Accusations of racism directed at Aragon coach were misleading

I have been a supporter of Aragon athletics and have followed the varsity basketball team over the past three years. I do not have an intimate knowledge of the recent racism allegations but think that your article did not represent the school, coach, nor the city of San Mateo in accurate light.

I am a native San Franciscan having grown up in the heart of the Mission District's Latin barrio. As a Caucasian, I was truly a minority, however, I appreciated the cultural diversity of my upbringing.

Having moved to San Mateo eight years ago, being active with youth sports and raising two children, it didn't take me long to notice the eerie absence of African-Americans within the San Mateo sports system, be it baseball, basketball or soccer. The absence of African-American players in the San Mateo sports system left me and still strikes me with an uncomfortable oddness.

From my perspective, the dismissal of Rick Hanson was based solely on his performance as a leader and basketball coach and not on the allegations of racism.

Your empty fact about the lack of black players is false. The team had a black player on this year's team and will expect him back next year. Many of the Aragon teams that I have watch perform are racially integrated.

The lack of African-American student players at Aragon is an issue of residence and not one of racism.

Mike Arbunich

San Mateo<