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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 10, 1993                   TAG: 9302100369
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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CONDONING TEAM'S WRONGDOING

REGARDING Paul Dellinger's article on the front page of the Jan. 31 edition of the Roanoke Times & World-News:

Coach Dennis Vaught was guilty of using illegal cleats against Salem High School. He did not admit his guilt until the cards were stacked against him. That should tell people something. Now he's trying to say that Salem did the same thing, so he's telling another lie to cover up his wrongdoings. How sad.

To me, he sounds more like a child than a high-school football coach. Some people have said that "the team should not have to suffer for what he has done," but they are wrong. The players knew that they were wearing illegal cleats, so they are as guilty as he is. After all, they are old enough to know right from wrong. I was always taught that honesty is the best policy. I would hate to think that my children were under his guidance.

Coach White can hold his head up high and be proud of his team, as can the city of Salem. There is no doubt that Salem High School got a raw deal. The Virginia High School League executive committee is guilty for upholding dishonesty and by not making Richlands forfeit the game. Everyone knows it's not the first time Vaught has gotten by with wrongdoings, and he will continue to do so as long as the committee upholds him in it.

The punishment handed to Richlands is nothing compared to what White and his team have lost, as well as the city of Salem. What has happened to justice?

Good luck to Salem next season. KATHY KING SALEM

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