedly, we probably didn’t play as well as I would have hoped, but it’s good to finally be home.” Oakland got off to a hot start, scoring a run in each of the first three innings to build a 3-0 lead, but MSU used a big bottom half of the third to tie the game. After freshman Dan Durkin singled to right field, Cheky hit a two-run home run on the second pitch to trim the
Oakland lead to just one run. Junior shortstop Ryan Richardson then scored from first off a Salter double to tie the game at three. MSU would take the lead, 4-3, in the bottom of the fifth off a single from Richardson, scoring Cheky from third base. It appeared Oakland had tied the game at 4-4 in the top of the seventh inning off a sacrifice fly from junior third baseman Spencer Marentette, but sophomore first baseman Brett Impemba left third base too early. The play was officially ruled a double play and MSU held onto its 4-3 lead. MSU extended its lead in the bottom half of that inning, scoring off a sacrifice fly from senior designated hitter Joel Fisher. Pickens scored the run to give MSU a 5-3 lead. MSU finished with 10 hits compared to Oakland’s 13. Pickens recorded one hit on Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. MSU now will ride its four-game winning streak into t he eight h annual Crosstown Showdown on Thursday against the minor-league Lansing Lugnuts. The game has become a wellknown event amongst the Lansing area and MSU community. The game is officially ruled an exhibition game, but both clubs put a lot of emphasis on the game for multiple reasons. Lansing Lugnuts General Manager Nick Grueser said the game is a great opportunity for the team to get used to the play-
MSU now is preparing to play the Lansing Lugnuts on Thursday
Danyelle Morrow/The State News
Junior center fielder Anthony Cheky prepares to swing during the home opener against Oakland on Wednesday at McLane Baseball Stadium at Old College Field. The Spartans defeated the Grizzlies, 5-3.
ing elements before the season begins. Thursday’s Crosstown Showdown is set to begin at 7:05 p.m. at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing. The game can also be seen on the Big Ten Network. MSU is 2-5 in series against the Lugnuts, last winning in 2011. “It’s an exhibition game and it helps these guys,” Gruesser said. “One thing that is different (from
spring training) is the temperatures, so it kind of helps the players get their blood used to the weather.” Salter also will enter the game with plenty of excitement. Salter will be playing in his third Crosstown Showdown on Thursday. He said it’s always fun getting to play in front of a big crowd and in a professional atmosphere.
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Thomas looking to expand role after injuries
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By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Junior defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas joined the football program as a four-star recruit in 2011, widely viewed as the top high school prospect in the state. Since then, it’s been a carousel of position changes and injuries. Thomas Although he started playing linebacker in high school, he’s played at fullback, linebacker, defensive end and tight end during his time in East Lansing. Injuries have limited Thomas in the past, the most recent being a back injury that restrained him last season. Entering spring training, a now-healthy Thomas said he has a chip on his shoulder as he set-
tles into his spot on the defensive line. Which exact spot — defensive end or tackle — is yet to be determined, as MSU coaches believe he can excel in multiple positions. Head coach Mark Dantonio said he’s seen “flashes” of his ability at defensive end, and named him as one of the guys who have stood out in spring practice. “He’s a guy that you remember last year, he had a shoulder injury, missed spring ball, and then he had the back episode, took him into the season and (he) really didn’t start playing until October,” Dantonio said. “This is the first time he’s been able to get his feet on the ground fundamentally in a spring practice, summer practice-type environment.” Thomas said after the numerous position changes, he is “comfortable” with the prospect of having a defined position entering the season. Junior defensive end Shilique Calhoun, a breakout
star from the defensive line a season ago, is confident Thomas is up for the job, noting his versatility as a plus. “He was D-tackle, now he’s came out to D-end,” Calhoun. “He has a lot of potential playing inside and outside. He gets off the ball fast. He was a linebacker coming in, so you know he’s going to know the defense. He understands it and he’s going to play it to the best of his ability.” It hasn’t been the easiest road for Thomas, but he said he never questioned whether his career was in jeopardy as he dealt with injuries. With a potential larger role awaiting, he welcomes the opportunity. “Little league football, high school, I did a little bit of everything because I knew if someone went down, I gotta be the next man up,” Thomas said. “I come into this season with a chip on my shoulder — I haven’t proved nothing yet.”
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