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sycasey's avatar

Can't say I was too impressed with how the department handled COVID rules around the football team last year either. We had an outbreak that forced us to essentially forfeit a game (I know we didn't literally forfeit to Arizona, but with so many players out we may as well have). That loss turned out to mean no bowl game.

Unavoidable? Maybe. But a lot of folks within the program seemed to feel like they didn't have good support or clear communication on what the rules should be.

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OskiOfTarth's avatar

You're right, we're only getting one side of the story regarding the McKeever situation. I lean towards the 'kids are too soft/sensitive today' side of this issue. This sounds exactly like tough love coaching to me. You don't make olympians by being nice.

And I seriously doubt that any official complaints were ignored or dismissed, it's more likely the parents just didn't get the answer they wanted. I've encountered many 'sports parents' in my youth coaching career, and they can be oblivious to reality, and will advocate for their child, even if they know their child is lying. NINETEEN complaints in THIRTY years doesn't move the needle for me.

The main question should be what are we owed as alumni/fans/the public as far as disclosure from the department when these allegations surface. It's possible that some of what comes out might be embarrassing to the university, but could also be embarrassing for the athletes or parents, and would raise privacy concerns. I personally would like to hear every thought that passes through Knowlton's head in every matter, but short of that, I'd like him to be as open as the most open AD in college sports (are there any?).

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