I have no idea what went on behind the scenes before Doug Fleming was let go as East Lansing boys’ basketball coach. But if I were a taxpayer of the school district, I would find one comment most troubling:
“Athletic director Tom Hunt wouldn’t elaborate on why Fleming was fired, only that it was ‘probably one of the toughest (decisions) I’ve had to make’ and that ‘Doug is an outstanding basketball coach.’”
I’m confused. Don’t we want “outstanding” people in public service?
“Athletic director Tom Hunt wouldn’t elaborate on why Fleming was fired, only that it was ‘probably one of the toughest (decisions) I’ve had to make’ and that ‘Doug is an outstanding basketball coach.’”
I’m confused. Don’t we want “outstanding” people in public service?
Is Hunt saying that there are priorities that supersede the quality of a public servant’s work? If so, what are they?
If the contract non-renewal is justified, how could Fleming have been “outstanding” at his job?
Without an actual full accounting of this action, I don’t see how East Lansing taxpayers can feel comfortable with how their school district is being led. Based on what’s known right now, the district’s either blowing smoke about Fleming’s performance — or it is pursuing an agenda it’s unwilling to share with its own bosses.
