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cgeldmacher

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Posts posted by cgeldmacher

  1. 6 hours ago, slufan13 said:

    It's gone from "create a singular thread for all your Ford hatred because it's so annoying to read it everywhere" to "stop posting in your singular Ford thread because it's so annoying to read that thread I asked you to create"

    I'll give Ford credit. He has a lot of people that are incredibly loyal to him. They're even posting on the board now 

    Yeah, even I have to agree.  I thought we had reached an understanding few days ago that we were all on, close to, the same page, just tone it down on un-related threads, and then here DOC goes disrupting our fragile peace agreement.

  2. 19 hours ago, Lord Elrond said:

    It’s smart as long as the players go along. If someone else is willing to pay them right away, that may be a reason why they go somewhere else.

    But if they go into the portal, they would be foregoing money sitting and waiting for them in the BFV.  Obviously, if our player has $20,000 waiting that they are due from the previous season and will get once the portal closes, but another team comes in and offers them $100,000 right now, they will probably go.  But, they would probably have gone anyway.  I like the way they're doing it.

  3. 14 hours ago, gobillsgo said:

    Surely you can see that your point applies to the other side too, though?   I acknowledge that certain fans want to be positive about the team at all times, even if they are not happy with the results. I even respect it, and I can see how the frequent negativity directed mainly at Ford and May would get tiresome. But on the other side of the coin, those of us who have frequently been “negative” are mainly doing so not because we think we aren’t being heard, but because it is critically important for the program’s decision makers to continually understand the fans’ displeasure.  SLU fans don’t boo at the games. This is our outlet to say “We are not okay with where this program is headed and we demand change.”

     I think we all know that important people read this board. I understand that players probably do too (which is why I try, even if I sometimes fail, to keep the criticism to Ford and May).   
     

    We don’t think that nobody is hearing us, or that those who don’t complain are happy with the direction of the program. And we certainly do have better things to do (@ Travis).  But we are not willing to risk radio silence on the main Billiken forum being interpreted by the decision makers as fan apathy.  If they think the fans don’t care, they have no reason (or at least no urgency) to make an expensive, but necessary change.  I’m personally not willing to risk that, so will continue to point out Ford and May’s inadequacies.  But we do hear you. 

    I do absolutely see your side, and some of what you think is your "side" is also my side.  I'm just not as vocal about it.  I also am fully behind the idea that everyone on this board is entitled to their opinion.  Here are my two issues with what I am seeing:

    1. The constant negativity leaks into every thread on the board.  I just want to be able to discuss some Billiken topics without hearing about how Ford should be fired.  Let's suppose I really want to talk about the 1948 NIT championship team.  That's a legitimate Billiken discussion topic.  If I were to incessantly post about that topic on GDTs, recruiting threads, former player threads, etc. that would really get old for everyone else that wants to focus on a certain topic in those threads.

    2. The guys who choose to constantly post about their opinions about Ford go on the attack against any post that isn't ending with "Fire Ford."  If someone compliments the team's mental toughness in a win, it gets responded to with "doesn't matter, you're an idiot, why are you praising the team, we will never win again unless we Fire Ford."  Someone compliments Bruce's progression over a few games "doesn't matter, your an idiot if you get to attached to Bruce, he'll be gone when Ford gets fired." 

    So, yes, I see your points.  I just don't want read it in every other post.

  4. 22 hours ago, slufan13 said:

    There are fans who support the team positively no matter what because they love the team and always will. There are fans who will loudly speak out when the team is not performing because they love the team and always will. Every fanbase needs both and should be encouraged to have both. Both are good fans. 

    I encourage both sides to do what they want to do and not worry about the other side. It's one of the few ways this season is really going to be enjoyable. 

    This post illustrates the problem we are having.  It is not, at all, black and white like you just posted.  I am a loyal fan that will support the team no matter what.  I am also someone who wants better for our program and has the ability to be critical about the results that have occurred in recent years.  Myself and others can be both at the same time.  However, you cannot wrap your head around the idea that someone can be both.  You insist, and it is frankly getting to the point of being BS that you can't understand this, that if we are not rattling swords and demanding immediate removals, we must be burying our heads in the sand fans that just cheer mindlessly from our seats and don't care about the score of the game.  Enough of that already.

    EDIT: slufan13, sorry that this post seemed so directly pointed at you.  I don't want to change it, because the sentiment remains true, but it should have been more so directed at a larger group.

    DOC, billiken_roy, Billfan7 and 2 others like this
  5. 49 minutes ago, TheA_Bomb said:

     

    My anecdote is simply to point out this organization isn't even doing the bare minimum. It's another data point in the indictment of negligent management. 

    Getting that response is not the point.

    I do understand your point and you're probably right. However, instead of just complaining, I like to be active. I'll keep going until something happens. What "we" are looking for is an impact, this is a change that is needed but we need to stop being the "Little Engine that Couldn't" and become something else. We need to decide if we're going to compete or not. Things are changing fast and if we don't act we'll be behind. 

    Well I appreciate your loyalty and commitment to the Billikens (that's why we all come here) even if I don't agree with your methods or think that they are necessary.  I think changes will happen.  The people who the changes are going to happen to might even realize that they will occur.  If these changes are already going to occur, I just think that your actions are adding unnecessary embarrassment to folks who, regardless of the results, were giving their best effort at making a program we love successful. Did it work out? No.  Were they really, truly trying to make it work out?  Yes.  Are their transgressions worthy of the public embarrassment you are attempting to put them through? No.

    SLUMedBilliken15 likes this
  6. On 12/7/2023 at 12:59 PM, TheA_Bomb said:

    I have. I've also considered that many may not even realize how crazy Ford's salary is relative to like schools and results. So that's why I emailed the entire Athletic Department.

    As for your point about the response that's bad management. See my previous post on what the response should be. I learned that at SLU. I have a buddy former mayor of a small town he said his secret to success was just listening to complaints. He'd listen, thank them for being a concerned citizen and tell them he'd look into the issue.

    Also, this is an insurgency. They may not respond to me, but my message was read by a lot of people. They know there's issues. They know there's unrest. They see the criticism in black and white. If the AD deals with this internally the way they deal with this externally which is to ignore, it'll only cause deeper fissures. 

    When people are unhappy and there's greater pressure things tend to go wrong. Amping up the pressure during what is already a stressful time makes an event leading to change more likely.  Or maybe something already happened and it will come out now.  Here's an excerpt of something I wrote,

    "If Coach Ford does not resign is may be possible to fire him for cause. Investigation by SLU may uncover that Coach Ford violated SLU policies regarding COVID-19. It is reported that Coach Ford hosted a 21st birthday for his son with the team. After the party many players contracted COVID-19 and it directly affected the season. This action would be in violation of SLU polices during the time, which forbid public SLU gatherings on or off campus. If any other student or employee of SLU was dismissed/terminated due to violation of protocols and Coach Ford, the highest profile employee is allowed to continue to make millions of dollars, this opens SLU up to lawsuits for inequitable treatment. Much has been made of Coach Ford’s bad luck, but you make your own luck. Ford’s actions, roster construction and lack of ability have led us to this point."

    So you read that and you or a close coworker got in trouble for violating the COVID policy. Is it true? I don't know, probably. Would be easy to find out. It's inequitable treatment if you got in trouble and Ford didn't. That's the kinda stuff that brings down organizations.

    Insurgency Strategery

     

     

    "Thanks for being a concerned citizen.  I'll look into the issue." is your politician friend's polite way of saying I'm going to do what I was going to do anyway but thanks for trying educate me on an issue I was already aware of.  I'm pretty sure that the issues with our program will be addressed in some form or another after the season.  The decision makers all have two eyes and two ears and a brain capable of critical thought.  I just think that some things here may be forgone conclusions, but no one who makes these decisions at SLU will be able to tell you that.  No one will be able to give you the response you want which is "Thanks for pointing this out A-Bomb.  We're going to take action and at the end of the season some people won't be here anymore."  That's not how personnel decisions have ever worked.  You can keep getting angrier and angrier and less and less willing to stand for what's happening, but I honestly think that some form of what you want is going to happen regardless of you insurgency.  That's why I was saying to just be patient.

    billikenbill likes this
  7. 1 minute ago, TheA_Bomb said:

    Nope, next phase BoTs and sponsors. Y'all ready?

    What I plan to send to BoT is key metrics, they need to be grounded in facts. So if anyone would like to share here with links, sources please do.

    For sponsors we can point to diminishing attendance.

    Have you considered the fact that the BoT and others you are contacting already agree with you and that these efforts are a bit unnecessary?  I would also add that if you are expecting some response to all this, you won't get one.  That's not how these things are handled.  I just feel like you're spinning your wheels trying to get something done that is possibly already in the works.  Maybe patience and a deep breath might be the better path.  I'm rather sure than nothing will happen until the end of the season.

    bauman and ACE like this
  8. 1 hour ago, cheeseman said:

    If you get money to come to a school under the guise that you will help sell potato chips by making a single audio commercial, then in reality you are getting paid to play for that school.  Pay to play by any other name is still pay to play

    I get that, but I think the NCAA feels they playing field is a bit more fair if those deals have to be done individually rather than collectives just saying "transfer to us and we'll write you a check for $150,000."

  9. I interpret this move by the NCAA as a first move in a bigger game.  I believe that the NCAA and many of its member institutions are against pay for play.  They can't be against NIL, because NIL is law now.   But, they don't like that NIL has turned into pay for play.  It seems obvious that pay for play will benefit a minority of the universities that are involved to the detriment of the majority.  Since the NCAA is really just an aggregate of its member institutions, the majority of those institutions are pushing this, and the NCAA is the governing body that has to make it happen.

    I believe that the NCAA is pushing these new rules as a way to say to everyone "see, we are allowing athletes to get paid and we are making it equitable to everyone," and that this will be followed by rules that prohibit pay for play.  I don't see how direct contact through an entity like the Billiken Exchange can be eliminated, but I think the majority of institutions would like to make the NIL funds like the BVF obsolete with rule changes.

    I see this as a potential life line for schools like SLU.  If schools with football teams have to contribute way more than those without, we could come out on the winning end of these new rules.

  10. 19 hours ago, billikenfan05 said:

    We just lost by 39. What does it matter, honestly? We probably will see an entire new staff next year, there are always other players. Do I want to see him and Bruce succeed? Yes. Do I want to see them play more the rest of the season? Yes. Is there any point in getting attached? Even beyond the current status of transferring in college sports, no not really. It's like Welmer, Roby or Crawford. It was great to have them around the first few Ford years, but like if they transferred, best of luck, I ain't mad atchya.

    I understand every point you make, and you are not wrong about any of it, but I am going to cheer for the Billikens to succeed in each game and every season, even lost seasons like this one appears to be.  I have too much Billiken blue blood in me to not care about winning the next game.  Until a guy transfers, I want him to succeed when wearing our uniform.

  11. 1 hour ago, 2010andBeyond said:

    Jordan has also bagged himself at least a $50k bonus by way of the Suns advancement in the in-season tournament. If they win tonight, this goes up to $100k and could be as much as $500k if they win the tournament. 

    Is that something that is in his contract, or is that something that any player gets for advancing in the tournament?

  12. Just a few notes about Jordan Goodwin's season, thus far:

    * Averaging 6.3 points per game

    * Averaging 17.1 minutes per game

    * Assist/turnover ratio is 2.7 (3rd best on Suns)

    * Averaging 3.8 rebounds per game (7th on Suns despite the fact that he's 11th in minutes played)

    * 5th on the Suns in steals per game

    * One of only three players to play in all 20 of the Suns games this season

  13. 17 hours ago, Taj79 said:

    Short of Ian Voyoukous name me a big man who has come to SLU and "developed" over his stay here?  French came in and went out the same player.  Okoro the same.  Linssen the same.  Forrester the same.  Foreman the same.  Conklin was a rare exception and that took three years.  Plus Brian was only 6'6''.  Not a "big" by my definition.  

    The guys that did develop as time progressed were Bess, Goodwin, Jimerson.  Noted gym rats shooting, shooting, shooting day in and day out.  Kind of makes sense why Medley might like it here under Ford.

    Almost every guy you mentioned was a transfer who only played her for a year or two.  Hard to develop in that short amount of time.  I would look more at the guys who came in as freshmen.  Don't disagree with your point, but the examples you cited aren't the best.

  14. LHJ is really disappointed me this season.  I think his superpower is his 3 point shooting, but this year he seems to want to play the much talked about "hero ball."  I really wish he would establish himself as a serious 3 point threat and use the threat of this to then lead to his ability to fake and head to the basket.

    Thames looks to me like he's a few more maturity points away from being legit.  Of all the players that we should want out there to develop, he may be at the top.  When he plays out of control, which is most of the time, he doesn't contribute much.  If he controls his game and slows things down, his natural athleticism and talents will take over.  Hopefully, he figures out his game sooner rather than later, and, hopefully, he's given the court time and instruction to help make this happen.

    billikenbill likes this
  15. 20 minutes ago, TheA_Bomb said:

    Partially right. My mindset is that Ford is who he is as shown over 27 years of HC experience. It's played out here as it has at his previous stops.  So we need to go a different direction.  I recognize that we may not have the funds. May is to blame for us being stuck. May has also been unable to position SLU to take advantage of the changing landscape. So I think he should be fired. We should have the funds to make that change. 

    I'm not guaranteeing the next hire will win.  I just want to try something different.  We're banging our head against a wall.

    The problem is that we will be banging your head against the wall even with a new coach.  Also, just like potential players, the first question potential new coaches are going to ask is about our NIL money.  It’s not a coincidence that the entire A-10 is currently down. Free agency is crushing the A-10. Do you really think that SLU and Dayton and VCU and all the other A-10 schools just happened to all be down at the same time and there’s no overlying reason behind it? As someone else mentioned, Alabama will probably fall off. So will Gonzaga. Then, schools like Texas will start winning every year.  If that’s what you’re interested in, congratulations on being an advocate for NIL and free transfers.  Student athletes were content for over 100 years in receiving a scholarship and room and board.  And yes, now that they’re being paid, it is ruining college sports and our program.

  16. I find it interesting that there are some on this board that argued in favor of free transfers and NIL money for student athletes and either did not care or could not see what those two things would do to college sports, the SLU men's basketball program, the A-10, etc.  Supporting free transfers and NIL and supporting the Billikens ARE mutually exclusive concepts.  You cannot be both without acknowledging the competing interests at work.  Being pro NIL and free transfer is equivalent to being against our program.

    willie likes this
  17. The issue with SLU's field is not that its grass.  Grass is preferred over turf for baseball.  The issue is the stands and other facilities.  The picture above does not show that Desmet is getting any more than SLU has.  What we need is not turf, its more stands, a press box, concessions, etc.

    TaLBErt likes this
  18. Every time I watch Jordan play, I scream in my head "remember what got you there."  Now that he seems comfortable in The League, he seems to want to be like everyone else.  He plays like he wants to be a guy who drains 3s and hits pull up jumpers.  I wish he would just be the junkyard dog that got him to where he is instead of wanting to be a star.  If he just gets rebounds, steals, and assists in bunches, he'll stick around.  Just my take on why he's losing minutes.

  19. It's a nice thought, but I don't think the Billikens can make that call.  Like HoosierPal posted above, the injury has to be considered "season ending."  A broken foot is not usually considered season ending unless it requires surgery.

  20. 7 minutes ago, gobillsgo said:

    When I see the same things still happening that we have seen for 7+ years under Ford, I have to laugh so I don’t cry.   If you don’t think it’s laughable, that’s fine.  You’re welcome to your opinion.  But we’ve seen what this program is capable of with the right leader.  We are so so far from that… we haven’t beaten a ranked team EVER under Ford.  Fan pressure is one of the main things that drives decision making in college sports.  I won’t sit by and bite my tongue in order to not offend a few people with my wording. 

    I get it, but don't attack those that, for the most part, agree with you just because they don't choose to use that sort of verbiage in the hopes that some decision maker reads this board.  I am not happy with where the program is.  However, I don't think this program is a laughing stock.  Go ahead and be upset. Go ahead and be over the top.  You're a fan and passionate about the Billikens.  Have at it.  My issue is with those that think they need to direct their ire at other Billiken fans that are just as upset about the state of the program, but not just not losing their heads about it.

    billiken_roy likes this
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