Sports

MSU and Cops Warn Spartan Fans Not to Party Too Hearty Tonight

March 27, 2015, 10:27 AM by  Alan Stamm

Will a tradition of fiery celebrations bring arrests in East Lansing if MSU beats Oklahoma tonight to reach the Elite Eight round of the NCAA basketball tournament?

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The 10:07 p.m. tip-off adds to concerns.

Campus and city police obviously hope not, but are prepared for possible trouble, the Lansing State Journal says. The game's late start around 10 p.m. heightens concern about hours-long drinking as fans spend all night at bars and private gatherings. 

"The East Lansing Police Department plans to have extra officers on hand," Tom Thelen writes at the Journal. 

"We will have people in place to respond in case things get busy," said Lt. Steve Gonzalez. "We usually have more problems with a night game as opposed to a day game. . . .

"We will have people in place to respond in case things get busy," said Lt. Steve Gonzalez. "We usually have more problems with a night game as opposed to a day game. . . .

Gonzalez said that the department would look to work with neighboring police agencies if the Spartans continue to advance in the tournament beyond this weekend.


This warning is posted online and distributed in flyers.

In The State News campus daily, student body president James Conwell urges fellow fans to "celebrate our basketball team’s achievements safely, respectfully and with class." His nine-paragraph appeal Friday to avoid vandalism also says:

Avoid participating in behaviors that may cause physical harm to yourself, friends, neighbors or may result in the destruction of property. Dangerous celebrations such as these will likely lead not only to severe legal trouble, but also severe sanctions and possible dismissal from the university.

Times such as these are meant for celebration, but for too long there has been a small minority who believe taking part in destructive gatherings and burning furniture is a part of Spartan tradition. They are NOT. These types of activities only serve to embarrass our community and university, endanger the lives and livelihoods of those involved or around them and ultimately mar the reputation of an institution we are all so proud of.

We encourage responsible celebration within the Spartan community . . . If someone you know is about to do something destructive, stop them. If you feel that you or someone else may be in danger, call 911 and follow all instructions from public safety officials.


Read more:  Lansing State Journal


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