Basketball Coach Resigns Under Allegations

Original post

bobtoml Frequent Poster

Seems matters at city hall aren't the only controversy brewing in town...

Three Rivers Commercial-News
Tuesday November 6, 2007

School board moves to deny hearing

THREE RIVERS - The Three Rivers Community Schools board of education voted in closed session to deny Chase Cottingham, a high school math teacher and coach, a hearing on disciplinary action taken as a result of an incident involving alleged inappropriate communication with members of the varsity girls basketball team.

Cottingham resigned his coaching position following allegations about the incident. In addition, superintendent Roger Rathburn imposed discipline. (The Commercial-News has requested the details of the disciplinary action under the Freedom of Information Act.) .

Cottingham appealed to the school board, asking for a hearing on the matter, but the appeal was turned down Monday morning.

Three Rivers Commercial-News
Friday November 9, 2007

Political correctness overrules common sense in Cottingham case

To the editor:

It makes us sick when political correctness overrules common sense. Grow up! If you feel this way, it's time to back a young man who deserves it. A devoted husband and father who's been railroaded because someone got their feelings hurt.

If you've been around awhile you know sports is played with passion and emotion. It's coached the same way. Coaches may say something in the heat of competition that they might not normally say. This does not mean they don't care for or respect their players.

The Three Rivers Athletic Director and the school board didn't realize how fortunate they were to have an individual like Chase Cottingham leading and coaching their team. The best coaches lead with a fire in their hearts and a burning desire to win. They are competitors and they are tough. They will push you and teach you that toughness comes from ignoring negativity and if necessary playing with physical pain.

If you want your kids to be prepared for the real world don't take every obstacle out of their Way. Teach them to grow up! Teach them how to deal with criticism. Our daughter was coached by Chase Cottingham and she said he was the best coach she ever had. She learned more from him than any other coach. We are proud to call Chase our coach.

Pete and Diane Leverentz Three Rivers

Three Rivers Commercial-News
Saturday November 10, 2007

"Positively Education" by Roger Rathburn

Lessons learned in athletics

Everyone has his own thoughts on the relative value of athletic competition ... depending on where you grew up and how your family felt about sports. I come from a big clan of game fanatics and, maybe because of that I truly believe that the lessons we take away from sports as kids are actually LIFE lessons, part of maturing into the adults we become. This includes dedication to an objective, commitment to a team, hard work and practice, and of course, winning and losing. I believe the real test of a person's true character comes when you see how he faces adversity ... what she does when challenged ... how he acts when he loses. This is important stuff, and it often gives us a window into a person's real self.

But how many times do we see people tarnish the good and positive lessons of athletics with that Win-At-Any-Cost attitude? Often we simply forget about the valuable aspects and focus on the wrong side of an issue - and that includes players, coaches, parents and fans.

On the whole I do not think we spend enough time appreciating the positive life lessons that are learned on the field, on the court, on the diamond, or on the track. Things you just cannot learn in a classroom. When it comes to sports, I really enjoy the physical activity (probably for the endorphins) and the happy, enthusiastic camaraderie. I love the opportunity to compete. But when all is said and done, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. What's important is that I just got to spend quality time with a bunch of people who share my enthusiasm for the game. I just don't understand folks who snap golf clubs in two, or throw equipment to vent their anger over a score or an outcome, They have issues that go beyond athletic competition.

I could give you the old example of Billy and Johnny who are both on the team and gifted athletes. Billy is having a great time playing even though Johnny is winning everything in sight and taking home all the trophies. Johnny can't stand losing. His whole persona is tied to winning. Maybe his parents are pushing him ... maybe it's just in Johnny's genetic make-up to need the adulation of others. When he loses, he's angry and shattered and his self-esteem takes a direct hit. But Billy ... he just keeps showing up to play, winning some games while losing others. He's having a ball because he enjoys the opportunity to compete, the fellowship of his teammates, the exertion and the sweat, giving it all he's got, the whole atmosphere of play.

The issue is, in real life we win and lose every day. How will Johnny respond to the ordinary adversity of adult life if he grows up thinking that winning-at-all-cost is all there is? That people are nothing without their trophies. What if he sees himself as not as big, not as smart, not as good, not as rich, not as powerful ... or that his identity is some how tied to his trophy shelf or his golf handicap or his old reputation as a superstar on the field?

Having raised three children of my own, I have appreciated the many opportunities afforded to them with regard to high school athletics. I appreciated their coaches and everyone who made it possible. More importantly, I appreciated the visiting fans and players who kept things in perspective and enjoyed sports for what they are ... a game.

Roger Rathburn is the Superintendent of Three Rivers Community Schools.

Anybody out there care to share what they know about any part of this?

Replies 123 responses

Buck Forum Admin Nov 11, 2007 12:17 PM

Quote

I still don't understand what the issue is/was. This is much differen't then the rumors that are going around the school, which is not surprising based on what we know about rumors. But the aricles you posted raise more questions then they answer. Does anybody know exactly what is going on here?

Laissez faire: leave the people alone, let them be, in their economic activities, in their religious affairs, in thought and culture, in the pursuit of fulfillment in their own lives.

trhunter Active Poster Nov 11, 2007 12:23 PM

Quote

Word is that he was pursing a relationship with a player and showed up at her place of employment.

cuzimrite Obsessed Poster Nov 11, 2007 1:32 PM

Quote

It might be a good idea to end the speculation before an accusation causes more problems in case it is a false accusation. I know I'm new here, but having been blamed for something that I had no part in, I know how difficult it is to rebuild one's reputation. True or false...it is better to wait and be sure.

Buck Forum Admin Nov 11, 2007 2:15 PM

Quote

I agree that speculation should be kept to a minimum but I don't have any issue about talking about what is being reported in the news. But I also understand what you saying about rebuilding one's reputation and I don't want any part in harming an innocent party's reputation. So assuming for now he is innocent I am going to refrain from speculation and wait for more facts to come out on this one.

Laissez faire: leave the people alone, let them be, in their economic activities, in their religious affairs, in thought and culture, in the pursuit of fulfillment in their own lives.

JOB Newbie Nov 14, 2007 8:59 AM

Quote

Originally posted by trhunter

Word is that he was pursing a relationship with a player and showed up at her place of employment.

She worked at a tanner...He would go there with his wife and kids to get ready for spring break!

JOB Newbie Nov 14, 2007 9:13 AM

Quote

This was the issue:

the coach used poor judgement with his choice of words a couple of times. A girl, who doesn't play basketball but is semi-related to the asst. superintendent, brought forth a "concern." The athletic director, instead of meeting with the coach or having a coach parent meeting which is proper protocal, sent the "concern" directly to the superintendent after he sat on the complaint for 2 weeks. The JV girls basketball coach and his wife (volleyball coach) called several former players to see if they would come forth. The JV coach never made a complaint to the head coach in the 4 years they worked together. However, the JV coach should become the new Head Coach within the year. You take into account these 3 things and the young coach never had a fighting chance.

Buck Forum Admin Nov 14, 2007 12:06 PM

Quote

Welcome to the forum JOB!

From my understanding he has still working at the school. Is that because it is still under investigation?

Laissez faire: leave the people alone, let them be, in their economic activities, in their religious affairs, in thought and culture, in the pursuit of fulfillment in their own lives.

BillyD Member Nov 14, 2007 12:44 PM

Quote

My understanding is he is still working at the school because he is a "Good" teacher, he is also a "Good" coach. This whole situation is utterly ridiculous. Anybody who has ever played sports, including the so called man of a "Sports Family", Roger Rathburn, knows that as a player, you do not always get a pat on the back. There are times when you need a kick in the ass!!! Whether that be offensive to some or not, that's how it is. Who cares if as a coach, he used derogatory terms, offensive language and somebody got their feelings hurt. THAT'S SPORTS!!! Growing up I played everyting from football, baseball and everything in between, such is the life of an athlete that you get in a pickle somtimes and get yelled at. I tell you if everybody who has played sports complained everytime they got yelled at we would not have any sports programs in Three Rivers. If you want to play sports expect that you will screw up from time to time and get yelled at. In some people's eyes this may be wrong, but that is the price of being comptetive. Is it a "Personal Attack" on one's character? NO, it is simply a way to try and motivate an athlete to attempt to pull their heads from their rearend.

I would totally agree with the whole discipline issue if he, as a teacher in a classroom, was using a the same language. That would not be the time or place. I would agree with the discipline if he were trying to smuggle students to Mexico to have relationships with them, that is not the case here. The people who are pursuing this issue are making a mountain out of a mole hill and need to get a grip on reality. In all sports, in all states, in all countries you will find that Coaches yell, scream, say things that may be "inappropriate" and "offensive" to some and not others.

It is completely wrong to pursecute this man for being a COACH, it is completely wrong for the School Board and Rathburn to even consider removing him from his post of being a COACH and to discipline him. This is the life of sports, you don't like it, either chalk it up to being an athlete or join the band. However, I hear the band director going off from time to time too. Maybe we should form a "Lynch Mob" and "off with his head"!!! Again, this is ridiculous...

Vern Newbie Nov 14, 2007 12:48 PM

Quote

It seems to me that our city has a few problems with the truth. Whom ever is telling the truth.

TRismyhome Member Nov 14, 2007 12:57 PM

Quote

BillieD might want to watch the band comments. When I was in band the band director use to scream and cuss at us to. I just chalked it up to being a high school kid. Kids today might need a little thicker skin or the parents might not want to baby them so much. There going to hear things that might upset them but I would rather have my daughter learn to be a team player rather than learn it on the street being a meth head.

JOB Newbie Nov 14, 2007 2:47 PM

Quote

Yes, Chase is still working at the school. There is no intentions of going after him as a teacher. He has taught for 9 years and coached for 12. Before this situation, he never even had a complaint! I feel bad for him and his family. No one should be dragged thru the mud like he has been...and he has to teach for 25 more years. This will always follow him.

JOB Newbie Nov 14, 2007 2:48 PM

Quote

Vern...I'll tell you the truth. What do you want to know?

Jen E Jac Active Poster Nov 14, 2007 3:54 PM

Quote

Unfortunately, this is the type of society we have chosen for ourselves. One, where you are guilty with an allegation. Parents are afraid to parent, teachers are afraid to teach, and we find it much easier to just not get involved than risk someone making false allegation against you. The problem is many women have been victims of sexual harassment. There are countless stories of teachers/coaches having inappropriate relations with their students. Maybe it is human nature to believe the worse, first, but that certainly is not the fairest.

One is judged by their actions not their words.

Stillwaters Advocate Nov 14, 2007 7:27 PM

Quote

My Son has Chase for a teacher and he thinks the world of him. He was very upset when he thought he might lose him as a teacher. My first thought when I heard this was skepticism. I hope once it all comes out Chase receives a formal apology.

"I never consider a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend." - Thomas Jefferson

steph Newbie Nov 14, 2007 7:31 PM

Quote

It seems that thought of not commenting on a subject in which not all of the facts are known has gone out the window, eh?

I can assure you that the issue of this coach using poor judgement in a choice of words is not the full explanation behind the resignation. You seem to have many intersting ideas on this subject, and I would like to offer more information.

Let's begin with the fact that this man was under investigation for inappropriate conduct. That conduct is not limited to a poor choice of words. Please be assured that a school would not request the resignation of a coach lightly. Obviously most adults have experienced a situation in which they have empassionatly said something they later regreted. Coaches, teachers, bosses, employees...any person is likely to make that mistake. The allegations reach beyond a mere "offcolor" comment. Perhaps it is the fact that an external investigation is still underway, and that is why more hard facts are not yet available to the general public?

I would like to remind people that an adult in the position of a teacher and a coach wields enormous power in the eyes of a child. Even though they are in high school, these students and players are still children, and they are still easily influenced by the adults they look up to. It the professional realm, it is well understood that children tend to stand by the adults they look up to, even when those adults are behaving inappropriately. A child in these types of situations would be reluctant to speak up about the wrong-doing, believing that this person is a "good teacher" or a "good coach", and they may not want to be the one to get him "in trouble". Or perhaps this adult has already warned that he would "deny anything you say" if this child were actually to report the misconduct.

Now I must comment on the fact that a teacher in Michigan, in the first four years of employment, can be fired without reason. The other coaches that are mentioned, the JV basketball coach and volleyball coach, were both in this situation the previous four years. Working in this situation, and knowing that the person you work with would deny these allegations, could not be taken lightly.

Also let me point out the fact that during this time period, the person they would report the misconduct to, the high school assistant principal, was this very coach's brother! Obviously this would be a cause for concern for any person wanting to come forward and discuss concerns, knowing that their job is not secure. I understand that we would like to think that all people are strong enough to be the whistle-blowers in an unjust situation, but perhaps that is not always based in reality.

Not sure where you get the idea that this JV coach stands to gain from this situation. From where I stand, it seems like these adults trying to stand up for the rights of children are also being "dragged through the mud". However, they believe in protecting other children from any similar misconduct, whatever that misconduct may be...

Truthfully, I am glad he is no longer coaching. There are many good coaches in our state who have entire careers without having allegations of inappropriate conduct, and then nvestigations under which they resign. I am glad this man will no longer be in touch with our players...now we just need to look out for our students.

Originally posted by JOB

This was the issue:

the coach used poor judgement with his choice of words a couple of times. A girl, who doesn't play basketball but is semi-related to the asst. superintendent, brought forth a "concern." The athletic director, instead of meeting with the coach or having a coach parent meeting which is proper protocal, sent the "concern" directly to the superintendent after he sat on the complaint for 2 weeks. The JV girls basketball coach and his wife (volleyball coach) called several former players to see if they would come forth. The JV coach never made a complaint to the head coach in the 4 years they worked together. However, the JV coach should become the new Head Coach within the year. You take into account these 3 things and the young coach never had a fighting chance.