On Sept. 11, Fresno State baseball player Dusty Robinson was caught drinking and driving. His blood alcohol rate was double the legal limit, and he spent five days in jail after the incident. This occurred two days after his 21st birthday.

One should wonder how Robinson, a high-profile player who started every game last season and was a 2009 all-WAC player, is affected by his misdeeds. What kind of consequences will he suffer? Are these consequences different than any other student arrested for a DUI?

As a student-athlete, Robinson is subject to Fresno State’s Athlete Code of Conduct. The code states that a Category I violation, such as drinking and driving or supplying alcohol to a minor, requires review by the Code of Conduct Committee to determine a sanction.

Robinson was to meet with Fresno State’s athletic Code of Conduct Committee last week to determine which sanctions Fresno State will assign him. The outcome of that meeting is hard to predict, because Robinson could be hit with a number of different sanctions ranging from a written warning, reprimand or educational program, to restitution, community service or counseling. At worst, he could face academic performance requirements, suspension from practice, competition and all Athletics Department facilities and services.

We’re not sure of the outcome of his committee meeting, but one thing is certain: Fresno State has a lot to lose from misconduct such as this.

Granted, Fresno State has suffered more in years past from their athletes’ misbehavior.

Who can forget Jason Shirley? He’s the defensive tackle who ran his car into an apartment complex while intoxicated.

And then there’s De’Vron Walker, a track and field athlete who had a DUI on his record and was suspended from his team for an arrest concerning a stolen weapon.

Anyone remember the case of Terry Pettis? He was an exemplary student and a star basketball player at Fresno State, but his lifestyle of violence led to his suspension from the basketball team. Tragically, he wound up murdering a young woman in 2004. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2006.

Fresno State athletes’ actions don’t just affect their personal futures, but the reputation of the university and Fresno State athletics. And as vigorously as many athletes will object, there is no denying that these athletes are role models for the rest of the student body.

Fresno State athletes must be held to a high standard. Because they are in the public eye, their sanctions and punishments for lawbreaking should be at least as strict as any other student or citizen. Players vital to team success shouldn’t easily get out of punishment, even if that punishment hurts their team.

Why? When laws and regulations are enforced with leniency, it encourages further law and rule breaking. With higher profile individuals, such as Robinson, this effect is only magnified.

Robinson should experience the sanctions described in Fresno State’s Code of Conduct. This is for his good, as well as the good of Fresno State and its student body and the integrity of the baseball program and Fresno State athletics.