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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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We have to talk

PREPS

We're going to start today with a sad note – and an always-needed discussion.

A North Thurston high football player was killed in a one-car rollover accident early Sunday morning. Police think alcohol was involved.

Kids, you are not indestructible, though you may think you are. And yes, it could happen to you. And no, you are not OK to drive if you've had even ONE drink.

This summer, our 18-year-old woke us up about 2 a.m., saying he was going out to pick up a couple friends who couldn't get home because they'd been drinking. I offered to get dressed and go get them with him, because we didn't want him out so late. He called the duo back and they didn't want a parent picking them up.

Why the heck not? Their reason was simple: They didn't want their parents to know they had been drinking.

Guys, we know. We don't like it, we do everything we can to get you to stop, we warn, cajole and threaten, but we know. And the most important thing is, we don't want you to die trying to get home. We want you home alive. We want to talk about what you're doing, but the most important thing is: you are our children and we want you safe. Don't try to sneak home. Face up to it. Call. Get a ride with someone sober, be it a friend or an adult. Get home safe.



SportsLink is your portal into sports news around the Inland Northwest and beyond. You'll find updates, notes and opinions, and plenty of reader feedback.






Looking for a Grip on Sports?

Vince Grippi's daily take on all things regional sports has been moved to our main sports section online. You can find a collection of these columns here.