In case you missed it, here’s The Dallas Morning News article about lesbian former SMU basketball player Jennifer Colli’s lawsuit against the school and Coach Rhonda Rompola (pictured above). Colli alleges that her scholarship got revoked after she complained that Rompola had made inappropriate comments regarding her sex life and other gay relationships on the team. Interestingly the lawsuit alleges that Rompola herself had “long-term relations” with a female assistant coach. However, the article goes on to say that Rompola married a man last year. So what gives here? Can anyone help me out? Also, you didn’t hear this from me, if you’re looking for a humorous and somewhat offensive comment thread about this story, check Deadspin.
5 Comments
Penny Marshall called, she wants her face back!
Rompolo married the former men’s basketball coach and he is coaching at another school. They have a long distance relationship.
My name is Kisa Jackson and I am the C.E. O. of K. J. Production. I’m also a lesbian playwright, GLBT activist, Legacy of Success Foundation member and devoted to several organizations in the gay, lesbian, bi and transgender community. My reason for this letter is based on an article published about Ronda Rompola the head women’s basketball coach at Southern Methodist University. I have known Ms. Rompola for over 13 years and not once has she or anyone on her staff ever said anything negative or derogatory toward my sexuality or any organization I have worked with. There have been several occasions my organization called Mrs. Rompola for tickets throughout there season for a lesbian teen group I mentor, and without hesitation we not only received tickets but T-shirt from Mrs. Rompola, and the SMU coaching staff. Every year for seven years straight Halloween night a group of teens and I walk Ronda’s neighborhood to go trick a treating because she wants the teens to be in a safe environment. I could go on and on about the kind hearted and charitable things Mrs. Rompola has done for the community, not because she was required to but because she wanted to. Sure she could voice to the GLBT community all she has done since her name is being slandered but a true person’s character is shown when your reputation is in question. Has anyone looked at all she has done to help so many children including her basketball team for over 17 years at SMU? Not once has anyone ever come forth to say anything against her until now, that doesn’t make you question that person’s motive? K.J. Production will stand beside Ronda Rompola as well as several other organizations in the GLBT community until the end of this unfortunate ordeal. We believe in all the hard her work she has done, her passion, loyalty and commitment but most of all her heart.
Sincerely,
Kisa Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
Rhonda grew up in my home town of Sayreville NJ. When we played basket ball behind Washington school there wasn’t a man on the court that could match her. Who cares about her sexuality. She is getting paid to do what she does best and thats coach basketball. Rhonda, it was a pleasure getting wooped on the court by you and best of luck to you and your husband.
Rich Switzer
I happen to know for a fact from someone who was standing right next to The Coach when she made one of the statements and I quote from the Coach “What the F*** is wrong with you? You didnt get any P**** for your _ _ _ _ girlfriend or something last night? That was just one of many examples that are true statements from the Coach herself. There have been many instances from her and the other coaches.
THIS COMES FROM SMU STAFF THAT WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE COACHES AND OTHER WOMENS BASKETBALL STAFF
THIS IS A FACT. I liked the coach for about a year but then found out about all of the news and WOW…not right.