Dear Editor,

I was surprised that the officials did not immediatley eject Juan Jose Barea from the Vermont game. However, I have learned that the angle of the replay theses officials reviewed (at courtside) was not adequate to reveal the gravity of his actions. The ESPN analysts and the rest of the viewing public (including my eight year-old son), however, were able to clearly see Juan striking the Vermnont player with a closed fist.

Dave O’Brien’s suspension of Juan was appropriate and justified. This decision, although certianly supported by the weight of media opinion, was made in the best interest of the entire Northeastern University community. You are correct to note that the failure to impose such a suspension would have likley resulted in negative media coverage. To suggest that the suspension was done soley to placate these potential critics, however, is defensive at best and narrow-minded at worst.

I recognize the contribution that Juan has made to the men’s basketball team since arriving on Huntington Ave. But to turn a blind eye to his actions at the Vermont game, would have been done at no greater credit to Juan or Northeastern.

Sincerely,

Mark C. Wilson New Albany, OH