The University of Connecticut has arguably one of the best basketball programs in the United States and Tyler Olander was one of the finest basketball players on the team. I use the word “was” not because he graduated or was injured, but because he has been indefinitely suspended from the team.
In an article by Dom Amore for The Hartford Courant (September 9, 2013) entitled: After DUI Charge, UConn Suspends Tyler Olander Again, we learn that:
“Olander was pulled over by state police on Route 195 Saturday (September 7, 2013) at 10:49 p.m. and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating (or towing) an unregistered motor vehicle and driving without a license.”
He failed the sobriety tests and was arrested. He is 21 years old.
For background, the 230 pound, 6’11” Olander was previously arrested during spring break (March 2013) for trespass as he refused to leave a private party. I have no idea if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol on that occasion. The fact that he refused a uniformed police request to leave the area does raise suspicion – and it also makes me question how he views authority.
Olander, or as he is called “Ollie,” was a team captain. He also had surgery on a broken foot at the end of last season and perhaps he was partying at spring break because he had nothing better to do. But at the time he was fined and ordered to perform community service. His coaches were less forgiving; they took away his captaincy status and prohibited him from practicing with his teammates.
This latest incident seems to indicate that he learned nothing. He was towing a vehicle, while drunk and/or on drugs, along a highway and without a license. He was still defying authority and risking his basketball future, but those are minor consequences. Had he lost control of his vehicle while towing another vehicle, I shudder to think of the consequences. According to the article:
“UConn coaches want Olander to put basketball aside until he modifies his off-the-court behavior and displays better judgment, a source said.”
Why Should He?
It is a fair question. Why should he, in his own mind, modify his behavior? He is a big man – literally – on campus, he undoubtedly has many people around him winking away and saying, “Well, boys will be boys,” and to his mind, the university will forgive his behavior and invite him to re-join the team. He will undoubtedly say all of the right things and will display all of the characteristics of a very contrite person.
It is not enough, because he doesn’t understand. He just doesn’t get it.
When I was working hard to get away with as much as I could, I will guarantee you I had no idea about where my consequences would lead. Yes, it would ultimately lead me to a jail cell, but I did not realize I was already losing pieces of my heart and soul.
I was committing white collar crimes, I was forsaking all of the values that I had been taught by my parents, I was in the process of discrediting my standing in my community, to my friends, to my company and profession, and far and away the most important, to my family.
Many surrounding Olander, have probably told him how cool he is. Division I basketball players achieve amazing status in this country; they have benefits that very few of us can imagine. Even if they never get a sniff from NBA teams, many other avenues can open up to them. But he is losing his heart and soul, and no one is telling him that.
Losing a Captaincy, Gaining a Record
As he is over 21, his arrest will be in the public record. Potential employers will make note of it. He has lost the captaincy of his team. He may be perceived as having a substance abuse problem and a problem with authority. In short, he is already losing pieces of himself.
When I talk to young men such as Tyler Olander, I never talk down to them but directly at them. If I walk out on a stage or in a lecture hall in my orange jumpsuit and handcuffs, they see a very different kind of uniform. My gray hair is ignored and my genteel demeanor is forgotten.
I tell them as only I can, that when I started walking down the wrong road, the orange jumpsuit and handcuffs was where my arrogance led me. I don’t know what the judge will say to Tyler Olander, but I know what I would say.
I can promise however, that had he done damage to someone while drunk, he too would be wearing orange – or whatever colors his particular prison system requires. Next time he screws up, he will find out.
He needs a teacher, not a groupie. My hope is that when he looks in the mirror he won’t see “Ollie the Captain” staring back, but a kid in trouble.
I hope he gets the help he needs, he has no idea how this behavior of his will affect him for the rest of his life.