CU athlete faces drug charges

March 22, 2006 A Cumberland University football player was arrested Monday by Lebanon Police for trying to grow marijuana in his campus dorm room.
Clifton Ryan Bone, who was living at One Commons Square, Apt. 16 was charged with one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of manufacturing Schedule VI.
On a routine sweep of dorm rooms, two Cumberland security officers found numerous lights and small plants which they believed to be marijuana. They then notified Lebanon Police.
Police seized a number of small marijuana plants, as well numerous High Times magazines and a DVD on growing marijuana.
Police also found bags with marijuana residue inside.
Cumberland University President Harvill Eaton said Tuesday he could not discuss any matter involving an individual student, but made a strong statement about the overall situation.
"The school policy prohibits the use or possession of illegal substances. That's what the school says. What the president says is, 'I won't put up with it.' I will not tolerate it on this campus. Period," Eaton said.
He also wanted to send a "very strong message to the community, the students and to the public and general that this campus has an obligation that, in my view, is beyond is the beyond the 50-minute classroom session. It is to provide an environment and experience for its students and its visitors that would respect the community and law and order," he continued.
Eaton also said the security sweeps are part of the university's normal procedures.
"We have a very clear policy about the use of alcohol and the use of drugs, and from time to time we check. And that 'time to time' is something that I keep my eyes on," he said.
First-year Cumberland football coach Dewayne Alexander confirmed that Bone is a scholarship member of the team.
"We're still in the process of dealing with it as a university. . . but from a football standpoint he has been indefinitely suspended from the football team," Alexander said.
Staff Writer Jared Allen can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 15 or by e-mail at jared.allen@lebanondemocrat.com.