ISU AD: Coprich ‘paying a price’ following drug arrest

Posted on June 3, 2015
Marshaun Coprich
Marshaun Coprich was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-MVFC honoree in 2014. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Illinois State athletics director Larry Lyons said senior running back Marshaun Coprich is paying a price for a drug arrest last month.

“He made a mistake, there’s no question about that,” Lyons said. “He’s remorseful for that mistake. He’s fortunate it turned out the way it did, so he could remain on the team.”

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Lyons on WJBC.

Lyons told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin reaction on campus has been mixed about the punishment Coprich faced following his recent guilty plea on a marijuana delivery charge. Lyons said the All-American running back still must face the university’s disciplinary process.

“It’s significant what he has to do,” Lyons said. “He’s paying a penalty. He will have to pay a penalty on campus and of course with the football team.”

Coach Brock Spack has lifted his suspension and Coprich can have the conviction removed from his record if he meets the terms of the first-time offender program. He was also ordered to perform community service as part of his probation.

Coprich helped lead the Redbird football team to an appearance in the FCS title game last season after setting school record for rushing yards (2,274) and rushing touchdowns (27).

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…