Former University
of South Carolina women's basketball coach Pam Parsons,
whose improper conduct with one of her players was made
public 25 years ago, has reached out to Pokey
Chatman, who recently relinquished her position
coaching the same sport at Louisiana State University
because of allegations that she had an
improper relationship with a former player,
reports the Associated Press.
With Parsons at the helm, South Carolina's Lady
Gamecocks became one of the nation's most powerful
teams. In 1980 she led them to a school record when
they won a whopping 30 games for the season. However, her
tenure came to an end when her sexual relationship
with 17-year-old player Tina Buck became public knowledge.
Chatman resigned because of an alleged sexual
relationship with a former player and hasn't spoken to
reporters since leaving her post March 7. But Parsons,
59, isn't passing any judgment and is sympathizing
with Chatman's ordeal by offering her open arms.
Parsons told AP that if Chatman called for
advice, Parsons would "hug her completely and say,
'Oh, my gosh, I couldn't imagine anyone else in the
universe would have a similar pattern to work through in life.'"
She further stated that she was able to deal
with her situation when she accepted the fact that she
will always be haunted by her past. However, she does
not know how long it would take for Chatman to reach that
point.
"How and what she
will need to do, I have no idea," Parsons said. "It
may not even affect her." (The Advocate)
