Fixed on original, lol
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I believe more than a couple of the trainers on the lifetime ban list are still coaching, training, and giving clinics with no repercussions from the USEF either for themselves or for anyone riding with them.
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That is what I was going to say. Barney Ward was banned from USEF and look at McClain Ward.
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That’s a really good post, and some interesting comments followed.
I’m just an adult amateur mom, who approaches SafeSport with concern for children… that’s my focus. But this Barisone case really shows how this whole thing has the potential to be horribly misused. I wish that wasn’t the case… but it is. SafeSport code has provisions prohibiting the weaponization of the code. But… those provisions are only useful if they are enforced. And it seems… SafeSport itself decides if they will or won’t be enforced, and that’s not their core mission, so the issue has fallen by the wayside.
One commenter mentioned forming a support group for professionals, as well as more of a professional focused association. That makes a TON of sense to me. I have found voluntary support groups to be wonderful and powerful, when I went through cancer. An absolute life saver, and I made some true soul sister friends in the process. But the idea of a better professional organization for coaches, trainers, barn owners that run bigger businesses from their farms… one that is updated and modern, and able to support its membership in an age when social media and SafeSport exist? That’s a good idea. It doesn’t necessarily have to be at odds at all with SafeSport’s mission… just… something focused more on advocating for professionals, and helping them with legal advice, etc, when they have questions about challenging clients and social media.
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Got it. There is a long history of people finding workarounds… Ward and Valliere are exhibit A & B.
I honestly think it’s not a given that MB will/would receive a lifetime SS ban if he is convicted of a lesser included charge. Such as aggravated assault. Maybe I’m wrong… but… there are plenty of other people involved with horses who have criminal records pf one kind or another, and are not lifetime banned.
Those who have criminal records involving sexual offenses against children ARE lifetime banned, seemingly automatically. But that’s not what this case was about. And… for all anyone knows… the complaint related to MHGs children was totally unfounded. Sure sounds that way.
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There is no way I can agree more with you! Karen’s post has gone viral in many circles. Perhaps someone will pick up the idea and run with it. Lots can be learned from Michael’s ordeal to help in the future.
It’s important to realize Lauren is an extreme example of the worst of the worst. The really sad thing is those in her life who can make a difference actually enable and join in her games rather than stopping her. Now that the light is shining on this “family”, I hope others beware and keep her at lunge whip length.
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You’re gonna need something longer than a lunge whip!
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According to the Law and Crime Network person on Twitter, there will be no activity in the courtroom today unless there is a jury question or a verdict.
Also:
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I would guess that it would take a long time and work to rebuild core strength given the abdom. incision. Loss of part of lung could impact her breathing particularly during exercise. I had about 15% of lung removed a decade or more ago and that did not have lasting impact on me re riding. But my surgery was planned and orderly. What’s hard to know from a far is whether there was nerve damage.
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As much as it’s lovely to talk about getting MB directly back to his previous career and avoiding a SS ban…
My little voice of reason coming in. He likely suffered a psychotic break due to external pressures (of course, extreme and unjust pressures, but all the same). The man (likely, probably, maybe) shot a student.
Regardless, he’s likely suffered a psychotic break. Psychosis can be controlled with medication and dedicated therapy. However, the medications are difficult to tolerate, and often the disordered thinking continues in one form or another. Disorganization is a very common symptom.
It’s likely MB will need years of psychological help. It’s likely he may never be ‘organized’ enough in his daily life to run a major operation again. He could find a niche, he could make a fabulous recovery… but statistics are not on his side if he truly suffered a break. As well, a relapse will likely require less pressure than the first.
I don’t know if it would be altogether unjust for SS to continue a ban. Who is to say that there won’t be a relapse in his future?
ETA - I’m not saying he may shoot someone in the future, but disordered behaviour is unpredictable in nature.
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If he is acquitted it would be unjust for SS to continue his suspension.
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Yes, I guess I just don’t see that happening. I think he will get the lesser charges or at least the gun charges. Time will tell.
But even if acquitted and restored by SS, I’m not sure returning to coaching is in his near future.
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Agreed. And even if he’s just found not guilty and can walk away free, where’s he going to go? Back to NJ where the worst period of his life took place? Or to FL, in the same town as LK and RG are in? It would be tough for anyone to navigate and feel safe, let alone for someone with the mental health fragileness as him.
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He needs a vacation first!
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Ummmm I don’t think people with mental health problems should be discriminated against. I don’t think he should be banned from Safesport because he “ might” have a psychotic episode. You would be surprised how many athletes suffer from mental health issues
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Please don’t interpret my post as discriminatory. I work with mental health clients, I have worked with people with psychosis in the past.
I’m not saying he should be discriminated against. I’m saying that there are realistic considerations in this situation.
If he’s acquitted of all charges, and SS reverses the ban. Fine. But even in that case, I don’t think he’s coming back to his same career any time soon. That isn’t discriminatory, that’s reality.
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Lets says NGI and he is evetually released.
If he is covered by the ADA can SS legally prevent him from being given all the rights and privileges of any other member due to a diagnosis? Do they require medical disclosure of other members?
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A bullet went through the window. It’s just the creative alternative facts posters here who say there is no evidence.
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I understand the reality much better than most having dealt with a close family member for many years before they passed away. There is such a stigma associated with mental illness and people treat you differently. We need to do better.
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