After reading about the recruitment of convicted felon and two-time All-American cornerback Rodney Woods, we take issue with Athletic Director Bill Moos’ policy barring felons from being a part of University athletic programs. It seems as though Moos wants to punish people a second time for offenses in the past.
Isn’t it the cardinal principle of the justice system that once a person has paid his or her debt to society, their slate is clean and they should not be denied the opportunities available to everyone else in society? How is denying a person a chance to build a new life doing justice? By the Athletic Department telling convicted felons “we won’t take you,” one more avenue for them to better their lives is closed.
At the same time, this policy has led to a strange and misguided effort by Ducks football head coach Mike Belotti — writing a letter to the court on behalf of Woods. Woods has served his jail time, is finishing his probation, and is trying to get his felony assault charge, stemming from a May 2000 beating, reduced to a misdemeanor.
The University should step back and let the California court system handle this one on its own. Let Woods argue how much he has changed since assaulting a man who tried to rescue Christopher O’Leary from being beaten to death by two of Woods’ friends. Let a judge decide Woods’ fate without the appearance of pleading to fill a spot on the team.
First, though, let Woods finish his probation. Then he will have paid his debt to society, and then the University would do well to give him a second chance — felon or not.