My Dad began taking me to kid wrestling tournaments while I was in kindergarten or first grade. It goes without saying that I really had no idea at the time just how big of an influence this early exposure to our wonderful sport would have upon my life.
I was able to experience a bit of success along the way and I still fondly recall my days of competition. But, over time I eventually came to the realization that the most beneficial influence for me was not the 15 seconds of fame. Instead, it was the influence on character development provided by the coaches, fans and friends that impacted my life so greatly during and after my days of competition.
With this revelation in mind, it became important for me to find a way to give back to the sport that had done so much for me. Upon my relocation back to Northwest Kansas in 1998, I was presented with such an opportunity to give back and additional opportunities soon followed. Included was the opportunity to provide color commentary of live television coverage of the 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament.
But after several years of attempting to provide a positive impact on our sport, I now realize I am responsible for an error in judgment that caused a disservice to our sport. During this weekend's state tournament, I, in poor taste, identified some officiating efforts that appeared in my mind to be questionable. Not the least of which came in the 112 pound state final bout between Norton's Clay Madden and Plainville's Paul Owings. During an exchange late in the match, Owings was able to score a takedown on a well executed headlock. In the exchange, it appeared to me as though the lead official, Kevin Hewitt (who I incorrectly identified as Mark Hewitt) signaled a two count while watching for near fall exposure points.
Based on my perception, I referenced my observation on air when near fall points were not awarded. And during an instant replay of the exchange I felt I found confirmation of the apparent near fall. To make matters worse, following the match I continued my series of errors by making commentary indicating that Clay Madden's second state title was surrounded in a bit of controversy. Obviously, this entire episode was inappropriate for a number of reasons.
Upon reviewing Mr. Hewitt's account of the event posted upon a popular Kansas high school wrestling website and upon my subsequent viewing of the videotape, I found my assessment was wrong. After watching the exchange on videotape several times Monday evening, I was able to confirm Mr. Hewitt did signal a one count in near fall criteria with his right hand, but criteria was broken prior to his achieving a second count. He then signaled a two-point takedown with his left hand before once again indicating a second, but separate, one count with his right hand. In short, I mistook Mr. Hewitt's signal for the takedown to be a second near fall count.
Mr. Hewitt, regardless of whether my observation had been accurate or inaccurate, my commentary during and after the match was inappropriate. And because of this I find it necessary to apologize to you and any other official who was negatively impacted by my commentary while they provided a necessary, but often times thankless, service to our wrestling community. This was an inconsiderate and inappropriate act on my part and I am sorry.
Secondly, my commentary was inappropriate and inconsiderate because it detracted from the joy associated with the accomplishment of a second state title for Clay Madden and the accomplishment of a state team title for the Norton Blue Jays. For this I extend my heartfelt apology to Clay, his family, the entire Norton wrestling community and the fine Norton merchants who provided underwriting support for this telecast. I have nothing but my reputation to support this statement, but please know my act was an error in judgment and not an intentional act intended to discredit your title winning performances.
An apology is in order to the entire wrestling community, regardless of team affiliation, and also to the Kansas State High School Activities Association. I am sorry if my commentary tarnished this year's outstanding version of the state 3-2-1A wrestling tournament.
Next it is also obvious that my commentary was an injustice to the merchants across central and northwest Kansas who provided underwriting support for the telecast. Without their support, continued coverage of the tournament will not be possible. I can only hope that my acts will not prevent their future support of this important and unique telecast coverage.
Finally, I need to apologize to the fine folks at Smoky Hills Public Television and to my broadcast partner, Rich Epp. Smoky Hills Public Television expended a great deal of effort to bring this event to live television and I am sorry my commentary has caused some to voice displeasure with them and with Mr. Epp. With this in mind, I would urge each of you to recognize the acts were my own and not those of Smoky Hills Public Television or of Mr. Epp and, as such, I would ask that you avoid any retribution toward them – it was not their error, it was mine.
Ours is a close-knit community - one that is largely supportive of everyone associated with the sport. I can only hope any division caused by my acts will be short lived.
In closing, I can assure you of three things. The content of my commentary was not meant to be a malicious or intentional act; it was simply a case of poor judgment. Secondly, I can assure you that I will continue to do all I can to support and promote our great sport. And lastly, given the opportunity, I will provide the same knowledgeable and insightful wrestling coverage, that I have become known for – but next time with an emphasis on wrestling not inappropriate commentary.
Should you have questions or concerns regarding this incident, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
Apologetically,
Les Brown
835 South Grant Avenue
Colby, Kansas 67701
(785) 460 2435
