A few weeks ago we [URL=”http://www.nationofblue.com/birmingham-schools-will-investigate-eric-bledsoe-1498/”]told you that Birmingham Schools Superintendent, Craig Witherspoon, will be working with the Alabama High School Athletic Association[/URL] to take a deeper look into concerns over Eric Bledsoe. Today, Birmingham Schools announced that they have hired retired federal judge U.W. Clemon and his firm to independently investigate the records concerning Bledsoe’s grades.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Here’s an excerpt from al.com…
[QUOTE]
The school system’s news release said the law firm indicated it would move as quickly and thoroughly as possible to determine the facts related to Bledsoe. The findings will be reported to the school board. The law firm will have “total autonomy” to conduct the investigation and will not act under the direction or control of anyone in the school system, the release said.
“I have pledged our cooperation and assistance to Judge Clemon and Mr. White so that the truth regarding this controversy may be ascertained as soon as possible,” Birmingham Superintendent [B]Craig Witherspoon[/B] said in a statement. “I will, however, make no further comment on this matter until the final report has been completed and submitted.”
After meeting with the Alabama High School Athletic Association earlier this month, Witherspoon told The Birmingham News the investigation would focus on reviewing documents and records more than interviewing individuals.
“The piece that we will be focused on will be grades and how that relates to AHSAA eligibility,” Witherspoon said June 14. “We want to make sure there is supporting documentation for his grades and making sure all the pieces line up.”
[/QUOTE]You can [URL=”http://blog.al.com/solomon/2010/06/birmingham_hires_law_firm_to_i.html”]read the entire article here….[/URL]
It doesn’t seem like this is going away any time soon. I’ve always thought the alleged rent payments would be the issue that would get the most press, but I”m obviously wrong about that. The statement that really made me concerned was this……
[QUOTE]
“I will, however, make no further comment on this matter until the final report has been completed and submitted.”[/QUOTE]Did your mother ever tell you this…”If you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all”. That’s what I’m thinking about when I read the statement above.
There was a similar case in 2007, where Hoover High School and their football coach, Rush Probst, was investigated concerning academic improprieties. The investigation lasted for five months and cost taxpayers over $150K.
Why start an investigation that could cost the community $150K?… When you think the outcome could make you public enemy #1. When the outcome could hurt the reputation of a local hero. When the outcome could take away thirty-five wins from the nations most prestigious college basketball program. That’s when it makes sense to spend $150K.
When will all of this be over? Well, not anytime soon. If the last investigation lasted five months, I wouldn’t expect this one to be completed any faster.
