The N&O has an article which is bound to be of concern for Phil Ford, as
it says that
jail time is mandatory for DWI convictions.. The judge has the power
to suspend that sentence if, say, the drunk in question is in rehab, and it can
be for as little as two days, but that's still hugely embarrassing. More
importantly in some regards, conviction brings with it a four year loss of
license, with no - no - exceptions. This means that if Ford were to keep
his job as chief recruiter, he'd have to take a taxi or hire a driver when he
wants to go visit the latest hotshot, thus reminding said hotshot of his
troubles. No doubt the meter would run the entire time the cabbie
was parked there, too. This would lead to snickers from other coaches
eager to hurt UNC in the recruiting game, but it'll never happen. It's
impossible for a chief recruiter to recruit if he can't drive.
Anyway, it's going to force UNC to make some very tough choices at some
point. Among other issues, UNC has been heavily pushing responsible
drinking on campus, and Dean Smith has been resolute in pushing to remove beer
ads from college sports broadcasts, presumably because it sets a bad example for
students. So what about Ford's example, then? How can UNC, and Dean
Smith, push for responsible drinking if they indulge a staff member who has one
DWI conviction with .26 Blood Alcohol Content, and who is charged with a second,
with Exhibit A being a .24 reading?
If he is convicted, Ford will almost certainly be removed as chief
recruiter, regardless of what happens to his employment overall. And while
there is a lot of concern for Ford's well being, here among other places, let's
not forget what could have happened, what has happened in so many other
cases. Let's
revisit the the Recker wreck, for instance, and see how Luke's
girlfriend is doing. Apparently she can wiggle some fingers and has some
sensation in her toes. Her brother is still in a coma. Having that
on your conscience would keep most people up at night, even, perhaps especially,
in prison.