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Lorene Kennard's avatar

It's always tragic when a young family loses their dad and husband, especially in this terrible way and especially in the public eye. His wife and girls have a long road ahead of them and I hope they have the support of both sets of grandparents, as well as other nearby family and friends. The part of this I'm struggling with is how we continue to equate athletic ability and charm with being a good person, while disregarding athletes' acts of violence against women. He's certainly one of the best basketball players of his generation, but he would not have had that career if he would have been punished for the rape he admitted to committing. He knew he could settle with his victim and have an NDA because nobody really would care about it going forward. He was probably a good dad, but he should not be lifted up as an icon in the community and great supporter of women. It was great that he supported women's sports as publicly as he did, but he should have been made to answer for his crime/let his victim out of the NDA so we can get more information. I have been uncomfortable seeing some of the best women's players idolize him when his athletic ability is not the total picture. So, that's where I am on this right now. i look forward to reading other thoughtful posts on this topic. Lindsay: thanks for opening up this thread so we can share.

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Lindsay Gibbs's avatar

I agree completely on what should have happened, and I think that what's so tough is that since that never happens, now what do we do with it? I don't have the answer, obviously, but thanks for helping me talk through it. Sending love.

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Lorene Kennard's avatar

It would be a hard conversation to have and who would have it with him? Nobody would want to be that reporter. The attacks on her would be swift and merciless. I guess the theory was maybe his visibility will bring more people to women's sports and, eventually, he wont obviously be the only guy supporter with a spotlight? Thank YOU for helping us talk through it in a safe environment.

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