Fans React to Jamar Smith Off the Team
Updated: August 1, 2008
CHAMPAIGN- Jamar Smith will not step foot on the floor of Assembly Hall, hearing the orange crush scream his name, some fans are still saying he deserves his punishment.
Fans kept a close eye on Smith throughout last season. He sat on the bench but always remained to be one of the loudest and most supportive players even from the sidelines. For many fans had been hoping Smith would be the comeback kid turn his life around and be a star player. Thursday's announcement changes all of that.
"I think it's a tough call, i think he's a good asset to the team, a good player but if you're going to do the crime you're going to do the time," said Illini fan Julie Inglod.
"I think he deserved it, he should have never been down on campus, never been doing what he was doing," said Illini fan Steve Powers.
The university athletic department says they still consider smith apart of the family and will continue to support him to reach another goal... graduation.
Graduation could be delayed by jail time though. If Smith is found guilty of violating probation.. he can be punished for his original crime --- drunk driving. That could mean 12 years in prison
