Sad Mom wrote:
For those of who knew Steve, I appreciate and value your insight. Steve has coached my son for the past 3 years, that was until he was arrested. The news has devastated my son. ? My son really looked up to Steve, as did many of the other kids. Friday, when the news broke: many students teared up. We are still processing and trying to make sense of the situation. My greatest concern right now is that my son does not quit cross country and track. Again, thanks for any insight.
i knew steve for a short time, but remain best friends with his younger brother, my teammate/roommate at ucla. steve stayed with us while he was finishing his degree. the post above so far is the only one i'll respond to, not that i have the insight you may be looking for.
for what it's worth: i have a pretty negative opinion of steve in general that goes back only to the short time he stayed with us; despite that, this shocked me, but i can only speak for myself. don't trust what random anonymous people on these boards say (including me, but my profile is actually pretty public)--if your son likes running, he should continue. the coach should not define his enthusiasm for the sport, no matter how much the coach may influence it.
as for steve, i suspect the truth--good or bad--will win out. they've got hundreds of parents to interview, so my guess is if there is a pattern of criminal behavior, it'll be found out. with computers and cell phones, and the fact that people just aren't that smart or private with technology, if there are suspicious text messages/emails/snapchats/instagrams, they'll find them. and if they don't find them, well, here my negative opinion (mainly rooted in narcissism and selfishness) of steve may help: he ain't no criminal mastermind. so if they don't find a suspicious pattern, and if they don't find any suspicious evidence, then he's likely innocent of everything but poor judgment in driving a homeless minor alone ANYWHERE, though his reputation will probably never recover...
that's my story and i'm sticking to it,
cush