Opinion

(Ed. note: We had prepared an opinion piece on some historical Ty Cobb Healthcare information, but that will have to wait. This is more current and far more important…..in our opinion.)

DESPITE ALLEGED EVIDENCE OF PROVIDING ENHANCING SUBSTANCES TO PLAYERS, BOE RETAINS OLIVER

In last week’s meeting, which included a lengthy executive session to discuss personnel and possible litigation, the Franklin County Board of Education fired the Carnesville Elememtary principal and delayed the renewal contracts for high school band director Donnie Brooks and assistant coach Jason Oliver.

Today, April 15, was the last day for the board to decide on contracts for Brooks and Oliver. We have it on good authority that both have been retained, unless either decides not to continue at the high school. However, our source indicates that Oliver will not be coaching next year.

Brooks’ reappointment apparently resulted despite a split among some parents about the music and band programs.

Oliver’s reappointment is more troubling. IF records of the investigation into his provision of substances that might have been harmful to student-athletes, sometimes allegedly without the knowledge and approval of the parents prior to the provision of these substances, show the allegations to be true, Mr. Oliver needs to go. Such activity is illegal, and the board knows it. An "after the fact ‘well, it’s OK with me’" by a parent is not good enough. IF the allegations are true, he broke the law, and the board knows it.

IF the head coach or any other member of the coaching staff were aware of such illegal activity, they need to go. And the buck stops with the principal and his staff. They owe us some answers, too.

If we were a parent of a minor child, from kindergarten through high school, we would want to know that no medicines or any questionable, possibly harmful, substances were being given to our child without both our knowledge and written permission. It’s the law, and it is the responsibility of both the faculty and the BOE to uphold the law.

IF the allegations against Mr. Oliver were true, and if he broke the law, the board should not hide behind sealed records, executive privilege, and "possible litigation." At least three board members voted to retain him, and it’s time to stand up and be counted.

Our hope is that at least one parent of an affected student-athlete will be upset enough to get this thing out in the open through the courts IF THE ALLEGATIONS ARE TRUE. Otherwise, it will be swept under the rug with nothing but ugly rumors peeking out.

Meanwhile we are left with a full bucket of "IF"s, which is not healthy.
And that’s our opinion.