Matthew Hampton, the Niles West wrestling coach that was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia is back in the spotlight.

Some students have set up a "Free Hampton" facebook page and more than 440 people have "liked it." Skokie Patch alone received more than 1,400 facebook 'likes' when the story was first published on Sept. 29.

The description of the facebook page reads, "this is to support our beloved gym teacher who was misunderstood by the law."

The page uses Hampton's mug shot as the profile picture and about 33 comments from previous and current students are posted on the page. The conversation that dominates the page is about making a t-shirt that will say "Free Mr. Hampton."

Many students have commented on the t-shirt idea, suggesting a certain color scheme or requesting Hampton's mug shot be added to the shirt.

"Mugshot on front, white russians on back," said one student, mocking Hampton's arrest when he told police he, "just got back from Moscow and that is why I was drinking White Russians."

One student refrences Hampton's possession charge and posted to the page,

"Its gotta be FREE HAMPTON on a white-t with green letters and the O has to be a pot leaf." Another comments adds, "he fought the law and the law won."

Even though Hampton has been charged with a DUI and possession, students may not have to worry about losing Hampton as a teacher. In September 2005, District 219 decided to keep a teacher who was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding. Those charges were later reduced when the teacher plead guilty to both counts and the employee is still teaching in the district.

Hampton's court date has been filed for Oct. 19.