Basketball Coach or Abuser

If you think this is going to be another column about Keith McGuire, former Clements coach and Lexington resident, you're mistaken, but the similarities of the cases are remarkable. It should be noted that according to a study published in Readers' Digest, 35% of all predators have worked as school teachers at some time.

Russell Hough, now 39, was a coach in Warrensburg, Missouri, a small community located just outside the Whiteman Air Force Base. In 2004, he was accused of improprieties with female students, but Warrensburg High School took no action. When accused again in 2006, this time by six female players who claimed the coach touched them during practice, the school suspended Hough; however, the school board almost immediately reinstated the coach without interviewing the young women who made the accusations. The board's actions resulted in a civil suit against the system. Still, Hough remained at the school.

Now, Coach Russell Hough has been accused of having sexual encounters with two students, ages 14 and 16, on school property. He has been indicted for these 2008 statutory rapes among other offenses and is awaiting trial.

How did the school board allow this to happen? For every four e-mails or other communications I've received about the similar situation at Clements, I have received one that has defended a "wonderful man who is the victim of a vindictive ex-wife and students." Certainly, it isn't easy to believe that those we've trusted with our children are actually sexual predators--sometimes child pornographers, but unfortunately it's often the case.

For those who have accused the victims in rape cases, please stop to consider this: Do you really want to take the chance with your wife, sister, or children? I sincerely hope the answer is no.


What's up with this: It seems their Lexington arrest isn't the first time that Anthony Willis and Kelly Quick have been in trouble, according to family they've been stealing from them for some time. It may be difficult, but sometimes "tough love" is what it takes.