Read this in the paper today:

Red McCombs, a billionaire donor to the University of Texas and former owner of the Vikings and Spurs, says the hire of new coach Charlie Strong was like a "kick in the face." McCombs, whose name is on the north side of the football stadium, publicly lobbied for Texas to hire Jon Gruden.

I'm not sure if anyone has compared our Sonny to a "kick in the face" but I wonder how Texas football will survive with one of their big donors publicly disrespecting their new head coach. Hopefully he is not allowed on any Texas football board. Imagine what the recruits will think.

The good news for Texas is that their FB program brings in like $100 million a year. That provides some autonomy from loudmouth donors that other schools don't have.

82gradDLSdad;842257161 said:

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Read this in the paper today:

Red McCombs, a billionaire donor to the University of Texas and former owner of the Vikings and Spurs, says the hire of new coach Charlie Strong was like a "kick in the face." McCombs, whose name is on the north side of the football stadium, publicly lobbied for Texas to hire Jon Gruden.

I'm not sure if anyone has compared our Sonny to a "kick in the face" but I wonder how Texas football will survive with one of their big donors publicly disrespecting their new head coach. Hopefully he is not allowed on any Texas football board. Imagine what the recruits will think.

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It's just a stupid comment. Strong was a great hire given what else was available.

stivo;842257164 said:

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It's just a stupid comment. Strong was a great hire given what else was available.

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Yeah the pickings were slim this year. Just look at some of the other hires...Sark to SC, etc. Washington made probably the biggest splash with their hire.

82gradDLSdad;842257161 said:

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Read this in the paper today:

Red McCombs, a billionaire donor to the University of Texas and former owner of the Vikings and Spurs, says the hire of new coach Charlie Strong was like a "kick in the face." McCombs, whose name is on the north side of the football stadium, publicly lobbied for Texas to hire Jon Gruden.

I'm not sure if anyone has compared our Sonny to a "kick in the face" but I wonder how Texas football will survive with one of their big donors publicly disrespecting their new head coach. Hopefully he is not allowed on any Texas football board. Imagine what the recruits will think.

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They don't like Obama in Texas, either. And what do Obama and Strong have in common? They are both Black. 5decadefan

My favorite part was this:

Quote:

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"I think the whole thing is a bit sideways," McCombs said of the selection process during an interview with ESPN 1250 San Antonio. "I don't have any doubt that Charlie is a fine coach. I think he would make a great position coach, maybe a coordinator."

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I think Strong's coaching record suggests something more than a position coach or maybe a coordinator.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10257706/booster-red-mccombs-bashes-texas-longhorns-charlie-strong-hire

It's shocking that Harbaugh, Saban, Gruden, Jumbo Fisher and Kevin Sumlin didn't immediately quit their jobs when Texas opened up.

Red is an arse for those absolutely stupid comments! He maybe a billionaire but he's an arse! Strong should not give this fool the time of day at the next booster gathering!

86Oski;842257173 said:

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My favorite part was this:



I think Strong's coaching record suggests something more than a position coach or maybe a coordinator.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10257706/booster-red-mccombs-bashes-texas-longhorns-charlie-strong-hire

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Welcome to Texas, Charlie!

I'm sure he knew what he was getting into, as he probably has "known" it his whole life.

He'll do well.

Poor wittle billionaire, didn't get what he wanted for Christmas! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

5decadefan;842257171 said:

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They don't like Obama in Texas, either. And what do Obama and Strong have in common? They are both Black. 5decadefan

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That's absolutely the dumbest statement I've seen on this board in a long time.
Some people have to make everything into a race issue. Shame on you! You're disgusting! The fact is that Texas is pretty conservative politically, and that's the reason Obama is not popular in the state. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin. They're not too keen on Bill or Hillary Clinton either, and the last time I checked, they're white.

82gradDLSdad;842257161 said:

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I'm not sure if anyone has compared our Sonny to a "kick in the face" but I wonder how Texas football will survive with one of their big donors publicly disrespecting their new head coach.

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I think the Texas football program will do just fine. If you want to wonder about a football program, wonder about ours.

Regarding Sonny, I think he's more like a kick in the nuts than a kick in the face.

Golden One;842257216 said:

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That's absolutely the dumbest statement I've seen on this board in a long time.
Some people have to make everything into a race issue. Shame on you! You're disgusting! The fact is that Texas is pretty conservative politically, and that's the reason Obama is not popular in the state. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin. They're not too keen on Bill or Hillary Clinton either, and the last time I checked, they're white.

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Please.

who knows if race is an issue with his statements? the majority of espn commenters think it does. however, when youre expecting to get someone along the likes of Saban or Gruden. Charlie Strong is definetely not the person that will get you as excited. nonetheless i think Strong is going to be an excellent head coach for them and was a great hire

86Oski;842257173 said:

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My favorite part was this:



I think Strong's coaching record suggests something more than a position coach or maybe a coordinator.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10257706/booster-red-mccombs-bashes-texas-longhorns-charlie-strong-hire

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These are the type of comments that leads to a discussion of racism. McCombs is minimally ignorant. Strong is an outstanding, proven head coach. I think Texas made a very good hire. It makes me sick to see a fool like McCombs get any pub. Who the hell cares what he thinks.

To Red and AJ McCarron's self obsessed Mom, please give it a rest.

oldblu86;842257236 said:

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Please.

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Please back to you. Stop living in the past.

gobears725;842257239 said:

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who knows if race is an issue with his statements? the majority of espn commenters think it does.

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Don't place much stock in what ESPN commentators think or say on this. They're motivated to say things inflamatory and headline worthy. Goes with their trade.

Red, go put out an oil fire. That's what you're good at, not football.

Golden One;842257309 said:

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Don't place much stock in what ESPN commentators think or say on this. They're motivated to say things inflamatory and headline worthy. Goes with their trade.

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I applaud ESPN commentators for bringing up the issue.

Racist motivations are the first thing that popped into my mind, like a lot of people. Old white Texas billionaires aren't exactly fonts of progressive thinking. Texas was a slave state and part of the Confederacy, so it's not outlandish to think that Charlie Strong's race would be a problem for some.

You protest a little too much. You sound like the Supreme Court ruling out parts of the Voting Rights Act by saying that racism is largely nonexistent in the United States. The issue of racism isn't going to go away by burying your head in the sand, or trying to shove other people's heads in the sand.

Deal with it.

Golden One;842257216 said:

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That's absolutely the dumbest statement I've seen on this board in a long time.
Some people have to make everything into a race issue. Shame on you! You're disgusting! The fact is that Texas is pretty conservative politically, and that's the reason Obama is not popular in the state. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin. They're not too keen on Bill or Hillary Clinton either, and the last time I checked, they're white.

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McCombs on Charlie Strong: "I don't have any doubt that Charlie is a fine coach. I think he would make a great position coach, maybe a coordinator"

Black Coaches have been hearing some version of that statement for decades now. The difference is, Strong has ALREADY WON a BCS Bowl Game as a Head Coach and McCombs flat out says he thinks he's qualified to be a position coach?!?.

It's really hard NOT to see racial undertones in that kind of ridiculous statement.

Was wondering how long it would take before someone there would say something. The university is to be commended as is Coach Strong but if there were comments when Willingham went to Notre Dame, is it so surprising in Texas?

Red was also the one who hired Dennis Green for the Vikings, so not real sure this is a racial thing. Could be but to assume it is is just not in the facts in evidence.

Oski87;842257585 said:

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Red was also the one who hired Dennis Green for the Vikings, so not real sure this is a racial thing. Could be but to assume it is is just not in the facts in evidence.

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Red did NOT hire Dennis Green. Green became the Vikings Coach in 92, McCombs bought the team in 96. He renewed his contract once (and he would have been run out of Minny if he hadn't). He did eventually fire Green and replaced him with Tice.

NewYorkCityBear;842257577 said:

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McCombs on Charlie Strong: "I don't have any doubt that Charlie is a fine coach. I think he would make a great position coach, maybe a coordinator"

Black Coaches have been hearing some version of that statement for decades now. The difference is, Strong has ALREADY WON a BCS Bowl Game as a Head Coach and McCombs flat out says he thinks he's qualified to be a position coach?!?.

It's really hard NOT to see racial undertones in that kind of ridiculous statement.

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I think he just wanted Jon Gruden. If he is so racist, why did he keep Dennis Green as coach for the Minnesota Vikings for 3 years after he bought the team, and I think he had a black head coach when he owned the Denver Nuggets. He is probably just an rich old man who has tunnel vision on one guy. I usually look at patterns of behavior, not isolated incidence to determine these things..seems like many BI posters don't know how to do that ....

6bear6;842257322 said:

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Red, go put out an oil fire. That's what you're good at, not football.

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What are you good at?...LOL..you must be thinking of Red Adair. Red McCombs started an automotive group, founded Clear Channel Communications and owned various sports teams. Don't think he has put out many fires, at least ones he hasn't started...

Cal_Fan2;842257601 said:

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If he is so racist, why did he keep Dennis Green as coach for the Minnesota Vikings for 3 years

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This is why:

15-1 (Division title, went to NFC Title Game)
10-6
11-5 (Division title, went to NFC Title Game)

Dennis Green's record during the first 3 years of McCombs ownership.

He had a losing season (5-11) right after those 3 years and was promptly fired.

Cal_Fan2;842257601 I think he had a black head coach when he owned the Denver Nuggets..[/QUOTE said:

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Nope, never did - Larry Brown and Doug Moe were the two heads coaches when he owned the Nuggets..

NewYorkCityBear;842257610 said:

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This is why:

15-1
10-6
11-5

Dennis Green's record during the first 3 years of McCombs ownership.

He had a losing season (5-11) right after those 3 years and was promptly fired.

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So he is a racist who tolerates blacks the do well for the master? Listen, I don't know if he is racist or not but some people here pull the race card at the drop of a hat. I'm not like that. I want more facts and pattens to show one way or the other....I can't stand people who pull the race card, or use class warfare. to win points. That is lazy, unintellectual reasoning to elicit emotional responses. If I saw you smiling or talking to a child in the park, can I then deduce you are a pedophile? He still gave Green a chance to win some games for 3 years...stop with the racial angles unless they are true.

It certainly was an ignorant statement, of that I'm sure.

Cal_Fan2;842257601 said:

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I think he just wanted Jon Gruden. If he is so racist, why did he keep Dennis Green as coach for the Minnesota Vikings for 3 years after he bought the team, and I think he had a black head coach when he owned the Denver Nuggets. He is probably just an rich old man who has tunnel vision on one guy. I usually look at patterns of behavior, not isolated incidence to determine these things..seems like many BI posters don't know how to do that ....

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i think its just hard to say what he meant. but its a leading statement thats for sure and clear that for whatever the reason, he doesnt like the Strong hire.

fact of the matter is that Texas just isnt the job that people in Texas think it is. its a great job, but you arent going to get Saban to leave bama or Gruden to come out of his comfy job in the announcers booth to get out on the road and go recruit 17 year old kids. Their options were far more limited than what someone like Red thinks and Strong has already been a proven coordinator in a much tougher conference and proven head coach going to a BCS game in a mid-major conference. hes about as good of a coach as you can find and probably the second best(realistic) candidate of all the vacant head coaching positions. the other being Chris Petersen. for someone like Strong if he were to respond to Red's inflamed remarks, id just say been there, done that, as it pertains to Strong being a good coordinator or position coach

5decadefan;842257171 said:

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They don't like Obama in Texas, either. And what do Obama and Strong have in common? They are both Black. 5decadefan

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gobears725;842257619 said:

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i think its just hard to say what he meant. but its a leading statement thats for sure and clear that for whatever the reason, he doesnt like the Strong hire.

fact of the matter is that Texas just isnt the job that people in Texas think it is. its a great job, but you arent going to get Saban to leave bama or Gruden to come out of his comfy job in the announcers booth to get out on the road and go recruit 17 year old kids. Their options were far more limited than what someone like Red thinks and Strong has already been a proven coordinator in a much tougher conference and proven head coach going to a BCS game in a mid-major conference. hes about as good of a coach as you can find and probably the second best(realistic) candidate of all the vacant head coaching positions. the other being Chris Petersen.

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I know all that. He probably thinks he can buy anything he wants. What he said was stupid and ignorant, but one of my pet peeves is some folk always pulling the race card or class warfare. It just keeps people arguing about points that don't solve anything so I chimed in. Hell, I have no love for McCombs, he is a friggin Texas Alum who thinks he can buy his way to victory I'm sure. Good old boy who only has one way of doing things.... Another thing he is pi$$ed at is that he and other BIG donors (he has given UT $100 million dollars, Business school named after him) were not in on the hiring...

Cal_Fan2;842257625 said:

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I know all that. He probably thinks he can buy anything he wants. What he said was stupid and ignorant, but one of my pet peeves is some folk always pulling the race card or class warfare. It just keeps people arguing about points that don't solve anything so I chimed in. Hell, I have no love for McCombs, he is a friggin Texas Alum who thinks he can buy his way to victory I'm sure. Good old boy who only has one way of doing things.... Another thing he is pi$$ed at is that he and other BIG donors (he has given UT $100 million dollars, Business school named after him) were not in on the hiring...

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to be honest, i agree. its not always necessary. someone like red looks ignorant before people pull the race card when he says things like what he said. even if a statement looks like it could be racist, there are usually other ways to point out its ignorance.

.. Another thing he is pi$$ed at is that he and other BIG donors (he has given UT $100 million dollars, Business school named after him) were not in on the hiring...[/QUOTE said:

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Yes, I think this explains a lot

GB54;842257639 said:

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Yes, I think this explains a lot

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Says something about that Cal guy running UT!

:bravo

Cal_Fan2;842257615 said:

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So he is a racist who tolerates blacks the do well for the master? Listen, I don't know if he is racist or not but some people here pull the race card at the drop of a hat. I'm not like that. I want more facts and pattens to show one way or the other....I can't stand people who pull the race card, or use class warfare. to win points. That is lazy, unintellectual reasoning to elicit emotional responses. If I saw you smiling or talking to a child in the park, can I then deduce you are a pedophile? He still gave Green a chance to win some games for 3 years...stop with the racial angles unless they are true.

It certainly was an ignorant statement, of that I'm sure.

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I was simply pointing out that using as his defense that he kept Green proves nothing - he kept Green because Green was winning A LOT (2 division titles in the first 3 years McCombs owned the team). If he hadn't kept Green he would have been run out of Minny on a rail. Saying that the fact that he didn't fire Green until Green had a losing season as some defense that he's NOT a racist is the "lazy unintellectual reasoning" here. McCombs statement that Strong "would make a great position coach, maybe a coordinator" sounds like what a lot of Black coaches have heard over the years, just not ones that had alreay won a BCS Bowl Game. That's not "pulling the race card" - that's pointing out that it exists.

And your ridiculous statement that "He still gave Green a chance to win some games for 3 years...stop with the racial angles unless they are true." points out the problem. He didn't give Dennis Green ANYTHING. Dennis Green was winning games for the Vikes for 6 YEARS BEFORE McCombs bought the team, including 2 division titles., and continued to right up to his last season when things went south (and by the way, Green had a winning season in every one of his years but one, an 8-8 season, before his first losing one, and won 4 division titles, including 2 of the 3 years before the season he was fired). Those facts makes your silly paternalistic statement that "He gave Green a chance" make you sound like part of the problem, not the solution, and disembowels any credence your criticism of the "race card" might have held.

Ignoring all those FACTS in your defense of McCombs is what is lazy, not me pointing out the underlying tones in McCombs statement about Strong being "position coach" material. Does never actually hiring a black coach mean McCombs is a racist? No. But dismissing the obvious qualifications of the first one ever to be hired at your Alma Mater, after never hiring one yourself, and then making the stereotypical "position coach" statement sure starts to make him "sound like a duck, walk like a duck and smell like a duck."