Channel 11 KHOU TV story on Columbus boys relay team

[Scoop27]

This may be old news but I just found this story and may have already been posted. Didn't see it though
http://www.khou.com/sports/high-school/Act-of-fath-costs-track-team-its-win-205661221.html

[Scoop27]

http://www.khou.com/community/UIL-No-evidence-Columbus-runner-was-disqualified-for-expressing-religious-beliefs-206300381.html

[Saggy Aggie]

Lol the only thread that's been active lately with 150+ posts...

[rockdale80]

Lol the only thread that's been active lately with 150+ posts...

And it was all based on irresponsible "Yellow Journalism". The Christian Right was all riled up for naught.

[YTBulldogs]

I seen Yahoo finally went back and corrected their story. Should of checked for the truth before they released that original article. Poor judge official got ripped. If it pertains to GOD, they want that story regardless what the truth really is. I heard KHOU will be airing a truth version now of what really happened. They used a photo with the first incorrect story taken by my nephew with the Yoakum Herald-Times without permission. When he told KHOU what really happened (Mike was right there at the finish) they took the photo down of the stick hand off. And, did apologize. I was raised in the paper business. You should never run with a story without checking the facts. Like, talk to the judge from El Campo and get the truth right away.

[rockdale80]

I seen Yahoo finally went back and corrected their story. Should of checked for the truth before they released that original article. Poor judge official got ripped. If it pertains to GOD, they want that story regardless what the truth really is. I heard KHOU will be airing a truth version now of what really happened. They used a photo with the first incorrect story taken by my nephew with the Yoakum Herald-Times without permission. When he told KHOU what really happened (Mike was right there at the finish) they took the photo down of the stick hand off. And, did apologize. I was raised in the paper business. You should never run with a story without checking the facts. Like, talk to the judge from El Campo and get the truth right away.

Yahoo's follow up still didn't insert the facts surrounding the disqualification and left it open to interpretation. Well, the follow up version I read anyway.

[Old Tiger]

I walked into my friends house the other day and Fox News had a whole segment that was so misinformed and never mentioned the rules of the track meet.

[YTBulldogs]

Yahoo's follow up still didn't insert the facts surrounding the disqualification and left it open to interpretation. Well, the follow up version I read anyway.

He slapped a kid from Bellville's hand and used not so kind words to him when he was coming to congratulate him.

[refereedoc]

From the UIL today. Let us put all this to rest.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An incident involving the disqualification of the Columbus High School 4X100 meter relay team at the Region IV Conference 3A regional track meet occurred on April 27, 2013. The UIL was made aware of this issue on May 2 after media reports of the disqualification began airing on May 1.* Once becoming aware of the incident, the UIL immediately began investigating the matter thoroughly.
Over the course of the investigation, the UIL interviewed several eyewitnesses and reviewed video of the race. Additionally, the UIL spoke to the involved parties.* The UIL has concluded the investigation and has found no evidence to suggest that the disqualification took place as a result of the student-athlete expressing religious beliefs.* The basis for the disqualification was due to the student-athlete behaving disrespectfully, in the opinion of the local meet referee.
Based on the UIL’s investigation, the student athlete raised his hand and gestured forward at the conclusion of the 4x100-meter relay. The meet official approached the student-athlete in an effort to warn him of a possible disqualification should that behavior continue. In the opinion of the official, the student reacted disrespectfully. Based on his reaction, the student-athlete was subsequently disqualified. Any decision to disqualify a student-athlete at any track meet must be upheld by the head meet referee. The meet official and the meet referee conferred, and the disqualification was upheld on-site. At no point during the discussions surrounding the disqualification at the meet was the issue of religious expression raised by any parties.
The UIL’s investigation also revealed that all coaches involved were notified prior to the regional meet that any gestures in violation of the National Federation of State High School Associations track and field rule against unsporting behavior would be grounds for disqualification. Coaches were instructed to discuss this with their student-athletes prior to all races.
To assist the UIL in its investigation, the student-athlete’s parents submitted a letter stating that their son’s religious freedoms were not violated. “In looking back at the conclusion of the 4x100 race, we realize that Derrick could have handled the win in a different manner,” KC and Stacey Hayes said in the letter. “It was not our intention to force the issue that our son’s religious freedom was violated. Nor do we feel that way now. After discussing this with our son, we have come to the conclusion that his religious rights were not violated.”
The student-athlete who was disqualified also submitted a letter during the investigation stating: “Although I am very thankful for all God has given me and blessed me with, on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Regional Track Meet in Kingsville, TX, my actions upon winning the 4x100 relay were strictly the thrill of victory. With this being said, I do not feel my religious rights or freedoms were violated.”
The UIL is committed to protecting student-athletes’ and their rights and takes matters such as these seriously. In order to reduce the amount of interpretation on the part of track officials in regards to unsporting behavior, the UIL will work with NFHS for a clearer definition of the unsporting behavior rule.
-- END --

[YTBulldogs]

That's part of it doc. Now, think the media will apologize to the track judge from El Campo? Neither do I. He has been called a lot of names on the social sites. Had the media just done their job, and get all the facts before printing/airing, this would of been a non-issue. But, the original news (had some religion pertained in it) released, made for increased readership/viewers for those outlets. Sad.

[ctown81]

How excessive was the celebration.

[teetle]

Theres bes just a bads decision on de parts of de athlete. He choeses bes disrespectiful to de officials whoes be just tryings to helps hims outs. Thats gots hims justs whats he be desurving. I feels sorrys fors de others three runners. Theys thes ones hurts. theys didnts dos nothings.:dispntd::bigcry::1omg!:

[Emerson1]

How excessive was the celebration.

I thought the conclusion was the kid was acting like a thug to the track official and it had nothing to do with a celebration.

[YTBulldogs]

I thought the conclusion was the kid was acting like a thug to the track official and it had nothing to do with a celebration.


Correct. Sounds like the UIL tried to help cover up what the moron really did with their incorrect statement.

[Old Tiger]

Theres bes just a bads decision on de parts of de athlete. He choeses bes disrespectiful to de officials whoes be just tryings to helps hims outs. Thats gots hims justs whats he be desurving. I feels sorrys fors de others three runners. Theys thes ones hurts. theys didnts dos nothings.:dispntd::bigcry::1omg!:

Type in English. Nobody has a freaking clue what the hell you just tried to say.

[Farmersfan]

That's part of it doc. Now, think the media will apologize to the track judge from El Campo? Neither do I. He has been called a lot of names on the social sites. Had the media just done their job, and get all the facts before printing/airing, this would of been a non-issue. But, the original news (had some religion pertained in it) released, made for increased readership/viewers for those outlets. Sad.



Wouldn't the same advice apply to people who read media stories? I'm pretty sure EVERYBODY knows the media has a tendency towards the spectacular and yet people still read stories like this and react as if what they read is the honest truth! Even the most reputable media outlet should be seen as a tabloid in my opinion.

[Manso/V8]

I thought the conclusion was the kid was acting like a thug to the track official and it had nothing to do with a celebration.

They UIL explained that in their statement, they just used disrespectful instead of thug.

"Based on the UIL’s investigation, the student athlete raised his hand and gestured forward at the conclusion of the 4x100-meter relay. The meet official approached the student-athlete in an effort to warn him of a possible disqualification should that behavior continue. In the opinion of the official, the student reacted disrespectfully. Based on his reaction, the student-athlete was subsequently disqualified. Any decision to disqualify a student-athlete at any track meet must be upheld by the head meet referee. The meet official and the meet referee conferred, and the disqualification was upheld on-site.

[teetle]

thats official bes des finest that Jimmie evers bes knowing. He works alots at Sealy. He a fine persons. Kid must haves beens really bads to gets disqualifies. theys nots called de dirty birds fors no reasons.:evillol::tongue::nerd: