Sports talk

Colossal nose-tackle Asa Chapman was not on the team bus when the Flames pulled out of Lynchburg headed for Raleigh, N.C.

The news broke Tuesday morning that Chapman was reportedly arrested Friday, Aug. 26 on a misdemeanor marijuana charge and a felony cocaine charge.

Consequently, Chapman was suspended indefinitely from the Flames football program.

Chapman has a Sept. 12 arraignment hearing. In addition to drug charges and unpaid traffic tickets, a contempt of court charge will be discussed.

Flames head football coach Danny Rocco explained that while Chapman has no further participation with the football program, Liberty is reaching out to help.

“There are things in place already with Asa,” Rocco said. “Asa has gained a lawyer, has been involved with some counseling, has been involved in some education and I think we have put together a really good plan for Asa.”

Rocco also said Chapman is participating in community service. Apart from legal counseling, Chapman is also seeking direction from Dr. Ed Gomes, the team’s head chaplain as he navigates this part of his life.

However, Rocco stressed that Chapman is not participating in any football activities.

Not casting a stone

“A lot of people find themselves in this situation and it may define that part of their life, but it doesn’t define who they are,” Rocco said.

At 385 pounds, Chapman is hard to miss on the field. Plus, a warm and easy personality, he’s hard to dislike off the field.

Chapman made a mistake. Rocco, Chapman nor anyone else deny that.
Actions have consequences.

“I wanted it to be known that (this) conduct is detrimental to my football team,” Rocco said. “But now, we are making sure support is in place so that he can move forward.”

It can be too easy to label someone as “fallen,” and exile them from a Christian bubble like Liberty.

Chapman is more visible than the typical person, given his role on the football team, his stature and subtle popularity.

But instead of taking the opportunity to use Chapman as an example, this can be an opportunity to go the extra mile most universities wouldn’t.

Chapman, afterall, isn’t the only student that has faced discipline from the Student Care Office.

“Maybe God can do something miraculous here in his life and in the lives of other people,” Rocco said.