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Viewpoint – Fr Corey Van Kuren (PDF)
I am the Catholic Chaplain at Newman House, the Catholic Church at Binghamton University, and as such, not affiliated with the University but employed by the Diocese of Syracuse. However, I am a staunch supporter of the University and its Athletic Program.
I was already amazed how the University got conned by Judge Judith Kaye who was hired for approx. a million dollars to investigate our Athletic Program, in particular the 2009 Basketball team. It seemed to me that it lacked clarity, due process and naiveté (e.g. because a conversation appears on a cell phone does not mean that in fact an illegal action occurred, accusers never have to face the accused or prove any statement made, self reported minor infractions are not generally dealt with through suspensions).
Now the school, fearing distractions(?), has self imposed withdrawal from our America East Championship Tournament. More amazement and confusion! Let’s see….because some administrators and coaches MAY have been involved in wrongdoing, because some student-athletes MAY, of their own accord acted improperly and MAYBE illegally, and because we have do SOMETHING to move forward (?) from THE REPORT, we will, fearing “distractions,” punish the coaches and players left behind, who conducted themselves with talent, heart, professionalism and represented the University with grace and hard work on and off the court. And we will rob the faithful fans who continued to fill the seats and support the program and the athletes, and who disregarded the media babble and constant rantings of outside sources (NY Times, ESPN, etc) because they saw that this team deserved support regardless of last year’s team. Thanks for the support of the community? Nah!
In all of this, it seems one important thing is lacking……Justice! No justice is evident in the concocted Report, no justice is evident in any of the University’s responses so far, and there certainly is no justice shown student athletes of this year’s basketball team.
Put the drive for a Law School at Binghamton University on the back burner. Such a reality would suppose that Justice is a coveted virtue at the University. It seems to me that the University has a ways to go before that is a reality.
To the players and coaches presently, near and far, hang in there! Your still defending Champions to many of us in the community and the winner of this year’s tournament have their championship marred by not having to face you. I hope all of you will be with us to defend next year. In the meantime, maybe the University will be seeking the definition and practice of Justice in their behavior.
Coach Kevin Broadus
“TAKE A CHANCE ON YOUTH, OPEN THE DOOR OF HOPE”
An Essay on Coaching our Youth
My name is Kevin Broadus. I am a college basketball coach. My mother Shirley died when I was eight (8) years old of an unexpected brain aneurysm. I was fortunate enough to be raised by my extended family, my aunt and uncle and my mother’s sister, who provided me a loving home. I attended Catholic schools from the 1st through the 8th grade. I then attended the D.C. public schools for 2 years. My last 2 years of high school were spent in the great Montgomery County school system. In other words, I have personally seen all aspects of primary and secondary schooling.
I was one of the fortunate inner city kids who lived in the North East section of Washington, D.C. Though I never resided with him, my father was a significant presence in both my upbringing and my life. He taught me the value of hard work. My whole family kept me on the straight and narrow. If it were not for their unconditional support, help, and love, I may not have attained my Masters of Science Degree in Counseling. I am proud of my family, my work, and my career. I am ever grateful for the support of the many people I have met along the way, including all of the colleges, administrators and coaches I have worked with in the Washington, D.C. area. You all know who you are and I thank you for your unending strength and belief in my talent. Let me also say, and make no mistake about it, that I am proud of the players I recruited as part of my duties as a basketball coach during these many years. I have no regrets about trying to make any of the young men achieve their dreams even though some of them ultimately may have exhibited some flaws along the way. I hope that they view me as a role model – demonstrating that you can have a successful sports career while furthering your education.
