Carolina sports admin: no commitment to winning, don't care about fans

[sclawman77]

This administration (President, BOT, AD) only cares about one thing: the paychecks continue to come in and in turn their personal net worth continues to grow. There is no commitment to winning by this admin and it's clear they don't care what the fans think. That is evident by the repeated horrendous results of the men's major sports programs over the last two sports years and no changes occurring (football has seen some staff changes but the effects of those changes aren't known yet). Overall, the admin and coaches get substantial increases every passing year while the programs get worse and worse. If football fails to meet expectations this season, Carolina sports will become a complete dumpster fire all brought on by a worthless, self serving admin.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I don't put too much on the current AD. He's like the ER doc whose shift started 30 minutes ago after a mass casualty event.

 

[Piscis]

This administration (President, BOT, AD) only cares about one thing: the paychecks continue to come in and in turn their personal net worth continues to grow. There is no commitment to winning by this admin and it's clear they don't care what the fans think. That is evident by the repeated horrendous results of the men's major sports programs over the last two sports years and no changes occurring (football has seen some staff changes but the effects of those changes aren't known yet). Overall, the admin and coaches get substantial increases every passing year while the programs get worse and worse. If football fails to meet expectations this season, Carolina sports will become a complete dumpster fire all brought on by a worthless, self serving admin.

What, exactly, are "expectations" for the football team in the coming season? A winning record? A bowl invite? Expecting much more than that seems unrealistic.

 

[kidrobinski]

It’s friggin ENTERTAINMENT man. The very fate of the world does not hang in the balance. There are other things that occur; life lessons and personal growth for the athletes, commerce in the area, parent confidence in the in their child’s education and atmosphere. The fan doesn’t really care about any of this and if he hasn’t personally been a part of it probably doesn’t give it credence or importance. The fan’s only avenue is to stop going, stop supporting, whatever, and that does not concern the university because someone else will step in; the revenue will continue, because it’s ENTERTAINMENT. While I’m aware that such an attitude is blasphemy to the fan for whom ‘winning is the only thing’, it is fact nonetheless. I used to enjoy watching in person the all-Americans that would play at our stadium; strange as it may seem I had an appreciation for and respect in watching Spurrier come in and roll us year in and year out, because again, it’s entertainment. Our lot in life has perpetuated itself long enough to realistically conclude it is not because of Tanner or BOT or Muschamp or Paris or Dixon or what and who ever. The first step is to figure out, if we can, how to make South Carolina an attractive destination for athletes to whom it is not currently nor has been, something we have not done particularly well in the past.

 

[Rhode Island Dork]

Like I've been saying...........the only message they'll receive is empty seats. Stop going to games!!!!

 

[JohnnySolo]

The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees consists of 20 members, primarily appointed through state legislative election (16 members) and ex officio roles (3 members), with one at-large member appointed by the Governor. The General Assembly elects one trustee from each of the state's 16 judicial circuits for four-year terms.

Composition and Appointment Details:

• Ex Officio Members (3): The Governor (or designee), the State Superintendent of Education, and the President of the Greater University of South Carolina Alumni Association. The Governor serves as the ex officio Chair.
• Judicial Circuit Members (16): Elected by the General Assembly, representing each of the state's 16 judicial circuits.
• At-Large Member (1): Appointed by the Governor to represent the state at large.
• Terms: Trustees elected by the General Assembly serve four-year terms, though they continue to function until a successor is elected and qualified.

The board holds the legal authority to manage the university, with its powers and selection processes defined by South Carolina State Law.

Those of you that know or are friends with Clemson fans, not alum because those are few and far between, know that they cannot stand USC or anything related to USC. Can you imagine a representative from Russia, Iran or China being appointed to run USA? Nothing will change until this changes. My father told me that in the 80's when I was a kid. Something to the effect that Clemson has always been on the inside of USC's sports and cannot progress until that is eliminated.

 

[atl-cock]

I don't put too much on the current AD. He's like the ER doc whose shift started 30 minutes ago after a mass casualty event.

That is an excellent analogy.

 

[sclawman77]

What, exactly, are "expectations" for the football team in the coming season? A winning record? A bowl invite? Expecting much more than that seems unrealistic.

Good question actually. We're going to the playoff according to Shane, right?

 

[sclawman77]

It’s friggin ENTERTAINMENT man. The very fate of the world does not hang in the balance. There are other things that occur; life lessons and personal growth for the athletes, commerce in the area, parent confidence in the in their child’s education and atmosphere. The fan doesn’t really care about any of this and if he hasn’t personally been a part of it probably doesn’t give it credence or importance. The fan’s only avenue is to stop going, stop supporting, whatever, and that does not concern the university because someone else will step in; the revenue will continue, because it’s ENTERTAINMENT. While I’m aware that such an attitude is blasphemy to the fan for whom ‘winning is the only thing’, it is fact nonetheless. I used to enjoy watching in person the all-Americans that would play at our stadium; strange as it may seem I had an appreciation for and respect in watching Spurrier come in and roll us year in and year out, because again, it’s entertainment. Our lot in life has perpetuated itself long enough to realistically conclude it is not because of Tanner or BOT or Muschamp or Paris or Dixon or what and who ever. The first step is to figure out, if we can, how to make South Carolina an attractive destination for athletes to whom it is not currently nor has been, something we have not done particularly well in the past.

Dude, it's a vent. I'm certainly not losing sleep because the baseball team got swept this past weekend or that the men's basketball program ended so poorly again. That said, as a fan I'd like to see a winning product on occasion for the money we're dishing out. The product right now is piss poor.

 

[Lurker123]

Dude, it's a vent. I'm certainly not losing sleep because the baseball team got swept this past weekend or that the men's basketball program ended so poorly again. That said, as a fan I'd like to see a winning product on occasion for the money we're dishing out. The product right now is piss poor.

Don't interrupt the "we're champions of life" speech. Don't you know youre not supposed to talk sports ona sports message board?

 

[Lurker123]

I don't put too much on the current AD. He's like the ER doc whose shift started 30 minutes ago after a mass casualty event.

Agreed. He's juggling 3 hot potatoes, and they all got dumped in his lap. Hes got to have time to address all of them.

If it was just one sport, id be more ready to judge him on activity/non activity.

 

[atl-cock]

Good question actually. We're going to the playoff according to Shane, right?

We should dance every year in baseball, and reach Omaha once every few years.

 

[Lone Star Rooster]

I don't put too much on the current AD. He's like the ER doc whose shift started 30 minutes ago after a mass casualty event.

Correct. And, I try to remember this: when Donati arrived in Dec 24/Jan 25...

- We were in the football playoff conversation
- LP was the defending SEC Coach of the Year
- Manieri had not yet coached a game for SC

Things went sideways/south in a hurry. I'm not happy with the way things are going either, but I think a little patience is in order.

 

[atlanta cock#]

It’s friggin ENTERTAINMENT man. The very fate of the world does not hang in the balance. There are other things that occur; life lessons and personal growth for the athletes, commerce in the area, parent confidence in the in their child’s education and atmosphere. The fan doesn’t really care about any of this and if he hasn’t personally been a part of it probably doesn’t give it credence or importance. The fan’s only avenue is to stop going, stop supporting, whatever, and that does not concern the university because someone else will step in; the revenue will continue, because it’s ENTERTAINMENT. While I’m aware that such an attitude is blasphemy to the fan for whom ‘winning is the only thing’, it is fact nonetheless. I used to enjoy watching in person the all-Americans that would play at our stadium; strange as it may seem I had an appreciation for and respect in watching Spurrier come in and roll us year in and year out, because again, it’s entertainment. Our lot in life has perpetuated itself long enough to realistically conclude it is not because of Tanner or BOT or Muschamp or Paris or Dixon or what and who ever. The first step is to figure out, if we can, how to make South Carolina an attractive destination for athletes to whom it is not currently nor has been, something we have not done particularly well in the past.

You're not wrong but the money is now obscenely high. Having expectations of a return on investment is not crazy.

 

[Harvard Gamecock]

It’s friggin ENTERTAINMENT man. The very fate of the world does not hang in the balance. There are other things that occur; life lessons and personal growth for the athletes, commerce in the area, parent confidence in the in their child’s education and atmosphere. The fan doesn’t really care about any of this and if he hasn’t personally been a part of it probably doesn’t give it credence or importance. The fan’s only avenue is to stop going, stop supporting, whatever, and that does not concern the university because someone else will step in; the revenue will continue, because it’s ENTERTAINMENT. While I’m aware that such an attitude is blasphemy to the fan for whom ‘winning is the only thing’, it is fact nonetheless. I used to enjoy watching in person the all-Americans that would play at our stadium; strange as it may seem I had an appreciation for and respect in watching Spurrier come in and roll us year in and year out, because again, it’s entertainment. Our lot in life has perpetuated itself long enough to realistically conclude it is not because of Tanner or BOT or Muschamp or Paris or Dixon or what and who ever. The first step is to figure out, if we can, how to make South Carolina an attractive destination for athletes to whom it is not currently nor has been, something we have not done particularly well in the past.

Ceased to be entertainment about 18 months ago.

 

[kidrobinski]

Ceased to be entertainment about 18 months ago.

To the fan for whom winning is all that matters. As noted in the OP, as much as that fan wants it to be about him or thinks it is, it is not.

 

[Piscis]

We should dance every year in baseball, and reach Omaha once every few years.

Is there any program that does that?

11 CWS appearances in 52 years doesn't exactly scream "dynasty". The last CWS championship was 15 years ago. Baseball is, far and away, the most successful program at SC, but expecting to be in the NCAA tournament every year is asking a bit much.

 

[atlanta cock#]

To the fan for whom winning is all that matters. As noted in the OP, as much as that fan wants it to be about him or thinks it is, it is not.

That's not accurate. That's like saying the burgers at In-N-Out are not for the patrons. To be sure, if you're expecting steak or lobster, your expectation is misguided. But if you go in with a fistful of cash to buy a burger, you expect to be satisfied.

 

[3USC1801]

That's not accurate. That's like saying the burgers at In-N-Out are not for the patrons. To be sure, if you're expecting steak or lobster, your expectation is misguided. But if you go in with a fistful of cash to buy a burger, you expect to be satisfied.

Another good analogy.

Entertainment takes a “performer” and an “audience.” The audience has certain expectation, and if not met, will take their attention and fandom elsewhere.

 

[Pinkgimp]

The fans/ alumni don’t demand ANYTHING. Thus, we get what we deserve.

 

[Uscg1984]

Another good analogy.

Entertainment takes a “performer” and an “audience.” The audience has certain expectation, and if not met, will take their attention and fandom elsewhere.

Right. Historically we, college fans have developed an emotional attachment to "our" school/team. When the Gamecocks win, "we" win. We even donate money beyond the ticket price to help ensure "we" win. But as the revenue sports shifted, and continue to shift, to a purely professional model, we'd be better off thinking of it purely as entertainment, like going to Disney World. If I spend a ton of money going to Disney World and don't have a good time, I'm not going to fret about how to make Disney World better. It's not "my" amusement park. I'm just not going to go back to Disney World.

 

[atl-cock]

Is there any program that does that?

11 CWS appearances in 52 years doesn't exactly scream "dynasty". The last CWS championship was 15 years ago. Baseball is, far and away, the most successful program at SC, but expecting to be in the NCAA tournament every year is asking a bit much.

LSU and Texas are two schools which come to mind. Note I did not write winning the CWS.

 

[kidrobinski]

That's not accurate. That's like saying the burgers at In-N-Out are not for the patrons. To be sure, if you're expecting steak or lobster, your expectation is misguided. But if you go in with a fistful of cash to buy a burger, you expect to be satisfied.

Not what I said podner, not what the OP said either. The university doesn’t care about your bluster, saber rattles or your expectations of a burger; not enough to fret about it anyway. Again, the winning is the only thing fan’s remedy is take your fistful of cash elsewhere; the table will still be filled by the next patron.

 

[Blues man]

Blows the mind to think of the possibility of replacing the HCs in all three men's sports in one year. I'm not sure that has ever been done anywhere before. Speaks volumes about were we are. I mean historically bad.

 

[gamecock stock]

I won't take sides in this discussion. Both make excellent points that I agree with. I will just say that being a Gamecock fan is part of my life. As I have gotten older, I have looked back on my life. Life is not perfect. I know I'm not. Looking back, I unhappily have regrets and disappointments. In the end, everything will be alright. You can still find meaning in your life. A quote I read the other day resonates: "You can live happily with unhappiness".

 

[bayrooster]

Agreed. He's juggling 3 hot potatoes, and they all got dumped in his lap. Hes got to have time to address all of them.

If it was just one sport, id be more ready to judge him on activity/non activity.

I could see analysis paralysis setting in.

 

[will110]

I don't put too much on the current AD. He's like the ER doc whose shift started 30 minutes ago after a mass casualty event.

He's had long enough to make changes if he wanted. He's like the ER doc whose shift started 30 minutes ago but doesn't worry about asking the nurses and other doctors to get out of the break room and get to work.

 

[JohnnySolo]

He's a mechanic with 3 broken vehicles and only enough parts to fix one vehicle at a time. If you want your car fixed first then maybe you need to either give him the parts or the money to buy the parts.