In the RG, read it all here:
The book is called “Missoula,” but don’t mistake it for someone else’s story.
The title could have been “Eugene.” Or “Corvallis.” Or any of a hundred other college towns where politics, sports and campus culture collide.
The latest book by Jon Krakauer, a Corvallis High graduate who wrote “Into Thin Air” and “Into the Wild,” chronicles instances of campus rape at the University of Montana, where the football team is a source of intense civic pride. The story takes place in the Rocky Mountains, but for many in Eugene, the subject hits close to home.
Jordan Johnson, one of the book’s central characters, was a star quarterback at Sheldon High before signing with Montana. Robin Pflugrad, the football coach fired in the midst of Montana’s sexual-assault crisis, graduated from North Eugene and was an assistant coach at Oregon.
The events are specific to Missoula, but the book’s themes will resonate with anyone who paid attention last spring when Oregon dismissed three basketball players accused of sexual assault. Before you assume it couldn’t happen here, remember that it already has. …
Meek has written many excellent pieces for the RG about the alleged Duck basketball gang rape and other big-time sports issues, e.g. here.
Bravo for Meek!