I am actually quite surprised that Hamilton received 4 more games.  In the 
end, when you see what he was convicted of, that is a pretty stiff 
punishment.

(James help me out.. if you plead no contest were they actually convicted?)


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Deron Treadwell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 8:14 PM
Subject: Hamilton/Clark Speak


> Maine Campus Article:
>
>
> Home > News
> Clark, Hamilton talk about Orono incident
> By: Matthew Conyers
> Issue date: 12/15/05 Section: News
> Article Tools: Page 1 of 1
>
> Wednesday, University of Maine men's ice hockey players Mike Hamilton
> and Wes Clark told their side of the story.
>
> There were no TV cameras. No crowded arena. No hectic press conference.
>
> For once, Alfond Arena was empty. The only sound that could be heard was
> the soft rumble of the zamboni combing the ice.
>
> For Hamilton and Clark, that noise was music to their ears.
>
> After nearly a month away from the ice, the pair rejoined the Black
> Bears on Monday after being cleared to practice by interim athletic
> director Blake James. It marked their first skate with the team since
> Nov. 16.
>
> Monday also brought the news of their future with UMaine ice hockey.
> Addressing both players individually, James suspended Hamilton for an
> additional four games for initiating the brawl that occurred last month
> at Washburn Place apartments, involving Hamilton and a UMaine baseball
> player.
>
> Clark, who attempted to break up the fight, did not receive an
> additional suspension and was cleared to play immediately.
>
> According to James, the decision was based on the university's student
> athlete code of conduct.
>
> The announcement came four days after the original charges of assault
> and aggravated criminal trespass against the pair were reduced to
> disorderly conduct. Both pleaded no contest as part of a plea agreement
> in Penobscot County Superior Court in Bangor on Dec. 8, and were
> sentenced to 100 hours of community service.
>
> Both players have since expressed remorse for the incident.
>
> "I made a mistake, and I realize what I have done," said Hamilton. "I am
> so sorry for what I have put everyone through."
>
> "It's just an unfortunate event where bad decisions occurred," said
> Clark. "It's something we have to live with."
>
> Along with community service, Hamilton was fined $500. The charges
> against Clark will be dropped if he completes his service hours.
>
> The brawl resulted in an indefinite suspension of the two from practice
> and games since Nov. 16. Hamilton arrived at the victim's apartment with
> Clark hoping to confront the man, who was involved with his
> ex-girlfriend. After five minutes, an argument between the two escalated
> and a tussle ensued.
>
> "There definitely have been some punishments, and me and Wes have been
> so remorseful," said Hamilton. "It was such an unfortunate incident. It
> was so avoidable."
>
> In addition to the athletic department, the university has addressed the
> situation by giving both players 60-100 hours of community service.
> Clark and Hamilton were reinstated as students last Friday.
>
> "I guess everyone was dealt with fairly from the coach, the A.D. and the
> school," said Clark.
>
> Dean of Students Robert Dana said the university has delivered a
> substantial response to the incident.
>
> Clark and Hamilton are happy to simply have a second chance.
>
> "Now that is over with, everyone is moving forward and we are just
> trying to make it a positive thing and try to rebuild the university's
> name and the hockey team's name," said Hamilton.
>
> Part of that process is repairing relationships with the baseball team.
>
> "Me and Wes weren't allowed to be in contact with some of those guys for
> awhile," said Hamilton. "Through the hearings, we apologized and shook
> hands. Both sides kind of realized that this can't happen. There are no
> grudges.
>
> "We have some good friends on that team, so the last thing anybody wants
> is any more situations like this."
>
> Another step for the two is seeking forgiveness from their team. They
> had to admit their mistakes to do this.
>
> "I think everyone makes mistakes, and there were so many things leading
> up to it," said Hamilton. "There were so many better things that could
> have come out of it."
>
> Hamilton cited his teammates' support, as well as his coaches, as being
> tremendously helpful through the whole ordeal.
>
> "Every guy on the team was so supportive," said Hamilton. "Whether they
> were calling you to see if you needed anything or bringing you something
> to eat or whatever. Our team was so close. I think it brought our team
> together in the end."
>
> With the team on the road for games against Providence and Brown during
> the initial suspension, Clark and Hamilton had plenty of time to dissect
> the situation. Now they are prepared to return to ice and display their
> true selves to not only the media, but the student body.
>
> "I think that I am just going to show everyone what kind of person I am
> through the next year and a half I am here," said Hamilton.
>
> Clark echoed his teammate's sentiments.
>
> "Don't judge a book by its cover," said Clark. "Like I said, it was
> unfortunate. We made bad decisions, and we have been punished over the
> last month pretty harshly.
>
> "That's definitely not Wes Clark. I am a character guy, and I am not
> that type of person."
>
> While Hamilton refused to address the way the media portrayed the event,
> Clark did not.
>
> "At the start, the media kind of blew it way out of proportion," said
> Clark. "A lot of the facts weren't really straight. They really weren't
> the right facts."
>
> Nonetheless, they are eager to put their troubles behind them.
>
> "I think our team went through a tough time there. The guys were feeling
> our pain; there was a big cloud over our head and now we have started to
> move forward," said Hamilton. "It's been such a tough month, and we are
> just looking to make a positive out of it and try and do the best we can
> in the situation."
>
> -- 
>  Deron Treadwell
>  [log in to unmask]
>