Nine months after the organization announced it would investigate the allegations amid calls for Hewitt’s ouster, it turns out there is no inquiry - and never was. Executive director Mark Stenning said the Hall scrapped the investigation in favor of drafting a policy to address similar issues. He said the board of directors will consider the proposal in July.
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Comments
I'm not sure how I feel about this. His "purported secret life" is not proof. Did it happen or did it not. If it did then its a criminal matter. I don't believe sports halls of fame have the resources or the expertise to investigate crimes. Short of incontrovertible proof or a conviction, I'm not sure the hall of fame should take any action at all. The Gymnastics Hall of Fame jumped the gun, in my opinion. Charges aren't the same as guilt. Such actions are contrary to innocent until proven guilty.
Boot the creep out of the Hall of Fame. Until it does, it is a Hall of Shame.
Why does this article, twice, say that Hewitt "had sex" with minor girls?? ie: "I am so disheartened and disillusioned,'' said Suellen Sheehan, who was 12 when Hewitt allegedly first had sex with her in South Africa. When an adult male uses his power and influence to "have sex" with a 12-year-old girl, that's rape, and it should be named for what it is.
I wasn't planning to visit anyway, or have anything to do with your sport, but you guys are a trip. To be so public about your classless approach, to the integrity of the game you are supposed to be honoring, is quite amazing. It also speaks volumes about your personal integrity and your moral character. Quite frankly, Hewitt should be kicked out, and if there is anyone in that organization, or the Board, with an ounce of character, should be shouting from the rooftops, about the way this has been handled and the shameful way the victims have been treated. And please don't embarrass yourselves with the 'alleged' term. That many girls/women, over that period of time, across that geographic area, PLEASE. Shame on all of you!!
Stripping Bob Hewitt of his Hall of Fame status won't change what (allegedly) happened when he was coaching young girl players. It probably wouldn't act as a deterrent for any future Hall of Famers, either. What it would do is restore faith that in our society intolerable acts won't be overlooked. It would tell all of us that character, honesty, respect and decency are what matter... not tournaments won, money earned, or fame achieved. As the father of two tennis-playing girls (ages 11 and 9), I am disgusted with the Hall's lack of action. Thank you, Bob Hohler, for staying on this. Shame on you, International Tennis Hall of Fame.