'Hazing banter in the dugout' is not entirely accurate, or really anywhere near accurate (see below, from an Orlando Sentinel article). Also, don't forget that Bergman literally did choke a player in the dugout a couple years prior and was suspended for that incident.
I work with UCF athletics. I was present at the moment which the article refers to. First thing which bears mentioning is this: it happened. This is NOT a battle of credibility. For one thing, the entire team and staff were there - among other witnesses. What was going through Bergman's mind is beyond me. I'd like to garner him some excuse and say that he's slowly losing his faculties, but I'm not sure. Bergman had an assistant coach hold Chris down and did exactly what the article purported. IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. This wasn't one of those joking moments, there was no laughter, and the atmosphere was one of utter disbelief. The players independently questioned as to what the heck just happened.
Now fine, that sounds like an isolated incident, perhaps a warning would suffice. But here's something that hasn't gotten out: this is not an isolated incident. Coach Bergman has repeatedly engaged in what, at best, can be described as inappropriate locker room talk. At best. I've been on many sports teams and locker room shenanigans are common and a welcome respite from the rigors of the game. What is not welcome is dropping your towel purposely to expose yourself to staff members. Nor is frequent talk about masturbation. Nor is repeated instances of assault on staff members. Bergman has done all of these.
Concerning Chris, I'm going to say this: he is one of the best workers that was on that team. He lived, breathed, BLED UCF baseball. He worked - and I'm not exaggerating here - over 80 hours every single week. He was never paid overtime. He SLEPT at his office and was the freaking glue that held all of this together. Maybe it was the fact that he was always around that made Chris a target with Bergman.
About UCF: what has not been mentioned is that UCF has conducted a lengthy internal and external investigation. This has been ongoing for a month. They met with Bergman. They met with Chris. They met with several staff members and players. UCF's attorney was there, a court reporter was there, at time higher ups from the athletic department were there. This was THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED. You had dozens of witnesses, you can't hide this. Like all of us who love Bergman, UCF reacted initially with extreme skepticism. It wasn't until after talking to all those involved that the severity of the situation became apparent. UCF is screwed because of Bergman's behavior - they're liable as his employer. But, UCF did not hastily fire Bergman. The field is named after the man. I understand the disdain for UCF, but have some sense - they're not going to muck up a good thing based on unsubstantiated stories. Get it through your head - Bergman actually did this.
Finally, I'm going to leave you with this: I'm a huge UCF baseball fan. I always have been and will continue to be that way. I'm extremely thankful for all that Bergman has done. That being said I'm not going to blindly follow the man because he's a magnificent coach. Guys, there is sports, and there is the real world. This is the real world. Please don't make this something similar to Varsity Blues, where the coach can do no wrong. Bergman can say whatever he wants to say through his attorney, but Chris has our FULL support. That doesn't just go for me, that goes for the entire athletic department. If he really wanted his "fifteen minutes of fame" he would be out there talking to all the news stations. He's not. He's probably scared to no end that this single moment is going to cost him his entire future. Bergman has his laurels to rest on. Chris might not even get a chance to earn his.
www.orlandosentinel.com
