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BGonline.org Forums
USBGF Response Regarding Rod Covlin
Posted By: Bill Riles In Response To: USBGF Response Regarding Rod Covlin (joe freedman)
Date: Sunday, 2 January 2011, at 7:27 p.m.
Joe, isn't that the objective of a gag order? That no party be prejudiced by public information or statements by anyone? I'm not at all surprised we all remain in the dark.
My better judgement tells me to refrain from comment; however, I can't take it any longer. You all know of my candor.
First, the disclaimers. I know everyone involved personally -- to varying degrees. I know Rod, thru backgammon, as a friendly acquaintance. I know, I think, every member of the USBGF Board. I have no problems with any of them. I am a member of the USBGF. Beyond a casual comment or two, initiated by me, I've never discussed any of these issues with any of the parties -- not the original investigation nor the current USBGF/Covlin controversy. Thus, I profess to know nothing more, rightfully so, than any of the rest of you about these matters beyond that in the public domain.
I'll not comment on the criminal investigation -- I know nothing. We all have opinions -- they mean nothing. I afford Rod his right of presumed innocence.
I was an early proponent, well before the Board acted, of Rod's disassociation with the USBGF as an officer and board member. Rightly or wrongly, without judgement, I thought, and I think, it appropriate to distance such bad publicity, innuendo, etc. from a fledgling organization. I thought Rod would have voluntarily resigned for the good of the USBGF until the matter was resolved. I operated on the assumption he had, until these recent revelations.
My observations on the current USBGF/Covlin feud are these: Certainly, it is not good for backgammon on any level. I do not like Rod publicly attacking the USBGF or publicly attacking personally any of the Board Members. The USBGF, to my knowledge, has only acted and spoken in defense, which I think they have to do. I think, ultimately, the motivations of each party must be examined. The USBGF, represented by its Board members (people of unquestioned accomplishment and integrity), is only looking out for, in their collective opinions, the best interests of the organization and the game -- none of them have any personal interest(s) in play. Unfortunately, apparently Rod has only his personal interest(s) in mind and has forsaken the interests of the USBGF and the game. The disagreement, certainly in public, can only harm the organization and the game.
To reinstate Rod at this juncture would render the original decision illogical. Nothing has changed, the situation is not resolved, and the gag order has muted any and all information. To reinstate Rod at this juncture would only serve to rehabilitate his image/reputation, fairly or unfairly, and might, as such a signal, prejudice the investigation and violate the gag order (I'm not a lawyer); however, I can imagine someone saying "well, the USBGF looked at the situation and chose to reinstate him after initially ousting him". Unfortunately, I'm led to believe this the motivation -- it is certainly not the interests of backgammon. I don't think the USBGF should be put in that position.
My opinion is further reinforced by the knowledge and understanding that Rod has not played backgammon publicly -- locally nor ABT events -- in over a year. This, in my recollection of having been told by someone (perhaps even by Rod), that his attorney thought it best for him to not be associated with 'gambling', etc. In my opinion, to act on this counsel (and I understand the attorney's concern) does not speak well for a President and/or Board Member of the USBGF. If the game is so unsavory as to compromise custody, civil, or criminal pursuits .........?
As I told another earlier this year (hopefully not with the result of spoiling a friendship -- then or now): Rod, give it a rest. You've made your point, let it lie. Quit beating a dead horse. Further, repeated attacks do you far more harm than those you attack.
As Phil eloquently addressed, and as many others have seconded, all the parties -- including us kibbitzers -- should cease and desist. I shall -- unless forced to respond as a result of personal attack.
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