I agree with Jason Sapp and Coach Kevin Callahan whole heartedly about Coach D’s promise and potential to educate and coach students-athletes to become successful men and women, while underpinning the academic excellence associated with ND Graduates. But I have some concerns here today due to the seemingly impulsive firing of a good man. This man is a Hall of Fame Alum that you chose to acknowledge and exemplify when bestowing that honor upon him. An honor that illustrates years of committment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field. How can you – we degrade the man with a sudden termination and fire him after 1 football season? Have you performed due process to invesigate the matter brought forth? Is this how we treat our FAMILY MEMBERS now in 2013? With all due respect- in all my years, we as faithful Catholics have endured many indiscretions by fellow leaders of the Church, whose actions I know are more troublesome than anything you hold against this man! I stand confident in that statement because I have spent time with the Dawon, observing his heart and soul he shares with his players. His Character has a good moral compass. He is passionate in his pursuit of excellence! I remind you despite his accolades, he is still a man and the first to admint to mistakes but also ready to impart the lesson learned. You can’t deny this or else why have him teach our/your most prized asset?

I first met Coach D when he was a Student/Athlete at ND. I can relate to the Blue & Gold circulating within his veins. I know the difficulties when navigating the streets of BPT to succeed. He is and was the ideal TEAM MEMBER- He is your professional colleague, worthy of a courtesy that somehow seemingly has not been extended with your rash behavior to fire him instantly. Be careful when your action to bring resolve resembles a deeper evil or intolerance.

Sons and Daughters you educated both past and present stand behind this man. We embrace him as a significant FAMILY MEMBER. Please do not forsake HIM or US!

We are Notre Dame, in my day we had the character and fortitude to close ranks and identify issues but handle them all with dignity and class. That’s what you instilled in me and the thousands I can call fellow alumni!

I don’t apologize for the length, as family should be able to speak their minds openly. I do place my name here now to denote my support for the man and my beloved school: Mr. Stephen J. Almeida Jr.

I ask you in discharging your duties, do so fairly and openly. You have molded many men and women to become better citizens. None of us are without fault… none of us! Perform a self-assesment on the process in which you utilize to judge and determine an outcome… Was it in haste in this instant? A fair and impartial hearing is all we ask, something yourselves would no less demand!

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