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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 7, 2003)
I Anything can happen Oregon cornerback Rodney Woods understands what kind of a chance he has received from UO football By Hank Hager Sports Editor There's a birthday party on May 19, 2000, in Palmdale, Calif. A fight breaks out among high schoolers. Punches are thrown and kicking is involved. Christopher O'Leary, 18, is fatally beat en. Another, Kevin Walker, is assaulted. Rodney Woods, then 17 years old, is involved in the incident. Months later, he pleads no contest to felony assault for hitting Walker. 1 le is sentenced to one year at Eastlake Juvenile I fall in Los Angeles. "I remember it a little, but it's been so long," Woods said Tuesday. Woods was originally charged with O'Leary's death, byit the charge was dropped when witnesses said he never struck the fallen teenager. Marc Raines and Richard Newton, two of Woods' high school teammates, were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Woods spent over 100 days behind bars for his participation that fateful night after having already served 231 days while in custody. 1 le walked out of the detention center on April 7, 2001. "1 always tell my little brother and all his friends to be careful wherever (they) go because you never know what can happen," Woods said. "I try to tell peo ple to do the right thing. No matter where you're at, anything can happen at any point of time. Be careful and be aware of your surroundings." It's Nov. 5 and more than two years later, and Woods is a starting cornerback for the Oregon football team. I le was brought to the program by Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti, who recruit ed the Lancaster, Calif., native out of I ’resno City College. I Ip ramp In I iiopiip rmlv aftpr liwloo Thomas White reduced his charge tp a misdemeanor, allowing the 5-fodt 10-inch junior to attend classes at Oregon and become eligible to play football. "I see it as being blessed," Woods said of the support and letters in his Turn to WOODS, page 12B Eugene, OR 97401 If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, Bev’s your gal! Beverly Yarbrough Broker Accredited Buyers Representative ; Cell: (541) 520-4906 Office: (541)485-1400 | www.RealEstateByBev.com g bevyarbrough@ppporegon.com [MacrJ write for the Oregon Daily Emerald For more information about freelancing call 346-5511. \ _/ Be A Mentor. It Makes A Difference. One year committment needed. Average time spent is 15 hrs/month or meeting with youth lx week. CPY supports relationships by providing activities, ongoing mentor trainings, and discounts to community events. Mentoring at-risk adolescents from schools & the juvenile court system. EASE TODAY! 6PY@GOMMinEDPARTNERS.ORG 344*0833 ...a diverse lineup of Stellar brews -Celebrator - , Featuring: Big Sky Brewing Co. Unibroue, Stone Brewing Co New Belgium Wychwood Brewery McMenamins Flying Dog Ales Deschutes Roque Dogfish Head Merchant du V\n \ & Man^o^re^m|)|ete^nstmc|^at^b€crsvm»ji|x»i»i COME 11 am 10 pm JN OURDRY AND HEATED TENT l (WJ ' i Musk InViSiblink Sinjple Mrn4e4 (•Ik at ALTON-BAKER PARK - EUGENE BENEFITING THE CONSUMER JUSTICE ALLIANCE Tickets $20 Advance / $25 Door 888-945-beer BEERSUAAAAIT.COAA SPONSORED,BY - KEY EVENTS & 101.5 KFLY
