By Phyllis Groner
Fank Deford addresses a Westport Library audience tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Sports writing legend Frank Deford returned to his former longtime hometown tonight to promote his latest book, opining on a wide range of subjects ranging from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to coach molesters.
Addressing a Westport Library audience, the popular NPR commentator and Sports Illustrated columnist read excerpts from his latest tome, “I’d Know That Voice Anywhere,” one of 19 books he has authored, and took questions.
Of the NFL and Goodell, he said: ‘He is an ordinary man in an very important position. He looks like a slick selling 76 trombones.”
As to the Super Bowl: “I can’t understand why 16,000 people are recruited to help at the Super Bowl as volunteer,” he said.
“Anyone involved in positions of power are making a huge amount of money, they are making a killing. Why would anyone volunteer to help when so much money is being made?
“Better, if you want to volunteer, there are lots of places—hospitals, museums, libraries and other places.”
He blasted coaches who are predators. “For the young athlete, coaches are very important,” he said.
Frank Deford signs books tonight for fans at the Westport Library. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Deford said coaches who molest children are almost worse even than molesting priests because of the bond between the young athlete and the coach who choses the team and works with the players.
“The Sandusky case finally brought out in the open the story of some coaches who take advantage of their charges,” he said of Jerry Sandusky, a convicted serial child molester and retired football coach who served as an assistant coach for his entire career, mostly at Pennsylvania State University under Joe Paterno.
Someone asked about colleges and universities, which make a lot of money from their athletics. He said coaches get paid while the athletes get no money but are responsible for the money coming in.
“They should get paid,” he said.
Deford, 77, who now lives in Key West, Fla. but says he is a frequent visitor to the colder climes to visit family and friends, ended his library visit by signing copies of his latest book.
