Men's lacrosse leading scorer apologetic about charges, suspension

After being charged with possession of marijuana and DUI leading to a suspension, Terrapin men's lacrosse attackman Travis Reed offered his first words to the media in a news release yesterday.

"I made a mistake and I am sorry I let my teammates, coaches and fans of the Maryland men's lacrosse program down," Reed said in the written release. "I have already apologized to my coaches and teammates, and I am working hard to make sure I never put myself in a situation to make a mistake ike that again. I'm taking full responsibility for my actions and am accepting all penalties that have been imposed on me by my coaches and family."

Reed was charged Wednesday with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor; and driving under the influence, University Police Spokesman Paul Dillon said. The freshman star was subsequently suspended for Friday night's 5-4 loss against Navy due to an unspecified "violation of team rules." Reed will also miss at least the Terps' next game against Johns Hopkins.

At about 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, Reed was driving a motorized scooter in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Knox Road when police stopped him on suspicion of driving under the influence and found marijuana during a search, Dillon said.

Dillon added that, while athletes receive no special treatment from police, in cases that could draw media attention, proper officials are notified. A release on Athletics Department letterhead was handed out just minutes before Friday's opening face-off.

"The situation is being handled in accordance with the University's Student-Athlete Code of Conduct," the release reads.

The code states that an athlete charged with DUI or DWI will face a suspension of 10 percent of his or her competitive schedule. For Reed, this likely means two games, including the Navy game. The code is not as clear on violations involving possession of marijuana or other drugs.

Reed was not available for comment. Coach Dave Cottle said he has not yet decided how the season will be affected by the charges against Reed.

"Our job as coaches is to educate our players on and off the field," Cottle said, reiterating that the team would follow the Athletics Department's policy on punishment for Reed.

Reed leads the Terps with 18 goals on the year to go along with five assists. He watched the game from the sideline in street clothes.

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