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Topic: RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Topic: RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

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Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 2:36:21 PM

Brian Smith wrote:

No. Ohio is the small cell phone company. Its CEO just left to go to run AT&T. Instead of whining and crying, Ohio hires a new CEO and keeps delivering cell phone service.

I'm afraid it's not that simple -- you see, it's not just that Groce left, it's HOW he did it.

Read the article I linked to -- you'll get quite a different view than the way Groce wants to portray it. Far from running to his "dream job" he played Illinois for all he could get, back and forth, taking advantage of a school desperate to save face after being spurned by two other coaches. Good for Coach, but bad for his credibility. Suddenly, those tearful speeches and talk about the "special thing we have in Athens" seem just a little bit hard to believe.

The corporate analogy doesn't work here, as I already pointed out "real world" examples of people I know who stayed at companies for less money, for other rewards -- believe it or not, it's not always about the money. Not only that, but DJ Cooper blew that theory out of the water by sacrificing a shot at a bigger school to honor his commitment to OU. Again, it's not always about the bigger school, better profit motive.

And let me repeat what Groce said on his way out the door: “They did everything they could,” “(President) Dr. Rod (McDavis) and (Athletic Director) Jim Schaus really worked hard to give our family an opportunity to stay."

If you're not at least a little insulted by that one, well... you remind me of the battered wife making excuses for her abuser. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's how it is. Groce put it in your face: you're not good enough anymore, OU, no matter how hard you try. Sorry, and see ya.

Far from Illinois being a "dream opportunity" as Groce says, it was all about the money -- otherwise he leaps at the first offer. And by handing you that line of bull, he confirmed that he thinks you're a bunch of Appalachian yahoos who'll swallow anything. Do you not see this point?

It's bad enough Groce will be taking his coaching staff with him, at least that's predictable. But what remains to be seen is which PLAYERS -- and this is what I think you miss -- might be going as a result. Does DJ stay, after his own loyalty is rewarded by a coach who runs out after a magical year of OU basketball? Would you blame him if he bolted now? What if other players decide to transfer? And will you be so complimentary to Coach if the starting line-up is different next season?

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 2:40:09 PM by Bobcat8811

bornacatfan
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 2:39:18 PM

I am here to tell ya

I was the last one on the Groce to Illinois train. Just like my premonition with Peyton I believed that JG would be here for one more year. I told Fear there were no really good stops on the Carousel this year and thought JG would want to move to a dream job in the hoops world.

I underestimated the allure of the job and I was way wrong on the dream. This is HIS dream job despite all the intangibles and counterintention. He jumped and mandated his condititions to an AD that needed him to say yes badly.

Anyone close to me knows JG despised me and my presence here on BA. There are things that wil never see the light of day that transpired between us but irregardless I always said to his face "I will be here long after you have gone, I have loved this place since the day I got here".

I am surprised he left, just as I am that Manning left but in the end the money is too good to pass up. I would love to have leverage like that. He is in a very good place for him and his family. I am not angry or betrayed that he left with a full cupboard but I am not an Illinois fan after after living in Chicago for 12 of my most formative years. JG being there is what he wants and I am happy for him. I will not change my views of Illinois just because he is there. If they are entertaining and palying well I will probably like what he has done.

I look forward to what our AD is bringing in an admire the kids that are going to stay and be the band of brothers JG always preached about. Preaching about things does not often make you something. It is when adversity is presented that the real meaning of what has been talked about and thrust upon you becomes a reality. In his leaving JG may finally get the cameraderie and reliance up on each other JG preached. THey are presented withthe opportunity to become the band of brothers that is oft talked about, they can come together and offer all their skills to the next coach who make take them to another level with fresh eyes on an already good situation. He may be the guy who can develope their individual skills and decision making processes better. I have no doubt the AD can bring in a guy who understands what is here and is willing to rerecruit every player on that team and tweak an already fine situation.

NO malice or bad feelings about JG, he came, he coached, he made people better, he made the program better and he did exactly what we thought he would. Good memories, opened doors and left the place better than when he came. Buena Suerte Coach.

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Recovering Journalist
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 2:42:47 PM

OhioCatFan wrote:

The Situation wrote:

. . . .At the very least the dissenters on this board should be given some breathing room when presenting an opinion contrary to majority.

Huzzah!

Oh, please. Look at the title of this thread. You're surprised that it spurred a debate? You should be surprised that it's largely a civil one. I'm just surprised that grown adults could feign shock that someone could make a business decision to coach in a vastly better league, and get a more than 400% raise and a lifetime of financial security to do so.

You can argue the fairness and unfairness of college athletics and finances, but you cannot really make a credible argument that Groce made a poor personal decision. He'd have been a fool to pass up this opportunity.

.
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 2:49:33 PM

Bobcat8811 wrote:

Brian Smith wrote:

No. Ohio is the small cell phone company. Its CEO just left to go to run AT&T. Instead of whining and crying, Ohio hires a new CEO and keeps delivering cell phone service.

I'm afraid it's not that simple -- you see, it's not just that Groce left, it's HOW he did it.

You act as if you've never encountered a coaching change. It's as naive of a post as I can imagine. I find it shocking you're in the business world and are stunned by the power of ambition and money.

Did you not see Roy Williams leave Kansas? Rick Pitino leave Kentucky? John Calipari leave Memphis? Were you in a deprivation tank when BobbyPetrino left the Falcons for Arkansas IN THE MIDDLE OF A SEASON?

This happens. Get over it. Metaphorically shake Groce's hand in your mind, wish him well and act like an adult.

I sounded like you when LeBron James left Cleveland. Then I realized I sounded like a child, that bitterness is a suicide pill and now I hope he has a good life in Miami.

Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 2:55:28 PM

Brian Smith wrote:

If Groce had lost 29 games none of us would think twice about calling for him to get canned and displace his family. Cut the loyalty crap.

Money is the only valid expression of loyalty in college and professional sports.

As Don Draper once eloquently said, "That's what the money is for!"

And AGAIN, since some of you don't apparently get a point no matter now many times I make it -- I give you DJ Cooper, who could've gone to Tennesee or Baylor, but chose instead to hold to such apparently outdated concepts such as word and honor. How's that for "eloquence"?

But allow me to make one point. I'm not bitter Groce left, simply a bit amazed and disappointed for HIM. Because I don't think he's that great a coach. His all-time record's not so hot, and frankly Illinois reached for him after being embarrassed by TWO turn-downs from more prominent coaches.

Groce's career was made by DJ Cooper, in two tournament wins, and a near win in the last one. The players made this team, and provided they keep their starting line-up, they'll be about the same team regardless of who's coaching. So Groce leaving is no big catastrophe -- provided they keep their line-up. What I'm disappointed about is what I said originally -- that Coach couldn't recognize the REAL "once in a lifetime" opportunity of leading this totally intact, tourney-tested squad for one more season. That, and the line of bull he handed us on the way out the door about the reasons he claims to have left.

Like I said "don't let the doorknob hit you" -- obviously I never said I was sorry to see him go. So I agree, we move on now. Adios.

OhioCatFan
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 2:59:14 PM

No, I expected debate, in fact I relished seeing it. But the arrogance and condescension of those who feel old-fashion loyalty is stupid, backward -- and has never been seen in public in modern times -- can be a little galling. No one here is trying to stifle debate. I just wish that folks on the other side, who feel that money is and should be the warp and woof of what makes the world go round, would act a little bit gracious to those like 8811 who appear to see otherwise, even if just to a small extent.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 3:04:51 PM by OhioCatFan

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

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Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:02:09 PM

Recovering Journalist wrote:

OhioCatFan wrote:

The Situation wrote:

. . . .At the very least the dissenters on this board should be given some breathing room when presenting an opinion contrary to majority.

Huzzah!

Oh my goodness, a post spurred an open and passionate debate on an Internet message board? What's next, finding out that tires help an automobile move? Yes, how dare the top poster commit such an act!

Question is, WHY should we be "surprised" that the debate is "civil"? What, presenting an honest, unvarnished, albeit admittedly controversial opinion means the presenter "deserves" to be attacked? You got a lot of nerve there, buddy, suggesting such a thing. Too bad you weren't around for Stalin-era Russia -- you'd have fit in quite well there.

In your OPINION Groce's decision was a slam-dunk. That doesn't make it the right one necessarily. I'm afraid as a "journalist" you've more recovering to do than you may realize.

Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:10:17 PM

Brian Smith wrote:

Bobcat8811 wrote:

Brian Smith wrote:

No. Ohio is the small cell phone company. Its CEO just left to go to run AT&T. Instead of whining and crying, Ohio hires a new CEO and keeps delivering cell phone service.

I'm afraid it's not that simple -- you see, it's not just that Groce left, it's HOW he did it.

So now it's immature to suggest there are other things to consider in life besides chasing the almighty buck and climbing the ladder -- and in doing so, I'm not acting like an "adult"? Interesting concept of maturity you have there.

Your LeBron analogy is totally off-base. Read my above post -- I'm not sad Groce left, because unlike James, I don't think he's that great a talent. LeBron made the Cavaliers, so grousing about him leaving is one thing. Groce, on the other hand, didn't drive the Bobcats as much as Cooper did -- and I'm hardly mourning his loss. What part of "Good Riddance" don't yet get?

And again, if you bothered to read, you'll see I pointed out "real world" examples of people who stayed at businesses for less money for other reasons. So it's hardly "naive" to suggest it happens, regardless of how rarely it does -- the fact that it DOES happen is all that counts.

One more time: I'm not sorry to be losing the "great" coaching skills of Groce. I AM sorry he couldn't recognize the truly special opportunity he had in Athens, and that he chose to cloud his real reasons for leaving and make suckers out of so many there in that "special place" he so tearfully referred to.

You guys have twisted what I've said and turned it into a "you're whining about Groce leaving get over it!" thing when in fact it was anything but. The fact is, Groce is an OK coach who inadvertently struck oil getting a player whose skills qualified him for programs much bigger than the MAC -- but, ironically, landed at OU because he observed the old-fashioned, outdated concept of sacrificing personal gain and showing loyalty. OU won many a game because Cooper was the best player on the court. Coach apparently didn't realize how dumb-lucky he got here -- which again, is a shame for HIM.

We'll see if Groce can duplicate this at Illinois, when he'll be lucky to have any player on par with the top Big 10 schools. I doubt it, but we'll see.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 3:28:09 PM by Bobcat8811

OhioCatFan
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:20:29 PM

8811, not to put words in your mouth, but perhaps the words you were looking for to describe Groce's locker room emotional breakdown were "crocodile tears." That seemed to be what you were implying. I'm not sure that I would go quite that far, but I will say that it's quite apparent that the emotions he expressed didn't have very deep roots.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 3:22:00 PM by OhioCatFan

Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:22:40 PM

OhioCatFan wrote:

8811, not put words in your mouth, but perhaps the words you were looking for to describe Groce's locker room emtional breakdown was "crocodile tears." That seemed to be what you were implying. I'm sure that I would go quite that far, but I will say that its quite apparent that the emotions he expressed didn't have very deep roots.

No, you're pretty much on target there -- wish the rest of this crew would get that before they go throwing roses at him on his way out.

OhioCatFan
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:24:15 PM

posted a blank page by mistake.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 3:32:52 PM by OhioCatFan

OhioCatFan
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:32:16 PM

Bobcat8811 wrote:

OhioCatFan wrote:

8811, not to put words in your mouth, but perhaps the words you were looking for to describe Groce's locker room emotional breakdown were "crocodile tears." That seemed to be what you were implying. I'm not sure that I would go quite that far, but I will say that its quite apparent that the emotions he expressed didn't have very deep roots.

No, you're pretty much on target there -- wish the rest of this crew would get that before they go throwing roses at him on his way out.

An anecdote that illustrates what you are trying to say 8811 was an email I received from a dear friend in Columbus who is a BG grad and a long-time OSU fan. His message to me at the time that Groce was hired at Illinois was entitled "Sorry" and he went on to say that he didn't think that Groce was going to leave based on his televised locker room emotional outbursts and other things the man had said. Now this is a guy in Columbus, who's reading Columbus media and who, on his own, came to that conclusion. Let me say that my friend is much more cynical on these matters than I tend to be, so if he picked up on the fact Groce was portraying himself as a maverick and one who wanted to build something special at Ohio with, perhaps, a long-term commitment, it wasn't just simply us romantic old fart hicks in the hills of SEO who were picking up on this.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 3:35:09 PM by OhioCatFan

Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:40:41 PM

OhioCatFan wrote:

Bobcat8811 wrote:

OhioCatFan wrote:

8811, not to put words in your mouth, but perhaps the words you were looking for to describe Groce's locker room emotional breakdown were "crocodile tears." That seemed to be what you were implying. I'm not sure that I would go quite that far, but I will say that its quite apparent that the emotions he expressed didn't have very deep roots.

No, you're pretty much on target there -- wish the rest of this crew would get that before they go throwing roses at him on his way out.

An anecdote that illustrates what you are trying to say 8811 was an email I received from a dear friend in Columbus who is a BG grad and a long-time OSU fan. His message to me at the time that Groce was hired at Illinois was entitled "Sorry" and he went on to say that he didn't think that Groce was going to leave based on his televised locker room emotional outbursts and other things the man had said. No this is a guy in Columbus, who's reading Columbus media and who, on his own, came to that conclusion. Let me say that my friend is much more cynical on these matters than I tend to be, so if he picked up on the fact Groce was portraying himself as a maverick and one who wanted to build something special at Ohio with, perhaps, a long-term commitment, it wasn't just simple us romantic old farts in the hills of SEO who were picking up on this.

Yes, but you see, pointing stuff like this out -- at least on this board -- qualifies one as "immature" and implies you're downright whining! Or else it means you should thank your lucky stars that the other posters here have granted you a touch of civility for daring to express such opinion!

Groce played the OU program, leaving its best-ever team behind for his own personal gain -- and OK, maybe that's the American corporate way. But the fact he was at best a bit misleading about his intentions to "build something special" here -- you would think -- would at least stop a few people from expressing their undying love for him as he thumbed his nose gently on the way out. THAT is what I don't get. Coach left for the bigger bucks at the bigger program? Fine! But do we all have to kiss his behind for it, bow down and thank him -- or be considered a bitter loser if we don't? THAT is my point, and question.

Your friend apparently sees what's going on from a distance -- funny how people closer to the situation don't. Read the article I linked to in a previous post for another similar viewpoint -- you'll see how what actually happened in the negotiations for the Illinois job differs from the way Groce portrays things.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 3:52:30 PM by Bobcat8811

Casper71
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 3:43:28 PM

borna...gret post. We'd all probably all like to hear about some of those things that will remain unsaid and I really respect you for that. Stick around here, I personally like your insights and you are apositive force on this board.

Stand Up and Cheer!

JSF
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:06:25 PM

Bobcat8811 wrote:

If you're not at least a little insulted by that one, well... you remind me of the battered wife making excuses for her abuser. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's how it is.

The only thing insulting is this analogy. To even think college basketball and domestic abuse have even the slightest thing in common to allow you to say this is mystifying. Ever deal with battered women? I have and I can tell you Groce leaving for Illinois isn't in the same solar system.

"Loyalty to a hometown or city is fleeting and interchangeable, but college is a stamp of identity."- Kyle Whelliston, One Beautiful Season.

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Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:11:57 PM

JSF wrote:

Bobcat8811 wrote:

If you're not at least a little insulted by that one, well... you remind me of the battered wife making excuses for her abuser. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's how it is.

I never said it was the same thing as abuse itself -- I said it was akin to the making excuses part. Please bother to read and comprehend before you go calling something insulting -- that, in itself, is an insult.

JSF
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:18:30 PM

Bobcat8811 wrote:

JSF wrote:

Bobcat8811 wrote:

If you're not at least a little insulted by that one, well... you remind me of the battered wife making excuses for her abuser. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's how it is.

No, it's not. It's not even close. To suggest that it is requires an impressive level of ignorance. John Groce never hit anyone. He never committed a crime. He was never a threat to anyone.

Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:22:30 PM

JSF wrote:

Bobcat8811 wrote:

JSF wrote:

Bobcat8811 wrote:

If you're not at least a little insulted by that one, well... you remind me of the battered wife making excuses for her abuser. Sorry to be so blunt, but that's how it is.

No, it's not. It's not even close. To suggest that it is requires an impressive level of ignorance. John Groce never hit anyone. He never committed a crime. He was never a threat to anyone.

To claim I even suggested that -- and not the act of making excuses rather than some act of violence itself -- is ridiculous. And you know it. PLEASE, you are reaching. But I will cease all future references out of respect to OTHERS. Thanks for your concern.

giacomo
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:30:50 PM

8811, you made some good points, but now you've proven that you have no grasp of business in the real world. This thread is officially dead.

OhioCatFan
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:43:06 PM

I hope this doesn't insult your sensibilities too much JSF. Let me tell you a story. It starts with a time when I once had a very narcissistic and mean boss. This person was finally after many years replaced with a very kind and compassionate boss. At that point one of the women who worked in this large enterprise -- in an entirely different department from mine -- made an analogy to our situation very much like 1188's. The woman noticed that it was taking us all a lot more time than we thought it should to come out of our collective shells and to start to once again interact in the collegial and productive manner that we once had. She then opined that we were like a bunch of battered women. We had gotten so use to being abused emotionally and in other ways on a daily basis that we were having a hard time re-establishing trust. Virtually everyone involved in this enterprise agreed with this statement, in fact, it was viewed as almost an enterprise-wide "ah ya" phenomenon.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 4:46:02 PM by OhioCatFan

Bobcat8811
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 4:44:05 PM

giacomo wrote:

8811, you made some good points, but now you've proven that you have no grasp of business in the real world. This thread is officially dead.

This one takes the cake. I assure you, I've existed in the "real world" for quite a while, and probably longer than you. And I've seen people stay in jobs taking less money because they've wanted to trade immediate gain for the bigger picture, or derived enough satisfaction from their current job -- or company -- to stay for less. It does happen.

But I agree we've about come to the end. I've made my point, I don't expect to change most minds, and believe it or not, I see the point of those who disagree with me. But let me add one more time, this isn't about even about our departed coach -- I too don't blame him for moving on if he thinks he's getting the better opportunity -- but rather how the OU COMMUNITY has reacted. It's about US, and how we've reacted. It's one thing to say goodbye, it's another to scatter roses and express such love for a guy who's dumping you for the "bigger" opportunity -- especially given the fact that the OU squad is in a unique position of returning all its starters. Do you not at least see this point?

Ozcat
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 5:29:09 PM

8811, it's not so much what your opinion is that is crazy, it's how you present it. While I found a good portion of your original post absurd, I actually found a few points quite valid.

It's great you have some examples of people who didn't chase the money. Great. I'm sure in THEIR evaluation of the offer THEY decided it was in THEIR best interest. How loyal was the Apple board to Steve Jobs when they removed him from the compan he founded? It can go both ways. The part in all of this I have an issue with is that YOU seem to think you know what was in GROCE's best interest. You're right that maybe next year there will be jobs open that YOU feel are better than Illinois. Some of you have pined the Big Ten. Fair enough, I suppose, but it's hard to argue the collection of head coaching minds and the success the conference has had in recent years. If Groce wants to remain in the Midwest, to be closer to his family, doesn't that rule out some of the jobs you have mentioned? How many truly desirable jobs are in the Midwest that you know would be open next year? Illinois has great potential, and while he may be looking up at OSU, Michigan State, and Indiana wasn't he staring up at Kent and Akron when he took over for TOS? I mean by your criteria why in the world did Crean leave Marquette to go to the Hoosiers?

I don't buy your DJ to Tennessee or Baylor argument either. What did DJ have to lose? IMO, quite a bit. Possible playing time, not to mention a year on the bench. Groce doesn't have to sit out a year before collecting his $1.4M. And since when did $350k in Athens equal $1.4M in Champaign? I was unaware that Illinois' campus was apparently relocated to the Upper East Side of Manhattan . . .

Groce gave Ohio and Athens his all for 4 years. You don't have to like that he left, but hoping the door whacks him on the way out is pushing the issue.

BobcatSports
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 5:31:23 PM

8811 you seem to be missing some points as well. One Groce is certainly not the first and won't be the last to step away from an in-force contract. Isn't the biggest hoax in College sports the proverbial "contract". No I stand corrected, it's the contract with the recently signed "contract extention" that all but "assures" the beloved coach will never, ever, ever, ever, ever even think of leaving "home sweet home" for greener pastures. The joke being those contracts and extentions are not worth the paper their written on and are worthless before the ink even dries. You'll have a rather long list of people who are pledging to staying somewhere while they're already on the plane to said pastures. Nick Saban has created a "large" fortune doing this very thing.

You keep harping on that Groce has committed a near felony in choosing to leave for Illinois. You rag on his "lack of committment, lack of loyalty, lack of roots, lack of devotion to DJ, etc."

As I noted earlier, the very traits and characteristics you find so lacking in Groce, OHIO had in previous coach Larry Hunter. I know of no prior coach outside of the legendardy Jim Synder, that so embodied love, spirit, committment, community roots, family roots, devotion and everything else under the sun that one would want exhibited by a STELLAR alum and university employee than Larry Hunter did at OHIO.

All that being said Hunter was FIRED by OHIO. He and his family were devestated, they were "uprooted" and Larry was sent out to pasture, green or not. My point being that hiring and firing and quitting jobs and taking other jobs in the collegiate sporting world is as common as changing your socks. Spare me the loyalty soap box stuff, it has and always will work both ways. Why do you think the Illini job became open in the first place. Hint: Weber didn't quit, he was "too loyal" to do so.

In your world, Ara would have never led the Fighting Irish and Bo would never have been "Maize and Blue". Also don't read into my comments that I hold ANY bitterness towards OHIO for their rather "loyal-less" dumping of Hunter. It was strictly business, and as they say the rest is history.

Had OHIO not dumped Hunter, there is a very good chance that there would have been NO DJ Cooper, no MAC championship this year, no Michigan and So. Florida wins, no near UNC upset and absolutely nothing to waste precious minutes of my life responding to mindless threads about John Groce's lack of morals and values.

Go Bobcats!!!!

Hocking
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Member Since: 11/20/2010
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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 5:56:12 PM

I wish we could somehow add a like or dislike button to all posts and topics...admins?

Bobcat8811
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Member Since: 3/31/2012
Post Count: 32

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RE: Good riddance, Groce, and don't let the doorknob hit you

Posted: 4/1/2012 6:16:10 PM

BobcatSports wrote:

You keep harping on that Groce has committed a near felony in choosing to leave for Illinois. You rag on his "lack of committment, lack of loyalty, lack of roots, lack of devotion to DJ, etc."

Go Bobcats!!!!

If you read my posts, you'll see that actually I'm NOT "harping" on Groce so much -- but rather than message-board majority's response to his departure. Anything I bring up he's done is merely to put it in the context of how WE'VE reacted. Which again, is to ask, it's one thing to say goodbye, but why are we heaping such love and praise on a guy who's broken his contract and turned his back on what will be a unique 'Cats team next season? Do you not see the difference? I DON'T think it's a "felony" he's leaving, I think it's pretty ridiculous some of the reactions TO his leaving. Are we clear now?

Coach can go, take his brass ring, but why bust on those of us not scattering rose petals along the path?

I don't question his "devotion" to Cooper -- I merely point out that Cooper sacrificed something to stay at OU, which is something some of you find downright quaint or even foolish. And again, as I've said in some of my other posts, this isn't a "LeBron" situation; I don't think Groce is irreplaceable by any means, it's not tragic his leaving, it's simply a shame he doesn't recognize the "once in a lifetime" opportunity he also had staying another year. In fact I don't care that much -- unless, as I've said, it impacts which PLAYERS also might leave as a result.

Last Edited: 4/1/2012 6:17:59 PM by Bobcat8811

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