Commentary: Trump's decision to keep Miss USA was the wrong one

Monday, December 25, 2006 By LaMont Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Last week was a bad one for the Miss USA Organization, which was rocked by scandal at almost all levels.

Rick Maiman, Associated Press YOU'RE NOT FIRED: Donald Trump said last week that he would allow Miss USA Tara Conner to keep her title. Click photo for larger image.

First, Miss USA Tara Conner was headed to rehab after there were reports that she engaged in some bad-girl behavior -- including underage drinking and allegations of drug use and lewd behavior. But she'll be able to keep her title and the crown.

Two days later, Katie Rees, Miss Nevada USA 2007, was stripped of her title on Thursday after raunchy photos of her surfaced on the Internet.

And Mothers Against Drunk Driving severed its relationship with reigning Miss Teen USA Katie Blair after she allegedly engaged in unladylike behavior while partying with Ms. Conner.

The Miss Teen USA organization said it would not ask Miss Blair to hand over her tiara because there is no proof of wrongdoing.

Having grown up in Kentucky, I was somewhat proud to watch Ms. Connor, a native of Russell Springs, get crowned Miss USA 2006 in April.

She was the first Miss Kentucky to ever capture the title. And although she wasn't my pick, I figured any of the finalists would represent the state well.

Ms. Conner, who in July placed in the top five in Miss Universe, said winning Miss USA was a dream come true. And, for now, it seems she'll be able to hold onto that dream.

Donald Trump, who owns the pageant, surprised many last week with his announcement that Ms. Conner would get "a second chance." She will retain the coveted title and the Mikimoto pearl tiara that came with it.

A brief statement issued by Mr. Trump and posted on missusa.com after his news conference said that Ms. Conner's Miss USA duties "will be limited as she receives the help she needs during this personal time," and she "will continue her responsibilities at the appropriate time."

This makes little sense when the pageant's first runner-up, Miss California Tamiko Nash, is charged with assuming the title if Ms. Conner "for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities."

It's hard to imagine how Ms. Conner can fulfill her responsibilities, which include extensive travel and appearances, while in rehab.

More at the Source

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