Pubdate: Sat, 07 Jul 2001
Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)
Copyright: 2001 Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.denver-rmn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Author: Jim Thigpen, Vincent Sandoval

TWO VIEWS ON ACQUITTAL OF BILL ROMANOWSKI

I am relieved that Denver Broncos linebacker Bill Romanowski has been 
acquitted of charges of "illegally" obtaining prescription diet pills.

First of all, Romanowski did nothing illegal. We're talking about legal 
prescription drugs, and phentermine is not one of the drugs banned by the 
NFL. Romanowski and his doctor, both charged with "conspiracy," are guilty 
of nothing other than a mutual agreement, at worst, to use a name other 
than his own to protect his privacy while taking diet pills to suppress his 
appetite.

If this is a crime worthy of nine years of jail time (the amount of jail 
time Romanowski could have received had he been convicted), then at least 
half of the country should be in jail. Who, at one time or another in their 
life, hasn't either taken a prescription pill from a friend or family 
member, or given one, for allergies or sinus infections or even just a bad 
headache?

Second, even if this were illegal, it is comparable to all the antiquated 
laws that no one ever bothers to enforce, like the laws relating to sexual 
behavior behind closed doors or against someone wearing green shoes, for 
that matter.

Third, the charges against his wife are laughable, at best, and need to be 
dropped immediately.

Last, but certainly not least, whoevermade the decision to ruin these good 
people's names should be prosecuted for defamation of character and 
slander, and should never be allowed to practice law again.

It's time to take a stand against these kind of crusaders and bullies.

Jim Thigpen

Denver

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Justice? What a farce. Everyone knew Bill Romanowski would get off 
scot-free. Hey, Castle Rock, save your taxpayer dollars. Julie will be 
given probation anyway. Save your time and money. A common nobody would be 
convicted on the spot. What a joke!

Vincent Sandoval

Denver
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