Justice Won’t Give Up His Hoop Dreams

Governor Jim Justice has filed a grievance over the decision by the Greenbrier County Board of Education not to hire him as the Greenbrier East boys high school basketball coach.  Justice already coaches the girls team.

As our Brad McElhinny reported, “A level one grievance would go the chief administrator, in this case the superintendent.  Superintendent Jeff Bryant has been a supporter of Justice and has a second job as entertainment director at the Greenbrier Resort, owned by Justice’s family.”

That sets up a potential conflict of interest where the decision could be delegated to a designee.

Justice has his supporters for the job.  Both Bryant and Greenbrier East Principal Ben Routson back Justice, saying he was the most qualified applicant based on his years of experience and winning record.

Additionally, several backers of Justice appeared before the board Tuesday.  Marion Gordon, a longtime teacher at Greenbrier East and an assistant coach under Justice for the girls’ team, said Justice is an excellent coach.

“Let his record speak for itself,” Gordon said.  “He very seldom misses practices.  Coach’s record pretty much speaks for itself.”  Justice previously coached the boys’ team where his record was 319 and 125.  His record as girls’ coach is 493 and 172.

Justice has said he would leave the boys’ team practices to his assistants, but he would coach the games.

So, we’re still talking about this?

Justice is a driven individual.  His campaign declaration of a “rocket ship ride” for the state’s economy is a prime example of how he believes that whatever he conceives, he can achieve. Spend a few minutes with Justice and he will have you convinced he can govern the state, make multi-million dollar decisions for his many companies and coach two high school basketball teams.

He is also a man that does not like to hear the word “no.” As the state’s chief executive and a businessman, that life approach often serves him well. Justice can put the full force of his power and personality in play to overcome objections.

However, sometimes no means no, and there are instances where you are on the losing end of a fight.  It is important to recognize those moments and respond with grace rather than obstinance.

It is petty for the highest statewide elected official, the face of the state, a national figure who continues to guide the state through a worsening pandemic, to file a grievance over not getting a high school basketball coaching job.

That sounds like Justice’s ego is bruised and he is going to charge ahead, regardless of what the locally elected board has decided or what the public perception may be.

Let it go, Governor.

 





More Hoppy's Commentary

Hoppy's Commentary
Manchin v. Blankenship? Possible, but not probable
March 19, 2024 - 12:55 am
Hoppy's Commentary
West Virginia and the Irish
March 18, 2024 - 12:43 am
Hoppy's Commentary
Coach Josh Eilert--A True Mountaineer
March 14, 2024 - 12:19 am
Hoppy's Commentary
No-show Jefferson County Commissioners face the consequences
March 13, 2024 - 12:31 am


Your Comments