Could Brian Kelly's stance on a controversial subject mean that he will not be considered for the Notre Dame head coaching position? (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)
Related Articles
In yet another bizarre twist in the Notre Dame coaching search saga, it appears that Brian Kelly's alleged pro-choice stance may lead to his removal from the short list of coaches in line to replace Charlie Weis.
Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times reports this morning that the latest controversy that's "lighting up the message boards of what might be the most plugged-in fan base in the nation: Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly is said to be pro-choice."
At every other school in the nation, one wouldn't consider a candidate's political ideologies to be on the AD's questionnaire in searching for a new head coach. Notre Dame, obviously, is an entirely different creature.
"Where precisely Kelly stands on what should be a private issue is uncertain, and frankly nobody's business, but if true it could be a deal-breaker for many on the Catholic university's campus," Hayes goes on to report. "Considering the highly charged controversy and subsequent protests over President Obama's commencement speech last spring, Kelly's stance on abortion could factor into Swarbrick's decision."
Hayes also points out that several other coaches rumored to be considered as potential head coaching candidates have come under fire for moral and ideological, as opposed to football, reasons. "Mike Leach is a Mormon. Jim Harbaugh is divorced. Jon Gruden had a DUI."
Today marks the end of Cincinnati's regular season so, whatever ND's interest in Kelly is, answers to many questions could be provided as early as today.
Reports and rumors, both silly and substantiated, continue to pour in. As long as they do, I'll continue to update you on the ND coaching search and Brian Kelly's status. Nothing is confirmed until someone signs! Check back and subscribe above for updates!
Comments
whats pro choice have to do with football
Let's get a couple things straight here:
1) The controversy at ND last May had to do with Obama being awarded an "honorary" degree. If ND had given him a "Thanks for Speaking at Notre Dame Presidential Plaque," there would have been no BIG controversy.
2) Brian Kelly is an individual. He can think what he wants. It's something called "freedom of choice." Whatever he thinks or does - as long as it's legal - it's his business. He does not speak for the U. of Cincinnati on non-football related matters, and he wouldn't speak for the U. of Notre Dame on such matters either.
There is no "uproar" about Brian Kelly among Notre Dame alums.
I disagree that Kelly's views should not be taken into account by Notre Dame when choosing a coach. Free speech gives Kelly the right to support Adolf Hitler, Karl Marx, the Ku Klux Klan, or Osama bin Laden. Would those views be considered irrelevant? It is the position of the Catholic Church and others that abortion is immoral. Would a convicted mugger or rapist be hired if he knew how to build a winning team? Not at ND - or nearly anywhere. And that's good. There;s too much hypocrisy on this issue. It's ok to screw people for a wisp of racism but not for supporting what many consider murderr.
Considering Notre Dame's AD said early on that Coach Kelly wasn't on his short this, this shouldn't be an issue anyway. Just because fans want or don't want something doesn't mean it will or won't happen. And speculating about the ridiculous, like BK going to ND is just that, ridiculous. Especially after he told his players he wasn't leaving. Why do people continue to refuse to believe him. Is there some reason his word should not be taken as fact? No. You can't base what BK will do upon what former coaches have done. That's absolutely absurd.
Peter Henderson: Being a rapist and being pro-choice are two completely different things. Everyone would agree that being a rapist is wrong, but more people believe pro-choice is moral than people who believe it's murder. Don't compare the two, they are on two completely different levels of morality.
Peter Henderson: Being a rapist and being pro-choice are two completely different things. Everyone would agree that being a rapist is wrong, but more people believe pro-choice is moral than people who believe it's murder. Don't compare the two, they are on two completely different levels of morality.
This abortion "rumor" is both silly and unsubstantiated. It's also ridiculous and preposterous. I'm a Notre Dame alumnus and fan and I'm not in an "uproar" of any kind. If a football coach is to be hired based upon his views on abortion, then why not all the professors, secretaries, clerical and custodial employees as well? What about their views on the use of torture or the morality of pursuing aggressive and optional wars of choice based upon lies, or the morality of capital punishment? What do we do about all those pro-choice recruits and their families? Why does the fanatical tail always get to wag the moderate dog in the "liberal" media? Just asking.
I am an ND alum, and I haven't heard one person talk about ANY coach's stance on abortion...and that goes for the last few coaches. This a is a trumped up story provoked by fringe Catholics, who do NOT represent me (Catholic, '98 grad) and MANY other grads. I am vehemently pro-choice and Catholic, and I couldn't care who the next coach is..as long as he is a good person, and tries to win games!!!
EJS - I should have read your comment first, it was much better than mine. I had a professor my sophomore year who was openly gay and who preached that Jesus Christ was merely a prophet, and not the son of God. Obviously, ND did not ask him about his views (by the way, I'm a liberal Catholic so no issues here with homosexuality).
On another note, I always find it fascinated that the most "pro-life" people are also the first people to support the death penalty. Such hypocrites. But I digress.
Social views have nothing to do with a coach...as long as he doesn't preach and teach his views.
This is absolutely the most ridiculous, untrue, and motive-driven article I have seen in a long time. Absolutely nothing about this is factual whatsoever...I'm here, at this campus, reading it's newspapers and listening to it's students and alumni. Not a single person cares about this. It doesn't exist. This article is meant to make somebody out there either feel better or second-guess Kelly.
It cracks me up that the most famous "Catholic" school in the country has put its foot in it again. Notre Dame is Catholic in the same way John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi and the Kennedys are... the school is a scandal and a disgrace to Catholics who are faithful to their Church. At Notre Dame, football is the true religion and the truth and beauty of the Church is a mere afterthought... or a speedbump.
I was among the hundreds of ND students who staged a pro-life rally on campus during commencement (when President Obama was awarded the doctor of laws degree), and care as much about the Catholic identity of the university as anyone, but I don't see how this hiring decision compromises that identity more than hiring a pro-abortion janitor. Screening an administrator for Catholic orthodoxy makes sense at a Catholic school; screening a coach would border on discrimination. I haven't heard anything from my pro-life friends here to suggest that they are "in an uproar" or feel differently than I do. This is not the Obama-commencement scandal.
To the people who keep comparing the death penalty and war to the abortion issue, I must cite the following (written by Pope Benedict):
"Not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion and euthanasia. For example, if a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the application of capital punishment or on the decision to wage war, he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. While the Church exhorts civil authorities to seek peace, not war, and to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible to take up arms to repel an aggressor or to have recourse to capital punishment. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia."
Maybe "Grace Kelly", Brian's daughter, will grow up with her father's values, and deny him a grandchikld due to abortion. Then see if he changes his anti-Catholic views.
Hey NCY.
Now you know why people refused to believe BK.
I don't like this arrogant, self-righteous coach. Now we can watch him on the sidelines, profusely cursing, chewing on one of his assistants or players. He is an embarassment.
I'm glad we bring up moral beliefs when it comes to coaching football, because the two have so much in common.
Jesus H, the guy is a football coach, not a freaking priest. Get a hold of yourselves.
And I second that there is absolutely no uproar. It's another hack on this pathetic website doing zero research and blowing things out of proportion.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!