Sully Talking Stuff

SEC Media Days: I thought Alabama’s Coach, Nick Saban, had a good idea when asked about what should happen to Penn State football re: the Sandusky Scandal. He thought Penn State should take a percentage of each athletic ticket sold and present the money to agencies that that assist children who are victims of child abuse. He was quick to note, that these $’s would come from Penn State’s profit and not an increase in the cost of the ticket which essentially would pass the cost of this aide on to the fans. As I have said before, Penn State needs to get in front of this and here are three thoughts: 1) recognize the criminal nature of Sandusky’s behavior and the decision-making of others; 2) reiterate its commitment to keeping children safe, and 3) dispel any thought that the University would put its image in front of the safety of a child. I think Coach Saban’s idea would fit well with all three of these points; it admits wrong doing, it actively assists abused children & it takes baby steps in addressing its safety / image issue.

Hot Seats in the SEC: Joker Phillips (Kentucky) and Derek Dooley (Tennessee) are two SEC coaches whose teams need to perform better this season. Coach Phillips’, in his third year at Kentucky (11-14), team missed a bowl game in 2011 for the first time in 5 years. His team has been on a steady decline, in 2009, 7-6; 2010, 6-7; & last year, 5-7; and to add fuel to the fire, they are picked to finish last in the SEC East this year. Even if this comes to pass (finishing last in 2012), I think Joker can survive through the 2013 season… but must show progress that year or he will not be leading the Wildcats in 2014!  Derek Dooley’s situation is much different, he has one of the best QB’s, Tyler Bray, in the conference and one of the best receiver combinations , Justin Hunter 6’4″ and Da’Rick Rodgers 6’3″, in the nation. The Vol’s defense will be vastly improved and as a team, can finish as high as 3rd in the East if they win their Sept. 15th battle at home with Florida. Tennessee opens the season against a very good NC State team in Atlanta. This game should give you a good idea where Coach Dooley’s team is headed in 2012!

Big Ten Commissioner: A report is circulating from the the Big Ten Offices that the conference is considering giving its commissioner the power to financially punish, suspend, and even fire coaches. This idea, on the surface, seems to be in stratosphere. I am sure it is an attempt by the Big Ten to be proactive, in the event that members embarrass or harm the conference image (back to image again) as Penn State has done recently. If this is to come to pass, every university would have to restructure their contracts with coaches and the Athletic Directors, Presidents, and Chancellors would be surrendering their authority and autonomy to run their institutions.  This should be interesting!

Big East Pay Day:  Everybody leaving the Big East these days is writing a check… a big one. Syracuse and Pittsburgh, who will be leaving the conference for the ACC after the 2012 season, have each sent the Big East Office a check for 7.5 million. TCU, who never played a game in the Big East, who committed to playing in the conference and then reneged for a Big 12 offer, has agreed to pay 5 million for their “now you see me…. now you don’t behavior”! Several teams have expressed an interest in joining the Big East in 2013 & 2015….  based on these events, better bring your gear or send a check!