Major Dirt coming out on Fran & Margaret (who was heckling from the crowd) related to a Coaches vs Cancer event

chipackhawk

All-Conference
Jan 10, 2018
582
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Tell me where you played college baseball. Can’t wait for this one. Part time starter? He started 22 games because he couldn’t hit. His average would have been the worst on the team this year and Iowa isn’t even good.
Where I played is irrelevant. The fact is I did and you? 22/55 is the definition of part time starter. And rather than compare to this year’s team, compare his average to that team. There were a number in the mid 200’s. And a few below his average too. I’m not sure why it is so hard for you to say the average of .238 wasn’t awful. Below average - yes. But he certainly wasn’t a complete liability which defines awful.
 

iahawkeyes17

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2014
688
1,813
83
Could be top 5 worst ADs ever with his rap sheet.
We are very lucky he only had to make 2 hires of the 4 major sports while he was AD both in men’s bball. Beth has already made same amount of hires and her men’s bball choice did more in 1 year than Gary’s 2 choices did in 15+ years. Minus fact Barta’s first hire all by him led the program to their rock bottom in last 50 years and then had a committee who helped advise on the Fran hire. Let us also not forgot the Drive to 25 in his last year where he thought by not firing Brian and incorporating the idiotic point mandate it would please the fan base but instead made us a national joke.
 

BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
817
1,811
93
Where I played is irrelevant. The fact is I did and you? 22/55 is the definition of part time starter. And rather than compare to this year’s team, compare his average to that team. There were a number in the mid 200’s. And a few below his average too. I’m not sure why it is so hard for you to say the average of .238 wasn’t awful. Below average - yes. But he certainly wasn’t a complete liability which defines awful.
I played college baseball at LSU. And that batting average for a below average fielder of his position, that doesn’t hit for power, is absolutely awful in college baseball.
 

LetsGoHawks83

All-American
Mar 20, 2015
2,737
5,470
113
We are very lucky he only had to make 2 hires of the 4 major sports while he was AD both in men’s bball. Beth has already made same amount of hires and her men’s bball choice did more in 1 year than Gary’s 2 choices did in 15+ years. Minus fact Barta’s first hire all by him led the program to their rock bottom in last 50 years and then had a committee who helped advise on the Fran hire. Let us also not forgot the Drive to 25 in his last year where he thought by not firing Brian and incorporating the idiotic point mandate it would please the fan base but instead made us a national joke.

The "drive to 25".... I almost forgot about that national embarrassment. W T F
 

Oldman74

Freshman
Dec 24, 2012
16
55
13
For all her great qualities she's a super type A persona. Think MJ. Kobe, Tiger. There are many people who would NOT have considered any of those guys as "nice " people. We should not kid ourselves. Its hard to be that on the court and someone totally different off the court. The stories of having to ban her from classes in school because she got too "competitive", and need to bring in a specialist to work with her on how she could "fit" in a team concept while at Iowa. There's baggage that come with someone that has to win at everything they do.
"Ban her from classes in school....." I have known her and her family since 6th or 7th grade. This is simply false.
 

Anon1751457816

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
895
1,661
93
I always enjoy the token ".... refusal to ask the difficult questions" being thrown out on a Message Board by a guy Posting behind an anonymous Handle.
Most likely the guy posting on the message board doesn't have a job where a key requirement is to 'ask difficult questions' of public figures like, say, someone in the media. Just thinking out loud here...
 
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Tailgater371

Sophomore
Apr 10, 2022
350
167
115
Wow, did not know that happened. Basically, Connor was USING CC as leverage over Portnoy. Without CC, Portnoy never takes that call.

  • The Confrontation: Connor McCaffery reportedly called Portnoy to express disappointment over the criticism of his father’s legacy, calling the comparison to the new coach disrespectful.
  • Portnoy's Response: Portnoy discussed the call on his show, noting the tension, and stated that a McCaffery (implied to be Connor) was put on the phone to voice complaints.
  • Caitlin Clark Involvement: Reports suggest Caitlin Clark blocked Portnoy on social media following the incident, with Portnoy stating on Barstool Live that he was "ghosted" by her after the run-in.
  • Context: The friction arose during Iowa's surprising 2026 Elite Eight run under new coach Ben McCollum. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
To be fair she did respond to him a little bit later saying she had no intention to "ghost" him, but was just busy and did not see his texts. Whether you believe her or not is up for debate.
 

MacMiney

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
266
514
93
I bet Beth put Fran on a very tight leash. I think that's why he had his hands in his pockets so much.

Gary put up with a lot. Beth doesn't put up with any BS.
Wow that ..would explain the hands in pockets thing that all of the sudden happened that season?
 

oldhawk56

Senior
Feb 24, 2010
419
680
93
Obviously not a good look for Fran concerning the C for C thing. But are we supposed to be mad about the Dolph thing now? Most of the media and half this message board wanted Dolph’s career destroyed after the racial slur accusation.
I never wanted it "destroyed" I would like to see him retire.. he's had a good run but its time to go
 
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doughuddl2_rivals

All-Conference
Sep 5, 2009
919
1,306
93
Wow that ..would explain the hands in pockets thing that all of the sudden happened that season?
I don’t think so

 
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Kceasthawk@77

All-Conference
Feb 2, 2005
2,444
4,429
113
"Ban her from classes in school....." I have known her and her family since 6th or 7th grade. This is simply false.
Maybe you should go back and go through some of Brennans book and the documentary "Her" which was about Clark. A couple of her teachers AND her high school coach said during interviews, they had to remove her from practice at times, AND from different events in classes because she became ultra competitive. Not sure why thing I'd make that up. There have been multiple stories about this and several books which included this type of behavior,
 

Oldman74

Freshman
Dec 24, 2012
16
55
13
Maybe you should go back and go through some of Brennans book and the documentary "Her" which was about Clark. A couple of her teachers AND her high school coach said during interviews, they had to remove her from practice at times, AND from different events in classes because she became ultra competitive. Not sure why thing I'd make that up. There have been multiple stories about this and several books which included this type of behavior,
I've been a teacher for 25+ years. Removing someone from an activity and banning someone from class is not even close to the same thing. Removing someone from an activity is an almost daily occurrence. Banning someone from class is not. Again, my information is from first hand knowledge, no matter what the stories and books say. Did she rub some the wrong way? Yes. Did she get banned from class. Nope.
 

chipackhawk

All-Conference
Jan 10, 2018
582
1,447
93
I played college baseball at LSU. And that batting average for a below average fielder of his position, that doesn’t hit for power, is absolutely awful in college baseball.
On that specific year's team at least six of the regular starters (of which CM was not one of them) hit below .290. Your agenda blinds you to facts. CM had 84 AB's and you know as well as I do that a batting average can fluctuate incredibly quickly up or down with those small amount a AB's. He was an average part-time player starting 22/55 games and his skills reflected that. Coaches at the D-1 level don't play players who can't help them win. Regardless of what this board thinks. You act like he was looking up at everyone else when actually his average was higher than at least five others. On base I think you can add another. I don't give two F's about him but constant agenda driven drivel is tiring. My guess it's maybe personal with you.
 

BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
817
1,811
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On that specific year's team at least six of the regular starters (of which CM was not one of them) hit below .290. Your agenda blinds you to facts. CM had 84 AB's and you know as well as I do that a batting average can fluctuate incredibly quickly up or down with those small amount a AB's. He was an average part-time player starting 22/55 games and his skills reflected that. Coaches at the D-1 level don't play players who can't help them win. Regardless of what this board thinks. You act like he was looking up at everyone else when actually his average was higher than at least five others. On base I think you can add another. I don't give two F's about him but constant agenda driven drivel is tiring. My guess it's maybe personal with you.
He wouldn’t have played at LSU on my baseball teams, unless he was the basketball coach’s son. 🤷‍♂️😊 And I honestly couldn’t care less about Iowa baseball. It’s all LSU for me. But he did cost Luka and Joe W any chance of doing anything in the NCAA tournament because what guard in his right mind would want to compete for minutes with the coach’s son?!? We got the answer in spades based on who we played in the backcourt and who left, like CJ.
 
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chipackhawk

All-Conference
Jan 10, 2018
582
1,447
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He wouldn’t have played at LSU on my baseball teams, unless he was the basketball coach’s son. 🤷‍♂️😊 And I honestly couldn’t care less about Iowa baseball. It’s all LSU for me. But he did cost Luka and Joe W any chance of doing anything in the NCAA tournament because what guard in his right mind would want to compete for minutes with the coach’s son?!? We got the answer in spades based on who we played in the backcourt and who left, like CJ.
I finally agree with you - he would never have played on most any SEC team. But I'm pretty sure Luka disagrees with you. He had a role on that team and played it well. There must have been a coaches' son on those other two teams for CJ? CJ left to go home to try and play for what probably was a childhood dream. I doubt CM had any influence on that one way or the other.
 

BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
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I finally agree with you - he would never have played on most any SEC team. But I'm pretty sure Luka disagrees with you. He had a role on that team and played it well. There must have been a coaches' son on those other two teams for CJ? CJ left to go home to try and play for what probably was a childhood dream. I doubt CM had any influence on that one way or the other.
Haha. Sounds like it’s personal between you and CJ. But you must have not been following too closely back then if you think CJ left to go play for his hometown team. Might want to look at that a little more closely. Again, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Fran and Cmac. CMac couldn’t literally shoot, defend or create and he started that entire season. It was a travesty.
 
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Anon1764183948

Sophomore
Nov 26, 2025
29
107
28
I really think Caitlin needs to cut her ties to the McCaffery family.

When people have time, I really encourage them to skip ahead to the 44:00 mark and watch/listen to the 12 minute discussion. It really is cringe worthy.


I really think enough random arseholes try to tear Caitlin down for nothing all the time.

It sure would be nice if Iowa fans didn't join in on that.
 
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fivecardstud14

All-Conference
Dec 1, 2008
1,663
2,252
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Haha. Sounds like it’s personal between you and CJ. But you must have not been following too closely back then if you think CJ left to go play for his hometown team. Might want to look at that a little more closely. Again, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Fran and Cmac. CMac couldn’t literally shoot, defend or create and he started that entire season. It was a travesty.
The lasting image we have of Fredrick is pump faking his way out of the gym after seeing ghosts vs Oregon.
 
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chipackhawk

All-Conference
Jan 10, 2018
582
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Haha. Sounds like it’s personal between you and CJ. But you must have not been following too closely back then if you think CJ left to go play for his hometown team. Might want to look at that a little more closely. Again, it doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Fran and Cmac. CMac couldn’t literally shoot, defend or create and he started that entire season. It was a travesty.
Telling you that a Kentucky kid went home to play for - Kentucky - and then was essentially told to leave because his playing time would be diminished. Then he went to Cincinnati where he got minimal playing time - but go ahead and try and argue these actual facts. Yep - these are all things that must be "personal" to me even though they are pretty objective to all but apparently you.
 

Cidhawkeye

All-Conference
Jan 1, 2023
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Quick question - I know Luka was busy but did he post any support for the Elite 8 run? You know since we are busy attempting to tear down legends who played at Iowa...........
 

Kceasthawk@77

All-Conference
Feb 2, 2005
2,444
4,429
113
I've been a teacher for 25+ years. Removing someone from an activity and banning someone from class is not even close to the same thing. Removing someone from an activity is an almost daily occurrence. Banning someone from class is not. Again, my information is from first hand knowledge, no matter what the stories and books say. Did she rub some the wrong way? Yes. Did she get banned from class. Nope.
Okay, I miss characterized. She had to be removed from activities BOTH in practice and in class rooms. It doesn't change for a second the point I was making that she's a super type A personality that struggles with controlling her emotions and will NOT take a loss. She seems like a sweet lady off the court, but its pretty obvious when you get her in ANY type of competition she's going for the throat. Again, MJ, Kobe, Tiger, all of these folks had issues dealing with that same behavior off the court, and as nice as she seems it wouldn't surprise me if she struggles at times as well.
 

BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
817
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Telling you that a Kentucky kid went home to play for - Kentucky - and then was essentially told to leave because his playing time would be diminished. Then he went to Cincinnati where he got minimal playing time - but go ahead and try and argue these actual facts. Yep - these are all things that must be "personal" to me even though they are pretty objective to all but apparently you.
Ask the insiders on here why CJ left. Some of them know and have reported it in the past.
 
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BringBackBradBanks

All-Conference
Jul 19, 2022
817
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Quick question - I know Luka was busy but did he post any support for the Elite 8 run? You know since we are busy attempting to tear down legends who played at Iowa...........
I mean what can Luka say. Ben McCollum had more success at Iowa in a span of two weeks than Fran had in 15 years at Iowa?!? He’s not going to make it look like he’s taking a swing at Fran. We all know Fran could never get it done when it counted.
 

Cidhawkeye

All-Conference
Jan 1, 2023
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I mean what can Luka say. Ben McCollum had more success at Iowa in a span of two weeks than Fran had in 15 years at Iowa?!? He’s not going to make it look like he’s taking a swing at Fran. We all know Fran could never get it done when it counted.
A simple 'Go Hawks' would suffice. I was actually wondering why people were so interested in what CC had said/not said and Luka wasn't mentioned as far as supporting or not.
 

longliveCS40

All-American
Oct 25, 2002
1,962
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After hearing this and that they tried to get Dolph fired, good riddance! I had no idea how toxic the family was. I heard rumors and even first hand accounts of how ridiculous Margaret's behavior could be at Jack's sporting events but didn't know it was this crazy.
 

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,383
22,960
113
After hearing this and that they tried to get Dolph fired, good riddance! I had no idea how toxic the family was. I heard rumors and even first hand accounts of how ridiculous Margaret's behavior could be at Jack's sporting events but didn't know it was this crazy.

And Barta allowed it.

Conversely, I don't think Beth allows shi.t.

I have said it before; I bet Beth made it very clear to Fran on how she expected Fran to behave AND represent the University of Iowa. I think she put Fran on a very short leash and it was a no brainer to fire him when Fran had a bad season & she saw the success Ben was having at Drake.
 
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Max Rebo

All-Conference
Dec 31, 2022
694
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And Barta allowed it.

Conversely, I don't think Beth allows shi.t.

I have said it before; I bet Beth made it very clear to Fran on how she expected Fran to behave AND represent the University of Iowa. I think she put Fran on a very short leash and it was a no brainer to fire him when Fran had a bad season & she saw the success Ben was having at Drake.
I’ll do you one better: I can almost guarantee that Beth went into the MBB hiring process with the specific aim of hiring a coach who was committed to building relationships with fans, media, etc — not tearing them down. I would be shocked if Beth and Ben didn’t have very specific conversations during the interview process about the program’s need for improvement in this area.

It’s no accident that we hired a coach who introduced the idea of “servant mentality” at his introductory press conference.
 

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,383
22,960
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I’ll do you one better: I can almost guarantee that Beth went into the MBB hiring process with the specific aim of hiring a coach who was committed to building relationships with fans, media, etc — not tearing them down. I would be shocked if Beth and Ben didn’t have very specific conversations during the interview process about the program’s need for improvement in this area.

It’s no accident that we hired a coach who introduced the idea of “servant mentality” at his introductory press conference.

Alford, Lick and Fran burned bridges....

Ben is building them.