Rainbows' Carey admits his mistake The UHquarterback was one of 11 arrested at an illegal dice and poker game
By Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinUniversity of Hawaii head football coach Fred vonAppen was driving back to work yesterday afternoon when he heard a television promo on the radio saying to tune in tonight for the latest developments concerning quarterback Tim Carey's court appearance. "I thought to myself what would they do if this was some serious felony case," vonAppen said. "It's a misdemeanor, for goodness sake.
Fred vonAppen: "This entire deal
has received more press
than Ifeel it deserves."
"I didn't hear any names mentioned about the other people arrested. Is the media going to start reporting players getting traffic tickets next?"I'm not saying I'm not concerned at what happened. Tim and I are very clear on the serious nature of gambling. But this entire deal has received more press than I feel it deserves."
Carey has an opportunity to wipe the slate clean after he pleaded no contest yesterday to two misdemeanor gambling charges. Carey, 22, was arrested Friday in Chinatown with 10 others at an illegal dice and poker game.
District Court Judge I. Norman Lewis agreed to accept the no-contest plea on condition that Carey not be convicted of a state or federal offense within one year. Carey also is required to contribute $200 - $100 for each offense - to the state's general fund.
Provided Carey complies with the conditions, he will not have to appear at an April 30, 1998 hearing and the charges will be erased from his record.
Lewis earlier referred him to the public defender's office after Carey requested a court-appointed attorney.
Carey said after the hearing that he was sorry for what he had done.
"I made a mistake and let down a lot of people - my family, my teammates, my coaches and myself," Carey said.
"It was a horrible decision on my part and I will face the consequences as they come, but for now, I'd like to put this behind me and move forward from here."
VonAppen said that Carey's punishment from the school would occur later. UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida likely will consult the UH conduct committee before reaching a final decision.
Carey will remain suspended until his punishment is determined by Yoshida and vonAppen. The transfer from Stanford University is the second player to be suspended this spring. Rufus Ayeni remains on suspension while police investigate his alleged involvement of buying steroids via the Internet.
"I'm not sure where that stands right now," vonAppen said. "We haven't heard anything lately. As for Tim, the clock has already started ticking on his suspension. Appropriate action will be taken."
Star-Bulletin writer Debra Barayuga contributed to this report.
