Since the Seattle Times article exposing the fact Chief Sealth has student athletes attending school that do not live in the schools "Geographical Area," I have read one article after another calling for firing the coaches, taking away championships, even having disgruntled parents comparing (Baseball) Major League "alleged" steroid using athletes to these kids.
These kids are not criminals and the comparison between the two is appalling!
I do however believe there is more to this issue than is being reported by the Seattle Times and/or any other news media here in Seattle.
Students are bused from "their" geographical area daily to attend schools outside their neighborhoods so that Seattle Schools can achieve racial balance. Are many of these kids "student athletes?" Of course they are. Has this been the case since the 60's and 70's in Seattle Public Schools, Yes it has.
Would there have been an outrage if Chief Sealth hadn't won so many games? Championships? Doubtful!
Possibly the Seattle Times and many of the outraged parents should stop and take a look at high school athletics and the inequities the coaches and athletes deal with each year. I didn't hear any outrage when O'Dea, or J. F. Kennedy won state championships with "all star" athletes on their teams from outside their geographical area even though Chief Sealth, West Seattle, Evergreen, Highline and the rest of the "public" high schools must compete head-to-head against these teams within their divisions.
Why is it a student athlete can transfer from a public high school to O'Dea, J. F. Kennedy etc. and not have suffer the same penalties as an athlete transferring between public high schools ?
The Seattle Times, the news media and the Washington State Interscholastic Athletic Association should look at the policies and "politics" of high school athletics in Washington State and tell the whole story. How many high school coaches and athletic directors in Washington State are hoping a reporter doesn't come knocking on their door asking about the athletes on their team?
Chief Sealth isn't alone.
Les Holm
Burien
