Rice coach feels heat over quotes about gays
OK, all I want to know, is WHY anyone would be STOOPID enough to even address a question about homosexuality. Think about it; it's one of those "Does this make my butt look too big?" kind of questions. As soon as it leaves the mouth of your interrogator, you're done for. Why, then, not simply let it lie?
Rice University football coach Ken Hatfield has found himself in a swirl of controversy for recent comments attributed to him about homosexuals in The Chronicle for Higher Education, a weekly newspaper for college administrators and faculty members.
In a story about gay athletes in the Nov. 1 issue titled "The Loneliest Athlete," Hatfield is quoted as asserting homosexuality clearly conflicts with his religious beliefs and that he would consider removing a player from the team if that player said he was gay.
The article's author, Jennifer Jacobson, writes: "(Hatfield) says that while he would not necessarily kick a player off the team for being gay, he probably would think hard about it."....
Hatfield sent an apology letter that appeared on The Chronicle of Higher Education's Web site Tuesday. Gillis also sent a letter, claiming Hatfield's stance is contrary to Rice's policy on nondiscrimination.
In his letter, Hatfield writes: "I was reported to have made remarks contrary to Rice policy on about how I might deal with an athlete on my team identifying himself as homosexual. As I told the Chronicle (of Higher Education) reporter, in my role as football coach, a position of authority assigned by my university, I am aware that I must thoroughly carry out university policy, including its prohibition on discrimination based on sexual orientation.
"While I have personal views on the subject, I have assured the president that I can and will follow the university's nondiscrimination policy sincerely and completely. I apologize to the university and the entire community for any distress this story caused them."
Regardless of your feelings on this issue, can we all agree that Ken Hatfield is an idiot for even entertaining the thought that he could adequately address this issue? Talk about a no-win situation. Obviously, trying to resurrect Rice's football fortunes from the throes of mediocrity hasn't proved nearly challenging enough for Hatfield. He's now moved whole-hog into social engineering. Good luck, Coach; you're going to need it. Being labelled as a homophobe is not an appellation you will easily or quickly overcome.
