daily rumor mill #47 - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jul 6, 2004

daily rumor mill #47

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: gurunuburg
"

3. Although he's willing to stand tall, rumors are that Jeff B. is a little shaken by the way SFT and RG are treating him now. People that know Jeff point out what a class act and good guy he is --- in a different league than the "other bunch." mclubber says to expect the battle to rage harder soon. SFT seems determined to bring in a "Jackie Sherrill type" as replacement.
"

Guru, or anyone in the know...

What reason could Thames or his henchmen use to justify either firing, or "running off" Jeff Bower? I don't know the pulse there in the Burg, but I'd think there would be community outrage beyond Thames wildest dreams if he orchestrated Bower's removal, particularly without cause. An identical scenario was played out here in Austin in the late 80's, when the winningest coach in Texas history, Fred Akers, was fired because of his refusal to curry favor with the university prez and AD (AD = Athletic Director, not Angie Dvorak). Now, 17 years and three coaches later, the FB program has yet to reclaim the stature or success it enjoyed under Akers. I rather imagine USM would suffer a similarly dismal outcome.

AE

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
"

Guru, or anyone in the know...

What reason could Thames or his henchmen use to justify either firing, or "running off" Jeff Bower? I don't know the pulse there in the Burg, but I'd think there would be community outrage beyond Thames wildest dreams if he orchestrated Bower's removal, particularly without cause. An identical scenario was played out here in Austin in the late 80's, when the winningest coach in Texas history, Fred Akers, was fired because of his refusal to curry favor with the university prez and AD (AD = Athletic Director, not Angie Dvorak). Now, 17 years and three coaches later, the FB program has yet to reclaim the stature or success it enjoyed under Akers. I rather imagine USM would suffer a similarly dismal outcome.

AE"

SFT was major embarrased at the Liberty Bowl when USM fail to generate an offense and score points. Never mind that Bower has won the conference title and has a fine graduation rate of his athletes. Never mind that his program has generated NFL picks who represent USM in the pros. Local media (HA) has printed letters to the editor complaining about the USM offense, record (win/loss), Bower's change of offensive coordinators, etc. There are several reasons SFT wants to replace Bower. SFT thinks he can bring in a big name coach to replace him. The fact is that Bower's supporters if they acted in mass could be instrumental in ousting SFT. President Fleming prior to SFT, was ousted by the Athletic supporters in the commuity.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Green Hornet
"

The fact is that Bower's supporters if they acted in mass could be instrumental in ousting SFT. President Fleming prior to SFT, was ousted by the Athletic supporters in the commuity."

GH,

Thanks for bringing me up to speed. I'm intrigued by your last observation. Has anyone thought about exploring this dynamic as a formal strategy for putting Shelby out to pasture? Perhaps the Bower backers will spontaneously mobilize if they feel he's in jeopardy?

AE

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: gurunuburg
"5. The disappearance of Jay G. is just as he wants it. He's glad to be out of the fray and collected 150 Gs. TH, on the other hand, is completely dismayed. The whole G-S mess may have outmaneuvered him for good."

Jay did stick his neck out of the turtle shell long enough to help de-rail the candidate of choice for a recent administrative position. Why was that?

a. he doesn't like women administrators;

(Wasn't he involved in the elimination of a position last fall that stirred up a little controversy?)

b. the rumors are true that he is afraid of Ken Malone;

(TRUTH, did you ever get an answer to your question on the board about that?)

c. he's got another candidate in mind;

(Is there someone who might help him keep his job, whatever it is these days?)

or,

d. he's helping to circle the wagons around some very bad boys whose past behavior made them afraid...

(Who is really quivering over the rumblings that the female job candidate might sue?)

I have often been accused of narrow thinking so perhaps we should have the following answer choice:

e. all of the above

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Coast GUARD
" b. the rumors are true that he is afraid of Ken Malone; (TRUTH, did you ever get an answer to your question on the board about that?) "

You know, I only vaguely remember this issue. My poor old addled brain (that I'm sharing with numerous folks, if all of the troll-watchers are to be believed

) can't remember that far back today. Remind me of this.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
"You know, I only vaguely remember this issue. My poor old addled brain (that I'm sharing with numerous folks, if all of the troll-watchers are to be believed ) can't remember that far back today. Remind me of this."

Truth,

A while back, someone reported that Jay Grimes was afraid of Ken Malone and you responded in apparent disbelief with something along the lines of "Why would he be afraid of Ken Malone? This is like an episode of the Sopranos!"

I don't know who raised the speculation or what that person had in mind at the time but Ken Malone appears to have carte blanche from on high to peddle his customer-oriented, fast-food version of educational programs on the coast and no one seems to have the political clout, legitimate power, or internal support to stop him. Is there anywhere else on campus where an assistant professor (or department chair, for that matter) yields so much power? Certainly seems out of control to me.

Makes you wonder if the Trent Lott Center is going to move to the coast and Malone's going to run it...

CG

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Coast GUARD
" Truth, A while back, someone reported that Jay Grimes was afraid of Ken Malone and you responded in apparent disbelief with something along the lines of "Why would he be afraid of Ken Malone? This is like an episode of the Sopranos!" I don't know who raised the speculation or what that person had in mind at the time but Ken Malone appears to have carte blanche from on high to peddle his customer-oriented, fast-food version of educational programs on the coast and no one seems to have the political clout, legitimate power, or internal support to stop him. Is there anywhere else on campus where an assistant professor (or department chair, for that matter) yields so much power? Certainly seems out of control to me. Makes you wonder if the Trent Lott Center is going to move to the coast and Malone's going to run it... CG"

Oh, now I remember that. I suppose that the comment was just chalked up to another one of Truth's sarcastic moments!

I'm with you on this one...who died and made Ken Malone God of All that is USM-Gulf Coast? Perhaps it's not the Lord that's whispering in SFT's ear, but KM! Wouldn't that be interesting....he IS the dark bishop (or whatever Chess calls him...I'm no chess player).

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
" Oh, now I remember that. I suppose that the comment was just chalked up to another one of Truth's sarcastic moments! I'm with you on this one...who died and made Ken Malone God of All that is USM-Gulf Coast? Perhaps it's not the Lord that's whispering in SFT's ear, but KM! Wouldn't that be interesting....he IS the dark bishop (or whatever Chess calls him...I'm no chess player)."

Wait a minute, didn't Chess call the "Dark Bishop" wise? Given that description, I don't think anyone could confuse Ken Malone with the Dark Bishop, even if one doesn't play Chess!!!

Date: Jul 6, 2004

As many of you have seen by now, there is a plan in CBED to give all merit raise money to staff.

My Rod and my staff comfort me; faculty want things.

They have promised to get the official word to me, as soon as it arrives, of the pending new dress code for CBED faculty and staff.

Dress codes usually only deal with items to be worn or not worn. Matters of taste will be trampled on more than usual if and when this occurs. It will be sad when everyone looks like they teach English lit.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: From a distance
"It will be sad when everyone looks like they teach English lit."

Funniest thing I've read today. Thanks for the laugh. I'll forward your comment to my son, the nascent English Lit geek, immediately. Maybe he'll ditch that tweed jacket with leather elbow patches, and his briar pipe.

AE

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
"

GH,

Thanks for bringing me up to speed. I'm intrigued by your last observation. Has anyone thought about exploring this dynamic as a formal strategy for putting Shelby out to pasture? Perhaps the Bower backers will spontaneously mobilize if they feel he's in jeopardy?

AE"

Giving credit where credit is due, Seeker made menition of this strategy. It was also pointed out by someone else (can't remember) that the car dealers in Hattiesburg want a "big-name" coach and that Bower has failed to win their support. If the coming battle that is mentioned in the daily rumor mill above, Bower supporters may come out and be a vocal force to stop SFT from removing Bower. Some where else on another thread, it was speculated that SFT is forming a foundation of anti-Bower supporters to write the HA and start a "remove Bower" movement. Other factors will include how USM does against Cal and Nebraska and the overall w/l record. Winning the conference title is always tough in Conference USA. Some have speculated that if Bower wins the title this year, SFT will still remove him. Time will tell if this is just one of the factors that would contribute to the "end-game" that Chess spoke of.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

As many of you have seen by now, there is a plan in CBED to give all merit raise money to staff. They have promised to get the official word to me, as soon as it arrives, of the pending new dress code for CBED faculty and staff.

Harold, say it isn't so! After all I have done for you . . . . .

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: gurunuburg

3. Although he's willing to stand tall, rumors are that Jeff B. is a little shaken by the way SFT and RG are treating him now. People that know Jeff point out what a class act and good guy he is --- in a different league than the "other bunch." mclubber says to expect the battle to rage harder soon. SFT seems determined to bring in a "Jackie Sherrill type" as replacement.

According to one rumor, the SFT athletic insiders have convinced themselves that they could obtain Steve Spurrier to replace Jeff. Barring that from happening, they think that Rick Neuhausel (sp?), of ex-Colorado and ex-Washington fame, would be a good replacement for Jeff.

Note: Jeff, Steve, Rick and Tommy Tubberville usually play on the same golf foursome at the annual coaches convention each summer. And they usually win.

There is some admission that Spurrier might go to Texas after Brown is dismissed at the end of this season, but Rick N. is gaining steam in this illusionary world. After all, we got LE, so why not! Rick is currently a volunteer high school FB coach in the Seattle area.

Stay tuned. I think SFT is permanently steamed over the showing at the Liberty Bowl this year. And I understand that Jeff is going to go at the end of this year, thanks to Shelby. Either Jeff gets the big wins and he leaves for a better offer (this time he will take it), or he does not go 11-1 and win the bowl games and he will discover his keys do not fit the locks to the building. But he is gone...win or lose.

I think the athletic department will soon be evenly split between the pro-SFT and pro-JB factions. Buckle your seat belts, this could be a wild ride!

Date: Jul 6, 2004

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/news/stories/20040706/opinion/790356.html

Postive letter in HA supporting Bower

Date: Jul 6, 2004

Get Spurrier?!? Get Rick N.?!?! Are they smoking dope?

This is the typical kind of "big fish in a toilet bowl" thinking that prevades athletic supporters at USM (and Ole Moss/MState even). They think they give $1,000 to the athletic program, and can throw around their personal relationships with the athletic administration, and make demands on "what should be done". I've seen these folks at work at USM athletic benefits and the like, and it is hilarious. At school's with world-class athletic programs (and $50 million dollar budgets) - they would throw these guys out on their butts.

"$1,000??? - when you add three more zeros, then we'll talk. Maybe for $100G, we'll give you our email address."

That is the world that Spurrier and Rick N. live in. To even discuss getting someone of that caliber is fantasy - and speaks volumes about what the expectations really should be at USM. For USM to be a football power - Just not going to happen.

The fact is - JB does more with less than any coach in the country. It is astounding to watch Ole Moss and State get a $10million dollar check - just for being part of the SEC TV contract- and realize that USM could in some years beat both of these teams. JB goes out of his way to engage the public, speak anywhere, and works hard to bring a competitive team to the table. Just winning the C-USA title is incredible given these resources - but these pinheads aren't satisfied. He is happy here, and we should be glad to have him.

If we lose him, count on it - it will take a decade to even get back to being consistently respectable in C-USA.

If SFT runs JB off - it will continue to demonstrate the train wreck USM is becoming.

Count

Date: Jul 6, 2004

Okay, I've admitted my ignorance about football on this board before (or was it the FS board?). Anyway, is this logo thing with Iowa State Univ. or U. of Iowa? If it's with U of Iowa, then get ready for some heavy litigation...they have the bucks to do it:

(excerpt from an article in The Chronicle about university fundraising...hey, SFT, ever tried that?):

Tuesday, July 6, 2004

http://chronicle.com/daily/2004/07/2004070604n.htm

Updates on Billion-Dollar Campaigns at 21 Universities
Compiled by KELLIE BARTLETT

The 21 American universities that are seeking to raise at least $1-billion collected a total of $295.5-million in gifts and pledges during the last month for which they had data available.

The campaign with the largest gain in the last month was the University of California at Los Angeles, with $41.3-million.

The University of Iowa has increased its campaign goal from $850-million to $1-billion.

The 21 universities -- each with its most recent total, last month's increase,* the goal, and the planned completion date -- are as follows:

(snipped)

* University of Iowa, $745.9-million as of June 30 (increase of $15.6-million in the last month); the goal is $1-billion by 2005.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

The talk of getting rid of JB is not new. Nearly every year there is a group of people that call for his head. The complaints mainly center around the fact that we do not play well against the big boys. There was a time when we would go down and beat Florida St and then loose La Lafayette ('89). I think one HA writer said USM games were predictable and I really think that is the reason people are not more excited. You really do look at the schedule and assume that we will loose any big name game because USM under Bower simply does not do well in big games (one exception might be the Nebraska '99 game, but the A&M game the next week showed that was a fluke).

SFT might want JB gone, I don't know. He is not the first person to say it and he would not be the last. Remember H'burg never got behind Green's boring defensive style of basketball. The fans simply want excitement, win or loose, they want to have fun at games.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

The talk of getting rid of JB is not new. Nearly every year there is a group of people that call for his head. The complaints mainly center around the fact that we do not play well against the big boys. There was a time when we would go down and beat Florida St and then loose La Lafayette ('89). I think one HA writer said USM games were predictable and I really think that is the reason people are not more excited. You really do look at the schedule and assume that we will loose any big name game because USM under Bower simply does not do well in big games (one exception might be the Nebraska '99 game, but the A&M game the next week showed that was a fluke).

SFT might want JB gone, I don't know. He is not the first person to say it and he would not be the last. Remember H'burg never got behind Green's boring defensive style of basketball. The fans simply want excitement, win or loose, they want to have fun at games.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

Jeff Bower is a class act. Of course the Shelbyites don't want him around. Too much integrity. Makes them uncomfortable.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: educator
"Jeff Bower is a class act. Of course the Shelbyites don't want him around. Too much integrity. Makes them uncomfortable."

That tends to be true with anyone and everyone at USM with integrity...so, when the folks with integrity leave because they can and because they are forced out...you are left with...which breeds more...damn, I LOVE this university and its potential...it is such a sin to see it being destroyed...

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Polyonymous
"That tends to be true with anyone and everyone at USM with integrity...so, when the folks with integrity leave because they can and because they are forced out...you are left with...which breeds more...damn, I LOVE this university and its potential...it is such a sin to see it being destroyed..."

I agree, it's a sin.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: asdf
" The fans simply want excitement, win or loose, they want to have fun at games."

I agree with everything you said -- except the line I have quoted. That part about "win or lose" I question. I think that is what people genuinely believe until it happens; then they forget about the "or lose" part. Losing is not exciting. The occasional close loss might be, but game in, game out losing is dull.

We could bring in a "gunslinger" type of offense that would be exciting as all get out, but if we only win 3 or 4 games a year, the offensive coordinator would go 12 to 24 months before the head coach.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: ram
". . . but if we only win 3 or 4 games a year, the offensive coordinator would go 12 to 24 months before the head coach. "

If I hear you correctly, you are saying that if things go sour win-loss wise, the coach lets the assistants go in order save his own hide. I wonder if that principle also holds for some university administrators. Hmm.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Grey Poupon
"If I hear you correctly, you are saying that if things go sour win-loss wise, the coach lets the assistants go in order save his own hide. I wonder if that principle also holds for some university administrators. Hmm. "

Well, I know it works that way in coaching, business and politics. And it only works for a little while. After that, the "higher ups" start looking bad. As one of my former supervisors once told me, "The business world is the opposite of the physical world: in the physical world, heat rises." I had to think a while, but I soon realized, in business, the heat comes down.

Someone else will have to comment on academia.

Date: Jul 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: ram
"
We could bring in a "gunslinger" type of offense that would be exciting as all get out, but if we only win 3 or 4 games a year, the offensive coordinator would go 12 to 24 months before the head coach.
"

Or we bring in a hotshot who plays out all of Bower's recruits (which takes 4 years), gets a nice W-L record (at least no worse than what Bower routinely generates) & then heads out for "greener pastures," where he doesn't produce because he doesn't have the "hosses to run."

Curley Hallman is a great example. How long did he last at LSU after he left USM?

Date: Jul 6, 2004

There is only one car dealer left in Thames pocket, and he's from McComb not H'burg.

Date: Jul 7, 2004

I keep hearing rumors that toward the end of the summer there will be a number of CBED faculty who will be announcing their departure. The common thread is Doty. The one thing he has been working on that he seems to have accomplished is alientating most of the faculty.

Date: Jul 8, 2004

Exactly how does waiting until the last minute "hurt" Doty? It seems to me that a last minute departure increases the chances that the CBED administrators shift the work load to current members in the dept. of the soon to be departed collegues. I suspect that this is not the intent of departing faculty. It is pretty late in the year to be making a move, so the number of departures is likely exaggerated. However, if things don't improve, next year could be UGLY!