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FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty...
Duke University
When it all comes together, the following act adds up to an illustrious third-place finish in the Tarnished Twenty 2000 Rankings. The combined arrogance of the Duke coaching staff in rejecting an athlete that had proven herself both on and off the field, and who had the support of her teammates, assured the Blue Devils the bronze medal. This situation simply stinks. No two ways about it. Decide for yourself…
No, not even Regis Philbin could dole out a lifeline big enough to exorcise the Blue Devils from the Tarnished Underworld… Let's put it this way, folks. Say you're a perennial doormat in ACC football. Why wouldn't you want an athlete who had earned High School letters in swimming, track and field, track, soccer, and football to join your team? Well, apparently if you're Duke head coach Fred Goldsmith, it's because your athlete, Heather Sue Mercer, is female.
Now before you draw any improper conclusions, add this to the foray: Smith had proven herself in practice. She booted a game-winning field goal in an intrasquad game. Yet all of this got her the following from Coach Goldsmith:
1) The joy of being cut from the team
2) After inquiring as to the reason for #1, Coach Smith's well-thought-out response that Mercer "ought to try out for a beauty pageant instead of football."
Not having any footballs to kick, Mercer decided to place Duke's reputation in the tee instead. Final answer: 2 million dollars in punitive damages. Mercer claims she is going to use some of the funds to establish a scholarship for female kickers.
The Tarnished 20 salutes you, Heather Sue Mercer, for possessing the qualities we demand from athletes: Class, perseverance, determination, intelligence, and heart. Meanwhile, the Duke coaching staff takes home a different prize - third place in this year's Tarnished Twenty. Can someone call Coach K and get him over on the field? Please? Until then, enjoy your time in the limelight Duke Football. This was a chip shot that you missed badly.
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