Fr. Jenkins Email to Student Body

[TerryTate]

According to Rivals, Fr. Jenkins sent out a campus-wide email this morning regarding the investigation and Brian Kelly.

Concludes with "I am confident that Coach Kelly has a bright future leading our football program."

 

[irishff1014]

SWEET!!

 

[TerryTate]

Email:

Dear Notre Dame students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends,

The tragic accident that took Declan Sullivan’s life just over a week ago, the Mass of Remembrance in the Basilica, and his family’s faith-filled funeral for him this week have given each of us the chance to grieve, remember and pray. Declan was a bright and energetic young man who lived his life with passion. We will miss him, and we believe that he is in the loving embrace of our Lord.

Over this past week, I have had the great privilege of meeting with and trying to provide some measure of support to Declan’s parents, sister, brother and other members of his family. Many Notre Dame faculty, staff and students also have reached out to offer their assistance. Yet the Sullivan family, through their incredible grace and courage, has given us support and an example of how to respond. They ministered to us as we tried to minister to them.

There is no greater sadness for a university community than the death of one of its students under any circumstances. Yet this loss is more devastating, for Declan died in a tragic accident while in our care. For that, I am profoundly sorry. We are conducting an investigation and we must be careful not to pre-judge its results, but I will say this: Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe. We at Notre Dame ? and ultimately I, as President ? are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.

I am committed to determining why this accident happened and to ensuring the safety of our students. We have been conducting an internal investigation to examine this accident from every possible perspective and to draw conclusions and formulate recommendations for the future. In order to ensure that our inquiry has been thorough, unbiased and accurate, I have asked Dr. Peter Likins, former President of the University of Arizona, to provide an external review of our inquiry, and he has graciously accepted.

In selecting someone to review our investigation, I sought an individual experienced in higher education, with an impeccable reputation for integrity, intellect and independence. In Dr. Likins, we are fortunate to have just such a man. He brings numerous credentials to this assignment: as a world-renowned engineer; as a university administrator who served as provost at Columbia and president at Lehigh and Arizona; as a highly regarded member of numerous NCAA committees; and as a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

Investigations and external reviews such as this take time, but I assure you that, when complete, we will issue a public report on the outcome, including information on the events of the afternoon of Oct. 27, any institutional ramifications, and recommendations for safety policies in the future.

Finally, in light of what I believe to be unfounded and unfair commentary and speculation, I want to say something about Coach Brian Kelly. Coach Kelly was hired not only because of his football expertise, but because we believed his character and values accord with the highest standards of Notre Dame. All we have seen since he came to Notre Dame, and everything we have learned in our investigation to date, have confirmed that belief. For those reasons I am confident that Coach Kelly has a bright future leading our football program.

Thank you for your concern, and your prayers. At the darkest moments, the love, and care, and faith of the Notre Dame family shines most brightly.


In Notre Dame,

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

President

University of Notre Dame

 

[Rack Em]

That's legit. Just got the email this morning.

 

[TerryTate]

That's legit. Just got the email this morning.

You think I'd post some BS? haha

 

[irishff1014]

Good post i bet they will still jump all over kelly.

 

[Jerry]

I like that they are having an independent party review the investigation. Then at least the media won't be able to say ND covered anything up.

 

[enrico514]

Hopefully we can now just let the guy coach!!!

 

[IrishinSyria]

I don't know who this "they" or "the media" is. Most people in the media and on this forum have said the same thing: there needs to be an honest reckoning of what happened. I've never doubted that Notre Dame wold do the right thing, and this letter is what I would call "exactly the right thing."

 

[Jerry]

I don't know who this "they" or "the media" is. Most people in the media and on this forum have said the same thing: there needs to be an honest reckoning of what happened. I've never doubted that Notre Dame wold do the right thing, and this letter is what I would call "exactly the right thing."

The Chicago Media has been horrible.

 

[Rack Em]

You think I'd post some BS? haha

I don't trust you farther than I can see you...haha

 

[irishff1014]

Now that this is over Kelly will be able to think just about football. I hope this is get dropped for a long time.

 

[IrishinSyria]

It's hard to listen to.

That's why I don't. Unless I'm driving back from a hawks game.

Ok, in that case: I have full confidence in the University of Notre Dame to do the right thing. Father Jenkins' letter only reinforces that belief. The right thing may or may not mean firing Brian Kelly, but I see no reason to speculate on what the answer is until the investigation yields facts. I, like Father Jenkins, believe that everything I know about Kelly points to him being more than just a good football coach. Finally, the entire Sullivan family has been the definition of class in the midst of tragedy. I almost cried when I heard his sister wore an Irish jersey to his funeral mass. The mass and the moment of silence at the game were both fitting, if necessarily insufficient, tributes to his memory.

 

[Jerry]

That's why I don't. Unless I'm driving back from a hawks game.

Ok, in that case: I have full confidence in the University of Notre Dame to do the right thing. Father Jenkins' letter only reinforces that belief. The right thing may or may not mean firing Brian Kelly, but I see no reason to speculate on what the answer is until the investigation yields facts. I, like Father Jenkins, believe that everything I know about Kelly points to him being more than just a good football coach. Finally, the entire Sullivan family has been the definition of class in the midst of tragedy. I almost cried when I heard his sister wore an Irish jersey to his funeral mass. The mass and the moment of silence at the game were both fitting, if necessarily insufficient, tributes to his memory.

Yeah the speculation is getting ridiculous.

 

[irishff1014]

The thing that makes me mad is know one is blaming Newton for this going with him. I hope it is false but they are trying to keep this hush hush.

 

[BleedsGold]

I read Father Jenkins Email with shame and disgust. He is obviously a fine beuracrat with instincts that lead him to protect his culpable coach more than the integrity of honest discourse.

If this had happened at USC with Pete Carol or Michigan with Boo Boo Bear, we would all be screaming bloody murder.

The reputation and integrity of all of us lies in the hands of Kelly, Swarbrick and Jenkins. A football team is not worth our collective reputations.

Two young people who have a momentary lapse of judgement and create a life do far better with their subsequent responsible actions than they do with money or words.

Right now we are all holding our breath to see to it that the physical actions of our leaders represent who we are as Catholics and human beings.
Paying the poor Sullivans off with millions won't bring Declean back or assuage his loss. Every time Coach Kelly walks the sidelines represtenting us the world will be reminded that Notre Dame put football above integrity. Coaches are a lot more common than integrity and the promise of a life cut short by gross negligance.

I hope all who read this search their souls and write Father Jenkins to tell him that as much as Coach Kelly was the perfect fit at the begining of the season, he can never be perfect for us any more.

Personal responsibility is a value I like to think Catholics and Notre Dame people embody to our cores. Here's hoping someone in the administration lives up to these values with actions more than money and words.

Heart broken and disspointed.

 

[enrico514]

I read Father Jenkins Email with shame and disgust. He is obviously a fine beuracrat with instincts that lead him to protect his culpable coach more than the integrity of honest discourse.

If this had happened at USC with Pete Carol or Michigan with Boo Boo Bear, we would all be screaming bloody murder.

The reputation and integrity of all of us lies in the hands of Kelly, Swarbrick and Jenkins. A football team is not worth our collective reputations.

Two young people who have a momentary lapse of judgement and create a life do far better with their subsequent responsible actions than they do with money or words.

Right now we are all holding our breath to see to it that the physical actions of our leaders represent who we are as Catholics and human beings.
Paying the poor Sullivans off with millions won't bring Declean back or assuage his loss. Every time Coach Kelly walks the sidelines represtenting us the world will be reminded that Notre Dame put football above integrity. Coaches are a lot more common than integrity and the promise of a life cut short by gross negligance.

I hope all who read this search their souls and write Father Jenkins to tell him that as much as Coach Kelly was the perfect fit at the begining of the season, he can never be perfect for us any more.

Personal responsibility is a value I like to think Catholics and Notre Dame people embody to our cores. Here's hoping someone in the administration lives up to these values with actions more than money and words.

Heart broken and disspointed.

CULPABLE... Please tell us what inside knowledge you have that allows you to put all this on Brian Kelly's head at this point in time ??? You have NONE so be a good catholic, wait until the investigation is over and make sure you have your facts strait before you judge the man !!! You may end up being proven right in the end but personally I am disgusted with people who judge others quickly with NO knowledge of the facts.

 

[BleedsGold]

My message speaks for itself. I mean you no personal animosity. Please don't take it personally.

Peace - BleedsGold

 

[enrico514]

My message speaks for itself. I mean you no personal animosity. Please don't take it personally.

Peace - BleedsGold

No worries... I am not taking it personally but you may want to reserve judgement to AFTER you have all the facts before you write such a post in which you attack the moral character of other men. IMHO they are handling this tragedy appropriately up to now.

 

[BleedsGold]

I re-read my posts and for the record ... As a person asking posters to have specifics before making statements I'd urge you to find where I specifically "attack someone's caharcter (your specific words).

I take no offense at your charge. I understand your frustration. I feel it the same as you and probably most of the readers following our discussion. I am pointing out my disgust at the way the beurecrats at this Catholic institution are speaking in tactical legalize and circling the wagons rather than speaking plainly. I went to St. Xavier high school in Cincinnati. Brian Kelly coached the Bearcats of whom I am also a fan.He and his family were well respected and admired in my limited exposure. He is by most accounts an honorable man and an outstanding coach.

This reprehensible incident took place on his watch. His videographer was derrilict in allowing this to happen. If Crist throws an interception coach is in his grill before the kid can get his chinstrap off. Coach Kelly has preached personal accountability to his kids everywhere he coaches. He literally hangs posters up in the locker room outlining topics ranging from, "playing Notre Dame Smart" to "Treat women with respect."

One of the cornerstones of his coaching is accepting personal accountability. He re-enforces those standards with film. To be sure there is film in existance about Declean's last hour.

Is coach Kelly going to continue to insult our collective intelligence by avoiding the same standards to which he holds his players and staff or will he continue to let Swarbrick and Jenkins run cover for staff (who he will at least have to throw under the bus) and himself ? Or will he live up to the standards we as good Catholics strive to live our lives by ? Right now I see am good man shaken by his negligent and catastrophic error in omission of judgement.

Let's pray for his peace and reconcilliation to the truth we will all live with regardless of his integrity or bravery.

With sincere peace to you -
Bleeding Gold with a broken heart

 

[I'mgullible]

Hi

 

[I'mgullible]

Sorry. Trying to figger this thing out. Sorry. I already got a something negative from ndinla. wondering why. sorry.

 

[I'mgullible]

OK. First thing I posted was in the Lynch thread. Let the guy go. Give it up. Next, leave Kelly alone.

 

[dskoo65]

I read Father Jenkins Email with shame and disgust. He is obviously a fine beuracrat with instincts that lead him to protect his culpable coach more than the integrity of honest discourse.

If this had happened at USC with Pete Carol or Michigan with Boo Boo Bear, we would all be screaming bloody murder.
.

i have no doubt that is pretty accurate. there is alway going to be a lack of objectivity in cases like this that have your own guy under fire.

the following are real quotes:


"I've been in practice where a coach has brought (the lifts) down," Swarbrick said.

Kelly was asked if that's an indication that he is responsible for monitoring that.

"I think everybody uses common sense," Kelly said during a press conference Thursday afternoon in South Bend. "I remember many, many times in my career telling a guy to get the heck down because there was lightning in the area.

"It's still about about common sense in everything we do. I moved a water cooler -- one of those ice-cold water (containers) -- I moved two of those today that were too close to the playing field. I think everybody is cognizant of safety."



Didnt Kelly essentially answer the question as to whether he is responsible for monitoring that in the affirmative? (in a political way, without really answereing the question)


COMMON SENSE. everyone i know had the same reaction immediately upon hearing of this tragedy: "what in the he## was someone doing up in a lift in these winds?"


so, Kelly has told guys to get down from the lifts due to lightning....so he cant wash his hands of having the cognition of safety issues as it relates to people in the lifts.

his failure to do so in this case was a omission that i cant see as anything but negligence. the winds were too severe to just pretend a reasonable person wouldnt have given a thought to having someone 40 feet in the air.

but thank goodness Kelly did think to move a couple water jugs that were too close to the field...that could have been tragic.

 

[ThePiombino]

BleedsGold,

For someone who lives in a country where we are "innocent until proven guilty" and presumably is of a faith that encourages it's believers to "forgive" and "not judge", sounds to me like you're quite the hypocrite. Not to mention, without the facts, it can be argued that you are violating the 9th commandment.

Since we're throwing stones, thought you might like a heads up so you can get some cover...

 

[BleedsGold]

Piombino

Guess I didn't feel like I was casting any ultimate judgement. I was stating facts. We live in a country where our opnions are free to be spoken and judgement about people's or an institutions actions are as much a responsibility as a right instilled in us by our maker.

You have made a judgement of me and my opionions and I bear you no grudge. I have made a judgement about the actions and the poor judgement of coach Kelly, Jack Swarbrick and now Father Jenkins. I didn't judge them in an ultimate sense. I judge them in the senseless loss of a life and the route they have chosen over blunt candor.

Thanks for the heads up on looking for cover. I am taking the high road and standing out in the open. Throw all the stones you like. Hurting someone because you don't like his opinion is a lot worse than death by negligance.I wish our administrators would be as brave.

Peace

 

[Old Man Mike]

Speculation about football strategy or talents or projections of success, are one thing and are the purpose of this board. Speculations about crimes, immoral acts and intentions, culpability under the law, particularly when relevant facts are being investigated and not yet determined, are, in my opinion, NOT the purpose of a Notre Dame football discussion, and probably not appropriate internet discussion anywhere. We would, in my opinion, do a lot better on this board to discuss football, preferably even there based on facts rather than personal emotional reactions.

 

[dskoo65]

We would, in my opinion, do a lot better on this board to discuss football, preferably even there based on facts rather than personal emotional reactions.

if all that was allowed on this board were discussions regarding football with the elimination of personal emotional reactions, then not only would it be a pretty inactive board, but would be devoid of any "flavor."

 

[BleedsGold]

Without pointing a finger or singling anyone out,"making judgements" is not the same as, "passing judgements." I passed no form of ultimate judgement about the administrators at Notre Dame nor did I pass a sentence.

I am pointing out issues of character which I believe should be the embodiement of Catholicism and Notre Dame. Speaking in legalize and running cover in light of this needless death is not, "doing things the right way." History is filled with great men of great deeds who will be forever remembered for a momentary lapse of sound judgement. When a life is lost as a result, the costs to reputation become higher.

I appreciate the,"heads up" on the stone throwing. I'll be fine standing in the open taking people's shots rather than hiding in a locker room or a glass tower blowing smoke.

Peace

 

[lookingdeadred]

An outside investigatiion is not just a good idea

An outside investigatiion is not just a good idea

it is absolutely necessary for the school's credibility on this issue.

Email: