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With any type of celebrity, it seems you inevitably become a target. As I read the article by Dave McKenna quoting Greg Paspatis about Coach Herman Boone (“Coach Baggage,” 1/6), the ending (Paspatis said he was “trying to put something together for the [Washington Post’s] obituary section, so that when Boone passes away, they’ll have something ready”) made my stomach hurt. It almost sounded like a death wish and made me wonder what his wife, Carol, and three daughters, whom I have known all my life, think about that statement. I am sure it must hurt. As the daughter of Remember the Titans assistant coach Paul “Doc” Hines, who worked with Coach Boone, I know I would be hurt if someone wrote this about my father.
There are certainly complex situations and injustices that occurred during the integration of T.C. Williams High School. Many of them may be generally and largely unknown to the public. The recognition of some of those issues may clarify the need for Boone’s personal toughness at times. Of course, in the end, maybe not all conduct is fully justifiable. My question is, still does it call for full exposure? Is any person all good or all bad? I don’t think so.
Stories similar to what the Titans experienced played out all over the country in the ’60s and ’70s. We who are associated with the Titans have the privilege of watching a story we lived and experienced onscreen. We all know the story is not completely accurate, but that is Hollywood for you.
I think we should all be proud of kids the world over who are inspired when watching the movie Remember the Titans. Why bring up the negative stuff? Do we really need to air all the “dirty laundry,” so to speak, thus corrupting the encouragement and inspiration the movie holds for many?
Pasadena, Calif.