Published on: Friday, November 13, 2009

To the editor;

I have a child who plays football in Montgomery County

and would love to know which school you were describing in your column titled

“Thanks Coach,” this week.

My son goes on MoCofootball.com and read some very horrible

things. I’d like to know what is true. Which school was this about and did you

write this to try and get a head coaching job? And did you in fact write this

column?

R. Crayton

Montgomery

County

Editor’s note: Thank you for your cogent letter. I am an

infrequent visitor to the above referenced website, but am thankful you gave me

the opportunity to answer some very good questions.

First, the column was written

several weeks ago, but put on ice until the teams involved were done with their

season. Since it carries my by-line, it should be obvious to even the most

casual observer that I wrote the column – based on the information I received.

I stated this at the beginning of the column.

The majority of this column was based on

the comments of one child and was characterized that way to make the point, but

it also includes sentiments from four players at three different high schools.

I chose not to say which because that is beside the point.

These are the honest observations of impressionable teenage

boys. I think it is important for their voices to be heard. I edited out some

of the wilder claims.

The column is meant as a look at how coaches touch children

– and the views children get regardless of adult intent.

As for my personal plans, your question honestly brought a

chuckle to me and I thank you for the laugh.

For the record, I do not now, nor have I ever had any desire

to be a head coach of any sport at any high school, anywhere – any more than I

would wish to be the head coach of the Washington Redskins. That’s an emphatic

NO.

Anyone who knows me knows this.

I have a healthy respect for the head coaches of all sports in this county who work long hours for minimal pay - and I don't wish to join their ranks.

I do have a personal desire

though to write another best seller – and you can buy my latest book online at

The Sentinel’s website. It’s called “Three Quarters Up,” and is about a young

high school football player involved in an interracial romantic relationship in

the mid 70s – and the problems of growing up as a teenager during that time.

And no, it’s not about any football player or coach in this

county. It is, however, about the near and dear to my heart activities of growing up outside - way outside of the Beltway.

Anything else you wish to know, please do not hesitate to

ask.

By the way any of my other books that interest you can be found at www.amazon.com

Thanks again