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

Les
You are truely a great man. Please keep up with broadcasting the tourney. I also apoligize to you for the comments that I have made in anger over the broadcast.

Les,

As a business person and sponsor from Norton I thought your comments this weekend did take away from the moment. Clay Madden and his dad are good friends of mine which made your comments stick out even more. Over the last 10 years I have helped KQNK radio do Bluejay Basketball. During that time I have also made statments I wish I could of taken back. So when I read your posting I felt like dropping you a note to tell you thanks. Thanks for being open about your comments and admitting you were in the wrong and thanks for taking time to help broadcast. I know very little about wrestling (even though I married into the Hahn/Whitney family here in Norton) but truly appreciated the broadcast.

Tell Rich I will have my check ready next year.


Thanks
Trent Richmond

That might be the longest post I have ever seen on here.

And, most definitely the best. May we all learn from it. I know I have. Thanks Les.

Les and Norton fans i hope i do not upset you!!!!!!

I think you are over reacting have any of you ever watched a pro football game do any of you know John Madden How many times last season did he say something stupid and completely off the wall.

Or that **** B-ball announcer that always says BABY my point is announcers cause controversy that's what they do. You have nothing to be ashamed of i watched it i thought you were right the ref gave him two points then waived his hand twice that would be 2 points in my book.

Yeah the people of norton are upset about it,

you said on a different post that you would quit if he wanted you to. that is absurd. there have been times when i thought John Madden was drunk he just does not make since some times.

Please don't hide the obvious if the ref calls a wrong call say something about it. a ref just like you and i are only human the make mistakes sometimes it could cost a wrestler his first match of the season or in this case it might have cost a kid a state championship.

I posted a comment about mike sample after the abilene chapman duel. You were upset with my words Mike however emailed me and asked me what i thought he did wrong we sent a few email back and forth and worked things out.

If a ref makes a bad call and nobody says anything then he will always do it.

I would be willing to bet that Mr. hewitt will be a lot clearer with his singles next year

YOu did a great job of calling the tourney do be so hard on you self.

Well written letter from Les Brown. Apology accepted. People are human, let me meet someone who doesn't make a mistake. It takes a bigger man to apologize.

From my eyes, I saw great wrestling, great refereeing, and a lot of fans that need to pick up a rule book.

That **** B-Ball announcer is a hall of famer and regardless what sport he announces deserves respect. I think sometimes people are forced into apologies, I know when I was a sports broadcaster if something was said that could negatively reflect the station...an on air apology and sometimes written letters had to be sent. Then you might even get the boot for a week or 2, in fact it happend to two of my colleagues. I believe this is a sincere apology, but alas, we all make mistakes and like Lucas said...sometimes announcers are there to stir up controversy, but in this instant I do believe that wasn't the intent.

First of all "Lucas B Baker", we're talking about Clay Madden...not John Madden. And Les...the Madden-Owings match confused and continues to confuse many. I also was broadcasting the match and thought that I had seen a two-count. And called it that way. It happens. It's not unprofessional broadcasting...it's calling what you see - or think you see. Not that it makes you feel any better, but mistakes come with any job, including broadcasting.

I thought the TV coverage was very good and hope you have the opportunity to cover it again next year. You do an outstanding job.

First of all "Mike"


We are talking about Les Brown

i thought he did a great job i used john as an example of a announcer that needs to leave the mic alone

Les does not he did a very good job and i hope he does it again.

Aaron i can not stand that announcer i change if he is on.

You don't think Vitale is AWESOME BABY?! LOL...Understandible, but give the guy a break...he's got passion, albeit maybe to much for the sport he loves.

Thanks go out to Mr. Les Brown for correcting an injustice. I realize that many of you on the other side of the fence do not feel there was a problem. But the KSHSAA which allowed KOOD to broadcast the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships, frowns on anyone that openly criticizes officials calls. We live in “Small Town America” and the broadcast was on Public TV not ESPN or Monday Night Football. The comments made during the match, by Les Brown, are not what angered Norton fans and Sponsors the most. However it was the comments made after the match that seemed to take away from Clay Madden’s “Special Moment”.

I personally have talked with Les Brown on the phone about this situation and I feel that it has been resolved. I will do everything in my power to make sure that Norton Businesses still support this very important broadcast of the State Wrestling Tournament.

We are all human and we all make mistakes. I think much more of Les now, because of his more that gracious apology You are a good man Les Brown.

I will consider this situation closed.

WRITE A BOOK!

hello Les,
i was once told it only takes only one ah-sh*t to erase 10 atta boys, and you have to have atleast ten more atta boys to make up for that one ah-sh*t.

its too bad that its seems to be human nature for people to remember great individuals for there screw-up's rather than thier accomplishemnts, (i'm talkin nixon great, not clinton great, clinton will always be a screw up!) anyway, you can do 30 years of good, but all is forgotten if you make one memorable mistake, and your branded for life.

anyway Les i dont think any less of you, people make mistakes, you have a wealth of knowledge, and your obvious love for the sport. you made a mistake and you acknowedleged it, owned up to it, apologized for it, and made amends for it, you took responsibility for your actions, its called INTEGRITY, and you Les, are a definition of it!

i wish more individuals would look to you as an example of what to do in situations when they find themselves in the wrong. unfortunately you see more inappropriate behavior such as denial, justification, side stepping responsibility, and trying to shift focus or blame.

you have done a great job in the past and i'll know you'll continue to do so in the years to come

i would like to touch on the great thing you did do, i liked the way you presented to matches, telling fans about the competitiors, where they were from, what year they were in school, thier gpa, the win loss record, how they advanced in the tournament, thier previous successes, and any other tid bits you shared.

i wish they would have covered the back side matches and consolation matches for 3th & 4th and 5th & 6th. maybe acknowledge how many qualifiers each team had, or show brackets on tv, to see how wrestlers advanced.

i thought the onscreen graphics were cool, showing name and score and team.

keep up the good work Les!

Tuffenugh

What did he do wrong i think if anybody did anything wrong it would be the Ref he was not clear with his hands Les called what he saw and what he saw was what he called i watched the replay and he was right left hand 2 points right hand waived twice. Please tell me what he did wrong and also were are you from?

Man am I in need of about 10,000 atta boys for Abilene then.

... and a huge attaboy goes to Les for his cleansing.

I have been in the same boat as Les a few times. There is nothing that makes a compassionate man feel worse than thinking that perhaps your actions or words have damaged, even in the slightest way, someone else.

In this period immediately following wrestling season, it seems that "soul searching" is very popular. A guilt-ridden heart requires a BIG bandage.

Les, we can only wish, that a few others on our beloved forums search their own hearts.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and their gracious acceptance of my apology.

I am still embarrassed and disappointed in myself. But the kind words will certainly allow me to feel more comfortable when I bump into many of you.

Again, thank you for your support and understanding.

Les Brown