Sports letters: University of Idaho made a mess of Don Verlin firing

John Blanchette’s June 15 column was right on about the outrageous handling of Don Verlin by the University of Idaho and the gutless way this entire episode was handled by the U’s administration. If you’re dissatisfied “with the direction the program is headed” (the usual and not unjustified reason to fire a coach), say so and honor the contract. Don’t let some ticky-tack, minor “violations” be an excuse to attempt not to honor a contract.

The timing with respect to day of the week and time of day is evidence of a gutless university president. Timing this to screw junior college transfers who might otherwise chose to leave a program torn apart by the university’s administration compounds the injustice.

Besides ridicule, UI and the administration deserve multiple lawsuits and a shunning by any basketball recruit considering going here.

The fact a penalty for these minor infractions was agreed upon between Verlin and the university underlines the deceitful and dishonorable intent of the president and others involved.

John McTear

Coeur d’Alene