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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Letters

The Spokesman-Review

Coaches treated unfairly

As a sponsor of the Central Valley High baseball program over the past couple of years, and a parent who has had three kids graduate from the school, I was appalled by what I read in the newspaper regarding the allegations against the baseball coaches. (CV reacts to concerns of recruiting, July 18)

If, as the article in the newspaper states, the coaches are eligible to apply for the openings, where is the proof of guilt? If they have been proved guilty of recruiting violations, they should not be allowed to apply.

I personally know three of the coaches released (I respect all of them) and feel that they, as well as the fourth coach, have been punished for allegations based on “hearsay evidence” that in no way proves a case against them. Comments such as, “leads us to believe,” only means that this committee does not have concrete proof of impropriety. This leads me to believe the coaches have been released improperly.

To publish an article like this and damage the reputations of these coaches with this flimsy case is unconscionable. I cannot help to think that this could be a potential lawsuit for the school district.

Maybe this “investigation” (or possible witch hunt) should take another look at the situation and include a look at the University High programs and coaches for their possible inadequacies or weaknesses.

My opinion of what is going on is that the administration is more concerned with the politics of making the University High staff happy rather than what is best for the students with their disregard for the precept of finding absolute truth.

Steven L. Boots

Spokane Valley

Letters policy

We welcome letters of up to 200 words on all sports and outdoors topics. All letters are subject to editing. Writers are limited to one letter a month. Please include your signature, street address and telephone number where you can be reached for verification. Send to Letters to the Sports Editor, The Spokesman-Review, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201, or fax to (509) 744-5655, or e-mail to sports@spokesman.com.

S-R sports staff

Sports editor: Joe Palmquist

Assistant sports editors: Vince Grippi, Gil Hulse

Copy editors: Kory Boatman, Jeff Bunch, Chris Derrick, David Oriard

Outdoors editor: Rich Landers

Columnist: John Blanchette

Reporters: Steve Bergum, Glenn Kasses, Greg Lee, Jim Meehan, Dave Trimmer, Mike Vlahovich