Happy International Women’s Day!
Just a few days after Art Briles’s brief resignation as Grambling State’s offensive coordinator, Hue Jackson promoted yet another coach with Title IX issues.
John Simon, originally hired as an extensive recording coach, arrived at Grambling State from Memphis, where he was placed on administrative leave in February 2021 following a sexual misconduct complaint against him ta. He split from Memphis just a few weeks later, denying all allegations, and the Title IX complaint was dropped because he was no longer affiliated with the school.
Special Simon accused Unproven text messages and direct sexual advances. The lawsuit is filed by a former Memphis football executive on behalf of an unidentified individual. A second complaint from another individual alleging sexual harassment by Simon was filed a few days later.
Per the Monroe Star NewsHead coach Hue Jackson expressed full confidence in Simon’s promotion last week.
“I trust John with all my heart … and look forward to things moving forward, and I think our staff has done an excellent job. We didn’t flinch when things happened, we just kept going, circling the wagon, and kept moving. ”
At first glance, it’s certainly not the kind of rhetoric you’d like to see when the questions posed to both of these hires revolved around sexual assault allegations – “going on” and “turning around”. wagons” when “things happen” is incorrect. confidence in questions about the safety of women on campus in the presence of Briles or Simon. Jackson has essentially denied any admission of past misconduct by the coach.
This is not the first time Jackson has tried to dismiss the allegations, writing openly alphabet that Briles’ hire was a “proof” of “forgiveness” and “atonement”, and ended with the bold statement that “we will continue to support Coach Briles and all the victims.” of assault”, implying that the two aforementioned parties would somehow deserve the same level of support and defence.
Jackson somehow got into hiring a trainer to cover up sexual misconduct for someone who actually did it, and with this second (and possibly worse) mistake, it’s clear that he We need to be fired from our position as head coach at Grambling State. Among the thousands of coaches across the country, he really can’t be found one without a questionable background? At this point, it looks like it was on purpose and I’m not sure how the authorities allowed this to continue.
To allow those who have caused or covered up sexual harassment or abuse to stay in power is a giant middle finger for the women on campus and Grambling State faculty, and to student athletes under the age of 18 the message that grooming is somehow acceptable reduces or lessens sexual assault allegations. This is just an extremely disappointing development, especially when you think that Jackson was prepared to hit Briles.
Simon will need to pass the University of Louisiana review board before officially being promoted.
