(01-23-2013 12:46 PM)olegus Wrote:  I have not seen this subject adressed here as I wish to adress it, if it has and I missed it then somoone can just say Pope" but please read on in either event.

When I read that Tarik had refused to re-enter the Harvard game in the second half my first thoughts were that Coach Pastner should dismiss him from the team. Looking back I am thinking that maybe that was just a knee-jerk reaction. I was reminded of an incident that happened at Tennessee when Kevin O' Neil had just become coach.

A player got angry in practice and walked off the floor. The next day the player appeared at the coaches office before practice and asked what he must do to atone for his actions the day before. The story goes that Coach O'Niel said something to the effect. " I don't give a damn what you do. You quit , now get out of my office."

Whether that was the right or wrong thing to do I leave for others to debate, but I can assure you that no one else left practice that year and there was no question as to who was in charge of the ship.

Coach Pastner had to establish that he and only he is in charge of the ship. Not the fans , nor the players ,nor hanger oners, or anyone else but he and he alone. A giant step was taken in that direction last evening. It was not about a half of basketball,of a game of basketball or even a season. In my opinion it was about Coach Pastner showing everyone involved that he is in charge. Not for just a half or a game or even a season, but from now on.

Coach Pastner handled a bad situation in a skillful manner. Tarik is now back as part of the team and everyone seems happy, the rest of the team included. He demonstrated his value to the team last evening. I am not sure we could have won with out him in the second half.

I don't think that Tarik or anyone else will refuse re-entry in the future. Josh Pastner has affirmed himself as our coach and I give him my full support for what ever little that is worth and ask the rest of you to do the same. I will be there Saturday to offer that support and to cheer for the Tigers . See you there . Go Tigers.