Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

[FireKnight]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

First thought; why does a coach need a $900 a month car allowance? Was the University going to pay his auto lease or new car payment? Plus fuel and maintenance?

Second thought; this suit is partially predicated on statements made by a parent of a Clarkson player who was allegedly abused by Seeley in 2003-'04. Clarkson didn't find any wrongdoing yet apparently Q30, the student TV station ignored that piece of information and published the statements made by the father of the player. Seeley may or may not win against the University for his alleged abuse of players but he sure seems to have a case against the TV station if in fact they did not present the information regarding Clarkson's dismissal of the charges in 2004.

The media has no obligation to present both sides of the story. They can present a piece based on one side and move on, so long as they present the comments of the accuser as allegations and not fact. It's bad reporting but not a tort.

I know Clarkson didn't find any wrongdoing 10 years ago but it sure seems that now that this information has become public, the list of alleged wrongdoing is growing longer and longer.

 

[shelfit]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

The media has no obligation to present both sides of the story. They can present a piece based on one side and move on, so long as they present the comments of the accuser as allegations and not fact. It's bad reporting but not a tort.

I know Clarkson didn't find any wrongdoing 10 years ago but it sure seems that now that this information has become public, the list of alleged wrongdoing is growing longer and longer.

Certain issues like "bullying" weren't as politically popular 10 years ago as they are now. Player sensitivity is at an all time high. The old school style of aggressive coaching is quickly fizzling out. Those that don't change and adapt their ways are slowly being forced out of coaching for one reason or another. In this case it sounds like it's a good thing that his coaching days are over. Same thing with Nate Handrahan and others. Good riddance.

 

[hkypassion]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Certain issues like "bullying" weren't as politically popular 10 years ago as they are now. Player sensitivity is at an all time high. The old school style of aggressive coaching is quickly fizzling out. Those that don't change and adapt their ways are slowly being forced out of coaching for one reason or another. In this case it sounds like it's a good thing that his coaching days are over. Same thing with Nate Handrahan and others. Good riddance.

Player sensitivity? More like wimpy players!! It almost seems like once they "make it" they forget what it took to get them there! They start feeling like they're entitled to playing time and if they don't get their way they pout, cry, and leave the ice! And to make matters worse, you then start having coaches catering to these girls! I'm not suggesting that bullying (REAL bullying) is tolerable, but if you can't stand the heat (yelling, bench warming, short shifts…) maybe the girls didn't have what it takes to play at the highest level.
I would guess (and I don't know this at all) that the coaches of the teams that make it to the NCAA playoffs don't stand for any of that kind of behavior. Work harder than the next kid and improve. Don't EXPECT to play - nothing in life is given to you. I've seen way too much of this "entitled attitude" and maybe it comes from everything given to them before they get there, but it's D1 for crying out loud. Did they never get yelled at by their travel coaches? That's not bullying. I think that's what separates the top teams from the rest of the pack - coaches don't stand for this kind of behavior from their players and players work hard because there is always someone trying to take their spot (rather than crying/pouting/back stabbing for playing time).

 

[DC78-82]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

player sensitivity? More like wimpy players!! It almost seems like once they "make it" they forget what it took to get them there! They start feeling like they're entitled to playing time and if they don't get their way they pout, cry, and leave the ice! And to make matters worse, you then start having coaches catering to these girls! I'm not suggesting that bullying (real bullying) is tolerable, but if you can't stand the heat (yelling, bench warming, short shifts…) maybe the girls didn't have what it takes to play at the highest level.
I would guess (and i don't know this at all) that the coaches of the teams that make it to the ncaa playoffs don't stand for any of that kind of behavior. Work harder than the next kid and improve. Don't expect to play - nothing in life is given to you. I've seen way too much of this "entitled attitude" and maybe it comes from everything given to them before they get there, but it's d1 for crying out loud. Did they never get yelled at by their travel coaches? That's not bullying. I think that's what separates the top teams from the rest of the pack - coaches don't stand for this kind of behavior from their players and players work hard because there is always someone trying to take their spot (rather than crying/pouting/back stabbing for playing time).

this.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Player sensitivity? More like wimpy players!! It almost seems like once they "make it" they forget what it took to get them there! They start feeling like they're entitled to playing time and if they don't get their way they pout, cry, and leave the ice! And to make matters worse, you then start having coaches catering to these girls! I'm not suggesting that bullying (REAL bullying) is tolerable, but if you can't stand the heat (yelling, bench warming, short shifts…) maybe the girls didn't have what it takes to play at the highest level.
I would guess (and I don't know this at all) that the coaches of the teams that make it to the NCAA playoffs don't stand for any of that kind of behavior. Work harder than the next kid and improve. Don't EXPECT to play - nothing in life is given to you. I've seen way too much of this "entitled attitude" and maybe it comes from everything given to them before they get there, but it's D1 for crying out loud. Did they never get yelled at by their travel coaches? That's not bullying. I think that's what separates the top teams from the rest of the pack - coaches don't stand for this kind of behavior from their players and players work hard because there is always someone trying to take their spot (rather than crying/pouting/back stabbing for playing time).

So you are saying that Seeley's problem was yelling, benching players and giving short shifts. You also suggest that the QU players are wimpy and entitled. In summary, you blame the players. Do you have any facts or is this just crap? Because in the absence of facts, this IS crap.

 

[hkypassion]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

So you are saying that Seeley's problem was yelling, benching players and giving short shifts. You also suggest that the QU players are wimpy and entitled. In summary, you blame the players. Do you have any facts or is this just crap? Because in the absence of facts, this IS crap.

Not at all. I probably should have started a new thread! I do not know anything about the specifics of this coach or team. My observations are in general from what I've observed and read. I feel there is a fair amount of "entitlement" and am very surprised to have seen this at the D1 level. No first hand knowledge of the UNH situation and don't believe the physical nature that was reported is appropriate, but why can a player be so disrespectful to a coach and not expect ramifications? Why do players feel it's ok to cry and pout because things aren't going as they like? Why are parents suing? Are the kids psyche these days THAT fragile? Again, probably meant for a new thread discussion.

 

[Leather helmet]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

If I was a player looking at D1 programs, one of the things I would want to see is how the coaches interact with the players. All else being equal, I would rather play for a coach who instilled a positive atmosphere over one who is, shall we say, 'passionate.' If you assume that a positive atmosphere does not mean holding players accountable, or developing discipline, or winning championships, then you have not been paying attention.

I think much of the success that Frosty and Johnson have enjoyed lately is that players feel that they can win and also have fun. Who wouldn't want that? Compare that with the churning that has occurred at some of the programs that employ 'passionate' coaches and you can see how they may have lost some of the recruiting battles.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Not at all. I probably should have started a new thread! I do not know anything about the specifics of this coach or team. My observations are in general from what I've observed and read. I feel there is a fair amount of "entitlement" and am very surprised to have seen this at the D1 level. No first hand knowledge of the UNH situation and don't believe the physical nature that was reported is appropriate, but why can a player be so disrespectful to a coach and not expect ramifications? Why do players feel it's ok to cry and pout because things aren't going as they like? Why are parents suing? Are the kids psyche these days THAT fragile? Again, probably meant for a new thread discussion.

Thanks for clarification and my apologies.

I have a relationship with a firm that has bullying and harassment prevention education among it's portfolio of offerings. They sell to schools (it's a required subject these days for school administrators, teachers, etc) and businesses (they carry significant legal risks these days). I will share with you what I know, with the caveat that I am not an expert.

Bullying and harassment behavior is when an individual who has power over another abuses that power. In the case of a traditional coach-player relationship, there is an inherent imbalance of power favoring the coach.

It is often difficult to know when a coach "crosses the line" and stops being a coach that has criticisms to a coach that is bullying. That line differs based on a variety of factors, and gender is one of those. So let's focus on gender. The theory I've heard: Male coaches are more likely to "cross the line" with female players because some don't understand the physical power imbalance they possess - bigger, stronger, louder. As a footnote, it is thought that some of these coaches are actually aware, but sadly enjoy, the additional power they possess.

Recent awareness of bullying as a problem in both male and female sports is a result of the strengthening of laws against harassment that has brought heightened awareness to players and parents. These laws have forced organizations to a) create avenues for filing complaints against anyone in authority who abuses their power, and b) act swiftly and decisively to prevent lawsuits.

Personally, I think this is evolved thinking. A male coach can yell, scream, throw down his hat, be real angry, and sit anyone he wants on a women's hockey team. Just don't cross the line with physical threats, physical abuse, sexual innuendo, or sexual harassment and you will be OK. Also, if you are a male coach, never have a meeting with a female player without another coach present. Just common sense given the legal climate.

So don't blame the girls. We've got a legal system driving the bus. I also feel bad for the male coaches that were told the bus was coming, but didn't get out of the way.

 

[BigSandy]

Probably a typo...1.5 million?

Has to be, 15 K is not worth it. By suing he jepordizes future employment with other schools .

 

[shelfit]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Has to be, 15 K is not worth it. By suing he jepordizes future employment with other schools .

It doesn't matter because either way his college coaching career is permanently over. Coaches like this get quietly and unofficially blackballed by Athletic Directors so he might as well try to sue and at least get a little money out of the situation. He gets nothing if he goes away without a fight anyway.

Coaches that earn a negative reputation like he has and other recent dismissed coaches have will very likely never work as college coaches ever again in their lives.

 

[joecct]

Has to be, 15 K is not worth it. By suing he jepordizes future employment with other schools .

As I now understand it (at least) $15,000 makes sure it gets in the proper court. For all we know it could be $1.5 million.

 

[CrossCheck]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Thanks for clarification and my apologies.

I have a relationship with a firm that has bullying and harassment prevention education among it's portfolio of offerings. They sell to schools (it's a required subject these days for school administrators, teachers, etc) and businesses (they carry significant legal risks these days). I will share with you what I know, with the caveat that I am not an expert.

Bullying and harassment behavior is when an individual who has power over another abuses that power. In the case of a traditional coach-player relationship, there is an inherent imbalance of power favoring the coach.

It is often difficult to know when a coach "crosses the line" and stops being a coach that has criticisms to a coach that is bullying. That line differs based on a variety of factors, and gender is one of those. So let's focus on gender. The theory I've heard: Male coaches are more likely to "cross the line" with female players because some don't understand the physical power imbalance they possess - bigger, stronger, louder. As a footnote, it is thought that some of these coaches are actually aware, but sadly enjoy, the additional power they possess.

Recent awareness of bullying as a problem in both male and female sports is a result of the strengthening of laws against harassment that has brought heightened awareness to players and parents. These laws have forced organizations to a) create avenues for filing complaints against anyone in authority who abuses their power, and b) act swiftly and decisively to prevent lawsuits.

Personally, I think this is evolved thinking. A male coach can yell, scream, throw down his hat, be real angry, and sit anyone he wants on a women's hockey team. Just don't cross the line with physical threats, physical abuse, sexual innuendo, or sexual harassment and you will be OK. Also, if you are a male coach, never have a meeting with a female player without another coach present. Just common sense given the legal climate.

So don't blame the girls. We've got a legal system driving the bus. I also feel bad for the male coaches that were told the bus was coming, but didn't get out of the way.

Ya...and this is the problem with our society today...Things didn't go your way? Don't buck-up and overcome adversity....Instead, just become a victim...Make up a BS claim, then hire a lawyer and sue. Honestly, we are truly doomed.

 

[shelfit]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Ya...and this is the problem with our society today...Things didn't go your way? Don't buck-up and overcome adversity....Instead, just become a victim...Make up a BS claim, then hire a lawyer and sue. Honestly, we are truly doomed.

Maybe hiring a lawyer is what people today think it means to "work smarter, not harder." I have to agree that not enough young people want to work hard and earn their way in life anymore, and persevering to overcome adversity is becoming a thing of the past with each new generation of student athletes.

 

[brookyone]

Maybe hiring a lawyer is what people today think it means to "work smarter, not harder." I have to agree that not enough people want to work hard and earn their way in life anymore, and persevering to overcome adversity is becoming a thing of the past.

A narrow view. In life, for many, it is not. It's evedyday.

 

[shelfit]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

A narrow view. In life, for many, it is not. It's evedyday.

I've edited my post to be more specific. Not surprised that you disagree with me brooky. That's something I'm learning to expect out of you when I post something no matter if I post EVERY DAY or not (what the he** did you type?!).

 

[brookyone]

I've edited my post to be more specific. Not surprised that you disagree with me brooky. That's something I'm learning to expect out of you when I post something no matter if I post EVERY DAY or not (what the he** did you type?!).

Society was mentioned. No response to shelfit posts. Got it. So sorry for the typo mobile with one hand.

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

Ya...and this is the problem with our society today...Things didn't go your way? Don't buck-up and overcome adversity....Instead, just become a victim...Make up a BS claim, then hire a lawyer and sue. Honestly, we are truly doomed.

Definitely a problem in society. But just to be clear about the situation in women's hockey:

1. In the recent cases, as far as what I have read, the only player filing a civil suit is from UCONN. I believe UNH is a criminal complaint. Correct?
2. The universities are the ones taking action via termination (except UCONN).
3. At the same time, the coaches that have been fired in these situations are suing for wrongful termination or defamation, or similar.

So "make a bs claim, then hire a lawyer and sue" is a societal problem, but it's generally not coming from D1 women's hockey players. Civil suits are coming from the coaches right now, and I can't comment on whether they are "bs".

 

[PuckRush]

Re: Rick Seeley brings Lawsuit vs Quinnipiac

I'm thinking we should move to another thread with the general harassment conversation. I'll set it up.

 

[BigSandy]

It doesn't matter because either way his college coaching career is permanently over. Coaches like this get quietly and unofficially blackballed by Athletic Directors so he might as well try to sue and at least get a little money out of the situation. He gets nothing if he goes away without a fight anyway.

Coaches that earn a negative reputation like he has and other recent dismissed coaches have will very likely never work as college coaches ever again in their lives.

Maybe, I think it depends on the situation and the coach. I would find it hard to believe that someone like Shannon Miller will not get another chance in a program that is struggling . I think she will, a short term, with a short leash..

 

[Puckdrop14]

Maybe, I think it depends on the situation and the coach. I would find it hard to believe that someone like Shannon Miller will not get another chance in a program that is struggling . I think she will, a short term, with a short leash..

John Tortorella would agree!