Posted By: uofugrad
Date: Tuesday, 26 March 2002, at 1:57 p.m.
Because we are not involved in the actual conversations between Majerus and these kids, never see them in practices, don't know the terms of their scholarships, etc. much of what is talked about on this board is pure speculation and personal opinion. My guess is that every situation is different and that you can't fairly support or criticize Majerus unless we had more information and looked at each situation on an individual basis.
That said, I do think that we as fans have a right and even the responsibility to look at what is happening and give our support or express our concerns. So exercise that right and give me all the speculation, opinions, and insider information that you have.
The question I have deals with the alleged situations where Majerus sits these kids down and tells them that their future with the program is not going to be bright. That they probably won't play much, or that they aren't progressing the way the coaches hoped they would. When this happens, do you think Majerus gives them the spiel and then leaves it up to them to decide. Or is he "telling" them that they won't be coming back.
Example: If Majerus were to have "the talk" with Lance Allred or Greg Barrett and instead of transfering they were to say "Alright Coach, I understand that I won't be playing much and that for the next two years you will be driving me into the ground, but I would rather stay at Utah and get a degree, stay close to family, continue friendships with teammakes than have to transfer to UVSC or Idaho State".
Question #1 - If this were to happen, does Majerus "have" to let them stay or possibly because of the risk of negative publicity do you think he would "choose" to let them stay?
I know it has been said on this board that scholarships are not a guaranteed 4 years, and I don't have anything to refute it, but I do believe this is implied and used by the coaches during the recruiting process.
Question #2 - If players have the option to reject Majerus's invitation and stay with the program, then wouldn't the players who decided to explore other options (i.e. Allred choosing to transfer instead of sticking it out) have to assume some of the responsibility for this happening?
I am not sure I have heard anyone talk about this, but I think that if kids get "the talk" and have the ability to reject his recommendation to leave, then the players that choose to leave are making their own personal decision. They could have stayed under difficult terms but they "choose" not to. If this is the case, then Majerus can't be held totally responsible for this happening because the kids have the option to stay or go.
Any addition thoughts or answers would be appreciated, but I have been thinking about this lately.
Re: HOOPS: each case is different...
each year the scholarship situation is discussed with each and every player.
Some are told they wont get much playing time but that they would still have a scholie if they wanted. Others are told they haven't lived up to their end of the agreement and are told they will not have a scholie for next year. Then the player can make a choice and yes they are responsible for their choices.
As for the four year recruiting aspect all coaches will tell the recruits that if they live up to certain criteria they will be around, no recruit is told or believes it's a four year deal no matter what.
Example. Brad Crockett was told he would have a scholie as long as he wanted but that he would sit on the bench, he decided to play football.
Others are told they messed up and kicked off the team. Gary Colbert comes to mind.
Others decide they want a larger role or even don't like the coach and ask to leave. David Jackson comes to mind.
There are alot of reasons why players don't work out in a given situation and each one is very different and handled differently from the other. But yes the players do have a responsibility in all of this.
"much of what is talked about on this board is pure speculation and personal opinion"....You are close. I would say ALL is speculation and opinion. Hey, they can still stay close to home and get a degree from the U just like everyone else does.......
They pay for it and believe me when I look at my son's tuition, I can only say that am education at the University of Utah is one of the major bargins in the United States. Really good school, really inexpensive.
Like anything else, you tell the person who is not really living up to expectations that he will not be back.
Remember a scholorship is not a four year, all inclusive deal.Year at a time baby and these kids know it.
If I was one of Rick's players and I knew that I would not get playing time and I loved basketball (which you know they all do) then I would look elsewhere in a heartbeat. Starting for Idaho State and really being part of a team would beat out catching splinters at Utah any day.
Both sides win and it is only a drag when the evidence and case are presented. After that it is just the way it is.
Why does everyone think that this is a devastating moment? I bet the kids who leave saw it coming in about the beginning of January. I will also bet you that most survive just fine...as a matter of fact, I bet they thrive.
Go Utes!!! Go USA!!!
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