Colorado #1

[50's PONY]

Critics: CU 'burying its head' in sand
By Thomas O'Toole, USA TODAY
An expected decision by Colorado to keep suspended football coach Gary Barnett — despite a harshly critical report on the program — "damages the integrity of the university" and "is devastating" to the school, a professor and victims' right activist said Wednesday.
"For anybody who has a sense of social justice, this is unimaginable," sociology professor Joanne Belknap said. "The university seems to be burying its head in the sand."

According to media reports in Colorado, system President Betsy Hoffman will announce today that she'll reinstate Barnett, who was suspended in the wake of allegations that sex and alcohol were used by player hosts to recruit high school athletes.

In addition, at least nine women have accused Colorado athletes or recruits of sexual assault. An independent commission painted a sordid picture of the recruiting process in a report released last week. But it stopped short of recommending personnel changes.

Barnett, athletics director [deleted] Tharp, Boulder campus Chancellor Richard Byyny and Hoffman, while criticized for lack of oversight, were found not to have known about the behavior.

Michele Ames, Hoffman's spokeswoman, declined comment but said a news conference will be held at 1 p.m. ET today. Barnett and Tharp were unavailable.

Barnett has received vocal support from some regents and many parents of his players. Wednesday, Patty Klopfenstein, whose son Joel is a tight end, told USA TODAY, "We plan to have a big celebration when the announcement is made. ... We're just glad to have our coach back. We knew Gary would be back because of his integrity. I don't know how it's all going to play out for the other people."

Gary Klatt, whose son Joel is the quarterback, admits, "The image of the football program needs to be rebuilt. I think that Coach Barnett is a man of character and integrity and discipline. It's still a matter of allegations. No one has been indicted. From my perspective as a parent, I'm excited."

Mary Keenan, the Boulder district attorney whose deposition in a lawsuit against Colorado ignited the controversy in January, declined to comment, saying she will not get involved "in personnel decisions of the university. That is their business. ... But I trust that President Hoffman is taking appropriate action. I honestly feel they will do whatever they can to see that it doesn't happen again."

Belknap, who teaches a course on violence against women and girls, said she had hoped changes would be made when the independent commission report was released. But after the regents met last week to discuss the report and expressed support for the administration, her feelings changed.

"Those of us who have been fighting this, we're not going to take this sitting down," she said. "I am going to be extremely angry and disappointed."

Contributing: Eddie Timanus

[SMUguy]

I can't believe they're going to keep that guy.

[OldPony]

Barnett's rep has been good. None of the women pressed charges at the time of the supposed attacks nor since. His remark re the girl football kicker was a tad insensitive but she COULDN'T kick. If you don't think SMU players have been entertained where there is drink being served and loose women around, I think you are a bit naive. The players and their families have voiced near 100% support for Barnett and the guy has demonstrated that he runs relatively clean programs. His predecessor is backing him and they put out stats as to how the players do 5 years after graduation compared to the student body and so far, players outperform. Other than that, you are correct. My question is why does he want to stay. He will have such restrictive recruiting rules now that it will be like an 8th grade dance with your Mom chaperoning. CU football will suck within 3 years if they stick to the early recommendations.

[gostangs]

Not a fair comparison - Of course the players outperform the students at CU - everyone at CU graduates (or not) and becomes a ski bum for 5 years.

[OldPony]

Hey Dude- CU students need some time man. Don't be making them negative waves. It's cool man. Just a little dope on the slope and everything is peaced out.