JOE SHARP FORCED TO RETIRE

[footballguy51]

Story in Tuesday's Toledo Blade: http://m2.toledoblade.com/BGSU/2011/03/ ... olicy.html

Sharpe was working that night and this was NOT the first time he was reprimanded for alcohol-related offenses while on the job. While it is sad that he was forced to retire, it sounds like he was given more than one 'second-chance' over the years and didn't change his ways.

Everybody has been jumping all over this saying, "This isn't fair. GC shouldn't have forced him to retire. The punishment doesn't fit the crime. They were out to get him." By reading this, and knowing his past infractions, they were kind by allowing him to retire. It was either retire or be terminated, and retiring allows you to go out on a positive note and keep your benefits. If we should be upset about the punishment for anybody, it would be why Warnke was terminated when the other two get a suspension and a reprimand. In my mind, Sharp get exactly what he deserved.

[Lord_Byron]

I read the Blade article and I'm a little troubled. It's appears clear that there is a pattern of behavior here. What troubles me is the fact that the athletic department was so quick to fill the freedom of informaiton request. Some of our journalist friends around here can confirm this, but typically, govt agencies drag their feet in responding to these requests and after they do, they only supply the bare minimum requested. This looks like the atheltic department couldn't wait to get the information out there.

Also, let's get something clear on the pension benefits. I assume the he's covered under an ERISA plan, so any benefits he's earned can't be taken away, whether he's "terminated for cause" or "retires". See IRS Section 411(d)(6). If he's in some kind of non-qualified pension plan, which would be unlikely since those are typically executive plans, then benefits could be taken away. I will admit, that since I work in benefits in private industry, I'm not fully versed in public plans.

[hammb]

I read the Blade article and I'm a little troubled. It's appears clear that there is a pattern of behavior here. What troubles me is the fact that the athletic department was so quick to fill the freedom of informaiton request. Some of our journalist friends around here can confirm this, but typically, govt agencies drag their feet in responding to these requests and after they do, they only supply the bare minimum requested. This looks like the atheltic department couldn't wait to get the information out there.

I'm not surprised.

BG's biggest selling point is its "family atmosphere". It's what we've all said so many times has us connected to the place. We've read it from former players and incoming recruits, over and over again. Joe Sharpe is the embodiment of that family atmosphere, following the footsteps of his father. Between the 2 of them they've been in that position for half a century. Now it comes out that he was forced into early retirement? That seems to be the exact opposite of the "family atmosphere" that we've cultivated.

The one way to save face is to release this information, so of course they wanted to do it.

Personally, I think it's sad to see Sharpe let go, but what choice did they have? The man has a pattern of behavior of drinking on the job. I hate to see him let go, but honestly I think it was a move that had to be made.

[SB-50]

The "pattern" is not as it seems.

I would have liked to see Joe suspended for a period of time, without pay, and forced to attend some type of alcohol diversion training. I would have liked to see GC ask Joe to retire at the end of 2011, allowing him (and us) to have a "farewell" tour.

Joe was allowed to retire because it is very difficult to dismiss a government employee with his tenure. Joe has worked long enough to be vested, so his retirement was never in jeopardy. Joe could have fought this to stick, and probably won with a few legal maneuvers, but decided to walk away and save the University he still loves further strain.

[MarkL]

One thing I can say: BG football needs a new equipment manager, and whoever gets the job is going to have some HUGE shoes to fill. I do hope whoever gets the job keeps the same passion for the university, the team, and the same dedication to the current student athletes and the alums that have made Joe Sharp legendary.

[SB-50]

One thing I can say: BG football needs a new equipment manager, and whoever gets the job is going to have some HUGE shoes to fill. I do hope whoever gets the job keeps the same passion for the university, the team, and the same dedication to the current student athletes and the alums that have made Joe Sharp legendary.

AMEN!

[falconmondo]

We are The Falcons! Why do we have Chicken Sh*t stuff like this going on?

[factman]

....because we have a chicken $hit AD!

Maybe he can get the "publc information" about the budgets out to the newspapers that they have ask for months ago! Oh, I see, that does not look favorably on him so it get delayed and delayed, unlike the Sharpe information. How about all of the scholarship cuts and taking designated money from sports and putting it in the general fund, after people have been told that their "DESIGNATED" money will go to that particular sport!

[BGorDeath]

The "pattern" is not as it seems.

I would have liked to see Joe suspended for a period of time, without pay, and forced to attend some type of alcohol diversion training. I would have liked to see GC ask Joe to retire at the end of 2011, allowing him (and us) to have a "farewell" tour.

Joe was allowed to retire because it is very difficult to dismiss a government employee with his tenure. Joe has worked long enough to be vested, so his retirement was never in jeopardy. Joe could have fought this to stick, and probably won with a few legal maneuvers, but decided to walk away and save the University he still loves further strain.

Not to seem uncaring, but a "farewell tour" for an equipment manager who had been a repeat offender? Yes, the Sharp's were near and dear to BG, but, come on. Just because someone is associated with a sports program, does it mean they should get preferential treatment? I have seen numerous long time employees who were just as dedicated but didn't break any rules (i.e. me) shown the door without any fanfare. Let's just call it what it is: A longtime employee who broke a rule on several occassions was given a break and allowed to retire instead of being fired so he can still reap retirement benefits. Seems like he got a good deal.

[SB-50]

He was vested, his retirement was not in jeopardy. GC wanted him out of the program. Fired or not, he still gets his pension. That's how the Govt works. Don't wanna argue, but that's the deal

[footballguy51]

He was vested, his retirement was not in jeopardy. GC wanted him out of the program. Fired or not, he still gets his pension. That's how the Govt works. Don't wanna argue, but that's the deal

Okay, then if nothing else, it just "looks" better if he retires versus being fired.

[Sub-Zero]

If the Blade details are accurate, the decision to terminate was the right course of action. We cant have key University positions such as the Head Equipment Manager getting drunk in a public parking lot while on duty supporting area high school events. What was he thinking? Allowing him to retire with benefits is honoring his past contributions in my opinion.

[takeoffeh]

Not to seem uncaring, but a "farewell tour" for an equipment manager who had been a repeat offender? Yes, the Sharp's were near and dear to BG, but, come on. Just because someone is associated with a sports program, does it mean they should get preferential treatment? I have seen numerous long time employees who were just as dedicated but didn't break any rules (i.e. me) shown the door without any fanfare. Let's just call it what it is: A longtime employee who broke a rule on several occassions was given a break and allowed to retire instead of being fired so he can still reap retirement benefits. Seems like he got a good deal.[/quote]

"Just because someone is associated with a sports program?" Joe and his father were what made BG football. They were not just equipment managers. They were not the type of individuals who clocked in and clocked out...they were always there. They were the support system the players needed. It didn't matter if you were a player that never made it off the scout team, a four year starter, or the guy editing game film, both Joe and Glenn treated you with the same respect. The hours, sweat, tears, and dedication that Joe has put it over the years can only be outdone by his father. I had the honor of playing for this great program while both Joe and Glenn were at Doyt L Perry Stadium. For those of you on this board saying that Joe got what he deserved, or that he should be lucky he can at least still get his retirement...you should be ashamed. This is a sad event, and BGSU football will not be the same.

Roll Along....

[Redwingtom]

Sad event and all, let's not forget whose fault that was. A grown man should have known better than to drink on the job when told before not to. Especially for a job that, in this case, involved high school kids!

[JoeFalcon]

Some great points being made. A couple new ones to thrown in:

1) He was paid a salary for all of these years he was doing his job, right? I’m sure he went above and beyond the call of duty, but this isn’t exactly a Mother Teresa situation.

2) The argument offered in his defense has been the love and loyalty towards Falcon football he instilled in the players through his actions, and according to the Sentinel article, the first reaction of a bunch of these players is to stop supporting the same program. Something doesn’t add up.

3) If he was warned in writing multiple times to stop engaging in certain specifically prohibited behavior, wouldn’t his superiors be in violation of University policy themselves if they didn’t take action?