UMaine shows lack of compassion to athlete

From what I have read in the newspaper regarding the University of Maine women’s basketball player requesting to be released from her athletic scholarship, I have not read or heard that anyone from the university has expressed understanding or compassion for the young lady, Emily Rousseau. When it was finally decided to grant her request, the administration said, “It is in the best interest of the university,” and the coach, in a short prepared statement, concluded with “time to move on.”

Assuming the young lady was truthful in her reason for the request, is it wrong for one to try to understand why the coach would want someone to be a member of her program if that person didn’t want to be there?

Granted the young lady had renewed her scholarship and her request to be released from it was refused because the administration felt she had a commitment to fulfill. However, is it not true that her coach, or any coach (Maine has had two more notable ones), could leave anytime during a recruited player’s four-year commitment? Double standard?

It was sad to read a Letter to the Editor pertaining to the above with the headline, “Blodgett was sold out.” I believe the real sad part of this entire situation is how it has received the publicity it has. That said, I would hope the University of Maine’s administration (all-inclusive) will never lose perspective of their primary responsibility in their quest to have successful athletic teams.

This writer wishes the young lady nothing but the best as she moves on.

Merrill Wilson

Bangor

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