Letter: Let’s put lineman’s penalties into perspective

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 | 7 a.m.

Ron Kantowski's Tuesday column on foul behavior, in which he purports to be joking, is disappointing and offensive. I found the characterizations of my son, the center on UNLV's football team, to be hyperbolic and disingenuous. The only element of truth being that Joe was indeed penalized twice in the game.

Joe, true to his character, took the high road and wasn't upset by the column. His name has been in the paper quite often since his high school days (good and bad, but usually for superb downfield blocking) and he is widely considered among the best linemen to ever play at his school, and so he is used to the publicity. But we as parents tend to take the ugly stuff hard when it goes over the line.

Penalties are part of the game. Joe plays harder than anyone on the team and penalties are going to happen occasionally, and are to be expected if he unintentionally breaks a rule. Other times the refs don't blow the whistle to avoid an inadvertent whistle in the event of a fumble, so he gets called on it because he is still going hard 10 yards in front of the play, not knowing the play is over.

So by the refs' trying not to create a problem, they cause another and affect the play of the game. I assure you Joe is not a dirty player and never has been. Still, it is Joe's responsibility to correct that and be accountable for it and every penalty he might cause because it hurts the team.

Shame on this mindless, middle-aged columnist from the Las Vegas Sun. He has obviously forgotten what it is to be 19, to try very hard, to compete, and to do so without malice. Joe should be recognized for what he sacrifices, and for mistakes he, like all of us, make in growing.

The writer who wrote this has never met Joe nor even talked to the coach about him. Joe is on the leadership committee, has great character, has never been in trouble off the field, and works as hard as anyone to be prepared, especially since he knows that he has the opportunity to play at the next level.

Coach Sanford has publicly stated to the media that he loves Joe Hawley and he loves the way he plays. Coach told me that as well earlier this week when I talked to him. Joe has always been a great kid and is growing into a fine young man under the tutelage of Coach Sanford.

For better or worse, Joe is in a spotlight and headed for a profession that brings scrutiny, criticism and judgment. It comes with the territory, especially when a team has been losing.

Watch out for next year, though. We are all expecting great things along with many UNLV victories.

Scott R. Hawley, Yorba Linda, Calif.