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Post by sk8er on Oct 6, 2012 7:53:03 GMT -8
Simon Cho confessed, the coaches did not. Put 'em under oath. This is a "he said" thing and if the coaches hang together on their story (whatever that might be) the only certifiably guilty party is Simon Cho. Of course, any reasonable person would ask why he did it. The only way the public will have any understanding is for the new media to discuss the culture of Korean coaching and the history of other allegations of abuse. Unfortunately culture and context are subtleties lost in today's era of reporting. People hear "The Big Lie" (not saying that is here...) but they never hear about the fact checking. If you don't believe it go back over the debates from this week.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 6, 2012 8:18:39 GMT -8
It looks like this story has finally gotten some major news coverage. I saw it on the front page of nbcnews.com. Unfortunately, Simon Cho has become the story and most of the people reading it only hear that a skater admitted to sabotage and said that his coach told him to do it without understanding that this whole thing came to light as part of a package of allegations against the coaches, and it seems like US Speedskating is more than happy to let that be the story. Predictable, but still sad. I'm with you on this, Melissa - and in one of the articles upthread, there was the following quote: (Jeff) Simon took issue in that the tampering case was such a small part of the allegations initially brought by more than a dozen skaters yet seemed to be the focus of Friday’s action.My personal angst is that the charges against USS as a whole (governance irregularities, financial mismanagement, tax fraud, USOC rules violations, punitive athlete agreements) have barely been touched on - nor has the issue of the alleged threat against an athlete by the CEO - nor has the issue of exhaustive coaching past the point of injury. I understand and agree that there is time-sensitivity on the abuse and tampering allegations, as they need some sort of resolution before the team goes to World Cups - but I'm VERY anxious to hear the media discussing the above issues with equal fervor. And I'm quite sure that USS is more than happy that they are NOT... I personally think that when the investigation turns to USS' overall problems, the Good Old Boy Network may gladly offer Chun's head on a platter - plus maybe a few other 'visible' tokens - if they think it will (once again) fool the public and the media into thinking they've cleaned house...
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Post by Donna Salmon on Oct 6, 2012 9:50:47 GMT -8
I am addressing the scandal, my heart goes out to Simon, and I don't even know him. I truly hope they do not use him as a scape goat for the coaches who knowingly used their influence over him. What he did was wrong, however what the coaches did was even worse. Cheating and using one of their students to do their unethical dirty work for them is where the focus of this story should be placed. It makes no logical sense for Simon to tamper with skates of a competitor who isn't even competing against him or the USA at the time. To me that only strengthens his statements that the coaches asked him to do it. In a sport where the athletes work so hard day in and day out, for a shot to cross the finish line in a crazy sport like this, coaches actions to jeopardize their efforts is unspeakable. And to Simon, I applaud you for standing up admitting your part, apologizing to the Canadian skater and taking it like a man. I wish you the best possible outcome from this mess.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 6, 2012 10:12:06 GMT -8
I am addressing the scandal, my heart goes out to Simon, and I don't even know him. I truly hope they do not use him as a scape goat for the coaches who knowingly used their influence over him. What he did was wrong, however what the coaches did was even worse. Cheating and using one of their students to do their unethical dirty work for them is where the focus of this story should be placed. It makes no logical sense for Simon to tamper with skates of a competitor who isn't even competing against him or the USA at the time. To me that only strengthens his statements that the coaches asked him to do it. In a sport where the athletes work so hard day in and day out, for a shot to cross the finish line in a crazy sport like this, coaches actions to jeopardize their efforts is unspeakable. And to Simon, I applaud you for standing up admitting your part, apologizing to the Canadian skater and taking it like a man. I wish you the best possible outcome from this mess. Welcome, Donna! I pray that Simon has learned a lifelong lesson from this, serves his inevitable punishment with dignity, and that he's able to move on with a happy life when this is over and done.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 7, 2012 13:40:49 GMT -8
Regarding the White & Case findings, and the repeated statements and headlines that the "investigation finds no pattern of abuse" - I can't resist posting this recent comment from my Facebook friend Tom Congdon (used with his permission): ....since Simon engaged in an alleged singular action of misconduct by tampering with an athletes equipment I don't see why he should be disciplined since there was no "pattern" of tampering.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2012 18:45:47 GMT -8
Many people are wondering many things....
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Post by daisymomma on Oct 7, 2012 20:37:28 GMT -8
My heart hurts and I can't fully say what I want to say I have a big mouth and I am highly opinionated.Lets just say I feel like crying and leave it at that.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 7, 2012 20:43:52 GMT -8
Yeah, I saw this too - but the 'Privileged & Confidential' notation made me hesitate! I've since learned that it's in the public domain... Thanks for posting it - there's lots to digest there, eh?
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 8, 2012 9:45:08 GMT -8
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 8, 2012 10:37:05 GMT -8
Now that they've decided who the coaches are, will they still be announcing the discretionary picks today?
At the press conference, they mentioned that the new deadline for the skaters to accept/decline their positions is Oct 13 - surely they don't have to wait 'till then to announce the 6 skaters, do they?
If anyone hears who the picks are, please let us know!
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Oct 8, 2012 11:34:35 GMT -8
Interesting logistical problem for the Milwaukee skaters (some of whom landed there after the USOEC rug was pulled out from under them in Marquette) - when Tony Goskowicz leaves to coach with the NRP, will those skaters then be left without a coach?
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therockfairy
Member
I'll wear my cynicism like a tattoo
Posts: 3
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Post by therockfairy on Oct 8, 2012 13:05:16 GMT -8
hey guys, ive been alittle quite on here, mainly as ive been trying to digest all of whats going on.
I find it heartbreaking to hear what the skaters have been going through and the way its all been handled. But what is more hreat breaking is seeing the team being so divided by all of this.
i just hope that there is some resolution to this and it doesnt cause any more harm
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Post by sk8er on Oct 8, 2012 17:08:02 GMT -8
The report from the law firm was well done with the information available to them. Yet, despite the inconsistencies noted the fact remains that a significant number of experienced skaters who trained under Coach Chun allege that he acted inappropriately, to their detriment. It's important to remember that because someone acts inappropriately toward one person doesn't necessarily mean that he did so toward another....ergo, the statements of the skaters supporting Chun. They are relatively new to his training. I wonder how they would respond after 3-4 years of constant coaching and the inevitable injuries that occur in this sport.
I find it troubling that Simon Cho initially told them that Coach Chun asked him and Jeff Simon to tamper with the skates, but Jeff denied this. Changing your story is never helpful for credibility. Any reasonable person would ask what motive Simon Cho had to tamper with the skates. The report says that if the parties were under oath and in an adversarial setting the responses might be different. Put 'em all under oath.
Pat Wentland was Apolo's coach in his first years at the OTC in Colorado Springs. He had nothing but good things to say about him in his book, same for Stephen Gough when he was his coach. I think those were excellent choices. Remind me, why did the program in Marquette end? That seems a real shame.
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Post by thetruth on Oct 8, 2012 21:12:43 GMT -8
Hi, I am a father of Simon Cho. First of all, I apologize as a father of Simon Cho and I appreciate everybody's love for skate and Simon. Many people may wonder what exactly has been going on. However, this is not a time to talk everything. So, when the right time comes, I will speak out one by one, not only regarding Simon but also many other things from the beginning of boycotting, regarding USS as well. As Simon told it is inexcusable thing. So don't be misunderstood I am trying to excuse. As for now, I can say two things. 1. Simon will retire if he loses the chance to try Sochi Olympics by the discipline he may have. 2. Simon said at the press conference, "He asked us to mess up their blades. Initially, we both declined." He said Jae Su told in English first time, so Jeff understood it. But Jeff denies and he is saying he heard this at the airplane. He even denies that he told this to anybody. Simon says he had never had a seat beside Jeff on returning flight and never told it to anybody until Levi sent the text to him. Jeff is the only guy who can open this secret and who can prove Jae Su ordered to Simon. But he is telling a lie. Two persons (Jae Su & Jeff) who brought Simon into this situation are still telling a lie, not to be accused, not to be punished, to be alive without touching any blood. Furthermore, they are making Simon loose-tongued. This is why we are doing truth game now. The truth will be revealed soon. articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-10-08/sports/chi-speedskate-case-conundrum-simon-says-simon-doesnt-20121008_1_simon-cho-hyung-yeo-jae-su-chunOne more thing is that I am doubt if USS has the authority to penalize Simon at this moment as the one which should be penalized for mismanaging and messing up everything. Thank you again. Jay
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Post by mtnme on Oct 8, 2012 23:25:51 GMT -8
Remind me, why did the program in Marquette end? That seems a real shame. Funding...or complete lack thereof. The scholarship program for Olympic athletes and hopefuls was one of the few things this country was willing to do for its Olympic athletes. Obama killed the funding. (To be fair, every recent president has tried to kill it, Obama just succeeded.) Sadly, that is the reason Barry Winslow retired from the sport recently. So sad. Welcome Jay. Thank you for your comments. Tell Simon my heart just breaks for him - and for you. It is unfair that Simon should have to shoulder the entire blame for this alone. He has shown great maturity, courage and ethics in admitting his part in this saga. I hope that eventually the entire truth is finally told.
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