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6.05.2009

Tony Franklin speaks

Hey everyone. Josh Moon, my uber-talented Advertiser cohort, recently spoke with former Auburn assistant coach Tony Franklin about the circumstances surrounding his October dismissal from the program.

The interview then extended into several areas you'll find interesting.

Before we get into this, and you'll hear plenty about it during the next week, understand that I consider Franklin a credible source of information about what happened last fall. Is he a pariah? His reputation among Auburn fans probably isn't the best, but he's an honest guy who isn't bethrothed to anyone ... aside from his wife.

Franklin's comments are worth reading and considering.

The Advertiser has posted a short preview of the full story, which will run on Saturday morning.
"It was the most unusual place I’ve ever been," Franklin said of the Auburn program. "No one liked anybody else. There was this deep distrust of everybody. The coaches didn’t trust the administration, the administration didn’t trust each other or the coaches. It was very strange and very unnerving. You would walk down the halls and there would be tension you could just feel. No one would speak to you or even look at you. The coaches were all paranoid and didn’t trust anyone in the administration. They all felt like the administration was out to get them and they stressed out over everything that happened."
LINK: Ex-coordinator Tony Franklin breaks silence

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

288 Comments:

1 – 200 of 288 Newer› Newest»
Blogger Dear Leader said...

wow

12:07 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

is he still a dumbass?

12:08 PM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

I think CTF was the basis for this as the old guard felt they were being pushed out... hence the under cutting of the O.

12:09 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I know a large percentage of you all will discount anything CTF says, which is cool.

I think he's credible.

12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think it's probably this way at UAT too. Hopefully, though, with Auburn's new coaching staff things have changed.

12:11 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

It has changed.

Understanding why it has changed is the key to understanding Auburn's New World Order.

12:12 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

i think that is exactly why a major change needed to be made on the staff to keep tubs or clean them all out and start over with someone the administration could get behind as "their guy". this had been festering since jetgate and would never go away. anyway, i think it all worked out for the best for all parties involved. xCTF made some $$$, tubs made some serious $$$, greg knox is coaching RBs at MSU, AU got a staff that are fighters and care.

12:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It needed to change. If what CTF says is/was true, things can't go on like for long without problems arising.

12:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Agreed, chip chip.

12:16 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

i still think nall had become a HUGE problem within the staff after his miserable failure as OC. that was really the beginning of the end for tubs and 2004 delayed it by three years.

12:17 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

The argument could be made, chipper, that Tuberville/CTF/Chizik simply are symptoms of the real problem.

Is Auburn too restless with regard to its football program?

If you accept Franklin's assessment, that the coach-administrator relationship was so poor last fall, isn't someone responsible for repairing that? Whose job is that?

12:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jay G, wouldn't that be JJ? You know how most of feel about him.

12:20 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

btw, nice to see DL still has his hair trigger finger on the button.

12:20 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Dear Leader, front and center, makes for a great day

12:22 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Should be a good article. Look forward to reading the full version tomorrow.

12:22 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

agreed jgt,

maybe part of the real problem is retiring from colonial bank and BOT soon...

i'm still not sold on JJ as AD either. he takes one step forward for every three backwards.

12:22 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

Uhhhh is any of that a real surprise?

12:23 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Jacobs is an interesting element.

He was portrayed (by his supervisor) as a hero in the Tuberville debacle. It seems he can do no wrong in Auburn's eyes.

12:24 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Harrison, I think you'll be surprised tomorrow when he portrays the Auburn athletic department as group of religious zealots.

12:25 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

I find a very surprising note at the end of that article "On how the Auburn athletic department uses the Christian faith as a "crutch" and many of those people are just "fakes".

12:25 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

I will definitely read the article. I am super interested in what he has to say.

12:26 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

tommyd, that will be the quote that lives on.

12:26 PM  
Blogger Ephemeral said...

Who does he mean by administration? The athletic director or higher up? Maybe part of the situation was that Auburn had a new president and administrative changes were underway. That can make a lot of people uncomfortable.

12:27 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

but doesn't that come off as pretty sour and bitter to accuse them of being "fakes". He figured that out in less than a year?

12:27 PM  
Blogger Ephemeral said...

It does make him sound bitter.

12:29 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

That's for you to decide, Harrison.

Eph: As I understand it, the scope of Franklin's comments extended only as far as Jay Jacobs.

12:29 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

if chiz and staff are allowed free reign to operate the program as they see fit and not how the powers that be think it should be done, things will get better in a hurry. i think we are already seeing the results.

CTF was a microcosm of the entire situation. BOT did not give tubs freedom, tubs did not give CTF freedom because of pressure from above, assistants knew they were on thin ice no matter what they did.

i can sympathize with all of the coaches on tub's staff. the company i was laid off from in february was an even worse environment of paranoia, back-stabbing, micromanagement and a win at all costs attitude from the big dogs in charge who had/have no idea what they are doing because they do not understand the business.

12:29 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

my opinions are usually negative. especially when it comes to dumbasses

12:30 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

If past is prologue, Chizik et al do not have free rein.

12:30 PM  
Blogger Ephemeral said...

Thanks for the clarification, Jay.

12:32 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

It seems that the "administration" were as large a part of the problem as the coaching staff. What's to keep that from continuing?

12:34 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

ehyou, that's a good question.

I don't have an answer for you.

12:35 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

ehyou- It's the never ending cycle. What is the definition of administration? Athletic Director and President? I would venture to say it was above those heads that problems can arise.

12:38 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

i come from a family of pretty devout southern baptists on both sides. some could definitely fall into the "zealot" category.

i claim no religious affiliation and my wife is catholic and our kids are going to catholic school which isn't a problem for me besides the tuition.

my relatives are 95% right wing "rush is always right" republicans. i'm much more a mixed bag of nuts when it comes to social and economic issues.

i've always been viewed as a black sheep and they have made comments to me over the years about things i don't think is any of their business. they are all great and nice people but the religious aspect of their lives and their need to profess it and their associated good deeds continuously has impacted our comfort level around each other over the years.
i can understand how xCTF felt in that regard as well.

not trying to bash anyone out there reading, just relating how i can understand the situation as he saw it if that was indeed the case.

12:42 PM  
Blogger Will said...

Wait, religious zealots using Christianity as a crutch, who are really just fakes? I don't believe it, get right out of town...

12:44 PM  
Blogger Will said...

Articles like this = finding out how they make sausage. For some reason I have to read it, b/c I want to know the truth...but really I just want to enjoy it at face value.

12:46 PM  
Blogger j-z said...

Steve is going to crap when CTF dishes dirt on Tubs.

12:47 PM  
Blogger Loganville Tiger said...

Wow - Do I ever have that on my To-DO list for Sunday to read.

I consider Franklin credible also - what would he have to gain by fibbing?

LT

12:47 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

LT- Is Franklin credible, absolutely? What would he have to gain? Throwing Tubs and administration under the bus and shifting blame to why he was fired. He wouldn't say anything unless there was something to gain, why would you?

12:50 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

To be clear, CTF absolutely doesn't throw Tuberville under the bus. You'll see when you read the story.

12:52 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

on a different note; did anyone else see this article? www.stampeders.com/news_blogs/players_blog/?id=818
it is about Blackmon's shot at the CFL

12:53 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Great link, Bear.

12:55 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Even if he doesn't throw Tubs under the bus, he has an agenda. He is not the first coach to be in a bad situation before and I agree about the pattern at Auburn, it has been evident since Dye left, but most anyone can see that. Like I said, I look forward to reading it.

12:56 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Let's talk more about J.Rich

anyone seen him play?

12:58 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

In addition, Chris Shelling is a "Guest Coach" for training camp; whatever that means. BTW- I am following them because a former player of mine is in their camp; pending a physical

1:03 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

No problem, Jay. I have been around, just not posting much. Not much to add, so I figured why waste the internet's space? Thanks for keeping the HABOTN going.

1:04 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

1:09 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Note to self: pay more attention to Bear82's modus operandi

1:10 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

Tarheel, he's got highlights on youtube. Just search Jeremy Richardson. This kid is HUGE compared to the folks he played against in the first 3 minutes of the clip

1:10 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Is anything Franklin says in that article a real shocker to anyone? Shouldn't be.

1:13 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

MonD, you make me laugh.

1:16 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Has there ever been a criticism of Auburn that you considered plausible?

1:17 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

And young Mr. Seastrunk is rather speedy

1:17 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

JagG you think because I don't find it shocking that means I don't find it plausible?

1:19 PM  
Blogger David in Opelika said...

Looking forward to Saturday morning. Oh, yes.

1:20 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Go off to lunch, and wow!

I walk away from this not surprised anything that TF had to say ... and I can't say I disagree with him.

If anything it reaffirms my belief that Tommy needed to go. In 2003.

Chiz has "freer" reign -- to coin a phrase.

1:22 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

thanks, mrtommyd.. I'll check out the video tonight.

WARRRR EAGLE!!!

No offense to Josh Moon, but I don't give a rat's toenail about what Tony Franklin has to say. I wish him well, but his thoughts/comments are about as important to me as those of the Northern Arizona Lumberjack's graduate assistant.

1:22 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

"I think you'll be surprised tomorrow when he portrays the Auburn athletic department as group of religious zealots."

Anything he says about this wouldn't surprise me at all after the whole "Coach Tuberville and I prayed together before he left" stuff from Jacobs. I just pictured Jacobs as the healing preacher from "Fletch Lives" when he said that.

"Demon's Out!!"

1:22 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Exactly, Jet. I believe Jay G. has once again misinterpreted my comments. What I don't find shocking is the dysfunction of the football program. Anyone whose been around for a while knows how screwed up things are inside Auburn. Jay G. if you're trying to call me a sunshine pumper, you're making the wrong call. However, I'm happy to bring laughter to your day.

1:26 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

A thought question:

Who's the bigger fool?

The one who endangers his future by offering a job to someone whose philosophy he can neither embrace nor endorse, nor can he give the means by which that person can be successful?

Or is it the one who accepts the job knowing these things?

1:29 PM  
Blogger weagle251 said...

What chip chip @ 12:48 said.

Almost word for word.

1:33 PM  
Blogger weagle251 said...

Jet, are you meaning "Who's the bigger fool? The fool or the fool who follows him?"

We must be cautious.

1:34 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

I've heard this sotry before from some in the AU department. It does make for good reading. The athletic department is kind of like Days of Our lives without the sleeping around, except when T Bowden was there.

It will give us plenty to talk about over the coming days and unfortunately takes the thunder away from the Richardson commitment.

1:35 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Speaking about the previous staff's "paranoia" about the administration... is it still paranoia if they are actually out to get you?

1:40 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

"If you accept Franklin's assessment, that the coach-administrator relationship was so poor last fall, isn't someone responsible for repairing that? Whose job is that?" -- Jay Gizzle.

It's someone's. And they did it. They got rid of the coach. Or he retired. Or whatever.

Jay, you've hinted at this before. Tommy had an opportunity to "reset" the relationship after 2003. He didn't do it. You can take the name "Auburn" off it, and it happens all over the world in every business. You win and lose internal "battles," but it's always in your best interest not to let escalate to a "war."

1:43 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Thanks for creating that laughter, MonD. It's delightful.

1:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who's ready for some football? And, not just any football...Auburn football!!!

1:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just booked our trip to the TN and LSU games through Total Sports Travel, so I'm excited!

1:49 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

I don't want to look backwards. I really do not. Hindsight is a disastrous season culminating in a 36/0 loss to the inbrednation, in full color and 20/20 clarity. Changes were needed. Auburn is heading in the right direction.

I'm savoring the commitment of the state's top WR. That was a slap on the face of the midget that offered him, the two bammie coaches that were recruiting him, and the bammer nation in general.

Perfect timing. As midget tried to swing the momentum back to his favor, BAM!!

Welcome to the family, Jeremy Richardson. War Damn Eagle.

1:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well said, Aero.

1:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This was one of those situations where, I believe it was just time for a change at AU and Franklin may have been the catalyst. I don't blame him personally.

But as an OC I was never comfortable with what he was doing. I don't like the idea of the "offensive guru" because then it's more about the type of offense than the players running it. I mean, when you've got an offense that's been built around power it's plain mental to tell the OLs to lose weight and play finesse ball in just a few months. Surely there could have been a better transition.

I mean, look at our identity in the CFA Bowl Game...it was by far the best that offense performed and really it was with the typical tough AU attitude and bulky OLs who attacked the LOS and RBs who ran downhill.

The UT game in 2008 was by FAR the worse pair of SEC offenses I think I've ever seen. Add in loyalty to a QB with a hurt shoulder and it was just a matter of time.

As far as the behind the scenes stuff, what does that have to do with winning? My inlaws are huge LSU alums and very involved with the program and they say that under Saban everybody hated him and nobody trusted him...didn't stop him from winning though. I've heard UF alum say the same about Spurrier when he was there...

1:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a Florida fan, I've never bought the whole idea of a media bias against Auburn - until today.

I feel for you guys. You can't even get a fair shake from the hometown (closest to it) major paper.

I guess stirring the worst of memories for the fan base is what moves product these days.

1:56 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

After years of running this blog in a manner 99% of HOTTIES considered even-handed, I'm now providing anti-Auburn bias.

Really?

2:01 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Aero/Luv ...

I don't mind the occasion look in the rear-view mirror. Today, one has been placed in front of us. So I say look at it.

Let it instruct us.

The importance of pulling in the same direction ... the meaning of total commitment ... the imperative of our belief in the ability to be successful ... and the willingness to do what it takes.

We didn't have it last year. I think we do now. I'm not hiding from what has happened. I'm using it to sharpen my resolve and focus my energy.

2:01 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

I don't think JGT is just stirring the pot. I appreciate him shedding some light on what has been a pretty murky situation.

2:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with you, Jet. It's up to Auburn to learn from it's mistakes.

2:04 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

But the part about Auburn getting a fair shake in the AL media in general - that'll never happen in my lifetime.

2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even though I love Auburn, being from PA, I still consider myself an outsider. Even before I became such a huge fan, the media bias, to me, was glaringly obvious.

2:08 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

I can see the bias in the state of Alabama at times...the people that drive me crazy are the people who say the national media hates Auburn and ESPN is always talking bad about Auburn.

It's amazing, but UT fans do that, Alabama fans do that. I bet even USC and Ohio State fans say the same thing...anytime you are a big fan of something any thing written or said by the media that isn't glowing about what you are a fan of becomes bias to some.

As far as Jay G. goes, nothing but fair and balanced from what I've seen over the past year.

2:11 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

Hate is a strong word...that's why I use it to describe how I feel about Bama.

2:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I most definitely was not referring to Jay G.

2:13 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

Reverrr ehyou!!

2:17 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

you're right RK, every school thinks ESPN hates them

2:18 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

I look forward to reading the article from Josh. Right or wrong, the article should expose somethings that are going on at AU that many fans do not know about. Should they know? That's not my call. If it helps clean up things behind the scenes, even if painful to read, it can't be bad.

Most on here like AU very much and do not want to hear negative things. However, AU, unlike another school, airs its' dirty laundry often. THAT may be one of AU's bigger problem.

2:19 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Luv - your a beloved former and reformed yank, not an outsider.

spent that last $60 on AU travel...wise choice!

I have to work UTn weekend, but we'll be in BTR also.

WARRRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!
T minus 92 days!

2:20 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

oops... you're, not your

2:20 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

I recall Herbstreet saying some negative things about AU before one of our games. Maybe Vandy. And he turned out to be right. I hated to hear it but it was true.

I refuse to shoot the messenger.

2:21 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

What if the messenger is a bammer?

2:23 PM  
Blogger michael said...

"They all felt like the administration was out to get them and they stressed out over everything that happened."

Is it really being paranoid if they actually are out to get you? After all, he had been fired once in 2003, and obviously he was somewhat fired again last year.

Not to say Tubs and the BBQ boys didn't screw up royally by not creating friendships with the athletic department. I really think he should have. But I imagine there were plenty of people within the department who held the same views of people around here: at the first chance they got, they would work as hard as possible to run Tommy out. Tommy probably knew that.
It's easy to say, "Well, you should let bygones be bygones," but I get the feeling you might be a little distrustful of the people who wanted you out a short time ago.

I compare it to James Willis' situation, whom most of you hate and criticized. How can you trust someone who has tried to fire you? He's a bammer, so I am all aboard on the hate train, but as a human being, I understand what he did.

I think that not only explains Tubs' relationship with the athletic department, but also explains why CTF's perceptions can't automatically be assumed to be gospel, whether he has an agenda or not. He was fired, and he thinks he wasn't given a fair shake. You carry that with you, and that is the prism he views his world through. As Obi Wan said, "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our point of view."

2:24 PM  
Blogger michael said...

The end.

2:24 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

JayG. My apologies. My/our contention was misunderstood. I respect you for your journalism and your fairness. You weren't doing the interview, Josh Moon was.

I don't like xCTF, or Josh Moon (sorry). I am not looking forward to digging up skeletons and pointing fingers in Auburn's direction.

Yep. there were malfunctions. I'm hoping that the malfunctions have been fixed. I don't think this interview would do us any good. As Obama said, releasing more pictures of Abu Gharib would endanger the lives of Americans.

There are just too many conjectures by a self-admitted idiot. "There was a feeling .. most of them were ... they are fake... insiders .. outsiders... ". It's obviously nowhere close to your standard, JGT.

2:27 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

The problem at AU post Dye is the same as the one at UA post Bryant until Saban's arrival: A struggle for power.

2:27 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Welp I just got back from doing some shopping and see that there is some good news and other news...

Good News: Very proud to see us get the #1 overall receiver in the state. It is nice to see something happen with all this "flash" that the new coaches are using in recruiting. Good luck Jeremy! War Eagle!

Other News: I am of the opinion the Franklin needs to keep his mouth shut about what went on with us last season. I don't understand why he needs to even talk about it. It's done..over with! He got paid and is likely still getting paid so why bring negative publicity to Auburn. I just don't get it.

As far as Jay being anti-Auburn. Whoever said that is just flat out wrong. I haven't always liked what Jay says about AU (or putting FSJ into the RoF) but he's totally and completely on the level. Whether good or bad Jay is real. He isn't an AU fan based on what I know about him but he does an outstanding job covering AU. So let's not start sounding like the bammers and say that Jay is anti-Auburn just because he says something negative about us. That will be all for now..good day sir.......I said good day!!

2:28 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

It took a UATer to put it succinct words.

Good job FSJ.

2:31 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

Can we leave work yet?

2:31 PM  
Blogger ehyou said...

I think the comment was directed more about Moon raking muck than JGT mentioning it.

2:33 PM  
Blogger michael said...

You are free to go, mrtommyd

2:34 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

WTC... If there is anything I can recognize, it is a dysfunctional athletic department. Lord knows we've had our share of issues.

2:34 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

mrtommyd/michael -wish I was.


Let's go to the later earlier thread about Jeremy Richardson and think happy thoughts and posts there.

2:36 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

Jay is extremely fair (not the complexion. I am of the assumption that JGT has a decent tan)

PM can be a sunshine pumper.

Evan dingl.. woodbery is a bammer. I think his last 3.5 articles are on 'potential secondary violations that may or maynot have happened, will be reported and absolutely nothing will come out of it'. Imagine that, and he writes for Auburnbeat. What a laugh.

I think more than 70% of media in AL is extremely pro-bammer.

2:38 PM  
Blogger michael said...

I don't mind people reporting on the past. I am all for the truth being heard from all sides. There has obviously been a regime and attitude change, so it's not like this will hurt us going forward. Now, if Tubs were still the coach then it would be problematic.

But anyway, unlike many of you, I would like to hear what CTF has to say, and I'm not going to bash Moon for being a conduit for which I hear it. Come on, he's just reporting. It's what these guys do. I would interview Franklin monthly for the next couple of years, asking him about all things college football. He gives great quotes.

If you don't like what shows up in Moon's story, then be an adult and filter it out and judge for yourselves. Don't get mad unless there is obvious bias or flat out lies.

2:38 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

AWESOME!!!!!! Yeah Boss said no. Actually he said more of something to the effect of I can leave anytime I'd like, but I might not have a spot the next time I come back

2:39 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Well mytommyd, sometimes we just have to take chances in life.

2:41 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

Are you saying, "sometimes you just gotta say what the f#$%. Make your move"?

2:43 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

SIAP: Franklin on Finebaum now...

2:44 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Michael- What is the point CTF talking about it except to bring negative pub to Auburn? If there was some unresolved issues there then maybe..but Tubbs is gone..Franklin is gone. The only point of it to me seems to make AU look bad. I am against that..Not to mention it's not like he's doesn't have a job and something else to be thinking about. Why not worry about what is going one with middle tenn...I just want franklin to shut up and go away..if it was Moon who contacted him just so he can have a story for the summer then he is no better than finebaum trying to dig up trash!!

2:44 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Speak of the devil..my point made for me!!

2:45 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

we should be talking about landing a potentially great receiver...but no we are talking about Franklin..again..I am guilty too...

2:46 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

WarTigah ...

Franklin is newsworthy. When he opened his mouth about htis, it would be a story. Here it is.

He thinks JJ is a fraud. So what? And it will influence what? Nothing.

Here's one thought for you: I would have advised the Advertiser not to post this until after Finebaum went off the air.

Now, Finebaum is feasting on his work. Josh will know he had the story first (in theory), but no else will know nor care.

2:47 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Sucks for Moon.

Doh well.

2:50 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

Michael. Don't you think everyone here wants to know? I really do want to know. But I don't want some half-baked conjectures, mud-slinging by this clown to go in print.

It does not matter if the coaches changed or not. The guy's statements are not just against previous coaches, they are against Auburn and Auburn's athletic department.

Auburn's image has been tarnished a lot lately. We've been called everything from 'racist' to 'paranoid' to ..now.. 'fake Christians that use religion as a crutch'.

I don't want a self proclaimed idiot tarnishing Auburn's image, when we are already struggling to clean up the mess.

2:51 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Jet- You are right. I just started to get that knot in my stomach when I read what was going down. Funny that I compared Moon to Finebaum and then BAM there is Franklin on his show..AGAIN!!..I got defensive I admit..I guess it is newsworthy..if it was the cousin humpers this was going down about I would probably be laughing my butt off and hoping for more..oh well..

2:54 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

2:54 PM  
Blogger michael said...

But if he is right, wouldn't you want to know? How else can things be avoided in the future if you don't know your history?

Like I said earlier, I am smart enough to realize all his comments are coming from a man who is bitter about being fired. Thus, I am able to pick through and differentiate between facts and conjecture on his part. If he gives examples and such, that is worth more to me than, "I got the feeling that such and such was true." That feeling could have been shaped by any number of other influences Franklin himself doesn't realize is clouding his view. Now, if he says something like, "Tommy Tuberville told me in a meeting that he killed a drifter," then that is worth a little more.

2:58 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Aeronaut:

The religious "zealot" thoughts mean nothing to me. I don't care what his opinion of "Name that coach/administrator/staff member's" professed faith vs. actions.

The rest of it was plainly obvious. Oh, the UAT folks will get a chuckle, but this isn't worthy of worry. Because worrying about it won't add a cubit to Saban's stature.

2:59 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Seeing as how we still talk about the end of the Bowden era and to a lesser extent the end of the Dye era, I don't think the interest in the end of the Tubs era will ever go away in these parts.

2:59 PM  
Blogger AUMom said...

I appreciate the way JGT has covered all aspects of the AU program. He's fair. He's in depth, even though we don't always want to hear what he says. No sunshine pumper but certainly not biased against the Tigers.

Having said that, I am not sure that I am going to read the CTF article. I didn't like the way he milked the photographers as he left. I didn't like the way he ran (r didn't as the case may be) the offense. I am of the mind that fired people (all fired people) should keep their yippy yaps shut. It serves no purpose for us and will give the recruits bad things to think about.

Eh, I'm just a girl. I don't like the conflict when it is not on the gridiron.

3:03 PM  
Blogger Griff said...

Great idea, Josh. Let's rehash all this crap again.

Jay, what was the impetus for a piece on Tony Franklin? Could Josh not located David Gibbs?

Maybe Josh could do a piece on Corky Frost. Round up Eric Ramsey, Donald Watkins. Could be riveting stuff.

Sheesh.

3:03 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

I guess I'm just being paranoid.

3:04 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy

3:11 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Paranoia may destroya.

3:12 PM  
Blogger AUMom said...

Side note

For a man who wants to be left alone with his privacy and just enjoy a beer, Franklin is volunteering some pretty public appearances.

3:14 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

Think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify


I had no idea that's what Ozzy was saying

3:14 PM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

And the whistle blows!!!!! War Eagle everyone - I am outta here!

3:15 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Oooooh, I forgot I had asparagus for lunch.

3:18 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

But if he is right, wouldn't you want to know?
I don't care, not even a smidgen.

How else can things be avoided in the future if you don't know your history?
knowing history doesn't prevent repeat mistakes
see Ceasar, Hitler, financial crises, war, etc etc etc

3:20 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

I'm outta here too, not work, just this thread. Josh Moon's tabloid journalism and discussion thereof is yucky.

3:22 PM  
Blogger michael said...

I just deleted a Hitler joke.

See, I do have a filter!

3:23 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

I am so proud of you, Michael.

3:24 PM  
Blogger Aubie said...

Congrats to Jeremy Richardson!!

On an unrelated note, Rivals downgrades Jeremy Richardson to a one star.

:)

3:25 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

crap. i love inappropriate jokes

3:25 PM  
Blogger AUTiger2001 said...

The thing that makes me mad is that JM sought out Franklin to write this story. Is he going to seek out ex-Alabama coaches for future stories on the inner working of the Alabama athletic department? I'm pretty sure I know the answer to that one.

3:26 PM  
Blogger j-z said...

Jet...don't want to know how you came to remember that.

Your pal,

J-Z

3:27 PM  
Blogger michael said...

You know what makes me angry? Kudzu. I think I will blog about it in the near future.

3:28 PM  
Blogger j-z said...

Hey...Kudzu led to my best pick up line of all time. "Hi...My name's J-Z, but my friends call me Kudzu."

"Why?" says my unsuspecting victim.

"Because if you give me half a chance, I'll grow on you."

I was a player, if you were wondering.

3:32 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

Lighten up, Francises.

It's OK. It's a story worth writing. Is it flattering? No. Is it going to affect anything? I highly doubt it. But it doesn't change the fact that it is newsworthy. And it's not evidence of the vast UAT-wing media controversy.

And now it's over.

3:36 PM  
Blogger michael said...

My best pickup line was, "Hey, you got something on your shoe." Then I would hit them with my club and drag them back to my cave.

3:36 PM  
Blogger j-z said...

I would feel better about this article if Jay were writing it. To me, Josh has always been a little too willing to jump on the bandwagon with whomever is criticizing Auburn this week.

I think CTF will just confirm a lot of the suspicions that we've all had about the dysfunction at all levels of the athletic department.

I do think it sucks out loud that this is overshadowing the Richardson news.

3:37 PM  
Blogger j-z said...

I used that one too, Mikey. Except I substituted a ball peen hammer for a club. That was my fall back line.

3:38 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

i never had to use a pickup line. girls usually threw themselves at my feet. Usually at a bar after drinking way too much. On second thought maybe they were just passing out.
Either way, Harrison wins!

3:41 PM  
Blogger Scotty said...

Although some of the comments by Franklin may be accurate concerning the past regime, I seriouosly doubt that those problems exist now. Moreover, to question Auburn's commitment to Christian principles and family is in my opinion, false. That said, I have to wonder why Mr. Moon felt obligated to write this article at the present time with recruiting in full swing and thereby attempt to aid other schools. (you know who I mean) The Advertiser's bias toward Alabama is well known among Auburn alumni and fans.

3:43 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

A ball peen is an interesting instrument of choice.

And that was a dangerous sentence to type.

3:44 PM  
Blogger AUTiger2001 said...

"UAT Wing controversy?"

What exactly is the controversy? It's a fact. Auburn does something good...little to no media coverage. Auburn does something bad...tons of media coverage. Can't find anything to write about Auburn...find a former disgruntled coach, professor, player, etc. to interview.

Bama does anything good and I mean anything...front page news. Bama does something bad...gloss over it, and then write something negative about Auburn.

3:45 PM  
Blogger Matt said...

A couple things:

1. Does anyone know when the football team will begin practicing on the intramural fields? Lines are painted and tents are up, but I presume those are for football camps, not the team.

2. I think it would be funny to track JGT's flight a la recruiting/Chizik. Just a thought...

3:46 PM  
Blogger Cory said...

My question is what the hell does it matter what Franklin thinks? Why is this article coming out now?

3:47 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Good idea Matt. Where is JGT going next??!!! Who will he see??!!! Will he stop on Oklahoma to say hello to his Grandparents?!!?

3:48 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Holy guacamole, this is juicy and an indication of what I had suspected.

First a question. Jay, did you sense the tension that CTF describes?

Second, keep in mind that people tend to want to blame someone. If something doesn't work, they want to identify someone to blame. A lot of times there isn't a single person to blame.

Third, I don't think Tuberville or Franklin were bad coaches. I think what is in the blogs hints at the true problem, which is administration interfering in football matters.

Fourth is something Eddie brought up. These issues didn't exist until after Pat Dye. I love Pat Dye and appreciate all he did for Auburn, but he is good buddies with Lowder and I think their desire to make the football program successful has caused problems.

Fifth, what about prior to Dye? Well, Coach Jordan could lose as many games as he wanted. Auburn loved him.

Sixth, did the coaching change fix the problem? I think not, which is why I think it was foolish. I also believe that Tuberville really did resign. It may have been because of something Jacobs was asking him to do, but I think he was sick of the stress that is described here.

Seventh, I think Chizik was a great choice and people should give Jacobs credit for it. Just because I think getting rid of Tuberville was stupid doesn't mean I think getting Chizik was bad.

Eighth, I don't think the issues are solved at Auburn.

Nineth, I could go on about this forever, but it sounds like Franklin is providing a good indication of where the troubles truly lied. By the was, religious zealots wouldn't like the was Franklin cussed people out and yelled and screamed at his famous last practice.

Tenth, I could go on about this all day.

3:50 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Cory, what Franklin is saying matters a lot because it is saying changing the coaching staff didn't fix the issues with Auburn.

3:51 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have no problem with Josh writing this story because it hints at the issues that exist at Auburn and have existed for a long time.

3:53 PM  
Blogger JgobravesHAG said...

Shut your mouth Franklin, making excuses...I thought I liked the guy..but this is just stupid

3:53 PM  
Blogger Ephemeral said...

Just an observation, but people who don't fit in often see the in group as fakes, zealots, etc.

I've been in both places.

Have a good weekend--it's gonna be busy for me--and War Eagle.

3:55 PM  
Blogger Cory said...

These types of issues are every where Steve, it's not just Auburn.

Why not interview Hugh Nall and ask him what he thinks about Tony Franklin?

Also, all the coaches were just let go. Do you expect them to sing the praises of AU?

3:58 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Go vote here

4:02 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Cory, I believe Franklin is being honest and no these issues are not everywhere, although I have worked in stressful environments and am very familiar with this atmosphere. It causes people to become conservative and less willing to take risks. In this case it causes people to try to not lose, rather than to win and it is likely that these issues still remain.

4:04 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

4:07 PM  
Blogger michael said...

If Franklin's offense had worked, I imagine his working environment would have been less stressful.

Then some say if Tubs had let Franklin have free reign and not made things so stressful, his offense would have eventually worked.

And then circle back around, rounder back circle, rounder back realize....

4:09 PM  
Blogger FSJ said...

Having watched Franklin several times at Troy...

The offense he ran at Auburn was not the same one he ran at Troy. Was it due to Tuberville not allowing him to run it the way he wanted or was it due to lack of talent to fit his system? That's the question.

4:11 PM  
Blogger Cory said...

Steve we'll have to agree to disagree. We're talking about a man that has stated on numerous occasions that he regretted taking the AU job from day one. Then of course he was fired midseason. You don't think he'll take every jab he can at AU given the chance?

I know there are issues with the admin, and as long as JJ is there they will continue. I just choose to take what Franklin says with a grain of salt.

4:12 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

I get disheartened when we cling to that tired old security blanket that tells us the media doesn't like us, that somebody should shut up because it's bad publicity, that we do better when the expectations aren't as high.

Grow a pair.

What's done is done. Learn from it, but whining about it is exactly what some people want us to do. Primarily, them.

If we whine and moan and sulk, the terrorists win.

We got a 4-star commitment from a receiver! Presumably, the (text) book is about to be thrown at our enemy.

Rejoice and be glad.

4:17 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

UK grew a pair. Took them a long time to get over what this snake did to them.

4:31 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

The more I look at his picture on the blog, the more I despise this effeminate loose-mouth self-proclaimed idiot.

He looks like one of those guys that return with a shotgun to seek revenge from the place that fired him for incompetence. He's that stapler guy from office space.

4:36 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Fbaum sure stole Josh's thunder.

4:38 PM  
Blogger wes said...

LA LA LA LA (hands over ears)...I can't hear you...I can't hear you.

It seems some prefer this approach.

4:43 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

After breathing in that airbag for the last hour or so, I think I am calming down a little.

Can someone relay what did he utter @ the finebum?

4:43 PM  
Blogger AUfan said...

I'm thrilled to see the Richardson commitment and I've never seen him play. Auburn is relevant again in the state of Alabama(and elsewhere), and that is a great thing to see. Otherwise, I'm not thrilled with the timing of the Moon article, but a reporter wants to get a big story and make headlines. Personally, I wish Auburn and Coach Tuberville had parted ways after Jetgate. There would have been a short-term hit, but I believe both sides would have been happier in the end. They reminded me of a husband and wife who want a divorce, but neither one wants to take the blame for it.

4:47 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Josh has Shane's endorsement. What else do you need?

our athletic department is filled with dysfunction and this story is old

stop whining

the end

4:52 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

the kind of dysfunction cured by cialis?

5:03 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

what DOESN'T cialis cure? I mean seriously...

5:04 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

Jeremy Richardson. #1 WR in the state. ESPN says that his route running skills are not very polished, however he does make up for it with his size and physicality.

His teammate, OL Chase Hughes will hopefully be next to follow.

5:10 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Hope you've all read this

ESPN article

5:12 PM  
Blogger AUfan said...

Thanks for the link, Monica. The new staff is doing a better job of recruiting than I would have thought possible when Chizik was hired.

5:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Aeronaut, who did something to UK?

5:30 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

From what I have read, Chase Hughes will likely come to Auburn.

5:33 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

As for Jay Jacobs, I am not sure why anyone would be quick to lay the blame at his feet. These issues have existed long before he became the AD. He just seems to be a convenient scapegoat for some.

5:36 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

sponge just in. hope i am not too late to chime in. my opinion
tubby and au admin equally at fault. admin for being underhanded and unprofessional in how they dealt w/ tubby and staff, tubby and staff for being unable to let it go and trying to make up and go on. tubby and staff quit the last two years, as evidence shows. Jay jacobs is incompetent, unqualified in the worst way. he is someones lackey, which is why he is still employed, and why au has difficulty rising to the top. divided, we fall.

5:36 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

As Eddie pointed out, these issues have also existed prior to Tuberville showing up at Auburn.

5:38 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

Steve.

Tony Franklin was assistant at University of Kentucky. He ratted them out. UK was hit with probations. Tony 'the snake' franklin was blacklisted for a while. No one wanted to hire him. That's when he started selling the tony franklin program.

The guy has no control over his stupid-hole.

5:39 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I find it interesting the in the poll at espn that the 92 Alabama team is being voted as the best team in the last 50 years in the state. If you ask me, that Bama team was worse than any of the other 4 teams listed.

5:41 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Aeronaut, what is your source. From what I have read Tony Franklin never ratted them out, although that is a common misconception. He did answer questions honestly when asked. If answering questions honestly makes you a rat, well, then he is a rat. But if there is anything going on illegal at Auburn and a coach makes it known I would consider him a good Auburn man.

5:43 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

question. is richardson allowed to sign with au. I mean, he is 6'4". i thought you had to be 5'11" to be a wide receiver at au. opps, sorry. that was last year....

5:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Also, I have not seen Franklin participate in the childish name calling that seems to prevalent today.

5:46 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

steve. i am not a tf fan, but i dont think a majority of the problems were his fault. however, i think he should never have been hired and it was a desperate move by tubby.

5:47 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

By the way, I expect Billings, Zachary, and Hawthorne to be impact receivers this season and I believe they are all over 6 foot if I recall correctly. I believe Hawthorne is around 6'3" and was one of the more sought after WRs in the nation. Hopefully this season he will show why.

5:50 PM  
Blogger Aeronaut said...

There's not a single absolutely clean program in the country. Every program has some skeletons in the closet. You just need to dig deep enough and you'd find some booster offering some recruit a reward, or some other irregularity.

Even if there were none, I wouldn't like him to berate the hand that feeds him. This spineless scum is getting paid by Auburn till Dec 09.

I don't believe the 'common misconception' story. He ratted them out, on more than one occasion. There was a reason he was blacklisted. He's doing the same 'my efeminate self against the world' drama again.

There were more than one documented issues with this idiot.

5:51 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I don't think Franklin was a desparate move by Tuberville, although I think he was taking a chance just like Chizik is with Malzahn. The think is, I think Malzahn has a much better chance that Franklin because I don't think the rest of the offensive staff bought into Franklin's philosophy. I can see why, but it doesn't necessarily mean he is a bad coach. He was just a bad fit.

5:52 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

jay brought up an interested point earlier. is anyone actually managing anyone in the au athletic dept. if jj didnt like some of the things going on w/ tubby and staff, why didnt he address it. if tubby didnt like what borges was doing as oc, why didnt he address it. there are other ways to improve rather than just firing them. set expectations, training, etc

5:52 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Aeronaut, the everyone is doing it excuse is something I expected from my 7 year old.

5:53 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Aeronaut, where did you read that Franklin is berating Auburn? Do you have a link?

5:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Sponge, that is it exactly. You correct problems. Firing people is a last resort. I do agree Tuberville made some mistakes. I think getting rid of Borges was a huge mistake. He was a coach that I believe would have stuck with us for a long time.

What needed to be addressed was how conservative our offense was getting. Borges wasn't as conservative early on. Why the change? That is something I haven't seen a definite answer on.

Tuberville was right to consider switching to the spread but I don't think it is something you can do half hearted. We weren't great last year, but we got worse when Franklin was let go. There have been mistakes made and hopefully we will learn from them.

Chizik and company have made a great start. Hopefully the administration will leave these coaches alone and let them do their job. It is Chizik's job to keep these coaches accountable for how they do their job. Let's see how he does. So far he has exceeded my expectations.

6:00 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

All this is old news. Time to move on. Absolutely nothing has been gained by the Tony Franklin interview that anyone with a pulse following Auburn Football couldn't already tell or know. Time to change the subject.

6:30 PM  
Blogger NoVaTiger said...

So all we have to do is give JJ some Cialis and the problem is solved?

6:42 PM  
Blogger Seanzie said...

This should be good reading, but it's just another article in what is otherwise a pretty slow time for football. Monica, I agree with you, everything he says is definitely not a shock to me.

At the end of the day, though, it's just football.

6:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Until AU gets rid of the PTB (one of which just retired) that are so incestuous that they must have a puppet for an AD, we will continue to have paranoia.

Just watch..unless Chiz is undefeated in a year or 2, the CEO-style spin machine/rumors/disinformation will start to surface regarding this staff just like was spewed out regarding CTT and exaggerated against Bowden.

Until AU fans realize this and demand a PTB change....we will have these type issues again and again.

I'm just wondering if these folks will arrange to continue as Trustees or try to get puppets to replace them.

7:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even an "Idiot" like CTF could see the problem.....why do so many AU fans stick their head in the sand and say that it is over.

7:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great news on Richardson committing. The CTF statements will blow over quickly b/c it is in the past.

Will the interference from the PTB and resulting paranoia be in the past? History says NO!

7:21 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I don't think it requires the PTB changing. It is also very possible that they will be willing to give Chizik a chance. We shall see. Not everything is any one person's fault. I see mistakes by everyone in this. Let's look to the future but learn from the past. As long as Chizik is willing to make changes when needed, let him run the football team.

7:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Steve...let's just wait a few years and see what happes if we're not no.1. There will probably be a slowly growing series of weird rumors. If we win, the rumors subside, we lose, the rumors increase(duck hunt and secretaries, etc). I've been close to this too many times since Dye.

Back in the day, I was high enough in a major corporation to report to the CEO regularly. I not only have witnessed disinformation tactics...I had to "effect" a couple of them.

According to Scarbo....Arthur Blank gave Petrino and ultimatum on that Monday morning pior to the MNF game to either commit wholely to the Falcons or Blank would start a disinformation campaign. Petrino made the commitment, then lost the game and found out that Blank went on national TV durin halftime to brag about Petrinos commitment. Petrino promptly made the deal with Arkansas and the whole sports world called him a snake.

I would have done the same as Petrino, except I would have written a book to expose it.

7:40 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

i just want to win games

7:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

BTW...I "resigned" from that corporation with a 2 year parachute and a signed commitment from me to not speak of any knowedge.

It was eerily similar to Bowden's deal.

7:45 PM  
Blogger NoVaTiger said...

Mon-at any cost?

7:49 PM  
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