SANCTIONS: Assessing the blame

I’ve read with interest the recent articles regarding the North Idaho College Athletic Department’s alleged violations and the sanctions announced by the NWAC. I say “alleged” because it appears that the “investigation” isn’t without bias.

Most stories have at least two sides. Only one side has been reported and I don’t see any portion of this story that takes a position in favor of the student athletes affected.

What I see is a significant lack of leadership by the NWAC as they punish a conference champion. I wonder if there is a competitive jealousy and a reaction to NIC’s successes? If NIC was guilty but wasn’t such a successful program, would the sanctions be so severe? The sanctions handed down are so severe you’d think the violations were criminal. This is simply not the case.

I also wonder if there is a resentment of the athletic program and its leadership from NIC Administration and faculty? This is an age-old situation in many schools. While both athletics and admin/faculty should embrace what one does for the other, many times that just doesn’t happen. President MacLennan? Are you guilty?

It appears the NIC president is also “booting” a leadership opportunity. Is he supporting his coach and AD? Is he standing up to the NWAC Board and demanding a more unbiased look into this situation perhaps with an eye to supporting kids? I think he bowed to his old cronies. Shame on you President MacLennan.

Personally, I’d like to see NIC choose to return to the NJCAA. NIC would be appreciated there rather than abused like they are by the NWAC. The student athletes would be the beneficiaries.

I encourage this paper to dig a little deeper and present both sides to this situation. The student athletes deserve that effort for the effort they give on the courts, fields and classrooms.

WILLIAM J. WRIGGLESWORTH

Spokane