Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez congratulates Arizona Wildcats running back J.J. Taylor (21) after his score during the second quarter of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State University Sun Devils in the Territorial Cup college football game on Nov. 25, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State won 42-30.
Problematic male behavior at the University of Arizona didn’t start with former football coach Rich Rodriguez’s comportment and didn’t end with his firing. These are not athletic department problems. They are part and parcel of a male-dominated institution in which athletics holds outsized influence through money, competition and physical power.
Examples abound among big men on campus: a former dean accused of sexual assault; a former assistant track coach accused of stalking; fraternities banned for hazing and alcohol violations. Likely there are many complaints to university officials about sexual harassment and discrimination against women in promotions and hiring.
After firing Rodriguez, UA President Robbins said he was “concerned with the direction” of the football program. The Star’s Greg Hansen said he knew of the coach’s “pouty, uncivil and mean-spirited behavior.”
Stop with after-the-fact explanations for enabling a bad actor. Robbins must lead an end to male dominance on campus, and journalists must report what they know when they know it.
Hilda Oropeza
West side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
