Addressing the truth, not rumors about players

We are not sure if J. Sanchez's letter ("Rules apply to everyone," Oct. 9 letters) was about being dissatisfied with some of the rules concerning the football program at LISD and the way the rules are enforced, or if it was a personal attack on a student athlete who made a mistake. I think most people agree that a public, personal attack on another individual is wrong, especially a high school student.

Ms. Sanchez's letter does not name the student athlete, but I think we all know who she was talking about. One would think that before someone sends a letter to the editor or has a T-shirt printed that they would make sure the facts are correct and accurately stated. If Ms. Sanchez is speaking of this athlete, then yes, he did receive a DWI during the summer months while school and athletics were not in session, and yes, we all agree this is very serious.

We have sat back and listened to all the rumors, gossip and lies that have spread through this town, so here are some facts if you are interested in the truth.

Rumor No. 1: No punishment and had to run a little. Wrong. This individual had to run 50 miles within a two-week time frame in addition to football practice, suspension from one organized game and numerous hours of community service. This student athlete completed all these requirements without complaint and is paying his dues because he knows he made a bad decision. This does not even begin to touch on the punishment this student athlete has experienced and is experiencing outside of LISD. Punishment administered by his parents, loss of his vehicle, loss of his driver's license, attendance of regular AA classes and constant scrutiny by the public. Except for the constant rumors, lies and gossip, he does agree and accept all the aforementioned punishment.

Rumor No. 2: Lampasas High Athletic Code guidelines were changed to benefit this athlete. Wrong. Yes, the guidelines have changed but changed before this athlete's infraction. Even if the previous guidelines were in effect, this athlete would still be playing football because it states that dismissal would be after three infractions. This athlete does not have three infractions, contrary to the lies and rumors that he has had several DWIs and MIPs.

The coaches and athletic director are no different than Mr. Kehoe. They also are following the athletic code that is set for all athletes. If Mr. Kehoe dismissed an athlete from his football team, then that athlete would have had three infractions, which J. Sanchez failed to mention.

This athlete does attend all practices, does make good grades (Academic All-District for the past three years) and always gives 110 percent when he plays football. We do know how both sides feel, because we also raised a child who made it through high school and now college without making any really bad decisions.

These are the facts and are not based on opinions, misinformation or rumors.

This student athlete mentioned in Ms. Sanchez's letter made a bad decision and mistake. He has been and is being punished. As parents, we all try to raise our kids to become happy, productive adults and to learn from their mistakes. We, like many good parents, will never give up on our children and will continue to support them to take the right path in life no matter how many mistakes they make. We should all feel this way about the children in this community so those who do make mistakes have the opportunity to better themselves and so they do not become one of the men or women filling up our prisons.

I hope that for your sake and your children's sake, J. Sanchez, that if your child makes a mistake this town will support you and pray for the best for your child and not the worst.

There are a lot of good people in this town, and we appreciate those who do not get sucked into all the gossip in this town. In the wake of J. Sanchez's letter, the overall support for this student athlete she attacks in her letter has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated.

We are very big supporters of this community and all the children of this community, whether they make mistakes or not.

John and Chris Bowen