SPEAR: An unfair casualty

I am writing to express my disappointment with the way former Athletic Director Rob Spear has been treated and singled out for failures that were largely a function of the University of Idaho’s breakdown in policy implementation and training (drawn directly from the independent report). Sexual assault and aggression have no place in our society and there should be a bright light exposing such conduct. Spear responded and took immediate action under the policies in practice at the time. The president was immediately informed, there were meetings with police, there was an investigation and the football player was removed within two weeks of the report.

Spear deserves fairness at the very least. Rob is one of the most compassionate and ethical people I have ever met. Dr. Spear was compelled to protect the due process of a student who had been implicated, but not prosecuted. His fealty to both student-athletes during that time was his only choice.

For the record, in spite of multiple news reports stating otherwise (uncorrected), there were no Title IX violations, no well-disseminated or established policies were violated, and (suspiciously) there was no attempt to set the record straight with regard to Spear’s performance as the athletic director. None of the egregious claims ended up being true, but they stand uncorrected except for the fact the board did not fire him for cause (terminating for “convenience” instead).

Spear was thrown under the bus with misinformation, insinuation and an energetic pursuit of a scapegoat. Huge loss.

DR. RAND WALKER

Moscow