"I had to interview a lot of people and my investigation is what took so longand the reason for the delay."
That's fine and certainly admirable of Buchanan, but how long should such an investigation be allowed to go on?
There should be a time limit as to how long it should take and not be allowed to drag as this one did with the North County girls suffering the big shock three weeks later.
As for those who like to argue that the extra time is for the kids so they do not get hurt by a forfeit, you also must consider the other side that thinks it's over.
That was the case for the North County girls lacrosse team. It really wasn't fair to them.
I know investigations take a while and that principals such as Buchanan have other things to worry about besides sports controversies while running a school. However, three weeks is much too long and I believe -- along with many other coaches -- that Rusko should have disallowed the appeal.
In addition, I asked Buchanan if he still would have appealed had he found in his investigation that his coach and player were indeed a serious sportsmanship problem at the April 3 game.
Buchanan said, "I really find that tough to answer when you consider all Linda (Kilpatrick) has done for our school. She's the kind of coach who will take a team because we can't find anyone else to coach the girls."
His point is well-taken and, holding the highest respect for someone such as Kilpatrick, it's easy to be blind to any mistakes she might make.
As for her assistant, Brooks, all Buchanan would say Friday night is that she is suspended as girls lacrosse assistant to Kilpatrick and that tomorrow he will announce his final decision on her future as a coach at the school.
"I've interviewed all my people and made a decision," said Buchanan, conducting his latest investigation in record time -- one week instead of three.
One wonders what will be next in this year of "Sportsmanship, the No. 1 Priority."
