Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeCoach suspended 30 days for incident
March 1, 2010 —
The women’s softball team will open its season Friday without head coach Everett Roper, who was suspended last week by SVSU.
Roper, 43, pleaded no contest Feb. 22 to possession of marijuana and guilty to operating a motor vehicle while visibly impaired by liquor.
The no contest plea means he does not admit guilt, but accepts responsibility. Sentencing on the two misdemeanors is April 30 in Saginaw County District Court. The pleas stem from a November incident in Thomas Township after Roper drove his vehicle into a ditch two miles from his home.
J.J. Boehm, director of Media and Public Relations, said the University believes a 30-day ban is enough punishment. The suspension began Feb. 23.
“We monitored the case closely throughout and after everything came out, we decided a 30-day suspension was needed for his actions,” Boehm said.
Assistant coach Becky Horn will coach in Roper’s absence. He will not receive pay during the suspension. The team opens the season in Kissimmee, Fla., on Friday against Georgian Court.
Since he was hired in August 2007, the Cardinals have amassed a record of 73-28 and won back-toback GLIAC championships.
Roper entered a plea deal for the marijuana charges that puts him on probation. If he finishes the probationary period successfully, the marijuana charge will be dropped.
Prosecutors will drop the original charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated as a result of Roper’s guilty plea of operating a motor vehicle while visibly impaired.
The first game he will be eligible to coach is March 31 at Ferris State.