January 21, 2005

Unfortunately, it's the all too popular case of someone taking advantage of their position of authority. If they shut down title IX because of it, they would also have to shut down summer camps, church groups or any other activity that required adult supervision of young kids. With that being said, can't say I feel bad for this guy's demise at all.

posted by usfbull at 04:14 PM on January 21, 2005

He committed suicide! Damn...now we'll never know if he did it.

posted by stofer71 at 05:45 PM on January 21, 2005

no, no. s'ok weedy. the article wasn't clear on that at all (and the one that does appear to get more into it is only available with insider). i don't know if i'd call it a problem in the sense that if you get rid of title ix the abuse would stop. i think (as the article suggests) that it's an unfortunate (and sickening) result of increased opportunities for girls in sports. these teams are no longer being coached by someone's dad. it's become a profession. and these coaches of elite youth teams become revered members of the athletic community, they convince people that they can do no wrong. they abuse these girls simple because they can. they have the authority to command their respect. they have the power to make or break their dreams. and if they're young and decent looking the chances of some of these girls having a crush on them is fairly good. it's not like the would put up a fight, especially if they can be talked into believing that it will turn into some kind of relationship when she gets older and he finally "leaves his wife." while i certainly don't feel bad that lopez offed himself, i can't help but think that if i were one of his victims i'd be pissed that he took the easy way out instead of confronting his accusers. oh, and the seattle times report that was mentioned in the article was posted here about a year ago.

posted by goddam at 06:07 PM on January 21, 2005

i think (as the article suggests) that it's an unfortunate (and sickening) result of increased opportunities for girls in sports. these teams are no longer being coached by someone's dad. Eh, well. In the world of adults who prey on children, there are plenty of "someone's dads", along with priests, teachers, coaches, and others in positions of authority. Weedy, I was a little taken aback by the...well...somewhat dung-stirring nature of your title and text. I didn't see any suggestion in the linked-to article that girls shouldn't play sports or that Title IX has anything to do with creating this problem. Unfortunately, however, the "they'll be put in danger" pseudo-argument has been used an awful lot to deny opportunities to women and girls, and IMO it's best to not encourage it. This particular "danger" is not something you can ever eliminate entirely -- the most effective tools for reducing it are sensible types of oversight, and above all, teaching people (starting at a young age) how not to be victimized.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:29 AM on January 22, 2005

lbb, by "someone's dad" i meant that there was a time when a lot of these types of traveling teams were coached by volunteers. someone who had a daughter that was playing and decided to become more involved with the team. teaching people (starting at a young age) how not to be victimized. i couldn't agree more.

posted by goddam at 12:17 PM on January 22, 2005

A lot of 'em still are, in communities where there isn't a Basketball Machine. you're absolutely right. i was just trying to comment on the rise of the basketball (and soccer, softball, etc.) machines over the past 10-15 years or so. but rereading my comment, it didn't quite come out quite right. and about the parents, they also see that their kid may have a shot at getting a free ride to college. so why should they question a coach that can help them get there.

posted by goddam at 08:34 PM on January 22, 2005