Bobby and Miss Baby: Not So Easy Rider

Ouiser Boudreaux: I'm not as sweet as I used to be. »

I have a confession to make.  Given recent experiences in Tennessee, namely Memphis, regarding coaches and their shenanigans, I told Pam while on one of our walks, that in the name of a winning coach and program, the Athletic Department at U of A would probably say, “Oh, Bobby!  Don’t do that!”
But, that was when I believed, first of all, he was alone on that motorcycle, and second, that he had perhaps just taken that pretty blonde for a joy-ride (not a play on words at the time).

As the cycle couple’s story spiraled into chaos, I knew what should be done and immediately so, but seriously doubted that it would happen.  Memphis’ coach resigned and flew off to Kentucky before anyone even had a chance to fire him, if RC Johnson would have, which I doubt, also.  Explaining away and even justifying “bad choices” has become too common in all avenues of society, but especially in athletics. 
As I read in a recently published UofA faculty interview, “when Athletics leads at a University or any venue, that leadership must be with integrity or the essence of education is undermined.”

The dollars generated by major college sports funds programs for athletes and generates scholarship dollars for academia, also.  Coffers have filled lately with dirty money, yet we glance at that aspect rarely, rather preferring to bask in the sunshine of TV revenues, championships, and bowl games.  Making morally right decisions becomes situational, at best.

Lately, news focus has glared on Penn State, Ohio State, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Memphis Basketball under John Calapari.  My viewpoint had become cynical.

Enter Jeff Long, Athletic Director at the University of Arkansas.  With swift, yet not without heart felt sadness for a person who had become a friend, AD Long stated that no one person is above the law, above University policy, above the call to live and walk honorably among men.  With clarity, he spoke to adults, students, children, and pundits of athletic business:  hear and see this.  Right is right and wrong is wrong.  Illegal is simply that.  In such cases, there can be no gray.
Of course, there are jokes:  Bill Clinton appreciates them.  Beyond that, I am so pleased that at long last a leader said, “turn in your keys” and meant it.

Any time a leader, especially a leader in such a high profile arena,  places him(her)self in opposition to morality and above the law, those in authority have but one call to make.  Giving “one more chance” weakens the stand for integrity and undermines character every time.