Grapes of Wrath

The problem is Woolard didn't administer Yow's priority point system, which would have had people used to having their priority change. So, you are part right/part wrong, at least in my understanding of the 5 year option: you have the right to those seats for 5 years regardless of how your point priority changes during that time as long as you pay the annual+ ticket cost; after 5 years seating would be done again on the priority point system. This would allow newer, bigger donors access to better seats over time. May not seem fair to long time fans without the ability to make donations, but as Biondi has just proved (and everyone here seems to agree)it takes a LOT of money to be consistently in the top 50. Those that give the most, get the most. The annual giving for the seats does earn points. And I want the same seats for the women's games without another premium. They are gonna be good soon.

The athletic dept. came out before RM was hired saying that this year's renewals and the new arena information package (they are?/were being sent together)would be delayed for "several weeks" after the hiring of the men's head BB coach. The majority of seats will not have an annual giving requirement; the majority of the giving will be to pay interest/retire the debt the arena will incur; I think the debt number is over $40mm. The points program as members of the Billiken Club is the only equitable way to allow seat choice. That said, someone who plunks down a bunch and moves up in priority is, for me, welcome at this time: it takes a lot to maintain a top program. And the top schools actually want to make money to support the non-revenue sports (I think I read that UNC spends $5mm+ on MBB and takes in $15mm, probably including NCAA appearance money).

Mood was upbeat/excited. RM received a standing O when CL introduced him at the dinner. He introduced/said nice things about AT and Porter Moser. Had KL there, RM calling him a "tough" kid, RM liking tough players "like Stockton." RM said Bonner a great example of the student athletes that SLU can produce: great applause for AB. RM introduced a long time NY Daily News reporter who is doing a story on RM: how's THAT for getting publicity?! Encouraged people to buy bricks. Did make the rounds and probably shook hands with most people.

The really good news re the band was RM's comment (in his list of things he loves about basketball)that he really likes the band playing and not the "artificial" music.

........speaking of crown royal.... I just ordered the poster of AJ........in bed......it WILL be in Humphrey's.......

darn

If you are Rick Majerus and saw Fr. B's blaming the media for lack of a deal, what do you think?

"......several weeks after a new MBB head coach is named."

Yeah, nothing like donating an entire campus!!

If Novelly had wanted to pay for a big name coach he would have done so by now: he has LOTS more money (estimates always start with a "B") than our Chicago friend.

Don't know if there would be any pressure to hire local, but Bonner would be great with his SLU/NBA/EuropeBB history. Local recruiting would be enhanced NOW, and AB might prove to be a great successor to whoever (I'm done holding my breath) the next head coach is.

The post by "Newberry" in this thread sounds like it isn't RM: unless it is an equal or better force majeure this is going to be a very unhappy board. And all the SLU athletes at their 2nd annual dance (started by CL: RM would be great for BB, losing her would not be good for SLU sports overall)were so happy tonight.

I spoke with a friend who coaches his son's club team and went to a tournament in Houston this past weekend; I think he said it was the Kingwood Classic. Approx. 750 teams of 15-17 year olds from around the country. He said the who's who of Div1 was there: Tom Izzo, Coach K, Roy Williams (whom he sat with for one game, but that's another story), and Lute Olson to name a few. And how many unrecognizable assistant's. He expects to see the same faces in Akron at a slightly smaller tournament. I think this highlights the intensity of the competition for recruits as kids are now being identified when they are sophomores, and younger. Side note: my friend was talking to a dad from another team and the dad turned out to be H.Waldman: small world.

The trustees being involved makes no sense, maybe some smoke to cover Biondi. And I still have a hard time with the arena's namesake being involved in the firing; hiring RM, maybe. He goes from a guy with limited contact to total involvement in 5 months? I understand the naming for a legacy thing, but little else that has been rumored.

That has been an issue for me for a long time: our guys are not the most physically developed in many instances, and certainly not versus teams like UNC. An improvement there would be VERY welcome, and obviously RM knows what the competition is like. Luke did a great job last summer (but he is down 10 pounds from the beginning of the season), but the rest could use more work. And Luke could use more weight. Which brings me to another area that could use some attention (but I will be patient, let Majerus.....please,please,please.......get here) is the players diet. These guys are pretty much left on their own, and they need some guidance/nutritionist/training table if the workouts are going to have meaningful results: Luke shouldn't lose 10 pounds over the course of the season. RM, if you're going to disappoint us, do it now so I can get this behind me and get ready to welcome the new coach.

I like the idea of playing schools closer to home, too bad Woolard didn't (it was his decision, not CL's). However, it costs money to enter/exit conferences, and, I am told, a substantial (don't know what that means)amount. Adding that to whatever it will cost to sign Majerus would be a budget buster I don't think Biondi would buy. Too bad.

This is only the first round, is there some student site/blog that can be used to let the general populace know?

It was Archbishop Rigale who was angling for a "tithe" from Biondi re the sale of SLU hospital. I think that is one of the things that got Rigale his cardinal's hat (no, not the Redbird kind!).

" maybe I'm wrong, but I think SLU takes anyone who qualifies per the NCAA. The difference may be some easy majors to hide kids." You are correct. I remember a few years ago (sorry, the names allude me, use those brain cells to remember where I live)when some prospects were taking the ACT 3 or more times to achieve the (I think) 17 score to qualify by NCAA. And there have been kids forced to sit out for academic reasons. So yes if they qualify, but keeping them passing is can be a problem.

She is a very class act and would not have blind sided Brad; as everyone here and in the media agree, this was Biondi's call. CL is not only the AD but a passionate fan: watch her at any event, but in particular the men/women basketball games: she is enthusiastically cheering the entire game. And she has made two great hires in Shimmy Gray-Miller (if the men don't fill the Fetz [not convinced that's the right nickname, shortening a corporate name is one thing, a person's another] I think the women will in a couple of years) and Anne Kordes. I have heard CL was very upset, but pouting and tantrums are not her style; angry, yes. I think whether she stays will be determined by how the incoming and rest of the coaches treat her. FYI, she has two adult daughters.

Sorry, no link on the PD website(that I could find); the cartoon is on the editorial page of today's PD and worth a look. And from Bernie's Bits today: Rick Majerus at St. Louis U? What great fun that would be. I'd like to see the look on the Rev. Lawrence Biondi's face if Majerus asks SLU for $1.5 million in salary, substantial salaries for his assistants, a dramatic increase in the basketball budget, team travel by chartered flights, complete authority over the basketball program, and special academic exemptions for basketball players to gain admittance. If Biondi doesn't faint, then maybe he'll offer Majerus that and more.

cheesman said: " RM has said that he does not speak to the media about any job he might be considering." I was not aware of that and am even more confused: if the above is true how did Cusamano get the info? Frank, I don't think (I don't listen for 3 hours), ever said he talked to Majerus. He did say he got it from "the horses mouth," which certainly would imply Majerus in the context of Frank's comments. Frank has been the lead on this, Rammer was putting a little space between himself and the certitude of Cusamano early in this Friday mornings show. I agree with DoctorB (again), this board has been amazing to watch.

C'mon people, at least get this matter of public announcement correct: he donated $12mm for the naming rights. And that, unlike most of the drivel, is a certifiable fact.

DoctorB, You are a voice of reason in a gossip space; the inmates don't want rational, they want Major College Athletics. As Miklasz showed in today's column SLU's commitment to the basketball program is substantial......ONLY in relation to SLU's overall athletic budget: 20% of just over a $10mm budget. It is insubstantial when compared to others. Several on this space WANT there to be a big money guy, therefore it must be happening. And if Frank C said it, it must be true.......right? And this would put SLU in the realm of Major College Athletics if Biondi was dancing to a donor's wish? I would love to see Larry's response to THAT suggestion, which is that he can be bought! Thanks for your thoughtful input, although in the couple of days I have read/participated I would say you are casting pearls.......I doubt I will participate ongoing as it is difficult to have reasonable discussion where speculation and innuendo are defended, with vitriol, by their perpetrators.

Box and Won and SLURadioBoy are correct: The TIF financing (bonds to be sold to raise the $8mm) was factored into the initial financing plan. Somebody felt that allowing a TIF to a tax exempt institution wasn't right and filed suit. If the court had ruled against SLU it would have meant finding ANOTHER $8mm: there is nothing "extra" about this. In fact, it is part of the debt being taken on to raise the majority of the money: kind of knocks the notion of lots of big time donors behind the scenes, doesn't it?