Franklin article now up
Hey everyone. Sorry for the late post. I've been battling with LAX and flying to Memphis since 5 a.m. PDT. So it goes.I know many of you have read Josh Moon's fine story on Tony Franklin. If you haven't, here is your chance.
LINK: The full Tony Franklin story
Interesting quotes? You betcha.
"That's all they do is pray -- and talk about praying and religion," Franklin said. "It's a constant thing with them, and it's just overwhelming at times. A lot of people use religion as a crutch, and I think that's the case there. Every word coming out of their mouths is something about religion, and most of it is just a joke.
"There were two factions butting heads -- the new guys around Tommy and those who supported him and the old-school Auburn guys who wanted something different -- you know, the people with all the money," Franklin said. "I guess those (money) guys eventually won out. They say a coach loses 10 percent of his popularity every year. Tommy was there 10 years, so I guess that's about right."
Big deal? Your call. I don't think it's exactly ground-breaking, but Franklin's comments provide an unusually clear view into the Auburn world.
ALSO: Misidentifying the story as "tabloid journalism" doesn't hurt my feelings. If the Advertiser is so anti-Auburn with its bias, why didn't you all discuss this with me before now? The blog has been active since 2006, we've held approximately 15 campfires, we have a Facebook group, many of you are my Facebook friends and I answer email pretty promptly.
I lead the industry in accessibility. Why hasn't this been discussed before?
posted by Jay G. Tate at
1:56 PM
179 Comments:
one?
woohooo...
Jay, I don't see the bias and I don't see this article as necessarily anti-Auburn. My question to you is did you see what Franklin describes at Auburn? You certainly weren't as close to the program as he was, but you are certainly closer than I will ever be.
Yes, I saw a toxic environment last fall.
There were factions. I didn't see paranoia, but I saw a savage dichotomy between coaches and administration.
Jay G, glad to hear you're almost home. Sorry it hasn't been a pleasant trip.
I don't read the Advertiser, so I can't speak for it. When I talk about media bias it's in the Bham area.
Other than the fact that this was a terrible fail by Tubbs and everyone involved, it also sounds to me like Franklin is a very large vag and should be at a small school. I understand the awkwardness of the overruse of religion and all but I find it strange that part of the story is bashing AU staff and alike for their beliefs. I know TF felt like it was forced on him but isn't it kind of like the intolerant preaching tolerance.
Who am I or anyone else to say that someone is to religious? Franklin was right about one thing, if the interview didn't feel right jackass then don't take the job. That's what they are for.
on the plane in Memphis now. Talk with you all in a bit.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Personally I like Franklin, although he was a bad fit at Auburn. My guess is he would fit in much better with this staff. I also think he would likely still be at Auburn had Cox been around last season.
There was evidence prior to last season that things weren't going well. I saw it in the conflicting statements Tuberville and Franklin would make. I had hoped they would have worked it out.
I know Jay has said that Tuberville didn't get involved with the offense, but I have seen evidence that he did during game day. For instance Franklin mentioning Tuberville telling him to change QBs. Also, I think we all saw Tuberville blow up a few times at offensive plays.
I do think there is blame to go around here and Franklin puts it pretty well. He shouldn't have taken the job. Tuberville shouldn't have hired him without fully committing to his offense. It was just a bad match. This, coupled with an insercure staff, lead to last season.
Jay..my Bama friends in Ala STILL call it the Montgomery Auburner. They still think you are Auburn biased. I only saw a couple of comments slamming the MA. More slams were aimed at Moon just b/c he dared to embarass AU. Most slams were aimed at Franklin.
I agree with you....it is a fairly clear look into the AU issues, even if it is from Franklin. Yes, many AU fans question Franklin's sanity, but AU and ALA fans each tend to question the sanity of someone that points out weaknesses or fit the agenda.
We have mostly AU, UGA, GT and Tenn fans in NW Ga. The only credible criticism I get from those other fans is wondering why AU fans won't pull the trigger on our PTB. They see the forest and many of our folks have been lost in the trees so long they may never see it. Those folks, will however, quickly blame everyone else and probably call them names.
I say that we shouldn't act like Bammers..let's fix our own problems before blaming others.
There have been plenty of examples of just plain dumb admin moves at Auburn, not counting Jetgate. What happened with Willis is a good example. Tuberville gets nearly $6 Million to leave. Willis gets something like $50,000 and when he is re-hired they want it back. That was pure stupidity. Jacobs had mentioned that money was no object in terms of salaries, but then he allows something stupid like that to cause a coach to leave.
By the way, I am a bit peeved at Willis for going to Bama, but I can see why.
As far as faking the Christain values....a person would probably need to be a deeply comitted Christain in order to really know if they were faking. Of course any well versed Christain knows to leave that judgement in God's hands.
That group of accused coaches is gone now, so that issue should go away quickly.
It actually isn't hard to spot the fake Christians. They are very quick to judge others.
There was but one righteous that ever walked the earth depending on what you believe but judging a "christian" for judging is also judging. IMO That may be wrong or a "sin" in someones eyes, but it doesn't make someone a "fake" christian. We are all sinners, that doesn't take away or annul your salvation.
JGT...as soon as you get a chance.....puh-leeeze put up a new post.
Let's review the next coach...or...review the new frosh(if any) that are already on campus and in summer session.
I was thinking about a retrospective on the hows and whys of auburn's 2004 season, but I'd hate to dwell in the past ...
I'll get a new post up when i get back home.
I think a how and why would be okay. I have wondered why things just deteriorated last year.
"Franklin's comments provide an unusually clear view into the Auburn world."
Franklin's comments provide HIS view into the Auburn world. LET ME BE CLEAR. IT WOULD APPEAR FROM ALL REPORTS THAT AUBURN ATH DEPT IS DRIPPING WITH DYSFUNCTION AND HAS FOR YEARS.
However, this is a view inside a part of the "Auburn world" through the filter of Tony Franklin. Someone else sitting in the same room, experiencing the same events just may report them differently. Franklin's comments are not fact, they are interpretation.
Sunshine pumpers want to cling to the most angelic version of Auburn world and others want to cling to the most salacious version. The truth just may be somewhere in the middle.
Ominica, you sound like one of those psychological philosophical nut jobs.
Monica, PPNJ
That's me! :-)
Well, then I suppose we have something in common.
JGT. I apologise again if it seems that anyone has accused you of impartiality. That's not true. I like your take on things.
I do question the reasoning behind interviewing this drama queen, attention loving emo coach that ran the program into ground.
I'd love to hear what Paul Rhoads would have to say. He came in with this drama queen too, and didn't have the emo problems that this guy had. Lets ask him.. he has some integrity as opposed to coach tony.
It's a bunch of conjectures and accusations that just provide fodder to the bammies.
Luv - FANTASTIC!!!
JayGT - thanks for the Josh Moon link, but I'l pass.
A Tony Franklin interview would have been relevant last fall. Now, it's just a waste of space and time regardless of content, sort of like my posts.
Ray Melick, whose columns I very rarely read, talks about the recruiting battle going on now between Satan and Auburn.
Ray Melick article
Not to speak for JGT, but....he has been around AU for a while and seems to think that Franklin's view is clear. So do a lot of other folks that are either fresh to the situation or "close but not too close".
The NW Ga folks I mentioned earlier see the same stuff Franklin saw. Soooooo....is the rest of the world wrong...and a few AU folks right?
In retrospect, CTT's world crumbled from the PTB pressure, therefore mistakes were made and it was indeed time for him to go. The Yellafella (another Jerry Jones wannabe) provided a perfect out for CTT when he called Nutt after the IB. I was disappointed that he took the opportunity, but don't blame him.
The real question for AU folks is......do we want to do this again in a few years if things aren't perfect? The disinformation and manipulation of the situation by the PTB will most likely occur again once they are disatisfied and don't feel that they are on the same page with the majority of AU fans.
BTW....it sure would be great to change the subject.
Isn't it amazing that AU folks aren't even angry that a Trustee violated a contractual obligation and cost us $6 mil? These are the kind of questions that the rest of the world asks.
Nice to see one last bit of output from the Tony Franklin Mea Culpa Project: he shouldn't have taken the job.
Melick says that Richardson is Chizik's first big recruit. Maybe he means this year?
I think Coach Chiz has called in another silent commit to change the conversation. LB Jawara White is set to announce his college plans on Monday. Are you guys paying attention to the chess match that's being played? I love this staff!
BTW, Hoopie, that's an awesome avatar.
Totally agree with you, BigCat on the chess match.
Monica said "salacious"...nice!
one hour til puck drop
GO RED WINGS!
salacious
salacious
salacious
I am a long time reader of this blog. I believe JGT to be the best Auburn beat writer out there. This blog is always informative and sometimes entertaining. However, it is a well established fact that whenever a journalist interviews a disgruntled former employee, no matter what organization, it makes for tabloid journalism almost every time. This one is no different. Jay, I admire your sticking-to-your-guns mentality concerning the authenticity of Franklin, but I think your right on when you say that you would rather not dwell in the past. Let's move on, please.
I read Josh Moon's profile on the Advertiser...his team he cheers for is the one yours is playing when he's covering. I thought that was very appropriate considering how people feel about reporters when the report on sports. Tabloid journalism? Not quite. I liked the story but really there's not much we didn't know. The religion thing sticks out but that's no surprise as that kind of behavior is all over the place. If anything it just affirms what most people already believe.
Jay- I'm with Mon on you saying
"Franklin's comments provide an unusually clear view into the Auburn world."
I know you don't have an anit-AU bias in you and Josh Moon likely doesn't either but to think that a disgruntled, fired, self proclaimed dumb a** is telling what goes on at AU in a better light then I simply can't agree with that. Franklin seems like a nice enough guy or whatever but you gotta admit he's gonna provide a slanted view of the goings on at AU during his short tenure. I am not one of the people that believe Franklin drove the program into the ground tho. I guess (and I hate to say this) it was already headed down and he just happen to be the scape goat. But he is bias..he is disgruntled..otherwise why would he give these interviews. He should just say no comment and do his job at Middle Tenn St...
Wartiger, readers should be able to understand Franklin's position and understand he is going to have a very opinionated response based on his circumstances. If they think he's being objective then they need a reality check.
Sean- Seems Jay may think he was being objective then doesn't?
I'm now home and, seriously, I'm not in a mood to post something new. I guess it's fatigue.
I'll see what I can do. It may involve my head on a pillow!
Glad you made it back safe Jay...even if you are anit-AU...
just kidding..just kidding...
It is an interesting read. And it is a look into a view into AU's athletic dept... But, it is Tony Franklin's view, the way he saw it. You ask someone else the same questions and you would most likely get a different interpretation.
Keep in mind that there are multiple angles to every story, and the truth is always somewhere in the middle.
Was anything that he said shocking? No. Was any of it a new revelation that we weren't already aware of? No, at least not as long as you remove the O&B glasses.
I've made no secret of making this my primary AU news site because of the honest analysis and opinion that Jay provides. I do have one question I hope he will answer- when the word "administration" is used regarding Auburn, what people would this include?
Aeronaut, I haven't seen Franklin say anything that would make me think him a drama queen. His comments were quite mild compared with yours.
What I did get from the interview is that the coaching staff didn't feel secure. It likely hadn't felt secure since Jetgate. I didn't have this view prior to reading the article.
The religious stuff seems likely overblown, but I can't really say. There is a line between pushing values and pushing a particular religion.
I think this article is actually good for Auburn and for Franklin. I can see why he would want his story told, after all, this did significant damage to his reputation. Anyone saying that he should just shut up and ignore it would likely not do the same if they were in his circumstance.
I didn't find his comments attacking and certainly they are only from his perspective, but I do think he was trying to be fair and has accepted part of the blame for what occurred. I am not sure how anyone could ask for more.
So, let's look to the future, stand behind our coaching staff, and see where things head. Learn from the past and don't let something like this dirty what many believe was the most successful period in Auburn football history.
Depressed-I thik Jay answered the other day that he felt 'administration' meant Jacobs and those around him.
Steve- You make a good point..fair enough...
wtc- thanks for the help. I didn't see that response from Jay. I hope one day to be able to understand the workings of the Auburn Athletic Department.
Infidel chatter indicates we may be getting a commitment from Charles Henderson OLB Jawara White (Scout 3 star) early in the week.
It's great to see Auburn back in the in-state recruiting game. No way does the program reach its potential without getting some TOP in-state talent.
Of course, their story is they don't want any of the in-state folks we get, except Owens, and he's an Auburn legacy, so to speak.
Florida 48 Auburn 7
Saturday night November 3, 1990
That was the last time Mrs THT obligated me to a Saturday evening social event without 1st checking the sports calendar.
So I knew what was coming in tonight's hockey game when I found out this afternoon we were going to a neighborhood wine tasting dinner.
We don't even drink wine.
Jet, didn't The Evil Empire offer both Richardson AND White? Let me guess, those just "half-hearted" offers.
so how highly is Jawari White rated in state, or have those rankings come out yet? It must be a weak year in the state if a 3-star is considered a top recruit.
oops, Jawara
THT, by most accounts the in-state talent pool is down compared to the previous few seasons. I don't know how accurate those accounts are, though. I just think it's important to see Auburn being a factor in the state of Alabama. On most analysts Alabama Top-10 players from the last 2 years, Auburn signed either none or one.
THT - Rivals says
Top linebacker prospect Jawara White....The nation's No. 28 outside linebacker
Ok Monica I got distracted for a few hours so could you please say it one more time! There is just something sexy about a woman saying that word! It just sounds naughty! lol
Hey THT Jawara is 6-2 220 and runs a 4.58/40. He has been on Auburn's radar since the previous staff was in power. He should be a very good player at a key position. And with his physical stats, he could play immediately.
Thanks AUBigCat
Has there been any indication who C.J. Mosley is favoring?
I heard he was a bama lean but he has both AU and UA as high on his list. That is a huge tribute to this staff and their recruiting ability. I think we might have a good shot with him just because of this staff and his ability to play early.
salacious
saaaaa
laaaaa
ciousssssss
he might see early playing time at UAT if they switch to the 0-11-0 defense. I've never seen a school horde so many LBs.
Monica you are driving me WILD!!!! :D
THT ...
Congrats on the Red Wings.
THT you're welcome for the info
BigCat - Just think, this is just my typing it!! You'd never survive the spoken word!
Depressed-The inner workings of the AU athletic department are very simply (in my mind). Certain BOT members have a lot of money and think because they can run a bank, lumber company, construction company, they know how to run a football program. They have a HUGE ego, much like Jerry Jones, Al Davis, Ted Turner, except our group isn't as big of fish as those mentioned. I have found that most big fish like a small pond so they can be the big fish. If they went to a bigger pond, they would be just another fish.
Getting Jawa White is a nice pickup. Obviously this staff is playing chess at this point. I like it. It's better than blowing your wad and getting a bunch of no names to pad your class and have 20 commits at this time with nothing to show for it.
Now I wait for Steve.
Red Wings are commies.
WTC- I think the construction company guy is out of the loop these days and I believe the Lumber company guy is gaining more and more power, but now that the banker is retired, he may have more time to play.
Depressed, the less you know, the more you will enjoy Auburn :)
Yes, it's all setting up well for my coup d'etat.
wtc, thanks for the insight on the athletic department. I've heard bits and pieces on different BOT members before, but you summed it up nicely.
Eddie-this info is jsut something I heard froma couple friends in Auburn and may only be rumors, but they say the HC job was promised to Fisher, Muschamp, Spurrier, Nutt and Petrino by different BOT members, doing this own their own. And Jacobs never talked to any of those coaches. He was off interviwing other candidates.
If even one of those people was offered w/o Jacobs knowing, that shows the dysfunction of this administration. Everyone is trying to do Jacobs job but Jacobs.
Monica you are so right! The spoken word could be eargasmic!
Guys maybe it's just me but it just seems that this staff is making so many good decisions that we are pretty teflon these days. I think this franklin article does nothing to slow our momentum.
Eddie, hard to believe the guy in the Yellawood commercials has such influence in the athletic department. As for your advice, It makes sense, but I am a sucker for punishment. I guess it's just my nature.
My fear for this program is that Chizik has some butnot much success and the BOT starts getting 'happy feet' and looks to Petrino or Nutt. Both will have a substanially smaller buyout in 3 years.
I think Chizik, though not even on my radar for the HC job, is setting himself up rather well. i do believe he has learned form his mistakes at ISU and making changes to that by hiring top notch recruiters. We will see if he learned to correct the on the field mistakes.
Eddie-You are right about the less you know the better the object appears.
I have an organization I especially fond of for years and donated money to and was elected to be on the board. After 3 meetings I decided the shine had been removed and wished I had never been elected.
sponge here. just one comment on au admin since i am late coming in. i am an au grad, one of several generations, and have relatives that worked at au in key positions. au admin is about as dysfunctional as they come. i still love au. as mon says, plenty of blame to go around, but we will never reach the mountain top until all are on one page pulling in the same direction. JJ is incompentant, fat-a jimmy on the board is a cancer. money doesn't make you good for au. much more to add, but whats the point.
i like this staff so far, just hope they can coach. we will find out in a few months. if we win 8 games, they can coach. if we win 5, then the jury is out. i think they can and will recruit.
finally, my opinion and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee. but war damn eagle anyway.
WTC- It would not be the first time that a job was promised to someone else to never have it really offered. What all this shows is a power struggle for the top spot in pond. The old dog has lost his balance and the pack is sensing blood in the water if you ask me. Yella Fella is getting bigger.
Sponge ;-)
I'm with ya.
WTC- you will know that Chizik's days are numbered when you don't see Pat Dye around anymore.
Pick an institution, any institution ...there's a ruling junta.
If you think we're different in that department, we're not.
My goal: Be the dictator.
I agree with that Eddie and that may be a problem for AU in the future. As Sponge says just becasue you ahve doesn't make you a rocket sceintist. (A blind hog finds an acorn every once in awhile and JR is a blind hog that stumbled into the lumber business)
However, if Chizik wins, maybe he can make demands on the BOT that he alone is the voice of the football program. I know that if I was to judge by my performance on the field, I would want total control on who was to help me and not someone in an ivory tower that thinks they know how i should be doing it.
i am eating a huge bowl of blue bell strawberry and vanilla ice cream. right before bed. is that just too sad or what.
You beat me to it Jet.
all you need is the tater!
*rim shot*
Sponge, I was at a irthday party this evening and passed on the Blue Bell Vanilla. Right about now I wish I had not.
Eddie, does that mean you think Dye was one of the main supporters of hiring Chizik? I thought his comment about being welcome around the complex for the first time in 10(or 11?) years was pretty telling on his and CTT's relationship.
jet right you are. bama is a great example. however the level of their incompetance doesn't reach into having so many leaks in their ruling body that everyone knows their business. thats what is really unbelievable about au. everyone knows whats going on. usually at bama, they can keep it in the house.
Eddie ...
I'll say this ... I don't think Dye carries any weight. It may be an indication of the temperature, but I don't see it any more than that.
depressed-I think Dye had a lot to do with the hiring. Not sure if that is good for AU though. If I was terminated from my employer, I don't think I would keep popping over or even staying intouch with everyone. but then again, he is one of those that had power and wants to re-assert himself.
I do not recall any other schools where a former head coach that was fired desired to come back and hang around.
Monica ...
That's not nice.
But I am a nice person. So I will not seek retribution.
luv me some pat dye, but he needs to disappear to his farm and watch football on HD tv. fat ass yellow boy needs to shut up and do the same. finally, hire a real athletic director, then sit back and watch the tigers rock.
Jet, I belive Dye influenced Lowder to get on board the Chizik train. Lowder really wanted Fisher and I think Dye helped in changing his mind.
Sponge- eating Blue Bell ice cream is never sad!
Brother Jet- I disagree whole heartedly with that. Dye carries huge weight, especially with those in the athletic complex. JJ listens to every word Dye says and I believe Yella Fella also does too.
My understanding is that Lowder didn't have much say in this hire and wanted Muschamp.
The problem AU has is that Jay Jacobs owes his job to Dye. So does Tim Jackson. You have two guys that were in charge of ticket sales and parking and now they are the top two in the athletic dept. Go figure.
I don't think Fisher was Lowder's choice.
tar. i have to say my guilt lasts only till i go back to the freezer for seconds.
just got back tonight from picking up my 14 year old boy from Lacross camp. He just decided he wanted to play he is a good athlete, just a tad small. happy to say that even though his skills were missing, as you would expect, he knocked heads with a bunch of kids much bigger. lacross can be pretty ruff.
As far as the BOT, I wouldn't bash them. They are not evil. They have good intentions. Like I say, there is blame to go around.
As for Chizik's mistakes at ISU, I don't know that he made many. They seem to feel he had them heading in the right direction. Yes, there are people that are closed sighted and believe counting Ws and Ls determine how well a coach is doing. He played young players. There is a cost for that. He was building for the future. That isn't to say he didn't make some poor decisions with regard to assistants, but I am not certain there. Somehow I don't think there are too many coaches out there dreaming of the day that can get on the ISU staff.
wtc, sponge- my thoughts on Dye are similar to the ones you have mentioned. I'm not sure it's a good thing for him to be involved in the present happenings at Auburn, but I also can't forget the way he turned Auburn around when he arrived here in '81. Not trying to be corny, but the '89 Bama game at Jordan-Hare was a day I'll never forget, and Dye was the man who made it happen. I'm torn.
As for Eddie's comment on the 20 recruits, since we won't know how good they would have been it seems like a meaningless comment.
Depressed- Did Dye say the being welcomed part when Tubs was hired or Chizik? I'm not sure?
Oh, the answer is both.
i understand that mushchamp initially said he would come, then changed his mind. count me as one that is not sure mushchamp would have been a good choice. petrino is a luv interest of lowders. yella boy wanted nutt. sounds pretty confusing doesn't it. can you say cluster. meanwhile, JJ is flying around like a shoolboy interviewing every second tier coach in Div 1, making AU look hopeless in the media. and we wonder what Franklin was seeing... LOL if you step back and really look at all that went on, it's amazing.
Dye and the BOT want was is best for Auburn. The problem is, Chizik should make the decisions on what is best for the football team. He should answer to Jacobs only.
I do appreciate a lot of what Dye did for Auburn, but he also had his bad points too. I don't want to get into it because I don't believe in Auburn people trashing other Auburn people, but I would like to see Chizik make the football decisions.
I'm out for the night folks. Have a nice evening. I emjoyed the dialogue.
Eddie- did he say that when Coach Tuberville was hired? I don't remember that.
See ya, wtc. I always enjoy your insights into the program.
Actually, I think Jacobs did a good job picking Chizik. He also interviewed Paul Johnson and Turner Gil, both of whom would have been good choices. I am not sure who the second tier people were.
I don't think Muschamp would have been a good choice. I just don't see him with that head coaching mentalize and he definitely didn't seem like an Auburn man.
The interviewing was the mandate of Gogue, and it was a mistake.
I think Muschamp would have been great. I think I'm well established as president of his fan club.
But I'll say this, I'm bowled over by Chizik. He's hitting the right buttons.
my dog loves to like that ice cream bowl. one of the pleasures of life. the look on your best friends face as she licks that bowl. Man, when that dog dies, i'm going to cry like a baby.
Depressed- He said how nice it was to be invited back into the complex and appreciated by Tubs and his staff. Hell, he was part of a weekly staff meeting.
Steve - How do you know the BOT's intentions?
jet/ i'm really liking chizik, even if i wouldn't have hired him. i think he has integrity and the will to succeed. and, keep the faith...i don't think we will have to deal with Saben long. tide is going down, then the bammers will eat their young, start imploding.
Sponge - you don't give the dog its own bowl of ice cream? Unbelievable. Molly dog gets to lick my bowl after she finishes her own bowl. The fact she's never left anything for me to lick out of her bowl doesn't bother me. She rules.
i don't care who yells at me for this, but when you start using words like "integrity" for coaches (much less someone YOU DON'T EVEN PERSONALLY KNOW) you're setting yourself up for disappointment at least
Jet,Steve- I've always been a fan of Muschamp. The one thing I wonder about, the passion he shows as a DC, could he be the same coach if he was the head man. I suspect he could, but I wonder if he would burn out quickly. I do think players would line up to come play for him.
the bot is divided, with mulitple loyalties. good intentions? good except you never know what their intentions are. there has been a power struggle on the bot, this is well known. the only place there is no power struggle is the athletic director, cause he has none.
Spongeworthy- I agree that JJ is a puppet, but who is the puppeteer?
well mon, if chizik will do whatever is necessary to beat the evil empire, that's integrity...LOL and I want yell. i don't know chizik as you indicate. just making a judgement from afar. u are correct that there is not much in college sports.
eddie. i'm not sure who the puppeteer is right this moment, but until now, if our Banker boy wanted something done, it got done. period. i am not one that thinks he was as involved in the day to day operations like some people believe, but no major decision was made without his involvment.
So..just so I got this straight...The administration sucks and nothing is gonna get any better til they all Dye..oops I mean die...
Just win, baby.
I don't care how dysfunctional the admin is if we can get another winning streak against the Infidels.
wartiger. as dysfunctional as it looks, there was the final approval of banker required on most everything. I for one, as strange as it seems, thinks the majority of his decisions are pretty solid. Where would au be without him? not a popular opinion im sure.
I'm outta here Hotties..I'm frustrated for reasons I can't explain. Y'all have a great night and I'll check y'all tomorrow...WAR EAGLE!!
Wait till you've been married a while, WarTigah.
Just kidding, Mrs. Jet.
night war. don't be frustrated. its all good. regardless of what happens in the background, au, the great institution it is, manages to win out.
jet. you know H M Gipson, rep from Prattville?
Yeah Jet, especially if you are forced to watch "So you think you can dance"
Sponge, I do.
i'll just say this, i've been watching the 87,88,89 IBs and other games from that era as i edit out the commercials. pat dye is the coach on the sidelines and JJ is right beside him. if you don't think JJ asks for dye's advice on many occasions, you are naive. they were obviously very close and that type of relationship doesn't wither over time. dye is smarter than to try to inject himself into the day to day operations at AU. it's just one AU AD asking a former AU AD for advice.
Eddie ...
It was brutal. I'll have to go back to the Benedryl/Darvocet in her crystal light and water.
FYI - Greg is now known as Fitty.
Goodnight to my entire dissFUNKshunanal Auburn family.
hugs and kisses and a salacious for BigCat
Jet, i grew up w/ his son. we lived on the same street. his boy and i kept him on his toes
That's all for me as well, guys(and gals.) As always, thanks for the conversation. I always seem to learn something new here. Thanks to all who joined in.
night mon. i'm about to hit the hay myself. too much sun, golf today.
chip chip would be right in that case.
Good night Hotties. Always a pleasure.
Good night Steve.
depressed. have a good weekend and week ahead.
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Sweet dreams to all you sleepy Hotties.
Hoopie, you believe that bammer figment of delusion? Must be true, I read it on the internet. That yella fella story is bogus. A bammer came up with it on "bleechers report".
A guy that gets fired halfway mid-season is telling us that the reason he called for qb sneak on third and long (and numerous dumb decisions) was because of religion?
He didnt fail because of tensions or prayers. He failed because "he stupid". Now he thinks that they are fake, because the prayers didn't work on his stupid play calls.
I don't like Au's trustees but I hate this guy.
T minus 90
I am just now getting to comment on the article and I haven't reviewed everyones comments yet, so here goes.
I don't see the bias. I think the Montgomery Advertiser is fairly even handed, one could even say we have better Auburn coverage than a lot of paper due to Jay G.
All the article was mainly Tony Franklin speaking out, if anything, he could have not commented, but why should he not? He can speak his mind and he was treated pretty poorly. So, whatever.
The fact of the matter is that it was a toxic environment last year, and the year before, and pretty much every year since Jetgate. A change was needed because of that. There was no other way. Either CTT had to go or the most everyone else. Guess what happened?
The religious stuff that Franklin speaks of, I understand. Invoking God and thanking God over things such as football games and other similiar things is a bit, well, blasphemous. What on earth does Providence have to do with those type of trivial things, well, anyway. I think it was sign of the desperation and doom over the coaching staff.
Monica makes a good point about the bias. But I think that if it had been bammer, it would have been the poor choice of words by the Headline writer. As we all know, Jay G has nothing to do with the Headlines.
Hoopie, in regards to the fan base not getting mad at a trustee, I would offer an analogy of the country as as whole. The whole socialism and loss of freedom, with huge debt that is beyond comprehension, doesn't seem to bother a country that fell for "change we can believe in"
But I digress,
I think, unfortunately, CTF paints a accurate picture of the Auburn and CTT at the end. Kind of like Hitler's bunker, very sad.
Good morning Hot Ones! I am following the Tony Franklin approach to religion and forsaking the assembling of believers in lieu of canoeing today.
It is definately time for a new thread. We all know how dysfunctional the HABOTN gets when we start interjecting politics into football discussions.
I've never thought the MA was anti-Auburn, and I still don't. I just think there was no useful or well-intentioned purpose for this article to have been written. Let me guess, Josh Moon's next interview is with Destiny Stahl. Or perhaps Mike Dubose's secretary.
the saddest part to me is that our players took the blunt of the criticism for last year's season. People have said countless times that we have no talent on the team. I think Franklin's comments about the staff show more of the problem than a lack of talent. There's more talent on this team than people like to realize. It was just misused last year.
Also, if one of the biggest problems he saw at AU was "praying all the time", then we are in pretty good shape. I'm actually glad to hear that AU is that Christian-based. WDE!!!
That article wasnt nearly as scathing as I had anticipated...
Basically, we were told that the administration didnt want their coaching staff anymore, which we've known since Tubbs was fired.
We also learned that Franklin doesnt appear to be a Christian. Well, we would know for sure had Josh Moon asked one simple follow up question to the quote:
"I don't want to come off as anti-religion or that I'm not a Christian, but..."
It would put Franklin's comments into perspective to know his religious beliefs.
And we also learned that he isnt much for the spotlight and was skeptical about even coming to Auburn to begin with...
Tabloid journalism? Hardly. A decent story that confirmed Tubs and the admin didnt have a good relationship and Franklin is an odd guy? Yup.
And I'm with you, JayGT, I have no interest in rehashing AU's 2004 season.
And for all the people saying the article was "anti-Auburn"... that's ridiculous.
I'm not a big fan of Josh Moon, and I am a huge Auburn fan, but he wrote a decent story. It wouldve been perfect to have hit the stands right after Franklin was fired or right after Tubbs was fired, but it took Franklin this long to decide he wanted to open up.
There was always a story there, but only hearsay and whispers about what actually happened... Franklin finally told his side of the story... now all we need is Tubbs side, and then we'll be able to piece together the actual truth.
Its not anti-Auburn... I dont see alot of bias by JM in the article, it just happens to be a story that casts Auburn in a bad light... and that is all on Auburn for the way they handled things.
I commend to each of you the thoughts of Denny Crum, the wise old tactician.
While I don't think it is necessarily blasphemous to give praise to God for the good things that come our way, I acknowledge it can be.
My thoughts about the "PTB" has always been that there will always be a "PTB" regardless of their names and faces. I happen to believe, on balance, we have benefited from their leadership. I would have chosen different steps and path along the way.
A lot of the hoo-ha through the years, from my vantage point, has come from the faculty, which likes to set the vision on every campus.
I think it naive to think that the next batch of PTB will be any less desirous to set policy and vision than the current bunch. Now, I must return to my plan to become a PTB. I guarantee you, you'll love me. Or hate me.
Bro Jet - I'll love you for your hate of UAT
The heavily evangelical style of christianity that was (is?) apparently practiced in the Auburn Athletic Dept can be very intimidating to those who don't practice the same style, even to other Christians. Prayer is a much more private thing for most people.
It probably also contributed heavily to Franklin's outsider status.
I wouldn't put much credence in the fake comment unless someone confided in him that they were just going along to fit in.
Hopefully, we can move past this stuff today.
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I'm still thinking Jeff Grimes. What odds do I get? Who do the other Hotties think is in the on deck circle?
Being that I live in Atlanta and the only experience I have with the Alabama papers was during my time in Auburn...I read that every media outlet is biased to Auburn or Alabama depending on what way the wind is blowing. Good for Tony for giving his .02 on a crappy period of his life. I'm happier that this article on the state of the Auburn Athletic Department came out now with a new coaching staff in place as opposed to dropping this now if Tuberville was still around. Water under the bridge if you ask me.
Hey Hotties! It's been a while. I've been lurking, just not posting.
My thoughts...
Josh Moon simply wrote an article as the information was presented to him...it was based on Franklin's perceptions and feeling. It was not written to trash AU, but to provide a view on was happening on the inside.
Franklin is a good coach/guy. He made a mistake by coming to AU and never really had a chance to succeed.
Tubbs is still a good coach, but with all the stess and issues that were going on internally he simply didn't have the fight left in him and while many of his staff probably should have been replaced long ago, he was loyal to his friends and kept them around.
There are always those in high positions that stick their nose where it doesn't belong and AU is not different. I'm sure many schools have the same types of issues. It's often all about money and politics...reminds me a lot about our government.
Chizik and the currents staff have done a great job so far. Hopefully it translates to success on the field, but I'm not setting my hopes high for this year...there are too many questions that have remained to be answered. No matter how this year goes, I feel like next year will be better.
Auburn is more than just a small group of people and I will always be an Auburn fan. Hate UAT.
Have a good Sunday Hotties! Peace!
This is not a football team lacking talent. Actually, we have a lot of talent at a lot of positions, particularly receiver. Billings, Hawthorne, and Zachery have the talent.
The only thing that is keeping this team for contending for the west title this season is the lack of a proven QB and depth, particularly at linebacker.
Championship teams usually have two things, an experienced QB and a solid defense. We are missing the QB big time, as we were last season.
While I wasn't expecting an SEC title last season, I had hoped for this and next season until the coaching change. After that the small recruiting class of 2008 and the disappointing recruiting class of 2009 will start to take affect. If we get a solid recruiting class this year, particular in terms of linemen and linebackers, think could improve for the 2011 and 2012 season, but you don't coach experience.
To sum up what I am saying, in terms of talent we are not nearly as far away as some may think, but we will lose a lot of good players to graduation after this and next season.
Man.. I don't see black helicopters and illuminati and vast right wing / left wing / pitot tube conspiracy in this entire matter.
Franklin was fired because he's an idiot, and an emo. He's blaming Athletics Department for making only 2 friends at Auburn?
He has not stated a single 'fact', just conjectures and speculations. No tension or religion or work environment justifies those retarded decisions he made on the field. None. He shouldn't talk about strategic matters when he's such a huge tactical failure.
Tubs was fired because the wheels fell off, and the kicker forgot how to kick. Had Auburn beaten Vandy, LSU and maybe UGA, Tubs would still be the coach.
When asked how to go forward, tubs could not define the long term path for Auburn to follow. Auburn needed a brand new start, and I don't think tubs wanted that.
Don't understand the attacks against the paper for this article. There's nothing in it we didn't already know. Moon has taken a shot at Saban before with his 100 more influential booster meeting prior to kicking things off at Bama.
Come on, Auburn fans. Let it go. It doesn't matter. And, if it does, you'll have to lay blame on Tuberville. Pat Dye controlled the Auburn admin pretty well during his reign. Obviously. He's still there. Chizik has put together something that looks to do the same (tentatively).
Tuberville always played the victim to offset his shortcomings. If you're a head coach at a major college football program, strap your boots on. It's all about winning. And it's all about money. Tubs made out like a bandit.
And, one more.
I am not a fan of Franklin at all just because he chooses to vent. That can be extremely unprofessional. And it was.
I cannot believe some of the childish name calling on here. Franklin is obviously not an idiot. High schools across the country brought him in to teach their kids. Coaches showed up for his seminars. I can't believe someone would actually be so uninformed to refer to Franklin as an idiot and to base it upon an outside perspective. That is just incredible.
I just got up. I can't believe it.
I haven't slept this late since college. Holy cow!
Welcome back Jay. Hope the vacation went okay with you. I suspect you have some time zone issues.
I didn't think this thread was out of control. It was pretty classic HABOTN ... people bring frank but not pissy.
A few people think the story was written in an attempt to trash Auburn. There also are people who believe in Black Helicopters, Yeti, Keyser Soze and Crystal Pepsi.
So be it. Let's turn the page.
what was the most fun thing y'all did or saw?
I live on the east coast and work for a group on the west coast. A 3 hour time differential makes for interesting working hours. If I am up by noon I am good. Even 1:00 is fine because most of the people out there really start working around 10:00, which is 1:00 my time.
Yea, sounds great until you realize at 8:00 in the evening it is 5:00 there and they are still working, so I continue also.
It makes for a strange life.
turn the page? 30 more posts should do it
I don't think the story trashes Auburn and I do think it could be beneficial. While Mon is right that I don't know the intentions of all the BOT, I do choose to believe they have the best intentions for Auburn, although their are certainly differences of opinion of what is best.
I found Franklin's comments pretty honest. He could have attacked people, but he didn't. I don't blame him saying this is how he saw it. This had to be a major blemish on his resume, not to mention the kids on line calling him names. Getting his side of the story out only makes sense.
I am sorry for calling him an Idiot. I should have called him a 'self proclaimed idiot' instead. I heard him call himself an idiot pretty often.
I guess that makes tony franklin a 'childish idiot'. That better, Steve?
Jay-Don't rat on your paw or Keyse Soze will getcha!!
For Mon, HBO2E is having a Big Love marathon. Yea, re-runs, but not a bad way to cruise through the day.
New thread up.
Again, I ask...what was the motivation behind an article on Tony Franklin, the Offensive Coordinator for Middle Tennessee State University?
I don't care whether Josh, Jay, or Paul Finebaum wrote it. It's crap. I question the newsworthiness, the timing, and the motivation behind Auburn's closest newspaper publishing such tripe.
Sorry. That's just how I see it. Love the blog, Jay. Just don't see Tony Franklin falling under the "relevant" category any longer.
Look forward to the articles on Eddie Gran, Greg Knox, and offensive line coach-turned-trucking magnate, Hugh Nall.
Jay,
I for one want the truth and facts even if for a moment or two they do not paint the pretty picture that we all want. That being said keep up the good work and factual reporting.
How is this coaching staff different from last year in respect to what Franklin said? Granted I know they haven't been through any games yet and things may change then, but do you have a feel as to how this staff relates to one another?
Tony Franklin = Steve Perry, formerly of Journey
Revisit Journey-VH1 Behind the Music
I think Steve Perry morphed into Tony Franklin for these interviews.
They didn't like me.
I didn't fit in.
Blah blah blah blah blah
No Tony, you did not fit in...you were stinking WEIRD!
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