Serious Trouble For Karl Dorrell
So more details are emerging regarding an ugly day for Karl Dorrell’s mediocre football program. I will share with you Scott’s version of the story first. From Dohn:
However, some of the reports I am reading this morning are troubling to say the least. From the LA Times (emphasis mine throughout):
"A neighbor saw the three suspects on the porch of a single-family home, then saw them force their way in," Harmon said. "When deputies arrived, the three were seen walking from the location, and were found with property from the house they admitted to taking."
"We're actually still trying to figure this thing out ourselves," Rivas said. "We have no victim. They're charged with burglary, but it's still an ongoing investigation. We're still trying to figure it out ourselves."
"He's really a nice guy to talk to … but he obviously has some problems," Highlands sports information director Gavino Archuleta said, adding that school officials suspected that DeAlba also was involved in a break-in at the football team's fieldhouse.
Now I am sure the facts will come out in the coming days wrt to Scott. But already from the stories troubling questions regarding exactly how Dorrell went about in hiring Eric Scott. We are getting two different stories.
From Dohn’s account the news of Scott’s prior problems came as "a surprise" to UCLA:
Court records show Scott was stopped by police while carrying a Ruger handgun with a 9-mm magazine clip and five rounds of ammunition. After his attorney challenged the police search, Scott pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge of carrying the concealed weapon in the car and was sentenced to 240 hours of community service and probation that lasted until this year, a law enforcement source said.
"He never brandished or pointed that gun," Hernandez said. "He lives by Crenshaw High School. As a coach, you have to go to different homes at night. He told me his brother was shot and killed."
Culver City Police arrested Scott in February 2002 and he was charged with misdemeanor unlawful obstruction of a police officer. When a judge amended the charge to misdemeanor disturbing the peace, Scott pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one year of probation.
- How did Dorrell’s hiring process miss Scott’s prior convictions, if what Dohn said is true??
- Did Dorrell hire Scott KNOWING his criminal past, KNOWING that his application contained lies by omission?
- Did Dorrell hire Scott despite knowing his criminal past because he knew Scott could bring in recruits Dorrell desperately needed?
- How did Scott get an opportunity of a lifetime, position coach at a marquee program, without any experience?
- How was Scott, who spent not a second on a UCLA sideline as a coach, able to recruit so successfully so early in his tenure and so quickly??
- What influence did Scott have on the recruits that they would name him as a reason for committing to UCLA?
We have to wonder while Scott was filing out his various employment forms whether or not he indicated in those forms that he had a criminal background.
And more importantly why did UCLA allow Dorrell to hire a guy with this kind of questionable character, just a year after he hired another assistant coach who was convicted for domestic violence?
I am not sure how this kind of personnel decisions helps to create a "healthy environment" at UCLA.
I sympathize with the notion that everyone deserves a second chance. I believe in it. However, I do believe people have to earn that chance. I would have been more sympathetic to Scott and Dorrell’s plight in this scenario, had Scott showed beyond a shadow of doubt that he had changed his ways. It shouldn’t make anyone feel comfortable with the notion that Karl Dorell is turning the UCLA football program into a rehab program for former criminals where they can come and work on putting their lives back together. Surely there are lots of other community colleges and lesser universities that can offer that kind of opportunities.
Anyway you look at it, right now even though Dorrell took a good first step in immediately putting Scott on administrative leave, it doesn’t look good for him. I don’t care how this turns out for Scott, but he shouldn’t be allowed back on UCLA sidelines.
Just based on his prior record, I don’t want a former gun totting criminal roaming around UCLA football sidelines. The fact that it almost happened or that it can still happen (if Scott’s current problem resolve in his favor) under Dorrell’s leadership, is yet another indictment against his program, and will further cement the perception that the environment around Dorrell’s program is not healthy both on and off the field.
Anyway you look at it this is serious trouble for Karl Dorrell and we haven't started practice yet.
GO BRUINS.
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41 comments
Comments
Pure Speculation
Unless Scott had a pre-existing relationship with Grimes before the arrest, it is my theory that, after the arrest, someone told Grimes, "Son, you are in a world of trouble and you need a big-time, high profile attorney. It will cost you a lot of money, but if you want to save your job and your a*s, it will be worth it."
This is pure speculation on my part, but the fact that Scott hired Grimes suggests to me that there is some trouble here for our troubled coach. If it was all a big misunderstanding, mistaken identity, whatever, I am not sure he would have had to go out and get the kind of legal counsel he did.
I suppose one could argue that, with the seriousness of the charges, it was in Scott's best interests to get the best legal help money could buy, whether he is innocent or not. That is a fair possibility, too.
I hope he is cleared of everything and that the cops made a mistake, which does happen. But I smell trouble here.
Just my two cents.
by Barnes2JJ on Jul 26, 2007 6:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Apparently
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 6:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have also heard of Grimes
by bluegold on Jul 26, 2007 7:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
race card
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 7:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They beat Grimes to the punch?
by bluegold on Jul 26, 2007 7:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair
by Free the 16 on Jul 26, 2007 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In all fairness
1994 - resisting arrest (dismissed)
1996 - carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and carrying a loaded firearm in public (dismissed)
2002 - misdemeanor unlawful obstruction of a police officer, amended to misdemeanor disturbing the peace (one year probation)
Although these are undoubtedly criminal acts, and I am not defending the behavior, you can understand it considering where he is from, the fact that he lost three of his brothers to violence, and the reputation of LA's finest.
You have to wonder why these charges were dismissed or amended, particularly the "carrying a loaded firearm in public". Having brushes with the law is not the same as being a criminal. Be that as it may, they are still troubling and far from the standard that should be set at UCLA.
As for some of DumpDorrell's questions, they are quite valid and to the point, however
2. Do you have to list arrests if charges are dismissed?
3 and 4. These questions are contradictory. High school coaches are hired as position coaches at the college level all the time. Furthermore, if KD knew that Scott could bring in top recruits, then you have your answer as to how and why he was hired...
5 and 6. I'm not sure about this and have my own doubts, but I don't want to dismiss Scott's charisma and ability to connect with young men because of his brushes with the law. I don't see what he could have possibly done that was out of the ordinary or illegal in getting these recruits, and how it relates to his record.
Anyway, as I've said, not condoning or defending Scott, just want to make sure we stay level-headed. And as far as hiring Grimes, why wouldn't you get the best representation possible when your livelihood is on the line? Better to hit a homerun than just a base hit.
by tasser10 on Jul 26, 2007 7:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
His charges/arrests
But the bottom line is someone with record of four arrests should not have been hired at UCLA.
If KD really wanted to help out his friend he should have set him up w a gig at some community college or D-11 school where he could have proven himself. But not at UCLA.
I'd like to know whether rest of Morgan Center knew he had 4 prior arrests.
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 7:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You left out a 2005 conviction for
by McCloskey on Jul 26, 2007 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something I'd like to know
I don't think so.
by Ajax on Jul 26, 2007 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa, big fella, whoa
Moreover, with arrests dating back to his playing years (95 - 97) it would appear that the entire athletic dept and/or the two prior Coaching regimes should have known about the "troubles" - if that's even a fair characterization for things that didn't go very far in the process.
Distractions? Anyone for distractions? How did placardgate help the 99 season? How about the twin Paus DWI concealment - how'd that help the '01 season? Everybody please take a breath and let the facts come out; let's not let be overwhelemed by any sense of schadenfraudeorell.
by lostnacfgop on Jul 26, 2007 7:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Another way to look at this
We don't really need this.
by bluegold on Jul 26, 2007 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
There were few BRO posters who hinted at Scott's prior issues but were effectively dismissed by blindos.
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on guys!
Now I know most of you don't like KD for a number of reasons, but I think you are making a bigger deal out of this then it is. To say that KD is in big trouble no matter how this turns out is stupid.
The last time Scott was introuble with the law was in 2002! Come on guys, 2002! Five years ago! I think he has proven that he is walking the straight and narrow and that he is turning his life around.
Besides, a government institution hired him before he got to UCLA, Crenshaw High School, so why would UCLA, another government institution have any reason to blink in hiring him themselves.
In my opinion, none of this reflects bad at all on KD in fact I think KD was smart in hiring a guy from the inner city who could identify with many of the key recruits we need in our program to get us to the next level.
Come on guys! I know you don't like KD but aren't you putting a little to much into this. Gimme a break!
by raulortiz3 on Jul 26, 2007 8:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A Dorrellista
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmmmmmm . . .
Convictions matter - well, unless you're connected to the VEEP. Everything else is meaningless. Allow for the possibility that there's another side to this thing - even if it does at least mean that Scott needs to reassess the crowd he hangs with socially . . .
And, no, not a Dorrellista, either. Conference title and 2 inarow over $C or buh-bye, Mr. Passion - bring Skippy home. Skippy's paid dues and learned his lessons.
by lostnacfgop on Jul 26, 2007 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There could be "other side" of the story
However, that said it will be the fifth arrest on his resume.
A man with FIVE arrests should not be roaming the sidelines of UCLA football. Period.
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
KD and Scott make a fine sideline pair
by bluegold on Jul 26, 2007 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm...
I've never filled out a job application that read, quote, "have you ever been arrested for anything?" I HAVE filled out many job applications that read, quote, "have you ever been convicted of a felony?" If Eric Scott filled out a similar job application, he could have truthfully answered "No."
"bring Skippy home. Skippy's paid dues and learned his lessons."
If Skippy'd really learned his lessons, he could demonstrate it by taking responsiblity (and expressing remorse) for lying to his employers' faces twice: once when he said he'd never gambled on basketball, and again when he said he didn't interview for the 'Niners job.
I've heard folks defend Skippy by saying, "Oh, he was ambushed," or "Oh, he got an email from the compliance folks saying office pools were okay to participate in." Both of those things may be true. But neither explain why he lied, flat out, straight to his boss's face. Twice. And, again, he's never once taken the blame for it and said he was sorry. Some lesson.
Patrick Meighan
UCLA Class of '95
by patsweetpat on Jul 26, 2007 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least Skippy
Also you do realize UDub ended up entering into a huge settlement with Skippy basically implicitly admitting that it was they who screwed up.
But keep on defending some guy who has been arrested 5 times just because he is getting us some good recruits.
You are no different than a worthless Trojan.
by bluestreet on Jul 26, 2007 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to be critical, Blue
by Fox 71 on Jul 26, 2007 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, Rick lied. Twice.
The settlement was due to the fact that an email had gone out from UDub's compliance office prior to Skippy's entry into a hoops pool, declaring that hoops pools were acceptable. Had no email been sent, UDub never would've ended up on the hook for said settlement.
That said, when Skippy was asked, directly and specifically, if he'd entered a hoops pool, he said no, he hadn't. He lied right to his boss's face. It was only after he'd been confronted with the evidence of his lie that he fell back to the response that he had, in fact, bet on hoops, but only 'cause that email said it was okay. That email changed the circumstances surrounding the proper cause (or lack thereof) of Rick's dismissal, but it didn't change the fact that he lied, lied, lied.
And then (as mentioned above), he lied again when he was asked, directly, if he'd gone to Frisco to speak to the 'Niners.
He's never apologized for either lie.
I don't think I could ever trust a word out of Rick's mouth in the future. If he'd lie to his boss's face, twice, and never apologize, why should I believe he wouldn't do it again?
Patrick Meighan
UCLA Class of '95
by patsweetpat on Jul 26, 2007 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know.
by Fox 71 on Jul 26, 2007 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lying is a hot-button one for me...
You get caught lying to someone's face twice, and for the same selfish aim, well, for me, trust is gone, and probably irretrievable.
Maybe you're more okay with baldfaced lies than I am, or maybe you're just being arch.
Patrick Meighan
UCLA Class of '95
by patsweetpat on Jul 26, 2007 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, Pat, wouldn't it depend
For example, suppose the bald faced lie were "No honey, those pants don't make your rear end look fat." And the selfish aim is to not make your wife feel bad, because that will in turn affect you. Does that mean that trust is gone and probably irretrievable.
Or suppose an assistant coach applicant says, "No, Mr. Dorrell, I have never been arrested for anything anytime anywhere. No sirree bob." And then suppose that assistant has a few arrests (for non-violent misdemeanors, for example.) I guess that assistant coach should be summarily fired if that turned out to be the case.
by Fox 71 on Jul 26, 2007 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Were these questions intended to be answered?
"I have it on good authority that even hiring an assistant coach with multiple arrests may well be OK. It all depends on the circumstances."
Indeed, hiring, say, Martin Luther King, Jr. (who, as I'm sure you know, had multiple arrests and convictions) as an assistant coach may well be okay. It all depends on, yup, the circumstances. For example, were Martin Luther King, Jr.'s arrests for violent crimes? (No, they weren't). Could Martin Luther King, Jr.'s arrests be viewed within the prism of mitigating factors, such as a biased/slanted justice system? (Yes, they can).
Hey checkit out!, we're looking at circumstances! Turns out that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s criminal record is not, in and of itself, enough to evaluate his suitability to be around minors, or to represent a university, or to coach football! [And, of course, we haven't even gotten into the issue of whether or not MLK has coaching experience, or can recruit.]
"For example, suppose the bald faced lie were "No honey, those pants don't make your rear end look fat." And the selfish aim is to not make your wife feel bad, because that will in turn affect you. Does that mean that trust is gone and probably irretrievable."
Whenever I lie to my wife and get caught (the lies are rare, but they happen, and I ALWAYS get caught), you better believe the trust is gone, and it's a major pain to try and earn it back, and it takes a long time, and involves, as a prerequisite, contrition on my part (something, again, not in evidence from Skippy), in addition to a cold-eyed determination of my motives. If my wife determines that I lied to try to keep her from feeling bad, maybe I get that trust back sooner.
"Or suppose an assistant coach applicant says, "No, Mr. Dorrell, I have never been arrested for anything anytime anywhere. No sirree bob." And then suppose that assistant has a few arrests (for non-violent misdemeanors, for example.) I guess that assistant coach should be summarily fired if that turned out to be the case."
As I've said before, to my mind, the first lie, if it's followed by contrition, should get a firm reprimand and a suspension. The second lie, no matter how trivial, and contrite or no, should result in summary firing.
That's where I am. Them's my standards. I'd hold any coach to them. Skippy, for his part, lied twice, and hasn't apologized for either. So I couldn't trust him. Your mileage may differ.
Patrick Meighan
UCLA Class of '95
by patsweetpat on Jul 26, 2007 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet Pat
And please stop comparing Eric Scott to MLK. Eric Scott carries a gun. One day, he might be in a bad mood and someone might piss him off, and he might shoot that person and it would not be self-defense. I don't know if he is that kind of person, and in fact from the accounts I have read in the media he seems to be a caring person who helps out young people. Be that as it may, the mere act of carrying a gun greatly increases the risk of something bad happening.
by tasser10 on Jul 27, 2007 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh my
Oh, well now. I hadn't thought of that. Of course, if Crenshaw High hired him, that's quite the stamp of approval. Hell, let's make the guy Attorney General.
Joking aside, I must say that I'm sensitive to the idea of redemption and second chances. And I can see how some folks will say that KD actually did the laudable thing by giving a hard-knock-life guy an opportunity. But, I agree with the others who say that you just don't do that with a position like Scott was given at UCLA. And, in context, it sure looks a lot more like KD taking a chance on someone with a troubled past to get a leg up in recruiting, rather than a story of a guy who had really changed his life. Of course, we'll learn more as this story unfolds....
by Menelaus on Jul 26, 2007 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey...
by bruinhoo on Jul 26, 2007 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
KD & Scott
I'm not calling you out Taser. I appreciate the fact that I'm allowed on this board.
by jim masterson on Jul 26, 2007 9:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's Tasser, not Taser
Sorry, I'm confused, you're not really making sense, but you are right in saying that he should be thankful for his blessings.
by tasser10 on Jul 26, 2007 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't have to be thankful
by Tydides on Jul 26, 2007 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
KD & Scott
Jim Masterson
by jim masterson on Jul 26, 2007 9:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
KD & Scott
On another note the PSU v. ND game is a sell out & the tix are starting at $1200 for the lower end-zone. I am planning on coming out for the game with ND & UCLA & guess I will ante up. I told everyone I would bring the Dom for the BN tailgate,if they promise to bring In&Out burgers.
Sincerely, JM
by jim masterson on Jul 26, 2007 9:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You seem to be well versed on ND, so let me ask
Does ND recruit a lot in the SF area, because that's all that makes sense.
by Free the 16 on Jul 26, 2007 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
KD & Scott.
by jim masterson on Jul 26, 2007 11:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not Jim, but an SF-area native
Coming from my east bay (Alameda-Contra Costa counties) perspective, ND has some catching up to do in securing commits in relation to other national powers; they had a player drafted this spring that came out of De La Salle-Concord, but do not recall any of the big time recruits out of the East Bay going to ND (even the DLS-catholic school kids), dating from my time in High School in the area (late 90's). For some reason, it seems like Miami does really well in recuiting this area, and Michigan has at least equaled ND over the past several years.
by bruinhoo on Jul 26, 2007 12:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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