Former South
Carolina coach reaches out to Chatman

Former University of South Carolina women's basketball coach Pam Parsons, whose improper conduct with one of her players was made public 25 years ago, has reached out to Pokey Chatman, who recently relinquished her position coaching the same sport at Louisiana State University because of allegations that she had an improper relationship with a former player, reports the Associated Press. With Parsons at the helm, South Carolina's Lady Gamecocks became one of the nation's most powerful teams. In 1980 she led them to a school record when they won a whopping 30 games for the season. However, her tenure came to an end when her sexual relationship with 17-year-old player Tina Buck became public knowledge. Chatman resigned because of an alleged sexual relationship with a former player and hasn't spoken to reporters since leaving her post March 7. But Parsons, 59, isn't passing any judgment and is sympathizing with Chatman's ordeal by offering her open arms. Parsons told AP that if Chatman called for advice, Parsons would "hug her completely and say, 'Oh, my gosh, I couldn't imagine anyone else in the universe would have a similar pattern to work through in life.'" She further stated that she was able to deal with her situation when she accepted the fact that she will always be haunted by her past. However, she does not know how long it would take for Chatman to reach that point.

"How and what she will need to do, I have no idea," Parsons said. "It may not even affect her." (The Advocate)