A Legend's Ambiguous Farewell

After 40 years as the men's hockey coach at Boston University, Jack Parker announced on Monday, his 68th birthday, that he would retire at season's end. With 894 wins, the most for a hockey coach at a single school, Parker will leave the Terriers with a legacy that includes three NCAA titles. He coached dozens of players who made an impact in the NHL and beyond, including Miracle on Ice stars Jim Craig and Mike Eruzione.

But his legacy is not without blemish. A year ago two of his players, in separate incidents, were accused of sexual assault. (One pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault and battery; the other's case was dropped by prosecutors.) A school task force identified a "culture of sexual entitlement" among some players, and BU stripped Parker of his executive AD title. Though he says the scandal did not hasten his decision to retire, it will remain a sour final chapter to a long and distinguished career.

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SUSAN WALSH/AP (PARKER)