It's interesting to keep an eye on but the differences are so significant as to make a comparison fraught. David Shaw is literally one of the greatest (in terms of accomplishments) black coaches in American sports history. Icon. 50 years old so he has lots of time left in his life as a respected wise man, forever affiliated with the university these young men have hitched their stars to. Saying anything against him is a brave, public burning of a bridge that draws attention (hence how interesting Ben Gardner's comments have been). For many others publicly saying nice things, regardless of whatever nuance may be in their private hearts (or not, some surely view him as an unparalleled role model), is a classy, low cost gesture. Walt Harris was, shall we say, a different situation.
Anyway, as much as I had to give thought about how to characterize Shaw in my post, it's so much more fraught for those he views as his mentees. Big-time power dynamic here (I mean, in the most basic sense, think letters of recommendation) and, beyond power, just the genuine force of what he's meant for Stanford, black men, etc.
Anyway, as much as I had to give thought about how to characterize Shaw in my post, it's so much more fraught for those he views as his mentees. Big-time power dynamic here (I mean, in the most basic sense, think letters of recommendation) and, beyond power, just the genuine force of what he's meant for Stanford, black men, etc.