Community Corner

Oakland University Basketball Scandal and More in Patch Local Voices

Find out who is posting on Patch and how you can get started.

Your voice. Your community.

The Patch Local Voices section can be a powerful tool for yourself, your group or your business. It's the perfect place to promote a big event coming up, voice your opinion on something you are passionate about or share tips from your career field. 
Each Sunday we will feature some of Patch's most interesting Local Voices writers, show you who is posting on Patch and how you can get started.

OU's Women's Basketball Scandal: What Now? What's Next?

Kristen Famiano, Rochester resident, recently posted on the Oakland University Women's Basketball scandal, where former coach Beckie Francis has been accused of mental and emotional abuse.

"As a former basketball player, coach, and school counselor, I am outraged on many levels," Famiano writes in the blog.

She also had many questions about the situation.

"This article and others focus on Beckie Francis but not the former President, Gary Russi. What did he do or not do? Did he resign over loyalty to his wife? Was he aware of alleged incidents that occurred? Was he a part of them? There is an untold story here. What about the other adults? I'm sure at the very minimum...the trainers and assistant coaches were aware. Were they intimidated as well? Is anyone out there defending Beckie Francis? Is the school offering current players counseling?"

Kristen Famiano describes herself as a School Counselor, Mental Health Advocate and Michigangster. She also posts on mental health issues and other topics. You can follow her blog on Patch.

Who else is posting on Patch?


Here’s how you can get started right away:
  • Click the "Start Blogging" button on your Patch homepage.
  • Start writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. (Just don’t use all caps!)
  • Upload a photo to illustrate your blog that you own or have permission to use. You can also just use a Patch logo offered on the page.
  • Hit “Create your blog”
Success! You Created a Blog! Now you can:
  • Write your first post
  • Share something and it will appear on the home page.
  • Dress up your blog.
  • Add cover photos.
  • Tell your followers on Twitter
  • Find your blog in the "Your Blogs" menu next to your Profile
Instructions and links are all right there on the page!

Questions? Contact Patch Community Editor Jason Alexander at jason.alexander@patch.com or 810-488-1353. 

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