Albert Gary Should Be Immediately Suspended by Iowa State for Robbery Charges

After being charged with first-degree robbery stemming from a June incident in which he and several others allegedly robbed three men at gunpoint with pellet guns, Iowa State wide receiver Albert Gary has turned himself in to authorities.

If found guilty, Gary could face up to 25 years in prison as he has been charged with a Class B felony. Despite that, Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads says he expects Gary to play on Friday against No. 2 Oklahoma State as Gary has already served a three-game suspension.

These charges are quite serious, and allowing Gary to play with them looming over his head would be irresponsible. Gary has to be taught a lesson in the wake of these charges, and that includes an immediate suspension that lasts for the duration of the season.

There is no real reason to force Gary into the lineup as it isn't as if he's a major contributor, anyway. He has just seven grabs for 76 yards and won't have much of an effect on the team's performance against Oklahoma State.

Allowing him to play would send a very bad message to the team at this point. Regardless of the fact that he already served a suspension, significant charges having been filed is most certainly grounds for further discipline.

I would normally accuse Rhoads of putting the team before the morally correct thing to do, but it's not like Gary is going to decide whether Cyclones beat or lose to the Cowboys. If nothing else, Rhoads needs to take a stand and bring the hammer down on Gary in order to show his team that such behavior will not be tolerated.

If he doesn't do that, then there is no telling what other team members may think they can get away with. Gary is probably an isolated incident, but if Rhoads keeps the status quo, it will reflect very poorly upon the university.