I'm really surprised at the reaction here. So many around here talk a lot about the lack of discipline in our society today but, when someone is actually disciplined it's to harsh. An editorial in the student paper and a fine, that mommy and daddy will pay, wouldn't teach this kid anything, he's probably already had worse written about him on FB. It's called life lessons and I have no problem with it. Of course there is a double standard for athletes vs non-athletes, that's been happening for decades, let's not act like this is some new realization.
I don't think the punishment was harsh, your break the rules in college and there is a good chance you'll get booted. That's the way life goes, don't make stupid choices.