I just spanked Eustachy - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jan 20, 2005

RE: I just spanked Eustachy

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Larry's Social Secretary
"Uhhh, the Coach says he'll move but only if he can have an office close to that hot chic Lisa Mader. Anyone know if she'll be officing in the Lott Center?"

Speaking of the PR dragon lady, what's happened to her? Is she still with USM? If so, she's been uncharacteristically silent for the past few weeks, or so it seems. In seclusion drafting Shelboo's resignation speech? Vacationing at the Klumb estate? Matriculating at the Thomas Cooley School of Law?

Date: Jan 20, 2005

I've wondered about LM's whereabouts as well.

She's been quoted hardly at all since the accreditation crisis hit in early December.

Was she ordered not to talk to the media on that subject? The quotes are all coming from Thames himself, or from Joan Exline.

If LM stops talking to the press, and no one misses her, that would be good evidence in support of the suggestion that USM could save $77K a year (plus the value of the benefits) by getting rid of her position...

Robert Campbell

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: I Am Curious Yellow
"Speaking of the PR dragon lady, what's happened to her? Is she still with USM? If so, she's been uncharacteristically silent for the past few weeks, or so it seems. In seclusion drafting Shelboo's resignation speech? Vacationing at the Klumb estate? Matriculating at the Thomas Cooley School of Law?"

Sometimes the spin is not for the media. This has been a very busy week what with preparation for the PUC meeting, the IHL meeting, and that little problem on the coast. Everyone needs coaching in how to respond you know.

Has telling the truth ever occurred to any of these bozos? Wouldn't it save a lot of time and energy. Wouldn't it, in fact, be more efficient?

Date: Jan 20, 2005

But is there any reason to believe that Thames is actually getting prepared?

When the media asked how many "distance learning" programs USM had, he couldn't say. Any university president worth

, knowing that distance learning programs were a major concern of the insititution's accrediting body, would get Institutional Research to find out how many and would insist on a thorough briefing on the subject.

I suppose Mader might be behind the decision not to let Ken Malone speak to audiences that might ask him tough questions--whether it's the PC wanting him to address the economic quality of the Economic Development program or the Hattiesburg American wanting him to address anything.

But maybe even Thames is capable of figuring that one out.

Robert Campbell

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Spin Doctor
" Sometimes the spin is not for the media. This has been a very busy week what with preparation for the PUC meeting, the IHL meeting, and that little problem on the coast. Everyone needs coaching in how to respond you know. Has telling the truth ever occurred to any of these bozos? Wouldn't it save a lot of time and energy. Wouldn't it, in fact, be more efficient?"

When is the next IHL meeting to take place? Which little problem on the coast--the fiasco involving Diane Stephenson? Is the IHL getting involved in that?

I can help you out on the question of truth. The answer is no, it would never occur to any of them to engage in candor. It would certainly be more efficient, but suicidal for Thames et al.

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Info Sponge Bob
" When is the next IHL meeting to take place?"

Isn't one happening right now, January 20?

Date: Jan 20, 2005

Two responses.

The first to RC's "When the media asked how many "distance learning" programs USM had, he couldn't say." This is an issue of substance. Spin is not about dealing with issues of substance. Spin is about saving his a$$ when he's been caught in a lie.

The second to Sponge Bob's "When is the next IHL meeting to take place? Which little problem on the coast--the fiasco involving Diane Stephenson? Is the IHL getting involved in that?" Today. No, the Library renovation for the EMBA. I don't know.

Date: Jan 20, 2005

Point taken about substance vs. spin...

But if LSM has been advising Thames to throw out contradictory excuses for the accreditation fiasco, then make a grudging acknowledgment of responsibility only after being chewed out by the IHL Board... he could have figured all of that out himself, without needing to pay anyone $77K a year to tell him to do it.

By the way, I was supposed to be referring to the *academic* quality of the ED program when I referred to the way in which Ken Malone is being kept away from the press.

It helps to proofread.

Robert Campbell

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Texas Ex
"Hey Mr. Investigator, from the stats you cite it looks like Larry Eustachy is a disciple of the Tom Penders school of academic excellence. During Pender's tenure at Texas, which was something like 7 years, I don't believe a single player ever completed degree requirements, not even in PE. That's right folks, a 0% graduation rate at the Tier-1 U. of Texas. On the other hand, I believe Jody Conradt's "Lady Longhorns" had a near perfect graduation rate. Says a lot about priorities, eh?"

Well, while we're picking on Texas - let's don't forget Billy Tubbs - another 0% graduatation coach and proud of it. When he was at OU, he moved his players out of the athletic dorm and into apartments next to Lloyd Noble - they did not have to report to the Athletic Academic Services either. They weren't there to go to school. I know he went on to TCU and isn't he back at Lamar now?

Date: Jan 20, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Gnomeansgnome
"Well, while we're picking on Texas - let's don't forget Billy Tubbs - another 0% graduatation coach and proud of it. When he was at OU, he moved his players out of the athletic dorm and into apartments next to Lloyd Noble - they did not have to report to the Athletic Academic Services either. They weren't there to go to school. I know he went on to TCU and isn't he back at Lamar now?"

Hey, I'm allowed to pick on Texas; I went to school there, and I still give them money (not that they need it).

As Carnack the Magnificent would say, "You are correct Sir." Tubbs is not only BB coach, but also the Athletic Director at Lamar. I know nothing of his graduation rate at OU, but will take you at your word. I don't know how his players fared academically at TCU.

I should add that my contempt for Penders transcends his neglect of the academic side of the student-athlete equation. The guy is a mendacious weasel who engaged in grossly unethical conduct and when caught red-handed, attempted to shift the blame to his underlings, then got out of town as fast as he could. Kind of the Dan Rather of basketball coaches, if you will. He left the UT basketball program in shambles, but fortunately they found a sterling replacement, Rick Barnes.

Date: Jan 20, 2005

Texas Ex, I understand your feelings. I was at OU when Billy was there! At one point when the Univ. of Tulsa beat the Sooners yet again in the mid-80's he publicly stated that OU would never play TU again. The Board of Regents begged to differ and TU stayed on the OU schedule for quite awhile.