Being a former college student and student-athlete, I know times can get pretty hard over the course of a year. It’s a struggle everyone won’t get to know, but even though it can be rough, kids should never have to resort to stealing to get by.
Baylor forward Rico Gathers has been arrested on theft charges stemming from an incident earlier this month in which he stole several household items from Wal-Mart.
Here are some details from the Waco Tribune-Herald:
Baylor University basketball forward Rico Gathers was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing various household items from the Wal-Mart on Franklin Avenue.
The incident happened on June 1.
A store employee told police that a man he recognized as Gathers placed two pillows, a tote bag, a water dispenser and a trash can in a cart and left the store without stopping to pay for the items, according to an arrest affidavit.
The employee provided police with video from the incident, telling police the items were valued at $171, the affidavit said.
Gathers, 21, who is married and has a 1-year-old son, was arrested Tuesday and charged with theft under $500. He was released from the McLennan County Jail Wednesday after posting a $1,000 bond.
Baylor coach Scott Drew released a statement about Gathers’ arrest Wednesday afternoon.
“We are aware of the situation involving Rico Gathers and are in the process of gathering the facts to determine what transpired,” Drew said. “It would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.”
I know stealing is stealing, but having walked in the young man’s shoes to a degree, I know times get hard as a student-athlete.
Before you crucifix me for sympathizing with the kid let me say this. This kid has a family to provide for at a very young age, and just because he is on scholarship doesn’t necessarily mean he has plenty of money laying around.
He probably got to the point where he was in a pinch and needed some things from the house and didn’t have anyone to turn to for help.
I’m not condoning stealing, I’m just saying I understand the struggle. That is all.