Terry Ito Column Vol.9 Isn't the punishment for the Nihon University American Football Team too lenient?

A member of Nihon University's American football team was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana and stimulants, and the team was suspended. However, the suspension was quickly lifted. Nihon University suspended the American football team indefinitely on August 5th, but the suspension was lifted just five days later on the 10th, and practice resumed on the 11th. On the evening of the 11th, 40 members of the team practiced passing and tackling for about an hour and a half on a field in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. This drew questions from university officials, who said, "It's too early."

That's exactly right. Looking back at the circumstances of the incident, it started with an internal tip that "American football team members were using marijuana inside the training camp." The university rushed to investigate the training camp and found illegal drugs in the team members' rooms. The most important thing is that they should have investigated "where" the arrested students had been using marijuana, and President Mariko Hayashi should have made a prompt announcement at a press conference at the university.

Looking at past cases of cannabis users, musicians often use before writing songs, before concerts and live performances, and before media appearances. Many people in the entertainment industry use before having romantic relationships. Speaking of athletes, a member of the Tokyo University of Agriculture boxing club was recently arrested on suspicion of cannabis possession and sale, and these two sports clubs actually have something in common: both clubs are sports that involve "body contact." Players collide violently with their opponents, punching each other, which can create fear. It's easy to imagine that athletes turn to illegal drugs to motivate themselves before a match.

In any era, young people's minds are a mix of confidence and anxiety. It is important that those involved with Nihon University and Tokyo University of Agriculture talk more with students. President Hayashi Mariko also felt that the lifting of the disciplinary action this time was far too early. Her remarks at the press conference, such as "I'm no good at sports," will not be accepted. We ask that the lifting of the disciplinary action be revoked and that a more dignified press conference be held. If things continue as they are, Nihon University's brand image will only continue to decline. I suggest that current students also demand that the university disclose more information!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry