The April 12 issue of the Southern Digest

NEWS

pain at the pump

SPORTS

VIEWPOINTS

Interim AD discusses athletics. pG. 5

EIC discusses complaints. pG. 7

... about the DiGest

pugh’s plans for su

Drivers cut back as prices rise. pG. 3

estABLished in 1928

WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM

Sumner cruises to win second term as SGA president by eVan taylor DigeSt MAnAging eDitor

Minutes after regaining his seat in landslide fashion Monday incumbent SGA President Demetrius Sumner began planning for his end of his first term and the beginning of his second.

Sumner’s 853 votes were good enough for him to win outright garnering more than 50 percent of the voting student body. The win makes Sumner one of few SGA presidents ever to win re-election.

“I was stunned. It’s very seldom someone takes 50-percent-plus-one on the first go around,” said Sumner. “I was so thankful for everything that the students have given me. They have blessed me with a second term … I am ready to work.”

Sumner won with more than a majority against opponents Marlin Hollins, Dadrius Lanus, and Langston Williams.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

VOL. 57, ISSUE 14

Landslide Victory Demetrius Sumner 853*

Budget woes hit advisement

Marlin Hollins

324

by charles haWkins

Langston Williams

124

Dadrius Lanus

121

SGA PRESIDENT

“I am very shocked. I’m baffled by the results. I wish Demetrius lots of luck and I will be around to offer my support,” said Hollins.

Williams was proud to have participated in campaign season win or lose.

“God’s will be done. I gave a good race considering I only had two days of campaigning,” said Williams.

SGA Vice Presidential candidates race was much closer in numbers; leading to a run-off between Myeisha Webb and Kiara Stewart.

“It’s game time. My strategy is to look at the numbers where I lacked and hit those people hard,” said Webb.

Webb and Stewart now have to prepare for the Run-off Debate and Election.

Stewart said, “My fight is not over. I’m not sleepy. I’m not tired and I’m ready.”

DigeSt StAFF Writer

“I guess I’ll just have to get out there and grind harder.”

However there was an outright victory in the Association for women students and Men’s Federation elections.

Incumbent president Ja’el Gordon reclaimed her seat with 631 votes more than half of the overall votes over her opponent Tanequa Franklin capturing 222 votes in total.

“I am so thankful and humble about all of the female students who took time to come out and vote. Thankful that they understood my process and how I want to give back to women, minorities,

Southern University’s advisement process has undergone major changes over the last year due to the budget cuts.

Consequently advisors from several departments were laid off due to recent cuts.

Some students agree with these changes while others don’t see much of an improvement because they don’t really have a direct relationship with their advisor.

Professors are expected to carry out the intended duties that advisors were once responsible for in an attempt to improve services. During an interview with Associate Professor of English Cynthia Bryant she stated, “The real purpose of advisors is to keep students on track and help them graduate in a reasonable amount of time.” She later went on to say that she personally tries talks to professors of the students she advises in order to make sure her students are doing well.

“Not just anyone can be an advisor,” Bryant said, “they must be a person willing to take their time to learn the curriculum and keep up with the students.” Proper knowledge of and experience with the curriculum is said to help a person be more qualified for an advisory position.

The only persistent problem in advisory positions has been the lack of communication between the advisors of each department.

Chair of the Foreign Language Department Dr. Lassiter said, “There is a need for more articulation and communication between departments so that the advisement office can convey the right information to the student.” This problem has caused students many problems from registering into unnecessary courses to delayed graduation.

“Once the budget crisis is over an advisement office will still be

See elections page 3

See advisers page 3

photo by treVor James/DiGest File photo

incumbent SgA President Demetrius Sumner garnered nearly 300 more votes than the three other candidates combined in his successful reelection bid in Monday’s student primary elections.

Adetoba shared his dedication to SGA beyond his

Webb and Stewart in the run-off edged out in front of opponents and fellow candidates Olusegun Adetoba and Julien Singleton.

See landslide page 3

Jamison, Isiadinso left standing by norman J. Dotson Jr.

MISS SOUTHERN

DigeSt eDitor-in-ChieF

photo courtesy oF Wil norWooD

Janea Jamison leads the field for Miss Southern after Monday’s student primary elections.

SUNNY HIGH

81° | 54° LOW

With the end of general elections the winners and run-off candidates have been selected I this years Student Government Association.

“It’s a feeling of accomplishment that’s going to push me a little step closer to my dream,” said Janea Jamison a candidate for Miss Southern in the upcoming run-off elections. While Jamison captured 451 votes her run-off opponent Chisolu Isiadinso followed close behind with 403 votes.

To win outright a candidate must obtain 50 percent plus one in order to claim the position without

Janea Jamison

451*

Chisolu Isiadinso

403*

Michelle Anderson

284

Meagan Callier

209

Jillian Crawley-Foster 103 a run-off. In order for a Miss Southern candidate to do so she would have needed to acquire 726 votes.

Also in the run-offs are chief justice candidates Corey Smith with 511 votes and Maurlence Martin trailing with 467 votes.

“I feel like I did pretty good, I want to thank my campaign team for their hard work,” said Martin.

INSIDE

CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2  SPORTS......................5 NEWS.............................3 VIEWPOINTS......................7

S O U T H E R N

U N I V E R S I T Y ,

B A T O N

R O U G E ,

L A .

CAMPUS BRIEFS Page 2 Page 2 - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

www.southerndigest.com

HI - 46° / LO - 30° 30% CHANCE OF RAIN

THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

sunny HI - 82° / LO - 61° 0% CHANCE OF PRECIP

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

isolateD t-storms

HI - 81°/ LO - 68° 30% CHANCE OF PRECIP

Leather sofa & other home furniture for sale.

Call 288.5187 for details.

Café Lacumba will be serving up sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, snacks, and beverages every Wednesday from 11AM-1:30PM. Café Lacumba is located in 161 Pinkie E. Thrift Hall (between Tourgee A. DeBose Hall and James Blaine Moore Hall). For more information, please call (225) 771- 4660.

APRIL 16

Campus Briefs

sickle cell aWareness Walk

Classifieds apartments For rent

Looking to move? Call now about our great movein specials. 1.866.972.5495.

Furniture For sale

TODAY Visual arts eXhibition 2011

The Visual Arts Gallery in Frank Hayden Hall will host works from the Seniors in Visual Arts in their Senior Student Visual Arts Exhibition.

The art will be available for view following the opening reception today at 6pm. The exhibit will be in the gallery from after the reception until April 27. Gallery hours are from 10am to 4pm.

2011 elections

Election run-off Debate is scheduled for today at 6:30pm in the Cotillion Ballroom and the Run off Election will be held in the Cotillion Ballroom on Wednesday from 9am5pm. Students must have a picture ID to vote.

APRIL 13 antiGone in hayDen hall

The Frank Hayden Hall Theatre will host Sophocles’ ANTIGONE adapted by Emily Mann on April 13-16 at 7pm.

Tickets will be sold at the door $5 for adults and $3 for students. caFÉ lacumba

Come join your colleagues and faculty for a delicious and healthy lunch! All items are made fresh and can be enjoyed as dine-in or on-the-go.

Southern University’s Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its Sickle Cell Awareness Walk at 9 a.m., April 16, on Southern University’s campus. The event is a fundraiser for the Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation. The walk will start at F.G. Clark Activity Center and end in front of Smith-Brown Memorial Union. They will provide screenings and information concerning blood pressure, blood sugar, hemoglobin levels, etc.

This event is free to the public. Food, drinks, and music will be provided.

7th annual Jazz brunch anD silent auction

Southern University’s Center for International Education’s 7th annual Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction will be held on April 16 from 10am- 1pm.

The sounds of smooth Jazz by the Herman Jackson Jazz Ensemble, international dancers, an international fashion show and a silent auction of items from around the world will be featured.

Funds generated from the brunch will assist students and faculty members their travels for the University’s Study Abroad program.

Tickets are $35 each, $250 for a table of 10. For group table reservation or to purchase tickets, call 225.771.2613.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

scattereD t-storms

sunny

HI - 83° / LO - 57° 40% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 77°/ LO - 52° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

APRIL 19 chanGinG tempos

John B. Cade Library will host Tiffany Samuel, Esq. in a book discussion about Changing Tempos.

The book discussion will feature a jazz quartet.

Tuesday April 19, at 11 am. The discussion is sponsored by John B. Cade Library; students will be able to enjoy the discussion and the entertaining sounds of a jazz quartet.

APRIL 21 prospectiVe su mba stuDent inFo sessions

Any students who are interested in the SU MBA program have an opportunity to attend the information session held by the program, The session will be a source of information and place to get your questions answered about the SU MBA program. The last session will be held on April 21. The session will be held in T.T. Allain Room 313 from 6-7pm. retool southern uniVersity

Student Orientation Leaders and Ambassadors encourage all students, faculty, staff, and Southern University community members to vote to retool our school. Visit www. retoolyourschool.com and vote for Southern University and A&M College. The last day to vote is April 22.

APRIL 25 behaVioral stuDies poster session

The Department of Behavioral Studies would you like the Southern University community to support our graduate students with media coverage as they participate in a poster session exercise.

These students are

GET 36 ISSUES FOR JUST $40 Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Daytime Phone: (

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

)

For more information call 225.771.5833 or mail your subscription payment of $40 to: The Southern Digest Subscriptions, PO Box 10180, Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

Business, cashiers checks and money orders accepted only. No personal checks or credit card orders accepted. Make all payments to The Southern Digest.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

SUite 1064 – t.h.hArriS hALL P.o. BoX 10180 – BAton roUge, LA 70813 225.771.2231 Phone / 225.771.5840 FAX WWW.SoUthernDigeSt.CoM

preparing for the world of counseling and as part of becoming a counselor, they have been asked to develop a topic of interest and deliver their findings in a form of a “Poster Session”.

The session will be held on April 25 at 6pm in Seymour Gym. Fresh campus

Please join Southern University and A&M College System; Agricultural Research and Extension Center in creating a Fresh campus. Find out the details of the Tobacco education initiative at www. myfreshcampus.com. For more information on how to get involved please contact Linda Brown or Fatemah Malekian at 225.771.2242. school oF nursinG aiDs course

The School of Nursing will offer the online course, “AIDS: A Nation in Crisis” during the University’s Summer 2011 session.

The course will be taught

by Dr. Leah S. Cullins, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, and Assistant Professor in the Southern University School of Nursing. Includes discussion and analysis of history and epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Explore the HIV testing process including private and governmental influences, and importance of health education in maintaining prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS.

What’s the quickest way to get news and events to the student body?

Put it in the...

Campus BRIEFS

iSSn: 1540-7276. Copyright 2008 by the Southern University office of Student Media Services. the Southern DigeSt is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College.

All articles, photographs and graphics are property of the Southern DigeSt and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. the Southern DigeSt is published twice-weekly (tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton rouge campus fall, spring semesters. the paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBr campus. the Southern DigeSt student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. the offices are located on the first floor of t.h. harris hall, Suite 1064. the Southern DigeSt is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton rouge, Louisiana. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body.

PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS the Southern DigeSt is a member of the Black College Communications Association (BCCA), national Association of Black Journalists (nABJ), University - Wire network (U-Wire), Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA).

ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIPS the Southern DigeSt subscribes to the American Passage, Alloy M+M, 360 youth, Zim2Papers, All Campus Media, ruxton group and College Publishers on-Line services.

STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE www.subr.edu/studentmedia Director - tBA Assistant Director - tBA Publications Asst. - Fredrick Batiste Advertising Mgr. - Camelia Jackson CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising office - 771.5833 DigeSt newsroom - 771.2231 Student Media Services- 771.5812 the Jaguar yearbook - 771.2231 yeArBooK newsroom - 771.5829 ego Magazine newsroom - 771.5829 Southern University and A&M College at Baton rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.

MISSION STATEMENT the mission of Southern University and A&M College, an historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens.

Website: www.subr.edu.

The Office of Student Media is a Division of Student Affairs.

SPRING 2011 DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF norman J. Dotson Jr.

CULTURE EDITOR Patrick galloway

MANAGING EDITOR evan taylor

LAYOUT EDITOR trevor James

COPY EDITOR erica S. Johnson

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Samantha Smith Kalisha Black

PHOTO EDITOR David Clark iii SPORTS EDITOR Morris Dillard

DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS robert Florida Jr. Polite Stewart

A&E EDITOR Billy Washington

PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO CLASSIFIED the Southern DigeSt is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. no classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of the DigeSt. ALL CLASSiFieD MUSt Be PAiD in ADVAnCe By CAShierS CheCK or Money orDer. no PerSonAL CheCKS ACCePteD. Students must have proper iD and phone numbers to get student advertising rates.

Fax your campus event to The Southern DIGEST at 771-5840

rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the company. in the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. the DigeSt is only responsible for one replacement or run in the next publication. Classified are due one WeeK prior to run date.

Deadline for announcements are three days prior to the publication date.

Paid Classified can be ordered by contacting the Student Media Advertising Manager at 225.771.5833.

PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Wednesday for Friday’s Issue.

PAge 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments.

All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number.

Submit announcements to: the Southern DigeSt - Suite 1064 harris hall, Attn: PAge 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. in the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2.

Bring corrections to the Southern DigeSt office located in Suite 1064, harris hall.

NEWS Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - Page 3

www.southerndigest.com

OTHER SGA ELECTION RESULTS SGA VICE PRESIDENT Kiara Stewart

527*

Myeisha Webb

394*

Olusegun Adetoba

280

Jullien Singleton

233

CHIEF JUSTICE Corey Smith

511*

Maurlence Martin 467* Vance Mitchell

444

AWS PRESIDENT Ja’el Gordon

631*

Tanequa Franklin

222

landslide from page 1 loss in the SGA Vice Presidential candidacy.

“I am still going to do everything I promised on my platform. Like I previously stated I’m a man of the people. I am senate person. I’m gonna try to get in the senate and take care of business,” said Adetoba.

Webb and Stewart turn to bring in more voters while Sumner’s focus takes a shift.

“One thing I am going to do better at is putting my face out there. I’m going to have to get out there and show the people actively and engage them in the process,” said Sumner.

Sumner along with the other winning candidates will give a short statement at the Run-off debate. The debate will feature the Vice Presidential candidates at 6:30pm in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

MEN’S FEDERATION PRESIDENT Shaquille Dillon

319*

Mark Jones

267

MEN’S FED. VICE PRESIDENT Christopher Williams 320* Jasper Knighten

265

SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT Willie Smith

218*

Jamel Franklin

109

MISS SENIOR Terah Gibson

156*

Amber Jarrell

140*

Rashanique Quarles 35 JUNIOR CLASS PRESIDENT Bryson Alexander 212* Ebony Yarbrough 165 MISS JUNIOR Jamiela Castleberry 209* Breshatta Davis

167

SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT Steffen Lewis

194*

Charissa Carrol

180

MISS SOPHOMORE Ayana Spivey

244*

Erin Miles

132

SUPPORT YOUR FIELD REFERENDUM

For

Against

594 809*

photo by paul sakuma/ap photo

Daniel Dona pumps gas at a Shell gas station in Menlo Park, Calif. With the price of gas above $3.50 a gallon in all but one state, there are signs that Americans are cutting back on driving, reversing a steady increase in demand for fuel as the economy improves.

Drivers start to cut back as prices rise By chris kahn ap energy writer

elections from page 1 and out of state students,” said Gordon.

“It’s about giving back.”

Current sophomore class president Shaquille Dillon claims the Men’s Federation presidency with 319 votes to Mark Jones’ 267 votes.

Other newly elected candidates express a feeling of surprise in their victory. A candidate such as the newly elected Miss junior, Jemiela Castleberry, put a lot of hard work into her campaign but was still shocked by her victory.

“I am very surprised, I worked hard but I still was shocked,” Castleberry said.

Castleberry defeated Breshatta Davis 209 to 167 votes in the general elections.

Also on the ballots this year was the “Support Your Field” fee referendum. The referendum recommended that students pay a one-time fee of $50 to the athletics department to help acquire turf for the stadium.

Also it said if the rest of the cost to purchase the turf is not raised by athletics in three years the money that is already collected would be donated to SGA for events and other expenses.

This was voted against with 809 votes for no and 594 votes yes.

The run-off debates will be held today at 6:30 pm in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union.

advisers from page 1 needed,” continued Dr. Lassiter.

Baton Rouge native Darnell Chapman, sophomore majoring in mass communication said, “ I haven’t seen any differences in the new arrangements because I’ve never had any problems with my advisor.”

NEW YORK — With the price of gas above $3.50 a gallon in all but one state, there are signs that Americans are cutting back on driving, reversing a steady increase in demand for fuel as the economy improves.

For five consecutive weeks, Americans have bought less gas than they did a year earlier, according to MasterCard Spending Pulse, which tracks the volume of gas sold at 140,000 service stations nationwide.

For the week of April 1, drivers bought about 2.4 million fewer gallons than they did one year earlier, or 3.6 percent.

That was the biggest decline since December, when people were staying home because of snowstorms.

Before the decline, demand was increasing for two months.

Some analysts had expected the trend to continue because the economic recovery is picking up, adding 216,000 jobs in March.

“More people are going to work,” said John Gamel, director of gasoline research for MasterCard. “That means more people are driving and they should be buying more gas.”

Instead, about 70 percent of the nation’s major gas-station chains say sales have fallen, according to a March survey by the Oil Price Information Service. More than half reported a drop of 3 percent or more — the sharpest since the summer of 2008, when gas soared past $4 a gallon.

This year, gas prices have shot up as unrest in North Africa and the Middle East rattled energy markets and increased global demand for crude oil squeezed supplies. A gallon of unleaded regular costs $3.77 on average, and only Wyoming has an average lower than $3.50. Gas is already 41 cents more expensive then at this point in 2008, when

it peaked at $4.11 in July.

Most analysts are sticking to forecasts of a high of $4 a gallon, though some have predicted $5 gas.

Across the country, some drivers are already hunting for cheaper gas, sometimes with the help of a mobile phone app.

Others are checking out bus and train schedules, reconsidering mass transportation, or trading in their SUV for a more fuelefficient model.

Kim Cramer, who works for Radio Flyer in Chicago, has started walking and carpooling more. She’s also learned to be choosy, buying gas in suburbs, where she’s learned she can save as much as 20 cents a gallon.

“I try to fill up anywhere besides the city,” she said.

About two and a half days’ worth of Whitney Shaw’s pay each month goes just to fill up her 2001 Hyundai Accent.

The administrative assistant is thinking about taking the bus for her daily commute, 50 miles each way between Branford, Conn., and Hartford.

“It’s three hours of pay from work just to fill up my tank even once, so I’m definitely feeling it,” Shaw said while filling up for $3.61 a gallon at a Valero station on the Berlin Turnpike.

Americans also appear to be turning to smaller, more fuelefficient cars to save on gas.

Sales of the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra soared 55 percent in March. Meanwhile, sales of Chevy’s Suburban SUV dropped nearly 24 percent.

MasterCard’s report shows drivers bought 2.7 billion gallons of gas last week, down 3.6 percent from the same period in 2010, when it was 80 cents cheaper.

The decline is somewhat puzzling because Americans typically curb their driving only as a last resort, after sacrificing other forms of discretionary spending, like shopping for new clothes, or going to movies,

concerts and restaurants.

But demand for gas is falling while other types of spending are on the rise. Retail sales rose 2 percent in March compared with a year earlier, surprising economists who were expecting no increase or even a decline.

Gamel said it’s too early to tell whether this is the kind of longterm decline in demand that the economy endured during the recession. Prices already are in the range when Americans started to leave their cars in the driveway several years ago.

Drivers began to cut back on gas in October 2007, when the national average approached $3 per gallon.

Even if demand for gas keeps falling in the U.S., it probably won’t be enough to force the price down. That’s because worldwide demand for crude oil keeps rising.

Global demand for oil is about 87 million barrels per day, matching its peak from 2007.

It is expected to grow to more than 88 million barrels a day by year’s end, with most of the increase coming from China.

At the same time, supply is shrinking because of uprisings in Libya and elsewhere in the Middle East.

In the United States, people are watching their local gas stations a little more carefully.

Some are even getting rid of their old gas-guzzler.

Andrea Meyer of Manteno, Ill., has done both. She buys gas in the middle of the week because prices seem to jump over the weekend. And she recently sold her 2005 Chevy Envoy SUV and bought a 2011 Chevy Cruze, which gets 30 miles per gallon. She still spent about $200 on gas for the new car from mid-February to midMarch.

“I won’t go hungry tomorrow,” she says. “It’s just taking away from me getting ahead faster. It throws off everything. It immediately makes you reprioritize.”

Page 4 - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

www.southerndigest.com

Jury gets fatal beating case against 2 NO officers By michael kunzelman the associated press

NEW ORLEANS — A federal jury began deliberating Monday in the trial for a New Orleans police officer charged with beating a 48-year-old handyman to death and another officer charged with helping his partner cover up the deadly encounter.

Prosecutors said Officer Melvin Williams broke four of Raymond Robair’s ribs and crushed his spleen when he kicked and beat him with a baton after he and Officer Matthew Dean Moore approached the man while patrolling the city’s Treme neighborhood nearly six years ago. Robair died of massive internal bleeding after the officers drove him to a hospital, according to prosecutors.

The officers deny beating Robair and claim he slipped and fell on a curb as they approached him on July 30, 2005, less than a month before Hurricane Katrina struck the city. The officers also said they suspected Robair had ingested drugs.

But the jury heard testimony last week from residents who said they saw Williams beat Robair.

“Williams believed he had the power to beat a man in broad daylight, in front of multiple witnesses and get away with it,” Justice Department attorney Forrest Christian told jurors during closing arguments Monday. “You know that Melvin Williams is not above the law.”

The officers’ lawyers tried to shift the blame for his death to the hospital doctors who treated him for a heart attack for about

90 minutes before they discovered his spleen had ruptured.

Williams’ attorney, Frank DeSalvo, said he agrees with prosecutors that residents have a right to be free from unjustified use of force by police officers.

“By the same token, every man — rich or poor, drug addict or not — deserves to have the same medical treatment that you or I would get in a time of need, and (Robair) didn’t get it,” he said.

Prosecutors said the officers are the blame for the delay in treating Robair’s ruptured spleen because they lied to the doctors and nurses at Charity Hospital.

“If the defendants hadn’t done anything wrong, they would have told the doctors exactly what happened,” said Justice Department attorney Jared Fishman.

Moore’s lawyer, Eric Hessler, said the officers responded properly and told the truth about their encounter with Robair.

“They did their best with what they knew,” he said.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if he’s convicted of violating Robair’s civil rights by beating him. Both officers are charged with falsifying a report.

Moore, who faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, also is charged with lying to the FBI when he said Williams never struck Robair.

Dr. Michael Baden, a nationally known forensic pathologist, testified as an expert witness for the defense. DeSalvo said Baden concluded that none of Robair’s injuries could have been caused by a police baton.

Hessler said the doctors who treated Robair didn’t find any external injuries on him.

SPORTS

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - Page 5

www.southerndigest.com

Interim AD Pugh talks SU athletics

BY MORRIS DILLARD DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

Interim athletic director Sandy Pugh, whom guided the women’s basketball team to four Women’s NCAA Tournament appearances during her tenure at Southern University, was entrusted with an athletic program left in disarray by former AD Greg Lafleur.

LaFleur, 52, a former college football star and NFL player who served as Southern’s athletic director for six years, was dismissed last week after being arrested for allegedly soliciting prostitution in downtown Houston during the Final Four.

Pugh, one of his former coaches, will replace him. She now adds overseeing an athletic department full of decaying funds and vacant coaching positions to her duties.

A native of Campti, Pugh is the head coach of the women’s basketball team, who finished 15-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and won back-to-back regular season titles for the first time in school history this season.

“It was put to me that my university needed my services so how can I turn that down,” Pugh said Monday afternoon.

Pugh coached Southern for 11 seasons, twice SWAC Tournament Coach of the Year, and only coach with player drafted into the WNBA (Jacklyn Winfield was drafted by the Utah Starzz in the fourth round of the 2002 draft).

“I think that bringing Sandy Pugh into the job provides us

with someone who has done a great job of recruiting student athletes, who is a rising star in her profession and who commands respect immediately,” Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said, whom submitted his resignation papers in November.

“But more importantly,” Lomotey said, “Her teams have consistently averaged an APR score well above the standard.”

Pugh takes over with knowledge of what sanctions Southern may face next season.

The NCAA docked the men’s basketball team two scholarships last year because of its low APR, a system used to assess how well teams retain players and keep them on course to graduate.

The low APR score could cause Southern to face a one-year postseason ban next season.

“We’re at the end of the road with that,” Pugh said Monday afternoon. “ We want to definitely claim victory there. After this piece, three four months we’ll know our fate.”

Depending upon the program, the role of recruiting can largely fall to associate head coach Carlos Funchess, a former two-time AllSouthland Conference performer and Co-Player of the Year for the Louisiana-Monroe men’s basketball team.

“He’s been outstanding for the program,” Pugh said. “He’s been my right hand. I don’t have to come to work and oversee the women’s basketball program. As long as he’s here, we’re in good

PHOTO BY APRIL BUFFINGTON/DIGEST FILE PHOTO

Southern women’s basketball head coach and interim athletics director Sandy Pugh has her hands full with issues including the hiring of a men’s basketball head coach, APR issues with the NCAA and managing the athletics department until a full-time athletics director is hired.

shape.”

Pugh does not exactly know how long she will interim, but she does plan to make the most of this chance. For her first major move while serving as interim AD, she wants to reinstitute a picnic, sponsored by the athletic department, which will award and recognize student athletes for their achievements on and off the field beginning April 29.

Additionally, each coach will set up social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube that will update periodically. Plus, June 17, the department will host a gala, auctioning property and

selling memorabilia.

“We want to renew their spirits and renew their hope that we’re going to say and do the right things,” Pugh said. “In efforts to raise funds and help support our gender equity projects.”

When asked what experiences she would take from coaching and apply to her new role, Pugh said: “It’s about managing a team, challenging the team to do their individual best efforts. Being creative, a problem solver and navigate through situations that may or may not be pleasant.”

Pugh and her staff members are excited of the months

forthcoming. Pugh feels that she can help Southern get back on their feet.

“The business of Southern University is paramount to Sandy Pugh. Getting Southern in a foothold to where we’re stable and we’re moving forward as an athletic department.”

Pugh indicated that the department was still in search of a new men’s basketball coach and possibly will announce the move in May. “I won’t say it’s closed, I won’t it’s still opened, I’ll just say it’s on going.”

Jags drop two to GSU Southern softball sweeps

BY MORRIS DILLARD DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

The Southern Jaguars have feasted in recent weeks on some of the league’s worst pitching staffs. Then the Grambling State Tigers came to town.

There were high expectations that The Jaguars (19-11, 10-4) would conquer the weekend series, which looms as an obstacle against their in-state rival.

“We were down a great deal and we were able to come back and make a good stand which I was really pleased to see because the kids would’ve given up early,” 27-year coach Roger Cador said.

Grambling (15-15,10-5) left Lee-Hines Baseball Field with a 5-4 win (game one of Saturday’s double header) and 14-9 Sunday-the series finale while Southern left wondering what happened to the offensive prowess that had won them 11 of 13 games before the Tigers came to town.

“Our third principle rule is that we must punish the fast ball,” GSU coach James Cooper said after the game. “We were able to get good swings on those good fast balls they were throwing up to

the plate.”

Left-hander Jesse Holliday started game one, but was relieved by red-shirt sophomore Daniel Garcia (2-1) in the fifth inning. Grambling rallied three runs in the top of the eighth for the win.

In the second game, Zephan Rochelle (2-0) threw six innings in relief of starter Jose De Leon, who allowed five runs in four innings. Southern scored one run in the eighth and tied the score on a three-run homerun by designated hitter William Marrero, his second of the game. Cameron McGriff hit a triple into right field to lead Southern over Grambling and gain split in two games.

Sunday, however, The Jaguars’ came alive in the eighth inning, when senior Frazier Hall hit a two-run double and scored after a fielder’s choice for a 9-8 lead. Grambling rallied six runs in the top of the ninth then held on for the victory.

“We can take a lot from this game and try to learn what not to do again,” Cador said. “We need to burn the tape and go from there with it.”

Southern travels today to Hammond to face Southeastern Louisiana.

Grambling in series

BY MORRIS DILLARD DIGEST SPORTS WRITER

The Southern University softball team clinched their first Southwestern Athletic Conference weekend series over the visiting Grambling State Tigers, which included senior day. “ The three wins this weekend was big,” head coach Nancy Marshall said.

“They weren’t pretty wins but they were wins.”

Freshman Michael Pless, native of Tucson, Ariz., earned her fifth victory of the season in game one. Pless had two strikeouts and allowed five hits in seven innings pitched.

“Pless is a hard worker. Once she gets that first inning out of the way that kid is going to give you 100 percent,” Marshall said.

At the top of the sixth inning in game one, Grambling rallied two runs before Pless forced R. Alvarado to hit a pop up with two outs and a runner left on base, while hanging on for a 3-2

win.

“We actually didn’t hit the ball as well as we should have but we hit enough to get what we needed,” Marshall said.

Freshman Lindsay Konopelko, started in game two for Southern. She went seven innings, allowed three hits, five walks and three strikeouts for a 3-2 win. Freshman outfielder Destanie Agee scored the game-winning run in game two after two error by the Grambling defense.

Pless capped the series finale with a 2-0 victory. She allowed three hits and had one strikeout.

Southern will return this weekend as they travel to Pine-Bluff, Arkansas for a three-game series against the Golden Lions.

“They’re going to play hard. Our thing is that we just have to out hit them and pitching has to outlast there’s.” “ I believe we can go up there and get three.”

Page 6 - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

www.southerndigest.com

VIEWPOINTS

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - Page 7

www.southerndigest.com

Let me tell you about the DIGEST I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about student media this semester … some good, some not so good.

I always expect to hear complaints regarding poor grammar, punctuation and misspelled names. However, I do not understand the following statement: “They don’t have enough studentgenerated stories in the paper (in a snarky, nasal voice).”

We are a student newspaper, but as journalists, we are obligated to deliver news that affects our readers. A good bit of the time, those stories are not studentgenerated.

So what would you rather have? A story about possibly losing a campus in your system or a story about a Greek step off that happens every year?

Not to take anything away from the Greeks, you guys are valued members of the SU community (when you all aren’t suspended for “violations” of the student handbook) but I think losing a whole institution trumps a 56-year old tradition of bashing another’s group with songs set to the rhythmic stylings of your feet while making hand signals that can be sometimes misconstrued as gang signs. (again, not bashing the Greeks).

It just seems as though a lot of people just need something to talk about at times.

NORMAN DOTSON JR. I look at it like this, and I’m quoting my adviser on this, if you’re not apart of the solution you’re part of the problem.

I think we do pretty well. We placed second overall for HBCU student newspapers in February, despite being short-handed and sometimes unappreciated. Our staff’s coverage of Southern’s ongoing budget issues took first place for best news series while a staff photographer earned second place for one of his Homecoming pictures.

Those are just the most recent additions to our laundry list of awards on the state, regional and national level the DIGEST has accumulated over the last decade or so.

Not to brag, but I think our awards speak for us.

Also if you feel so strongly about having more student stories, feel free to stop by Suite 1064 TH Harris Hall

and write. Don’t pout or stand on your soapbox because you think you know everything.

I rarely entertain comments like that because I feel … unless your in that office until two or three in the morning and then have to roll over and go to a class that is offered way too early for you to function properly just to get the news out to a handful of actual concerned students … I really don’t think you have the right to say anything to me or my staff.

Sounds like I’m angry right? Well I am.

We put up with far too much just to have a group of apathetic students that learned the phrase “student-generated stories” from a passer-by moments before approaching me with some crap about journalistic professionalism and they only read page seven (Viewpoints/ Opinions) for I’m Just Asking.

When your sources of news include WorldstarHipHop.com, Bossip.com or wherever else you celeb-reality engrossed Twit-wits get your daily fix of senseless gossip, I doubt you have any grounds to step to real journalists with a complaint about news content.

Oh, don’t worry students, you guys aren’t the only ones I have a bone to pick with. We have the same beefs with faculty and staff on the same issues.

Last I checked, most of you don’t have the news background to tell us what is or is not acceptable in a student newspaper (How many Student Press Law Center sessions have YOU attended, lately?) I think we have enough competent staff members that know what they are talking about to guide us.

Did I mention they are award winners too?

I understand we should write stories geared towards students written by students, but it is nearly impossible to do so if I have a staff of maybe 12 — and that’s stretching it. Maybe you should send students here to write, and I know a few professors who do so (and the DIGEST thanks you for it).

Don’t get me wrong, I fully understand that I should always be open to criticism.

For the most part I am. However, I will not stand for people belittling the hard work we do just because a story idea they had didn’t make the cut. Do you think the editors at The Advocate, the Times-Picayune, the Shreveport Times, USA Today or the New York Times care if the public complains about a story? I seriously doubt it.

If you want a “better” newspaper that best represents you, come to 1064 Harris Hall and join the staff.

If not, well tweet about it. Maybe someone else will care.

The follow-up Just as we develop a well-rounded education in college, we must develop our experience in the work world.

In college you learn how to put your best foot forward, market yourself on paperand present yourself to an employer. Through your resume’, biography, cover letter, and degree you can get your foot in the door in the work world.

Outside of college you learn how to market yourself off paper; How to mention your skills, conduct yourself, what gets you noticed, and how to maintain your access and achieve greatness.

We can think of an election as a job applicant (the candidate for office) submitting his/her documentation for a job (their position) in the people’s company.

Every campaign is the same …

Candidates dress in their church clothes or t-shirts (depending on how much is in their budget), meet with their

EVAN TAYLOR supporters (you can never have too many pens and posters), hear concerns (moans and groans), promote their platform, kiss babies, take photos (with their Cheshire cat smiles), and beg for your vote. Every aspect of the campaign serves as a connection between the applicant and his/her employer.

The push flyer or the yard sign serves as the resume, cover letter, and bio. It’s your initial connection to the candidate whether it’s handed to you by a campaign member or a yard sign you pass driving into work.

It will tell you three things; who they are, what they are running for, and

how they intend to change the current situation. When you meet the candidate this serves as their interview; you get to hear what they want to tell you and ask questions to expose what you want to know. Your interview can quickly shift from how many schools they plan to build to how many indiscretions have they had. (on and off the clock/ in and outside of the office) The interview will make or break any employer’s mind about whether they will truly consider that candidate. Unless the employer and candidate are related or they truly invested in the candidate’s campaign. (ie. Southern University or The State of Louisiana) Election day is the day we cast our ballot for the candidate we believe is most qualified and prepared for the job they will receive.

But, seriously what good employer doesn’t have a follow-up or evaluation after the candidate gets the job?

As citizens with the power to select the

candidates we want to represent us, we have neglected to follow up. We depend on small interest groups, individual lobbyists, and media to evaluate for us.

But don’t you want more than the rubric set by the people who have their own agendas?

We take a wait and see approach to advocate for our issues, concerns, and needs.

We have failed to evaluate.

We have avoided holding those who we elected responsible for their words, actions, promises, and failures.

We have failed to stand up on behalf of our children, schools, churches, organizations, communities, and cities.

The importance of the follow-up is to monitor progress, understand challenges, celebrate successes, and evaluate efficiency.

Should we continue to allow those represent us neglect us?

Or are we going to stand up and follow-up?

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@subr.edu.

Editorial policy

Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.

get online @

www.southerndigest.com

Page 8 - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

www.southerndigest.com