character witness

[icallfouls]

A few years back, we had a college coach get fired. Out of the blue I get a call from the coach asking for a reference so that he could get some HS gig.

After some internal debate, I decided to write one for them. I kept it to the facts that I was aware of, stuff like how I was treated and some exchanges that we had.

About a year later, I get a call from this attorney, asking me a few questions and if I would be willing to be a character witness for the coach's wrongful termination suit. Turns out, my letter was to be used as part of the coach's attempt to beef up their character and fortify the wrongful termination suit.

I told the lawyer that if I was called to testify that I would be sure to let everyone know that I was lied to in regard to the purpose of obtaining a favorable letter. Not that I said anything in it, other than the coach was always professional with me, and that the players seemed to have been treated in a custom found in sports.

I had put my faith in the tenant that people are basically good. I was disappointed about being lied to, but the balance of life worked out and the lawsuit was dismissed.....for numerous reasons.