Domestic Violence... and Becoming a Cal Fan

So, when I was a little kid, we lived within walking distance of the University of Southern California. By the time I was old enough for kindergarten, my big brother had me totally decked out in Trojan gear.

When I was a little older, my dad and I took yearly summer road trips. The train ride to San Fran was amazing. By the time we hit Santa Barbara, I was already inquiring about the state of “are we there yet?” On one of our trips to The City, we paid a visit to the UC Berkeley campus; we were greeted by one of Dad’s buddies, legendary Cal Basketball Coach, Pete Newell. Pete took one look at me and my USC sweater and threatened to turn his one-time teammate over to authorities for Cardinal & Gold child abuse. If Pete and Dad could only see the Trojans now…

I made it into to USC dental school; at that time, the top D-school in the country. I’d worked full-time as a warehouseman and saved money during my undergrad years at Cal State, LA. But my parents sacrificed a new home and invested in my future.

To tell you the truth, I’ve remained a die-hard USC sports fan despite my dental school experience. And thankfully, today’s student body is far more diverse and the education considerably better related to the real world (not just passing the state board exam.)

And I hate admitting, during fall and early winter, the quality of my life (to an embarrassing degree) rides on the behavior of 20-year old kids on Saturday afternoons. I’ve always said retaining a good dose of immaturity is the medicine that gives you a shot at staying young. I can remember weekends when the sight of the Trojans coming out of the Coliseum tunnel to the sound of “Lose Yourself” could bring a tear. Predictably, the immaturity approach has become increasingly strained.

Today, my alma mater resembles the combination of a dummied down stage revival of Watergate and any press conference given from the White House lawn. Lying, black market deals, the absence of decency, and cover ups seem to have contaminated Trojan DNA; wouldn’t be surprised if a self-conscious Traveler quit at halftime.

Encouragingly, there’s a new President in Town & Gown. Carol Folt has hopefully arrived to lead a clean up detail. And it’s not easy catching up with nine years of unmaintained outdoor plumbing. Major respect and best wishes for the new USC president.

So, like me, many USC Football fans have for the most part retained more than the prescribed dose of youthful immaturity. And it’s one thing to hire a plane towing a banner reading “Fire (coach) Helton.” And why not root for kids to lose so the coach can get fired? And who wouldn’t be proud knowing you graduated from the university that attracts the highest bids from clueless rich parents willing to cheat their kids into school?

And I confess. I have friends who can read and write…and they never quote PT Barnum. Because, for folks who’re even more middle schoolish than me regarding college football, winning games is even more important than honesty, doing the right thing, mutual respect…and for me, family.

I guess it’s one thing that 31-college players are arrested during a 6-year coaching stint; maybe it was just a coincidence. Perhaps there wasn’t a common denominator; doesn’t mean the young men didn’t have a thoughtful, responsible leader and mentor?

But considering the hire of a domestic violence enabler…to win games? I served on the Board of Directors for Haven House in Pasadena, the very first shelter for victims of domestic violence established in the U. S. During my six years on the Board, I listened and learned. I learned half the women with whom I worked and saw as family had been victims. I have zero tolerance.

If USC hires someone who has enabled any low life who’s committed an act of domestic violence, the team and school will be dead to me. Fight on?

Could be time for another road trip to Berkeley.