COLUMN ASSUMPTIONS INACCURATE

After reviewing the article by Jennifer Gillan "No sympathy for stupidity," concerning Mike Radon, it is quite clear that Ms. Gillan utilized the article to express her personal opinion, which included none of the facts surrounding the issue - just assumptions and a 'personal attack' on Mike and our family. I would like to take this opportunity to set the story straight by providing factual information.

In spring 2003, Mike made a decision to move forward where there were greater opportunities for achieving his academic and athletic goals. He requested his transfer from Coach Hofher/UB and release of his football scholarship, and both were granted. Mike was then advised by the coach to proceed immediately to the Athletics Compliance office to sign all of the necessary documents. Once these were signed, the release from his athletic scholarship would be approved, and Mike would be free to transfer at the end of the school year. This all transpired on April 14, 2003.

At that point, Mike went straight to the compliance office, signed the documents, and was told that he would need copies to take to his new school. He was never told by anyone at UB that he was enrolled for fall classes or that his Athletic Advisor (who modifies an athletes schedule in any way) had taken the liberty to do so for him. It completely baffles me that Mike was expected to drop classes when he clearly did not enroll for fall, and had no indication that his advisor had registered him for classes.

Mike was removed from his football scholarship effective June 2003. The official letter dated June 3, 2003 states "you have indicated that you intend to transfer to another college and will not be returning". We received five bills, not notices to drop classes. Upon receiving each bill, beginning in August, I immediately corresponded with the university, wrote letters (both Mike and myself), stating that he is not enrolled. I sent his transcripts and fall schedule from MSU, after speaking with the Bursars office; UB sent their transcripts to MSU. UB said Mike had to physically come to the university, and drop his classes. How could he, I questioned, when he left for Missouri June 1, came home for Christmas after football season, and UB at that point was on winter break. After numerous phone calls and letters, I gave up! UB was relentless, and said I, personally, could not drop his classes, again Mike had to do it physically himself. No one "sat back and watched", as Jennifer states. We, the Radon family, have a high regard for the University of Buffalo, and were grateful for the opportunity given to Mike. Upon Mike's transfer, there was no animosity on anyone's part.

Mike is a 3.3 GPA Honor Student-athlete, majoring in international finance/business, with a minor in French. He also carries a full schedule, while playing football for Missouri State University. Mike was selected in his first year at MSU as their student-athlete representative to the NCAA Leadership Conference, one of the most highly respected programs in all levels of college sports. I would think that any person with the least amount of intelligence would understand that Mike is a very bright and competent individual and would have done whatever was required of him, if he was made aware of those requirements.

I have been informed by several athletic departments that scholarship athletes at the Division I level are assigned advisors/counselors who assume the responsibility for the academic part of the athlete's scholarship. Some critics may refer to this as "pampering," but this seems to be "standard procedure" in D1 athletics and shouldn't be blamed on the athlete. That appears to be the way the system works in major collegiate sports -- maybe that is where the problem exists and needs to be addressed by the athletic department and the university.

In closing, Mike is now enjoying success academically and athletically at Missouri State University. He requested a red-shirt in 2004, as he personally decided to move to free safety to further his future athletic opportunities. Mike was actually recruited in high school by Michigan and Penn State for the "free safety" position, but chose to play at the QB spot at UB, as he truly has a love and passion for Western New York. Missouri State fully supported and endorsed his decision, granted his request, and he now has 2 years of eligibility. His first game (his debut at free safety) was Sept. 3, 2005, against Division I-A Arkansas. Mike had a great game and received Gateway Conference Defensive Player of the Week. As Jennifer states...."It's a part of growing up and becoming an adult"... Mike has truly done so, and his decision to transfer to MSU proved to be the right choice!