The Auburn Plainsman 06.13.13 edition

Page 1

Auburn speaker tells tales of his solo canoe trip down the Alabama River Page A2

Two local vineyards are bringing the wine country to The Plains Page A5

Why cutting the aviation program now means missed opportunities for the University Page A3

The Auburn Plainsman A Spirit That Is Not Afraid ThePlainsman.com

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Fishin’ for a title

ONLINE

Art scene Stay posted for SummerNight Art Walk photos on ThePlainsman.com

NEWS

With one championship behind them, brothers Matt and Jordan Lee are hoping for another run this August

A3

Contributed

Matt and Jordan Lee pose with their catches after one of the teams numerous wins in 2012.

OPINIONS A6

A7

Baseball Four former Tigers drafted to MLB

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

goodwin

McNEil

Mosley

Mosley pleads guilty, closes lengthy case Andrew Yawn

Get to know Paul Register, Auburn’s newest police chief Justin Ferguson

Our View: Smoking ban that became effective last year is a dud

Kitchens

See the story on A2

Game Day Changes Construction on Gay Street brings more parking

SPORTS

Vol. 120, Issue 6, 8 Pages

News Reporter

The City of Auburn announced June 7 the appointment of Paul Register as the new police chief, effective July 1. Register, Auburn’s current assistant police chief, will take over for retiring Chief Tommy Dawson. Register has also been the acting police chief since Dawson announced a medical leave in March because of his battle with Parkinson’s disease. “I’m very proud to be able to retire and leave the department in such capable hands,” Dawson told the Opelika-Auburn News. Director of Public Safety Bill James echoed Dawson in a recent press release. “In the last couple of months, (Register) has done

well in an acting position, doing all of the work the chief would do,” James said. “He has done an excellent job over his entire career and has proven himself to be able to lead at a high level.” A 25-year veteran of the Auburn Police Division, Register has served in the patrol, detectives and vice and narcotics sections of the division before becoming assistant chief in 2010. He graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor of Science in justice and public safety and attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. “It’s an honor to be able to serve in this capacity,” Register said. “After working side-byside with Chief Dawson for all these years, I’m excited to continue what he’s put in place

Register during his time here.” Register says protecting the University campus will continue to be a top priority of the APD. “Auburn University should not see a difference in the Auburn Police Division,” Register said. “You will see the same commitment to keeping the students and faculty safe. From our time with Chief Dawson, we have developed a good set of goals and procedures to keep the campus a safe place.”

News Editor

One by one, the four former Tigers were put in stripes. With Dakota Mosley changing his plea and pleading guilty, Auburn can finally close the door on a case that’s been open for almost three years. Mosley was charged with waiting in the car while former teammates Antonio Goodwin, Mike McNeil and Shaun Kitchens attempted to rob a trailer in Conway Acres Mobile Home Park in 2011. Mosley was reportedly the driver chosen for the heist, and therefore remained in the car. Mosley received a 15-year split sentence for avoiding the trial and agreeing to plead guilty. As a result, Mosley will serve three years in jail and pay $2,000 in fines. He had originally pled not guilty due to mental illness. Goodwin was tried first and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for first-degree robbery. The trio report-

edly intimidated the victims and stole a safe and some cell phones from the trailer. McNeil also pled not guilty originally and had his innocence corroborated by Selena Roberts’ polarizing story alleging corrupt football and law enforcement programs in Auburn. However, he too pled guilty and received three years in jail. Kitchens also struck a deal and will serve three years in prison. With Roberts’ story and the controversial testimony by former Auburn running back Michael Dyer, Auburn was stuck in a situation in which the University’s procedures were being questioned consistently. Dyer testified that the players asked to use his gun and that the group of them were smoking synthetic marijuana at former wide receiver DeAngelo Benton’s residence. All six of those players are no longer with the team, and for the moment, it seems the Auburn football team is free of distractions.

Ward pleads not guilty to charges Former basketball player entered not guilty plea for point-shaving allegations at indictment hearing

What’s your view on campus smoking policies? Answer on Facebook, Twitter or ThePlainsman.com

INDEX News Intrigue Opinion Sports

A2 A5 A6 A7

Justin Ferguson News Reporter

Former Auburn basketball player Kyievarez “Varez” Ward was arraigned Thursday, June 6 in Montgomery on accusations of taking part in a scheme to fix a game against Arkansas Jan. 25, 2012. Ward, who was released Tuesday on bond, pleaded not guilty on federal charges of conspiracy to defraud and sports bribery. He faces up to five years in prison on each of the two counts. Judge Wallace Capel Jr. set

Ward’s trial date for July 22. Ward is represented by Birmingham attorneys Everett Wess, Reginald McDaniel and Robert Beeman. Wess, who formerly represented Harvey Updyke, said the three lawyers picked up Ward’s case on Tuesday and have not yet spoken to anyone at Auburn. “We’re trying to learn more about these games ourselves and what the prosecutors have that might prove he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” Wess told reporters. Ward did not speak in court

or to reporters Thursday. McDaniel said Ward has been in Montgomery since he left Auburn and is currently looking at other schools where he can further his education. The 24-year-old Montgomery native was suspended by head coach Tony Barbee Feb. 25, 2012, after allegations of point-shaving arose. While teammate and current Auburn player Chris Denson was cleared of any wrongdoing, Ward still remained suspended for the rest of the season and left the school when the season ended.

Chelsea wooten / Photo Editor

Varez Ward leaving the arraignment June 6.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
The Auburn Plainsman 06.13.13 edition by The Auburn Plainsman - Issuu