While much of the United States is enthralled in March Madness and the NCAA basketball playoffs, another NCAA championship tournament played out last weekend in Oklahoma City. While Penn State and Minnesota took first and second in the team rankings, Oklahoma State University took third, and the University of Oklahoma placed a respectable 10th. Oklahoma State's Chris Perry and Alex Dieringer won the first place matches in their weight classes, while their teammates Joshua Kindig and Tyler Caldwell were defeated in their championship matches.
Another teammate, however, is the one making headlines--this one for a less prestigious distinction. Just hours before his team placed third in the NCAA wrestling championship, Edward Klimara, 20, was arrested for public intoxication and cocaine possession.
It is no secret that college wrestlers train hard. They must adhere to strict diets and often go to extreme measures to make weight. Whether Klimara was blowing off a little steam after the end of his season or drowning his sorrows after narrowly missing competing as an all-American in the championship remains to be seen.
What is certain, though, is that his alleged actions in the early hours Saturday morning have cost the college sophomore a place on one of the most storied teams in collegiate wrestling.
Police say that an employee of the Redneck Yacht Club on the W. I-40 Service Road in Oklahoma City called them after noticing Klimara enter the men's room and slip a baggie containing a white, powdery substance into his pocket.
They say that Klimara, who allegedly had slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet, told them that he had not "partied" since October 2013 due to his rigorous training schedule. The wrestler was arrested for public intoxication, and when the substance in his pocket was determined to be 0.21 grams of cocaine, he was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on a complaint of possession of a CDS (controlled dangerous substance).
Something that weighs roughly the same as two drops of water has had a much weightier effect on the promising athlete's life.
Klimara has been dismissed from the Oklahoma State University wrestling team for violating team rules. The sophomore was a runner-up for the Big 12 Championship in his weight class, and only one win away from competing in the NCAA Championship. Being kicked off the team could have a profound impact on his college wrestling career.
Of course, the impact of a drug possession conviction will be much more significant. In Oklahoma, possession of a Schedule I or Schedule II CDS, except marijuana, is a felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. Cocaine is a Schedule II drug.
It is understandable that a young man who worked so hard for so long would want to blow off some steam. Unfortunately, he is accused of doing so in a manner that can have lifelong consequences.
If a foolish mistake lands you in hot water, call an experienced defense lawyer who can help get you out. Click here for more information.
