[JRutledge]

If you do not like the words, penalize it any way you see fit. I do not like these words either. With all the different music, backgrounds of the people, social status, education level, community standards, tone of the words and what other officials do all play a big factor in what you do.

Tommy, if you decide to throw every kid out for using these words, not only do I understand I would support you. I just feel that what you suggest is not going to stop anyone from saying those words. All you are going to do in my opinion is cause a bigger problem that might not be understood by everyone. Especially if no one heard the comments and it was not taken offensively by the person being talked to. All I have ever said it is not a simple black and white issue. There are a lot of gray in this and will greatly be affected by the area you live, what you were taught as an official and your personal background. If I threw out every kid that used these words when no on heard them, I would lead the state in ejections. The way I have handled this situation has worked for me. What I do is probably not going to work for you. I also know a lot of Black officials that would not handle this situation like you either. I have had many conversations with officials of different colors about this.

Peace