Nebraska adopts zero tolerance policy

Mar 11, 2008 - 8:36 PM LINCOLN, Nebraska (Ticker) -- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini and athletic director Tom Osborne are laying down the law.

After three incidents involving members of the football team, the school announced a zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol on Tuesday.

"I talked with the entire team last night and clearly explained to them that from this point forward we will have a zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol and social responsibility," Pelini said.

"Our players understand the intent of this rule and what we are trying to accomplish. Therefore, any violation will be handled individually as it pertains to the specific circumstance."

Four Nebraska players were ticketed over the weekend for alcohol-related offenses at two separate parties.

In a more serious matter, Cornhuskers offensive lineman Andy Christensen was arrested outside a Lincoln bar on a charge of alleged sexual assault.

Bond for Christensen, suspended indefinitely by Pelini, was set at $500,000.

"Alcohol abuse and binge drinking continues to be the number one problem affecting college students today," Osborne said. "Educating student-athletes regarding these issues is a priority for our athletic department."

Pelini added that certain establishments will be declared off limits for his players.

"The policy also pertains to their behavior in other social settings," he said. "I made it clear to them that our policy will be strictly enforced."