Texas A&M University-Commerce football Head Coach Guy Morriss admitted to police that his team was responsible for the removal of student newspapers distributed on campus Wednesday.
The East Texan published a story on Wednesday titled “Football Player Arrested in Drug Bust.”
Lt. Jason Bone, crime information officer, later interviewed Morriss, who admitted to his team members’ involvement in the theft and said he supported their actions.
“I am proud of my players for doing that,” Morriss said. “This was the best team building exercise we have ever done.”
According to police reports, video footage was attained of players Stephen DeGrate and Dakota Burch removing copies of Wednesday’s issue of The East Texan.
Morriss, former head football coach for Baylor, said he was not in agreement with the act being classified as theft because it is a free newspaper.
According to The East Texan, Adam Goldstein, attorney advocate for the Student Press Law Center, said the actions taken by the members of the football team are illegal.
The East Texan is free for the first issue and 25 cents after the first copy.
According to Bone’s police report, Athletic Director Carlton Cooper said the football team could not have stolen the papers without the aid of outside help.
“I don’t think they are smart enough to do this on their own,” he said.
Bone said he showed the stolen paper to Morriss, who said he “didn’t read that crap.”
Bone said in the police report that The East Texan cost 25 cents after the first free issue, and the prosecutor would decide if it would be considered a theft.
“Then I guess I will be the first one out of the door in handcuffs,” Morriss said. He then left the police station.
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