Pantagraph.com | Sports | Jankovich: Dyer will be disciplined for DUI

Reader comments on this story - 51 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

to 2 cents worth wrote on Aug 26, 2007 8:50 PM:

" ISU is a public university and we do have the right to hear a public announcement. By your logic, Denver Johnson can sign any transfer with any type of background and no one should even be made aware of it. ISU backers should have no say or knowledge of who represents the university. Oh my mistake...your logic wins. "

2 cents worth wrote on Aug 26, 2007 6:06 PM:

" the law is pretty specific about DUI's and Levi was dealt with by the letter of the law. Did Levi drink and drive the night before a basketball game or team outing? No. Therefore, outside of poor judgement, his actions didn't effect the basketball team at that specific evening. Did Levi endanger lives by driving intoxicated? Yes. Did Levi try to flee the sceen of an accident with a passenger in his car barely alive? No. Drinking and driving is a serious offense. The kid made a stand up decision, plead guilty. He understands the consequences and is paying for them. Coach J will follow school policy here and there will be some form of punishment. Its not up to us, the bloggers to decide what that punishment should be nor do we have the right to demand a public announcement what Coach J decides to do. "

To Levifan wrote on Aug 25, 2007 1:44 PM:

" Your specific points about the goodness of Levi are fine points and should be mentioned. But, everyone (not even college students) doesn't drink and drive. I sense that you think people are piling on Levi. I agree expecially since the ISU football team transfers not only gets a free pass but their pasts are not even mentioned. "

Levifan wrote on Aug 25, 2007 8:43 AM:

" There but for the grace of God go any of you that have a drink and drive...doesn't matter how far over the limit you are, you still get a DUI. Levi is a good kid who made a dumb mistake. Name any college kid (even you goody 2shoes out there) who this couldn't happen to. This will follow him for a long time..job applications, insurance and most anything else he will undertake in life for the next 10 years or so. He as and is being punished. And knowing him, and I do, he won't make this mistake again, and isn't that the point? "

Illini fan wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:47 PM:

" to "(D)UI" Mmmm... one offense vs. two offenses.... that's what makes the Illini D-UI now? I am sure Dyer is not the first ISU player to get a DUI. It's just nowadays.. everyone knows everything about everyone with the invention of the internet. There are no secrets anymore. D-U-ISU......D-U-ISU!!! Nice ring to it huh? "

blah blah blah wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:51 AM:

" ISU backers saying that it isn't as bad as U of I. No comments defending the ISU football team, though. Why don't you make your comparison of the Dyer situation to ISU football? To be consistent, Dyer should get no punishment. "

To Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:49 AM:

" If athletes at U of I received that many hours of community service (1,000), they might not be able to have a basketball team. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they were a school that tried to count practice and workouts as "community service". On a side note, there's a difference between Levi and McBride. Unless Levi gets in trouble with the law 4 more times, he shouldn't be receiving the same punishment as McBride. "

(D)UI wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:44 AM:

" I believe you get a nickname like (D)UI when you have multiple offenses like that in a short period of time. There is a difference between an isolated incident and several players with DUIs, including a felony DUI. "

Illini fan wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:30 PM:

" to "Re:Illini fan" Excuse me.. I was not the one to bring up the Jamar issue into the conversation. That would be the Aug 20 10:18 PM post from .. I guess an ISU fan. I have always said I thought kids who get into trouble should be kicked off their respective teams. It's a privlege to play for the Illini or ISU. I was just giving back to some of the ISU fans who have chanted I-L-L D-U-I for the last year. D-U-ISU is funny to Illini fans. Guess it's not funny when it's your own team huh? "

Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:26 PM:

" I posted to suspend him earlier but maybe I was wrong. Coach Jankovich is a reputable person and is closer to the situation than any of us. I will trust he can make the decision to best achieve what is best for all. The student, the team, the university and the fans. It is his decision and he must make it. If you are not happy with the decision don't go to the games. If you are happy with the coach support the team. Good luck Coach!!!!! "

Re: Illini fan wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:30 PM:

" I'll let you in on what Coach Jank decides to do the minute I become Tim Jankovich. Besides, don't be so quick to toot your own horn, outside of quiet circles EVERYONE knows that Jamar called Coach McClain about the incident before calling the police. It's been documented, and then knowing that there's no way you can cover up a 7 foot basketball player who is injured in a car, they did the right thing and called the police. But you brought Jamar into the conversation. After 5 driving offenses, Richard McBride should have had to do 300 community service hours. Levi's fine and fees are listed as $1475, minus his $100 he most likely posted for bond. FWIW, my information comes directly from the McLean Co. Courthouse and Champaign Co. Courthouse websites. Freedom of Information is wonderful. "

Can't compare wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:32 AM:

" There is one slight difference between the Jamar Smith's case and Levi Dyer's. Smith was involved in an accident where he injured a fellow teammate. As I recall Smith left the scene and stated he thought his teammate was dead. Smith was not only charged with DUI but also other more serious offenses. It doesn't make was Dyer did any better but I don't see the penalty Coach J hands down being as much as Smith received sitting out the entire upcoming season. "

Don't count on it wrote on Aug 22, 2007 7:37 PM:

" Don't count on hearing any details here. Nothing is ever mentioned about the football players' backgrounds. "

Illini fan wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:40 PM:

" Hey "Just the facts Ma'am" How about the letting the public in on what ISU's coach's decision is on this matter...like the Illini coaches do. Seems like Mr. Dyer's money out of pocket is only about $800 not $1400 like you stated...unless there is information somewhere else that is not known to everyone. Plus Rich had to perform 300 hours of comm. service and Mr. Dyer.. a big 0 for comm. service. Yea..sounds like the same sentence to me. If both cases had been in the same county... I could see your argument. But as they are in two different counties with two different SA.. you cannot compare these cases. Not every county prosecutes the same for a DUI. "

Just the facts Ma'am wrote on Aug 22, 2007 11:53 AM:

" let's see Levi gets a DUI and gets 24 mo. court supervision, has to undergo alcohol counseling, and his fines and court fees are almost $1400. Rich McBride after his 5th driving offense (several alcohol related) get's 24 mo. court supervision, $1000 fees and fines, and has to undergo alcohol treatment w/ 300 hours of community service. Call me crazy, but how does a multiple offender get the same sentence as a first time offender? I'll tell you how. B/N doesn't worship basketball players, and our State's Attorney isn't under any pressure from the community to give light sentences in exchange for W's. That's why you guys are I-L-L D-U-I. "

Illini fan wrote on Aug 22, 2007 5:54 AM:

" I love it!! When the Illini were having troubles like this last year... all of you ISU fans were chanting ILL DUI. ISU fans were calling for the players to kicked off the team. Now that the shoe is on the other foot...oh.. it's a private matter. Talk about talking out both sides of your mouth....LOL. "

why wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:07 PM:

" Why all the comments about severely punishing Levi? Look at the football coach and the players that he has brought in as transfers. Nothing is ever mentioned about it much less any outrage. A DUI is nothing compared to some of that. "

I agree with coach wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:36 PM:

" Nice way to start coach. When Dyer does something good it is not discussed in the newspaper, why when he makes a bad choice? Keep it private. Great beginnings for ISU basketball. Looking forward to season to begin. Saw some of the players at football Sat. eve, looks like they are in shape and ready to go. "

Reasonable fan wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:30 PM:

" I do agree Levi mad a poor choice. And it appears he has now been tried and convicted by law. He has a punishment with fines and treatment and he must abide. However, where were you people when he really needed you. Have any of you spent the last 3 years under Porter Moser, me neither thank goodness. I would imagine Porter did a real number on these boys. the way he treated those boys at games makes it hard to imagine what went on behind closed doors. I am not making an excuse for him but why hang him,why not help him? Hopefully he has learned a lesson, the future remains to be seen. Let's give him a chance. New beginnings with new coach, his future looks brighter already. Good luck Levi, look forward to watching you play!!!!!! Coach, you have a great team!!!! "

Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 21, 2007 5:56 PM:

" As I have posted many times about athletes getting into trouble. Its time to make examples of the bad boy attitudes. Along with the fame, the scholarship, the exposure to professional sports, the education, and the rest of the perks college atheletes enjoy, goes responsibility. Dyer has a responsibility to the University students and fans to act as an ambassador to the high moral standard of an ISU athelete. He made a mistake in judgement and must have understood the rules before he started drinking. Now he must pay the price for his poor judgement. Suspend him and assign him 1000 hours of community service. He may return when his 1000 hour debt is paid off in full. "

yes, suspend him wrote on Aug 21, 2007 5:34 PM:

" Levi's "job" is playing basketball. I presume it's important to him. Just like with a foolish child who misbehaves, if you don't withhold or take something away that's important, the child will not learn or even believe he did anything wrong. "

(DU) ISU wrote on Aug 21, 2007 3:44 PM:

" Mmmm.. the shoes on the other foot now. Not so funny is it??? "

Dogfighting wrote on Aug 21, 2007 2:57 PM:

" had nothing to do with the NFL, but Michael Vick will still get suspended from the league. Whether he likes it or not, Levi is a public figure in Bloomington/Normal and his actions have everything to do with Basketball and ISU. I have confidence in Janks to give him the necessary punishment. "

Forget basketball wrote on Aug 21, 2007 2:32 PM:

" He shouldn't be suspended from a Basketball game. The DUI had nothing to do with Basketball. Make him serve 300 hours community service...in the big brothers program...or something like that! "

TO: here we go again wrote on Aug 21, 2007 2:27 PM:

" 0.08 x 2 = 0.160 (his BAC was reported as 0.131). Do your math before you poke the "dumb" finger around. "

here we go again wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:33 PM:

" I hate to hear the coach say that Levi merely used poor judgment. Dyer DISREGARDED the law- big time. Twice the legal limit in his blood. No one forced him to drink (he's a big guy, right?). Worse, he was out late driving. Remember that Hancock fellow (the Cardinals pitcher) who died earlier this summer? I don't know how smart or dumb Levi Dyer is but I do KNOW he is very foolish. I hope he gets help soon for his problem. "

Bottom of the Gene Pool wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:12 PM:

" So let me get this straight. An ISU article is posted and supposed U of I fans comment to get Redbird fans riled up. An Illinois article is posted, and supposed ISU fans post to get Illini fans all riled up. All this from a forum that doesn't ask you to register, doesn't make you use real names, and that goes un-monitored 99% of the time. Yet you people take the first unfavorable comment about ISU and UofI and turn it into some catfight. Unbelieveable! So much for higher education! Ever think some of the UofI & ISU comments are from other B10 and MVC schools fans who like to see you guys duke it out over nothing? "

Porter wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:03 PM:

" This is all Porter Mosers fault! "

C'mon People wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:56 AM:

" ISU can't suspend this guy for more than the exhibition...they'll need him if they have a chance to beat Missouri - St Louis, SE Missouri State and UNC-Wilmington...suspend him for the Indiana game...they have no prayer of winning that one... "

ME wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:37 AM:

" I also lose my job in the event of a DUI arrest, doesn't even have to be a conviction. Violates the code of conduct. I'm severely disapointed in Levi, this was extremely poor judgement. I think that at least he needs to sit the first semester if not the entire non conf. Our society doesn't pay near enough attention to the seriousness of DUI. Tim, here's your oportunity to show us what you're made of. "

mr brightside wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:26 AM:

" Look at the bright side, this helps his stats. He will be the only one on the team with these stats: DUI-1 BAC- .131 "

Ed wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:23 AM:

" I really want my kids to lookup to someone like this. "

how did Illlinois come into this? wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:44 AM:

" I'll tell you why...inferiority complex. "

Whine Whine Whine!!!! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:12 AM:

" Come on that was last year of the team, its not ur problem 2 deal wit it was the other coach.Y stick ur nose where it dont belong. U know what they all say is if ya dont do it on their time u do it on ur own time n he did it on is own time. he wasnt playin any sports at that time so let it be he got what he got. "

to suggestion wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:37 AM:

" Are you kidding? come on! "

Country Girl wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:33 AM:

" Actually I work at Country and a new policy came out a few years ago regarding DUIs. We were told that if we get a DUI our employment will be terminated. This is regardless of whether driving is a part of our job duties or not. "

Brian wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:28 AM:

" Wow! Now that the shoes on the other foot for Illinois Second-tier University, you little kids still have to make this about U of I. There's that inferiority complex rearing its ugly head again. "

To What wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:19 AM:

" I work at Country Insurance and if I get a DUI, I lose my profit sharing automatically and can be fired if the company chooses. Just for your information. "

Dyer was pulled over by the Illinois State Police at 3:07 a.m. on April 29 and found with a blood-alcohol content of 0.131 wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:25 AM:

" Rev A Sharpest Pencil : This is an obvious case of racial profiling! The charges against this fine athlete should be muted. "

To Bottom wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:12 AM:

" In your dreams. At worst, we get a split this year with you, Book It!. "

To Bottom wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:03 AM:

" I'm going to predict you aren't a basketball 'expert' because many publications believe he has been left something. Also, if you care to share what school you're from, I'm sure the players could use some bulletin board material. As for Denver Johnson, I don't think I'd ever take coaching advice from that guy. He needs to get his own house in order. "

Well well well wrote on Aug 21, 2007 5:22 AM:

" All of you redbirdfan.com members can now use the name IS(D)UI. Funny how you all think its not as big of a deal when it happens in your own backyard. Newsflash, for Levi to have a .131, he had to drink a ton of alcohol because he is such a big guy. He endangered every single one your, and your childrens lives out there the night he did this. He is on a full ride from the state and needs to be held accountable for his actions through a suspension, not some made up light punishment from the new coach. Show some backbone Tim and set an example so this doesnt happen again. "

How does? wrote on Aug 21, 2007 3:03 AM:

" How does an article about an ISU basketball player end up with discussing U of I. Can you people just give it a rest? Why must any ISU football or basketball information turn into a U of I analysis? Come on...get off the couch and do something productive "

ummm... wrote on Aug 21, 2007 2:34 AM:

" ....but I thought ISU athletes were oh so much better than the rest of the world.....time to come down off of your high horse! "

Bottom wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:40 PM:

" Dyer or not, enjoy another season at the bottom of the league. The new coach should get your program turned around, but he wasn't left with much. We'll enjoy whipping on the Birds again this year. "

to (D)UI wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:18 PM:

" no, he would have to leave a friend for dead before he would get suspended for an exhibition down there. I would hate not to have him on the floor, but he should be benched for at least the first 4, not including exhibitions. "

What? wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:18 PM:

" Be serious. Why should he get a higher penalty than someone else? He plead guilty and is paying his penalty. If someone works at State Farm or Country Companies and they get a DUI, after they get their court penalty should they also get suspended from work for a month? No. The legal system is there for a reason. If he does something while on ISU time then that is different. No special treatment, and that means do not go soft on him because he is a basketball player, but also don't go hard on him because he is a basketball player. "

suggestion wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:09 PM:

" I agree with the other posters but maybe Jankovich could get some advice from Denver Johnson. Or, maybe not. "

Illya wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:11 PM:

" Someone needs to make it clear to Levi that he is not at the University of Illinois. ISU needs to demand higher standards of personal behavior. "

(D)UI wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:06 PM:

" Illinois would suspend him for an exhibition game or two. We shouldn't be lax like them and let their players get away with a lot, so give him a 3 game suspension and have him miss an actual game. "

Sit him down wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:15 PM:

" Make him sit for the first 10 games at least. "

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