Word: barnette
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 2000-2009
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
While the university is certainly to blame for not addressing these issues directly (they certainly knew what was happening as Boulder County District Attorney Mary Keenan met with school officials in 1997 and 2001, after the reported rapes), they are also to blame for never once questioning Barnett until he stuck his foot in his mouth...
When Hnida first came forward with her experience, the rape charge might have been the most shocking disclosure, but it was her experience as a member of the football team that left little room to acquit Barnett. Hnida says she was repeatedly verbally abused, called vulgar names, and had her breasts and crotch groped at practice...
...Perhaps Barnett thought the footballs being thrown at Hnida’s head were a part of playful camaraderie, but it’s unlikely that a coach would miss such behavior on his own field. Barnett readily admits that “none of the players wanted her on the team,” which makes you wonder why he wasn’t looking out for harassment...
...obvious answer, as his comments show, is that Barnett didn’t care. Nothing was done when Hnida’s father talked to him about the abuse (a conversation Barnett has separately admitted and denied) and he certainly didn’t value Hnida enough to demand proper treatment for her. Even if her skills weren’t up to par, it’s hard to imagine him making similar comments about a male member of his squad...
...coach has a greater responsibility than winning. He or she fosters an atmosphere, which should be one where zero-tolerance is given to harassment, just as it is given to other transgressions. But Barnett chose to perpetuate the “good ol’ boys” network, for which he’s a card-carrying member. Also, by consistently turning a blind eye, he condoned the actions of his players even off the field...