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Top athlete in trouble once again
By JAMAL THALJI and IZZY GOULD
Published January 20, 2007
NEW PORT RICHEY - Anthony Jackson, a two-sport standout at Gulf High School, was arrested on campus Thursday on a charge of dealing in stolen property. It is the latest run-in with the law for Pasco County's leading scorer in boys basketball. Jackson was profiled in Sunday's Pasco Times for trying to get his act together after years of off-field disciplinary problems. Now his senior season is in jeopardy. Jackson has been suspended from the Buccaneers' basketball team, but it was unclear Friday for how long. The student code of conduct calls for a suspension from sports of at least 20 days for a felony arrest. Jackson, 18, of 3110 Kilburn Dr. in Holiday, was booked into the county jail Thursday and released later that day after $5,000 bail was posted. According to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report, Jackson is accused of pawning a stolen $1,100 diamond engagement ring on Dec. 23 for $100. Jackson told a detective he was given the ring by an unnamed friend, according to the report, and that "he knew his friend probably stole the ring." But Jackson told the Times on Friday he didn't know that. "One of my friends had asked me to sign my name on a piece of paper for the ring because he wasn't old enough," Jackson said, "and me not even thinking, I end up signing my name on the paper. ... I didn't even know it was stolen." Jackson is considered one of Pasco County's top prep athletes. Colleges are recruiting him in football and basketball. But he also has a troubled history in and out of school. His first arrest came at age 9 for burglary of a vehicle, state records show, and he has also faced charges for vehicle burglary and petty larceny. Adjudication was withheld on those charges. In 2004 a judge declared him a juvenile delinquent after he was charged with misdemeanor battery. As a freshman at Mitchell High School, Jackson quit the football team after one game. He has been suspended for one or more games his last three football seasons at Gulf. He returned to school Friday but sat out that night's game against Hernando High. He is averaging 25.4 points per game. Gulf boys basketball coach Steve Feldman and school athletic director Paul Girardi could not be reached for comment. "Even the guy in the pawn shop was telling me it would be fine," Jackson said. "I would never think I would get in trouble for it." Times researcher Angie Drobnic Holan contributed to this report. Jamal Thalji can be reached at thalji@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6236.
[Last modified January 20, 2007, 07:43:25]
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by cindy
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01/26/07 11:39 AM
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He nedds to grow up maybe some time in jail will do that! to many punks are getting away with this stuf and think because they are athlets that it is ok. it isn't ok
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by Mimi
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01/22/07 10:08 AM
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I think we all deserve a second chance however it seems as if Anthony has had several. C'mon Anthony future or past???? I would think you would have learned by your previous mistakes.
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by Candi
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01/20/07 05:09 PM
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than the poor boy down the block that is just as well as playing, but neaver had the chance. And most likley an honest guy. Nothing worse than theif and a lier. Hope he get's some punshiment out of this. Or all down his path of live he will continue.
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by Candi
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01/20/07 05:04 PM
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be allowed on that same team or any other. Bad name for the school system's.
Just becouse he's a good in baskett ball
he is not honest and in trouble with the law, some time's the child that's come's from f the best of home's is worse than the
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by Candi
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01/20/07 05:00 PM
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Mr. Jackson sounds likke a theif and a bum to me, hope they disbared him from the team. He knew what he was doing when he
was on his way to the pawn shop. Was he trying to lie his way out of it. No matter how well he play's, he should not be
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by Robert
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01/20/07 03:52 PM
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We teach these kids nothing. If they are athletes its even worse. Someone has to step up and send a message. Suspend him for the year but make him be a Coach's Assistant so it hurts worse.
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by Dick
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01/20/07 03:03 PM
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Give these kids more than a slap on the wrist. the`ll always be in trouble.
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