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For coaches, the start of fall practices bring a sigh of relief as the long off-season comes to an end. Dubbed the "Bad News Season" by some, the idle time for players that accompanies the off-season, often results in off-field troubles. Texas certainly had its share this off-season, but yesterday head coach Mack Brown laid down the law. He issued three game suspensions to defensive end Henry Melton (pictured at right) and linebacker Sergio Kindle who were both arrested for DWI offenses.

This is the harshest punishment Brown has handed out for a misdemeanor during his time in Austin.

"We're sending a strong message," Brown said.

My favorite part of the punishment, however is this:

"Instead [of taking part in the team's first practice], as part of the punishment, the pair will meet today with a friend of the Brown family who had a son seriously injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver. The two also will undergo alcohol counseling and do an undetermined amount of community service. They also were ordered to return their cars to their families."

I applaud Coach Brown for thinking outside of the box on this one. Meeting with a family that has been affected by drunk driving will have meaningful and lasting impacts on the two Longhorns. The counseling and community service efforts are expected, but returning their cars to their parents is another nice touch.