University of Texas’s Bev Kearney forced to resign. Did she do wrong?

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Whispers and rumors began to surround University of Texas’s women’s track and field coach, Bev Kearney in November when she was placed on administrative leave.  Many questioned what she could have possibly done.  Kearney had led the track and field team to six national championships since arriving in 1993 and was up for a pay raise. Kearney had also been an inspirational figure in the NCAA. She had an impoverished childhood and she the lost her mother at age 17, yet still managed to garner a college scholarship. After becoming a coach, Kearney survived a car accident that killed two friends and had to learn how to walk again.

                The reason for the administrative leave surfaced earlier this month when Kearney resigned. Kearney had decided to step down after UT officials began an investigation into a claim by former athlete that happened over ten years ago. Kearney has stated that the relationship was consensual and the student athlete was an adult. Yet, at UT it is an accepted guideline that a coach should not have a relationship with a student athlete that they are coaching and it is grounds for dismissal. Kearney is not denying she had the relationship, nor is she trying to justify it. The argument that Kearney and her lawyer are making is that the punishment is too harsh especially since it was a onetime occurrence.  Others are arguing that the same punishment would not have been enforced if she was a male, straight and white.

                But does it matter how others were punished?  Kearney broke a rule and it eventually came to light. UT sought to dismiss her for the rule breaking.  I tend to agree with UT that a relationship between a head coach and athlete is unacceptable.  A relationship where one of the participants is in charge of playing time, scholarship money and training is unequal and puts pressure on the athlete to do what the coach wants.  It is also unfair to the rest of the team for surely the athlete in the relationship will get special consideration and privileges. It is just not a good idea to engage in relationship with an athlete. In any role, it is a really bad idea to engage in a relationship with someone who is subordinate to you.

                So did Kearney do wrong? In my opinion, yes she did.  The relationship was against the guidelines and common sense. Maybe I am not seeing the grey area but even Kearney has admited it was irresponsible and in poor judgement. If she was male, straight and white, I would want to see the same punishment. In the end, she will have to face the consequences of her actions. 

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