Kyle's Korner: Dez Wells

What is the price of winning? College athletics is centered on the notion that student-athletes play amateur sports while enriching their lives and intelligence. This ideal is excellent, but it seems as if our society has allowed the NCAA and universities to move further and further away from this "dream." While the headline stories are still considered the exception and not the rule, it is difficult for anyone to ignore the overwhelming cloud surrounding college sports.
Penn State University football. University of Southern California football. Syracuse University basketball. When reading the names of those three programs, the first image that comes to mind is not the pageantry and traditions of these hallowed programs, but rather the scandal associated with each school. Our society is driven to succeed and to be obsessed with winning, almost to the point that we will sweep any wrongdoings under the rug if we can get away with it. The thought process in some of these athletic administrators' heads may be going something like this: "What's the harm in a few innocent lives being dramatically changed if we can contend for a national title this season?"
It is appalling that this continues to happen across the nation each and every year. It is refreshing when schools are quick to act and firm in their decisions. As a Xavier University student, I am proud that our school placed the well-being of students before the success of our basketball program with regards to the expulsion of Dez Wells. (Note: There is no official word yet on the severity of Wells' actions; I am simply basing my point off the university's statement last week.)
An average fan realizes how impactful this expulsion will be on the basketball team's upcoming season. As a die-hard fan, I am saddened by the course of events that has taken place but am pleased to attend a school that will not tolerate misdeeds.
In violating the Xavier Student Code of Conduct, Wells challenged the university to take action one of the most well-known students on campus. Whether or not a student plays basketball, it is uplifting to witness the school stay unyielding in its beliefs. I commend the University Conduct Board for their decision. Although the expulsion will not wipe away the stain entirely, it is a step in the right direction and was exactly what needed to be done.
The price of winning in college athletics is rather high, but hanging a banner up in Cintas Center is not worth the lives of innocent students on campus. Thank you, Xavier University for standing up for what is right.