Oklahoma State coach Gundy blasts Oklahoman columnist

There's also the fact that, as a leader of (and example to) young men, no university should tolerate one of their most visible spokespeople setting the new standard for insufficient decorum.

 

IIRC, Bob Knight has not been fined by the Big 12 or TT (not publicly, at least) when he walked out of pressers while berating someone. How many coaches do you think see him or someone else pull that and think, "Hey, that might get us some attention?"

 

On Lester Bangs: That goes without saying. I imagine he's had a few sitdowns and choice chats with higher-ups by now.

 

I was going to reference Knight. Usually he allows a few questions, then goes off, but Big 12 usually only fines for criticizing officials. This could be a chance for Dan Beebe, the new commish, to make his mark, but I doubt he'll do anything.

As for OK State, I didn't see much of their games on SportsCenter or the team earning much, if any, coverage from national media. They probably wouldn't get any this weekend vs. Sam Houston State Colorado before the rant, but now I bet lots of people will cover / show highlights to see how Gundy reacts at the press conference. For better or worse, this has put OK State on the college football map and everyone knows about the programs. Gundy got his name out to every high school recruit in the country better than any media guide or form letter could.

edit: corrects to say OK State plays Sam Houston State. OU plays CU this weekend.

 

And while Gundy showed all those recruits he'll stick up for them when it comes to the media, he also potentially showed their parents he can't handle the pressure.

 

I dunno ... I think he successfully got everyone's attention when his Pokes gacked up a hairball on national TV against Troy. These two moments in the spotlight make Mr. Gundy a cautionary tale and I'd say he stands a pretty good chance of being an assistant coach somewhere this time next year.

 

Either way, he got his name / program's name out there. People will have their own opinions of the tirade, but there is no questioning a lot more people know who he is now.

and there is no such thing as bad publicity right?

Lester, don't know when his contract is up, but I'd agree that if OK State doesn't keep him it'll be tough for him to get another head coaching job. Nothing says "this is our new coach" like showing clip of that press conference.

 

The thing to remember with Gundy is that no one wanted him to begin with. He was on a staff that was fired at Maryland, and another that was fired at Baylor. When Dirk Koetter turned Oklahoma State down, he almost got the job based on Pickens' recommendation. Cooler heads prevailed, and he was foisted upon Les Miles (who didn't want him) so he could "learn on the job". That ultimately helped lead to Miles' bolting (although an offer from LSU sure didn't hurt LOL)

Basically, if it weren't for TBP, he'd be coaching at Stillwater High.

 

Sorry, that world's greatest golfer mug doesn't count if you bought it yourself.

 

I've read comments saying the column was horrible (I agree) but that the gist of what she was trying to convey was probably on the mark (the kid apparently is soft)

By the same token, the coach's approach was horrible -- but I think he also got it right.

In other words, I think coverage of college sports should be different than pros. I think you stay away from a story like that. YOu don't hold absolutes -- if I get the info, I print it ... there's gray area.

Most folks on this board don't agree with my above statement. that's indicative of a disconnect. Because the general fan out there and reader of your product does. Check the polls, check the reader email, etc ...

There's a disconnect.

 

A lot of "general fans" believe writers should not be critical of anyone at any level.

That doesn't mean we should give in and only write critical analysis of professionals. It can be done, and should be done when warranted, about collegiate athletes. But you better damn sure have the sources and information to back up your column or analysis.

 

Wojo comes close to getting it. A little vanilla at the end, but he at least accepts the fact that there's a disconnect between us and the rest of the world.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3038029&sportCat=ncf