(12-09-2018 08:11 AM)Old Dominion Wrote: Reading this makes me sad and worried. There was a time when sports was a vehicle used to help young people develop character, you know, things like determination, commitment, respect for others and to learn you can't win them all, so learn how to win and lose with grace. Sports has always been a metaphor for life.
This "win no matter what" mentality is a large part of what is wrong with our country today. It starts at home and in part on the playing fields. We see this attitude in our politicians and hate them for it then turn around and justify it when it suits our needs. The mere fact that we place so much importance on sports says something in itself.
Once you become pragmatic, it's a very slippery slope. The ends do not justify the means.
I am very thankful ODU does the job they do in maintaining a sense of proportion. I would be very disappointed if Selig ever hired coached with this kind of baggage just to "grow the brand". I wonder how confused potential LU fans become when they hear Jr. talk about Christian principles, then hires the likes of Freeze and McCaw.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, after he embraced Trump I knew the school had lost its' way.
I can answer that. I am free here on this board, and others, to chastise LU. Some, a few number of LU fans, are like me, realistic about the school, it's athletic programs, and it's "mission".
How can a school that touts Trump, with all his indiscretions, then hire an AD and HC with Me2 movement challenges and hooker calls? And then profess it's "mission" is the way, that is 100% in direct conflict. That beats me.
As a LU sports fan, not a alum, member of the flock or one who drinks the kool-aid, the "mission" is many times used as a convenience. All schools need to have a mission statement and do. LU creates theirs as being elitist and exclusionary. Like I'm a member of the club and you are not. No school, authority, group, program, belief has the exclusive membership. That membership is equal to all.
And I'm okay with the Freeze hire. He's just consistent with the philosophy that's in place at LU. As long as he does not screw up with another hooker call and keep his privates in his pants, and WINS, he'll be okay and maybe an even very good hire.
With all my challenges and dislikes of the actions and positions of the school, I do admire their commitment to achieve athletic success. An upgrade and expansion of facilities, hiring a SEC former HC, and an overt statement to play alongside the best is a bold and challenging position. Now if media hungry JFJr can keep his distance from Trump, and Freeze not call hookers, and McCall not run amok with allegations, everything should be okay. Now that is a "mission".