Here is the written statement the Montana State University-Norther Skylights attempted to present to coach Kevin Emerick:
The 2001-02 season has been a confusing and frustrating one for all involved in the Montana State University-Northern women's basketball program. In the midst of this disarray, we feel the well-being and opinions of the players have been sorely overlooked.
Until this point, we have remained relatively quiet on our position in the matter of Kevin Emerick's function as head women's basketball coach and Joan Steffen's function as assistant. We would like to take this opportunity to make our position clear. The Northern Skylight program has long carried with it a tradition of excellence. We feel this coaching staff compromises this tradition. As a group, we agree their removal is best for the program and the potential success of the remainder of this season. For the following reasons, we feel their immediate removal is necessary:
Verbal abuse
Psychological abuse
Inconsistent coaching style
Lack of respect for players
Lack of respect for players' personal rights
Lack of coaching ethics
Threats to forfeit the remainder of season
These concerns have become prevalent with the Montana Supreme Court decision resulting Kevin Emerick's continued reinstatement. He has made his position clear by stating: I can do anything I want to the team now, they can't get rid of me. Following this realization, the verbal and psychological abuse has increased, and we feel this abuse violates our personal rights which have been violated throughout the season.
As Skylights, we would like to be given the opportunity to carry on the renowned tradition of the Northern program. We feel this opportunity is jeopardized under the direction of the current coaching staff, Kevin Emerick and Joan Steffen. The consensus of the Skylight's remaining nine players is our refusal to take the floor under their coaching direction. Our intention is not to forfeit the remainder of the season. We would like to finish the season and postseason to the best of our abilities, but in the process protect our rights as players.
This situation is getting progressively worse and your immediate attention to our concerns is requested.
Thank you for your time,
Skylights
