Double-T Nation Daily Diatribe :: 01.09.10
by Seth C on Jan 9, 2010 5:36 AM CST
in Texas Tech News, Notes and Links
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Sarcasm Font: Since we've had somewhat of a tough time over the last week, many of you have asked about a sarcasm font. I cannot change the software, create a new font or something of that nature, but for those of you who do the HTML thing, what about the following for a sarcasm font: "<sarc>I love the Texas Tech administration.</sarc>". If anyone has any other ideas, feel free to drop a comment.
Can This Get Any Better? Lots of times when I write the DTN DD there's news on the field to discuss, or preparation for spring practices or something other than a lawsuit, players supporting a coaching candidate and an administration that doesn't at all seem concerned about the length of time it is taking to hire a head coach.
I know that this has already been posted lots of places, but per the LAJ, Mike Leach vs. Texas Tech involves claims of the former Red Raider coach of wrongful termination, fraud, defamation, libel and slander (actual document - pdf). I know that some of you are awaiting my comment regarding the lawsuit and the merits of each side and I'm not sure. I'm actually a lowly estate planning and probate attorney (mix in some real estate and corporate work) and spend very little time in court. In any event, to say that civil trial work isn't my specialty would be an understatement, but I could still give my own two cents. I know that we have some civil trial attorneys and law school students that frequent DTN and they've given some good opinions on the matter.
But at some point, I have to make the decision as to how closely I really want to follow this situation. Although the plaintiff has requested a speedy trial, I'm not sure that this suit could last for quite some time, especially if one side appeals the district court's ruling, and although this may not be popular to admit, I hate sports when attorneys get involved (yes, there's quite a bit of irony there). I disliked covering Leach's contract negotiations and I disliked covering the Leach termination, but I realize that it's part of my job to do this and I realize that part of being a fan now a days means that you have to cover the good with the bad (it's just that there's been a lot more bad recently).
So now we've got a lawsuit to track, and a basketball team, the hiring of a new coach, spring football, a baseball team, a spring game DTN get-together, a football DTN get-together and hold a contest for a DTN t-shirt and bumper-sticker. And this isn't to say that I'm going to forget what happened. I'm working on that.
What makes this community so great is that we've got much better (and I mean much, much better) legal minds in this community that more than give their own two cents on this matter and their opinions are more qualified than mine, which will be collectively the DTN Law Review (herein "DTN LR"). As stuff breaks, I'll try to give you the framework to discuss, but I'll be leaning on you guys and gals as part of the DTN LR to inform the rest of us.
Player Support: LAJ's Don Williams writes this morning that the players are openly supporting interim head coach and defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill for the head coaching position. And before we throw the players under the bus for being young, not knowing what they're talking about and comments like they do not know what's best for the program, I'd maybe just ask everyone to perhaps appreciate their opinion.
Sure, no one likes changes, and despite all of the jokes made about McNeill, I do believe he is a very good person and he does care about these players. I have questions about how good of a defensive coordinator he is, but I do believe he's made this defense better in the two years that he's been in charge, thanks in large part to his ability to recruit better players. It's easy to make fun of McNeill for his weight or a myriad of other things, but I do believe that the players have an understanding of what's going on around them, despite the fact that we may not feel that way (and to clarify, I think that Tuberville is the better choice over McNeill, but I still respect the players' opinions).
Maybe, just maybe, they have a pretty good idea too.
Here's <sarc>disgruntled</sarc> RB Baron Batch:
"Eventually, the ‘Team Leach’ stuff has to stop. What happens when they hire a coach? Are you still going to do the ‘Team Leach’ stuff? The ‘Bring back Leach’ stuff?’
"Eventually, they have to start supporting us again," Batch said of the remaining players and coaches.
Batch is right on at least one thing, eventually, you have to start supporting the team, the players, again or you won't, ever again. For those of you who won't support the team ever again, I'm not sure what to say. I'm not in the business of telling people what to do, which includes when they need to move on from this entire fiasco. I don't have an answer. But for me personally, when (if) a new coach his hired, I'm going to start previewing players and coaches and make sense of the situation that's happening now. I'm not going to tell anyone they can't still be angry, but DTN is supposed to be a hobby for me and it's more "fun" to follow the players, talk about new coaches, and get ready for spring football, so that's what I'm going to do.
Even <sarc>malcontent</sarc> QB Steven Sheffield weighs in on the matter:
"To tell the truth, I really didn’t think it was going to be this big of a thing to pick a new coach after how the players responded and how everyone was acting after the bowl game," said quarterback Steven Sheffield, who rallied Tech to the bowl win. "I don’t see any reason why Coach Ruff shouldn’t get at least a one-year opportunity to prove what he can do with this team."
Sheffield said 90 to 95 percent of Tech players share his opinion.
"No less than 90 percent," he said. "I mean, there’s no way. And I talk to a lot of people on the team."
And <sarc>trouble-maker</sarc> LB Brian Duncan apparently made an unsolicited phone call to the LAJ to voice his opinion:
"I can speak for the entire team," Duncan said. "It showed not only before this incident, but every time Coach Ruff would get up to speak. All eyes are on him. All mouths are closed. And after he speaks, things change.
"Bowl week, he completely took over. We had a different atmosphere in practice. It was just fun to be around him. He lit up the whole team, and it showed in the bowl game."
Lincoln Riley = Mack Brown: FWST's Dwain Price talked with NFL legend Gil Brandt, who apparently feels that current offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley is destined for greatness:
"Lincoln Riley is a special, special, special guy," said Brandt, who works for NFL.com. "What he did in that game calling those plays, I thought he was magnificent.
"He’s a very bright guy, hard-working guy, he’s got a wonderful wife, he’s got all the things you need to be successful. He and Mack are 26-year-old look-a-likes when Mack was 26."
And Riley was flattered at the praise:
"I really appreciate him saying all that," he said. "Anything coming from him and the experience he had in football and all the great things he’s done, it definitely means a lot.
"I hope he’s right and I hope to continue, and hopefully get to that point [of stardom]. I felt good and confident in the role [of interim offensive coordinator], and no matter what I do the rest of my career I’ll always remember that game."
Game Tonight
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oklahoma St. Cowboys
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Stillwater, OK
Television: KAMC (Lubbock); Fox Sports SW; ESPN 360
DTN Preview:10:00 a.m.Now
Looking for a Road Win: LAJ's Courtney Linehan writes this morning that this team is looking for a road win in Stillwater, and PF D`walyn Roberts thinks that they can match-up with with the Cowboys:
"We have to box out, because they like to go and rebound offensively," Roberts said. "Our bigs will be ready for this game, too. Moses is a good player, and they’ll be ready to go up against him, show what they have."
Linehan reminded me in her story that Oklahoma St. has a very tough policy regarding the suspension and discipline of their players as SF Marshall Moses, one of the team leaders, was charged with the possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license last week. Oklahoma St. has a very tough policy regarding drug use as Moses was suspended, for one game, for the very tough non-conference opponent, Coppin St.
Rest assured that Moses was only suspended for that one game as he's now ready for conference play and Texas Tech.
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Is it really about maturity?
I like Baron Batch, but does he really think that “this Team Leach stuff” is about getting Leach back? I hear less and less of that talk each day. In fact, I haven’t heard much of that since the bowl game. Instead, I see 57,000+ talking about how this happened. I would think that everyone wants thats, especially the players. Do they really want the same thing to happen to Ruffin?
Just like our offense for the last ten years.....lets air it out.
Show us everything there is to know about this…..its not the nuclear football or national security. Show us every internal document and communication, and if ‘we as a fan base’ need to apologize to the James’ or the TTU Mensa trio…I’m OK with that.
By the same token, if it is shown that the TTU Mensa trio didn’t allow for proper investigation and didn’t give Mike an honest shake….I want blood (OK, just their jobs).
I’m fine with the player saying what they are saying, they like Ruff and I get it. I would think that Zack Thomas knows a thing or two about Tech and has been around the Mensa trio and Mike enough to make a good decision on whom to believe…..WOW. Let’s air this out and all get on the same page again….one way or the other.
Lack of wisdom...
…On the players’ part is showing. Try Ruff for a year? I don’t think they have any idea about the repercussions of changing coaches. After all, they’re still babes in the world.
And if somebody told me I was gonna grow up to be Mack Brown, gunplay would soon be involved. Murder or suicide one.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
kinda bulky to read sarcasm like that
what about just setting off the sarcastic remarks with /insert word/.
For me, it might be easier to mark the remarks that weren’t sarcastic
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
I really wasn't trying
to be sarcastic this morning except as noted, although now that I think about it, “I love the Texas Tech administration.” is more of a lie than sarcasm and a bad example.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Sarcasm shorthand
Here’s some Raiderspeak shorthand I have started to incorporate, along with …
…
FF = “Fact Free” (ups to London for this). My response to pretty much anything coming out of ESPN or TTU at this point. Not to be confused with “FFN”, or “Fling Feces Now”
SFE = “Shitty fucking effort”. Also my response to pretty much anything coming out of ESPN or TTU right now.
AIYAS = “As if you accomplished something”. Add to “SFE” for more emphasis, or use on its own.
by raider realist on Jan 9, 2010 12:53 PM CST up reply actions
Not going to be popular, but ...
I think that discounting a common theme that’s voiced by more than 90% of the current players is a mistake. Who would be closer to the situation? Why would they voice this opinion, if it had no substance? I would say that the players are mostly in line with the fans, in that, they want to continue to do what they are doing – playing the game the way Leach devised it and they are saying they are happy (sounds like ‘happier’) to do it without Leach.
I guess I think if you have a strong opinion, based only on reading newspapers and internet articles, and it is significantly different from the opinion of this specific large group of young adults, some of whom have been in close contact with the situation, then you might have to re-think your position.
"Fearless champions ever be; Stand on heights of victory"
I'm sure at certain points Bama players would have been happier to come to practice
without Saban. Why do I think those young adults learned a little better lesson because they got over themselves, didn’t pout, and pushed thru the difficulty. Oh ya, undefeated and NC too.
Wish I had the quote to post, but Saban said something like “getting comfortable is a problem”. Just hope we’re not seeing that from our players.
by raider realist on Jan 9, 2010 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
Alternately
we really don’t know how hard McNeill pushes these guys. And all three of these guys have been good workers and they aren’t labeled as slackers in the program. Again, I really just want a decision as soon as possible, preferably Tuberville.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
If it is Tubby, I hope these players have the maturity to put the same energy
into supporting him that they are putting into supporting Ruff….
by raider realist on Jan 9, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
+1
I have occasionally wondered if this team doesn’t have a leadership problem itself. As any older guy knows, it only takes a few bad apples to completely ruin just about any type of organization. ‘Ruin’ may be too strong a word. ‘Lead in the wrong direction’ may be a better way to say it.
I think of Lincoln Riley’s remark in this vein when he said he discovered after the fact that the James kid had been undermining his efforts for some time. In a team with a healthy attitude, stuff like that would have been snuffed out right away by the players themselves.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
I'm curious...
….What opinions you mean. I don’t have any problem with keeping the same offense (I think most fans want that). Re: Leach leaving, that’s pretty much a moot point.
But regarding who is the best coach to take the team into the future, I don’t see where a bunch of kids have the knowledge or wisdom to make that decision (or even realize the implications involved). Experience is the best teacher and they haven’t had that class yet. They like Ruff (so do I), but that has very little to do with the issue. When they say essentially ‘Give him a try. What do we have to lose?’, they have no idea of what we have to lose.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
I would agree
They only have a couple of years of their lives to lose, although I wonder how many former players are as passionate as this group of fans.
With that being said, it is interesting to see three stand-up players be so vocal about McNeill.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
With that logic
When the remaining 25,000 students comeback from winter break, they should be able to choose the chancellor and president….because they are closer to them and are more involved.
Just like parenting……someone has to be the adult.
by oldschoolraider on Jan 9, 2010 10:02 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Players have first-hand knowledge ...
and that counts for something. All I am saying is – consider everything, including what we see and hear from individuals who are directly involved and let your opinion fall where it may – I’d never suggest that you change your opinion, even if 100% of the information available is second, third or fourth-hand. The players have a close-up view and are in the middle of this mess – just consider it.
"Fearless champions ever be; Stand on heights of victory"
by Let's Go Tech! on Jan 9, 2010 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
I'll give them credit for knowing who they like most
But their knowledge of what happens if you make the wrong choice is far more remote than that of 40-year fans.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
It is not an absolute.
Sometimes, and I think it depends on the group, the group does pick the best leader.
I doubt that any soldier would have voted for T J Jackson as a leader early in his military career with the CSA, but after he had established his reputation as a leader who worked his soldiers hard in order to give them best advantage, which ultimately saved lives, he would be a unanimous choice.
Who would have voted for Patton? Or Rommel?
The guys on the inside do see who is effective. At TTU, they know and have great respect for McNeill, at least from the ones who have been read. It is important to see the difference in support for the past coach and hopes for the new coach from them, there is an example in that somewhere.
On the other hand, they do not know who the next guy will be and even if they have a hint or hope, their loyalty does have a tendency to drive their thinking, a bird in hand kind of thing….who knows what would happen with a new guy, good or bad? All these players have embraced the training and system taught by their current coaches and he represents vast expenditure of effort and hard work…all that is at risk.
I think I see a bit of unhappiness on their part from a past HC who could not manage his own distractions, as he unendingly drove them to ignore their own, to the point that he is not a valid part of their football careers anymore. Some of the surely mention the likely rosey comments from an HC during their recruiting.
it should also be pointed out...
Re: Coach Ruffin,
While I don’t want to say “the players’ opinions don’t matter”, they also won’t be here that long. While it’s great that our current players love Coach Ruffin, IF (and it is an “if”) he’s not the right head coach then they’ll be gone when that hits. (even if he’s only HC for 2-3 years (and I think you should give an HC at least that) all our starters will be gone by then)
Notice, all(?) our FORMER players stood up for Leach’s side, and of course our CURRENT players will stick with what they know. There’s no loss in backing Ruffin. If he’s hired, you supported the current guy. If he’s not, you didn’t even KNOW the new guy yet and you can talk up your “loyalty”. I don’t hold that against the players in any way, but we need a guy that can keep raising up our PROGRAM.
Without (intending) too much callousness, as much as I like these players they’re just a snapshot of the program. And as terrible as it is to say, I was worried (not extremely, but less optimistic than before) about next season BEFORE Leach got fired. Now with the craziness of installing a new coach (no matter who it is) we’re PROBABLY a few season removed from making a GOOD run (altho next season will be a crapshoot with everything going on in the Big12 south). No offense to Baron, but he has EVERY reason to want as much continuity as possible. Next year is HIS YEAR to make a statement, the last thing he needs is major changes to the team at this time or worse, another rebuilding year. (altho, he COULD benefit from a coach that chooses to run more, just saying) Point being, we need someone who is good for our PROGRAM, not the favorite of these PLAYERS. (now, I’m not saying they can’t be the same person, but that should only be a factor if all other things are about equal)
Re: Lincoln Riley v. Mack Brown
I’m scared that the two comparison points are the WORST two. Who cares if he LOOKS like Mack, that’s irrelevant for coaching. And really, if I heard he MANAGES like Mack, that would be a great thing, but hearing that he COACHES like Mack scares me. (I’m NOT impressed with Mack’s coaching)
Move on!!!
Leach will not return as coach.. Baron Batch is correct and has assumed a leadership role amongst the players. Duncan and Sheffield comments are telling about the climate that existed under Leach and future direction that the players are hoping. They respect Coach Leach’s Air Raid system but not him. This year’s paranoid season exemplifies that (handedly beating Nebraska on the road while getting blown out by A&M at home). Whether the fans support the Tech program or Leach program is a matter of time and perspective. I was never a Leach fan as head coach because of his lack of emphasis on defense. But I also agree that Tech’s administration mishandling of Leach’s firing is disgraceful and incompetent. Leach’s lawsuit should bring out the truth and will either penalize or absolve the Administration. If it’s the former, then heads should roll. However, it is time to move forward as a Tech fan. This is about Texas Tech and for that reason I agree with gunz sidewayz and booster 32 comments.
The class and immediate recruitment is based on Leach’s offensive scheme. I am also encouraged by the defensive commitments. How does one maintain the Air Raid system while building on Leach’s success is the $64,000 question? Leach brought Tech to a top 25 team and the next coach needs to move Tech into the top 15. My solution is to sign Ruff to a two year contract (as proposed by another commenter) and either extend or find a new coach if he is unsuccessful. I like Tuberville but he is the exact opposite of Leach. His program would be disruptive to the existing player talents and would only fan the flames of emotion that presently exist. One thing we all need to remember…Leach’s air raid offense only works against average defenses. Good atheletic defenses disrupted this offense at its best. Look at the record.
jdhud
Tubb wants to keep the Air Raid
But add a defense nobody on this coaching staff can match (or else we’d have it already). I can’t see where his plan would be disruptive to our personnel on hand or our recruiting goals.
The older fans have seen what happens when you take a probationary coach. It has never worked.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
RIDICULOUS
I agree that Leach is gone and we need to move on now, but your comments about the players and the system are insane. I’m sorry, but if you’re gonna tell me that Mike Leach was able to get more wins than any other coach in Texas Tech history without getting the respect and support of his players, then I would like to know what you base that on. If you are instead saying that THIS YEAR’s players did not give him that (but the previous ones did) then I see reason to doubt the heart of this year’s squad. Mike Leach was not a god nor was he perfect, but he was a darn good coach and he EARNED the respect he’s gotten.
Look, Leach’s offense was good, but it WAS a finesse offense, there are times when people don’t play best and that’s why we probably weren’t going to go undefeated with his offense. But to say we couldn’t beat a TOP team with it, how do you explain the win over Texas last year? We also beat Nebraska’s defense this year (albeit, their offense helped that effort).
Fianlly, if you think Mike Leach’s “air raid” offense can’t beat the big teams, why do you want to keep it? I say again, we should not make ANY program level decisions based on how they affect our CURRENT players unless you think we can win the championship next year or the year after. Doing so just pushes the disruption 2 years down unless you think Coach Ruffin IS the man for the job. But if you think Coach Ruffin is so great, SAY THAT. There is no reason to make the current players happy just to tick off the next batch though.
Move on!!
I agree TechFirst and think your insight is good. I do like Tuberville and think his selection would benefit Tech in the long term, but I still think his choice would be disruptive in the current climate and because I believe Tech is poised for a good chance next year to win the Big 12.
HeeroTX, I would like to see the Air Raid offense stay because it simply is exciting and always puts Tech in play with the current players and recruits. If Ruff proves to be successful then extend his contract, if not replace him. Also Ruff’s selection may move the problem two years down the road, but at least the coaching change will be based on performance not controversial as this one has been. The Leach firing and lawsuit maintains an emotional drag on the team, fans, and school and Leach’s future in coaching. Keeping his staff and system in place would help in this soothe this environment. If you think the Air Raid system is great, for the exception of Nebraska, Tech hasn’t succeeded in winning the big game on the road against a top tier team or one with a consistent defense. As I said look at the record.
jdhud
it's not like our record
was even nearly as good against those before the Air Raid. I’m not exactly sure what you think the solution is…the chance of the offense getting better is slim, so the defense is gonna have to be the difference, and I’m convinced that way to grow our PROGRAM’S defense is with Tubbs. Making short-term decisions for the sake of the current players is a terrible approach
by kevinkinsler on Jan 9, 2010 12:13 PM CST up reply actions
I can’t argue with your logic…but why not wish for both. I do think Tubbs selection would be a good one except that he didn’t make the spread work at Auburn. He emphasized defense and he had an excellent one. How would he fare in the Big 12?
jdhud
his spread might have had the same problem a running would have at Tech right now
just the wrong type of players, especially ones whose mindset for years much be changed
"Leach’s lawsuit should bring out the truth and will either penalize or absolve the Administration"
I doubt that we will get the ‘truth’, I think we will get spin on both sides of the arguement and that any awards resulting will impact the University more than the BoR, Chancellor, or AD.
Lincoln Riley is the man
Do whatever you can to keep him. He’s going to be a special coach for years to come.
Classes start Wed!
Most of the students will be back on campus Mon. Is the Administration not worried about this? What are the students going to do if Tech does not have a head coach named? Surely they will have a head coach named before Mon. Otherwise a riot may occur.
American farmers feed & clothe the world!
Why does classes starting have anything to do with selecting an HC ?
I would like to see your thinking.
A riot ? Do you honestly believe that is realistic ??? I can see that as A riot ;-)
Im just saying!
Give the tudents something to be excited about. Instead of something to be pissed off about. I can remember when I was young I wasn’t as level headed as I am now.
American farmers feed & clothe the world!
I want a clean break from Leach if we’re going to get someone new. I think it’s asking for trouble to keep the same coaching tree around – but eliminate the root. If we’re going to go a new direction, they by gosh, let’s go a new freaking direction with leadership.
In the end, if it’s Ruffin, oh well.
I think I get what you are saying in concept, but, there is an element of hope in all of this that we can do this transition w/o sacrificing the coming season as often happens with a HC change, or the Air Raid as an offense.
As far as the Air Raid is concerned, if that is really the thought behind not chaning the offense, there are not a lot of people who teach the Air Raid offense, per se. There are lots of people who teach a spread offense, that takes many forms, of which the Air Raid is one.
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