Today's letters: how a Rutgers coach crossed the line & why paramedic services in Mercer & Camden should not be altered
In my opinion, the reason why Rutgers has the athletic compliance policy (as stated in the 8/30 article "Coach-teacher dynamic at heart of Rutgers flap") is specifically intended to avoid having the conflict that they are battling now.
"Coach-initiated contact of any type...is not permitted between any member of the coaching staff and any Rutgers faculty member or instructional staff...with respect to any student-athlete." That is a plain and simple rule that does not include a list of exceptions.
Mr. Flood stated that his only purpose in emailing the athlete's professor was to be supportive of whatever the faculty member's decision was and to inquire as to whether or not there would be an opportunity to earn a better grade. Clearly, however, that intent, no matter how noble, is not allowed or acceptable according to the policy.
It seems to me that if this rule has been waived, broken, misinterpreted or otherwise overlooked in the past, it is not an excuse for having it be ignored in the present. Most importantly, I feel that the responsibility of seeking academic help falls squarely on the shoulders of the student-athlete involved. That should be made very clear to each and every athlete at the start of every season at Rutgers.
Either change the ruling to be more lenient or stick to it. Bending the rules may be a short-term fix but in the end does the student-athlete an injustice in the real world that college is supposed to be preparing them for....rules are meant to be adhered to in life..it's not an option.
Marjorie Johnson
Lambertville
The recent Times editorial "Public health and politics do not mix well" 8/14 is right on target. The idea of carving out regional Advanced Life Support services just for Camden and Hamilton is bad public health policy. This legislation was fast tracked by political broker George Norcross who has ties to Governor Christie.
New Jersey has a highly regulated health care industry for good reason. Every hospital cannot be a Level 1 trauma center and every hospital cannot perform open heart surgery. These services are allocated by the State Health Planning Board through a well respected application and review process.
When political pressure is put on the legislature to create custom made laws for special people with special interests it is corruption at its worse. Keeping regional advanced life support emergency services has worked well for Mercer and Camden Counties over the years and it should not be tampered with. Hopefully the lawsuit filed by Capital Health and Virtua will stop this misguided law in its tracks.
Joseph T. Zalescik
Hamilton
Follow The Times of Trenton on Twitter @TimesofTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.