Bodie Reeder could be labeled a free spirit. That was evident to me the first time I spoke to him back in mid-August.

Eastern’s quarterback told me a story about his only season of college football at the University of Wyoming.

He red-shirted, didn’t play the entire year, but enjoyed the scenery and the mountains because he’s an avid snowboarder.

Fast forward nearly five months later and his actions off the field have drawn more attention than his solid play this past season. Reeder was arrested Jan. 11 for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The 21-year-old from Ivesdale faces a Class A misdemeanor for his alleged actions, and a possible fine of up to $2,500 and worst case scenario, up to a year in county jail.

Some college students drink. It’s a fact of life. And in some situations, college students drink, grab their car keys and get behind the wheel.

This is what Reeder did. No, he did not kill or injure anyone. But that isn’t the point. The possibility for those actions increased when Reeder chose to drive while under the influence.

Reeder’s teammate and favorite passing option this past season, Micah Rucker, knows the consequences of those actions.

A drunk driver killed his girlfriend one year ago, Jan. 28, 2007.

Rucker used that personal loss and started Respect for Youth, a student organization against underage drinking, binge drinking and drinking and driving.

Reeder and Rucker are good friends who even co-hosted a radio show last semester. It’s shocking and sad that Reeder would put himself in a situation like he did in the early morning of Jan. 11 because of his friendship with Rucker.

Accountability is a trait Reeder has.

After he replaced starter Cole Stinson in the third quarter of a close game against Illinois State in mid-September with the Panthers losing by seven, he showed incredible poise and rallied Eastern.

The Panthers trailed 24-21 in the final minute, but had the ball in Illinois State territory and a field goal or touchdown seemed inevitable.

But Reeder fumbled the snap at Illinois State’s 20-yard line.

Illinois State recovered and won the game. Afterwards Reeder said, “It was a dream turned into a nightmare. It started off great. We were moving the football; things were clicking. I fumbled it. There’s no getting around it.”

It was a moment I won’t forget. A college athlete took responsibility for a mistake. It doesn’t happen too often.

Now, Reeder has to do the same following his arrest for a DUI. It won’t be easy. Public opinion about him has already swayed, to an extent.

Comments on dennews.com have reached the extreme of saying Reeder should be suspended for the 2008 season.

He’ll have to deal with the possible legal consequences for his decision, plus any football-related punishment.

Reeder again has to take accountability for his actions – albeit, more serious actions this time than any football mistake he’s ever made.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t fumble it away.

Matt Daniels is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or DENopinions@gmail.com.