Ex-coach at Tam High ordered to stand trial for sexual battery

A former Tamalpais High School tennis coach charged with the sexual battery of a 16-year-old player lost his battle Wednesday to get the case dismissed.

[Tam Tennis Player]

Mr Klien, how does it feel to ruin the reputation of one of the most influential people in my and many others' lives? Reading your article, it is extremely apparent that you have not attended all the trials, or heard about all of the contradictions and ridiculous statements that 'John Doe' has made about the case. I love Burgos and all that he has done for me and all of the players that he has coached over the years. There is no doubt in my mind that he is innocent and that in the end, it will be your 'reporting' reputation that will actually be tarnished.

[SF GT3]

Wake up Tam kid. Multiple allegations = perv

[gfh]

I know a lot of people in the Tam community have difficulty dealing with this and emotions easily get stirred up, but I personally have a hard time accepting the knee-jerk response that these are completely baseless lies since Principal Holleran had put a written warning in Burgos' personnel file about this exact behavior. Even if the defendant is some kind of serial litigator, he had no way of knowing that Burgos had a history of this kind of behavior and had been previously reprimanded for it, which would lend these charges additional credibility.

I guess this becomes a question of who does the judge believe, since with only two witnesses it's possible that either is telling the truth. Maybe when this goes to trial more of this will come out. But the fact that Holleran was concerned about this before these allegations came to light to me says a lot.

[gfh]

The community's response also disturbs me because of the implications it has for future cases. In the event that there are instances of abuse involving other teachers at Tam in years to come, what message does it send to students hesitant to come forward when they see this kind of response? While Burgos' supporters are understandably shocked to see these kind of charges leveled at a man they respected, too often they have put their energy towards denigrating and discrediting the alleged victim in this case, which will only discourage students coming forward about legitimate allegations in the future.

[Tam Tennis Player]

Is it just a coincidence that all of these "witnesses" are either college drop-outs or flaming homophobics? Is it also just a coincidence that John Doe's recollection of the events have changed over the last two years? You are obviously just a product of the ridiculously biased IJ articles. You have NOT attended any of the preliminary hearings. You have NOT met or spoken to John Doe or Burgos. You have NOT done any research about the case. Therefore, your statements are completely unfounded and illegitimate.

[MarinOne]

Tam Tennis Player: you gotta admit, the blindfold thing is rather odd and a bit kinky. Even if the touching had been consensual, it is flatly AGAINST THE LAW for any adulTto inappropriately touch a minor. As a high school educator, Burgos knew that only too well, took his chances and is now suffering the consequences to his career and reputation. And all just to cop a feel. It's actually very sad.

[kmk]

Adults need to support young people who gather the courage to come forward and tell about these kinds of abuses. I am disappointed by the adults supporting Burgos. Maybe Burgos didn't sexually abuse your child, but it doesn't mean that he didn't abuse this boy. The typical profile of a teacher who abuses is one who is popular, well-liked by parents, and charming. It makes me wonder why people would be so adamant about supporting Burgos. A teacher should be 100% trustworthy; it is very rare when a sexual molester gets caught, so we should be praising this young man for following through, possibly saving hundreds of future victims.

[Suzy]

gfh wrote:

I know a lot of people in the Tam community have difficulty dealing with this and emotions easily get stirred up, but I personally have a hard time accepting the knee-jerk response that these are completely baseless lies since Principal Holleran had put a written warning in Burgos' personnel file about this exact behavior. Even if the defendant is some kind of serial litigator, he had no way of knowing that Burgos had a history of this kind of behavior and had been previously reprimanded for it, which would lend these charges additional credibility.
I guess this becomes a question of who does the judge believe, since with only two witnesses it's possible that either is telling the truth. Maybe when this goes to trial more of this will come out. But the fact that Holleran was concerned about this before these allegations came to light to me says a lot.

If he "had a history of this kind of behavior and had been previously reprimanded for it" he should be nowhere around children or in any kind of school environment.

[former tennis player]

It is ridiculous how adamant Burgos' supporters are about his innocence when they were not there. There are only two people who were there, and Burgos' integrity seems questionable given the number of allegations. And the accuser has not filed any kind of lawsuit, so what motive would he have to lie?
The accuser did not even decide to charge Burgos with a crime, the district attorney did. If people paid attention in court they would know that the accuser even said he did not KNOW if Burgos intentionally touched him in a sexual manner, he described what happened and said that he felt it was inappropriate.
It is a shame on the Tam community that just for telling the truth the accuser is ridiculed .

[Ted Sweden]

former tennis player wrote:

It is ridiculous how adamant Burgos' supporters are about his innocence when they were not there. There are only two people who were there, and Burgos' integrity seems questionable given the number of allegations. And the accuser has not filed any kind of lawsuit, so what motive would he have to lie?
The accuser did not even decide to charge Burgos with a crime, the district attorney did. If people paid attention in court they would know that the accuser even said he did not KNOW if Burgos intentionally touched him in a sexual manner, he described what happened and said that he felt it was inappropriate.
It is a shame on the Tam community that just for telling the truth the accuser is ridiculed .

I think that Burgos only did he`s jobb, i`m wondering, if the coaches all over the world now what position they are in. How easy it is to get into this type of situation, if you treet or give someone more attention,justise will always come out in the end. You hang in there.

[The Truth]

Stop this paper from exploiting people who live within the county of marin. Tell your family and friends to never buy or subscribe to the marin ij. I didn't go to tam, and I don't have any tolerance for pervs. but, i think its ridiculous to slander marin locals.

[Phil]

I know this incident happened a while ago, but I still feel bad for Burgos and all those who knew him. This kid as ruined everyones reputation including my own speaking as a proud to be bisexual. I think justices prevailed although I have been a bum since graduating from tam. I know everyone from the gay, lesbian and bisexual community are saddened by events like this. The gay community has often been hurt and ridiculed over the years and this is just another example of how poorly people can treat others. Their is a lot of controversy lately surrounding the gay community and homophobia. If I had been in that court room I would have been honored to say what a great coach and mentor Burgos has been to me. Because of people like him I am as I said earlier to be of such a strong community

[BGHOZ]

Tam Tennis Player wrote:

Is it just a coincidence that all of these "witnesses" are either college drop-outs or flaming homophobics? Is it also just a coincidence that John Doe's recollection of the events have changed over the last two years? You are obviously just a product of the ridiculously biased IJ articles. You have NOT attended any of the preliminary hearings. You have NOT met or spoken to John Doe or Burgos. You have NOT done any research about the case. Therefore, your statements are completely unfounded and illegitimate.

I hope to goodness your not on
the jury pool...flaming homophobics? Who are you addressing and HOW DO YOU KNOW they HAVEN'T been to any of these hearings?I recall an incident that happened during the time I was in high school that involved a coach...and he was very much in question and was found...guilty, that was way back in the day.Good thing the student had enough nerve to speak up.At one point the man was very well respected...shameful that there are those who hide behind the vail of deceit.