Opinion: Fixing USF's blunder

Firing Coach Jerry Ann Winters was a good start toward rebuilding the University of South Florida's women's basketball program. The allegations of racial discrimination against Winters were broad and serious enough to damage her reputation and ability to lead. But firing Winters doesn't change the culture of an athletics department still in denial over its original mishandling of the complaints.

The fallout has mushroomed since former player Dione Smith complained in March 1999 that Winters discriminated against black student athletes. She and others complained to then-assistant athletic director Hiram Green, who investigated and found a reoccuring theme of racism within the program. Athletic Director Paul Griffin says he didn't see Green's report. But he told the university's Equal Opportunity Affairs office the department had investigated and found "no issues of racial harassment."

The stories don't jibe, and USF President Judy Genshaft needs to clear the air. If Griffin didn't see Green's report, how could he brush the EOA away from performing its duty? Why was Griffin even involved, given his conflict as department head? Why did a former secretary corroborate Green's story and allege Griffin asked to change the report? Why does Griffin continue to defend the indefensible actions, especially given that a separate probe found Winters retaliated by kicking Smith off the team?

Parents and students put enormous trust in college coaches, and athletic directors make decisions that affect young lives for years to come. Universities have a responsibility to put the interests of students first. Eight former players have filed lawsuits against USF and Winters, claiming discrimination; even loyal employees and USF's own investigators found the program seriously flawed. An outside report on the Winters affair is expected next month.

Genshaft's reaction will shape a department that increasingly projects the school's image in Florida and beyond.

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