Associated Students President James Poet was arrested Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and for allegedly possessing marijuana, according to a San Diego State Police Department report.
“I do have some personal issues going on right now,” Poet said. “I do have a court date and hopefully I’m considered innocent until proven guilty.”
Vice President of Student Affairs at SDSU James Kitchen provided the following statement regarding Poet’s reported DUI.
“We are both shocked and disappointed at the news of James Poet’s arrest which has the potential for serious consequences,” Kitchen said, adding that Poet like any other student accused of breaking the law should be afforded due process and a chance to defend him or herself in court.
“James has made many significant contributions during his tenure as A.S. President for which we are appreciative. The Associated Students officers and staff will continue to carry out their leadership duties,” Kitchen added.
Poet said he plans on addressing his arrest and giving students all the facts about what happened tomorrow at the A.S. Council meeting.
Just weeks after the Mid-City Division of the San Diego Police Department arrested basketball star Lorrenzo Wade on suspicion of burglary, the latest arrest is being taken very seriously by university officials.
“As a university we’re making efforts to change the culture here but you can’t change culture overnight,” Greg Block, director of media relations and new media, said. “These are things that happen on college campuses everywhere, but these are also issues that the university takes very seriously.”
Poet arrested for alleged DUI and marijuana possession
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Updated: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Andrew Huse / Staff Photographer
15 comments
I/H
Poet is a good guy. He puts his heart and soul into everything that he does and has made many contributions to the various organizations with which he was involved. He has probably done more for his community than you ever will, so calm down. Yeah, he might have screwed up, but you can't point your finger like you are better than him. George W. used to do coke, Gov. Arnold used to smoke weed and do steroids, Bill Clinton used to smoke pot, all the Kennedys were drunks, etc. Nobody is perfect. I am sure you have smoked weed before, and probably have drove with a buzz too at least once.Besides, James might even be innocent. Who knows if the pot was even his? It could have been left in the car by a previous passenger or something, you don't know. He probably was around the block or down the street from his house and was "cool to drive" but blew a .08 and got caught. It definitely was not good decision making though.All I am saying is that James is human and people make mistakes. Let the justice system do its thing, and don't hold all of SDSU accountable.I/H
SDSU Alum
everyone should be thankful that no one was hurt or killed. everyone should also be compassionate that the young man has personal issues. yes he drank and drove. yes he could have hurt or killed someone. yes the situation could have turned out much worst. however, it didn't. he didn't hurt or kill someone. now is the time for President Poet to show his true leadership by standing up (owning up) to what he did. he may be a great AS leader. he may be a great contributor to the university. he may be great friends to many people. however, this is the time for him to heal himself. whatever "issues" he indicated in his statement can now be addressed...with shame and satire, but addressed. President Poet, I do not know you. I am glad you were not injured and moreso that you did not injure or kill another human being. Take some time to now "process" what happened to you. Do not let money turn you away from this serious life lesson. Do not "buy" your way out. Own up to what happened and accept the consequences. You are so young with much potential. You are at a time of peer pressure, college life, and whatever else a nA.S. president commits to; however, do not...and I mean do not EVER do what you did again. I do not know your upbringing and family background, but I hope you'll leave that all aside and do what you need to do (and what the student body saw in you as a leader). It may have been a popularity vote, but again, this is a time for you to heal and to be a better person than you were before the incident. Take care, heal, and enjoy life.
ERIKA
Ashley, that's not being biased, it's being fair. Poet, along with any other person arrested of a crime, deserves to be treated innocent until proven guilty. There is a Due Process which needs to be followed. I myself know the importance of due process, being the victim of a FALSE police report filed against me. It's funny how nobody speaks up about his commitment to this school, but as soon as word gets out that he may have broken the law, everybody freaks out and says what a bad role model he is. I've had the opportunity to work with him in AS and he is a fine role model. I'd like to meet one other person who can top his dedication to State. I'm proud to be an Aztec no matter what reputation SDSU may have. I know what this school is really about, and I don't give a damn what any outsider may think.
Kori L. Vigil
Let's be honest this is not a surprise. Poet, I am sure you had fun while it lasted, but you got what was coming to you and I couldn't be happier. How you could stand in front of the school pretending to be a leader for change while living the life you have been is still a mystery to me, but it's over now- thank goodness! Once again, you are at the bottom of the totem where you belong.
theprideoftipton
Ah yes this sems familiar. I remember when I was at SDSU oh 11 years ago puking in the alley behind Karl Strauss down on Colombia Street. The guy puking next to me was the AS president. It was pretty funny talking school politics being annihilated with him. Go Aztecs and fire Long!!!!
