From time to time, I like to make an award that I call my “Ethical Good Guy Award.” This blog is not one of them; there is no award coming to Carl Pelini. However, I think there will be redemption.
On November 1, 2013, AP writer Tim Reynolds reported on the fall of Carl Pellini, football coach for Florida Atlantic University, who was seen using both marijuana and cocaine by his assistant coach. The assistant coach, Matt Edwards, signed a notarized affidavit that was required by FAU for internal investigative purposes. A second individual also associated with the university, who had received a text from Pellini admitting to “occasional drug use,” also signed a statement.
There is, of course, no tolerance for the use of illegal drugs. According to the article:
“Pelini’s contract specified that if he used ‘any narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances’ he could be subject to firing. Pelini resigned Wednesday after being confronted with the allegations, and since he wasn’t fired the school may be able to recoup $500,000 because the coach terminated the contract himself.”
Pelini’s resignation was abrupt. He didn’t beg for hearings and he did not try to fight the allegations. It is also worth noting that his defensive coordinator, Pete Rekstis admitted to drug use for both marijuana and cocaine as well. To me, this signals deep seated problems that the university must address with its substance abuse program and policies, but that is a separate issue. I will add that Pelini walked away from an annual salary of $472,500 and Rekstis was making $145,000.
The Road Ahead
All too often we talk of men and women succumbing to severe lapses in their ethics. Frequently, they fight the indefensible, mount legal offenses and do their best to drag down everyone around them.
Pelini made no such moves. He was caught, he admitted his mistake and he resigned. Despite what his bosses or co-workers or the board of his university or the media thinks of him, he resigned with grace.
He has a drug problem and he knows it. He may also have some character flaws, but he understands what it means to do the right thing and the ethical thing. In leaving under grace he has set an example. He is walking away from a great deal of money, but he also understands that there are some things money cannot buy.
Although the football program was not doing well at the time of Pelini’s resignation, being the head football coach of a Division I team is pretty heady stuff. It may be years – if ever, before Pelini regains such status. However, if he can regain his dignity and fight his desire for drugs, he may find a strength that far outweighs his former status.
He is not alone
I have spoken in front of many groups where I scan the audience and see an employee who appears as though the days of his or her employment are nearing the end. It is just a look. I can spot it and even feel it; maybe because I have once been through it myself. It is extremely difficult to fight against the isolation of co-workers and bosses. The real key, always, is never to lose dignity and to keep your head high.
Admit your flaws, accept your fate and understand that the next place may be kinder, gentler and even happier than what you are leaving.
I believe Mr. Pelini will be just fine. There may be rough patches and soul searching; self-anger and even self-doubt. However, in his resignation under grace, he is on the first step of a new ethical journey. Embarking on such a journey can be difficult at first, but ultimately, exhilarating.