Can't say I was too impressed with how the department handled COVID rules around the football team last year either. We had an outbreak that forced us to essentially forfeit a game (I know we didn't literally forfeit to Arizona, but with so many players out we may as well have). That loss turned out to mean no bowl game.
Unavoidable? Maybe. But a lot of folks within the program seemed to feel like they didn't have good support or clear communication on what the rules should be.
You're right, we're only getting one side of the story regarding the McKeever situation. I lean towards the 'kids are too soft/sensitive today' side of this issue. This sounds exactly like tough love coaching to me. You don't make olympians by being nice.
And I seriously doubt that any official complaints were ignored or dismissed, it's more likely the parents just didn't get the answer they wanted. I've encountered many 'sports parents' in my youth coaching career, and they can be oblivious to reality, and will advocate for their child, even if they know their child is lying. NINETEEN complaints in THIRTY years doesn't move the needle for me.
The main question should be what are we owed as alumni/fans/the public as far as disclosure from the department when these allegations surface. It's possible that some of what comes out might be embarrassing to the university, but could also be embarrassing for the athletes or parents, and would raise privacy concerns. I personally would like to hear every thought that passes through Knowlton's head in every matter, but short of that, I'd like him to be as open as the most open AD in college sports (are there any?).
To be fair, Knowlton should have never been hired in the first place. He did not have the resume to be an AD at a Power 5 school. The folks that should get fired are teh ones responsible for Jim's hiring.
And not sure I have an issue with the FTX sponsorship. Even Major League Baseball as outfitted the umps with FTX badges....
Additionally, Cal Athletics should have an investment committee -- shame on them if they don't -- who should have reviewed/approved of the risky investment.
Knowlton is a train wreck! Cal sports are awful right now. He is in over his head. I’m a call fan for over 40 years . Don’t care if he is a good fundraiser, he isn’t putting fans in the seats and the fan morale is at an all time low. Most of the major income revenue sports are awful. We are near the bottom in every sport. How did this guy get any type of extension? Wow…
I hope Larry Scott is squirming in his seat right about now.
I have to read more on the McKeever situation, but there are just a lot of red flags from him, and I’m not sure it’s in time to fix anything to fire him. I hate how many crappy situations we just happen to fall in.
I'll simply add a quibble...not sure taking FTX money (yes hopefully instantly converted to USD from crypto) is such an offense of any major sort. If so, then Mercedes is can be accused of the same as FTX is a major sponsor of F1...but like I said, be sure to cash the check. Hindsight is perfect in these matters, so I'd give Cal a pass on this one.
Good piece, Nick. Knowlton's a don't rock the boat kind of AD. He'll keep things status quo if things are going well, but he really doesn't have much experience with crisis management or a good track record in making some of the high leverage decisions, like the revenue sport coaching hires. My sense is that Christ and Knowlton are more likely to follow the lead of the other schools rather than maneuver much on their own, which is a concern.
Can't say I was too impressed with how the department handled COVID rules around the football team last year either. We had an outbreak that forced us to essentially forfeit a game (I know we didn't literally forfeit to Arizona, but with so many players out we may as well have). That loss turned out to mean no bowl game.
Unavoidable? Maybe. But a lot of folks within the program seemed to feel like they didn't have good support or clear communication on what the rules should be.
You're right, we're only getting one side of the story regarding the McKeever situation. I lean towards the 'kids are too soft/sensitive today' side of this issue. This sounds exactly like tough love coaching to me. You don't make olympians by being nice.
And I seriously doubt that any official complaints were ignored or dismissed, it's more likely the parents just didn't get the answer they wanted. I've encountered many 'sports parents' in my youth coaching career, and they can be oblivious to reality, and will advocate for their child, even if they know their child is lying. NINETEEN complaints in THIRTY years doesn't move the needle for me.
The main question should be what are we owed as alumni/fans/the public as far as disclosure from the department when these allegations surface. It's possible that some of what comes out might be embarrassing to the university, but could also be embarrassing for the athletes or parents, and would raise privacy concerns. I personally would like to hear every thought that passes through Knowlton's head in every matter, but short of that, I'd like him to be as open as the most open AD in college sports (are there any?).
If Knowlton was capable of “doing better” he would have already done it (see U$C, ucla as examples of “doing better.”).
Obviously, sadly, Cal’s fate is dependent upon those who are clearly beyond their level of competence to deal with 2022 College Football Athletics.
Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio, a lonely Bear Nation turns its eyes to you.
To be fair, Knowlton should have never been hired in the first place. He did not have the resume to be an AD at a Power 5 school. The folks that should get fired are teh ones responsible for Jim's hiring.
And not sure I have an issue with the FTX sponsorship. Even Major League Baseball as outfitted the umps with FTX badges....
Additionally, Cal Athletics should have an investment committee -- shame on them if they don't -- who should have reviewed/approved of the risky investment.
Somehow Knowlton has gotten worse since this was written.
Knowlton is a train wreck! Cal sports are awful right now. He is in over his head. I’m a call fan for over 40 years . Don’t care if he is a good fundraiser, he isn’t putting fans in the seats and the fan morale is at an all time low. Most of the major income revenue sports are awful. We are near the bottom in every sport. How did this guy get any type of extension? Wow…
Also, does anyone know what’s going on with the Jerseys? I looked on Fanatics and I can’t find or buy any. Are they making New Jersey’s?
I hope Larry Scott is squirming in his seat right about now.
I have to read more on the McKeever situation, but there are just a lot of red flags from him, and I’m not sure it’s in time to fix anything to fire him. I hate how many crappy situations we just happen to fall in.
I'll simply add a quibble...not sure taking FTX money (yes hopefully instantly converted to USD from crypto) is such an offense of any major sort. If so, then Mercedes is can be accused of the same as FTX is a major sponsor of F1...but like I said, be sure to cash the check. Hindsight is perfect in these matters, so I'd give Cal a pass on this one.
Larry Scott is available :)
Good piece, Nick. Knowlton's a don't rock the boat kind of AD. He'll keep things status quo if things are going well, but he really doesn't have much experience with crisis management or a good track record in making some of the high leverage decisions, like the revenue sport coaching hires. My sense is that Christ and Knowlton are more likely to follow the lead of the other schools rather than maneuver much on their own, which is a concern.
Painful to review, but on point. Thanks Nick, for your take on this mess.
Go Bears!
Beat Somebody!!