What follows is an amalgamation of opinion about what both sides of this case may likely be thinking and what’s likely to happen sooner or later.
The most important thing to remember is: Listen, anyone can sue anyone for anything. That is not the issue. The issue is, can they win?
What Might The Next Step Be?
The case could be settled before trial, which could be as far as two or three years away. But the consensus is that Kelley Hardwick’s counsel may not be interested in that because it did not initially pick-up the phone, write a letter or perform most of the protocol expected in cases like this before filing a lawsuit; which is asking if you are interested in settling this case.
It is not the responsibility of counsel to ask for settlement, but it is common practice. More lawyers do not file a lawsuit without trying to resolve things first. Why? Lawsuits are expensive, they take time, they are not a lot of fun to deal with it. Unless there is some other agenda, it typically makes sense to try to resolve first and there is no evidence that even took place.
This causes some lawyers to look at this case in a skeptical way, wondering what the true motivation is. Nevertheless, the next step could be discussion of settlement because Geno, USA Basketball and the NBA are now in a very difficult position.
What do people want to know? Well, Kelley Hardwick wasn’t fired and apparently received another good assignment. So what is the adverse action? And what damages can she be seeking?
Can The Case Be Transferred Or Dismissed?
There is a strong possibility the defendants may ask that the case be removed to Federal court because the parties involved are from different states; Hardwick from New York, Geno from UConn Nation. Asking for the transfer by the defendant is particularly likely if the plaintiff is seeking more than $75,000 in reward. I would imagine that would be the case, because, really, why would there be a reason to file a suit?
The plaintiff could object, of course.
Or there could be a motion to dismiss made by the defendant based on no legal basis for jurisdiction
What Is Going On Right Now?
Most likely, the defendants are investigating the claims, sending out letters asking that no emails be destroyed. These letters are called “preservation letters.” Strategies are being developed. There is no real urgency to the case, despite the coming of the Olympic Games. An injunction is not being sought. It’s not likely any possible depositions will take place prior to or during the Olympics.
The defendants likely are hoping that the story just quiets down, that the news cycle fades. What they don’t want is for another shoe to drop; another woman, another allegation that might compromise Auriemma. One fact seems to be a consensus; most people who sexually harass generally operate in a pattern. If it’s not a pattern, it’s not considered harassment, it’s more of an isolated incident based on perceptions, real or imagined, friends drinking, people thinking they are friends. Those things can be often misinterpreted.
What If There Is No Personnel File On Hardwick?
Apparently, it’s not really needed to prove job incompetence. Most employers, despite the common idea that everything should be documented with memos, etc., don’t do it. Actually, most personnel files attorneys deal with in similar cases are woefully thin and the reviews generally say “satisfactory or above” because no one likes to say bad things about people to their face. If there is no documentation, it generally doesn’t mean much. Plus, some believe, because of her reputation within the league – her apparent complaining about a lack of promotion and salary increase – there may have been hesitation to antagonize her. The bigger question seems to be why wasn’t there a promotion since 2005. There must be a reason? There is something else going on…
What About “Hardwick vs. The NBA?
There is an opinion that if Hardwick was so taken aback by what has happened with her in her career, and allegedly with Auriemma that night in Russia, that she would have taken the step to speak with the NBA’s Senior VP of Human Resources on a personal level, instead of just talking to Neal Stern, the NBA’s Senior VP and General Counsel.
Perhaps, Auriemma’s name is being used to promote and sensationalize her case? She may have been angered by Geno’s demeanor and wisecracking. Join the club – Pat Summitt president.
There are many things that happen every day that people brush off. And what if Geno really did ask USA Basketball to re-assign her? How does that relate to him being sued?
Why wasn’t the lawsuit named “Hardwick vs. the NBA?”
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84 Responses to Trying To Understand The Point Of Law On A Difficult Case
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thank you again, John – you said it all in the last two paragraphs. I was a paralegal for 22 years and I do not for one minute believe that this incident ever happened. No witnesses – no calls to the police – her lawyer’s opinion that his client never got a promotion since 2005 so it must be Geno’s fault – but most of all I cannot see Geno ‘sneaking’ up behind this woman trying to get a kiss. To me this is her way of trying to make something out of nothing to get her notoriaty. How sad is it for someone who doesn’t get what they want to go out and hurt and try to ruin someone else. This person is like a little kid who doesn’t get what they want – get over it – AND WHO KNOWS – MAYBE SHE WAS THE ONE WHO MADE AN ADVANCE AND GENO PUSHED HER AWAY.
Kelly you are hurting women everywhere. Lost your job, after seven years without promotion, improvement. Kelly go find a rock to hide under. Geno has been shot but not wounded.
I am so mad that Kelly is allowed to slash and burn. If she said he said took place in 2009 it is wrong to wait three years to surface. Just throw out this baseless affront to the legal system. Another case where failure to perform your job leads to job loss.
my co-worker’s sister-in-law makes $82 an hour on the internet. She has been out of a job for six months but last month her pay was $20257 just working on the internet for a few hours. Read more on this web site CashLazy.*com
remove the *
Who cares what your co-worker’s sister-in-law makes. Thanks for the useless information.
Are you sure your co-worker’s sis-in-law made money on the internet…..or on her back? Just asking.
This looks like spam that merely popped into this discussion instead of any other. How can we delete it?
Nice piece John, thanks for boiling some of this down, you brought to light some interesting angles that I had not thought of.
TGIGG
I think a big question is if Geno had her reassigned, Why? Her claim appears to be that his asking for her to be reassigned and NBA just reassigning her with no questions asked has resulted in some form of discrimination. So why the reassigning? What else is in her backround? I don’t believe he committed the acts that she claims, but unfortunately there is some explaining.
MGL,
Geno has NO authority to re-assign, or fire her.
Geno may have asked for her to be removed from the security detail covering his team. Why? We’ll find out soon enough.
It makes no sense (if we take Hardwick at her word) that Geno would risk provoking her at this time if she’s been silent about this alleged “attempted kiss” since 2009.
Why now, going into the Olympics?
As I mentioned in a previous post (and J.A. also alludes to above) dropping a seedy charge against a national name like Auriemma’s is a real good way of drawing national, and international press into the story.
This just doesn’t pass the smell test.
I find this blog post misogynist babbling at best….
To question “why would there be a reason to file a suit?” is insulting to women, you’ve set back gender relations thirty years at least!
One good reason any woman can think of, is to stop the type of demeaning, paternalistic behavior that appears to be a pattern within the company she is employed AND to serve as an example to other such companies and societies. That’s a pretty good reason to me and the other 3.5B women in the world.
You then question what adverse action happen and assert that in your opinion, none occurred. really? She had a prime position at the Olympics twice before and was REMOVED from it this year. Removed. Not just not offered, not given a better role or one more prestigious. Nope she was removed. That’s pretty adverse.
And as far as sensationalizing the case, I think the Media is leading that charge. No less than seven accounts can be found on the social media sites of NBC, Hartford Courant and others, which used the headline “Hardwick suing Geno Aurreimma for attempting to kiss her”, which is of course, on reading the suit, is a blatant misrepresentation of the entire charge.
Thank you for spelling misogynist correctly.
have to look it up John? I had to!
Shouldn’t you be in the kitchen fixing me a sandwich?
LOL!!!
Thank you for telling it like it is, Sondra! God forbid anyone accuse a sports hero. It’s amazing how quickly the accusations about the accuser have flown.
Sondra, Of course the headlines are meant to grab your attention. They always have been and likely always will be. That is a reality. The second issue is Hardwick filing a suit. Does she have the right to do so? Absolutely. But her action is against her employer for whatever perceived she thinks was done to her. But please try to explain under what circumstance you think that Auriemma could be held accountable for Hardwick’s issus/problems with her employer. He can ask until blue in the face for her removal, reassignment, whatever but the bottom line is he has no standing to cause anything to happen to Hardwick and the job she wants or thinks she deserves. Her issue, and a weak one at that from my reading, is totally with the NBA and USA Basketball. I fully expect Auriemma’s place in this suit will be dismissed in fairly short order.
Sondra, I couldn’t disagree more with you. As a Feminist, I am very sensitive to misogynist behavior ~ which seems to be rampant &, too often acceptable, in our Country. However, until other facts surface, this case smells very fishy to me.
“Why Involve Geno Auriemma?”
Really, Mr. Altavilla? Could it be because Ms. Hardwick is claiming that she no longer has her coveted assignment because Geno Auriemma. specifically, asked that she be removed? Not the NBA. Geno Auriemma. Of course there’s a good reason Geno Auriemma is involved.
Give up. He clearly is a friend of Geno. Nothing in this “Story” was based on learning the law. He makes Kevin Nathan seem unbiased and a Journalist.
That’s a well-rounded thought. Thanks for sharing
Cindy,
The “Why Involve Geno Auriemma?” question was rhetorical.
The reason (in my opinion) Auriemma’s name is involved is that there’s no better way to drag what would otherwise be a back page story you never heard about into the national and international press.
Do you think anyone would have paid much attention to “Hardwick v NBA”?
Probably not. But you bring up the name Geno Auriemma (7 national titles, 4 undefeated seasons, and a household name in the sport) and suddenly the story is picked up by every paper in the country.
To me, it makes NO sense (if I take Hardwick at her word about Geno’s alleged, attempted kiss) for Auriemma to provoke her NOW after she’s supposedly been silent about it since 2009. You may not like Geno, and many would share that view, but one thing you can’t call him is stupid. If he did the “attempted kiss”, why would he risk provoking her, especially now with all the Olympic press coverage?
I am skeptical, and there are reasons.
It’s out of character for Geno according to a long line of female athletes and co-workers that have spent 20+ years working close to him in all situations, including long road trips, flights, and hotel stays in foreign countries. If he’s such a letch, would we not have learned of more than a single alleged “attempted” kiss in 25 years?
My opinion is that if Geno asked for her to be removed from his Olympic security detail, there was likely a good reason that did not involve “waking sleeping dogs”.
Hardwick also isn’t stupid. She’s using (IMO) a completely unverifiable charge against a national celebrity to gain press for her litigation against her employer. Hardwick has a law degree and I’m sure knows how to use the press to her advantage.
Cindy, we do not know whether or not Geno had anything to do with her reassignment. So far, there has been no information to indicate he had anything to do with it. Just because Ms. Hardwick assumes that, it doesn’t mean she’s correct.
Wow. This guy set “Journalism” back around 100 years.
This was an article written with no thought put into it ( or proofreading for that matter! ) …i.e. The employer then fires her. Do she sue the customer? No.
What follows is an amalgamation of opinion about what both sides of this case may likely be thinking and what’s likely to happen sooner or later. YET HE ONLY TALKS ABOUT THE DEFENSE…MUST HAVE RUN OUT OF TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE ACCUSER.
And worst of all! Why mention “African-American” ? As he said “Auriemma’s name was listed first for a particular and calculated reason”..and so was this racist language….
Hidden in his “Story” was a key fact…if she was Looking for a Payday..then why has she not asked for a settlment? Riddle me that John.
Better way to ask for one, Moe.
Joe Altavilla..Do he write well?
Moe,
“Hidden in his “Story” was a key fact…if she was Looking for a Payday..then why has she not asked for a settlment? Riddle me that John.”
I would think the reason for refraining from asking for a settlement to this point is fairly simple. Hardwick and her legal team may think that filing suit FIRST would accomplish exactly what is has done – gain National Media Coverage. All this attention can only improve their leverage to ask for more money once a settlement is discussed. They may think that would pay-off better that just the “threat” of going public with a suit. Now that the defendants are feeling the heat of the press they might be more likely to throw big money at her to make it go away. She’s simply playing hardball.
It wasn’t much of a riddle really.
And what is wrong with an office in Plainfield?!?!?!?!?!! Sounds kind of snobby!
I have been to Plainfield, it’s the only thing in his story that made sense.
Moe, you are funnier than I thought
Plainfield, NJ I meant.
Geno’s minions doing his public relations dirty work. You owe your living to GA granting you access. Hardly makes you a credible non-biased journalist to issue any such evaluation.
I owe my living to my mother. What’s your excuse?
Sondra, that was a v.good analysis.We have no idea what may or not have taken place; but, it hasn’t stop us from reading each line for truth-claims about the woman. I agree, what we are doing is completely hopeless and side-taking. It seems clear that she has two issues: her statement concerning Geno and the kiss, and her job and his alledged involvement in getting her fired. Both should have their day in court and, if the law upholds her claim– well good for her; but if not, she should have to answer for tarnishing the man’s reputation. But how to do so, that is something we are not very good at. Also, its more than Geno as it has serious implications for the Program. What do we say to the parent of a recruit today, and tomorrow as this could hang over him and the school for 2-3 years. It might be possible that our anger lies here and not so much with her. I think that JA should drop his daily coverage because he adds nothing new and as you say the whole things is being medially constructed. Witness JA’s shift from the actors to the drama possible in the writing of the legal script– 2 years well in advance of any court case.Let us refrain from writing the script(s).
Wait wait so long to sue?
Me, there is medication for your wait wait wait for it….stuttering problem.
I meant WHY wait so long, its a typo, and I dont stutter
wait why so long?
JA–thank you.
Yesterday, Ms Hardwick’s attorney reportedly said, “It can be a very nasty business. It could be settled before [the London Olympics in August], but it all depends on what USA Basketball and the NBA want to do. I’m willing to have a conversation, but no one has reached out.” In the same article, he points out that former UConn players may have to testify. Seems as if they might be interested in settling, despite no attempts to “reach out” to the defendents before hitting the media trail.
In the actual lawsuit, Ms. Hardwick makes the complaint that Coach Auriemma was vindictive, citing the example of making her remove the USA team cap and stop yelling (vociferously or not) duirng a game. She was Director of Security of the team representing the United States on an international stage. Did she have other responsibilities (ie, security)? Does she wear a uniform representing her position and responsibilites that does not include the team cap?
What she said he did was not witnessed by a third, disinterested party. That means anyone can accuse anyone of anything and be taken seriously in court — and in the media.
And that is an incentive to motivate others to make a similar accusation, again not witnessed. And when that happens, pundits will say: “Aha, a pattern!”
Our society should not tolerate sexual misconduct, nor shall we tolerate unsupportable allegations — both of which make others suffer, without just cause.
Exactly so let the case work itself out..until then…keep quiet.
So Moe,
Do we all need to “keep quiet”, or just everyone that doesn’t share your point of view? Because, you’re not keeping “quiet”, are you?
So when J.A. stops (until after the case “works itself out”)posting about this case you won’t be calling him a “minion” for keeping silent on this?
I can imagine the headline ” Guy paid by newspaper to write, refuses to write”.
Your logic is …. priceless.
Good article as usual John. I think this is ridiculous! And I wonder how she can stay employed at all by these companies that she is suing?
If this were Geno’s personality, there would have been others to come out by now. Especially when he had the longest winning streak or when UT brought up the NCAA recruiting issues and there seemed to be a target on his back.
CD would not have stayed there for 27 years or Jamelle, Tonya or Shea for that matter. Not like they had not been offered good jobs while they were/are at UCONN. I think the fact that he is so close to most of his former players speaks for his character. Do you think a woman like Swin who only seems to surround herself with positive people would still be involved with him once she left UCONN?
Seem like she wants to hurt Geno and the USA Team. Like Mike T said, this is nothing but a distraction. Geno is the KING of being focused on what needs to be done.
GO TEAM USA, GO GENO, GO UCONN! #huskynation
So the fact that he didnt assault former players and his assistant is your proof? LOL
It just shows that there is no pattern. Geno has been coaching for over thirty years. If this was his M.O., something would have come up by now. I, for one, believe in giving the benefit of the doubt in cases like this.
It has become common practice to smear a persons reputation just by accusing them of something with just the person saying it was true (Tawana Brawley case comes to mind as well as the Mc Martin case)
Before we go off the deep end…lets hear the evidence before making up our minds if he is guilty or not guilty
Jerry Sandusky is CURRENTLY on trial THIS WEEK after being Penn State’s assistant coach for DECADES! And he was considered a HERO for decades. Let me know if you need me to repeat that.
P.S. Which does not mean Geno is guilty. But the pattern defense? LOL please.
Hello! An attempted kiss is not assault. And it is not battery. One meeting is not stalking. She has already made a false accusation by using this language. And she insults real victims of assault and battery by trivializing it with this accusation.
Apparently you don’t keep up on things.
Please take just a few minutes to read a little on all the rumors about Sandusky that have been circulating at Penn State for years – to the point it was a running joke locally.
We simply haven’t heard anything here to have you lump Auriemma into that category.
It wouldn’t be proof, it’s part of a defense. Ask the plaintiff what her proof is… That’s the person who must prove their case to the proper standard.
Since she is being attacked by Most of Geno’s “Fans” ( sycophants ), if there were other victims, they probably saw this as their fate. My favorite defense “Well there is No Video of it” LOL
Moe,
And the best charge is one that’s completely unverifiable.
It’s like that old line “when did you stop beating your wife?”
Well, tell me. When?
It doesn’t matter what the answer is does it?
I remain skeptical. If there’s some evidence beyond “she said” we’ll see it eventually. And if there isn’t any ( what I suspect is true) that won’t satisfy you because you just plain don’t like Auriemma.
I get it.
No big deal.
Moe, sycophants. You must be tired after using that word. Take a rest. We will wake you for dinner
Definitely seems like she wants a payday when she is suing. Evidence points to nothing happened. Way to try to bring the state of CT down…NOT GONNA WORK!
The actual complaint, Hardwick v. Auriemma, is available on Westlaw, if you subscribe (mostly only lawyers do.) On its face it is designed to garner media attention. Plaintiff Hardwick resides in New York State, and sues only under the New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law, claiming Employment Discrimination. The suit names defendant Auriemma as lead plaintiff, although he cannot be sued under employment discrimination laws because he is not the employer. The suit claims adverse actions by Bernard Tolbert (former NBA Security Director), David Stern, and Jim Tooley (USAB CEO). None of them are named as individual defendants in the heading of the lawsuit, even though Stern and Tolbert were employers.
Personal jurisdiction also seems to be a problem here, even if Auriemma were the plaintiff’s employer: Auriemma’s place of business is CT. USA Basketball’s place of business is Colorado. Only the NBA is located in New York. No allegations are made that Auriemma or USAB “do business in” New York, which would normally be required for personal jurisdiction over them in NY. The kissing allegations involving Auriemma took place in Russia. Removal to federal court seems almost certain, because of the diversity of residence of the plaintiff and two of three named defendants. IF removed, then a filing with the US Equal Opportunity Commission becomes a pre-requisite to a suit in federal court. A filing with the NY State Human Rights Commission is a pre-requisite to a suit in state court. See, http://www.deleonlawyers.com/CM/Articles/article-ny-employment-law.asp
There is no allegation in the law suit that such a filing has occurred. A motion to dismiss in either court should, therefore, succeed. Also interesting is that the two causes of action refer only to plaintiff’s employment, and can therefore apply only to the NBA, although a very strained claim is made that USAB is somehow a subset of the NBA, something patently incorrect.
As a personal disclaimer, I covered UConn Women’s Basketball from 1996 until 2010, but my money came from my employment as an attorney, not from my part time reporting for Full Court Press, and I don’t owe Coach Auriemma anything. Personally, in 14 years (in which I saw him only on public forums,) I heard him say a lot of strange things, but never anything either sexist of racist. I also think that Jeff Jacobs makes a good point that with all the Geno-haters out there, this kind of behavior would have at least been the stuff of rumors. I never heard any rumors of this kind. More facts will probably come out in the slow course of litigation, but not likely in NY court, unless Auriemma & USAB are dropped as defendants.
–jim clark
Charlottesville, VA
Thanks for explaining the legal aspects of the case in more depth, Jim.
OK!! Take everything Hardwick and her lawyers have charged of Geno, of the NBA, of USA as absolute fact. Then
1. To state that she is African American is pertinent to the story.
2. If Geno did attempt to kiss MS Hardwick–is that sexual assault or anything else sexual. I thought the sex stuff came after the kissing (but I’m old fashioned), no groping or grabbing sexual parts stated. So explain what was wrong with this from a legal point of view????
3. NBA was her employer. Wnba is part of that. So she didn’t get promoted in 5 years. People go 30 years without a promotion. Federal worker who hit the top of their grade–that’s where the are when they retire. You are not guaranteed promotions–you earn them or your brother in law gives you one.
4. If Geno found she was making negative complaints against him–as Head Coach of the USA, Olympic teams does he not have the right to not take a problem person with him?? How is this gender or racist discrimination. You are allowed to discriminate just not with Gender, orientation, ethnic, origin, etc–everyone who thinks discriminates. Why is this any legal business of Geno??
5. Would Geno’s name be used in the suit or in the media columns about these charges if he was a ball carrier for the team??
6. If Geno kissed her why is this anyones business other than Geno and his Wife??? Maybe his kids. Maybe.
Monica Lewinski taught us that oral sex isnt actually sex, perhaps things have changes, kissing is now sex
Any unwanted advances of a sexual nature are sexual harassment, so trying to force a kiss counts. I certainly would report someone who tried to do that to me, just so it would be on the record.
C’mon, if Brad Pitt was the one forcing the kiss I’m pretty sure you’d go with it. Admit it…
The story did not say she is African American, it said the NBA HR OFFICIAL is African American…..The sheet has been removed from JA
John–Good blog. Good points. But Jim Clark and Sueing Man both made excellent points.
I sincerely hope Geno will not settle. Let this ride to the end–ANY DAMAGE HARDWICK COULD DO TO GENO HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE. Jacobs column–said it nicely. He will forever be associated with this– when playing DUKE with his UConn team you bet there will be big red kissy lips and signs about the kissing man–Luigi!!
A defamation of character suit is called for here. Offense is much better, in this case, than defense.
HIM —it was not Monica that made a BJ non sex, it was Bill Clinton who “didn’t have sex with that woman”. Monica went to washington to earn her knee pads and her mother approved, from the reports.
If attempting to kiss a woman by a man is sexual assault or illegal in any manner–every male on this planet is in trouble, as are all the girls/women who want to be kissed, no good night kiss darling , you may sue me!!!
How tall is Hardwick? How tall is Geno? If she is significantly taller than he is, would Geno even go after someone much taller than himself? I love Geno, but we all know he has an ego.
Geno is 5’2. Unless the circus is in town…NO one is safe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz1iVZn4l2Q
Geno still has NOT literally said “I did not grab her. I did not kiss her. I did not try. I did not ask for her to be removed from the 2012 Olympic security.”
Geno’s lawyer carefully crafted his statements to exclude “I did not”. There is a reason.
If you were not there, why are you defending Geno? Do you have proof he did not do what is alleged? Stop treating the accuser of lieing when you do not know her and you were not there.
THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX – OUTSIDE THE CHURCH OF GENO – FOR A CHANGE.
Do you have proof that this actually happened? The same thing can be said about you convicting Geno. You were not there either. Do you have proof that she is telling the truth? If you do then you need t call her lawyers.
THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX – OUTSIDE THE CHURCH OF PAT SUMMITT-FOR A CHANGE.
SHAME SHAME HATER. PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!
LEARN TO READ AND COMPREHEND.
You know ALL QUIET IS RIGHT…but sometimes the truth hurts and we understand that.
What part of the Auriemma response “totally false” I believe it was do you not understand? And if I recall that statement did not come from remarks prepared by anyone other than Auriemma. Next on the agenda of your rants if you were not there why would you believe Hardwick? This is clearly as explained by the lawyer an employee/employer case (if there is a case at all and Auriemma has nothing to do with Hardwick’s employment status or job assignments. Dismissal on the face of it.
PLEASE LEARN TO READ AND COMPREHEND. NO ONE WHERE DOES IT SAY I BELIEVE THE ACCUSER.
This is Absurd !
Next, they’ll be saying Geno sings BarberShop,
falsetto and a Capella in a group called :
Larry Craig And The Toe Tappers .
Seriously now ,
If Geno were banging his players,
They`d be twitching out,
All over the court !
Can you think of a bigger distraction ? ! ? !
Non legal case. Will be thrown out once a judge gets to see it.
Moe—Your legal mind is amazing!! Amazingly stupid. Sandusky–has not been convicted–and we all believe that you are innocent until PROVEN guilty, you too???
Accusing some one is easy–proving it is difficult.
Geno has nnt responded because it is better to say nothing in these cases. he would only add gasoline to the fire. Why address charges–IF and IF is a biggie this gets to court he can address any charges to the legal system–no his adoring and jeering public. Geno is a big mouth, wise cracker, so his lawyer has stuffed a towel in his mouth for the time being. And that does not make him guilty of anything.
Jim Clark, a lawyer from Charlotesville, Va has defined the case and lack of case for all us uneducated legal opinions.
Check back with me in 6 months
Have you noticed that Taurasi, Bird, Charles, Jones, Maya, other former UConn players, and current UConn players are NOT defending Geno in these blogs like his Disciples. If they blindly defended Geno in public and he either admitted to the accusations or the accusations were proven, the players would have a lot to lose in the public eye. Lobo and Culmo are risking their reputations. Paterno blindly defended Sandusky and look where that got him.
Isn’t it true that Geno was protecting his players from this woman who was hitting on them?
No. Why do you think it’s true then? It’s not.
Very good blog. I hope Geno is innocent and I believe he is until there is proof of what he did, but til the truth comes on, I will site and wait to read/hear the truth.
Any player that contacted Geno and said “I’ll defend you” was immediately told to stay out of this. Don’t get into the middle of a mud throwing fight.
If Diana Taurazi would not step up and stand beside Geno, she’ not the girl I think she is. And she is that girl.
People have thrown around Christine Dailey and Tanya, Jamelle, Shea, Marissa, it’s better than even that UConn Legal and Management told them — make no comments
Geno has thousands of friends, real friends, who when the time comes (if it comes) will be standing beside him.
You can bet I’d be there if I was allowed.
I feel real sorrow for Geno’s biological family and his Coaching family–this has caused great pain.
My son was teaching a computer application usage course and as he leaned over a student he put his hand on her shoulder–she charged him with sexual harrassment. It was investigated and went no where–but in todays atmosphere males working with females are at risk–for perceived issues. Some are contrived just to squeeze money from some institution. Some are over reaction to non issues (like this one with Geno) It’s not always what it appears.
If I were still a student the materials/statements colected here would may a good senior thesis in how to do things with words, or how to construct truth-claims. If we keep this up we may end up putting spiders out of business. Or, they may just outsource their web-making to us- we are doing such an unbelievable job. Someone wrote that if Geno was such a sexist all his assistants would have ran away a long time ago, another say that we would have seen the pattern by now; and another say that he had his hands well within his pockets (and not up her dress and/or on her breasts)so when does a kiss become more than an acceptable behavior between two professions/colleagues. THE LOGIC: THERE CAN NEVER BE A FIRST TIME FOR ANYTHING. ITS THE PATTERN. BECAUSE “C” HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE HOW CAN WE POSSIBLY THINK THAT SHE/HE MIGHT BE GUILTY.
lIKE ALL Uconn followers. I hope that when it is all sorted out coach A has been found to be innocent and uses the ocassion to speak up against character assassination for whatever ends. Indeed, he and the Program could come out stronger. But what if he is guilty- there are really no innocent grabbing of women parts today (including stealing kisses, Hartley)not like it were so long ago or in other peoples world), should he not pay the price? Reading this blog gives me a headache because too many write and sound as if they truly belong to the latterday saints for Geno, rather than a healthy followers of Uconn basketball. As for why the former and current players are silent– perhaps they have a little more class/sense of reality than their followers.
Regarding the lack of supportive comments by his former players, assistants, etc., it’s important to keep in mind that the plaintiff’s lawyer has already threatened to drag former players in to this lawsuit as deponents if not potential witnesses. Many of the well-known former players know the plaintiff either from the WNBA or USA Basketball. If one of those former players were to tweet or say something, particularly if it’s unsolicited, then that will only increase the chances of being deposed (many on USAB will likely be deposed anyway if the case gets that far). So, I’m sure the former UConn players who play for USAB have been told to remain quiet on the issue and not take sides and I’m certain Geno has instructed others to remain silent lest they be dragged in to the litigation to testify as to what they know or have been told. It sounds like Culmo and Rebecca decided to speak anyway out of their affection for the guy. Notice that Rebecca was clear that she has no idea what happened in Russia. She is obviously doing her best to protect herself from being dragged in to testify as to what she’s was told, etc. Geno’s daughter Alysa tweeted something about the truth coming out in the end and the tweet was subsequently deleted.
To think that the lack of public support from Geno’s former players means a lack of private support for him as he goes through this is just silly and reflects a lack of understanding of risks posed by litigation and an aggressive lawyer as well as a lack of understanding of the UConn family and the feelings they have for each other.
FREDDYKOOL: “WHO DA THUNK IT?”
Boorish behavior is not illegal. “Mushing” someone’s face is battery.