UH athletics puts priority on behavior

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

All University of Hawai'i athletic teams will be counseled on how to show sportsmanlike behavior — and the consequences of a lack of it — UH Athletic Director Herman Frazier told the Board of Regents yesterday.

Referring to actions being taken stemming from a brawl after the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl Christmas Day at Aloha Stadium, Frazier told regents his department is taking steps to ensure such behavior doesn't occur again.

"We will not tolerate this type of action," Frazier said after briefing the board on the exact guidelines required by the Western Athletic Conference's articles of sportsmanship.

Frazier said his coaches are being instructed to make player behavior — both on and off the field — a top priority, starting from the first day of each season.

"Going forward we will discuss sportsmanship issues with our coaching staff during meetings and give additional comments to the student athletes in large groups."

Frazier also said he and WAC commissioner Karl Benson agreed on all of the penalties imposed.

Five UH players identified as responsible for the melee have been suspended for one game and seven others have been reprimanded. Frazier told the regents that football coach June Jones has also added additional "penalties" to the players in the form of community service projects and specific projects at UH.

Associate Athletic Director Tom Sadler said later that the department will work with individual coaches to develop an effective program tailored to each sport and each team.

Regent Ted Hong had high praise for the speed with which Frazier addressed the issue, brought a resolution and briefed the board.

The helmet-swinging brawl broke out after the game between the UH Warriors football team and the Houston Cougars and was captured on live TV. The melee lasted for several minutes after the 54-48 Warrior victory in triple overtime.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.