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5/27/03 Khalil Manigault: To those "analysts" who for whatever reasons have some obvious envious and jealousy issues going on, most notably, Tracey Kearse (the bitter and fired freshman coach) & Louis Xifaras (the 2nd year assistant freshman coach), get a life. A lot of guessing is being done as to why Khalid was hired and Kenny wasn't. In the end, Loughlin made the decision. Analyze and critique your own coaching career and abilities. Best of luck to Kenny P. in his future coaching endeavors. And congrats again to Khalid.

5/26/03 Coach Ted Gustus: 'First, let me congratulate Khalid Green for his new coaching position at Bishop Loughlin. Obtaining this coaching position is a dream come true for Khalid. We have talked many hours about his goals to become a head basketball coach.

The purpose of this e-mail is to set the record straight about Kenny Pretlow and Loughlin! When I took over the Loughlin coaching job three (3) years ago, I met with Kenny at Junior's Restaurant. Kenny really believed that he should have gotten the job. The reason he said that he didn't get the job was because of him not having a degree. At the same time that I received the job at Loughlin, the CIPCARD was really beginning to take off. I knew then, that it would be possible that I wouldn't be coaching at Loughlin for more than four years. Truthfully, my plans was to stay there until Kenny completed his degree and the job would be handed over to him.

Why? Well, in all my coaching years, I have never had an assistant like Kenny. Here is an intelligent individual (graduated from Brooklyn Tech), a dedicated individual that would do anything for the kids, a honest individual, a loyal individual, a student of the game and a very good coach. I agree with Tracy, the last three (3) years the Loughlin program was run by Kenny P. This was not by accident, as Kenny and I knew he would someday be the head coach at Loughlin. Kenny made me a promise at Junior's Restaurant, that he would pursue his college degree. He was doing just that, in fact to my knowledge, he was close to completing college.

Whatever was asked of Kenny, he would get it done! The kids moving from the junior varsity to the varsity was always prepared to work hard on their basketball game and their academics. Kenny did everything, scouting report was second to none, if he says a kid can't dribble left, you better believe it. Kenny studied the game, always asking me for advice, I often shared tapes with him concerning strategies. What ever my varsity team was running, he would implement on the junior varsity level. His experience taking kids on trips was very important, as he kept the kids in check, while allowing them to have fun. Uniforms, scheduling, practices, calling parents, contacting players, checking students class work, monitoring students after school, and just keeping me informed, Kenny did it all!

As far as Kenny with the referees. Well, first of all he is a ref himself. Secondly, he is not going to allow anyone to put his kids at a disadvantage, on or off the court. Thirdly, Coach P is no different from any other coach in the CHSAA that attempts to keep the officials on their p's and q's by yelling at them. I can name a few coaches that uses this tactic far more than Kenny has. This can not and shouldn't be the reason for him not getting the job.

Coach Pretlow is an intelligent man, that clearly understands that if the criteria for having the job is to have a degree, he would not have applied for the job. For whatever reason, Kenny believe that despite not having the degree, he could still get the job. Truthfully, Loughlin has lost a committed and loyal individual to the Loughlin program. I believe Coach Pretlow would have stayed on as JV coach, if he knew that he needed a degree to get the job. Anyway, that is water under the bridge now!

I do know one thing, Coach Pretlow is going to get his degree! If I was an administrator I will quickly offer this man a coaching job. Assistant on the college level or head coach on high school. Ya'll remember what happen to Michael Jordan when he was cut from his high school team as a sophomore? Well, let history tell it. There is no doubt that Coach Pretlow will prove to world what a fantastic coach he is. I am happy to have some way contribute to his development.

5/26/03 Louis Xifaras: 'Mr. Kearse, your previous post has incorrect information in it. Charlie O'Donnell is not the Athletic Director (AD) at Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School. The athletic director is Mr. Jim Castrataro. Charlie O'Donnell was the former athletic director a while back, and former commissioner of the CHSAA league. Instead of looking into it so much, maybe Loughlin just didn't want Kenny Pretlow representing the basketball program and all these alligations are just excuses. In my opinion, Loughlin wanted to keep a pipeline between the school and Riverside Church, but didn't wanted Kenny representing their basketball program. Kenny P deserved the job and he got screwed, plain and simple. As the freshman assistant at McClancy the past 2 seasons, I have coached this season against Loughlin and coach Green and I can say (no disrespect to Green) but to compare Kenny and him is comparing night and day.

When talking about why CHSAA varsity coaches need degrees and JV and Freshmen coaches don't, well that is a school policy. Unlike the PSAL, where Varsity Head Coaches must have a college degree to coach, the CHSAA designates that up to each school because they are private institutions.

I also strongly agree with LFBALL's point on how the young coaches should strive towards getting a degree if interested in coaching in college. I am in that exact position. For the people that don't know me, I have 2 years of experience at the freshmen level and have helped out the varisty program at times at Monsignor McClancy. At the age of 21, I am finishing up my education now at Baruch College and have developed a competitive AAU program (Queens RimRockers). I have to say that the advice of so many knowledgable people, some whom I have met through this website and mailing list, has helped me realize what it takes to be successful in the future.'

5/25/03 Love2Ref: 'I have been following this story as it's been unfolding on this website and the more that I read it, the more it stinks! To hear that one of the main reasons for Kenny Pretlow being passed over is because of his behavior towards officials, is the biggest joke I have heard. I happen to know for a fact that Kenny Pretlow is a certified high school basketball official himself and I must honestly admit, he is also one of the better coaches when it comes to dealing with officials. From my own experiences with officiating games that Kenny Pretlow has been on the bench, I will tell you that there may not be a more knowledgeable high school or AAU coach when it comes to the rules in the tri-state area. So, I find it very hard to believe that his behavior on the bench towards officials is one of the main reasons for him being passed over. The "only" way that I can possibly see Kenny Pretlow having a problem with any official, is because he/she may not know the rules. I find these allegations to be preposterous and who ever believes this has never really seen Kenny Pretlow coach. If Bishop Loughlin wanted to go in another direction when choosing their next varsity basketball coach then so be it, I just hope that in the process they are not trying to smear the name of a good coach and a good official.'

5/24/03 Tracy Kearse: 'I was the freshmen coach at Loughlin for seven years. I resigned last season and Khalid Green replaced me. I have been reading comments concerning reasons why Kenny Pretlow did not get the coaching job at Loughlin. His lack of a college degree was not the reason for him not getting the job. Certain people on the search committe were concerned about Kenny's past behavior involving referees. One of the member was Charlie ODonnell who is AD at McClancey high school. Charlie ODonnell graduated from Loughlin in 1949 and he is a former referee. My question is why is Charlie ODonnell who is AD at McClancey high school making decisions at Loughlin. How can Kenny be named coach at Loughlin when Mike Williams who is the AD at Loughlin did not want Kenny as the coach. He too was on the hiring committe. Mike Williams told Kenny that his lack of a college degree would not be held against him. Mike Williams wanted Khalid Green as coach and pushed him to apply for the job. Kenny Pretlow was loyal. He was at Loughlin for nine years, one year as freshman coach, eight years as jv coach. The last three years he ran the basketball program at Loughlin. Khalid has coached at three different places in four years. That's not what I call loyalty. Kenny has always been there for his players while Khalid has been there for his self. Kenny is a more seasoned coach than Khalid who has one year as a head coach. What I write is what I know concerning Kenny P getting robbed of his coaching job. I will always love Bishop Loughlin but the drama I will not miss. I feel bad for Kenny. I feel bad for kids at Loughlin. I would like to wish Khalid good luck in Kenny Pretlow's job.'

5/21/03 Peter Benoit: 'Gary, I too respect your opinions, in addition to the job you have done with the LI Panthers. I am aware that you coach with Khalid, since I have seen a number of your games. Therefore I was not questioning your knowledge of the situation. Again I ask what are the other reasons Loughlin made their choice. You failed to answer my question. You mentioned the a college degree. Again I ask, what are the other reasons behind why Loughlin made their choice? What is the logic behind listing one reason and leaving the others unknown?

My point is plain and simple. Bishop Loughlin did not want Kenny Pretlow to get the varsity job, if he had a degree than something else would have been the problem. It's just that simple. One can use any negative adjective in the book to describe the situation.

I said the situation at Christ the King was irrelevant in my opinion. That was not to hide racial inequalities within society. I am saying, just as both schools may have different requirements for prospective students, they are entitled to have different requirements for teachers and coaches, counselors etc.

Maybe I was not clear enough when I mentioned loyalty, since that was the only point you mentioned regarding me being mixed-up. Gary, you were able to compare both candidates based on their education level. Now look up the track record of Kenny and Khalid in regard to coaching at high schools throughout our city over the last four years. Then look up the word loyal and get back to me.'

5/20/03 Coach Gary Charles: 'I respect the opinions of Peter Benoit and Padre4Ever whether they agree with my opinions or not. But they seem to have a couple things mixed-up. First of all, what do you mean I gave the new coach "half hearted congratulation". The new coach happens to be my assistant coach with the Long Island Panthers. Don't you think I wanted him to get the job?. I even sat down with the AD at Bishop Loughlin to discuss that very matter. Now, do you guys think I may know a little bit more about the situation?. Padre, what do you mean by the comment of "Stop worrying about what the white man is doing to keep you down and try to see situations for what they are". I'm confused?. Did I not say the same thing when I said " As black people, we spend to much time complaining about the system instead of playing withing the rules of the system?". Maybe I should have broken it down some more. Kenny P was told one of the main reason he did not get the job the first time was because of a lack of a college degree. Which means he knew this would come up again. Peter, when you say Loughlin was not being loyal, remember, Loughlin had already set the standard the first time. If you decide not to take that advice and not do anything about it, than its on you. That is what I mean when I say we need to learn how to play within the system. The point of bringing Bob Oliva into the equation was not to down Bob, because you are right, Bob has done a fine job at Christ the King. The point was to illustrate how blacks and whites operate with different set of rules. My statement was not made in a racist tone, but a point of fact. I don't expect you to fully understand because until you have been stop by the cops for DWB ( Driving while Black), or too many other things to list here, you won't fully understand. But I gaurantee you, most minorities reading this do understand. One more thing Padre, I didn't get to where I'm at by not seeing things for what they are. There is "Street Education", and there is "Business Education". I 'll be dammed if I'm not going to teach my kids or my players both.'

5/20/03 LFBALL: 'I enjoyed reading Gary Charles account of the Loughlin Basketball situation. It's a strange feeling I am experiencing. I am pleased for Khalid but very sad for Kenny. Gary Charles mentions in a roundabout way the double standard that exists in sports. Well, that double standard also exists in business, industry, government, education, and life. We all experience it. Women are discriminated against, minorities are discriminated against, and even non minorities have experienced discrimination especially in basketball. But is it right? Should it be accepted?

Let me give my take on the high school coaching situation in NYC. The PSAL says you must have a degree and a file number the last time I checked. The CHSAA has played by different rules until minorities started getting opportunities. I remember Bob Austin coaching Tolentine to numerous championships while having a day job as a cookie salesman. I think he did a great job coaching and getting his kids in colleges all across the country. How about Bob Oliva? His record stands for itself! Would Christ the King rather have a PHD coaching and not getting the same results on or off the court? Bob is a legend!

That brings us to the present situation with HS ball in NYC. I think the PSAL should change it's rules and allow folks with Associate Degrees to coach as long as they are working towards a Bachelors. The CHSAA has the right idea. Good coaches who put in the time to assist kids. They are not teaching English. Also, lacking a degree does not mean you are ignorant or dumb.

Finally, why is it that the rules are now being changed to keep coaches without degrees out of the CHSAA. It was OK for two legendary coaches but not OK for Kenny P. I honestly think Loughlin strung Kenny P along. In fact, if the rules of the game dictate you need a degree to get ahead, he should have been counseled and strongly encouraged to get a degree or at the least start classes. Too many of our young bright coaching stars are not getting the advice they need. Kenny P is just another example. I am sure he felt the job would be his if and when Ted left. This should be a lesson to all the young coaches, both men and women, who are interested in coaching in HS and College. By the way, there have been a number of folks who coached in college and the pros without college degrees. Speedy Morris at LaSalle is one that comes to mind. He coached LaSalle U after a successful career at Roman Catholic in Philly (without a degree).

I wish Khalid well and I know he will do a great job. He has been around the game paying his own type of dues without any compensation. My problem is not him getting a job, it is about the hiring process in HS basketball coaching, a process that is not clearly defined.'

5/20/03 Padre4ever: 'I really have to take issue with the racist tone of Gary Charles post yesterday. He's bent out of shape because a black man got the Loughlin job over another black man because the first black guy didn't have a college degree?!? He throws Bob Oliva into the mix and tries to prove what? Bobby is one of the finest men/coaches I've ever met and has been at CTK for what 15-20 years now educating his kids about life with incredible success.

So maybe he beat the "stigma" of a degree a long time ago, but the rules are getting tighter and tighter for whites & blacks as far as coaching and degrees go. You're telling me there's not one black coach in the PSAL that doesn't have a college degree? I doubt it.

Using the words "they" and "we" are just the opposite messsage I'd want an educator using around my son/player. Those words scream racist to me Mr. Charles and as long as you keep using them, you're just poisioning young peoples minds.

Stop worrying about what "the white man" is doing to keep you down and try to see situations for what they are. A black man with a college degree got the Loughlin job. As far as we know, that might not have been the reason he got it. He may just have been the right man.

Your half-hearted congratulations to the new coach was quickly turned into a "change-the-game" message that "they" make us play. Instead, I hope he teaches his kids respect for their opponents and encourages them to embrace academics as much as they do their "game."

Most importantly, I hope he decides not to use the words "they" or "we" in his practices and replaces them with "us." Teaching young men to point the finger at themselves instead of at someone else is the most important thing a kid can learn.

Here's hoping that your teaching style/opinion isn't the majority one Mr. Charles because if it is, I'd really have to worry about the future of student/athletes in the NYC area.'

5/20/03 Peter Benoit: 'I agree with the comments made by Gary Charles regarding how Pete Edwards handled the situation that developed at IS8 over this weekend. With such a marquee matchup Pete could have allowed the game to take place. However the rules of the tournament were not followed and it would be unfair to players, coaches, and fans involved with IS8 if the game went on.

However I disagree with his comments regarding the Bishop Loughlin situation First off I would like to congratulate Khalid Green on receiving the job. I don't think it's our business to bring up one's academic life or compare two individuals based on what they were able to accomplish. Were there other reasons why Loughlin made this decision? If so why weren't they mentioned?

Something must be wrong with the system, regardless of what type of education one has. Why does Bishop Loughlin only require for their varsity coach to have a degree? Are the freshman and JV positions not as important to it's administration? Why was Kenny Pretlow even interviewed if the administration knew that he did not have a college degree? Is Loughlin saying anyone can coach its underclassmen, while a college graduate must coach its upperclassmen? Kenny was the freshman then junior varsity coach at Bishop Loughlin for nine years. Khalid was there for two years as a varsity assistant from 2000-2001 and he served as their freshman coach this past season. Apparently loyalty is not an issue at Loughlin.

I am not questioning who deserved the position, I'm questioning the requirements the administration seeks in their coaches on each level. The Christ the King situation with Bob Oliva should not be mentioned since different organizations have different standards. As for Loughlin it looks like "politics" as usual in regard to how they handled their coaching situation.'

5/19/03 Coach Gary Charles: Next topic, although we all agreed that Kenny Pretlow was deserving of the Bishop Loughlin job and paid his dues, the fact is one of the reason he did not get the job the last time and Ted Gustus got it was because of a lack of a college degree. Again, one of the reason he did not get the job this time was because of a lack of a college degree. Now I know some people are saying that Bob Oliva did not have his degree at Christ the King and they would be correct. But we all know the playing field is not the same for blacks and whites. I also know no one wants to talk about it, but it is what it is. As black people, we spend to much time complaining about the system instead of playing within the rules of the system. When are we going to learn that until you learn how to play the game, they will continue to keep you out of the game, unless you are a member of the game, you cannot change the outcome of the game. Khalid Green understood the game and went out and got his Master degree. As sad as I maybe for Kenny who probably deserved the job. I'm just as happy for Khalid who took the advice from people on how to go about playing the game. Now he's in position to help change the score of the game. Good luck Khalid.'

5/19/03 Khalil Manigault: 'For the record, the Brooklyn Bridge AAU program is no longer affiliated with the Juice Allstars. Brooklyn Bridge Basketball has been a division of the Long Island Panther AAU program for almost one year. Also, congratulations to Khalid Green for his deserving appointment to Head Coach at Bishop Loughlin. Khalid is a Loughlin alumnus, and has served the Loughlin program the past few years as an assistant varsity coach and freshman coach. In addition to being the founder of Brooklyn Bridge AAU which has produced the likes of Karron Clarke, Ramel Bradley, Gary Forbes and Kyle Neptune, he is the co-creator of the annual Martin Luther King Basketball Classic. Khalid is a graduate of Morehouse College and was just awarded his Masters in English at Long Island University. Look for Loughlin to return its legacy and strong basketball tradition under his leadership.'

5/18/03 Louis Xifaras (pictured): 'This weekend was a very interesting one for me. Friday and Saturday I was in Atlantic City for the Hoop Group Coaches vs. Cancer Clinic. The Hoop Group ran a great event with a lineup that couldn't be touched by anyone. In the two-day event, the speakers were Gary Williams, Hubie Brown, Phil Martelli, Tom Pecora, Billy Hahn, Chuck Daly, Bobby Gonzalez and Bob Hurley and the event was for a great cause. I then find out on the ride home that Kenny Pretlow, who in my opinion was the definite replacement for Ted Gustus at Loughlin, gets passed over. I guess Loughlin didn't put loyalty as a priority. I felt as well as the people that I spoke to, that Kenny P. was more than deserving of the job, especially that he stuck around after he was overlooked the previous time the varsity position was vacant.

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