Minnesota coach Clem Haskins is alleged to have had secondhand knowledge that a number of his basketball players may have had a tutor do homework assignments or complete take-home tests. Already many in the media and academic community are calling for Haskins’ resignation or dismissal (Tribune, March 14). To do so is the ultimate in hypocrisy.
Why the calls for Haskins’ resignation or dismissal when so many have been so willing to ignore much more serious transgressions and betrayals of trust by public officials? Nearly two-thirds of the public and many in the media believe job performance, not one’s personal conduct, should determine if an individual remains in a job. Based on that standard, Haskins deserves an opportunity to admit that mistakes may have been made, that his action or inaction may have been inappropriate, and he should be allowed to get on with the basketball team’s business.
