Chief Sealth: Punishment for a basketball scandal decided behind closed doors
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| The Metro League debates the fate of a public school in private. |
The decision was controversial enough.
Principals from a dozen schools that make up the Metro League decided that the Chief Sealth Girls' basketball team should not have to forfeit any games or its state championship titles. It's a vote sure to attract scrutiny, given The Seattle Times found blatant recruiting violations including the recruiting of girls as early as sixth grade with promises of college scholarships, and the use of bogus apartment leases so that top-notch players could play in Seattle even though their families lived in the suburbs. How did principals justify their decision to let the team keep its titles? Well, they didn't. They called the meeting shortly after 11 a.m. today, then kicked out the public and met behind closed doors for more than two hours. When they opened the doors, they quickly voted with no discussion, and left, refusing to comment. About all Hairston would offer is that the committee didn't think it would be fair to the girls to take away their championship, because the recruiting offenses were really committed by adults. There are many questions still subject to debate: What about fairness to players from other schools who lost to Chief Sealth? Is it enough to simply not renew the coaches' contracts, or should they face stiffer penalties? Will the WIAA--which has the final word--impose a stricter penalty? We're left with two questions: First, was it the right decision not to force Chief Sealth to forfeit the games? And second, does the threat of lawsuits justify debating the decision in private? |
Comments
I know it would be hard to take the championships away from the team, but it's completely unfair to the other teams that they played. An "adult" issue? No. The ineligble players had to know that they were also breaking the rules. There is zero chance that any high school student would not realize that they did not live in the correct area for that high school. (Clue: if all your friends from middle school go to another high school, and you did not move). High school parents and athletes need to be also held accountable for the violations. They were not forced against their will to break the rules.
Posted by: Diana | May 11, 2006 9:02 AM
It was not surprising to see Chief Sealth take no real action against itself. They were always going to protect their own.
I was mildly suprised to see the league only give Sealth a hand slap especially by such a wide margin. Generally speaking, principals have a wider perspective than athletic directors and tend to view matters with a broader perspective. Thus, I was somewhat amazed that the principals abdicated their responsibilities as educators first and foremost and became apologists for cheating.
It is my understanding that the District will review the decision as well as the WIAA. With numerous cases of much less wrong doing resulting in much more severe punishment, I would be incredulous if the WIAA did not impose severe measures on Chief Sealth. The credibility of the WIAA is on the line and no amount of political pressure will cause them to give a hand slap. Numerous schools would be in line to question their own punishments for much less.
Mr. Hairston should be ashamed by his comments. First, he demeans the players themselves although inadvertently. By saying this was all done by adults is laughable. Give high school students credit, they know what is going on in school often better than the adults. I am not one that is going to call a bunch of of intelligent 17 and 18 students and their friends stupid and easily manipulated. They knew what was going on. Please. High school students are significantly more intelligent and aware than all of the wise adults would like to think.
Secondly, the threat of lawsuit was given as reason for not having a public meeting. Another red herring. Assuming they were discussing facts, following established procedures, and not defaming anyone, the idea of potential lawsuit forcing a private discussion is ludicrous.
Yes, Chief Sealth should forfeit their games and championships. There is no doubt they cheated. Blaming the coaches for everything is a joke. While they should lose their jobs that was a done deal as soon as this story got out.
By not having Chief Sealth forfeit the games you send the message that you can cheat, blame some adults, and keep your success. Some will bring up another red herring by suggesting that these women will be punished for the misdeeds of adults. I ask you what about the women from the second place teams who followed the rules and had adults not cheat. Where should our sympathies be?
Young men and women can make misjudgements and mistakes and while not inexcusable in any sense, there is some understanding due to their youth. What is your excuse Metro League principals? Hopefully the WIAA will not make the same mistake and keep their integrity and perspective.
Posted by: Mike | May 15, 2006 12:06 AM