I can see both of sides of this, but I agree with your larger point, brother. If the columnist claims to know Kevin, he would have understood his INTENT was not at all racially charged. That said, it helps to better understand the power behind language, both deliberate and unintended. I'd be surprised if Kevin wouldn't second guess his choice of the phrase in retrospect. His column was spot on and really didn't need the "neighborhood" comment to support it.
In all likelihood, UD has no issue with Hampton, Bryant, Campbell, Monmouth, NC A&T, Elon, etc. being part of the CAA. But it's no surprise that smaller, private institutions, unlike W&M, Stony Brook, Towson, UNH, Northeastern, Maine, and URI, have very little in common with UD academically or athletically, and UD would prefer to associate with more like-minded schools.
Hampton made a choice to join D-I and the MEAC, move on the Big South, and then to the CAA because they thought it was best for them institutionally. UD's well within their right to make whatever move they think's necessary for them. And it bears repeating that UD has not said one word about any of their conference partners not being adequate. Far be it for me to defend UD, but it's unfair for the columnist to ascribe Kevin's words and phrasing to UD.
Oddly, the columnist failed to acknowledge that Kevin was by far the biggest proponent of UD scheduling DSU in football. His repeated pleas in numerous columns over a couple of decades no doubt elevated awareness to UD's ridiculous charade. Doesn't excuse the unfortunate use of the phrase but, IMO, does speak to Kevin's character and earnestness, which shouldn't be called into question, especially by someone who worked with him for years.
/Wake_Forest.gif)
/Delaware.gif)
