Chaney Retires One Year After "Goon Gate"
Temple basketball coach John Chaney retired today after 24 years at his post. He was rather eloquent at his press conference, clearly showing he concerned himself with more than just basketball. His concern for the university as a whole, the underprivileged, and the development of his players as men dominated his remarks and career.
But, if anyone is surprised that this happened one year after “Goon Gate,” they’re kidding themselves. Reportedly, his wife is sick, and that no doubt weighs on Chaney’s mind. But there’s no doubt in my mind that after last year’s events, when he sent one of his players into a game for the purpose of committing hard fouls resulting in a broken arm of an opposing St. Joe player, that this retirement was put on the schedule for this Spring.
So far, the subject hasn’t been brought up by the media. Maybe Chaney deserves that, just as he deserved a year to end his career away from the swirl of controversy.
Nonetheless, it is part of this story. The timing must raise the question, or the Philly media can give up any claim to being one of the toughest around. Chaney deserves plenty of praise, but we can’t act like he was a stranger to controversy.
But, if anyone is surprised that this happened one year after “Goon Gate,” they’re kidding themselves. Reportedly, his wife is sick, and that no doubt weighs on Chaney’s mind. But there’s no doubt in my mind that after last year’s events, when he sent one of his players into a game for the purpose of committing hard fouls resulting in a broken arm of an opposing St. Joe player, that this retirement was put on the schedule for this Spring.
So far, the subject hasn’t been brought up by the media. Maybe Chaney deserves that, just as he deserved a year to end his career away from the swirl of controversy.
Nonetheless, it is part of this story. The timing must raise the question, or the Philly media can give up any claim to being one of the toughest around. Chaney deserves plenty of praise, but we can’t act like he was a stranger to controversy.
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