The tragedy of the University of Washington's athletic department

As the courtroom proceedings in the Neuheisel suit against the UW and the NCAA continues, it becomes more and more clear how likely it is that he will win.

And it's too bad.

It is clear that he acted unethically and perhaps even illegally. But it is also becoming clear that the misactions of UW officials gave him permission to act up, like a kid who knows that his parents may express disappointment but will do no more than frown.

The "wink wink nudge nudge" relationship between Barbara Hedges and Rick Neuheisel is only one indication of an organization out of control. Rick Neuheisel, coming from a program in serious trouble at Colorado, needed restrictions and close supervision.

It appears that the UW is taking steps to clean up its act. The tragedy, however, is that the two people most responsible for the mess, Barbara Hedges and Rick Neuheisel, will never have to face up to their responsibilities.