University of Tampa Criminology Blog

First of all, it its always sad to see a waste of talent. In this case, it is even more sad to read that Preston Parker has had more than one chance to redeem himself from previous mistakes. Clearly, Parker did not knew how good he had it. A star athlete in college and possibly a future NFL player, who knows? He should consider himself extremely that he was even allowed to stay at the school, with a scholarship! In addition, I hope that Parker have more success with his academics, because clearly he did not seem to treasure his “athletic career.”

typo, i meant…

*extremely lucky that he was even allowed to stay at the school…

i cant believe he is still going to stay in school WITH A SCHOLARSHIP. he should get kicked out just because he is showing the rest of the world that florida state accepts criminals! i hope he realizes how lucky he is to still be in FSU

Missed Class assignment-

(1) What is your initial reaction to the news story?
I think it is sad that a boy with such potential has now wasted a great future opportunity for himself.

(2) What do you think should happen to the people involved in the news story?
I think Florida State did exactly the right thing to Preston Parker. Florida State had already given Parker a second chance and he blew it. Not many people are given the oppoutunitys that Parker had been given and now hopefully he will wake up and smell the roses. I’m glad that Florida State is allowing him to stay and finish his education and hopefully he takes full advantage of it so he can rise above the mistakes he has made and make something of his future.

(3) What information would you like to see as a follow-up to your chosen news story?
Personally, I do not care if I hear of this person again. Hopefully this was enough of a wake up call for him that he can finish school and do something productive with his life since he is allowed to finish his time at Florida State. I really hope we do not see his name in the headlines again for a negative reason.

My initial reaction to this was that I could not believe that after all the chances he has been given that he has learned to change his ways. Probably if he haven’t been given all those chances with the first charges he may have realized ahead time what he was doing was wrong. Also I don’t agree with the fact that he still is allowed to attend school on a scholarship… I think he definitely needs an education, however students with lesser circumstances are thrown out of school completely. Its just sad to see a potential NFL player throw away his chance at an amazing career. Hopefully he will learn from his mistakes, do well in school and make something of himself.

(1) What is your initial reaction to the news story?
I found the article to be very interesting. It is sad that this person it ruining their future by making bad choices. But on the other side, this person has been arrested three times, and is still in school on a scholarship. I don’t think that’s fair to let this guy get away with not only one, but three arrests since 2006 and still let him keep his scholarship, even though he is off the time. Obviosly this kid is up to no good and he needs to deal with the consequences the hard way.

2. What do you think should happen to the people involved in the news story?
I definately think they should take this guy’s scholarship away. He is definately not learning that what he is doing is wrong. By taking his scholarship away it will hopefully make him realize the seriousness of his consequences. And also it will send a message to future students/athletes showing that if you screw up, you’re going to have to deal with the punishments.

(3) What information would you like to see as a follow-up to your chosen news story?
I would defiantely like to see if this person get’s in anymore trouble. That would make this even more interesting to see what he can do next. And then maybe people will start to realize that this guy is up to no good.

I think this story is ridiculous! Parker should not have a scholarship at all. The only reason he is getting this special treatment is because he was a good football player. But that should not matter he knew what he was risking when he got arrested multiple times and he went through with it anyway. Why waste that money on him when you can give it to a student who will appreciate it. I agree with Lauren i would like to know if he gets arrested again, just to see if he will fit in with the stereotype and keep going in and out of jail.

I follow Florida State football and remember the suspensions mentioned in the article during the season for cheating. I do not know why these kids would risk their scholarships and possible NFL experience with being stupid, that is what surprises me. It is sad to see Parker go because he was a great asset, but there is no excuse for drug and weapon possession. I think he should not get off as easy as before. Obviously he did not learn from before with only 50 hours of community service, so I think he needs more. However, I am torn thinking whether he deserves jail, because on one hand he is a kid and they make mistakes, but it is his second offense and probably should not get such a light sentence. I also think it is quite curious of the university to allow him to stay on scholarship. Why would they want to pay for him to be at school? I cannot figure that one out. The NCAA should not be so forgiving with their policies. One offense should be it, because it is not like you can fine them such as in the NFL. As college athletes, they are kind of made to be role models for what kids can accomplish if they go to college and I think since they are lucky enough to be there that they should treat it like a job and be responsible. A perfect example of a responsible college athlete is one of Parker’s teammates, Myron Rolle who is a Rhodes Scholar and is going to study at Oxford. It would be interesting to hear how Parker does.

I can only agree with what Kent is saying, “Why would they want to pay for him to be at school?” It makes no sense. Maybe the school wanted to show Parker some mercy by keeping him on scholarship? Perhaps he had a troubled background prior to attending Florida State University and that the school knew about it? I do not know anything about Parker’s background or where he is from, but my initial thought when I read this was that he might have grown up in a “bad” neighborhood. Do not get me wrong, I do not believe that a person has to come from a bad neighborhood to act the way Parker did, but it is just a thought. Please feel free to comment on it.

In response to Lauren:

I definitely agree that after three strikes FSU should revoke Parker’s scholarships. He has been in trouble too many times for FSU to still be paying for his mistakes. By doing so they are setting a precedence for future student-athletes. Like Lauren said his scholarship should be taken away because he is not/has not learned from his mistakes and needs to realize the consequences of his actions. If he gets into trouble again hopefully FSU will realize nothing is going to change and deal with the situation properly.

I don’t understand how they are allowing him to keep his scholarship. Yes, he is a kid and he made a mistake, but he’s made mistakes before. He was cut a break before, and obviously it didn’t help him because he ended up getting in trouble again. I agree that he should be kicked off the team, but still be allowed to go to the university. However, like many people have already said, why should FSU pay for him to go there when he doesn’t take his education and responsibility seriously? If he wants to keep attending school and furthering his education he should have to fund it on his own. I’m sure FSU could find more deserving students to give that scholarship too. Hopefully Parker will realize the future he has thrown away and will begin to take things more seriously.

I was not surprised to hear a story of this matter. For many years athletes have been able to get away with things that a normal/regular student wouldn’t be able to get away with in a million years. For some reason people tend to look at athletes as being above the law and don’t have to follow any rules. This is seen more in schools that have successful athletic programs. The teachers allow athletes to turn in work later than the rest of the student, overlook those who cheat in the class and some teacher give athletes passing grades just because they are athletes. The coaches are not in different. The coaches talk to the teacher and assist them in making these athletes pass classes, overlook failed drug test, and even go beyond by paying for different expenses.
I think that Preston Parker should be kicked out of school for at least a year. If not his scholarship should most definitely be taken away from him. There seem to be no real penalty for the crime that he has done besides being kicked off the football team. If athletes realize that they are not going to be punished for their actions then there isn’t a real sense of having to change.
As a follow-up to this story, I would like to see if Parker actually changes his actions or become more engaged with his criminal activities. I would also like to hear how the university plans to enforce penalties on athletes that break the rules. It seems as Parker is not the only one that has broken the rules, therefore, stricter rules/ penalties are needed to be put in place.

Initial Reaction:
It is obvious that this individual has no respect for himself or anyone around him. I can see one arrest, one mistake, one event that changes how someone views life. However, clearly this individual doesn’t learn from his mistakes. Even though he wasn’t driving at the time of his arrest, the fact that this man continues to make law-breaking mistakes proves that he has no respect for the law or himself. Its appalling how many people who have a higher status than most seem to believe they can get away with more. Further, the fact that he is allowed to keep his scholarship is disturbing. This man is taking away from those students who honestly deserve the opportunity to attend FSU and play football, but can’t because they can’t afford it.

What should happen to those involved:
Parker should clearly not be “let off” so easily after being arrested three times. Once or twice? Maybe. But if he continues to get arrested and gets easy sentences (or no sentence at all) and refuses to learn from his mistakes, he doesn’t deserve the lenience. There are some people out there who do make honest mistakes, and those are the ones who deserve a second chance. This man does not; at this point in his life, even a petty crime should be punished to the maximum just to force him to see the consequences for his actions.

As far as FSU goes, it seems as though it needs to seriously consider re-vamping its rule book on player conduct. Honestly, if the choice is between the integrity of students or a winning team, as a college the integrity of students should prevail, and that doesn’t seem to be happening. This is proven by allowing Parker to keep his scholarship. Why should he be allowed special treatment when other deserving individuals are just waiting for that chance?

Follow up:
I would like to know what happens with the FSU football program as a whole. It seems like it had a few bumps in the road just with this one article, so I can only imagine how bad it may get if FSU doesn’t re-create a student/athlete code of conduct. I would also like to see the additional arrests on Parker’s record in years to come, just to see if this instance finally made him learn.

This does not seem shocking, only because you hear about arrests and drugs amongs athletes a lot. I think that the fact that they are allowing Parker to keep his scholarship and stay on campus is a bit strange; however, the article does not state if the scholarship was academic or athletic. But even still what university would want to keep a student with three arrests for drinking and marijuana, as well as theft. Parker is an athlete that represents the school and by setting a bad example like this and for FSU to keep him in the college with a scholarship makes them look like bad.
I think that Parker’s behavior might be from the pressures of upholding the scholarship through football, academics and having a life. He is most likely influenced greatly by the environment that he is in. He spends a lot of time with other guys, as well as channelling a lot of agression being a football player.

When the positive school looks at Parker, they think he is a delinquent. His appearance in the eyes of the positive school (mesomorph) would lead to assumptions he is more likely to do crime. This assumption is true since he has been arrested three times already since 2006. His environment I would say would be another leading factor of his criminal ways. Two of his teammates have also done crimes with minor penalties. Parker seems to be living in a “do the crime, pay little time or no time” environment. In the positive school, you can also conclude he may be a “bad seed”, if we knew more about his genetics.

According to the positive school of criminology, scientists use biology to try and explain why criminals commit crimes. Scientific research revealed that crimes vary by age, sex, race, and geographic area. Lombroso claimed that criminals tend to have a flattened nose and apelike arms, and if you take a look at a picture of Parker that is his exact appearance. Parkers physical stigmata does not cause criminal behavior, but characterizes a personality type that fits a criminal. People might think playing sports keeps you out of trouble, but if your in an environment with other criminals its more likely you’d do it as well. Two of Parkers team mates were caught and charged with a minor criminal acts, which probably has a lot to do with Parkers actions. Lastly, the positive school believes that people with tattoos are more likely to be a criminal then people without them. Parker has a rather large tattoo thats very obvious on his arm, which would be a sign of a criminal.

This news article is very interisting. Unfortuantely, Parker keeps getting caught. Looking at it from the Positive School perspective, one might wonder if it has something to do with biological factors. One might argue that enviromental factors influenced the young man’s behavior. Most of the student-athletes come from poor backgrounds and, like any other person, when their backs are to the wall they respond in deviant behavior. Maybe he was stressed from school and sports and decided use alcohol as an escape. All these are enviromental factors that the Positve School of Criminology looks at. Also, he could be suffering from the XYY or “Super-Male” Syndrome, which leads to high levels of testosteron which in turn makes them more aggressive and prone to criminal behavior. Another possible explanation could be his body type. According to Shelden and Glueck’s Somatotype Theory, Parker should be classified as a Mesomorph because he is muscular and fit, therefore highly prone to committing criminal acts.

The positive school of criminology would look at several key factors in the case of Parker being dismissed from the Florida State football team. The first factor would be his body type and other physical features . For example, Parker would most likely be classified as a mesomorph because he has an athletes build. According to Sheldon and Glueck, this is the body type which is most prone to deviant behavior. Also included in the Somatotype theory about Mesomorphs is that they are very large risk takers. This might explain why even after Parker had been caught twice before, he was still willing to partake in activities that would put his football career at risk.
Environment is also a key factor in the Positive School. Parker may have grown up in a rough part of Delray Beach causing him to react to situations in a certain way. For example, his upbringing could have influenced him to form the assumption that he needed to carry a weapon, which he was arrested for last April.

Positive School
The Positive School tells that biological reasons have a lot to do with why someone does criminal things. Looking within shows Preston Parker had gotten in trouble before and I can only assume that he was in trouble during his high school days too. I don’t know if he is a bad seed or not but his childhood would give evidence to that claim. Positive School looks at being a bad seed as part of why criminals do the things they do. Whether his parents had criminal backgrounds also would give light to his actions. The environment that he was brought up in would give more evidence to why he has chosen to continue to do things against the law. Preston does not fit the typical Positive School physical makeup as he is only 6 foot and 185 pounds. Florida State seems to attract troubled athletes and you have to wonder if the environment they are selecting from needs to change. One can only wonder at what past criminal activities his parents were involved in that would give more clues to why he would basically throw away a NFL career for something so stupid……

I would have to agree with Will Everette. According to the positive school of criminology where they focus mainly on the biological determinants, one could say that Preston Parker has a characteristics predisposed to criminal behavior. Like Will mentioned maybe Preston Paker inherited a few of these traits from his father. According the physique Preston Parket would also fit the typical positive school criminal profile, since he is a football player for Florida State. His age, gender, body type and so on may fit the criteria that the positive school describe. Also the school environment may influence these traits even more.

I found it disappointing to read that another talented athlete giving up a perfect opportunity to poor choices. I also found it shocking that FSU is allowing Parker to keep his scholarship. In my opinion, he does not deserve to keep his scholarship after making the third mistake. It is upsetting to me reading about college athletes who are practically given a free college education with perks and then throwing it away for a lifestyle of crime. I feel that if college athletes were not given so many chances and things handed to them than maybe they would take their education and career more seriously. It is just a shame to see such good talent go to waste. Maybe he needs to see what its like to be a non-athlete college student. I guarantee he will start thinking twice about the mistake he has made once he stops being treated like an athlete around school. Most students would do anything to have the opportunity he had.

I think that it is sad to see athlete’s getting into trouble like this. It is sad to see their talent go to waste. I also do think that athlete’s who have high statuses think that they can get away with crimes that the average person would get in trouble for. I think that he deserved this punishments. If you don’t learn from the first time when you commit a crime, it shows that the person may not care. Once something like their football career is taken away from them, I think they finally learn that they cannot commit these crimes without being reprimanded

Having transferred from FSU, it makes me a little bit frustrated to see that a student who can get into so much trouble with the law like that is still able to keep a scholarship, when I know of some students at that school who deserved a scholarship but did not get one. This just goes to show you that it’s not what you know, but who you know. Obviously, Parker still had connections since he was a talented member of FSU’s football team.

I don’t really think that there should be too much commotion over the incidents involving Parker, because after all, he is just a twenty-one year old college student trying to find his way in life, as we all are. Everyone makes mistakes. Sure, you would think he would have learned from his first couple of mistakes but I guess everyone learns on their own timetable. Just because he is a talented athlete doesn’t mean he should get any more or less of a punishment than any other student in his position would. I agree that he should not have the privilege of representing his college football team, and I also believe that he should probably not be kept at the school on scholarship. Some students work themselves to death in order to get a scholarship but they don’t, and then there are students like Parker who can mess up and still get the best of both worlds.

I believe Bowden made the right decision on kicking him off the team. However I disagree with the school for letting him stay in classes on scholarship. I think his scholarship should be revoked, especially since he has a past problem with drugs and alcohol. Drunk driving is a serious crime that could up seriously hurting or killing someone completely innocent, so I believe it should be taken seriously and I am glad that Boden stood up and kicked him off the team.

I fully agree with Dan when he says that it really is a shame to see a waste of talent. This football was given some special talent and led him to a scholarship at a competitive college. It just doesn’t seem sensible to throw it all away for drugs and pretty scandals. I think his removal from the football squad was definitely necessary. Sports players on scholarship are given so much cushion with academics, but when the break the rules it really should be enforced the same for them as everyone else.

According to the Social Disorganization Theory in Chapter 6, the reasoning for Preston Parker’s dismissal from Florida State University is because of the environmental conditions he was in and the social changes he faced. He was a football player for a very well known college football team. I think that his status as a football player at a big college was a rapid social change for him because of all the fans and people who looked at him as this amazing player. I also think that Parker felt as if he was a valued person because of his status and felt as if he were invincible to ever getting in trouble for doing something, such as a DUI. I think that because of Parker’s “high” status of being a football player, it conflicted with reality of what the repercussions can really be, such as being dismissed from Florida State.

Based on the Social Control Theory in chapter 7, Parker committed these crimes because it is human nature to be a “rule breaker”. Going to a big school such as Florida State you are immersed with a huge number of rebellious students. According to the theory every one breaks rules and would naturally commit crimes if left to their own devices. This explains why Parker did it, with all the other thousands of students around him most are drinking or smoking. Hanging out with them can cause you to do these bad habits and Parker unfortunately got caught and now suffers the consequences of not being able to play football for his team anymore.

According to the Social Process theories, one is labeled based on their qualities and characteristics. Once a person is labeled, they will start to take on that role. In this case, Parker was labeled as a college football player, which gave him a little bit of power so he was most likely exposed to all that college has to offer. Parker apparently enjoyed his priveleges such as partying, drinking, and smoking but unfortunately got caught. Hopefully, this was a wake up call and he gets back on track.

This article was very interesting, but also very frustrating at the same time. Parker had the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to play for such a team as Florida State University and threw it away. For his first two arrests he was placed on probation, drug testing, had to pay various fines/costs and had to enter programs as a part of his sentences. He was very lucky he did not receive any jail time and for a common person would cause deterrence from committing another crime. Although he received a D.U.I. on this arrest, which is a common charge in the state of Florida, he is throwing his promising future away not only with his football career, but also academically.
The goal of corrections is to emphasize the infliction of pain and suffering through the use of punishment. Parker received punishment through the use of community corrections, in hopes that he would rehabilitate and would become a law abiding citizen. He was very lucky he was not convicted of a felony charge, which was reduced through a guilty plea. It seems to me that for this D.U.I. charge that although is not a serious offense, should be handled as one, when it comes to sentencing. My criminal law professor once said “It is not about the crime you commit, it is about what you do with it that is most important,” and for Parker he should have learned with his first two arrests what COULD happen and with this third arrest he should be held fully accountable for his actions.
In response to Chelsea’s blog, I agree with the social process theory, but there are many with that label who do not commit crimes. Although being a football player and he has access to all that college has to offer, the bottom line is he is there for school and does not have to do what every other person does. College is a place that people run into most troubles whether it be just picking up bad habits as drinking excessively or doing drugs, and/or committing crimes that could jeopardize their future. Every person makes mistakes because it is human nature, but you can either learn from your mistakes or keep making them, and at one point or another you will have to answer to them whether it is with the law or yourself.

After reading this article I think proper action was taken for the case of Preston Parker. Dismissal from the team and to put on probation with community service is a good solution for this type of behavior. Admitting Parker to a shock treatment program with a combination of substance about program might influence him to get on the right path towards a better future. Although it is a waste of talent and I do believe in second chances, individuals like Preston Parker should not be given chance because it is clear that he doesn’t attempt to show signs of change with three arrest and attempted robbery. Every individual should be entitled to education and according to the article Parker will get his chance to finish school while remaining on scholarship.

As the former junior receiver for Florida State, Preston Parker’s football career was terminated after he was found asleep in his running car one Saturday morning. Parker was charged with driving under the influence (DUI). He admitted to drinking as well as smoking marijuana. Fortunately, he was able to stay in school and keep his scholarship. Parker is leaving the team to rely on new hopefuls who can fill his shoes as a good player. He has had two other charges since 2006 and was released a day after his arrest on Sunday.
A person who commits a crime is known to violate the law or partake in illegal acts. In any case, most crimes can be considered misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are crimes of a less severe case. DUI’s and urinating in public are examples of misdemeanors. Murdering a person or possessing cocaine are known as felonies because they are more of severe situation.
Preston Parker’s situation reminds me to make clear and smart decisions while I am in college. It also makes me want to remind my friends and peers to make good decisions therefore we will stay out of trouble and focus on the real reason why we are here. I feel bad for Preston but he should own up and take a responsibility for his actions and do more to make a change.

Preston Parker is a troubled football player and he was arrested twice for the past year. One of the consequences he had to go through was being discharged from his team at Florida State. Parker, twenty-one years old, was arrested first for driving under the influence. The police of Tallahassee found him sleeping in his car that was running. Parker then took responsibility and committed to smoking marijuana and drinking. To that date, it was Parker’s third arrest total. Prior he got suspended because he was arrested for having weapons and drugs. One of which was a felony charge, but because of a guilty plea it was later reduced as an agreement. He was given a sentence of fifty community service hours and a year’s probation and weekly drug testing. Parker was then arrested for attempting to steal a DVD from Best Buy in the year of 2006, but that charge was dismissed. Parker was freed with a bail of five hundred dollars on Sunday from the Leon County.
Shoplifting is the stealing or theft of goods from retail stores and merchants. It can take place in a small shop or in a large department store. In Parker’s case he attempted to shoplift in a large store. Studies have shown that 1 in 8 people are all shoplifters. In my opinion, that is a lot. There are all kinds of individuals with different socioeconomic backgrounds that steal; it is definitely not limited to the poor and some people may over look this fact. Because Parker is a football player the staff, guards and security might have not expected to search him when they noticed that he might have stolen. Parker, in this case, was as an amateur shoplifter. They steal out of greediness. Marijuana is a hard to classify as a depressant or a stimulant because it can either depress you or stimulate your moods. The person may experience mild euphoria, relaxation, decreased alertness, and some confusion. Drinking alcohol can affect the central nervous system. Parker admitted to multiple drug use. This is a rising problem according to the Department of Justice. This is dangerous because the mixture of the chemicals that may occur. Some individuals mix drugs to enhance the effects of another drug, but it can be extremely harmful to the bodies. People like Parker needs to be found and given harsh consequences because they can harm other individuals.

After reading this article, Preston Parker sure is upset with himself for blowing an opportunity that he had of playing football at Florida State. Parker has been arrested for drinking under the influence, smoking marijuana and stealing a DVD from best buy. According to the text, Alcohol is a CNS depressant and alcohol abuse is the frequent and excessive alcohol consumption that leads to long-term consequences both physically and mentally, in which this case, Parker fell asleep at the wheel of his running car. Falling asleep at the whel of a running car leaves a lot of questions in terms of what could have happened as he fell asleep in that he could have pressed the gas pedal and cause an accident that could have resulted in a death. According to chapter 12, marijuana is the most widely used mind-altering drug and Many use marijuana to produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria which doesnt work well when under the influence of alcohol. After these two charges, you would think that maybe Parker would learn his lesson and try to earn some respect back from the coaches and his teammates going forward. Unfortunately that was not the case. Parker was arrested for shoplifting at best buy in which the case was eventually dismissed. According to chapter 10, parker is considered an amateur shoplifter due o the fact that he shoplifted out of greediness rather than stealing for profit. All in all, its a shame that he put such a damaging mark on his career for football both in college and his hopes of getting to the NFL.