I'm not going to be able to write more until tomorrow but a few quick things of interest that I wanted to get out there. More tomorrow.
1) Stephanie Hightower told Reuters the selection of Logan things was rushed and she abstained from voting because the process was too quick. "I did not have enough information and did not think the process was transparent enough"
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE68C1SZ20100914
I talked to Jeff Darman one of what I believe is 4 USATF board members on both the old and new board. He also said the process selecting Logan was "rushed" because of the Olympics and the board only interviewed Doug via phone the day before he was announced. Sounds like the first time around the search committee gave them one name and the board pretty much took it. Darman said their wasn't time to do due diligence. He said, "I did my due diligence after he was chosen."
Darman said he objected to various parts of the process before Doug was even a name but his views did not prevail.
2) Jack Wickens USATF board member sent us these comments:
"As you know this kind of issue, due to fairness to Doug, due to confidentiality, and due to possible legal issues, inevitably and necessarily become talking point exercises. Most of what I can say is already in media reports you can find.
I'll add only that the relatively new USATF board is comprised of a small passionate diverse group of business leaders, very bright and thoughtful athletes, and people with deep track & field knowledge. We're far from perfect but we voluntarily work hard for this sport we love and we take our responsibilities very seriously.
Importantly we collectively have very ambitious aspirations (and achievable plans) for this sport - re: sponsorship, TV, fan-friendly events, support for professional athletes, youth, masters, trail, etc. Our athletes and our fans can and should expect us (and demand of us) to shoot very high.
Doug is a good man who brought some important qualities to the job, but the board fulfilled its governance role and conducted a fair, thorough evaluation of what has been accomplished and what can be accomplished - and it led to the decision to embark upon a leadership change.
I realize there's a curiosity for more details - and that rumors and innuendo may fly freely. It may be a lot to ask for people to be respectful to Doug.....to trust the board......and to believe that an honest effective (and appropriately confidential) process led to this action.....but that's our plea.
Its been a tough day, and this is an unfortunate but necessary step toward a stronger tomorrow. (Sorry for getting cliche-ish)
Today was all about handling this action as professionally as possible, including positioning Mike McNees to take the wheel. Tomorrow we start focusing on the succession and search process. Details will follow soon.
Got to sign off. The plane door just closed......"