OXFORD, Maine — Oxford Hills School District football coach Paul Withee resigned from his post Monday morning after school officials received a complaint from a parent that Withee had posted a nude picture of himself on Facebook.
School Superintendent Rick Colpitts said Monday that he met with Withee, who also taught mathematics and science at the Oxford Hills Middle School, on Monday morning and accepted his resignation.
“He has chosen to resign for personal reasons. He is no longer employed with us,” Colpitts said.
Colpitts confirmed reports that Withee posted a nude picture of himself on his Facebook page last week that was intended to be seen by a personal friend but instead was inadvertently posted publicly.
A parent in the district discovered the picture and notified district officials on Feb. 7. Withee was immediately placed on paid leave, which is the normal procedure, while the district began an investigation.
Withee, a three-time state champion during his 19 years as football coach at Foxcroft Academy, was named the new varsity football coach at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in March.
Colpitts said that as far as he is aware, only the parent saw the picture, which Withee immediately took down as soon as he discovered the mistake. Under school district policy, teachers are allowed to “friend” students on Facebook, but as far as he could tell, Colpitts said Withee had no Oxford Hills School District students as “friends” on his page.
Coplitts said Withee did not do anything illegal. He simply made a mistake. “There was never any malicious intent. It (the picture) was never intended for the public. He tried to correct it. I feel badly for him. I wish him well,” Colpitts said.
Withee said Monday that his Facebook page was personal and that he has no students as “friends” on it.
“I’m embarrassed, I’m ashamed, I’m humiliated,” Withee said when reached Monday. He said the picture was on the social media page for no more than a half-hour when he discovered what had happened and tried to correct it.
“I’ve never done anything like this before and I never will again,” he said.
“You have to be careful with what you do with social media. You can get yourself into a lot of trouble and something you love can be taken away from you just like this,” he said.
A substitute has taken over his classes at the middle school.
To see more from the Sun Journal, visit sunjournal.com.
Pretty sad story…..the guy simply screwed up what was supposed to be a private message. Possibly ruined his career with one click of the mouse. Facebook is a terrible thing sometimes.
Yep. People have to realize nothing online is private.
And maybe the parent that found the pic could have realized that this was a simple mistake and could have treated it as such…I hope this person is happy now…
On the other hand one does have to wonder what kind of “Friend” he could possibly have on facebook that would want to see a photo of him (As just reported on the news) naked? A really odd thing to do under any circumstance. I’m pretty sure his old football drinking buddies wouldn’t be impressed. Was he looking for love the wrong way in all the wrong places? If so he may be in need of a check-up from the neck-up rather than a “Check me out” photo from his waist down.
Did I miss something? Where did it say it was a naked picture?
On the news. That local news clip is now the lead story on Yahoo news right now.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/Football-coach-posts-nude-photo-to-Facebook.html
OXFORD — A high school football coach who posted a nude photo of himself on Facebook has resigned.
In the headline of the story
Why should they feel bad? He choose to post it, he made the mistake. He is the only person to blame for his actions.
Anthony Weiner tried to say his tweeted pics were mistakes too.
People posting inappropriate photos on Facebook is a terrible thing, not Facebook itself.
How was Facebook to blame?
I hate FB. A. I have enough online stuff on my plate. B. FB has probably destroyed more relationships than it has created.
And your point has what to do with the story?
LoL As the old saying goes “if you have to ask, forget it”.
Facebook is a tool for keeping in touch with people. If people choose to misuse it, that’s their own doing.
Facebook is not supposed to be used to “create” relationships. It’s not a dating site, for crying out loud. It’s a place for people who already KNOW each other to keep in touch…like family, old school friends, college friends, friends from work. Anyone trying to use facebook to create relationships needs to turn off their computer and go outside.
If someone wants to keep their privates private then they need to put down the webcam.
Man’ I can’t touch that one either… You could write for Leno..
Colby College would probably hire him.
How do *YOU* spell “ooooops” !?!
Facebook, Facebook, Facebook ……………………………. How many time have we heard where someone posted something stupid and it cost them their job or relationship …………………. not only that but how many work hours are lost because of it!
I hate Facebook.
Thus the reason I don’t do Facebook. Cost this guy his job. I’m not that important and neither is anyone else to be followed on Facebook. I’ll go back to the rotary phone first and take Polaroids.
I hate Facebook. However, you have to have enough sense to not mix your job and personal life, especially when you are in a public position (teaching/coach/principal, etc.). I too wonder what could have been so bad that he immediately resigned from his career.
I guess it was a nude photo…I don’t think that people get that the internet is very public even if you don’t intend it to be
You don’t follow on facebook, thats twitter, Facebook is a two way street…
I don’t do that either….wouldn’t even know where to start. Not a money issue, just don’t want to be bugged, buzzed, texted, pestered, harrassed….et cetera. Prefer the quieter side of life without drama.
Subject: [bdn] Re: Oxford Hills football coach resigns after allegedly posting inappropriate photo on Facebook
For once, an educator who was not messing with kids. What a refreshing change. Made an mistake, took his lumps and moved on. Seems like an honest enough man with principles. Like other posters, I do not go near face book. There is a reason I have not talked to some folks for over 40 years. I also believe that intimate situations should be up close and personal! I do not force my beliefs on others in that regard, but by the same token I have not had to resign a position for posting naked photo’s (or anything else) on the ‘net either.
I may be wrong but I believe those types of photos are immediately blocked by FB. They wont upload.
If that is the case, please excuse my ignorance for assuming that the photo’s were explicit in nature. I spoke out of school. I only assumed that the photo’s were of that nature, otherwise why would’ve they been reported by the parent? Excuse my transgression please.
It was reported on another news site that it was in fact a naked picture of himself, that was intended for only one other person’s viewing. Facebook does not block them from uploading. Pictures like that get taken down if reported, but they can upload just fine.
Then it appears that I am wrong. I just assumed FB would not let photos like that be uploaded. I mentioned that I thought that was the case to the poster you replied too.
One would think that FB would have better measures in place to prevent inappropriate pictures, but they don’t. It’s too bad really, as I’m sure stuff like this happens more than we hear about.
I saw that you had mentioned that to the poster, which is why I replied. I had a friend do something similar not too long ago. I sent him a private message telling him I thought he may have made the picture more public than he planned, but he was publicly attacked by others. Honest mistakes DO happen, and it’s too bad that this man lost his job over one. I know he resigned, rather than was fired, but still, he has no job now, due to this mistake.
Why on Earth would he be sending naked pictures of himself via Facebook! WOW!
it’s easy to accidentally to post if you’re sending it from your phone. I’ve done it before, good thing it wasn’t a nudie pic though :)
You are not a FB user so of course you wouldnt know that. I think that they are blocked from ever being uploaded but Im not sure. However if they are blocked what do you suppose would constitute a photo so bad that it resulted in someone having to resign from thier job?
No photos are blocked from being uploaded from facebook because they don’t have people monitoring every photo uploaded on facebook. That’s the only way they can be blocked. With how many facebook users there are uploading pictures constantly there is no way they are checked before being uploaded. Most people just aren’t stupid enough to upload photos like that since their friends include their parents, siblings, children, etc.
why can’t posts just be erased?
Apparently it was a nude picture of himself. That is what is being reported.
Yeah, and I can’t erase my comment now so I get to look like a dufus…I guess that should teach me to hold my tongue lol
LMAO Yea Dufus!
They can be erased (posts and pictures alike) — but, if people have already seen it, that is not going to change a thing!
Who says he wasn’t “messing with kids?” He was posting a picture that was “a mistake” on facebook. It appears he was “messing” with someone.
and two consenting adults aren’t allowed to “mess” with each other…so everyone who may send pictures of themselves to their adult partner could be “messing” with kids? You logic is not logical.
Stop and think for a minute…if he was sending a picture to his “partner” then he would have that partner’s email address, correct? He posted that picture THINKING it was hidden and that he could “Share” it with whichever female he was trying to get with. Creepy guys who make facebook and myspace pages to troll looking for “encounters” send pictures like that to random females they don’t know hoping to find one willing to meet them. That is most likely what the guy was doing. Facebook’s auto “public” setting on photos just caught him at it.
Really?
” Creepy guys who make facebook and myspace pages to troll looking for “encounters””
This has happened to you ? How do they do that?
I thought you were a social liberal. I guess you’re just an out of touch, regressive, racist, rethugican.
I guess I was correct after all – so easy – your post last september:
OldWench 4 months ago in reply to DB04953
No, we can’t. The only reason I’ve never been able to consider myself a Republican is because they are absolutely TERRIBLE on social justice issues. My views are really conservative on virtually everything else, but social justice is SO important to me that any politicians that are bad in that area I will NEVER support under any circumstances. Conservatives really are notoriously BAD in this respect and it’s a very relevant issue. It’s also why those who find social justice so important are SO repulsed by the Tea Party. I find them so disgusting for that reason. In my opinion they do the work of the devil….pure evil.
Yes, it actually HAS happened to me. I had joined myspace to keep an eye on my kids that were using it, keep in touch with friends I personally know and track down old friends from the past. EVERY day strange men would send me friend invites, messages and even straight out propositions. That’s why I joined facebook, because there was less of that nonsense. Unfortunately I have been sent more than one such photo and I sure as heck never requested them.
I’m getting a big chuckle out of you calling me an out of touch, regressive, racist, rethugican. Because I spoke the truth? There ARE a lot of creepy guys online who DO troll the internet looking for sex. As a woman I have quite unfortunately been on the receiving end of MANY such unwanted propositions and such pictures…it’s gross. As a guy you probably are less aware because women don’t do this as a rule. Heck, just go to a chat room about current events with a woman’s name and see how many men hit on you. It’s ridiculous.
Since when is perversion a race? How am I racist?
Since when is saying people should not be shown something they don’t want to see being regressive?
How is it out of touch to want people teaching our children to keep their niblets in their britches?
I AM all about social justice. I just don’t consider this a social justice issue. Social justice is about protecting the most vulnerable populations…children, the elderly, the disabled, the poor…all those people who often don’t have a voice. This man is hardly part of any vulnerable populations. He’s clearly foolish, lacks judgment and he’s not anyone I would want teaching or coaching any child of mine…especially after reading the comments from some of his past students on here.
Good. Social justice – conservative. Just like many of my Tea Party friends. Welcome.
I still think you’re just mad because you are one of those guys that try to find dates on social networking sites.
I’m far too intelligent to associate with the Tea Party. I don’t associate with any political group. I think for myself and vote for the most moderate choices. If more people did that we wouldn’t end up with such lousy elected officials.
Gee John Perry, what is the correct answer? The story said he was not connected with any students on FB, and that the photo was intended for a friend. I assumed no children were involved as no charges ensured and the story was pretty clear about that. Perhaps you could enlighten me as to my error in that regard?
Maybe they should be looking into you… You sound like you have thoughts that are sick….
you need to investigate his past.. He was no saint
I’ll get right on that!
I’ll bet you’re not, either. Show me a real saint and I’ll show you a liar.
you either are related to Mr. Withee, or a personal friend. I could care less. But if you are one or the other, then you know the truth. His past, and his present reputation is one HE created.
Don’t make stupid assumptions. I don’t know Mr. Withee.
Please refrain from accusing without proof.
Timothy, I am not accusing.He did what he did. He has a storied past, there is proof. I cannot put it on here, as BDN would just delete it. dont take my word, poke around. you will find your answers.
You have to understand how I formed my opinion based solely on the information provided in this article. Most of us have. As I have already stated, I don’t know Mr. Withee. If you know him and you know more than us about him, you have a one up on all of us.
Why did he leave Sanford, if you know. And why was he left go from D-F?
R U from Pennsylvania? I believe the term is “LET GO”, not left go….
You need to do your own stalking!
I’m good with that PW, Best wishes
Well he says it was a mistake but what else would he say? I have to wonder how awful this photo was that someone actually complained about it.
My first reaction is that things don’t always have to be ‘awful’ for some parents to complain. And, that’s just an opinion. A personal opinion.
Facebook as far as I know blocks the uploading of anytype of nude or sexually suggestive photos. I have seen plenty of photos of people drinking on facebook though. However a photo of you drinking shouldnt get you fired. At least in my mind.
FB doesn’t block photos from being uploaded. They rely on someone reporting the photo (menu option on every pic). Tragic he lost his job, but he should have know better than to chance posting such a pic. I side on common sense on this one, not being confused with FB.
I just assumed those types of photos would be blocked from uploading. I was wrong.
I find it funny that this fellow was trying to email a nude photo of himself and somehow managed to get it uploaded onto facebook by mistake. You have to be logged into facebook and hit very specific prompts to upload photos. Makes me wonder how much of a mistake it really was.
if you have mobile uploads from your phone to facebook all it would take is clicking on the wrong contact
The uploading to facebook wasn’t the mistake, the mistake was he forgot to set his setting/preferences to just include that “one person” he wanted to see it. Instead by not setting that setting all his “friends” saw it.
By default I believe photos are public…which means EVERYONE could see it.
He was my high school math teacher, I saw the picture after my friend sent it to me (and a few hundred other people)….pretty bad. I wanted to barf. Don’t forget, kids and parents, anything you put on the internet EVEN FOR A SECOND, will be there FOREVER
Yup, that picture won’t EVER go away. Gross. If he wants to venture into this type of behavior, start from the neck down, right?
It is interesting the headline reads “football coach” instead of “teacher” since it seems the largest part of his salary would be from teaching and he has resigned that position as well.
Of course in many parts of Maine, it is a much bigger deal to the public if a coach resigns than a teacher….sad but true.
Outside of that community, more people know him as a football coach than as a teacher.
This is ridiculous and no reason for someone to lose their job. Just because the wrong person was trolling facebook in the 30minute mistake window.
I agree..I am thinking that maybe the parent could have called him and pointed it out to him being it was not a malicious act.That is the trouble with facebook…we all have people on our friends list that are not even close to being a real friend.
You are assuming they knew his phone number and some of us truly have only real friends on Facebook. Granted I only have 37 friends on Facebook but I personally know every single one of them.
A simple message on FB is all that’s needed.
This is true but he should have really thought about his actions before posting the picture.
Seriously? Call up Coach Withee and say exactly what about his naked photo? “Pssst…you got something hanging out there Coach.” Of course it wasn’t malicious. It was just plain WRONG! I don’t want to have people doing such things representing my town, my school, nor teach or coach my children. He made the right decision by resigning quickly. That at least shows that there’s hope for him to become a socially acceptable person in the future. I truly wish him luck with that.
Taking naked photos of yourself is not against the law. It was stupid of him to post it to Facebook but why do you have such a hang up on people taking pictures of themselves naked? It doesn’t make one a bad person for doing so.
Because it’s not appropriate for a teacher to do such things?
I feel we all need to put this in perspective – ANYONE taking a picture of themselves naked is WRONG! And everyone knows that PM’s on facebook can and sometimes do end up on the main page and/or are sent to other people.
If you want to get naked – go take a shower or a bath – don’t post it for the world to see.
He likely resigned becuase he knew he would be let go pending an investigation – and rightfully so!
Got a hangup about nudity? It is in no way wrong to take a nude picture of yourself, period. It is what you do with the picture that may or may not be wrong.
I’ve spent lots of time in life drawing classes and groups drawing nude models, so I guess my feeling about the naked picture thing is different. The mere fact that he took a picture of himself naked is not “wrong”. Weird, maybe, but wrong, no. However, posting it on Facebook, is a different matter, even if it wasn’t intended to end up on his main page.
How silly. Nude photographs for personal use are fine. You are being prudish.
The pictures were NOT for personal use – they were being shared with others on facebook (at least one other person) – thus NOT personal use. Read the story!
Says who? Teachers are human beings and if they want to take naked pictures of themselves, who cares? He did not intend for the pic to get into the hands of students. Just because he is a teacher doe snot mean he has to be a monk.
Yes Kevin “I’m the one with the hang up.” I never said he was a “Bad Person,” I suggested that he was socially inappropriate and that I and I’d assume most of the people around me would agree that we don’t want to be associated with such a person nor do we want our children to be led by such a person. Sorry, when it comes to splashing naked pictures of oneself around town I must not be quite a “adventurous and thrill seeking” as yourself and your photo friends.
No it doesnt make him a BAD person, it makes him A DUMB one !
‘ Dumb?” Really- Heck, go to a college art show or take a class in photography. Heck , naked bodies are a sign of natural beauty to them. I know of a woman , who took naked pictures of herself and of her boyfriend, and guess what she got for a grade….. Yep, the only one in that class that got an A.
In the old days , we used to just take an apple to the teacher. Although. We all remember a couple of teachers that are still in our minds. Hey if this country can cut George W. Bush a pardon for the devastation of 5,000 American Families, then I’d say this guy deserves a reboot.
Ahhhh Ms. Amstutz!
Naw I aint touchin that!
I don’t see where relaxin said it was illegal to photgraph oneself naked???
Not a bad person just a perv…. in the eyes of parents and kids who browz FB so yea i’d fire his azz for that in a heartbeat
So Highschool students who take nude photos of themselves (and they do) should be expelled?
Your wife tell you to write that??? J/K
I believe a more mature way would be to mention that he had posted an explicit picture to facebook and he may want to check? Your option seems like a rather immature way to handle it…
yeah, just let it slide. what is wrong with you?
There is nothing wrong with a little spiced up fun between a loved one..it was meant for that one person..he made a mistake and a real friend would have pointed that out to him before he lost his job and reputation.As I said before..most of us have friends on facebook that are not even close to being a real friend.
You know this was a “Loved One?” Now I’m wondering how many loved ones he may have had and sent nude photos to. Most folks living within the bounds of normal society are not snapping photos of ourselves naked to begin with and I’d hope even fewer are then distributing them across the internet. Not normal, not appropriate, not approved. By Mr. Withee’s responses since being caught, I’d say he no longer agrees with you. Too much spice can give one a belly ache or lose one’s job working with children.
why is it your business as to how many loved ones he has, or how many he’s sent photos to? You’d be surprised as to how many people in “normal society” actually do this now that we have the technology. Sex is normal. Spicing it up is normal, and makes life a lot of fun.
Little do you know. Maybe not in the hinterlands of Piscataquis County. But plenty of people take sensual photos for themselves and lovers.
Teachers and other public figures get caught for OUI and keep their jobs. While behind the wheel, they could have killed somebody. Their “lapse in judgment” was intentional. He made a mistake, and I do not believe losing his job should be the punishment. It seems he intended to send a naked photo to his girlfriend. While nothing I would do, I don’t think his mistake rises to the level of “we can’t have him teaching our children.”….please
The problem is that it showed an outrageous lack of judgment on his part. Also, his effectiveness as a teacher has all but been destroyed because no one is going to respect a man who is posting his nude photos on facebook. Personally, I think any teacher who drinks and drives or gets arrested for anything should be fired.
It was a mistake. He did not say, Gee, let me post myself nekkid on Facebook. He made an error. We all make them.
any teacher who gets arrested for anything should be fired?. I suppose it doesn’t matter if they are ever found guilty, right? Wow
My daughter is a teacher and it’s made clear to teachers that their behavior outside of work reflects upon the school where they work. They are held to a very high standard. If they are behaving in a way that reflects poorly on the school they work then they deserve to be fired. There are many other teachers out there who are looking for jobs and know how to behave in a respectful manner.
so arrested means getting fired, regardless of whether they are guilty or not? You didn’t answer my question.
I work in education and certainly understand I am held to a higher standard (and I keep my nose clean). That said, simply being arrested for something in your eyes means a teacher should be fired?(your words). You see nothing wrong with your statement?
Teachers are held to higher level of scrutiny ….A taecher needs to ask himself (pretty much with everything)would any “PARENTS” think this is wrong of me…. taking a naked picture and sending it via Facebook …if your a teacher your business in school and out of school is being looked at!! you teach our children . If you don’t like that then you need to find another job where you can send pictures of your self on facebook ..
I work in education and absolutely agree that we are held to a higher standard. That said, I am not sure this mistake warranted throwing away a career.
He threw away his career years ago, well at least in the real world, but having a labor union behind him probably made the fall from grace at Foxcroft Academy much more cushy…..and a fall that apparently didn’t register on the Oxford Hills richter scale.
You don’t know not what your talking about as to what happened at Foxcroft Academy. There was no union when he was let go at the Academy and as a result the teachers started a union.
Teachers are supposed to be role models.
Here comes the judge..stillrelaxing, never made a mistake in life.
Just remember::::::::”Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay not attention to the plank that is in yours…..Matheww 7: 1-4
Psychologist’s have proven that most of the time when we judge others and kick them while they are down is because our self esteem is so low. And we build ourselves back up on the backs of good people who just made a stupid or foolish mistake.
Hopefully theres still hope for StillRelaxin to become socially acceptable to our Lord and Savior, because he and he alone is the one that we have to answer to…..and not you or I….
I wish you luck with that…..
Whether one is a religious person or not, there’s a lot of truth in that post.
What you say is, “Coach, I think you need to look at your FB page. Something is there that probably should not be. Have a good day.”
I think we need to see the picture before we make that call.
Personally, I can’t imagine why anyone would feel the need to see a pic of this guy naked!!-
Naw I can’t touch this one either!!! Damn I kill me!
From the article: “He has chosen to resign for personal reasons. He is no longer employed with us,” Colpitts said.
He made the choice to leave his job, he was not fired.
I also have no clue how you think someone was trolling. I click on the Photos link all the time and that will show every single photo that any of my friends have posted. Not sure why you are placing the blame on the person that complained because they did nothing wrong.
Gotta love that facebook!
How are you feeling about it now, coach?
And, while you’re answering questions………..What in the name of God would posess anyone to post a nude photo of themself for anyone? In fact, what would make them take a nude photo of themself?
Sorry, but HERE’S YOUR SIGN!
Because people enjoy seeing others naked. Lots of people take nude photos of themselves, it is a very common thing for people to do but it is not a very smart thing to post them on your Facebook page.
You say it’s “common” for people to take nude photos of themselves. What’s the basis for your statement?
You must be new to the internet.
I have been on the Internet for 20 years.
You made a bold claim and I’ve asked you to provide supporting evidence. So what is your evidence?
I would agree that it is common, especially amongst teens. There is media coverage quite a bit about “sexting”, sending nude pics by text and then people breaking up and the person who kept the photo sending it onto everyone they know. Or a parent picking up their kids phone and finding the pics of their teen or someone else’s. For me personally, my rule of thumb is don’t post any pic you wouldn’t want you Dad or Granddad to see, but it does happen. Lots of sites are dedicated to it. Professional photographers are making money on boudoir (sp) photo shoots for people to give to their partners and those end up online. Whether or not it is inappropriate is in the eye of the beholder I guess. There are companies dedicated to helping couples spice up their love lives. In a world of ever changing technology things like this are going to happen, because it is another way to spice things up. I agree with the other posts that it was a mistake. He did not mean for it to get out, he took it down once it came to his attention and is sorry for it. He was appropriate in that he was not friends with students on facebook. If his privacy settings are set correctly I think we need to remember that he is a person just like everyone else. Mistakes are made and he should not be held to a different standard than anyone else.
The news media focuses on what’s new, not necessarily what’s common.
Turn off safesearch on your google then type “nude photos” then look at the Billions of hits!
The internets are my evidence and if you are not able to find nude photos for free on your own, you are doing it wrong and I’m referring to amature photos.
The “Internets”?
Let’s look at what you claimed: “Lots of people take nude photos of themselves, it is a very common thing for people to do.”
“Common” implies that a large portion of the population does it.
That’s quite different from claiming it’s easy to find “amature” nude photos online.
So keep being a prude and enjoy being clothed.
He was a role model to his students.I guess not a very good one though.he should have done exactly what he did, resign.
.He didn’t show very good judgement.He NOT a teenager, but was supposed to be a responsible adult!
But, he did not intend for anyone other than 1 person to see this, and made a dumb mistake, AND the article says that none of his students appeared to be his friend. People should be able to separate work and social life if they choose, and I don’t expect anyone to be a role model 24/7 just because of the profession that they choose.
They wold have fired him anyways.
Rule number 1 for Facebook, anything you post is never safe. You can fudge with any privacy setting all one wants to and in the end, the people you didn’t want to know, found out anyways. People need to realize when you are on Facebook, you might see something you don’t want to see, how can you avoid it, quit trolling, don’t be friends with people you don’t know well, or delete your account and never have a Facebook account.
Talk about your “junk” mail.
Does this remind anyone else of Anthony Weiner?
No
Huge difference. Weiner lied by saying his account was hacked. Weiner is a low life weasel. Paul immediately took responsibility and did the right thing after a major mistake. No cover up; no lies. He blew a great opportunity and he knows it. I’ve known him most of his life. He is a competitive, overconfident, son of a gun who comes by it rightly. He is very far from perfect, but if you were down and out or had a battle on your hands, he would be right beside you to help. Weiner would run and hide. There is NO comparison.
How do you know your friend would not have lied as well if he hadn’t gotten his face in the photo? Weiner also came out and admitted it was him after his face showed up on some of the photos. I believe he also said they weren’t supposed to be public. Sorry…I really don’t see a whole lot of difference.
We suppose you went looking???
Nope, I didn’t go looking. I hadn’t even heard about this until I saw it in the paper. As a parent of a middle school child (not one of his students) I have to say that I would NOT want him teaching my daughter.
Clearly, you are seeing what you want to see in this story. You make an assumption in your first sentence rather than deal with fact. Weiner lied and Paul didn’t. Huge difference.
When someone says he made a “mistake”, I’m not sure what he means anymore because the word has been misused so much (typically by politicians who screw up and apologize for their “mistakes” when they really mean their intentional misconduct). But I’m willing to take this poor guy at his word and believe that the posting on Facebook was inadvertent and would not have been cause for firing. I suspect he was more ashamed than anything else and that’s the reason he resigned.
Social media can be a dangerous thing. It’s probably not a good idea to have a Facebook page if you’re a school teacher. I’ve never been a teacher, and I’ve been out of school a long time, but I have the feeling that the internet, social media, the new “openness” of society, and enormous cultural changes have created a difficult environment for teachers and others in the public eye. If you’re a teacher, you should probably assume that there’s always a student or parent out there who’s just looking for the chance to drop a dime on you.
Several years ago a teenager from Ellsworth High School had a friend(from EHS) over for dinner. At dinner the teenagers father(a teacher at EHS) drank an alcoholic beverage. The teenage guest told her parents that Mr. so and so drank in front of her and the parents complained to the principal.
I can remember missing the bus once or twice in grade school after school and my 7th grade teacher giving me a ride home. I imagine something like that happening today would not be even thinkable.
I’ve been a public school teacher,trust me he wouldn’t take his job back if they gave it to him. He has humiliated himself- he knows it- and he’ll never coach again. The public will give you a pass on a DUI, but not a nude phota.
Teacher eh? Spell photo for us again.. God love ya Westshores.
That’s why I left education, I could not SPELL for the life of me. Thanks for the funny comment!
Agreed. No crime was committed.
I wonder if it’s a crime for those minors who were forwarding the photo to be in the possession of a photo of a nude man.
All over a picture……
As long as Maine continues to allow a few create an atmosphere of punitive justice we will all pay dearly.
This coach seemed to have had more going for him than most people I know.
Fire a man after 20 years of contributing to society?
Let’s invite Colpitts over for a beer summit with George Orwell and Jesus Christ.
I wonder how Matt Damon’s mom would have handled this. see
http://americanswhotellthetruth.org/pgs/portraits/nancy_paige.php
Outstanding comment, thanks.
And I am a critic around here…
facebook is putting a lot of people in trouble. i use it too but i make sure only friends can view my stuff.
FB doesn’t put people in trouble, people put people in trouble. We have the power to make choices, but some don’t like to think about the choice they are about to make. This is where the point of failure occurs.
Hey, I couldn’t agree more. Kind of like “guns don’t kill people, people kill people”. Now if we could just get all the FB users to understand that.
Actually people use guns that propel bullets that kill people.
The Oxford Hills School District’s football coach resigned on Monday morning amid the uproar that was created when he accidentally posted a naked picture of himself on his Facebook page last week, according to Superintendent Rick Colpitts. Colpitts says Withee meant to send the picture privately to his girlfriend but accidentally posted it publicly on Facebook last Tuesday. The picture was online for about 10 minutes before Withee took it down, Colpitts said. The incident was reported by the parent of a student who had seen the picture.
AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY
If the picture was only on for 10 minutes (or a half hour, as one other story quotes him as saying), how did a parent see it, report it to the district, and have someone notify him in that short amount of time? Something doesn’t add up.
Because is all you need is for one person to see it copy it upload it to their email and send it to everyones email and phone. What doesn’t add up? Not everyone is as inept in the use of technology as the teacher apparently was.
Mark Zuckerberg is laughing all the way to the bank, while this guy loses his job. He will now get targeted ads from Facebook from monster.com and careerbuilder.com .
Why do all the lemming continue to trust in Fakebook?
I have allways believed in the saying: Adversity doesn’t create character, it reveals it.” How about adding: Posting on facebook pictures that were ” a mistake” also reveals true character.” Does any parent really want a man that has posted a picture “that was a mistake” teaching thier children?
A lot of employers now check Facebook. If you are looking for a job, you need to take down all of the drinking and partying pictures, pics of the tats, political opinions, “colorful” language posts, etc:. Nothing illegal in having that stuff on there but it could cost you a job interview or job offer! Something to think about.
Or you could make it private and not for view by anyone who is not your friend. Then you can refrain from having 800 or 1000 friends who really are just people you met maybe once or are some friend of a friend of a friend who is your next door neighbor’s uncles’ brother’s cousin. Have your friends be real people you know.
That isn’t the way it goes Sal. You can have 50 friends, and one of those 50 can have a thousand friends. And one of those thousand go on one of your 50’s page, review posts and pics and then it’s a done deal.
If FB can’t assure privacy of it’s member’s then it ought not to be selling endorsements and advertising. If a non-friend can access your posts, then an advertiser certainly can as well.
You can make it so that only your friends will see your page, not the friends of friends. This is what I have done. If you and I were friends on Facebook I could make it so that you would be able to see my FB page but none of your friends could unless they happened to be my friend too.
It’s an ever changing swamp thing if you ask me. I’ve got a FB account, but I only visit it about once a week to see what my kids are up to. You are right though, you can set it up like that, but I’m not that involved with it, nor do I show nude pics of anything. I did see some funny pics of some of the people that visit Walmart…….Oh my!
Here’s a funny walmart video ! Snappy tune after a while. LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvxNgdFeWqM
You assume what the photo is Sal, that is dangerous. You never know what another person will find offensive. It could have been a photo of his wife or girlfriend, or a untasteful photo with a lewd comment.
I posted this comment after I read that the school district had released a statement saying that this resignation was related to nude photos that he had attempted to send.
I personally dont find it terrible to send nude photos of yourself to your significant other that you are in a committed relationship with. Provided you are both adults and find such things acceptable and not disrespectful to each other.
He posted the nude photo on his facebook wall. He may not have any current students as facebook friends, but he has plenty of former students as facebook friends.
Is this where the Weiner controversy starts again ?
You do not have the right NOT to be offended.
Ok Timmy, I guess I can judge what offends me, thanks. I don’t need anyone’s help. I know what you’re saying, but it’s a slippery slope that ends a ride into a friggin swamp when you even try to address it.
Being offended is for whiners.
Or you could just make it “private” where you have to be “friends” with that person to see anything.
Facebook is becoming an instrument of the morality police. Now, having said that, we do not know or have seen this picture, yet, one parent, a member of the morality police decided that within the half hour the pic was posted it was necessary for a man to lose everything.
Perhaps, monitor’s should be watching the morality police? Facebook is getting more and more dangerous, and that’s sad. People now can rat on what they think is right or wrong without taking into consideration the social standard of the community in which they reside.
What makes you think that the person who brought the photo the school district’s attention thought it necessary for the teacher to lose his job? It could have simply been a case of “I don’t think this was an appropriate thing for a teacher to be posting on Facebook.”
Besides, the guy resigned; he wasn’t fired.
Nobody here so far is even saying that it’s just plain freakin’ weird to send nude pictures to someone in the first place! Technology is turning people into idiots and fools.
Welcome to the future.
We don’t know who the ‘friend’ was he was sending pictures to. He could have been in a relationship with someone. So a man and a woman send risque pictures of each other back and forth. People do it with cell phones. They do it because we aren’t in the dark ages of only using Polaroids. Geez, lighten up people.
RNinMaine< <)
What cave have you been living in for the past 20 years?
No…. People don’t turn into idiots because of technology. They are products of society and the people who raised them. Most were never taught to investigate before jumping in head first. You must go down a lot of rabbit holes to find the answers.
You are right. I was thinking in a different direction. Sort of the idea that just because it is now easy to do, doesn’t mean you should. I know all about the rabbit holes.
What about the rabbit holes?
Standing stark naked in front of the bathroom mirror and taking a picture of himself. According to some of his “old friends” in Foxcroft is what he was doing. Not sure “who” would want to see that, but social media has taken care of that issue. I guess the parent that found this, found it disturbing.
Maybe it was going to be for Valentines day to his lover???? Wow that was an expensive error!!! I’m not sure that he should have been fired for that??????
Your right, his picture could have been meant for his Valentine (lol). He wasnt fired, he Resigned. He mentioned he didnt have any “friends” that he taught, but he had plenty of friends that he used to teach in foxcroft.
He resigned.
While not exactly a Luddite, I long for the days of rotary phones.. The only way to send nude pictures of yourself was the US Mail..
I’ve got one in my basement I’ll sell you. A rotary phone that is. lol. It’s not hooked up to anything of course. been thinking of hooking it up to another one and using them like a couple of old TA-312’s.
It would be a nice intercome system between my shop and upstairs.
I feel bad for this guy. It’s sad that he thought he had to resign over this. There were no students friended to his facebook anyway. So the guy accidentally posted the wrong photo. Big deal. He’s human. Poor guy.
Honestly, this is ridiculous. He should not have been vilified for a picture that was meant for a personal friend.
Send the picture by snail mail if you want it to remain private.
There are some thin skinned people out there, mind your own business!!!!! Nosey people and busy bodies…
If I am nosey and a busy body because I want people to be aware of this guy if and/or when he shows up at another school, then I’m proud to be called nosey and a busy body.
Yes you are, he did nothing illegal as per the article…..Nosey people need to have that beak chopped off..
Stevey do you know Paul?
Rather have my beak chopped off than stick my head in the sand.
Obviously the person who reported it wasn’t a “Friend” of his on facebook or I doubt he would have turned “Friend” in for this. This just goes to show either you don’t really know who your friends are on FB or you should realized how quickly a picture can be copied and sent to others and one of those “others” doesn’t find it funny and reports it.
Funny how Bangor Daily News uses coach instead of teacher, which is his primary job….granted many of the football coaches in this state think it’s the other way around. God what a bunch of has beens, when was the last time Maine produced anthing of substance in any sport? Jimmy Howard?
IT PROBALLY WAS HER MOTHER
Not sure how you all can feel sorry for this man. His excuse last time? The FA administration and parents “misunderstood” his “attention” to the students. Because his wife was a very well respected and loved teacher, and his daughter was a student at the school, the administration allowed him to resign quietly so as not to cause embarrassment for the family. I am not the least bit sad for him…I AM sad for the students and parents of the next school that hires this creep.
I’ve been on the sidelines when this man coached. His teams might have won the game but for the most part they were foul mouthed kids with no example of how to treat others with
respect. His son has the same ego. This guy needs some kind of a program such as AA or one on one counseling. He is quite full of himself. Makes him human, so perhaps this will be his wake up call.
By the way thank you for the water and towels :)
Opinion……..
FACT!!!
Daily, you are right. Timothy and Stevey have no idea. Why be defensive over this. Take a ride to Dover Foxcroft, and investigate yourself. Many people in that area will fill you in. You can only say so much on this site without the comments being removed.
Apparently!
No I don’t have any idea and you don’t have any proof. Just because you say something else has happened doesn’t mean I have to believe it. I will not be poking around and the burden of proof is on you since you are the one who is making accusations. If there isn’t a police report or an article then it didn’t happen. I could go anywhere and bring up a name and people can tell me all the rumors they have heard and that still doesn’t make it true.
Calm Down Little fella. There is plenty to be said, and if it were posted, BDN would just delete.
You DONT have to believe anything. Paul has a storied past.& He knows it. He never would have left his position at F.A. if the the implications didnt force him to. (he was given no alternative) I am not going to post on here, but the people of Dover, and The faculty at F. A. know what went on in that town. There is no burden of proof i need to provide to anyone. Not everything has a police report, or an article. If he was an upstanding individual, and a respected teacher, He would still be at the Academy. No one cares Timothy what I believe or you believe. He is the one that has to Look in the mirror everyday. (no pun intended)
Lol. “calm down little fella” made me laugh.
Well, I guess we won’t be taken pictures in front of the mirro in the bathroom anymore. Also might want to party with adults rather than teenagers. This has nothing to do with FACEBOOK this has to do with an adult being an adult.
I have no idea what that picture was. I do know this; every teacher can be beat to death on Facebook, the BDN or anywhere else by students and parents and there is little that he or she can do about it.The teacher screws up and he or she is out. Mr. Colpitts had no other option. Anyone with 20 years in education knows the drill. Why would anyone spend $100,000.00 on an education to take any of these low paying -thankless jobs? Finding individuials that just love the kids is going to get alot harder.
Oh please. You do not have to spend $100K to get a teaching certificate. And the pay is not nearly as paltry as it used to be, especially considering most of them get their benefits covered. Teachers also get more vacation time than the average worker (though I will say that many people OVERestimate how much time off a teacher really gets — they do spend a fair amount of hours and days doing lesson planning and stuff).
This particular guy was stupid. Claiming the post was an “accident,” really?? He didn’t know the difference between sending the photo as an e-mail attachment and posting it on FB? If that is indeed the case, and he is indeed that dumb, then perhaps he he needs to consider a change in career choices.
You might want to check the price of tution, room and board, clothing, spending money,books, a car/gas and it’s insurance, health insurance and other expensives. Supporting a young adult for 4 years is real expensive. What’s the interest charge if much of that money is borrowed. I sent a kid to eight years of colllege, I’ have the receipts. And by the way I was a public school teacher, the pay is very poor compared to other proffessions. Having the summer “off” isn’t enough reward for what these people do every day.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, FACEBOOK ruins another life. Those sites ruin a lot of relationships in many ways!!!!!
Facebook is a tool. Blaming Facebook is like blaming the pen for what the writer writes with it.
Is it just me or is facebook overrated?
OK, I would love to see proof of your accusation. please post a link to an article or a police report.
I am not sure what was mentioned in the removed post, but I am sure it was true……:)
That is the most ridiculous statement probably ever made in the history of statements. The fact that you believe something you can’t even see just proves that you will just follow the herd.
Makes sense to some. Sorta like our democrat leaders – pass ObamaCare to find out what’s in it ! Ok…
I’m telling ya folks, you can’t buy funnier than some of these comments and I don’t care who’s side you’re on?
Did you see the smiley face you fuk?
anyone on here know what the pic was?? doesnt look like it by what ive read it could of been a “pose” or something stupid like that and I think some are looking into this too much before anyone knows anything.
He was standing completely naked in front of his mirror taking a picture of himself. His face and…everything else was visible.
ok im sorry i did not know that yup thats WRONG! i thought people were tought to not do crap like that it stays on internet forever pretty dumb
Will you people stop posting photos of yourself online??? Sheeeeeesh…
withee was a creeper an a half i had him as a math teacher and he always looked down my shirt and other students as well, he is a very inappropriate individual and im glad he doesnt teach anymore. plus hes like 40 maybe he should grow up and not sent nude pictures, thats so 8th grade lol.
what is it with these pigs….
It’s funny. Alot of the same folks who are giving this guy a hard time,pun intended, were defending Anthony Weiner. Paul must be an outspoken Conservative.
i know bring this news artical to you next job interview coach, see if they understand your mistake.
I’m going to keep track of “pervert teachers in the news” . I believe they’re a lot more common than we realize.
I feel bad for him that this has to be a big, front page story. I guess it’s good info for everyone to be careful what and how they post. Poor guy…embarassing!!
Who needs facebook we have the BDN and Paul
I agree with you that the parent did absolutely nothing wrong.
She did what a parent should do.
I am sure that he was asked to resign or be fired.
so if someone else were to post that picture then he would still have his job then, correct?
Perhaps, depends on the job maybe. Police, Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, etc are held to a higher standard, whether you like it or not.
That’s what you get when you put “your stuff’ out there!
One person! one person complained and this caused the man to loose it all? The picture of this guy was what……porn? A half naked photo of him standing before a mirror? We don’t know, but I think I would have stood up to the school and the ONE person who did not like it and fought it. What happened to the day where a person would fight for their rights? Once again liberty is in trouble!
We do know and it was a completely naked picture…….it’s out there, so to speak. I doubt he would have resigned if this was his first “mistake”.
Social Media, is great isn’t it.. So Some Mom is angry because he didn’t send her the picture… Next people will have to resign if they are caught buying meat to eat. A prudish bunch we are!!!
Um, I would think the reporter would have asked and tried to answer the most basic question for this story: What was the photo of?
Him in his b-day suit.
First of all, it is alarming to me that people can be commenting on this acting like they know this man, and acting like they have any right to judge him. not to mention judging by the INACCURACY in the comments. (even though the article is listed above… too simple minded to understand the words?)
Second of all, I couldn’t even finish the ignorant comments, I had to stop once the conversation transferred to him maybe “messing with his kids”. Listen people, you all need to get a life and worry about your own issues. And judging by these insane comments, you have a few big ones.
THIRD OF ALL, considering the obvious fact that you can’t follow a simple story line, nor have the integrity to do a little research before you open your mouths:
1. The picture was sent through a TEXT MESSAGE, not a FACEBOOK MESSAGE.
2. The picture was sent to his girlfriend, not his kids, you freak.
3. He had not known he had uploaded a picture, it was an ACCIDENT.
4. CARRY ON ABOUT YOUR OWN LIVES AND STOP STAYING UP LATE AT NIGHT COMMENTING ONLINE TO FEEL IMPORTANT!!!!
If you had read further, you would know that only one person mentioned the “messing with his kids” stuff.
Also, I think there are many on here that do “know” Paul. Maybe if you knew more you would realize where people get some of their questioning of Paul.
While I am by no means a friend of Paul, I highly doubt he would have had to resign if this was an isolated incident or if past issues didn’t exist, but they do so the rope is a little shorter. I hope Paul is able to move on from this and not have this be the final sentence in his personal biograhpy.
Thanks for posting OLG but I gotta tell you don’t be too hard on these people.
First of all most people know this posting area is nothing more than a psychological soup kitchen for the emotional down and out.
This site is one of the few therapeutic milieus in Maine where people can come and express themselves without fear of consequences.
What is scary is Colpitt is in charge of and provides a leadership role in educating our children.
The kids are only as high as he is. He can only take the students to where he is .
Colpitt is a 6 Lesson Plan Principal as defined by John Gatto here
see link for full lesson plan
http://www.cantrip.org/gatto.html
The Six-Lesson Schoolteacher
by John Taylor Gatto, New York State Teacher of the Year, 1991
Call me Mr. Gatto, please. Twenty-six years ago, having nothing better to do, I tried my hand at schoolteaching. My license certifies me as an instructor of English language and literature, but that isn’t what I do at all. What I teach is school, and I win awards doing it.
Teaching means many different things, but six lessons are common to schoolteaching from Harlem to Hollywood. You pay for these lessons in more ways than you can imagine, so you might as well know what they are:
Actually, it was on his facebook wall. I saw it. I’m a former student of his and within a few hours every peer and parent in my town knew of the picture…and most of us were forwarded it in picture text messages. He was standing completely naked in front of his mirror taking a picture of himself. It was disgusting.
whether people love to pass these things along or not, and love to spread rumors amongst small towns, that doesn’t disregard that it was an honest mistake. What people do with it from there is a whole different story.
If it was disgusting, why were people forwarding it around? Did you forward it?
Those who were forwarding it are part of the problem.
Actually, I had no idea what it was until I opened it. I received a text message from an old high school friend and when I opened it, it was the picture with a message that said something like “EW look what Mr. Withee posted on his facebook wall!”. I promptly deleted the picture because thats not something I wanted on my phone. However, I’m sure many others didn’t delete theirs and are passing it around even further.
Okay, that’s great that you didn’t forward it. But it seems hypocritical that people should be fowarding that to everyone and then complain about the horror of his posting that photo.
If it was so disgusting, then why would want to receive a message from anyone with the picture attached? You obviously weren’t THAT disgusted. Curiosity is a strange thing isn’t it?
You had all those people on speed dial I presume???
I don’t have anyone on speed dial. I’m not sure what that has to do with anything. I received a text message from a friend, and opened it to find a naked picture of my old teacher. I didn’t ask to see the picture or send it to anyone.
Never mind… LMAO
Okay then.
too harsh on people?? hahaha take a look in the mirror. a guy send a pic to his girlfriend and accidentally uploaded it to his facebook thus losing his job and going through embarassment… then you go onto say he might be messing with his kids and you jump to all these accusations. how annoying it is when people can’t see the full picture.
Apparently enough people saw the “full picture” to sink Mr. Withee. Sad, but facebook can do more harm than good. I always call my friends if I want to know what they’re doing or want to hang out. Those whose numbers I don’t know aren’t important enough to me to follow. That’s my take on facebook. Those who enjoy it, good for you. Just make sure you THINK before you hit send.
You’re not making any sense.
If he had sent the photo to his girlfriend via phone, only she would have received it, not Facebook. So yes, it was a Facebook posting.
But you have to admit some of these comments are a riot!
Gee the guys lost his job as teacher twice for unetchical behavior. I guess he on the three strike rule.
I didn’t see the pic so I have no idea how he swings!
when a subject in the BDN news gets 133 post in less tha 6 hours somethings wrong
His desire to express his nakedness has stripped him of everything
Baaaahaahhhhaaaa
talk about your “junk” mail
Geeze, can’t even accidentally post naked pictures of yourself while teaching young children anymore??? What’s this world coming to?
FBI agents can. google fbi adopt a school program
after reading this story
see link for full story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/racy-vulgar-texts-hurt-justice-departments-largest-sting-operation-targeting-foreign-bribery/2012/02/02/gIQAJZYtBR_story.html?hpid=z3
Racy, vulgar texts hurt Justice Department’s largest sting operation targeting foreign bribery
By Del Quentin Wilber, Monday, February 13, 7:02 PM
In text message after text message, FBI agents and their key
informant joked about sex, booty calls, prostitutes, cigars, the Village
People, the informant’s wives and an agent’s girlfriend. They even
pondered who might play their roles in a movie based on their sting.
When arrests were announced by the Justice Department, the agents
and informant basked in positive press. “It’s like an atomic mushroom
cloud,” the informant gloated in a text to his FBI handler.
Someone took “go big or go home” to the next level.
LMAO glad someone else see’s all the humor in these comments!
Clearly this guy is too dumb to be teaching kids.
From a 2009 story: “DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — Paul Withee’s bid to keep his jobs as a mathematics teacher and head football coach at Foxcroft Academy was turned down by the school’s board of trustees Friday…” – http://bangor-launch.newspackstaging.com/2009/07/18/sports/withee-wonamprsquot-coach-football-for-foxcroft/
Talk about your “junk” mail.
lmao!!!!!! good one, BAHAHAHAHAHA
ROTFLMFAO
Why would anyone post a nude picture period, and not expect to be found out today?
I get it now what a dumb*** people need to think before taking these photos and making them viral
Withee got a way with alot of this type of behavior at foreign acadamy, He is a perve,can you speak chinese?
Supposed to have been a private message. If this was the school janitor and not a coach would your thoughts be the same. Come on people. A person in that position and limelight needs to be responsible for their actions. He did not choose wisely and unfortunately has to deal with the consequences. Yes he resigned but I’m sure it was resign or be fired.
Big. Deal.
People are too sensitive about this stuff. An accident happens with technology that many adults don’t fully understand. A naked photo of an adult is accidentally posted. And then removed within 30 minutes. Meanwhile the town latches on to it and passes it around on their own? He had no students as “friends” but how many of them have seen the photo because others passed it around?? THEY are to blame as well.
Give the guy a reprimand and let him keep his job-he’s learned his lesson about technology and small towns.
He should have “learned his lesson” when Foxcroft got rid him.
withee was a creeper an a half i had him as a math teacher and he always
looked down my shirt and other students as well, he is a very
inappropriate individual and im glad he doesnt teach anymore. plus hes like 40 maybe he should grow up and not sent nude pictures, thats so 8th grade lol.
Is this guy NUMB????? Answer: Yes. Why do people post these photos of themselves??? What are people thinking???????
So tacky. Why the hell is this front page news? Do we really love dragging an average joe through the mud this much? He’s already out of a job, that’s more than enough punishment.
another dumb white man…
While I am no fan of Paul, I do have to wonder why Police, Teachers, etc don’t generally lose their jobs for things like DUI? Driving drunk can kill, sending a nude picture can what, perhaps make somebody chuckle or become ill? If this “resignation” is based on his prior issues along with the current one, then why did the school hirer him in the first place? I’m sorry if the school didn’t think his prior incidents didn’t warrant him not being hired at Oxford, then they should play no part in what essentially was him being fired. Knowing the stuff that I know about him I don’t get how he was hired in the first place.
…….
I think this is stupid, the man obviously made a stupid mistake and NO
kids were on his facebook page. I think the mom should have made him
aware it was there and she should have acted like an adult and made sure
it wasnt intentional before making stupid reports. This man does NOT
deserve to lose his job!!!!!!!!!! We need to get this man back his job!
He admits that he does not add children to his page so whats the big
deal, an adult woman is upset about seeing this mans package?? lol
ridiculous
my god he’s not attractive and looks fat – how many ‘likes’ (not to mention even views) would there be of his boudoir photo anyway…
I guess I don’t understand how you text a pic and have it show up on Facebook….doesn’t make sense.
This is BS was it at school when this happened and did it affect his students. So know he has made to resign WOW. When you go through the screening process at the airport and they strip search you and you are standing in your birthday suit on is this right..
Your English/Grammar teacher should be fired, too.
Why don’t you kiss my backside.Moron
And you are clearly punctuation challenged as well. Typical Maine schooling…
Hook on anytime this typical mainer. It must be your a#sh@le talking because your mouth knows better.
I’ve read a bunch of the comments before writing this. I see some people defending this man’s behavior and others condemning it. I’m going to attempt to offer some balance and logic to this discussion.
First, no, it’s not illegal to post nude photos of yourself online. It is, however, in very poor judgment to do so.
Second, if he were “spicing up” anything with a current romantic partner I dare say he would have just posed and had the partner take the photo and he wouldn’t post it for them on facebook. He was more than likely posting the picture for someone he met online who he’s never met in person. Virtually any single woman who has spent any time online has been on the receiving end of one of these photos, quite frequently uninvited as well.
This reminds me of the whole Anthony Weiner twitter pic fiasco.
Okay…now onto the whole job issue. Stepping down was the right thing to do. First, he shows a complete lack of judgment, and no student or parent would have taken him seriously after this and his ability to be an effective teacher has been destroyed. Some of the female students would likely have been very “creeped out” by what he did and would not feel comfortable having him as a teacher.
Now I’m going to step away from the logic and balance and post what my gut instinct tells me. As a parent I would not want him teaching my children. Why? Because I’ve been the recipient of unwanted, unexpected and unwelcome photos like that being sent to me by people I casually talked to online about social issues, politicis, music, travel, etc. Men who share photos like that tend to be very pushy, obnoxious and, well, desperate, creepy and pretty gross. Just based on what I know about the kind of men who try to share these kind of pictures online sends up a HUGE red flag.
Welcome to the digital age. Our school district has spent hours and hours reinforcing to the kids about their digital footprint, and how whatever you send via an electronic device can be retrieved in many ways. The rule of thumb is never post or record anything you wouldn’t want to have on the front page of the paper. And further emphasis with the kids is that while it may not be a big deal now, it could come back and influence your eligibility for jobs and such things later. I think if he hadn’t resigned, he should have been fired because this is EXACTLY what we are trying to teach the kids NOT to do.
Hmmm… the “internet” a new way to reach out to people… And express your “inner” feelings. Oh, and to show others how you feel, and lQQk… whoops!
Coach made a mistake and took the picture down as soon as he realized it. This could have been a great teaching and learning tool for the kids. Letting them know that nothing is private and one errant click can lead to a whole lot of trouble. But to loose his job? Unless there was more to the story, this seems way too harsh.
you have to read this and ask Why did they renew his contract?
http://bangor-launch.newspackstaging.com/2009/07/18/sports/withee-wonamprsquot-coach-football-for-foxcroft/
Hi RALMO,
I’m a little dense. Can you please show me where in the attached article it describes any bad behavior on Withee’s part? Also, can someone find any news of him being in legal trouble? No? Okay can someone tell me if Mr. Webb is still employed at Foxcroft Academy? He’s not? That’s odd that the person who didn’t renew Withee’s contract was later shown the door for his own poor choices in behavior.
Look this was an insanely stupid thing to do. I’m not a tech guru but I can only imagine what would happen if my parents had a smart phone and tried to send a picture to someone else through a mobile app. Certain things don’t mix and middle aged adults taking and sending nude photos is certainly one of them.
I have seen many ignorant and uninformed comments like “Facebook won’t even allow you to upload naked pictures” WRONG. “Why didn’t he just give her (the girlfiend) the picture” WHAT IF YOUR GIRLFRIEND LIVES IN THE OTHER PART OF THE COUNTRY?”
I’m sure there are just as many people who have never met Mr. Withee judging him as there are who have and those that do know him or of him have and heard the stories and while at times immature and of bad taste for a teacher I can say with confidence that he cared about those that he taught and coached.
But it’s kind of cool to know from all the comments being made “GROSS” “Creeper” etc. that the BDN is browsed by a high percentage of male models and priests. Obvious trolls are obvious.
Furthermore it makes me sad to see comments like “OMG.. he taut me when i wuz in schoolz.. what a perv!” SMH because A) if you had him for class it was most likely a “the only reason why they are spending tax payer money on me to get an education is some silly president enacted the “No Child Left Behind” policy and the Little Red School house was closed for business and B) It is a very poor reflection on the small education you may have received.
Dover-Foxcroft is a small area; you can’t cross the street and trip without the whole town knowing about it by the next day so certainly if you do something foolish it is going to catch up to you. Unfortunately football is no longer improtant there; the school is over run by trustees who care more about foreign exchange students, field hockey and dramatics which is too bad because nothing has brought the Academy more attention over the last 20 years then the success of the football program thanks largely in part to Mr. Withee.
But times have changed it takes very little for johnny’s mommy or daddy to get upset (lack of playing time, coach yelling at their kid, etc.) and even less if mommy or daddy are in a position of influence.
While I feel bad I understand why he would resign. This isn’t something you can live down and now with it being front page at the BDN and on the yahoo! new ticker it’ll be even harder to move forward.
I just amazes me at what we consider a scandal. Oversensitivity to the human body and overprotecting our kids against predators is the new red scare.
Wow, football that important to you? How is football any less or more important there since he has left? It’s not like they recruited players. Bad teams happen from time to time especially when the school population of local students continues to dewindle. Also if it wasn’t for those Chinese students who value an education like many of the local student that place would have no upside. Why has field hockey important now? Oh because they are winning and I doubt it has anything to do with putting more money into field hockey and taking it away from football. Keep living in your small world in which you think small Maine football has really any long term effect on anyone…….get a clue. Do you think you live in Texas or something? Now get off your knees and and take a breath, Withee is gone, get over it. FA is a highschool, it’s first priority is to educate, not create imagined football stars.
So what was the mother doing checking out the Coach on Facebook? A little Facebook-Stalking, maybe?
Can’t you read? The student was…
Wow, This made it all the way to the Drudge report. Must be a slow week for news.
if he’s stupid enough to post nude photos of himself he deserves to be unemployed. he needs to seek mental health help. obviously the man has a problem.
why would you post anything like that via facebook, even if it is private. It’s called email or even snail mail if you want to be discreet.
Would this qualify as “junk” mail?
Someone already asked that but it’s still funny
The first problem I have with this story is why is a man using Facebbook?
Are you stereotyping and judging? One might ask why are you making comments on the BDN. So what if you have a problem with a man using Facebook…
I take back my original comment. This was a stupid, stupid thing to do.
If my memory is correct, the reason Paul left Dover Foxcroft was because he wasn’t rehired by the school committee. Usually coaches who bring state championship gold balls back for the HS trophy case are sainted not shown the door. This situation shines some light on that.
I think that we should simply outlaw the disgusting and immoral human body altogether.
that will solve our problems.
OR, we can just burn our eyes out and NEVER have to see a naked body.
I don’t see nudity as a big deal plus it was a mistake, he took it off after realizing. It’s a human body for Pete’s sake, where is the high crime? You can think of nothing worse in the world?
I think the problem here is that he is a teacher/coach and I guess anyone that has kids or deals with kids can’t ever get naked. If you do get naked you will automatically become a pervert and be judged by the court of pubic opinion. :)
Was this a stupid move? Yes!! Was the first time he has done something stupid? No!!
If you remember correctly, Withee was run out of Foxcroft a couple years ago as well. There has been rumors flying around about him for years. Having inappropriate relationships with female students, and smoking marijuana in a porta potty being my personal favorites. Okay, I know that all the rumors are not true…but you have to believe that some are. Where there’s smoke…there’s fire!
A few years ago I had the displeasure of playing in a golf tournament with him. He was loud, obnoxious, and arrogant. He walked around like he was a celebrity and made sure everyone noticed him! Wonder if he’s walking around with his head held high these days…
To recap—this guy has done something stupid at his last 2 positions which has led to him getting fired or resigning under pressure. Either he is incredibly unlucky, or incredibly stupid! In my opinion, he doesnt deserve to educate or coach todays youth.
I believe he is a good football coach that knows the game and gets the most out of his players, its a shame that he doesnt use that pea brain to keep himself out of trouble
Hello! Can you enlighten me and inform me if Mr. Webb, the headmaster who ultimately made the decision not to renew Mr. Withee’s contract at Foxcroft Academy is still employed by Foxcroft Academy?
Nope canned for numerous reasons, although I am not sure he was canned, I think he “resigned”. Him and Paul were birds of a feather….not sure Mr. Webb fired him though, I think that was the board of trustees decision, not 100% sure though.
If you are not 100 percent you shouldn’t put it on here-I am 100 percent sure of that. If you want to make these points of interest on here why don’t you sign your real name so you can be sued.
What would you sue me for you DB? F off you Jack 0ff.
Did you say your name was Jack? Brave man aren’t we
LMAO Nope Deerhntr He definitely said your name was Jack.
Again what did I say that was ground for libel/being sued?
does it really matter? I havent read anything about Mr Webb posting naked pictures of himself on the internet. Nor have I heard anything else that could be considered controversial.
My in-laws donate a lot of money to their alma mater, FA (why…I dont know) and their entire family are proud to be Ponies…they all agree he’s a great coach, but none think he’s a real stand up guy
If you do not want to see it in the paper never post it on FACEBOOK!
Note to self, do not post nude pictures on Facebook if you do not know what you are doing. Lesson learned by coaches mistake….yikes
Or better yet, do not post nude pictures on Facebook no matter what…..
Facebook is going to ruin a lot of peoples’ lives. One, for taking too much of their time. Two, for putting too much info in the wrong hands (I am leaving for vacation now! Come burgalrize my house!), and for errors such as these.
Give the guy a break he made a mistake. I do not think any students were damaged for life it was only up a half hour. I do not want anyone peeking into my bedroom and making it public what i do lol. Now if he was sending it to underage kids that would be a different story. Not like these kids do not see nude photos on facebook. How about arresting any underage kids that post nude photos for child porn?
Withee is a grade A DB! And anything he gets he earned at some point in his life!
My opinion is Mr. Withee thought his privates were private! Oopsies!
As a teacher – I’ve been asked by students why I refuse their friend requests. While I don’t post pictures like this, I have college age relatives who sometimes post things inappropriate for younger kids to see, so I always say no. Unless the teacher wants to have a different account for friending students from the one they use with their adult friends, they shouldn’t be friending students at all.
I would like to see what tool is used to measure the harm this man did.
Anybody see damages caused by his behaviour?
l’ve lost valuable minutes following this discussion! I’ll never get them back!!!
Actually, I had no idea what it was until I opened it. I received a text message from an old high school friend and when I opened it, it was the picture with a message that said something like “EW look what Mr. Withee posted on his facebook wall!”. I promptly deleted the picture because thats not something I wanted on my phone. However, I’m sure many others didn’t delete theirs and are passing it around even further.
use your cell phone next time lol. i wouldnt hold this against him forever but its touchy when a teacher or anyone who works around kids does something like this. he made the right choice to leave. people need to think before they do things.
I have to say 334 post to BDN
119 recommends to facebook
one naked photo Priceless
This guy doesn’t realize it – but he may have fallen victim to an e-mal spoofing privacy hack. A parent just happened to be monitoring his page for 10 minutes, in a 24 hour day, in a 7 day week? Not likely – unless the parent was waiting for the photo to appear. There are numerous techniques and tools available that make e-mail spoofing simple and transparent – I would certainly investigate further.