Enough Is Enough
If Greenwich High School Coach Paul Burke drank with his students, he should lose his teaching certificate and be fired.
Seems like a lot of people know about this.
Was an investigation ever done at Greenwich High School?
Here Are Some Of The Comments....
Core says:
Three times the legal limit?? He's just begging for it...get rid of booze-bag.
town resident says:
How many times does it need to be said he has 5 DWI arrest!
He was wrong says:
Burkes personal life is a train wreck! He's dangerous and a liability to himself and others, that there is no argument with.
With regards to his professional life I would say things are different. By all accounts he is a first rate teacher and varsity coach. Both chosen professions are not well paid and for the most part under appreciated.
Contradictory to popular opinion teachers/coaches should not be your children’s role model. While children should respect and admire coaches, individual parents/family members should be the role model. Much like me, I'm sure you've all had coaches growing up that you loved and respected on the field. Off the field you knew they liked to drink and party.
I never followed this behavior because it wasn't a habit I saw at home. My true life lessons were taught(watched)at home, by the real role model/hero of my life...My parents. When I was growing up I can't remember ever seeing my parents drink. They probably did, but I never saw it. How many parents with young children can say that?
Let’s stop making excuses. Burke screwed up, but he will never be the reason your child drinks. The reason your child will drink is because they watch you drink!!!
EX GHS Student says:
Lets see I drank with the man when he was one of my teachers so please dont say he is a great teacher!
responsibilty says:
Drinking with minors is another of his many character flaws. But I would also say your parents are as much at fault for you drinking with Burke. Did your parents know, or better yet, question where you were? Did they know or care that you were drinking(regardless of with who)as a minor. Is drinking an open and exceptable behavior in your house?
Responsiblity comes from home...PERIOD!
Dana says:
As a grievance officer for my local community college, I have obtained five "last chance" agreements for faculty about to be terminated for alcohol consumption. They were, by all definitions, "excellent" faculty who wanted another chance. One worked in the childcare center, entered a rehab center, relapsed big time, and was fired. Another was killed in a DWI accident in Canada. The other three stayed sober during several random tests, but eventually relapsed and were fired. From experience with my alcoholic cousin, nothing--not even being fired--will confer upon the alcoholic the desire to quit. It all has to come from within. Maybe being fired will be the prompt with this coach; who knows? The much bigger, more immediate, problem is this coach being let out to drive and threaten the lives of others on the road. Unless he is kept off the road, his next casualty could be YOUR child.
dude says:
Burke is the man. Hes got some issues to deal with and hopefully he does. I don't like seeing someone destroyed like this in public. Thank god no one was hurt by his actions. Hopefully he'll learn from this and continue his great success in the classroom AND on the lax field!
GHS92grad
Athletes at GHS are obligated to follow an athlete code of conduct (lovingly referred to as Code). You are not supposed to engage in illegal activities (such as underaged drinking). If you do, you can be suspended from or kicked off the team. I am not a naive person. Most high school kids will drink at a party or with their friends. It is an entirely different thing when a coach (who presents you with the Code at the beginning of the season) goes to parties and drinks with you. This guy is basically saying that Code doesn't matter. It's okay to be a total hypocrite. Not only that, but he is undermining the efforts of all of the other coaches to keep kids focused on athletics and away from drugs and alcohol. So it is a very big deal that this particular coach drinks with his players. Parents should play the largest role in shaping a kid's values but teachers also do that albeit to a much lesser extent. I wouldn't want my kid learning any of this stuff Burke seems to be teaching. It seems to me that this man is also undermining parental authority with the example he is offering. Do as I say, not as I do!? What a joke.
Cliff says;
This dirtbag's life is being "played out in the newspapers" because he's proven himself to be a notable danger to the public. If he could conduct himself as a responsible adult and not a menace to society, he and his friends wouldn't have to worry about the bad publicity.
Vox Pop says:
It's a disease, but not a free pass.
Solomon says;
Cancer is a disease. Substance abuse is a choice.
former student says:
Paul! We love you still even with troubles. You made CLP awesome and we hope you can get the help that you need.
Early nineties GHS grad says:
the stuff that he was doing WITH students when I was at GHS should have had him fired. Why is he still here? Two words: Teachers Union.The teachers union exists to protect losers from the consequences of their actions.
Used to live in Riverside says:
You can question teens up one end and down another, but unless you have a GPS device installed internally, you have no idea where they really are going. Teens will follow the pack. Always have , always will.
If Greenwich High School Coach Paul Burke drank with his students, he should lose his teaching certificate and be fired.
Seems like a lot of people know about this.
Was an investigation ever done at Greenwich High School?
Here Are Some Of The Comments....
Core says:
Three times the legal limit?? He's just begging for it...get rid of booze-bag.
town resident says:
How many times does it need to be said he has 5 DWI arrest!
He was wrong says:
Burkes personal life is a train wreck! He's dangerous and a liability to himself and others, that there is no argument with.
With regards to his professional life I would say things are different. By all accounts he is a first rate teacher and varsity coach. Both chosen professions are not well paid and for the most part under appreciated.
Contradictory to popular opinion teachers/coaches should not be your children’s role model. While children should respect and admire coaches, individual parents/family members should be the role model. Much like me, I'm sure you've all had coaches growing up that you loved and respected on the field. Off the field you knew they liked to drink and party.
I never followed this behavior because it wasn't a habit I saw at home. My true life lessons were taught(watched)at home, by the real role model/hero of my life...My parents. When I was growing up I can't remember ever seeing my parents drink. They probably did, but I never saw it. How many parents with young children can say that?
Let’s stop making excuses. Burke screwed up, but he will never be the reason your child drinks. The reason your child will drink is because they watch you drink!!!
EX GHS Student says:
Lets see I drank with the man when he was one of my teachers so please dont say he is a great teacher!
responsibilty says:
Drinking with minors is another of his many character flaws. But I would also say your parents are as much at fault for you drinking with Burke. Did your parents know, or better yet, question where you were? Did they know or care that you were drinking(regardless of with who)as a minor. Is drinking an open and exceptable behavior in your house?
Responsiblity comes from home...PERIOD!
Dana says:
As a grievance officer for my local community college, I have obtained five "last chance" agreements for faculty about to be terminated for alcohol consumption. They were, by all definitions, "excellent" faculty who wanted another chance. One worked in the childcare center, entered a rehab center, relapsed big time, and was fired. Another was killed in a DWI accident in Canada. The other three stayed sober during several random tests, but eventually relapsed and were fired. From experience with my alcoholic cousin, nothing--not even being fired--will confer upon the alcoholic the desire to quit. It all has to come from within. Maybe being fired will be the prompt with this coach; who knows? The much bigger, more immediate, problem is this coach being let out to drive and threaten the lives of others on the road. Unless he is kept off the road, his next casualty could be YOUR child.
dude says:
Burke is the man. Hes got some issues to deal with and hopefully he does. I don't like seeing someone destroyed like this in public. Thank god no one was hurt by his actions. Hopefully he'll learn from this and continue his great success in the classroom AND on the lax field!
GHS92grad
Athletes at GHS are obligated to follow an athlete code of conduct (lovingly referred to as Code). You are not supposed to engage in illegal activities (such as underaged drinking). If you do, you can be suspended from or kicked off the team. I am not a naive person. Most high school kids will drink at a party or with their friends. It is an entirely different thing when a coach (who presents you with the Code at the beginning of the season) goes to parties and drinks with you. This guy is basically saying that Code doesn't matter. It's okay to be a total hypocrite. Not only that, but he is undermining the efforts of all of the other coaches to keep kids focused on athletics and away from drugs and alcohol. So it is a very big deal that this particular coach drinks with his players. Parents should play the largest role in shaping a kid's values but teachers also do that albeit to a much lesser extent. I wouldn't want my kid learning any of this stuff Burke seems to be teaching. It seems to me that this man is also undermining parental authority with the example he is offering. Do as I say, not as I do!? What a joke.
Cliff says;
This dirtbag's life is being "played out in the newspapers" because he's proven himself to be a notable danger to the public. If he could conduct himself as a responsible adult and not a menace to society, he and his friends wouldn't have to worry about the bad publicity.
Vox Pop says:
It's a disease, but not a free pass.
Solomon says;
Cancer is a disease. Substance abuse is a choice.
former student says:
Paul! We love you still even with troubles. You made CLP awesome and we hope you can get the help that you need.
Early nineties GHS grad says:
the stuff that he was doing WITH students when I was at GHS should have had him fired. Why is he still here? Two words: Teachers Union.The teachers union exists to protect losers from the consequences of their actions.
Used to live in Riverside says:
You can question teens up one end and down another, but unless you have a GPS device installed internally, you have no idea where they really are going. Teens will follow the pack. Always have , always will.
Drinking, or hosting drinking parties has never been acceptable in this household, because of the liabilities attached. Not all parents feel that way or practice the same approach. We can't police them 24/7 once they are driving. We can only hope we gave them the proper tools to make the right choices, the safe ones to protect themselves and those around them.
To have this coach attending drinking parties along side those he teaches and coaches...goodbye dude!!
I did lose a loved one to a drunken driver. It nearly destroyed my family! I have no sympathy for the man. He needs help, before he does murder someone or kill himself...double sigh!
"Not on my Watch" Sternberg said! This town and school have no background checks in place?!?!?
I did lose a loved one to a drunken driver. It nearly destroyed my family! I have no sympathy for the man. He needs help, before he does murder someone or kill himself...double sigh!
"Not on my Watch" Sternberg said! This town and school have no background checks in place?!?!?
There are too many talented, jobless teachers looking for employment in this economy. What the Hell is wrong with this picture!
GHS Grad gives more details:
It has been swept under the carpet.
Drank at his apartment in byram with him in the late 90's when he was living with Coach Brehm! and I was not the only one of his "students" not athlete's who drank with him.
Seriously responded to GHS grad:
This and your other quote about it's been swept under the carpet is sooooo true.
GHS Grad gives more details:
It has been swept under the carpet.
Drank at his apartment in byram with him in the late 90's when he was living with Coach Brehm! and I was not the only one of his "students" not athlete's who drank with him.
Seriously responded to GHS grad:
This and your other quote about it's been swept under the carpet is sooooo true.
More kids that know the truth have to speak out. He has done so many bad things.
DWI is bad, and will always be bad but some people act like it's not bad enough. Guess what, he's done worse...much worse. He shouldn't be anywhere near children ever.
I truly hope you report this to the newspaper.
They have a section to leave a private comment about him.
And guess what, there's more news on the way, so I hope all you kids speak up and tell once and for all how this man really is.
Most kids were too afraid of being a snitch or found him "cool." For one, doing that with a kid is not cool and two I can understand being worried when you have to go to the school but they will not put your name in the paper is you do not want to.
They just want as much info over the phone as possible so help out the town and do your part.
Thanks!!!
bob says:
when did the Greenwich Time become such a rag!!
bob says:
when did the Greenwich Time become such a rag!!
how would you like your life played out in the newpaper
Seriously responds to Bob:
Bob, how many times?
Seriously responds to Bob:
Bob, how many times?
As long as it takes for this SOB to get out of our town.
You would think differently if he had harmed a loved one of yours. You have no idea what you are talking about. He has harmed his players, his students, and it will only be a matter of time before he kills someone.
I've had enough of him. My child had him in 10th grade and I tried to get him tossed then.
He has problems and should not be near any children.
He's a name calling SOB and yes, I am name calling but the difference is I am not doing it to a minor and I am doing his name calling right back at him, as he deserves.
Wonder how he likes it!!!!
Feels great, doesn't it.
He deserves this.
I have always heard the saying treat people how you want to be treated.
He is getting treated right now, how he had treated so many CHILDREN!!!! and someone takes the keys away!!!
Jokes all around says:
First off Paul Burke is a good man whose just had some troubles along the way.
The reasons that he yells so much during games and practices, which leads to name calling is because his high level of passion for the game. He was probably raised up thinking that yelling is a motivation factor, which some kids arent used too.
Also most of the time he singles kids out or yells at them is because their parents are huge pains, so he retaliates on your kid, although not the best way.
To the man who claims to have drinken with him, I don't know how you can complain when you were drinking under the age, and I'm pretty sure that Burke nor anyone else had made you drink with him, along with anyone else who claims to drinken with him, if you felt uncomfortable in the situation why didnt you just leave, or why even go there in the first place?
So you shouldnt be complaining when you are the one that put yourself at the place.
As far as being a teacher goes no one said that your son or daughter had to look up to him, they choose their role models, and if you want them to choose the right one, then you as a parent should play that role in getting them on track.
Burke never had to be a teacher, or a coach, but he is trying to better the community and everyone in it to be not only smarter, but also better people, as well as better lacrosse players.
Everyone understands that Burke has had some troubles, but we should acknowledge the fact that he needs help. Bottom line is no one makes you interact with the man, and if you dont want your son on his team, then take your son off of it, dont try to take him away from this program, and the legacy he has started.(L T's for sut)
Duh resonds to Jokes all around:
Yeah,that's what he was doing at 2:30 in the morning,trying to make the community better.Then that stupid wall got in his way and prevented him from finishing his work.And those pesky cops with their breathalyzers.How can anyone make the community better with all those distractions!
And he IS a good man,don't all good men retaliate against parents by yelling and screaming at their kids?
And he doesn't make kids drink with him it's their choice so it's clearly not his fault.They could just go to his apartment and hang out and watch him drink.
See he's a real good man.
letsplay says:
Paul....you are the best and we are looking forward to a great lacrosse season.
Outrage says:
This is an outrage. This individual has a prior history of drunk driving. How dare you get him involved in Safe Rides. Who came up with this idea.
That person should also be fired. He should be isolated from our children, not made to speak to them. He is the worst example of an educator there can be. This has been known for years.
Cos Cob mom says:
I would not allow my children to get in a vehicle with him even if he was the "second person".
Jokes all around says:
First off Paul Burke is a good man whose just had some troubles along the way.
The reasons that he yells so much during games and practices, which leads to name calling is because his high level of passion for the game. He was probably raised up thinking that yelling is a motivation factor, which some kids arent used too.
Also most of the time he singles kids out or yells at them is because their parents are huge pains, so he retaliates on your kid, although not the best way.
To the man who claims to have drinken with him, I don't know how you can complain when you were drinking under the age, and I'm pretty sure that Burke nor anyone else had made you drink with him, along with anyone else who claims to drinken with him, if you felt uncomfortable in the situation why didnt you just leave, or why even go there in the first place?
So you shouldnt be complaining when you are the one that put yourself at the place.
As far as being a teacher goes no one said that your son or daughter had to look up to him, they choose their role models, and if you want them to choose the right one, then you as a parent should play that role in getting them on track.
Burke never had to be a teacher, or a coach, but he is trying to better the community and everyone in it to be not only smarter, but also better people, as well as better lacrosse players.
Everyone understands that Burke has had some troubles, but we should acknowledge the fact that he needs help. Bottom line is no one makes you interact with the man, and if you dont want your son on his team, then take your son off of it, dont try to take him away from this program, and the legacy he has started.(L T's for sut)
Duh resonds to Jokes all around:
Yeah,that's what he was doing at 2:30 in the morning,trying to make the community better.Then that stupid wall got in his way and prevented him from finishing his work.And those pesky cops with their breathalyzers.How can anyone make the community better with all those distractions!
And he IS a good man,don't all good men retaliate against parents by yelling and screaming at their kids?
And he doesn't make kids drink with him it's their choice so it's clearly not his fault.They could just go to his apartment and hang out and watch him drink.
See he's a real good man.
letsplay says:
Paul....you are the best and we are looking forward to a great lacrosse season.
Outrage says:
This is an outrage. This individual has a prior history of drunk driving. How dare you get him involved in Safe Rides. Who came up with this idea.
That person should also be fired. He should be isolated from our children, not made to speak to them. He is the worst example of an educator there can be. This has been known for years.
Cos Cob mom says:
I would not allow my children to get in a vehicle with him even if he was the "second person".
And - what were these parents thinking when they allowed thier kids to go away to a lacrosse camp in February with this coach?
Is the sport that dependent on him?
Shame on Dr. Sternberg too for allowing such a package to be created, as well as letting this guy continue to teach.
What will she will do with his job once he has to go to trial and he is away for days or weeks on end?
Keep it open with subs, which we all know is sooooo good for our kids.
Let's put an alcohol clause in the next teachers' contract.
Rickh says:
Why do they keep this guy as coach, it is a disgrace.I quess the parents of all the starters and but kissers like him
vwc says:
Does anyone know if Paul Burke has had DWI Arrests in his past - or convictions?
Is there a resource for finding this information out??
According to the Greenwich Round-up they are saying that the Sports Moms in Town say he has had four arrests? If this is true - and I am not saying it is - how the heck does he keep his job?
town resident Provides information:
he has had about 4 or 5 other dui arrest in the past and has served time in Chesire's detention center for it back in the fall of 99. I believe it was a 30 or 60 day stint.
Comedian Betty Sternberg says:
"Mr. Burke has maintained his innocence and looks forward to his trial," said Riccio.
"While we do not condone the behavior that led to Mr. Burke's arrest, he has taken responsibility for his actions and we expect that he will abide by the terms of the agreement and all state laws," Superintendent of Schools Betty Sternberg said in statement released Wednesday.
town resident adds:
sorry I need to correct myself he was in prison in July and august of 1999 for his thrid DUI arrest. which happened in stamford at the Mc Donalds off exit 9
why not says:
The article states that "The co-president of the Greenwich High School PTA, Laurie Heiss Grealy, also declined comment, saying that she cannot speak about personnel issues."
Since when is the PTA president not permitted to comment on "personnel issues"?
The PTA is under no legal restrictions in this matter. The PTA is supposed to represent parents, not the department of education or the teachers union. She most definitely should be commenting on personnel issues. I think that supine, don't-make-waves, never challenge the school administrators sort of mentality is a big problem with our town's PTA.
It should be pushing the school system to implement higher standards and challenging them to get better teachers.
Instead, they simply fork over the cash.
how interesting says:
Isn't it curious that Greenwich High School operates such a draconian disciplinary system, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on closed circuit television cameras that cover virtually every nook and cranny of the school, both inside and out, employ the biggest security staff of any school in the state of Connecticut, and also station an armed police officer there full-time who has made literally scores of arrests the past three years, yet when a teacher is repeatedly arrested for drunk driving, he is given a slap- no a tap- on the wrist.
What does that sort of double standard tell our children?
Ted Kennedy says:
This guy is a disgrace! Getting caught for such a lame offense
lack of balls says:
How can we as parents have our children respect an individual like Burke? I'm all for second chances, but third fourth and fifth I have a problem with. Being a coach and educator you should be held to a higher standard.
His job is in influence and mold kids into better citizens. His reckless "actions" speak much louder then his hollow words can ever do.Greenwich needs to start holding educators accountable for poor judgment! Only then will our children once again start "respecting" themselves, their peers, and their community.
Call back the Dogs says:
Paul Burke has been a positive influence on many students and athletes.
If the repeated arrests are true, then the man has an illness to deal with.
He is going to trial on this charge.
He has a suspension , additional town-imposed consequences, and public humiliation.
Most people lose their licenses, not their jobs, for DUI's.
His offense has not endangered any students.
Our kidsare not naive and could benefit from seeing humane efforts towards rehab vs.taking away his career.
G-townie reponds to Call back the dogs:
An illness...really?
Despite popular thinking on the subject, there is no credible scientific evidence to support the disease theory of Alcoholism.
Mr. Burke has no illness, what he suffers from is incredibly poor judgment, leading to criminal behavior. He is a repeat offender and can hardly be called "a positive influence." And his offense does endanger his students, in that it endangers society as a whole.
Furthermore, it has been proven that punishment is more effective than treatment for reducing DUI rates.
So losing his job may be the best thing for all parties, Mr. Burke included.
Aaron responds to Call back the Dogs:
Since when, in this country, do repeated drunk drivers ever lose their license???
If this coach had lost his on the first offense, there might not have been repeat offenses that cost him "public humiliation" and his job.
I understand the viewpoints of those who know, love, and see only the positive side of drunk drivers.
But the bare truth is that each time he drove drunk, he endangered the lives of others on the road,(would his sympathizers be so supportive if he had hit and killed a child?) besides his.
This country MUST get SERIOUS about drunk driving.
To not hold the drunk driver "really" responsible not only insults the free will and intellectual capacity of the drunk (in Europe, people drink but know NEVER to DRIVE drunk), but endangers the driving public.
Cos Cob mom adds:
How about random drug-testing & breathalyzers for the teachers? The Greenwich BOE only addresses this when it is critical and has made the newspapers, not as a prevention issue.
They also do not have any policy or procedure for students to report bullying by a teacher or a coach.
The "new" policy only has student-to-student!!!
I wonder how many times his behavior towards his students and athletes was dictated by his blood-alcohol level.He may have an illness, then it is time to deal with it out of teh sight of the teenagers.
OMG says:
You Cannot be serious. he was forced out of GHS in 90's, forced out at NC in 02, and forced out of Darien. Greenwich is once again the laughing stock of the fciac.
LAX Dad says:
It's a shame that our LAX team has to suffer the humiliation from the other FCIAC teams about this incident.Plus he will be gone for the first 2 critical weeks of the LAX season.Our boys deserve better than this!
hello says:
good luck this season coach burke! the worst is behind you. its all about lax now.
OMG reponds to hello:
The suspension is clearly an administrative formality. The beginning of the end. When he is convicted he will be terminated for sure. ther is no way one could justify keeping him. How do you force kids to sign a varsity code of conduct if the coach is the worst of them all. Their are dozens of more qualified coaches now looking for jobs
town resident gives more details:
I believe we have a lot of unedcated people in this town about paul burke! Lets see in the early 90's got himself in trouble for drinking with his player and also making them walk home from brunswick and taking the bus himself after a loss in the early 90's. Then was removed from coaching in both Darien and New Cannan for drinking with his players in the early 2000's and has had 5 DUI's atleast one stint in prison for his DUI's etc. I could go on but I do not think there is a need to!
greenwich gal says:
This "good teacher in the classroom" is a drunk.....how good a teacher is he really?
darien lax crudely says:
burke is LAX to the core- too bad his players arent. he's had some problems but hopefully he has learned from them..
its a shame burke isnt the kind of coach you can blow to get your son some playin time or that you dont have the cajounes to tell him that yourself...
gwich lax says:
burke is LAX to the core- too bad his players arent. he's had some problems but hopefully he has learned from them..
its a shame burke isnt the kind of coach you can blow to get your son some playin time or that you dont have the cajounes to tell him that yourself...
i love how darien thinks they know everthing just because they are good at lax....
ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT says:
This is straight from the handbook. I would think coaches should be held to a higher standard. Looks like he got the first offense. This administration is way to soft
The use of illegal substances: Any use, possession or involvement with illegal substances(drugs/alcohol/steroids) of an athlete is prohibited. This is a twenty-four hour rule, extends beyond theschool day, and includes the following circumstances:
• Being in a motor vehicle with alcohol or drugs regardless of whether the athlete is thepassenger or driver, or whether the athlete is in personal possession of any alcohol or drugs.
• Permitting the illegal consumption of alcohol or use of drugs in the athlete’s home or on anathlete’s premises.
• Postings on blogs and social-networking web sites that confirm a violation.
Failure to comply with this code will result in the following consequences:
• First offense - A two week suspension from all practices and games (minimum of two games).The athlete will be required to meet with her/his school social worker prior to rejoining the team. Upon completion of the suspension, the athlete may apply for reinstatement through a conference with the Athletic Director, Coach and Parent.
• Subsequent offense - A subsequent offense during the school year, will result in the removalof the athlete from their team for the remainder of their current season. The athlete will beineligible for any post-season awards, recognition or participation at team events, andexcluded from the opportunity of becoming a varsity captain.
Also:
EXPECTATIONS OF COACHES
• All coaches will instill an enthusiastic commitment to excellence.
• All coaches will create a safe, secure, and well-supervised environment for allstudent-athletes.
• All coaches will provide leadership that includes discipline, respect, and praise.
• All coaches will establish high expectations and declare well-defined goals.
• All coaches will offer all student-athletes an opportunity to succeed.
• All coaches will monitor student-athletes academic eligibility, and will encourage them towork hard, and to do their best in the classroom.
• All coaches will maintain communication among coach, student-athletes, parents andAthletic Director.
• All coaches will model appropriate behavior and language for student-athletes.
• All coaches will monitor and maintain the Greenwich High School Athletic Code of Conduct
Look in the mirror people says:
Every person who has written on this wall should take a step back, look in the mirror and take a deep breath and say, thank god I never got caught! You can't tell me that none of you have ever had a few drinks and got behind the wheel of a car?? How about all of you parents that allow your kids to drink at your house while your home??? Or the great examples you set for your kids when you go out to your fancy dinner's or your friends house for a party and have a few beers, finish a few bottles of wine, drink your scotch and vodka??? Your telling me you don't get in your car and drive home????????? Burke is a great lacrosse coach, he's passionate about the sport and has done wonders since he's returned to Greenwich High. If he is such a horrible person, why is it that every year more and more kids are coming out to play lacrosse for him at Greenwich High???? No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes...even the same ones!!! Good luck this year Mr. Paul Burke and the Greenwich Boy's Lacrosse team!!!
GHS92grad responds Look in the mirror:
I totally appreciate what you're saying. You feel bad for the guy but what you may not know is that he has a very long history.
It's sad, but he was a running joke shortly after I graduated in '92. He would go to high school parties. This is someone that has a problem not just with alcohol but with knowing where to draw the line. He sets a really bad example and I'm not saying that to sound like a pain in the ass parent. He is a huge liability.
What has to happen for the school to finally fire him?
He is incredibly reckless with his own life which could easily translate to endangering the lives of his players.
How many times have we been outraged when we see a repeat offender drunk driver kill a family by accident?
Those people don't wake up in the morning and say they are going to get trashed, get behind the wheel and kill someone.
Getting fired and being publicly humiliated may be in order for him to try and straighten out his life. It's sad ... really, really sad.
booze it up responds to Look in the mirror:
Let's see Paul drinks with his players in every town that he works in and well to an inmature high school student that seems cool until 5 years later and you have matured some.
Oh plenty of people do not allow their kids to drink at their homes or have friends over drinking.
Plenty of use are responsible and take cabs home.
But what you are missing on is that this is not a isolated incident!!
yes have we all screwed up before Yes!
But five or six times well that is a little out of control.
Don says:
They should fire him once and for all. He is a bad example for the team.
Why are the parents supporting him, this is not his first time this has happened.
It looks like all the butt kissing parents of the starters on the team are afraid they might get a fair coach if he gets fired and not a coach who favors his certain players.
He was unfair to many players on the team because of the influence from parents.
He also was an arrogant piece of garbage,(A DRUNK)
Athletic Director says:
Hey! Knock it off! Paulie wins games.
That's the bottom line.
I protect all the winners and the losers on staff get egged or are forced to quit.
Who cares if he can't teach?
He knows how to party with the kids and if the kids are happy, the parents leave me alone.
So get a life. Sports rule!
GPS Incompetence says:
"Burke will be back to coach in April so long as he complies with all the stipulations of the agreement, which additionally restricts him from consuming alcohol and requires him to undergo weekly counseling and submit fingerprints each year."
I hope this last sentence is a mistake. May I ask why he would have to submit fingerprints each year? Are his fingerprints going to change? Doesn't the school already have his fingerprints?
Shouldn't the agreement call for urine or blood testing every week?
I hope he has an obligation to report any arrest.
I believe the person who negotiated this agreement on behalf of the GPS was the same person who developed Major League Baseball's substance abuse program.
Laxfan10129 says:
Look Don there is no butt kissing starter parents on this Greenwich High school team. If you have followed the team recently you would know that they graduated 8 of the 10 starters. It look like this is a whole new year and every kid is competing for a spot.
also it is a bummer that he is suspended for 2 weeks in the beginning of the season because his actions our hurting the kids success.
DUH responds to Laxfan10129:
Isn't it strange that people are concerned about the success of the friggin lacrosse team on here?
This guy is a teacher first and a coach second.If you keep bringing him back every time he gets arrested for DWI what kind of example are you sending to every student in the school?
lam responds to Laxfan10129:
and laxfan...if his actions are hurting the kids...maybe he should've though through what he is doing. 2 wks suspension really? he should be fired from the school. use common sense seriously.
most of you are just as arrogant and disgusting as mr. burke sounds. a teacher who drinks, parties, and gets behind of a wheel while inebriated endangering others on the road is someone you would call an piece of ****.(pardon) but this is ridiculous. did we not just have 2 very important members of our community taken away from our town to drunk driving this yr. This is really outrageous, for all you "laxers" that support this horrid man. Clearly people make mistakes, but not this frequently. This is part of the greenwich phenomena of lacrosse, what a terrible unstrategical sport!:)
BRN responds to Iam:
Don't forget the kid killed on Sheephill Road.
BAC .29 !!!
3 1/2 times the limit !!!"
Burke's lawyer, Eugene Riccio, reiterated Thursday that his client is innocent."
"The suspension does not affect his teaching position, officials said."
"attorney Brendan O'Rourke helped negotiate the agreement of his suspension"
Probably includes salary and pension credit for jail time too.
Huh, Betty?
Annoyed says:
I am sick and tired of the US citizens thinking that people that are successful in their field should be "above the law."
A coach should not be excused from a third DWI just because he is a successful coach.
I know that Paul has a problem/illness that has to be dealt with and he needs to focus on rectifying this problem, not on winning lax games.
Let him go through the steps, recover, then return once he is a sober man--now that is a story someone can learn from.
Let's not have another story where a successful person gets a good lawyer and is forgiven of all wrong-doing.
LaxMan says:
Stamford will take him.
We need some good coaches and the police up here won't enforce the laws.
Hic!
Let's put an alcohol clause in the next teachers' contract.
Rickh says:
Why do they keep this guy as coach, it is a disgrace.I quess the parents of all the starters and but kissers like him
vwc says:
Does anyone know if Paul Burke has had DWI Arrests in his past - or convictions?
Is there a resource for finding this information out??
According to the Greenwich Round-up they are saying that the Sports Moms in Town say he has had four arrests? If this is true - and I am not saying it is - how the heck does he keep his job?
town resident Provides information:
he has had about 4 or 5 other dui arrest in the past and has served time in Chesire's detention center for it back in the fall of 99. I believe it was a 30 or 60 day stint.
Comedian Betty Sternberg says:
"Mr. Burke has maintained his innocence and looks forward to his trial," said Riccio.
"While we do not condone the behavior that led to Mr. Burke's arrest, he has taken responsibility for his actions and we expect that he will abide by the terms of the agreement and all state laws," Superintendent of Schools Betty Sternberg said in statement released Wednesday.
town resident adds:
sorry I need to correct myself he was in prison in July and august of 1999 for his thrid DUI arrest. which happened in stamford at the Mc Donalds off exit 9
why not says:
The article states that "The co-president of the Greenwich High School PTA, Laurie Heiss Grealy, also declined comment, saying that she cannot speak about personnel issues."
Since when is the PTA president not permitted to comment on "personnel issues"?
The PTA is under no legal restrictions in this matter. The PTA is supposed to represent parents, not the department of education or the teachers union. She most definitely should be commenting on personnel issues. I think that supine, don't-make-waves, never challenge the school administrators sort of mentality is a big problem with our town's PTA.
It should be pushing the school system to implement higher standards and challenging them to get better teachers.
Instead, they simply fork over the cash.
how interesting says:
Isn't it curious that Greenwich High School operates such a draconian disciplinary system, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on closed circuit television cameras that cover virtually every nook and cranny of the school, both inside and out, employ the biggest security staff of any school in the state of Connecticut, and also station an armed police officer there full-time who has made literally scores of arrests the past three years, yet when a teacher is repeatedly arrested for drunk driving, he is given a slap- no a tap- on the wrist.
What does that sort of double standard tell our children?
Ted Kennedy says:
This guy is a disgrace! Getting caught for such a lame offense
lack of balls says:
How can we as parents have our children respect an individual like Burke? I'm all for second chances, but third fourth and fifth I have a problem with. Being a coach and educator you should be held to a higher standard.
His job is in influence and mold kids into better citizens. His reckless "actions" speak much louder then his hollow words can ever do.Greenwich needs to start holding educators accountable for poor judgment! Only then will our children once again start "respecting" themselves, their peers, and their community.
Call back the Dogs says:
Paul Burke has been a positive influence on many students and athletes.
If the repeated arrests are true, then the man has an illness to deal with.
He is going to trial on this charge.
He has a suspension , additional town-imposed consequences, and public humiliation.
Most people lose their licenses, not their jobs, for DUI's.
His offense has not endangered any students.
Our kidsare not naive and could benefit from seeing humane efforts towards rehab vs.taking away his career.
G-townie reponds to Call back the dogs:
An illness...really?
Despite popular thinking on the subject, there is no credible scientific evidence to support the disease theory of Alcoholism.
Mr. Burke has no illness, what he suffers from is incredibly poor judgment, leading to criminal behavior. He is a repeat offender and can hardly be called "a positive influence." And his offense does endanger his students, in that it endangers society as a whole.
Furthermore, it has been proven that punishment is more effective than treatment for reducing DUI rates.
So losing his job may be the best thing for all parties, Mr. Burke included.
Aaron responds to Call back the Dogs:
Since when, in this country, do repeated drunk drivers ever lose their license???
If this coach had lost his on the first offense, there might not have been repeat offenses that cost him "public humiliation" and his job.
I understand the viewpoints of those who know, love, and see only the positive side of drunk drivers.
But the bare truth is that each time he drove drunk, he endangered the lives of others on the road,(would his sympathizers be so supportive if he had hit and killed a child?) besides his.
This country MUST get SERIOUS about drunk driving.
To not hold the drunk driver "really" responsible not only insults the free will and intellectual capacity of the drunk (in Europe, people drink but know NEVER to DRIVE drunk), but endangers the driving public.
Cos Cob mom adds:
How about random drug-testing & breathalyzers for the teachers? The Greenwich BOE only addresses this when it is critical and has made the newspapers, not as a prevention issue.
They also do not have any policy or procedure for students to report bullying by a teacher or a coach.
The "new" policy only has student-to-student!!!
I wonder how many times his behavior towards his students and athletes was dictated by his blood-alcohol level.He may have an illness, then it is time to deal with it out of teh sight of the teenagers.
OMG says:
You Cannot be serious. he was forced out of GHS in 90's, forced out at NC in 02, and forced out of Darien. Greenwich is once again the laughing stock of the fciac.
LAX Dad says:
It's a shame that our LAX team has to suffer the humiliation from the other FCIAC teams about this incident.Plus he will be gone for the first 2 critical weeks of the LAX season.Our boys deserve better than this!
hello says:
good luck this season coach burke! the worst is behind you. its all about lax now.
OMG reponds to hello:
The suspension is clearly an administrative formality. The beginning of the end. When he is convicted he will be terminated for sure. ther is no way one could justify keeping him. How do you force kids to sign a varsity code of conduct if the coach is the worst of them all. Their are dozens of more qualified coaches now looking for jobs
town resident gives more details:
I believe we have a lot of unedcated people in this town about paul burke! Lets see in the early 90's got himself in trouble for drinking with his player and also making them walk home from brunswick and taking the bus himself after a loss in the early 90's. Then was removed from coaching in both Darien and New Cannan for drinking with his players in the early 2000's and has had 5 DUI's atleast one stint in prison for his DUI's etc. I could go on but I do not think there is a need to!
greenwich gal says:
This "good teacher in the classroom" is a drunk.....how good a teacher is he really?
darien lax crudely says:
burke is LAX to the core- too bad his players arent. he's had some problems but hopefully he has learned from them..
its a shame burke isnt the kind of coach you can blow to get your son some playin time or that you dont have the cajounes to tell him that yourself...
gwich lax says:
burke is LAX to the core- too bad his players arent. he's had some problems but hopefully he has learned from them..
its a shame burke isnt the kind of coach you can blow to get your son some playin time or that you dont have the cajounes to tell him that yourself...
i love how darien thinks they know everthing just because they are good at lax....
ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT says:
This is straight from the handbook. I would think coaches should be held to a higher standard. Looks like he got the first offense. This administration is way to soft
The use of illegal substances: Any use, possession or involvement with illegal substances(drugs/alcohol/steroids) of an athlete is prohibited. This is a twenty-four hour rule, extends beyond theschool day, and includes the following circumstances:
• Being in a motor vehicle with alcohol or drugs regardless of whether the athlete is thepassenger or driver, or whether the athlete is in personal possession of any alcohol or drugs.
• Permitting the illegal consumption of alcohol or use of drugs in the athlete’s home or on anathlete’s premises.
• Postings on blogs and social-networking web sites that confirm a violation.
Failure to comply with this code will result in the following consequences:
• First offense - A two week suspension from all practices and games (minimum of two games).The athlete will be required to meet with her/his school social worker prior to rejoining the team. Upon completion of the suspension, the athlete may apply for reinstatement through a conference with the Athletic Director, Coach and Parent.
• Subsequent offense - A subsequent offense during the school year, will result in the removalof the athlete from their team for the remainder of their current season. The athlete will beineligible for any post-season awards, recognition or participation at team events, andexcluded from the opportunity of becoming a varsity captain.
Also:
EXPECTATIONS OF COACHES
• All coaches will instill an enthusiastic commitment to excellence.
• All coaches will create a safe, secure, and well-supervised environment for allstudent-athletes.
• All coaches will provide leadership that includes discipline, respect, and praise.
• All coaches will establish high expectations and declare well-defined goals.
• All coaches will offer all student-athletes an opportunity to succeed.
• All coaches will monitor student-athletes academic eligibility, and will encourage them towork hard, and to do their best in the classroom.
• All coaches will maintain communication among coach, student-athletes, parents andAthletic Director.
• All coaches will model appropriate behavior and language for student-athletes.
• All coaches will monitor and maintain the Greenwich High School Athletic Code of Conduct
Look in the mirror people says:
Every person who has written on this wall should take a step back, look in the mirror and take a deep breath and say, thank god I never got caught! You can't tell me that none of you have ever had a few drinks and got behind the wheel of a car?? How about all of you parents that allow your kids to drink at your house while your home??? Or the great examples you set for your kids when you go out to your fancy dinner's or your friends house for a party and have a few beers, finish a few bottles of wine, drink your scotch and vodka??? Your telling me you don't get in your car and drive home????????? Burke is a great lacrosse coach, he's passionate about the sport and has done wonders since he's returned to Greenwich High. If he is such a horrible person, why is it that every year more and more kids are coming out to play lacrosse for him at Greenwich High???? No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes...even the same ones!!! Good luck this year Mr. Paul Burke and the Greenwich Boy's Lacrosse team!!!
GHS92grad responds Look in the mirror:
I totally appreciate what you're saying. You feel bad for the guy but what you may not know is that he has a very long history.
It's sad, but he was a running joke shortly after I graduated in '92. He would go to high school parties. This is someone that has a problem not just with alcohol but with knowing where to draw the line. He sets a really bad example and I'm not saying that to sound like a pain in the ass parent. He is a huge liability.
What has to happen for the school to finally fire him?
He is incredibly reckless with his own life which could easily translate to endangering the lives of his players.
How many times have we been outraged when we see a repeat offender drunk driver kill a family by accident?
Those people don't wake up in the morning and say they are going to get trashed, get behind the wheel and kill someone.
Getting fired and being publicly humiliated may be in order for him to try and straighten out his life. It's sad ... really, really sad.
booze it up responds to Look in the mirror:
Let's see Paul drinks with his players in every town that he works in and well to an inmature high school student that seems cool until 5 years later and you have matured some.
Oh plenty of people do not allow their kids to drink at their homes or have friends over drinking.
Plenty of use are responsible and take cabs home.
But what you are missing on is that this is not a isolated incident!!
yes have we all screwed up before Yes!
But five or six times well that is a little out of control.
Don says:
They should fire him once and for all. He is a bad example for the team.
Why are the parents supporting him, this is not his first time this has happened.
It looks like all the butt kissing parents of the starters on the team are afraid they might get a fair coach if he gets fired and not a coach who favors his certain players.
He was unfair to many players on the team because of the influence from parents.
He also was an arrogant piece of garbage,(A DRUNK)
Athletic Director says:
Hey! Knock it off! Paulie wins games.
That's the bottom line.
I protect all the winners and the losers on staff get egged or are forced to quit.
Who cares if he can't teach?
He knows how to party with the kids and if the kids are happy, the parents leave me alone.
So get a life. Sports rule!
GPS Incompetence says:
"Burke will be back to coach in April so long as he complies with all the stipulations of the agreement, which additionally restricts him from consuming alcohol and requires him to undergo weekly counseling and submit fingerprints each year."
I hope this last sentence is a mistake. May I ask why he would have to submit fingerprints each year? Are his fingerprints going to change? Doesn't the school already have his fingerprints?
Shouldn't the agreement call for urine or blood testing every week?
I hope he has an obligation to report any arrest.
I believe the person who negotiated this agreement on behalf of the GPS was the same person who developed Major League Baseball's substance abuse program.
Laxfan10129 says:
Look Don there is no butt kissing starter parents on this Greenwich High school team. If you have followed the team recently you would know that they graduated 8 of the 10 starters. It look like this is a whole new year and every kid is competing for a spot.
also it is a bummer that he is suspended for 2 weeks in the beginning of the season because his actions our hurting the kids success.
DUH responds to Laxfan10129:
Isn't it strange that people are concerned about the success of the friggin lacrosse team on here?
This guy is a teacher first and a coach second.If you keep bringing him back every time he gets arrested for DWI what kind of example are you sending to every student in the school?
lam responds to Laxfan10129:
and laxfan...if his actions are hurting the kids...maybe he should've though through what he is doing. 2 wks suspension really? he should be fired from the school. use common sense seriously.
most of you are just as arrogant and disgusting as mr. burke sounds. a teacher who drinks, parties, and gets behind of a wheel while inebriated endangering others on the road is someone you would call an piece of ****.(pardon) but this is ridiculous. did we not just have 2 very important members of our community taken away from our town to drunk driving this yr. This is really outrageous, for all you "laxers" that support this horrid man. Clearly people make mistakes, but not this frequently. This is part of the greenwich phenomena of lacrosse, what a terrible unstrategical sport!:)
BRN responds to Iam:
Don't forget the kid killed on Sheephill Road.
BAC .29 !!!
3 1/2 times the limit !!!"
Burke's lawyer, Eugene Riccio, reiterated Thursday that his client is innocent."
"The suspension does not affect his teaching position, officials said."
"attorney Brendan O'Rourke helped negotiate the agreement of his suspension"
Probably includes salary and pension credit for jail time too.
Huh, Betty?
Annoyed says:
I am sick and tired of the US citizens thinking that people that are successful in their field should be "above the law."
A coach should not be excused from a third DWI just because he is a successful coach.
I know that Paul has a problem/illness that has to be dealt with and he needs to focus on rectifying this problem, not on winning lax games.
Let him go through the steps, recover, then return once he is a sober man--now that is a story someone can learn from.
Let's not have another story where a successful person gets a good lawyer and is forgiven of all wrong-doing.
LaxMan says:
Stamford will take him.
We need some good coaches and the police up here won't enforce the laws.
Hic!
You can join the conversation at the
Greenwich Topix message boards:
Now that Greenwich Roundup is getting between 1300 And 1900 Unique Visitors A Day Greenwich Parents And Taxpayers No Longer Have To Put Up With Board Of Education Cover Ups And Complacent Reporting From The Greenwich Time
PLEASE SEE:
Local parents and sports moms, are saying that Lacrosse coach Paul Burke at GHS has recently received his 4th DWI.
If this is true Greenwich Roundup is stunned and outraged that this man still hold this position of leadership and authority!
Where is the local news coverage?
Where Are Is Hearst Newspaper Managing Editor Bruce "Lets Cover It Up" Hunter?
Why are school parents and taxpayers always kept in the dark?
Why is it that we must always learn about the Greenwich High School Headmasters leadership failures from upset and disgusted parents at GHS.
Greenwich Roundup doesn't want to raise rumors, that is is just cruel if it's not true.
However, if the coach really has four DWI's he should be going to jail.
However, if the coach really has four DWI's he should be going to jail.
Alternatively, someone who knows him might try to get him into AA before Greenwich children are harmed.
But I if 4 DWI arrests haven't accomplished getting him into AA, nothing will.
But in no way should Coach Burke be traveling with or be around children till this latest DWI situation is dealt with openly and transparently. We just should not take a chance with Greenwich children being around a an instructor with poor judgment and a lack of control.
Some parents are saying there some kind of meeting last night at the high school where Burke read a prepared statement.
It has been said that Burke has figured out a way to get out of the 4 times and in jail deal by having his arraignment delayed by several weeks so he only has 3 DWIs within a certain period.
Greenwich Roundup is not up on the exact specifics and was not invited to the meeting last night but heard about it from outraged Greenwich Roundup readers who were there.
There was no Greenwich Time coverage today in the paper - However, we guess that no one is surprised that Greenwich Time Managing Editor Bruce Hunter Is Once Again Helping Greenwich High School Headmaster Alan Capasso keep a lid on things.
What kind of parent would allow their
young lacrosse player to be put in this position?
young lacrosse player to be put in this position?
Unfortunately this is the kind of role model that GHS headmaster Alan Capasso is providing for impressionable children in Greenwich.
On one hand we are telling teens that they should not drink and that there will be dire consequences if they violate Connecticut State laws and The Cardinal Code.
But on the other hand we are telling teens it is alright if your coach gets 4 DWI's.
Your coach gets to keep his job for something a student would get suspended or expelled for.
Why is it that student athletes get suspended for violating the Cardinal Codes prohibitions on drinking.
But Coach Burke gets protected.
Clearly Greenwich Headmaster Alan Capasso And Coach Paul Burke Are Both Displaying An Incredible Lack Of Judgement
Greenwich High School Headmaster Alan Capasso And Coach Paul Burke Are Both Invited To Send Letters To GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com and explain this situation.
Greenwich Roundup Would Also Be Very Interested
In Publishing Coach Paul Burke's Written Statement From Last Night.
Did Greenwich High School Headmaster Alan Capasso Approve This Statement?
When Greenwich Roundup Types
Greenwich Time Managing Editor Listens
And
Puts Rookie Reporter Debra Friedman
On The Drunk GHS Coach Story
Greenwich Time Managing Editor Listens
And
Puts Rookie Reporter Debra Friedman
On The Drunk GHS Coach Story
Debra,
Per your request.
Anne Semmes <asemmes@gmail.com>
All,
FYI
Kim EvesDirector of Communications
Greenwich Board of Education
290 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 203-625-7415
e mail: kim_eves@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Fax: 203-869-8003
While Rookie Reporter Debra Friedman Plays Catch Up
Greenwich Roundup Delivers You Betty Sternberg's Statement
Greenwich Roundup Delivers You Betty Sternberg's Statement
Statement from:
Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
Superintendent of School
“After a comprehensive review, Greenwich High School’s Head Coach for the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team, Paul Burke, has been suspended as Coach for two weeks following his arrest on a charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI). A number of stipulations have been specified in a ‘Last Chance Agreement’ that must be adhered to upon Mr. Burke’s return from suspension. The Agreement requires a meeting, as was conducted on Monday night, for Mr.Burke’s lacrosse players and their parents to acknowledge the incident and to share with them the consequences for his actions.
In addition to and among other stipulations, Mr. Burke will donate the entirety of his coaching salary for this year to a victim rights advocacy group and he will volunteer his time with the Red Cross Safe Rides program as an adult supervisor. While we do not condone the behavior that led to Mr. Burke’s arrest, he has taken responsibility for his actions and we expect that he will abide by the terms of the agreement and all State laws.”
COMMENT FROM GREENWICH ROUNDUP:
Some Greenwich Parents Are Saying That Coach Paul Burke Is Going To Trial In An Effort To Avoid Jail Time Because Of Previous Criminal Arrests.
Coach Burke's Lawyer, Eugene Riccio, Is Very Sharp, Because In The So Called "Last Chance Agreement" He Negotiated With School Officials Will Protect His Teaching Job If He Relapses Once Again.
Burke will be back to coach in April so long as he complies with all the stipulations of the agreement, which additionally restricts him from consuming alcohol and requires him to undergo weekly counseling sessions.
If Burke fails to comply with the agreement, he will be required to resign as head coach, but will still keep his teaching job and still have contact with children.
Paul Burke, His Lawyer Or School Officials Are Welcome To Provide Comments To This Blog To Tell There Side Of The Story
There is no "silver bullet'' for ending drunken driving.
In fairness to Mr. Burke, we all make stupid mistakes. But like a shot in the dark some of these mistakes are far worse than just stupid: They are tragic.
I almost lost my wife to a drunken driver who was speeding down the wrong side of the road. He totaled our GMC Jimmy and speed off inhis damaged car.
Person''s who cane to the aid of my wife were able to get the license plate of the drunk.
This driver had been arrestted for drunk driving previous to almost killing my wife.
Driving under the influence is one such mistake. But the far greater and deadlier threat is repeat DUI offenders like Mr. Burke. They continue to drive drunk despite previous arrests.
By most estimates, repeat DUI offenders make up about a third of drunk driving arrests. And even though their licenses may be revoked, it is estimated that 50 percent to 75 percent of them still drive, even without a license. A repeat DUI offender's behavior is difficult to change. Many of them have severe alcohol problems.
Yet, our state's efforts to punish or rehabilitate them don't appear to be working. Repeat DUI offenses are commonplace in our state. Unfortunately, many also end in tragedy for the offender or an innocent victim. Recently, one such case in on Sheepshill Road demonstrates just how deadly this "mistake" can be.
Our state lawmakers should draft a bills that are designed to help reduce DUI recidivism by mandating interlock devices for all offenders, introducing staggered sentencing and repeals an expungement provision for offenders to promote accurate record keeping of DUIs.
It is my understanding that Mr. Burkes legal manuvers are designed to manipulate the punishment that is due, because he is a repeat offender.
Expunging these offenses only serves to enable or even encourage repeat offenders to continue driving drunk by reducing their sentences for future DUI offenses.
There are good arguments for expunging conviction of first-offense DUIs after say a dozen years, but if any further DUIs are accumulated at any time in the future the repeat offender's prior cases should be restored to his record and used to extend revocation of licenses or jail time.
Other ideas are also worth debating to get repeat DUI offenders off the road. For example, lowering the blood-alcohol content limit for convicted DUI offenders or creating a state Web site that lists the names, addresses, photos, descriptions of offenders' crimes, etc.
Greenwich Roundup sincerely Hopes That Coach Paul Burke Gets Help This Time And That He Swears Off The Alcohol That Has Caused Him So Many Problems
Greenwich High School has suspended its longtime boys varsity lacrosse head coach after he was charged in a drunken-driving incident in 2008, officials said.....The suspension does not affect his teaching position, officials said. Burke teaches English at Greenwich High School.....Burke will be back to coach in April so long as he complies with all the stipulations of the agreement, which additionally restricts him from consuming alcohol and requires him to undergo weekly counseling and submit fingerprints each year.....
GREENWICH PUBLIC SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
BETTY STERNBERG SAYS:
BETTY STERNBERG SAYS:
"Things were done at that time relating to that incident,
but that was not on my watch."
but that was not on my watch."
By Debra Friedman
STAFF WRITER
Suspended Greenwich High School lacrosse coach Paul Burke was required to sign a "Last Chance Agreement" to keep his athletic position because a 2008 drunken driving arrest was not his first, school officials confirmed Thursday...... In addition to the two DWI charges, Burke served 30 days in Webster Correctional Institute in Cheshire in August 1999 after he was convicted of driving while his license was suspended for DWI, according to state Department of Corrections records ..... According to police, Burke smashed his BMW Z4 into a stone wall on June 15, 2008, on Middlesex Road. He had a blood alcohol content of .29 percent -- more than triple the legal limit -- and was coming from Greenwich at the time of the crash around 2:30 a.m., according to the arrest warrant. He was arrested two months after the accident and charged with DWI
NO, DUH DEBRA
GREENWICH ROUNDUP TOLD YOU EARLIER IN THE WEEK THAT THE PUBLIC SCHOOL HAD BEEN COVERING UP FOR PAUL BURKE'S SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM OVER AND OVER
WHY CAN'T ROOKIE GREENWICH TIME REPORTER DEBRA FRIEDMAN AND HER BUDDIES AT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH?
COACH PAUL BURKE NEEDS TO START GOING TO AA
NO ONE IS HELPING HIM OR PROTECTING CHILDREN BY MINIMIZING OR COVERING UP THIS ONGOING PROBLEM
ROOKIE REPORTER DEBRA FRIEDMAN INCOMPLETE GREENWICH TIME SO-CALLED "NEWS STORY" CONTINUES.....
Records from the school's human resources office confirm that Burke had a prior DWI arrest and served time in jail on the suspended license charge, according to Ellen Flanagan, human resources director for Greenwich Public Schools. According to an on-line database, Burke had a prior DWI arrest in 1998. It is not clear where the offense took place...... Burke was hired by the school as a teacher in 1990 and briefly resigned during the 1991-1992 school year. He was rehired the next school year and has been employed as a teacher with the school ever since, Flanagan said......
HEY DEBRA WHAT'S UP WITH THAT 1991 RESIGNATION?
Shouldn't Hearst Newspaper Stories Tell Us Who, What, When, Where And WHY ?
Well This Is Rookie Greenwich Time Reporter Debra Friedman's Second Attempt At Telling The Whole Story.
Yesterday, Her First Story Only Reported About Betty Sternberg's So-Called "Last Chance Agreement That Does Not Affect His Teaching Job If He Gets Arrested Again"
Now Today Rookie Greenwich Time Reporter Debra Friedman Partially Reported On The Previous Arrests, Jail Time And Resignations That Have Been Covered Up For Years.
Maybe, Tomorrow Rookie Reporter Debra Friedman Will File A Third Report And Do What The Late Journalist Paul Harvey Used To Do....
TELL US THE REST OF THE STORY
If Rookie Reporter Friedman Fails To Deliver The Story It Will Once Again Prove That Greenwich Time Managing Editor Bruce Hunter Need To Be Replaced By Hearst Newspapers.
School officials told Rookie Reporter Debra Friedman that Coach Paul Burke supposedly immediately notified them of the Darien accident in June of last year and of his arrest last August.
But, school officials did nothing all of last semester or half of this semester, until concerned Greenwich High School parents started getting fed up with GHS Headmaster Alan Capasso's cover ups and started talking to citizen journalists and bloggers in Greenwich.
Then all of a sudden there is an emergency meeting with school officials and lacrosse parents.
Then, after Greenwich Roundup broke the Paul Burke DWI story, Greenwich Public School Superintendent Betty Sternberg suspended Mr. Burke and issued her so-called "Last Chance" statement.
If Greenwich Time Managing Editor Bruce Hunter doesn't get rookie reporter Debra Friedman to tell the rest of the story to the parents and taxpayer of Greenwich, then parents and school officials are going to once again bring the details to Greenwich Roundup.
And Hearst Newspaper President Steven Swarts
is probably going to start saying......
"Why Am I Paying Bruce Hunter All This Freaking Money When Citizen Journalists And Blogger Are Scooping The Greenwich Time Day After Day."
UPDATE:
MORE COMMENTS HAVE BEEN POSTED AT TOPIX
ABOUT GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL COACH PAUL BURKE'S
POOR JUDGEMENT AND PAST BEHAVIOUR:
mike noonan says:
Coach burke is hardly a good coach. He is average. A good coach does not lose 3 games in a row to rfield. GHS has had assts over the years who are better than him. He is a creepy dude with a aste for more than the sauce. anyone who has known him for a long time knows how off he is.
The only supporters he has are people that have known him for less than three years. His history goes back fifteen years.
Greenwich has the biggest and most athletic youth league in the stae. A blind man could look good coaching ghs the last few years. The facts are that he has lost more big games than he has won. also when he was terminated from ghs in 90's he threw out all the ghs stat books becuz he was so bitter. He threw away thirty years of stats.
He has done more harm than good to ghs lax. GHS is for sure the laughing stock once again. he will be fired when he is convicted for sure. he is a spoiled NC rich kid who has had everything handed to him. Plus he is queer. I hope he stays at ghs so that the comedy show continues.
GHS has fired coaches with twice his talent and character.
Vinny Iavino fired burke from NC for drinking w laxers @ a house sitting gig. BOTH VINNY AND PAUL TOLD ME.
Ask the Pace family in riverside what he was all about.
Cabrera says:
maybe if he was in bed early on friday nights he could have lead ghs to just one win over rfield.
In 2003 he called a time out vs wilton in a tie game with one minute left. After the time out he put eleven people on the field and wilton scored on the man up. Sweeeeeet move. He cost us the biggest win ever. I will never forgive him. He stank like beer during the timeout and basically screamed at us then sent too many players onto the field. I was too young to realize how screwed up it was.
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