Your chance to weigh in on David Dash controversy

Here is Prep-dog's commentary from today's Sun regarding the David Dash situation. This issue has received wide-spread response, with dozens of readers weighing in on the topic on Web sites calhisports.com and goldenstatepreps.com. So far two Prep-dog readers have responded to this controversy, both in favor of leniency toward Dash. Anybody agree? Or does anyone think the punishment levied by CIF-SS is justified? Speak to the Prep-dog.

Showing a heart for Dash
John Murphy, Staff Writer

As previously reported, Miller transfer running back David Dash has been declared by the CIF-SS to be ineligible for sports for two years.

Since Dash is a sophomore, that means he's done for his prep career (pending appeal).

CIF-SS commissioner Jim Staunton said Tuesday the harsh penalty was dealt because the Dash family "was not entirely forthcoming" on the athlete's hardship paperwork.

Staunton would not specify what the Dashes weren't forthcoming about. But David Dash Sr. said they omitted the fact Courtney Dash - a senior softball player at Fontana - did not transfer to Miller along with David Jr.

Staunton said if CIF-SS had the omitted information, it would have likely impacted the section's initial ruling to make Dash eligible at Miller, a decision later rescinded when more information came to light.

Miller football coach Jeff Steinberg is not pleased about the section's two-year ban of Dash.

"I think it's horrible," Steinberg said. "It makes you wonder how these decisions are made. But I think it will eventually work out. He's a nice, hard-working kid who does what he's supposed to do in school."

A two-year ban, spelling the end of Dash's career? That is way too harsh and "not appropriate" - as Dash's lawyer Christian Anyiam of San Bernardino put it. The punishment does not fit the crime.

David Dash Sr. said he consulted both Miller High School and a CIF-SS official by telephone about Courtney Dash also transferring to Miller and being included on the hardship paperwork. He said he was advised against it, since Courtney had less than a half-year left until graduation.

The Dashes also appear to have a genuine hardship. Parents David Sr. and Lois have taken custody of two grandchildren due to the personal problems of an older daughter. The turn of events supposedly made David Jr.'s attendance and participation at a school all the way across town more difficult.

But did Steinberg recruit Dash? Not his style. Did the Dashes want the transfer because Fontana is struggling in football and Miller is excelling? Sorry, I'm not a mind-reader.

The light at the end of the tunnel for David Dash Jr. is the CIF-State appeal panel. After the Dashes file their appeal to the CIF-SS' ruling, it will wind up in the lap of the state appeal panel within 20 days.

As Redlands football coach Jim Walker said Wednesday, the multitude of curious transfers into all CIF-SS schools over the years should be considered. As Walker also opined, Dash does not deserve to be made an example of by the CIF-SS.

I think a suspension of three games is warranted - equalling Miller's 2008 non-league schedule. If CIF-State decides upon benching him from varsity sports for a year and he's relegated to junior varsity, that's acceptable.

But a two-year ban, spanning the rest of his prep career? That's excessive. Let's sprinkle a little compassion into the mix.