STATE & NATION
SPORTS
VIEWPOINTS
Treasury: recovery beginning. pG. 4
Braves come to town Saturday. pG. 5
Beware of Tucker Commission. pG. 7
economy turning around
from sGa president’s desk
Jags open swaC play
estABLished in 1928
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
VOL. 54, ISSUE 8
Concerns aired in SU open forum By norMan J. Dotson Jr. DIGEST INTERIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Southern University System Presidential Search committee held a public forum Thursday to obtain opinions and concerns of the faculty, staff and students on the Baton Rouge campus. This was the third in a series of open forums held on each campus in SU’s System. The first being held on the Shreveport campus and the second at Southern-New Orleans. The forum is open to everyone with a stake in Southern University, according to committee head Murphy Bell, and was a tool designed to help the committee make a decision that would please everyone in the system (faculty, staff, and students). “The school has to improve in a number of different ways, one which is to go out and raise money other than from the state of Louisiana. Our next president is going to have to take us to the next level which makes this a very critical presidential search process.” Bell said. The floor was then opened to anyone present who wanted to express their feelings or
concerns on this matter to the committee. According to Raymond Lockett, a committee member and Chairperson over the Department of History, there were a lot more students present at this forum than at any of the previous two held on the other campuses. “I can tell you what the average student is looking for in a president,” stated Jerry Jones, senior political science major, he continued “integrity and someone who is honest, not only with his colleagues that sit in this room, but also the students that sit in front of the union and don’t know if their programs will be accredited next year and years afterwards. I can also tell you that students are looking for someone who can come forward and raise money and not raise money for Bayou Classic vendors and things of that nature. Also we need someone who will draw attention to the school in a positive light because it seems easy for the people we select draw attention on issues in a negative light. We need someone to lead this institution away from the river and not to the river.”
Stadium case still open By BIlly washInGton DIGEST CONTRIBUTING WRITER
that a presidential candidate should recognize the overall appearance of the university and do what is necessary to improve Southern’s campuses. Marilyn
Last Thursday, vandals demolished parts of Southern University’s A.W. Mumford Stadium and there has been no information regarding this pending investigation that could lead to any suspects. “The stadium restroom and locker room repairs are complete,” said Southern University Police Chief Michael Morris, “but the vandals are still at large.” Though there were fingerprints left behind, the vandals have never been arrested before to be inducted into the criminal system and there have been no leads communicated to SUPD officials. “We are hoping that students will give us information on this incident because vandals usually talk and brag about their doings,” Morris said. “Once we have a lead, we can check the lead’s suspect for fingerprints and find
See forum page 3
See stadium page 3
fIle photo By norMan J. Dotson Jr./DIGest
Physics professor Diola Bagayoko expresses his thoughts on the quailties needed in a good president at Thursday afternoons Presidential Search Public forum . He also spoke passionately about concerns on other issues facing the university.
Others were also in attendance to express their feelings on the situation such as two-time SU graduate Tia Mims, receiving both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the College of Arts and Humanities. According to Mims she felt
SU Law Center expansion at work By Mary DaVIs DIGEST STAFF WRITER
photo By aprIl BuffInGton/DIGest
The Southern University Law Center opened its doors to a $4.1 million addition to its students and faculty this semester.
SCATTERED T-STORMS HIGH
89° | 71° LOW
INSIDE S O U T H E R N
Over the years, the Southern University Law Center has witnessed an overall steady increase in the number of persons enrolling into the program. Though already one of the nation’s top law centers, A.A. Lenoir Hall has recently undergone some changes, which, may hopefully place it in the first tier of top law schools in the nation. A.A. Lenoir Hall, which was in established in 1947, has been under renovations for the last 360 days. Though recently completed, plans for renovations date back to 1998.
The new additions, which left a $4.1 million hole in the center’s budget, are located in the building’s north wing and include three new classrooms, new faculty offices and lounges, seminar rooms, faculty/ staff restrooms and student restrooms. All classrooms are equipped with the latest technology such as smart boards and drop-down screens, which are manageable via a podium located in front of the classroom. The two classrooms located on the first floor seat up to 64 students, while the one on the top floor seats up to 54 students. There are also hopes of constructing a parking garage behind Lenoir
and Higgins Hall that will allow parking for 600 to 800 cars. Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., who has been chancellor for approximately six years, hopes the garage will provide more safety to students and influence a better flow of traffic. Administration in the law center is hoping to make a proposal to the board in October about the parking garage. All renovations were financed through federal Title III funds accumulated over a period of time. No state funds were used during the renovating process. The additional classrooms See suLC page 3
CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 STATE & NATION.................4 VIEWPOINTS......................7 NEWS.............................3 SPORTS......................5 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 - Friday, September 25, 2009
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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, SEPT. 26
sCattereD t-storMs HI - 87° / LO - 71° 40% CHANCE OF RAIN
Classifieds eMployMent
Airport Texaco hiring cashiers for evening, weekdays & weekends shifts full-time. Excellent customer service skills req’d. Very competitive pay. Apply in person to Baton Rouge Metro Airport Texaco.
apartMents for rent
SUNDAY, SEPT. 27
partly ClouDy
HI - 89°/ LO - 69° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN
su Karate CluB
The Southern University Karate Club welcomes all persons interested in training Shotokan Karate. Training is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the J.B. Moore Hall Auditorium. For more information, call Edwin Walker at 771.3721 or e-mail edwin_walker@ subr.edu.
Move-in special: $99 Dep. Newly renovated Beep MeetInGs apts. 3 blocks off campus. The Southern 1bd $525, 2bd $625. University chapter of the Includes H20 & trash. Call Black Executive Exchange 928.0444. Program meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in Room 222 Campus Briefs of T.T. Allain Hall. BEEP is open to all majors TODAY campuswide. aws spIrIt Bus trIp
SU female students, get your bus tickets for the Jackson State game Oct. 3. The cost is $55 and includes round-trip travel, overnight hotel stay at the Hilton at Jackson and trip to Tanger Outlet Mall Sunday. Please pay at the cashier’s office and bring proof of payment to the AWS office in Room 207 of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union no later than Wednesday, Sept. 30. This trip is for SU female students only. For more information, call 225.771.2027. CaMpus Queens
Today is the final day to turn in applications for all campus organizational queens for Homecoming pregame festivities. These forms can be picked up in Suite 203 in the SmithBrown Memorial Union.
Center for stuDent suCCess
Students peer tutoring is available at the Center for Student Success in Room 107 of W.W. Stewart Hall. Follow the Center for Student Success on twitter to see exciting upcoming events. Twitter. com/Jaguar_Nation InsuranCe lICensInG Courses
SU’s Division of Continuing Education and College of Business will sponsor insurance licensing courses on the Baton Rouge campus. The courses, which are open to anyone interested in becoming a licensed insurance agent, will include continuing learning classes for those who are already licensed. Registration is ongoing for the classes. The starting date for the class will be determined at the end of registration. For
MONDAY, SEPT. 28
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29
Mostly ClouDy
partly ClouDy
HI - 89° / LO - 66° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN
HI - 80° / LO - 62° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN
more information about to be selected to represent the courses or registration, SU in the 2010 Honda call 225.771.2613. Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship SEPT. 26 Tournament. For more information, contact the Honors College at 771.4845 “the Bluff” Car wash Is your car dirty? or go to www.hcasc.com. Haven’t had the time to get your car washed? Want stuDent orGanIZatIons to get your vehicle cleaned The Office of Student before the game? Let THE Programs announces that the BLUFF-SU Web Radio due date for organizations to wash your car or truck. register for the academic year The Bluff will be having 2009-2010 is Wednesday, a car wash fundraiser Sept. 30. Please come by on Saturday, Sept. 26 the office, located in Suite from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 203 of the Smith-Brown the Advance Auto Parts Memorial Union to pick up parking lot at 7838 Scenic and complete forms. Highway (across from The SEPT. 30 Palisades). Come and out support THE BLUFF –SU Web Radio. wrItInG profICIenCy The Writing Proficiency SEPT. 28 Examination is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15. Only those students who have officially registered (the DoMInoes tournaMent The Smith-Brown Writing Proficiency must Memorial Union’s appear on the student’s class Recreation Area will hold schedule) will be allowed to a dominoes tournament take the test. If the student Oct. 14 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. has not registered, the at Lacumba’s Playpen. deadline for doing so is Registration for the Wednesday, Sept. 30. Students can begin signing tournament will be Sept. 28-Oct. 9 at Lacumba’s in at 3:15 p.m. at their Playpen. Registration is appointed sites. To ensure for individuals only, with that the test begins on time, there will be no admittance a $3 registration fee. after 3:45 p.m. Please report as follows: honDa CaMpus all-star •A-E: School of Nursing ChallenGe Student applications for Auditorium •F-L: Lee Hall the 2009 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge’s cam- Auditorium •M-P: Harris Hall/ pus competition are being accepted now until Classrooms •Q-Z: Stewart Hall Monday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. The campus tournament Auditorium will be held Wednesday, OCT. 15 Sept. 30 at the SmithBrown Memorial Union. Participants in the campus competition are eligible natIonal ColleGIate alCohol
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For more information call 225.771.2230 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.
awareness weeK
The Southern University Counseling Center will observe National Collegiate Awareness Week with activities Wednesday, Oct. 14 and Thursday, Oct. 15. Activities for Oct. 14 include “Drunk Goggles” and “BYOB (Bring Your Own Banana)” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the front lawn of Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Activities for Oct. 15 include the “Mocktails” competition 6-9 p.m. at the Royal Cotillion Ballroom. Contact the University Counseling Center at 771.2480 for more information.
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
SUITE 1064 – T.H.HARRIS HALL P.O. BOX 10180 – BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 225.771.2231 PHONE / 225.771.3253 FAX WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM 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 bi-weekly (Tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 6,000 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 Gardner CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising Office - 771.2230 DIGEST Newsroom - 771.2231 Student Media Services- 771.3004 The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.2464 YEARBOOK Newsroom - 771.4614 EGO Magazine Newsroom - 771.4614 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.
2009 FALL DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Norman J. Dotson Jr. COPY EDITORS Kenyetta M. Collins Erica S. Johnson SPORTS EDITOR Larry Young Jr. PHOTO EDITOR Wil Norwood LAYOUT EDITOR Darrius Harrison
DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Mary Davis Morris Dillard Rosalinda Clay Candace Edwards Breanna Paul Tremaine Sanders DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS Norman J.Dotson Jr. April Buffington Trevor James Justin Wooten Robert W. Florida Jr. CARTOONIST Wil Norwood
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. 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. Paid Classified can be ordered by contacting the Student Media Advertising Manager at 225.771.2230.
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
Friday, September 25, 2009 - Page 3
www.southerndigest.com
Pay raises taken off SU board’s agenda BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A proposal to nearly double the pay of the son of a leading member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors was removed Tuesday from the board’s Friday meeting agenda. Southern University System interim President Kassie Freeman recommended increasing the pay of Brandon Dumas, coordinator for student affairs, from $44,000 to $79,500 while adding “deputy chief of staff” to his job title. Dumas is the son of Southern Board member, financial donor and Baton Rouge lawyer Walter
Dumas, who is chairman of Southern’s personnel committee. Walter Dumas recently supported Freeman in a narrow June vote to become interim president just before former President Ralph Slaughter was ousted. Southern Board Chairman Tony Clayton on Tuesday removed the pay raise from the board agenda. Clayton, in an e-mail to board members, explained that he only recently perused the agenda and that he wanted more time to study the personnel recommendations.
However, Clayton in August had spoken highly of Brandon Dumas and said his father’s board status should not impact his upward mobility. Brandon Dumas received his bachelor’s degree from Southern in 2008 and immediately started working in the system office. The personnel proposal states he received his master’s of business administration degree earlier this year from for-profit Salem University in West Virginia. He is already working on his doctorate from Jackson State. Clayton also removed from the agenda a proposed pay raise
for Walter Tillman, executive associate to the vice president for academic and student affairs. Tillman’s pay would have increased from $66,500 to $85,000. Tillman also would have taken on the additional title of executive director of systemwide initiatives. Southern Faculty Senate President Sudhir Trivedi said he is pleased Clayton removed the agenda items. Trivedi questioned pay raises during a time of budget cuts and layoffs. He called Freeman’s personnel proposals “outrageous and totally unacceptable for obvious reasons.”
and the community.” Goff stated. Some other faculty members who didn’t want to comment on their choices for the presidential candidates spoke on other issues concerning the school’s current condition and its future. Physics professor Diola Bagayoko spoke passionately on subjects concerning budget cuts and other money issues that are crippling the school. He expressed his thought on not spending too much money on this search as well as his thoughts on the need to pay more attention to the blight of the school due to budget cuts. He also wanted to note that while his fellow staff member Ms. Goff was right about most of her statements that it is impossible to have a president who is not an academic and also how competency holds a lot of weight with those agencies who
give the university money. “I have noticed that Southern is ran like a business which is also its curse because our clients are the students and everyone should keep that in mind they are the reasons we are here.” Raushanah S. Hunter, the student member of the committee and 3rd year law student said and she concluded “The truth is without the students there would be no Southern.” Many other committee members added their thoughts and concerns on this issue as the open forum drew to a close. Mr. Bell added that while the president will indeed have to be a phenomenal individual and step out to improve SU, it is also take the combined efforts of faculty, staff, and students at each campus to help move the university forward. Also Bell expressed his desire to
hear more from the students themselves either at future forums or through email and urged those in attendance to spread the word and get others to follow suit. “We want to hear what you have to say, we want to guarantee you that this search doesn’t proceed like those in the past. We are here to find the best person for Southern University so that it can be where it’s supposed to be, not only as an HBCU but in the country.” Bell concluded. The forum was broadcasted live on the systems website and there will be more committee meetings with an opportunity for the public to speak. According to Bell there has been a number of people who have expressed interest in the position and hopes that the search will come to a positive end.
forum from page 1 Goff, a print journalism teacher here at Southern, expressed her concerns for choosing someone who what she called an “academic” and also expressed interest in having General Honore becoming the system president. “We need a man or woman who is honest, who will look you in the eye and not shy away from the truth. Someone who is known for making tough decisions, someone who is respected by the students, the faculty, the staff, the community, state and someone who recognizes that Southern University is a leader in the HBCU community. In my opinion the person who will do that job is General Honore and until we hire someone like him we will continue to fall down hill, continue to see enrollment fall, and we are going to be an embarrassment to ourselves
stadium from page 1 a match.” Surveillance videos were also reviewed, but the cameras were focused on different areas, such as the parking lot and the inner perimeter of the stadium; therefore, the cameras are no help to finding suspects. The estimated total of damage is around five thousand dollars, according to Southern University’s Media advisor Ed Pratt. Students, alumni, and faculty believe this catastrophe as a disgrace to the Jaguar Nation. “Why would someone do such a terrible thing to embarrass and taint our reputation,” said Alton Price, a senior secondary education major. “What kind of satisfaction did they get? We are in college and that was very immature.” SUPD officials believe this appalling act was conducted by SU students because of the time the event took place last Thursday, and according to past SUPD records, the majority of vandalism crimes are committed by a few bad apples within the student body. Luke McKnight, a freshman history major, said “That was nonsense. If it was a student from Southern, they should be ashamed.” “In order to prevent this from occurring again, we requested for the maintenance staff to lock the restroom and locker room doors throughout the week”, Chief Morris said. “Students should respect and take pride in Southern University’s facilities. Southern was clearly hurt by this incident and we (SUPD) will continue to protect and serve the Jaguar Nation to our full abilities like we have been doing for years. We are determined to find the vandals but we need students, who have pride in Southern University, to be courageous and speak up if they know anything pertaining to this incident.” If anyone has any leads or information regarding this case please contact the SUPD anonymously at 771.2770.
SULC from page 1 were needed to allow a more flexible scheduling of classes because of the number of students enrolled into the program. Pitcher credits a recently-implemented program for the rise in enrollment, which increased from 390 in 2003 and 467 last term to nearly 600 students currently. The evening division program allows students to attend classes midevening, not only morning and night. Pitcher hopes for continued success for the law center. Pitcher, a former judge, said that renovations were past due.
STATE & NATION Page 4 - Friday, September 25, 2009
Treasury says economic recovery just beginning By anne flaherty
lawmakers are under pressure to save jobs and stop foreclosures. “We can get billions out. We can buy General Motors overnight, but we can’t WASHINGTON—The Obama administration on Thursday sent its clearest signal help a homeowner,” said Sen. Mike yet that it is prepared to extend its $700 Johanns, a Nebraska Republican. Moreover, Treasury has regularly billion bailout for Wall Street for another year, even as lawmakers said they were sparred with the watchdog agency frustrated that not enough was being assigned to oversee it, and officials concede that the department will not done to help the average American. “We still have work to do,” said Herbert recover all of the money it has spent on Allison Jr., the senior Treasury official in the program. “It is extremely unlikely that the charge of the bailout fund. While some economic indicators taxpayer will see a full return on its suggest the nation is beginning to heal TARP investment,” Neil Barofsky, the from the worst crisis in decades, experts program’s special inspector general, told warn that the market is fragile. Hundreds the Senate committee. Barofsky also commore banks are expected plained that Treasury’s to fail in the next few approach toward puyears, largely because blic accountability of souring loans for “remains a significant commercial real estate. frustration.” Barofsky In his testimony, has repeatedly asked Allison repeatedly Treasury to release deferred to Treasury more information about Secretary Timothy how banks are using Geithner on whether the their share of the TARP administration would money. authorize an extension Andrew Williams, a of the bailout program Treasury spokesman, through next year as the said that the departlaw allows. ment has implemenAt the same time, Allison said further photo by susan walsh/ap photo ted the vast majority government interven- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner of Barofsky’s recomtion in the market may testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington mendations for the be necessary because Wednesday before the House Financial program and is taking steps to increase of the decline in Services Committee. transparency “to ensure commercial real estate. “In this context, it is prudent to taxpayer funds are used prudently and maintain capacity to address new effectively.” Senate Republicans were adamant that developments,” Allison told the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs the government terminate the program Committee. “By bolstering confidence, now that the nation is no longer in a state having such capacity may actually reduce of emergency. Sen. David Vitter, a Louisiana the need to use it.” Congress approved the rescue plan, Republican, said TARP was billed known as the Troubled Asset Relief as “an extraordinary response to an Program, with bipartisan support in absolutely extraordinary threat” but was October 2008 at the request of then- shaping up to be a permanent fixture in President George W. Bush during the government. Allison denied this, telling Vitter “we’d height of the financial crisis. The Treasury Department has the like to see this wound down as soon as option of extending the program to possible.” He later noted that the program October 2010 so long as it provides a would end next year regardless. Sen. Christopher Dodd, who chairs the justification to Congress before the end Banking Committee, questioned whether of the year. According to the administration’s the government was doing enough to latest report, the Treasury has obligated prevent foreclosures but said he didn’t regret $443.8 billion from the fund to specific helping to orchestrate the rescue fund. “With the time we were given, and the institutions. Banks have paid back the Treasury $70.3 billion of the assistance circumstances we were confronted with, they received, and they have paid nearly I think we did the right thing, and I think $9.4 billion in dividends and interest history will prove that to be the case,” said Dodd, a Democrat from Connecticut. payments. Bush administration officials initially TARP, as the program is commonly known, is credited in part with pulling back said the money would be spent to buy the financial sector from near collapse up bad assets from financial institutions. last year. But its infusions of money into Under Bush and Obama, however, the huge banks, the giant insurer AIG and rescue fund has also been used to bail out the auto industry have been unpopular the auto industry and to obtain ownership with the public and in Congress, where interests in banks and AIG. associated press WRITER
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SPORTS
Friday, September 25, 2009 - Page 5
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SU opens SWAC play vs. Alcorn Wild Highway 61 rivalry between Jaguars, Braves continues Saturday By larry yoUnG
diGest sports editor
photo by apriL buFFington/digest
southern all-american wide receiver juamorris stewart and the jaguars seek to open swac play with a win over alcorn state saturday at a.w. Mumford stadium. stewart enters the week as the league’s leader in receiving yards (335), catches per game (8.67) and receiving yards per game (111.67). His numbers at this point in the season rank third, fifth and seventh respectively in division i Fcs.
Pete Richardson didn’t waste any time Wednesday. Businesslike as usual, the 17th year coach got straight to the point. In last week’s 21-17 win over Tennessee State, Richardson saw some good things and he saw some bad things. But overall, he saw what he wanted to see. Southern (2-1) led all the way up until the 11:53 mark in the fourth quarter when TSU went ahead 17-14. Two drives later the Jaguars scored a touchdown and held on to win. “Offensively we had to have a drive in order to get back the lead, and defensively we had to have a stop,” Richardson said. “I thought our individuals played well for that period of time. “That gives our players the experience and confidence they need going forward.” Richardson is hoping the same play, the same confidence and same enthusiasm will be on display Saturday when Alcorn State (0-2) rolls in to Mumford
Stadium. After all, this is the start of Southwestern Athletic Conference play. “Now is our time to take a step toward getting to the championship game,” Richardson said. “We just have to win one game at a time and improve.” Though Alcorn no longer sports a defensive player as intimidating as Lee Robinson, the Braves do have Herve TonyeTonye—who had 17 tackles last week. Although the Braves have been outscored 100-0, their first two games were against Division I FBS opponents. Saturday will be the first time a true verdict can be rendered on ASU. If history is any indication of how the Braves will look against their first FCS opponent, the score will be close. Dating back to 2004, SU’s last three wins have come by four points or less. Its losses in ’05 and ’06 were 38-16 and 26-10 respectively. See su-alcorn page 6
SWAC STANDINGS EaStErN dIVISION alabama st. alabama a&M jackson st. Miss. Valley alcorn st.
SWaC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Overall 3 0 2 1 0 3 0 2 0 2
WEStErN dIVISION ark.-pine Bluff prairie View SOUtHErN Grambling st. tex. southern
SWaC 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Overall 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2
Last Week’s results SOUtHErN 21, tennessee st. 17 central Mich. 48, alcorn st. 0 Grambling st. 27, jackson st. 17 tex. southern 75, texas coll. 6 j’ville st. st. 45, alabama a&M 13 alabama st. 38, edward waters 6 ark.-pine Bluff 27, Miss. Valley 7 this Week’s Games alcorn st. at SOUtHErN, 6 pm* ark.-pB at alabama a&M, 3 pm* alabama st. vs. Miss. Valley, 4 pm* Grambling st. at okla. state, 6 pm tex. southern at texas st., 6 pm Jackson State—idle —*SWAC game
SPORT SHORTS diGest news serVice
Women finish 2nd; Men finish 4th in Lafayette
LAFAYETTE—Southern University’s Mary Newton ran a career-best 19:53.8 three mile run to finish third, as SU finished second overall, in front of McNeese State and Xavier at the Ragin’ Cajuns’ Cross-Country Invitational. Freshman Shaniece Pinkston finished 10th with a time of 21:52.2, while freshman, Amber Crews (12th) finished with a time of 22:22.9 over the three mile course. Freshman Maya Anderson was 14th (22:34.4), as freshman,
Christian Hickson (16th) and senior, Chelsea Moreland finished 17th (23:16.7) rounded out the Jags’ scoring. On the men’s side, The Southern Jaguars finished fourth overall. Freshman Jonathan Owens was the top men’s finisher for SU, covering the four mile course in 23:57.1 to finish 14th overall. Another SU freshman, Benjamin Edmondson, finished 16th overall, running the course in 24:04.1. Juniors, Cody Collins and Simon Freeman finished 20th and 21st overall, covering the course in 25:24.4 and 25:24.6 respectively. Delane Ross was 24th (26:05.4) and JaMarkus Bailey finished 26th (35:35.0)
Smith named POTW
Southern captain Kendall Smith has been named the soccer defensive Southwestern Athletic Conference player of the week for the second time this season. Smith spearheaded the Jaguar defense that recorded 13 saves in two games last weekend. Southern is ranked third in the league in saves, averaging 9.71 per game. The senior from West Chapel, Fla., earned the conference’s weekly honor the week of Sept. 2. SU continues their 2009 season on Friday against McNeese State. Game
time is set for 4 p.m. at Clark Park in Baker.
Lee edges FAMUs Vann for weekly honor
HARTLY, Del.—The results are in for the Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) National Player of the Week and its Southern University’s Bryan Lee (Div. I-FCS) and Chowan University’s C.J. Westler (Div. II). Each week HSRN will honor the top performances on the gridiron and fans across the country See sport shorts page 6
Page 6 - Friday, September 25, 2009
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Track chief keeps job after Semenya flap By donna bryson associated press writer
JOHANNESBURG—South Africa’s athletics chief got a vote of confidence Thursday that means he will keep his job for now even though he admitted to lying about his role in gender tests done on champion runner Caster Semenya. After meeting for several hours Thursday, the council of Athletics South Africa released a brief statement saying it “unanimously expressed confidence in the current ASA leadership.” In a brief interview with The Associated Press after the meeting, Chris Britz, a member of ASA’s decision-making board to which the council reports, said: “Mr. Chuene is the president of Athletics South Africa. I can confirm that.” For days, politicians, newspaper editorials and other sports bodies have called for Leonard Chuene to be fired following his admission at a news conference Saturday that he had lied when he repeatedly denied knowing that gender tests had been done on Semenya in South Africa. Chuene later said he lied to protect the athlete’s privacy. Chuene refused to comment on Thursday’s meeting to AP, saying the ASA council had told him only Britz could speak on the matter. The opposition Democratic Alliance party said Thursday’s ASA statement was “exceptionally disappointing.” “The need for Chuene to go is a nobrainer — so it is of deep concern that ASA appears to have given him a vote of confidence,” the Democratic Alliance said in a statement. “Chuene lied to the nation. He embarrassed South Africa internationally. And he breached Caster Semenya’s right to
photo by anja Niedringhaus/ap photo
South Africa’s Caster Semenya celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the final of the Women’s 800m during the World Athletics Championships in Berlin. South Africa’s top track official apologized Saturday for denying knowledge of gender tests done on runner Caster Semenya in the country, saying he lied to protect the athlete’s privacy.
dignity. What more does someone need to do to face disciplinary sanctions?” Track officials could find themselves overruled by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, which is conducting its own investigation into the Semenya case. Thursday’s statement from Athletics South Africa said the group would “fully cooperate with any statutory commission of enquiry” on the matter.
Broadway lauds Oklahoma St. GRAMBLING, La. (AP) — One thing last week’s win against Jackson State taught the Grambling State Tigers is that improving the offense is a high priority. This might not be the best week to gauge the progress. Grambling plays No. 16 Oklahoma State of the Big 12 Conference on Saturday. Tigers coach Rod Broadway was grumpy about Oklahoma State earlier this season. Now that the game is near, he’s changed his tune a little. “This will be the best team we will play this year,” Broadway said. “We can benefit from playing a game like this. If we approach this the right way, it can make us better if physically we can hang in there and don’t lose a lot of guys to injury in the ball game. Any time you play up, it challenges you. You don’t get better playing Podunk University.”
su-alcorn from page 5 “Alcorn has traditionally always played us tough,” Richardson said. “Their players get excited and anytime we play them it’s going to be a battle. Our players have to understand that.” Now that Richardson has set the tone, it’s on his Jaguars to take care of business.
Keys to Victory
Control tempo with run game Keep defense fresh Establish offensive consistency
Players of Week
Lee Almanza Jason House (five interception) Demetrius Bentley
tackles,
one
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ASA members who took part in the meeting Thursday refused to speak to reporters afterward. Three cars leaving the meeting place, a hotel near Johannesburg’s airport, displayed computer-printed signs declaring “100 percent Chuene” and “hands off our president.” That echoed slogans shouted in support of the country’s president, Jacob Zuma, when he was facing corruption charges.
sport shorts from page 1 will vote to select the National Player of the Week for Division I FCS and Division II. The Division I-FCS fan voting went down to the wire between Lee and Florida A&M’s AllAmerican Return Specialist LeRoy Vann, with Lee beating him out by just 30 votes. The Division II fan voting was a landslide with Westler beating out Elizabeth City State’s Kobi Williams by 3,573 votes. Lee completed 23 of 32 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. Southern rallied to defeat Tennessee State 21-17. In Division II action, Westler finished the day with 536 yards of total offense. He passed for 382 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 154 yards on 21 carries. The team finished with 562 yards of total offense. Despite his performance, the Hawks fell short, losing to Elizabeth City State 35-30.
XU athletics on display NEW ORLEANS —The history of Xavier University athletics is on display this fall at the university’s Library Resource Center. The display is themed “Rush for the Gold Athletics at Xavier University 19252001” and features team and game photographs, publications, trophies and other memorabilia. Xavier currently has NAIA basketball, cross country and tennis teams.
VIEWPOINTS
Friday, September 25, 2009 - Page 7
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From the SGA President’s Desk “If you think you can, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory.” —William Hazlitt First off, I would like to give you good news. Recently, the Student Government Association had a problem with the Jackson State University football game admission. This game is not a home game by location, but it is our home game by contract. Initially, it was decided Southern students would have to pay admission even though it is a home game. After tireless and relentless efforts from your SGA, Men’s Federation and Association of Women Students, the game is now free for all Southern students with valid ID. Secondly, I would like to bring attention to an issue of grave importance. Our Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and party affiliates have “spearheaded” an
STANLEY WHITE JR. SGA PRESIDENT
extremely controversial bill called the Tucker Commission. Briefly, this bill gives high school students the option to choose between a traditional diploma and a “vocational” diploma, which would give the student a skill as opposed to a conventional education. Also the vocational diploma is not acceptable at four-year universities. The Tucker Commission has more in detail within the bill. I challenge each of you to research and educate yourselves
about this bill and understand how this bill alone could totally undermine the black community and black institutions like HBCU you affectionately attend. SGA and all other student organizations will be urged to speak and act out against this serious situation. Lastly, I would like to commend the football team on a tough victory this past weekend and I would like to encourage everyone to attend the Alcorn State University football game at home this weekend. Also family support is needed for Family Day, which will take place this Saturday. Remember, we cannot be triumphant if we don’t believe we can be victorious. Love, Love Peace and Blessings Stanley White Jr. SGA President
SPEAK OUT What qualities do you look for in the next SU System President?
BY wil norwood
Digest photo editor
danielle winger new orleans senior history
“Someone who is intelligent, a graduate of SU, winger and is willing to speak out on our problems—as well as solve them.”
ronisha johnson baton rouge senior social work
“Someone who has interest in students first and johnson treasures higher education, and is going to restore the pride of the Jaguar Nation.”
kendra martin new orleans sophomore psychology
martin
campus.”
“Someone who is helping and can solve problems going on throughout
sam ross greensburg sophomore business management
ross
consistent.”
“I would like to have a president who sticks to his/ her word and is
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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.com.
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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.
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