Fact: The report was reviewed. A decision was made to suspend Fitz. He and Gragg met to discuss. After meeting, they shook hands. Fitz wished him a good vacation and Gragg said spend some time with your family and see you in two weeks. At this point, everyone was comfortable that this would rectify the situation and the issue would blow over and not become a big story.
Talk about bs. Your style is to imply that you were actually present at an imaginary meeting between Fitzgerald and Gragg AFTER the report was reviewed, and you claim Gragg suspended Fitzgerald. If Gragg suspended Fitzgerald,
why is Shill claiming that he suspended Fitzgerald? The report was submitted Friday, Shill suspended Fitzgerald Friday, or so he claims. Saturday, Shill stated his misgivings at the "lightness" of the punishment for Fitzgerald. Monday, Shill fired Fitzgerald. There has never been any indication that Gragg had any involvement in this process. When did Gragg leave for his vacation?
Fitz's firing was almost as much news to Gragg as it was to us. Gragg's method of addressing the team was directed by his superiors and the legal team. At this point, the University leadership realized that this was a case with potentially enormous consequences. Why do you think the BOT, Dr. Shill, Fitz, Gragg, or players have made statements from the podium or took direct questioning?
Gragg's method of addressing the team leaves a lot to be desired. Regardless of the legal implications that Shill, and Gragg perpetrated, is it not remotely possible for Gragg, when zooming in and out, to say something like, "I know you guys are hurting now. I know all of you were recruited by coach Fitzgerald, and this is not easy for any of us. When I get back to Evanston, we'll get together and I'll try my best to help all of you get through this". Far as I can tell, there is no legal ramification in trying to be a decent human being and show some understanding as far as what the players feelings and emotions were at the time. Nah, just make a quick splash, then dash.
BS. Gragg's statement concerning the t-shirts didn't reference the players in NO way. It was clearly addressing the staff's decision to wear the shirts.
Am I mistaken, or did he not refer to the PLAYERS as tone deaf? And if he was directing his comments towards the staff, why not take it up with them directly, instead of making his ill advised comments to the press?
Not related to football and players
You know, there's acronym for that statement. It's WAS - old Marine Corps expression - you'll figure it out. However, you're correct in one respect, the statement is true. Is Gragg the ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, or only the football director? Does he not have a responsibility for all sports, including baseball players? (I resent the implication since I played that sport -too long). Did you know in the minors, for the first three years you're a prospect, after that you're a suspect? Does hiring a completely wrong person for the job
NOT reflect on his job performance? He sure didn't hit a home run on that one, (he took a called third) which is good reason to question his ability as far as VETTING, and hiring a football coach.
No I haven't polled anyone. This issue and ramifications are much bigger than our tiny little NU bubble. I can guarantee you that if you polled the country, your sentiments would be so wildly supported. Does Gragg really have relatives on this board???
You may not think it's relevant. But then why is it that so many people on this board, and in the stands, have a negative opinion of Gragg? Are we all misinformed, wrong thinkers? But then you seem to agree that my "sentiments would be wildly supported" - sorry, couldn't stop myself. Also sorry that I may have implied that you were related. Wouldn't wish that on you.
I have confidence that Gragg and his staff will vet several candidates and present them to the power brokers, who will ultimately decide who our next coach will be. This is the REALITY and the way that coaching hires are made in P5 football.
This one is really rich! You lecturing me on the hiring process. Since you have no idea of my family's football background, I really should give you a pass, but your comment was somewhat condescending, so I really have to set you straight. The REALITY is that one of my relatives has spent 40 years in the football coaching business at the highest levels of the NCAA FBS division and the NFL. NCAA stops would include Purdue, Illinois, Missouri, Texas A&M (with Hankwitz), TCU and a few ohers. NFL stops - St Louis, Arizona, San Francisco, Chicago, Carolina, and Washington. I'm pretty well versed on not only the hiring process, but the firing process, and the relocation process. Oh, I forgot to mention my nephew who is a vice president of an NFL franchise. See, one gets hired and fired, and the other one hires and fires. Yeah, I think I know the
REALITY, perhaps even better than you. That was kinda like a trap block, dontcha think?
I'm not related to Gragg. I'm confident that when the time comes, Gragg's stuff will be packed without my help and yours.
Already apologized for implying you were, but I thought only an employee, or relative would defend him.
If he does need help packing, or transiting, I'd be delighted to participate.
One last thing, I'm not your damn bunky!
OK, you're not. By the way, I didn't say you were my
damn bunky.
By the way, I'm done! You think he's qualified, and an overwhelming majority of the rest of us don't.
And just for NUCat320, nowhere in either of my posts, have I defended Fitzgerald. I'd have no problem if he were fired because of his teams performance, but this entire process was bungled to a fairtheewell by lightweights.
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