Nearly a month and a half has passed since Jamar Smith crashed his Lexus into a tree after a night of drinking, nearly killing teammate Brian Carlwell. But like the Chief, the story just won’t go away.

I originally reported the story with basketball beat writer Erin Foley that ran in The Daily Illini when charges were filed against Smith on Feb. 22. During the course of our reporting, we sought out a police report of the incident from the University Police. To get one, we filed a Freedom of Information request with the University, and patiently waited a week for the records.

A letter arrived from Robin Kaler, Associate Chancellor and Public Records Officer, telling me that my request for the police records had been denied. Kaler cited two sections of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that deny me access to the records. The first reason stated that giving me the records would “constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy…” The second reason stated that disclosure of the records would “interfere with pending … law enforcement proceedings.”

The first reason is ridiculous on its face as police reports are a matter of public record. The second reason seems to be a moot point considering charges were already filed against Smith. The investigation was already complete. What was the University hiding? The DI was just about done reporting on the Smith incident at this point, but wanting to satisfy my own curiosity, I appealed the decision to University President B. Joseph White, as I’m legally entitled to do.

In the appeal to the president I formally cited the sections of the FOIA that entitle me to the records. Under section 140/7(1)(d)(i, ii) of the act, I am entitled to “chronologically maintained arrest information, such as traditional arrest logs or blotters” and “the name of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency and the charges for which that person is being held.” On March 8th I got an answer from President White:

“My review of your February 22, 2007, request leads me to conclude that Robin Kaler’s denial of your request … was appropriate,” White said. “…I must hereby deny your appeal of this matter.”

The University, and White, must be withholding these records from the public for a reason. Perhaps they hope that I, as well as the DI, will forget about the incident and move on. I’m not sure, but this is why I write this today. So that it doesn’t get forgotten.

But, what started out as mere curiosity for me has turned into outright skepticism. What is the University hiding? What could the records possibly say that could be so incriminating? And what could they include that we don’t already know about the incident?

This isn’t a matter of being right or wrong. It’s not even a matter of trying to find out more information about a crime — anymore. It’s about precedent.
Until the matter is dealt with, this story can’t go away. It shouldn’t go away.

I thought it was inappropriate when Jamar Smith joined the team on the bench for their last home game. I understand that the team wanted him there, but that’s not a decision the team should make.

This is too much, though. Jamar has been practicing with the team as of this week, according to the story you can find on The Daily Illini Web site. Having been charged with two felonies and agreeing to sit out the remainder of the season, I find it entirely inappropriate for Smith to have anything to do with the team, at least for the entire remainder of this season.

After an incident of this nature, it shouldn’t simply be back to business as usual.

I’m curious about the thoughts of my colleagues and our readers.

With the events that have transpired this past week, Illinois men’s basketball has fallen into a rough period in its long history. We at the DI, along with head coach Bruce Weber, have been saying all season that the team would be entering a new era, but we never imagined anything like this. Since day one with Rich McBride’s DUI to Jamar Smith’s recent charges, and countless injuries and hurdles in between, the Illinois basketball team has struggled to adapt to a Dee, Deron, Luther and Auggie-less atmosphere. Whether it was a lack of leadership on the court or the ability to find a go-to guy in closing minutes of games, the Illini haven’t played to the expectations of the program. But lost in the injuries, police investigations and the growing number of losses is the fact most “experts” saw Illinois falling off much farther than they have. No one thought the Illini would be on the bubble of the tournament or could compete with teams like Maryland and Arizona, and even though they lost those games, just being able to hang with the country’s elite is a testament to how much effort and heart this team has put onto the court. It’s a shame off-court incidents may have tarnished the reputation of this prestigious program.

So what is the future of Illinois basketball? I pose that question to you, readers.

How will this season affect not only the team’s tournament chances, but future teams and recruiting?

Do you think the NCAA will punish Bruce Weber and his future teams? Will it punish Jamar Smith?

Will and should Smith be welcomed back to the program when the aftermath of the crash is concluded?

What other issues will face the Illini in the weeks, months and years to come?

Head coach Bruce Weber has confirmed that Illinois basketball player Jamar Smith will sit out the remainder of the 2006-07 season. This news comes four days after Smith was involved in a car accident at the 2000 block of South First Street. Smith, along with teammate Brian Carlwell, were admitted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana late Monday night. Smith was treated and released while Carlwell remains in the hospital in fair condition.

Smith, the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, has been charged with inproper lane usage. An investigation by the University Campus Police is ongoing and will determine if other charges against Smith will be brought up.

Keep checking in with the DI Sports Blog for more updates and DailyIllini.com for indepth coverage.

The following is the released statement to the media from the University of Illinois Campus Police Department on the accident involving basketball players Brian Carlwell and Jamar Smith. Changes in previous reports were minor.

• At 2321 hours (11:21 p.m.) on Monday, February 12, 2007, UIPD officers located a traffic crash scene at 2021 S. First Street. The scene of the crash indicated a that a vehicle had struck a tree.
• The vehicle involved in the traffic crash was located at the College Park Fields Apartment Complex in Savoy.
• An injured passenger in the vehicle, Brian Carlwell, was transported to Carle Hospital.
• Through investigation of responding officers, it was determined that Jamar Smith was the driver of the vehicle. Smith was treated and released from Carle Hospitat.
• Smith was issued an Illinois Vehicle Code citation for Improper Lane Usage.
• A blood was urine analysis of Smith was obtained and has been submitted to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab.
• The investigation is continuing. A complete case file with reports will be submitted to the State’s Attorney’s Office when the investigation is completed.

Basically nothing new was stated in the update that the Daily Illini didn’t already know. Outside of this information from the Campus Police, it has also been confirmed that Smith was not in the vehicle with Carwell when police found the car. It has not been made clear where Smith was when Carlwell was found, but both were taken to the hospital. Smith was treated and released, while Carlwell was admitted in critical condition. He has since been upgraded to fair condition and will be released over the weekend barring any major setback. The coaching staff expects a full recovery for Carlwell. Smith went home yesterday to be with his family in Peoria. No other charges have been filed against Smith other than the improper lane usage, but Smith could face additional charges if the State Police Crime Lab concludes Smith was intoxicated or if it is concluded Smith fled the scene of the crash.

Check in with the DI Sports Blog for up-to-date posts on the accident and DailyIllini.com for indepth coverage.

Earlier today, the Daily Illini Sports Desk reported that Illinois basketball player Brian Carlwell was upgraded to fair condition. While Carlwell obviously is not completely in the clear, the progression he has taken since being admitted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana with a severe concussion have all been positive. At this point, it has been confirmed by the University of Illinois athletic department that Carlwell has moved into his own hospital room and although he will be intensely watched in his new room, this too is a step in the positive direction.

The Daily Illini would like to wish Brian a speedy and full recovery.

Keep tuning into the DI Sports Desk Blog and DailyIllini.com for more updates.

UPDATE (6:25 p.m.): Bruce Weber released a statement that said doctors are expecting a full recovery for Brian Carlwell from the accident and he should be released from the Carle Foundation Hospital within the next two days.

Illinois men’s basketball player Brian Carlwell, who was the passenger in a car accident with teammate Jamar Smith late Monday night, has been upgraded from serious condition to fair, Assistant Athletic Director Kent Brown confirmed. A more in depth update will follow on the DI website, DailyIllini.com.

Carlwell was initially admitted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana in critical condition witha serious concussion. Smith was also treated for a concussion, but was released Tuesday morning. His time of release is not yet available to the media, a hospital spokesperson said.

The media is also awaiting the results from a police investigation as to what caused Smith’s vehicle to skid off road and hit a tree.

Keep checking in with the DI Sports Blog for immediate updates, and DailyIllini.com for in depth coverage on the accident and other snow day news.

Kent Brown, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations at the University of Illinois, confirmed early rumors that sophomore Illinois baskeball player Jamar Smith, who was involved in an accident late Monday night, left the scene of the crash and drove toward his apartment in Savoy. Smith, who was later treated for a concussion, was injured along with freshman teammate Brian Carlwell. Carlwell remains in serious condition at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Smith was charged with inproper lane usage after his vehicle skidded off road and hit a tree. Brown has said he cannot comment as to whether alcohol was or wasn’t involved.

Carlwell was in the car with Smith when he left the scene.

Illinois men’s basketball player Brian Carlwell remains in serious condition after a car accident late Monday night. While the Chicago Tribune reported Carlwell’s condition has been upgraded to stable, Sports Information at the University said they have not received any word from Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana about a change in Carlwell’s status.

Keep checking the Sports Blog and DailyIllini.com for more updates.

UPDATE (4:38 p.m.):

Carle Foundation Hospital’s public relations office has confirmed that Carlwell is still in SERIOUS condition, NOT stable condition.

Official Statement by University of Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther:

“Late Monday evening, men’s basketball players Jamar Smith and Brian Carlwell were involved in a car accident near the 2000 block of South First Street in Champaign. The car Jamar was driving crossed the center lane and hit a tree. Brian was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana where he was admitted in critical condition with a severe concussion. His condition has since been upgraded to serious. Jamar also suffered a concussion and was treated and released from the hospital.

“Certainly, our thoughts are on the health and recovery of our two student-athletes, and in supporting Coach Weber and our basketball program. We will issue any updates should there be a change in the condition of the two players.”