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NFL Mock Draft 2009 Draft of 2009 Lacks Star Power NFL Draft 2009: Getting Started Super Bowl Well Worth Tuning In For
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Prospects On Center Stage NBA Preview 2008/09: Final Call
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Gundy Standing Tall By Ron Jumper When Mike Gundy had his emotional press conference, where he exploded and ripped the local media a new one. My first take on it was, “Wow, he has totally lost it.” However, that just wasn’t the case. Upon further review, it was a very noble and stand-up thing to do. It was… oh, what would best describe it? Oh, I know. Absolutely nothing like Houston Nutt. Let us review for a minute: Mike Gundy had just finished a huge emotional win against Texas Tech. This was a game the Cowboys needed desperately, as they had lost to Troy the week before. Without starting QB Bobby Reid, another loss could get the wheels close to falling off. After the game, when Gundy could have easily let it slide because of the big win, he let the local media have it. Local reporters made some “inaccurate” statements about starting QB Bobby Reid. The reporters took stabs at his attitude and work ethic. Gundy just simply wouldn’t stand for it. Here are some memorable quotes: "Let me tell you about this article: 3/4ths of this is inaccurate. It's fiction." "This article embarrasses me to be involved in athletics." "Here's all that kid did: Goes to class, is respectful to the media, respectful to the public, and he's a good kid. He's not a professional athlete. He doesn't deserve to be kicked when he's down." “If you have a child someday, you'll understand how it feels. But you obviously don't have a child. I do." "You don't downgrade him because he does everything right, and may not play as well on Saturday." "That's why I don't read the newspaper -- because it's garbage. And the editor that let it come out, is garbage." "Where are we at in society today? Come after me! I'm a man. I'm 40. Write about me!" And to cap it off: "And that's all I've got to say. Makes me want to puke." Now, I don’t agree with the tone and emotion he showed at that press conference because he got a little heated. However, it was all for the right reasons. He was standing up for his player. He was making sure that the reporters knew how he felt about the situation and that they had better think twice the next time. If I’m a potential recruit’s parents, I love what I saw because it showed that he is truly passionate about his players and developing them as men. On the other hand, there is Houston Nutt. Whenever there is a controversy or even when he receives criticism, there is always someone else to blame and no responsibility taken. How often have you heard Houston say, “You know, we got out-coached and I need to do a better job.” Not very often, if ever at all. When it comes to defending his players, that only happens when the good players get in trouble and he wants to make sure they will be able to play. Looking back the Alabama game, Gundy’s comments reminded me of how Nutt handles similar situations. The media criticized Nutt for passing on 3rd and long in the 4th quarter against Alabama. Instead of just ignoring the criticism or taking the blame himself, what does Nutt do? He throws Casey Dick under the bus. He said Dick was supposed to run the ball on that play if the pass wasn’t open. Right, right…because calling a bootleg for Casey Dick in a crucial situation was a really brilliant play-call to begin with. When you consider Dick has 2 carries for –8 yards on the season, do you really want to make it out to be Dick’s fault? I mean, honestly, that is the best you can come up with? Besides, Nutt said so himself that if the pass wasn’t open Dick was supposed to take off and run with it. So you did call the pass that everyone was criticizing you for. Man up, and take a little responsibility. Great job, Houston. Great job. Gundy might not have OSU in the polls or in the mix for the Big 12 Title, but at least he shows a little concern and stands up for his players. Or, in other words, he is no Houston Nutt… September 27, 2007 |
| NCAA Football | |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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| NCAA Basketball | |
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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