Two students at Central Connecticut State University and one former football student are on interim suspension for causing a lot of stress and trouble. Two of these students burnt popcorn to a crisp and left the microwave running while the third student tied the doors shut with fishing line making it difficult for the residence students to escape during the early morning alarm.
Saying it was just a practical joke and done just to get a good laugh, the boys now face a stiff litany of charges including first-degree reckless endangerment, reckless burning, first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree breach of peace. They were held until their appearance in New Britain Superior Court Monday.
All three boys were great athletes in their chosen sport and may also have been on scholarship CCSU. Nonetheless, there is no excuse to cause a fire alarm to be raised, tying doors shut and endangering the lives of those trapped inside. A few rooms on two floors were found with their doors tied shut. Students had to try and squeeze through a small opening in the doors.
There is never a good time to pull a prank of this nature and the boys showed very poor judgement. It is hoped that they do not get off with a firm warning just because they are the better of the athletes at the university. That would send the message that you can do what you want when you want as long as you can throw a football or run quickly.
Any other student would be shown the door only too quickly. A lesson must be learned here and spread to all parts of the country that this type of prank, endangering the lives of students, will not be tolerated. It is up to the officials of CCSU to follow through and uphold the law.