How well I remember
the days of Gopher football with Jim Carter, a native Minnesotan, at fullback.
He was a heads-on and straightforward type of rugged runner. There were no
subtleties – just the old fashioned type of running usually associated with
Woody Hayes of Ohio State.
Now a candidate for
the Board of Regents of his beloved University of Minnesota, Carter is again being
straight forward and direct even when it comes to his own past indiscretions.
According to information leaked anonymously to KSTP Channel 5, Carter was
publicly intoxicated and sought sex while a Green Bay Packer some 40 years ago.
It was clearly an ugly
incident. Although no charges were filed, he was disciplined by the Green Bay
Packers and ultimately went through chemical dependency treatment.
In his interview with
a Channel 5 Reporter, Carter was open and totally honest and made no excuses. I
do not believe I have ever seen a person handle such a challenge with more
candor. It was a rare display of personal courage.
Now the question is
whether or not he is fit to serve as a Regent. My answer is “yes” and it is a
very emphatic “yes”. His level of honesty and openness is precisely what the
doctor ordered.
Every time a scandal
has occurred at the University, President Kaler, his management team, and the
Board of Regents have resorted to blaming others and giving evasive and, all
too often, untruthful responses. They ducked responsibility while Jim Carter
assumed it
His integrity and forthrightness
is desperately needed on the Board of Regents. He will be a superb servant of
the people.
