Fans at Aloha Stadium Saturday for the University of Hawai'i-Boise State football game will receive free promotional items touting the Western Athletic Conference's new "Play Up!" message.

It is part of a noble campaign to improve perceptions of WAC members, one that the conference tells us, "is not just a slogan but rather a verbal representation of the commitment to improve and never settle for the status quo. Every one of the WAC members is finding new ways to Play Up by growing scholastically, competitively and financially."

That's something to think about when Boise State strong safety Cam Hall trots onto the field.

For his presence in the game will be very much a reminder of the status quo: that there is a place representing his school even for someone who has been charged with reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident in which a family of three was killed a little more than four months ago.

While Hall, who pleaded not guilty, awaits trial on felony charges, he plays for the Broncos. While a family grieves and people in Idaho wonder where the priorities are, the school permits Hall to play on.

Driving on a highway outside of Boise in May, reports allege Hall became involved in a road rage incident with another driver, Mark Lazinka. According to the Associated Press, prosecutors claimed Hall raced his Mustang at speeds of more than 100 mph on the narrow road trying to pass Lazinka's truck, from which beers cans were thrown at Hall's vehicle.

As the two vehicles sped on, reports say, Hall swerved and avoided another vehicle but Lazinka's truck smashed into that of Tony Perfect, who died, along with his wife and infant daughter.

Lazinka has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, charges that were also made against Hall, but later dropped.

Through it all, Hall has been allowed to practice with the Broncos and barred only from the first two games of the season.

Understand that Hall's presence on the field isn't the result of some football coach turning a blind eye to a terrible situation. This is a whole institution, from the president's office on down, doing it. Which is what makes it all the worse.

If Boise State is like most schools, it is probably involved in programs for the community where it uses the visibility of its athletes to get across messages about responsible living and acceptable conduct.

So, what message does this episode send? What kind of role model is it putting before not only Boise but the communities in which it plays its game?

Through it all, Boise State has said it has simply "followed the court's lead."

Too bad. For here was a situation for Boise State to actually take the lead by taking a real stand.

"Play up?"

Not Boise. Not in this situation, where the message is just play on.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.