is mean Gene getting chippy w/ G.B.??

[22yardpunt]

"I told Arizona that I wasn't going, that I was planning on staying here and I told Dr. Keenum that. But they continued to keep the door open for me."
</p>

At that time had you received your raise and your extension?
"No, but it was in the works."
</p>

Ok, you can continue your answer.
"Every time I told them no I really struggled with it from both sides. It was a challenging, challenging decision. And they continued to keep the door open for me and continued to pursue me. I finally felt like I couldn't close the door on them. I went to Dr. Keenum and I told him that I needed to go visit and talk to them. And I did. Regina and I had a very quick and quiet trip to Arizona. While we were there we decided we were going to take the job."
</p>

When did you go out there?
"That was a little over a week ago."

......
</p>

So, you don't think that will be a problem for you?
"I think once people see that we will be Arizona through and through and who we are pulling for it will be very clear to them."
</p>

But we thought you were a Bulldog through and through as well. Now, you are leaving.
"I am. It was the most difficult decision that I have ever made in my life, without a doubt. We gave, as a family, day in, day out everything we could to Mississippi State. We will be Mississippi State the rest of our lives. We care about this place tremendously."
</p>


</p>

 

[Xartox]

I mean yes he's done great things at MSU, but he can't help but talk out of both sides of his mouth here a little..

 

[JimC1097]

That was a good challenging dialogue and good response to the through and through answer.

 

[Irondawg]

Agree. They must have REALLY wanted him to to keep calling him (that or he's lying and they had open lines of communication and were negotiating).

I mean once you say "no" to something what changes that you "felt I couldn't close the door on them". Money? Pressure from the family?

Understand that while I'm a bit irritated he left 18 months in, I still can understand the move if he felt it best for him and his family. But just say that and don't beat around the bush. It was a job that paid more with a bigger budget in a conference it's easier to compete in probably and it was close to home and add that all up and he probably did the best thing for himself.

 

[codeDawg]

You can't seriously expect a professional to have the loyalty a fan does. It's his job, not his hobby. Yes, you want someone who will stick around for a while, but if you have to compete for talent. We lost. It's not personal.

 

[drunkernhelldawg]

I question the "professional"ism of leaving ideas and not accomplisments. I don't think it's right and I don't understand how his huge contract allows this ******** wihtout a finanacial penalty.

 

[MadDawg.sixpack]

No one man is bigger than the program.

 

[JimC1097]

[No message]

 

[spacecataz]

"We will be Mississippi State the rest of our lives. We care about this place tremendously."</p>

Just leave already.

 

[Shmuley]

why does Gene appear to be scratching his ****** so hard, fast and repeatedly over the fact that this "one man" is leaving poor, little ol MState?

That seems inconsistent with the premise of your post. It suggests that Gene believes Byrne can't be replaced. Or at least not easily.

 

[thunderclap]

.

 

[JimC1097]

[No message]

 

[bulliegolfer]

"We will be Mississippi State the rest of our lives. We care about this place tremendously."
</p>


</p>

this is a silly comment. As soon as he is behind the desk of his new AZ position, MSU will be a distant memory. That's just the way it is when you change jobs..

 

[dawgatUSM]

I mean, the family move is one thing... but the guy got an 80K raise (and Keenum didn't disclose the figure we threw at him, so I'm sure it wouldn't have been nearly that much) not to mention that the cost of living will be crazy higher. <div>
</div><div>I'll admit, I'm still bitter. I thought I would get over this, but the more I hear him talk the madder I get. He's EIGHTEEN MONTHS into this. That's too soon... period.</div>

 

[MidTNDawg]

everybody has been so full of praise for gb I have not bothered to post an experience a group of us have where he unmistakenly spoke out of both sides. Additionally the subject is such many here would think our group has received favorable treatment even though we paid for it. The subject is RV parking. Make no mistake he is slick to the point of being too greasy!

 

[codeDawg]

but that doesn't seem to be an issue here.

Can you really tell me that if you were a year and a half into a job and a bigger company that could pay you more, give you more resources, move you back to a place you would rather live, and all this at what is perceived to be a more prestigious company that you would not take it? I call BS.

 

[War Machine Dawg]

You don't sign a contract to work for your employer. You are free to leave when you choose, and the employer is free to fire you when they choose. Byrne signed a contract that he would work at a job for X Years at X salary. Now, I'm sure there were buyout provisions and such in it, but your comparison doesn't really work due to that.

 

[codeDawg]

I don't see how it doesn't work. He got a better offer and he took it. Contractual obligations were fulfilled. End of story.

 

[RocketCityDawg]

Life is a temporary condition.
We must all make decisions that are best for us, and our family, on any given day.
Been there, done that.

If you don't get that, you just don't get it. You haven't been there.

I'm glad Greg was with us, however briefly, and thankful forthe positive influence he had.
I think he left us better off.