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Show WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014 SPOIU S Inra!? BY SPENCER DURRANT DSNdurrant Cheating and NCAA infractions are big issues in Division I football across the nation, with suspensions happening for key players e schools such as at Notre Dame and Penn State. However, Dixie State doesn't suffer from cheating issues or operate under fear of NCAA penalties due to cheating the rules. Cheating has long been an issue for Division I schools. Former BYU linebacker De-ri- k Stevenson, who played for BYU in the mid-90said cheating was even a problem 20 years ago. . Stevenson told a story about people hiding out in the comers of Lavell Edwards Stadium, trying to get h a glimpse of some of Edwards offensive tactics. Stevenson remembers these people getting chased out of the stadium by security' during team scrimmages closed to the public. Issues like the spying Stevenson talked about may be prevalent in Division I football, but DSU football players dont believe cheating is an issue. I dont really think DII cheats," said tight end Derek Whitmore, a senior history major from Orlando, Florida. "Its not the same or DI guidelines as a school, so you have more leeway in a DII school. Other players agreed with big-nam- s, then-coac- DI-A- A Whitmore. havent seen cheating," said middle linebacker Nik Wolford, a junior business major from Draper. "Youll have instances during the play where theres obviously fouls. Other than that, theres nothing like spy gate or anything like that." While these players may not see cheating at their level, the NCAA is dealing with DII schools cheating quite regularly. According to an article from espn.com, accusations of cheating from the Division II and III levels have caused a slowdown in dealing with major DI infractions. Cheating is an issue at the DII level where DSU plays, but the university doesn't currently suffer from it, in the opinions of multiple DSU football players. e With so many programs across the country cheating in all divisions, it can seem that cheating is becoming the only path to victory. Stevenson believes its not, saying that while cheating isnt a necessary step to winning, trying to figure out how to compete within the rules and guideline, but still have an I big-nam- advantage is. Stevenson said a difference exists between cheating and finding a slight advantage that fits within the rules of the sport. Players at all levels of football will engage in a variety of tactics to gain a slight edge over their opponents. These things arent considered cheating GlTu'aOlAlQGHt by players or any football governing body. Rather, these tactics are seen as creative ways to get a legal edge in the game. These tactics include a few different things, such as players taping their jerseys with double-side- d tape to minimize holding and using lotion on their pads to make themselves harder to tackle, in addition to using performance enhancing drugs that arent currently against NCAA rules. I dont think getting creative is cheating necessarily, Stevenson said. Whatever it is, everybody has to have their own set of standards. Kenny Cox, the athletics media relations coordinator for DSU, agreed with what Stevenson said. Everybody is going to have an opportunity to take the easy way, or to cheat, or to take advantage of some sort of system, Cox said. I think Stevenson is right; its up to each individual person whether they want to be honest and do what they think is right. The NCAA also will step in and hand out punishments if schools are caught n bans, cheating. scholarship reductions, and financial sanctions are examples of some of the penalties school can face if Post-seaso- theyre caught cheating, DIXIESUNNEWS.COM ac- cording to this article from atyourlibrary.org. Individual players can be suspended from playing by the NCAA as well. Coaches and administra te k ' k DUD ' fi, rj if . players get physical against Western Oregon University during the season. According to DSU athletes, Division II cheating isnt as prevalent as in 2013 DSU football Division I. tors have a role to play in helping players stay honest on the field in order to avoid any of these NCAA penalties. At the end of the day, the responsibility lies on players shoulders. From talking with multiple players, its clear that DSUs football personnel fully understand and embrace that responsibility. We have a large senior group whos trying to do things right, trying to leave a legacy, said middle linebacker Garland Munns, a senior integrated studies major from Garland. Theyre not going to do any of those things. Multiple players added that DSU definitely runs a tight ship in its athletic department, and fans and spectators can rest assured knowing that this particular group of players is trying their best to win without cheating their competition. n u f" Staff members for the Dixie Sun IXlerys team ? You can get course credit for covering DSU happenings. Students can get 2 credits in Comm 2210 (meets MWF 1-- 10-10:5- 0). Experience is preferred but not required. For more information, contact Rhiannon Bent at 13 4? 1 : ' hentdixie.edu. , 1 EPELIIiCTia TICKETS SI) PRESALE AT l!i!KSTI!UES23 AT THE DEIill 7- - MJulljL PM" -- ' I t ; I;!: j ll -r-- M |