Reader: Claims against Abraham Lincoln coach Oscar Ponce show destructive power of media

Our post about a sex assault charge targeting Abraham Lincoln cross-country coach Oscar Ponce noted the unlikeliness of these allegations in light of his status as a DPS star and role model. That got one of our readers thinking about how quickly reputations can be tarnished or destroyed -- a...

By Michael Roberts

December 16, 2011

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Our post about a sex assault charge targeting Abraham Lincoln cross-country coach Oscar Ponce noted the unlikeliness of these allegations in light of his status as a DPS star and role model. That got one of our readers thinking about how quickly reputations can be tarnished or destroyed -- a comment made before police issued a second charge against Ponce, whose current whereabouts are unknown.

Citizeninneedofunbiasedreporting writes:

With all due concern for the alleged victim, it is disconcerting how a person with an impeccable record can be brought down and convicted by public opinion and the media based solely on one accusation. I hope and pray that this young person is ok, in all sincerity. I understand needing to take immediate action. However, the police report and media reporting are heavily tilted to one side, especially considering these are just allegations at this point. Oscar has spent 34 years building his reputation in the community I hope that these allegations are either founded and true, or they (the media and public opinion) retract and make right these heavily biased reports.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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