What I’ve Got To Say About That

Well Sofies, the big settlement has occurred. I don't need to go through it all as I'm sure you are all very well aware (especially if you are a property owner in the Kingfisher school district).

There are going to be two sides to this issue, if not many many more for quite some time. We can all opine as to whether or not justice was served or if the big bad money train laid some new tracks, opinions are like assholes though (Lord knows there are plenty of both involved in this case) and again, time will tell the true outcome and fallout of this black eye placed upon not only the program but also the community, thanks to one of the plaintiff's attorneys.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the matter and then I'm going to consider this a dead issue (with the possible exception of an upcoming SofaKing Brain Trust podcast found on Spotify- like and subscribe):

1. Things happened in that locker room that I do not think are appropriate nor do I approve of. That being said, I have been in many different locker rooms and clubhouses and witnessed many things that were not appropriate and did not approve of. This isn't an excuse for what happened. It's not me saying that locker room mentality caused this to happen. That isn't the case, as far I as I saw it. The case was whether or not the coaching staff knew and supported such behavior but I am not a lawyer but I follow someone who claims to be on X and I think that's what he has been trying to prove. There is such thing as a locker room mentality however, generally there is a "code" that says what happens here stays here. Obviously the plaintiffs felt that it was necessary for them to take further steps to protect and prevent any future incidents from happening. They took the steps they felt were necessary and appropriate, I for one-not being in their shoes at all- happen to agree with what they did. I know that may be of a surprise to many reading right now but bear with me here Sofies. If you feel strongly enough about an issue, if you feel as though something illegal has been done- it is your duty and responsibility to make sure that all avenues are taken to ensure that order and safety are in place not to mention punishments for the guilty parties (if any) especially in our schools.

2. Unfortunately, we won't be able hear all the evidence to form our own opinion. Granted if you are reading this, you probably have an opinion based on what you either know, been told or seen. Much of the evidence we saw was either photoshopped or shoved down our throats on social media. Oftentimes when the social media "evidence" was questioned it was replied by challenges or insults from the author. I'm not going to mention the name of the person that was listed on the account because most of the replies were quite shocking and not consistent with someone who is actually an attorney or claims to be anyway. Anyone who wants to wipeout a community because of an issue that should've been handled by the school system and/or law enforcement is just begging for attention (or whatever), or isn't going to be someone who will be contacted to represent myself or the Brain Trust.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to continue our conversation as he felt the need to block me from contacting him further. I do believe, from what I read in reports from court proceedings, the attorney was instructed to refrain from making various outlandish statements in public forums. To which he (somewhat, in the opinion of this author) respected and then began inviting those who had the nerve to question his mighty statements to contact him via direct message or in person. I know of a few who spoke with him via DM but I'll let them, who have CONTINUED to be harassed by the account referenced above (my opinion) and bullied (again, my words) even after the settlement with much more colorful language than what most would assume to correlate with a lawyer who claims to have a voice for the victims, speak to that if they so choose.

But, I'll let that play out as the individual parties involved see fit, but let's leave it at "they kept their receipts ".

3. I like Jeff Myers attorney. Never met him. Never read any of his tweets (maybe that's some good advice, but I'm not a lawyer who looks for settlements). He wanted his day in court. From the outside looking in, that was quite a daunting task. As my favorite Irish poet once penned,

It's not a hill, it's a mountain as you start out the climb- Paul Hewson aka Bono of U2

Mr. White was facing what I can only assume was something larger than Mount Everest. But he still wanted to get what he had to say in front of a judge and jury. Not just those with an X account or a microphone. I admire that. I like the guy who says yeah, bring it on. At the same time, I also understand the point of view taken by the Kingfisher Board of Education. They were facing a very expensive battle, win or lose. It was time to make what I'm sure was a difficult decision and do so considering the greater good over the fight of a few. Smart guy that Glover. Let me tell you, knowing him the little bit that I do, he's a fighter. I do not believe for one minute that he wasn't sick to his stomach as he issued his statement regarding this settlement.

Really Sofies, from my King's spot on the sofa that's about it. I hate that this happened. For everyone. Read that again. I hate it happened for everyone.

The plaintiffs' lives have been changed

The defendants' lives have been changed

The community's lives have been changed

For better or worse, time will tell.

And that's all I have to say about that.