Favila: Issues cloud Leal's future at Harlingen South
Gilbert Leal’s last game might have been a 69-7 loss to Harlingen in Bird Bowl XIX on Sept. 30.
If it was, then his record as the Harlingen South Hawks’ head football coach will stand at 2-23 in two and a half seasons.
It may have improved to 3-23, but Leal was not allowed to coach during South’s 31-17 win over PSJA on Friday because early Thursday morning he was arrested by Harlingen police and charged with driving while intoxicated.
In a statement released Friday by the Harlingen school district, Superintendent Steve Flores said the district would continue to review Leal’s case and stressed that HCISD "remains committed to holding our employees to high standards and will continue to serve in the best interests of our great students, staff and community."
If Leal is found guilty of the charge, I would be very surprised if he would be allowed to keep his job. While I sympathize with him and truly believe that everyone deserves a second chance, the charge, if proven, can’t be ignored.
If Harlingen CISD allowed someone convicted of DWI to return to a head coaching position, it would set a dangerous precedent and make it look like the school district condones drinking and driving.
After the Hawks’ win Friday, rumors that Leal was going to resign filled the air at Boggus Stadium. While rumors like that are mere speculation, it wouldn’t surprise me if he were to beat everyone to the punch and walk away.
Unfortunately, Leal seems to have made things all too easy for his detractors.
It’s no secret that many Hawks fans blamed the football team’s lack of success on Leal and were anxiously waiting for him to leave or lose his job. This latest incident may have not only expedited their wish but given these fans more ammunition to use against the coach.
Furthermore, the Hawks were able to win without him — a fact that didn’t go unnoticed Friday night. In a pathetic display of poor sportsmanship, several fans could be heard chanting "Leal who" after the PSJA game.
Apparently, Leal is now the biggest scapegoat since Steve Bartman, which is a bit unfair. While he does deserve some criticism for the Hawks’ lack of success, he doesn’t deserve to shoulder all the blame.
What Leal does deserve right now is support and compassion. We all make mistakes, after all, and if the charge is proven, it would indicate he made a mistake — albeit a big one. And while it may ultimately cost him his job, it shouldn’t be an excuse for others to abandon courtesy and humanitarian concern.
One thing I can’t help wonder, though. What if Leal’s Hawks had been successful? What if his record was reversed and he was 23-2 with playoff appearances? Would a winning record change people’s perspective?
Mull on that one for a bit.
Dave Favila can be reached at davidf@valleystar.com or at 956-430-6214
