Washington State coach Mike Leach is no stranger to controversy. And the pass-happy, offensive-minded head man is in trouble again.
Former Washington State wide receiver Marquess Wilson has accused the first-year coach and his staff of abuse. The Pac-12 Conference has instigated a review of the matter.
Leach was fired from his previous job at Texas Tech based on another alleged abuse charge. Former NFL and college running back Craig James’ son claimed Leach had James’ son locked up in an equipment room.
Washington State paid Leach big money to come to Pullman. He’s making about $2 million per year. So far things are not looking good with the investment. Leach has the Cougars off to a terrible 2-8 record and now the abuse charge.
Leach could be innocent of the charge. Maybe Wilson didn’t like the way Leach changed the football program from the previous administration and he just wanted to cause trouble. Maybe Wilson is correct with his charge and Leach should require disciplinary action.
But here’s the case: Leach has a spotty record in player relations and that’s why Washington State has reached this point. If Leach is guilty, his disciplinary action could be a firing.
Will Leach lose his job?
Showing posts with label Pac-12 Conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pac-12 Conference. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Lightening Rod Moves to the Desert
Rich Rodriquez is one of those college coaches that seem to receive the tag of lighting rod.
It all started when Rodriquez left his alma mater West Virginia in a messy divorce. Things didn’t improve at Michigan where the national spotlight of a national program magnified the losing. So, Rodriquez departed one program voluntarily and was shown the door with the other.
To say the guy received some heat and backlash over those two jobs is like someone telling you it becomes hot in Dallas, Texas in July.
Rodriquez took a year off from coaching and broke down some football as a TV as a commentator. But now the lighting rod is back at the University of Arizona.
The Wildcats aren’t exactly a hotbed of college football. You don’t read or see much attention placed on the program. But Rodriquez wanted and probably need the opportunity to show the college football world he can still successfully coach.
Rodriquez brings a 75-48 career record to Tucson. He’s known as an “offensive mind” and the Pac-12 Conference is a great league to display that. Translation: the conference doesn’t play much defense. Contrary to belief, there isn’t a rule in the league declaring the first team to score 70 points as winner. The goal in the Pac-12 is to literally and figuratively outscore your opponent.
I have no doubt Rodriquez will accomplish that task. The question becomes can he do it consistently and in the meantime quiet the lighting rod tag.
It all started when Rodriquez left his alma mater West Virginia in a messy divorce. Things didn’t improve at Michigan where the national spotlight of a national program magnified the losing. So, Rodriquez departed one program voluntarily and was shown the door with the other.
To say the guy received some heat and backlash over those two jobs is like someone telling you it becomes hot in Dallas, Texas in July.
Rodriquez took a year off from coaching and broke down some football as a TV as a commentator. But now the lighting rod is back at the University of Arizona.
The Wildcats aren’t exactly a hotbed of college football. You don’t read or see much attention placed on the program. But Rodriquez wanted and probably need the opportunity to show the college football world he can still successfully coach.
Rodriquez brings a 75-48 career record to Tucson. He’s known as an “offensive mind” and the Pac-12 Conference is a great league to display that. Translation: the conference doesn’t play much defense. Contrary to belief, there isn’t a rule in the league declaring the first team to score 70 points as winner. The goal in the Pac-12 is to literally and figuratively outscore your opponent.
I have no doubt Rodriquez will accomplish that task. The question becomes can he do it consistently and in the meantime quiet the lighting rod tag.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Rich Rodriquez Back in Coaching
It didn’t take long for Rich Rodriquez to leave the TV booth and return to coaching.
Rodriquez left CBS College Sports to try to resurrect the Arizona Wildcats. His official appointment was announced this week.
When I first heard the news, I thought another Rodriquez was moving to Arizona—Alex. But then I thought why would A-Rod leave the New York Yankees to go to the Arizona Diamondbacks?
The other Rodriquez is trying to repair his coaching reputation. First, Rich-Rod as he is called, suffered a nasty divorce with West Virginia as he departed his alma mater to go to Michigan. I think Rich-Rod looked at Michigan as his dream job. It was a dream alright—a bad one. Many of the Michigan fans just plain disliked the guy. He also ran into trouble with the NCAA and couldn’t win enough games to satisfy the Michigan faithful. All these factors led to his firing
His spread offense should do fine in the offensive-happy Pac-12. His defenses were generous at Michigan, but defense doesn’t seem to be a problem in the Pac-12. The key is to just literally outscore the other opponent like say, 60-52. Plus, Rodriquez should be in a much lower-key job than the bright lights at Michigan. Despite what the league says, the Pac-12 still suffers from an exposure problem. The time zone factor is the major culprit. Lots of the games start too late for Midwest and East Coast viewers.
So, it will be interesting to see how Rich-Rod plays out in the Southwest. He’s at a basketball school but he no doubt was hired to elevate the importance of the football program. Hopefully, Rich-Rod has learned from his mistakes and will do well in Tucson.
Rodriquez left CBS College Sports to try to resurrect the Arizona Wildcats. His official appointment was announced this week.
When I first heard the news, I thought another Rodriquez was moving to Arizona—Alex. But then I thought why would A-Rod leave the New York Yankees to go to the Arizona Diamondbacks?
The other Rodriquez is trying to repair his coaching reputation. First, Rich-Rod as he is called, suffered a nasty divorce with West Virginia as he departed his alma mater to go to Michigan. I think Rich-Rod looked at Michigan as his dream job. It was a dream alright—a bad one. Many of the Michigan fans just plain disliked the guy. He also ran into trouble with the NCAA and couldn’t win enough games to satisfy the Michigan faithful. All these factors led to his firing
His spread offense should do fine in the offensive-happy Pac-12. His defenses were generous at Michigan, but defense doesn’t seem to be a problem in the Pac-12. The key is to just literally outscore the other opponent like say, 60-52. Plus, Rodriquez should be in a much lower-key job than the bright lights at Michigan. Despite what the league says, the Pac-12 still suffers from an exposure problem. The time zone factor is the major culprit. Lots of the games start too late for Midwest and East Coast viewers.
So, it will be interesting to see how Rich-Rod plays out in the Southwest. He’s at a basketball school but he no doubt was hired to elevate the importance of the football program. Hopefully, Rich-Rod has learned from his mistakes and will do well in Tucson.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Stanford's Andrew Luck Runs Out of Luck
I was cheering for Stanford Saturday night against Oregon. The Stanford boys are easy to embrace: Andrew Luck, true student-athletes and an outstanding academic institution.
But, you knew heading into the game, the Cardinal faced a difficult test. Stanford had recently survived against Southern Cal in a wild overtime game and frankly it looked vulnerable. Plus, Oregon is a fast and athletic team.
All these factors made it feel that Stanford’s undefeated season would come to an end. The hutch was correct. Match, set, Oregon 53-30.
The game was never close unless you count 0-0. Stanford quarterback Luck is indeed a great talent. But the poor guy needs help. Too many mistakes, took many dropped passes and out-of-sync overall play doomed the Cardinal.
Stanford’s national championship hopes are basically gone. It has fallen to ninth place in the BCS. It’s difficult to leapfrog a number of teams this time of year. The Cardinal need a football miracle and I don’t think it will happen.
But regardless, Stanford will remain an interesting team to watch. Luck is the reason Stanford has won nine games so far this season. With some other luck, they could have been 10-0.
But, you knew heading into the game, the Cardinal faced a difficult test. Stanford had recently survived against Southern Cal in a wild overtime game and frankly it looked vulnerable. Plus, Oregon is a fast and athletic team.
All these factors made it feel that Stanford’s undefeated season would come to an end. The hutch was correct. Match, set, Oregon 53-30.
The game was never close unless you count 0-0. Stanford quarterback Luck is indeed a great talent. But the poor guy needs help. Too many mistakes, took many dropped passes and out-of-sync overall play doomed the Cardinal.
Stanford’s national championship hopes are basically gone. It has fallen to ninth place in the BCS. It’s difficult to leapfrog a number of teams this time of year. The Cardinal need a football miracle and I don’t think it will happen.
But regardless, Stanford will remain an interesting team to watch. Luck is the reason Stanford has won nine games so far this season. With some other luck, they could have been 10-0.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Big 12 Conference Soap Opera
What a 24-hours in the Big 12 Conference.
Yesterday, it was all doom and gloom for the league. Rumors had Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech all going to the Pac-12 Conference.
Oklahoma was apparently making demands of the Big 12 while waiting the word from the Pac-12. The Sooners said the Big 12 needed major reforms including firing its commissioner before they would ever choose to stay in the league.
Well, the Pac-12 discarded all the realignment talk for at least a few hours in this unstable environment when it said “Thanks, but no thanks” to the four Big 12 schools.
We are now left with only gloom and some serious egg on Oklahoma’s face.
The Big 12 is still in major trouble because there are now two schools wanting to play by its own rules. In recent days, Oklahoma’s behavior has shown the “me first” attitude. Texas has always been the league’s kingpin.
Where this struggle ends up, nobody knows, but you must feel sorry for schools like Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas State and Kansas. Without real recourse, these conference members have been wondering if they would be forced to scramble for some other affiliation. If I were those schools, I would still keep the eyes open in the back of the head.
Texas needs to quit acting like a spoiled child. It can no longer eat four deserts and leave the other family members with crumbs. Oklahoma needs to patch up their grievances with Texas and become a good family member. The Sooners must look out for other conference members and promote their benefit as well.
I know this novel concept of sharing seems outdated in this world, but it’s the only way the Big 12 will even have a chance to survive.
Yesterday, it was all doom and gloom for the league. Rumors had Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech all going to the Pac-12 Conference.
Oklahoma was apparently making demands of the Big 12 while waiting the word from the Pac-12. The Sooners said the Big 12 needed major reforms including firing its commissioner before they would ever choose to stay in the league.
Well, the Pac-12 discarded all the realignment talk for at least a few hours in this unstable environment when it said “Thanks, but no thanks” to the four Big 12 schools.
We are now left with only gloom and some serious egg on Oklahoma’s face.
The Big 12 is still in major trouble because there are now two schools wanting to play by its own rules. In recent days, Oklahoma’s behavior has shown the “me first” attitude. Texas has always been the league’s kingpin.
Where this struggle ends up, nobody knows, but you must feel sorry for schools like Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas State and Kansas. Without real recourse, these conference members have been wondering if they would be forced to scramble for some other affiliation. If I were those schools, I would still keep the eyes open in the back of the head.
Texas needs to quit acting like a spoiled child. It can no longer eat four deserts and leave the other family members with crumbs. Oklahoma needs to patch up their grievances with Texas and become a good family member. The Sooners must look out for other conference members and promote their benefit as well.
I know this novel concept of sharing seems outdated in this world, but it’s the only way the Big 12 will even have a chance to survive.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Listen to Texas' Mack Brown
Texas football coach Mack Brown said yesterday he wants to remain in the Big 12 Conference. He also said Texas wants to stay in the league.
If those statements are true, then the next step is simple. Texas needs to come out publicly and declare it will definitely stay in the Big 12.
Texas could place a huge roadblock on this realignment chaos with that simple statement. But can Texas be trusted? The Longhorns seem to enjoy flirting with suitors just like other schools.
Would Texas find happiness in the Pac-12 or ACC? How about as an independent? The Longhorns are viewed as a Big 12 bully. They have basically taken advantage of flavored status in the old Southwest Conference and the Big 12. In a way, you cannot blame them. But if you (Texas) drive away the competition, what do you have left? A king without subjects is not a kingdom.
I doubt whether the Pac-12 or the ACC is viewing Texas as the ultimate gold piece. If the Longhorns want to join one of those leagues, they will actually find themselves in a sharing position. They will no longer be the top dog in a conference.
I sense Texas is a lonely institution in these changeable times. The Longhorns want to become loved. The problem for Texas, if it joins another conference, is someone else will make the rules. And following is a whole different story than having followers.
If those statements are true, then the next step is simple. Texas needs to come out publicly and declare it will definitely stay in the Big 12.
Texas could place a huge roadblock on this realignment chaos with that simple statement. But can Texas be trusted? The Longhorns seem to enjoy flirting with suitors just like other schools.
Would Texas find happiness in the Pac-12 or ACC? How about as an independent? The Longhorns are viewed as a Big 12 bully. They have basically taken advantage of flavored status in the old Southwest Conference and the Big 12. In a way, you cannot blame them. But if you (Texas) drive away the competition, what do you have left? A king without subjects is not a kingdom.
I doubt whether the Pac-12 or the ACC is viewing Texas as the ultimate gold piece. If the Longhorns want to join one of those leagues, they will actually find themselves in a sharing position. They will no longer be the top dog in a conference.
I sense Texas is a lonely institution in these changeable times. The Longhorns want to become loved. The problem for Texas, if it joins another conference, is someone else will make the rules. And following is a whole different story than having followers.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Must-See College Football This Weekend
If you can only watch one football game this weekend, don’t miss Oklahoma-Florida State.
Congratulations to these two programs for the guts to schedule a game between two top rating programs. In this age of let’s schedule guaranteed wins for the non conference season, it’s refreshing. The big risk of this game is the loser will fade from the national title picture.
The No. 1 Sooners travel to a hostile place to oppose a tough fifth-ranked team. Jimbo Fisher has replaced Florida State legend Bobby Bowden in fine style. The Seminoles have left the mediocrity of the late Bowden years and have returned to the national stage. Florida State is again Florida State.
Oklahoma has plenty of weapons to survive the Seminoles including quarterback Landry Jones.
The Sooners have big news off the field. They are the latest team to become dissatisfied with the Big 12 Conference and apparently are flirting with the Pac-12. And I thought we could receive a break from this realignment talk once the season started.
But thankful the football talk will return to the field Saturday. This matchup is definitely worth the hype.
Enjoy.
Congratulations to these two programs for the guts to schedule a game between two top rating programs. In this age of let’s schedule guaranteed wins for the non conference season, it’s refreshing. The big risk of this game is the loser will fade from the national title picture.
The No. 1 Sooners travel to a hostile place to oppose a tough fifth-ranked team. Jimbo Fisher has replaced Florida State legend Bobby Bowden in fine style. The Seminoles have left the mediocrity of the late Bowden years and have returned to the national stage. Florida State is again Florida State.
Oklahoma has plenty of weapons to survive the Seminoles including quarterback Landry Jones.
The Sooners have big news off the field. They are the latest team to become dissatisfied with the Big 12 Conference and apparently are flirting with the Pac-12. And I thought we could receive a break from this realignment talk once the season started.
But thankful the football talk will return to the field Saturday. This matchup is definitely worth the hype.
Enjoy.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Colorado's Alec Burks is a Player
How in the world did Missouri folks let Alec Burks leave the state and play for Colorado?
Burks’ played serious basketball yesterday against Iowa State and propelled his team to a comeback victory. Burks’ line was 29 points and 15 rebounds. Iowa State had problems stopping the sophomore in the second half when the Buffaloes stormed back. He likes to compete against Iowa State. In two previous games, he scored 24 and 19.
Burks’ effort probably punched Colorado’s NCAA ticket. Big 12 Conference opponents will be happy Burks and Colorado moves to the Pac-12 Conference next season. Pac-12 schools hope Burks declares for the NBA.
It was a strange sight yesterday at the Big 12 tournament. Colorado fans were celebrating the success of its basketball program. The high-fives weren’t because Ralphie the Buffalo was taking the Colorado football field. I remember Colorado having real hoops success in the 1970s.
The Buffs are trying to make some noise in their final Big 12 tournament. If I was the Pac-12, I would be leery of Colorado basketball in the future especially if Burks and coach Tad Boyle stays around.
Burks’ played serious basketball yesterday against Iowa State and propelled his team to a comeback victory. Burks’ line was 29 points and 15 rebounds. Iowa State had problems stopping the sophomore in the second half when the Buffaloes stormed back. He likes to compete against Iowa State. In two previous games, he scored 24 and 19.
Burks’ effort probably punched Colorado’s NCAA ticket. Big 12 Conference opponents will be happy Burks and Colorado moves to the Pac-12 Conference next season. Pac-12 schools hope Burks declares for the NBA.
It was a strange sight yesterday at the Big 12 tournament. Colorado fans were celebrating the success of its basketball program. The high-fives weren’t because Ralphie the Buffalo was taking the Colorado football field. I remember Colorado having real hoops success in the 1970s.
The Buffs are trying to make some noise in their final Big 12 tournament. If I was the Pac-12, I would be leery of Colorado basketball in the future especially if Burks and coach Tad Boyle stays around.
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