Mores Jones

[Pony Soup]

January 2, 2008


Dr. David McClain
University of Hawaii
2444 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dr. Virginia Hinshaw
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2500 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dear President McClain and Chancellor Hinshaw:

I will always remember being in New Orleans on January 1, 2008. Although the end result of the game was somewhat of a disappointment, I believe that our Sugar Bowl appearance signifies a couple of things. First, it shows how far we have come with so little. Second, it also shows how far we still need to go.

I believe that this remarkable football season is just the start of greatness. I also believe that we all need to do our parts to ensure that the success of this season rolls over to many more years of greatness.

As we have done in the past, the Legislature is committed to providing construction funds to the University to renovate existing facilities and to construct new buildings. This next year, I’m working with my legislative colleagues to line-item $25 million in construction funds to renovate Cooke Field, the coaches’ offices, and the locker room and training room facilities.

During the legislative briefing in May, we were concerned about the lack of effort regarding Coach June Jones’ renegotiations. Despite Athletics Director Herman Frazier saying that he has a self-imposed deadline of starting negotiations with coaches at least two years prior to the end of contract expiration dates, we learned that nothing had been done.

At the hearing, Director Frazier committed to immediately focusing on Coach Jones’ contract. He told the members of the legislative committees that a contract proposal was being drafted.

More than six months later, I’m troubled by the lack of action from the UH Athletics Department and from Director Frazier regarding Coach Jones’ contract. Today’s The Honolulu Advertiser reports that there have been no discussions or no proposals between Leigh Steinberg and the University. If true, this is totally unconscionable.

If the contract was renegotiated two years ago, we would not only have secured Coach Jones for a few more years, but it would likely cost a few dollars less and we would not be placing our recruiting efforts for the future in jeopardy.

Today, I’m requesting you to personally get immediately involved with the negotiations with Steinberg and Coach Jones. Time is of the essence. I’ve heard much chatter within the past few days regarding Coach Jones being offered head coaching jobs at other universities and in the NFL.

What’s the replacement cost of losing Coach Jones? In mere football terms, the costs are considerable, but for the University and for the entire State of Hawaii, it’s priceless. What the both of you do today will define the University for decades. Are we going to take a quantum leap into the University’s second century? Or are we going to falter and sputter and not take advantage of this unique opportunity?

As the co-author of the constitutional amendment which gave UH more autonomy, I completely support the University making the day-to-day decisions. However, as elected officials we represent the public and how the University spends public funds in its strategic focus. I clearly believe that making every best effort to re-signing June Jones has become a strategic issue.

Sincerely,

K. Mark Takai
State Representative

[westexSMU]

WOW, I think this comfirms what Coach Jones agent Steinberg said yesterday in that, up to this point, there has been no contact between Steinberg/Coach Jones and Hawaii athletic officials concerning a new contract ..........This probably means Coach Jones is planning on leaving as obviously Hawaii officials can't or don't want to match an SMU or an NFL offer. So Hawaii officials are just waiting to see if JJ will leave or want to stay before offering something alot lower than SMU has offered......I think JJ is fed up and wants to leave UH. He is either coming here or to an NFL team.

[Stallion]

A+B does not = C
How do you jump to these conclusions? Looks to me like Hawaii is doing exactly what June Jones is waiting on. Putting together a package of benefits to retain the Coach. They aren't going to have to match because they aren't SMU. For each headache at Hawaii he'll have a different significant headache at SMU-which in the end Jones will not be willing to accept.

[huskerpony]

I'm sure they are coming up with a counteroffer. However, JJ didn't sound like a coach who was staying put in that interview the other day. I don't think I've ever heard a coach make comments like that the day before a bowl game, let alone the biggest game in school history.

Chatter on the UH message board yesterday was that someone had been told by a UH administrator that Jones would not be returning next year. No indication that had any credibility behind it, but UH has definitely had plenty of time to come up with a deal for him. I was emailing with an ESPN contact during our PJ flight watch, and she told me Jones was in the mix for SMU way back then. The terms he is demanding to stay/leave have been on the table for over a month. Personally, I think it sounds like he would like to stay in Hawaii, but they aren't willing to give him the operating budget he wants.

[Phxfan]

I'm sure they are coming up with a counteroffer. However, JJ didn't sound like a coach who was staying put in that interview the other day. I don't think I've ever heard a coach make comments like that the day before a bowl game, let alone the biggest game in school history.

Chatter on the UH message board yesterday was that someone had been told by a UH administrator that Jones would not be returning next year. No indication that had any credibility behind it, but UH has definitely had plenty of time to come up with a deal for him. I was emailing with an ESPN contact during our PJ flight watch, and she told me Jones was in the mix for SMU way back then. The terms he is demanding to stay/leave have been on the table for over a month. Personally, I think it sounds like he would like to stay in Hawaii, but they aren't willing to give him the operating budget he wants.

In football terms, looks like UH fumbled the ball and are trying to recover it. I don't know if they can. Maybe too little too late. I'm getting a little nervous each time I come to this site. The time is ticking down fast.

[Stallion]

"I don't think I've ever heard a coach make comments like that the day before a bowl game, let alone the biggest game in school history."

No of course not. UNLESS he is trying to gain leverage when his popularity was at its zenith. Otherwise, why bring it up-why not deflect inquiry to the game only. What does June James care if he knows its not going to be his headache. If you can't see the purpose and timing of that interview, the statements of his agent and his decision to enter a Monastary for a week to meditate on his future then clues are flying over your head.

[huskerpony]

"I don't think I've ever heard a coach make comments like that the day before a bowl game, let alone the biggest game in school history."

No of course not. UNLESS he is trying to gain leverage. Otherwise, why bring it up-why not deflect inquiry to the game only. What d oes June James care if he knows its not going to be his headache. If you can't see the purpose of that interview, the statements of his agent and his decision to enter a Monastary for a week to meditate on his future then clues are flying over your head.

Oh, I agree completely. He just sounded deflated in that interview. Like the battle had already been lost. I still think he might stay in Hawaii regardless, especially if they were able to come up with just enough to keep him.

However, there also would not be great concern about the recruiting deadline unless he is seriously considering an offer from a college program. Wouldn't be important if it was the NFL offer he was after, and if he is planning on staying in Hawaii where he hasn't had the money to leave the island to recruit for three years, then I don't see why that would matter so much to retain a bunch of local kids to go to a school that just played in a BCS game. (I suppose that could have more to do with our timeline, but why make a public statement about that from their end? I guess he loses his leverage after we would bail, but the kind of demands he is making for facilities and operating budget would have to be well in the works for the UH AD to get permission for things like that by the end of the week.)

[Phxfan]

"I don't think I've ever heard a coach make comments like that the day before a bowl game, let alone the biggest game in school history."

No of course not. UNLESS he is trying to gain leverage. Otherwise, why bring it up-why not deflect inquiry to the game only. What d oes June James care if he knows its not going to be his headache. If you can't see the purpose of that interview, the statements of his agent and his decision to enter a Monastary for a week to meditate on his future then clues are flying over your head.

Oh, I agree completely. He just sounded deflated in that interview. Like the battle had already been lost. I still think he might stay in Hawaii regardless, especially if they were able to come up with just enough to keep him.

However, there also would not be great concern about the recruiting deadline unless he is seriously considering an offer from a college program. Wouldn't be important if it was the NFL offer he was after, and if he is planning on staying in Hawaii where he hasn't had the money to leave the island to recruit for three years, then I don't see why that would matter so much to retain a bunch of local kids to go to a school that just played in a BCS game. (I suppose that could have more to do with our timeline, but why make a public statement about that from their end? I guess he loses his leverage after we would bail, but the kind of demands he is making for facilities and operating budget would have to be well in the works for the UH AD to get permission for things like that by the end of the week.)

Since UH is a state school I assume it would take some time to get all the $ lined up fast. In AZ the state is running a deficit of about 1 B $ and is looking for way's to cut spending. I don't know what authority the Governor would have to increase $ for anything without a lot of people signing off on it. They may have a way to expedite the process but government usually moves pretty slow. I guess JJ would either take the SMU offer or accept promises from those in gov. that follow football. Promises can be broken. They often are. I'm sure there are many in Hawaii that don't care about football and would want more for ed. health care, tourism etc.

[westexSMU]

[quote="huskerpony"]I'm sure they are coming up with a counteroffer. However, JJ didn't sound like a coach who was staying put in that interview the other day. I don't think I've ever heard a coach make comments like that the day before a bowl game, let alone the biggest game in school history.

Chatter on the UH message board yesterday was that someone had been told by a UH administrator that Jones would not be returning next year. No indication that had any credibility behind it, but UH has definitely had plenty of time to come up with a deal for him. I was emailing with an ESPN contact during our PJ flight watch, and she told me Jones was in the mix for SMU way back then. The terms he is demanding to stay/leave have been on the table for over a month. Personally, I think it sounds like he would like to stay in Hawaii, but they aren't willing to give him the operating budget he wants.[/quote]........................That was my point. I think the deal has already blown up and that is why Orsini got interested in the first place. Sure, Hawaii might come up with something JJ could agree with, but I think it is past that for JJ....He is going to take another job for a say a 7 year deal, then move back and retire in Hawaii.....Hopefully after rebuilding our program !!!

[OC Mustang]

This is scary, but I think I agree more with Stallion recently on so many areas it isn't funny. I didn't get there the same way with many, but results being what they are, I think he is correct in his read of UH and their state legislature, and I think he is correct that recruiting is the penultimate concern if one is forced to prioritize what one wants/needs in a head coach.

Don't have a clue what Jones will do though. The man carries a poker face that looks somewhere between blank and pissed.

I still go with Fran, Bowers, and maybe Jones. I heard a good suggestion that Jones could utilize existing players better than any of the rest of the coaches because of a pass-happy gimmick offense that could fit our personnel, and I give some credibility to that. I also think that his recruiter assistant coach has some gravitas. However, like PJ, I don't think he is comparatively the best fit right now. May be wrong, and if so, I'd be wrong and damn happy about it, but that's my POV.

[Pony Soup]

Letter to UH from fan:



Dr. David McClain
University of Hawaii
2444 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dr. Virginia Hinshaw
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2500 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dear President McClain and Chancellor Hinshaw:

I am concerned Hawaii Football fan. By now, I'm sure that you have received an overwhelming amount of letters, emails and/or phone calls regarding the unstable future state of UH Football and it's current pathetic conditions. The purpose of this contact is not to get a personal response back to me. The purpose is to express my concern about the uncertainty of June Jone's contract extension and the lack of funding for the university's football program in hopes that more focus, care, attention and funding will be directed their way immediately. This charge needs to be addressed with passion and vigor!

I did not go the University of Hawaii and I don't have first hand experience being in the lockerrooms or coaching offices. However, I have seen the dispicable condition of the lockerroom's through a video feed from Blaze Soares available on Youtube. How can you sit and feel comfortable with calling yourselves an NCAA Division 1 program with such inadequcies? I'm embarrassed as a fan for the school. Are you not ashamed of yourselves? Is there no concern? Are these conditions satistactory to you? Why the lack of vigor and charge to improve the facilities? You expect the student athletes to be passionate and give their all in all they do. Do you do the same in your own capacity? It appears you are losing the game and not meeting your task. You are in an institution who's goal is to develop productive citizens of the world that go forward and represent the University well. I'm here to tell you that you are not representing your own University well at all.

We all enjoyed the ride that the Warrior Football team took us this past season. It was truly a source of pride and happiness felt by citizens of the entire state, sports fans and non-sports fans alike. The football team represents not only the school, but the ENTIRE State of Hawaii. It is a reflection of who we are, whether you want to believe that or not. We want to be represented well and that lies in your hands. I want you to do something about it now!

How is it possible that June Jones has not received an offer for a contract extension yet? Herman Frazier has gone on record to say that negotiations have started, yet June's agent Leigh Steinbergh has recently reported that no such talks have been discussed. The fact that June has yet to receive that extension only points to Frazier looking like the liar. This cannot be tolerated. This is not the first time he has lied to the public and it's really asinine at this point.

I hate to think that this wonderful 2007-08 football season is the end of it all. The future of the program and the health of the state is in your hands. Please do your due dilligence and responsibility and be passionate about your job and let your results show.

Sincerely,
Concerned Hawaii Football Fan

[Phxfan]

Letter to UH from fan:



Dr. David McClain
University of Hawaii
2444 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dr. Virginia Hinshaw
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2500 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dear President McClain and Chancellor Hinshaw:

I am concerned Hawaii Football fan. By now, I'm sure that you have received an overwhelming amount of letters, emails and/or phone calls regarding the unstable future state of UH Football and it's current pathetic conditions. The purpose of this contact is not to get a personal response back to me. The purpose is to express my concern about the uncertainty of June Jone's contract extension and the lack of funding for the university's football program in hopes that more focus, care, attention and funding will be directed their way immediately. This charge needs to be addressed with passion and vigor!

I did not go the University of Hawaii and I don't have first hand experience being in the lockerrooms or coaching offices. However, I have seen the dispicable condition of the lockerroom's through a video feed from Blaze Soares available on Youtube. How can you sit and feel comfortable with calling yourselves an NCAA Division 1 program with such inadequcies? I'm embarrassed as a fan for the school. Are you not ashamed of yourselves? Is there no concern? Are these conditions satistactory to you? Why the lack of vigor and charge to improve the facilities? You expect the student athletes to be passionate and give their all in all they do. Do you do the same in your own capacity? It appears you are losing the game and not meeting your task. You are in an institution who's goal is to develop productive citizens of the world that go forward and represent the University well. I'm here to tell you that you are not representing your own University well at all.

We all enjoyed the ride that the Warrior Football team took us this past season. It was truly a source of pride and happiness felt by citizens of the entire state, sports fans and non-sports fans alike. The football team represents not only the school, but the ENTIRE State of Hawaii. It is a reflection of who we are, whether you want to believe that or not. We want to be represented well and that lies in your hands. I want you to do something about it now!

How is it possible that June Jones has not received an offer for a contract extension yet? Herman Frazier has gone on record to say that negotiations have started, yet June's agent Leigh Steinbergh has recently reported that no such talks have been discussed. The fact that June has yet to receive that extension only points to Frazier looking like the liar. This cannot be tolerated. This is not the first time he has lied to the public and it's really asinine at this point.

I hate to think that this wonderful 2007-08 football season is the end of it all. The future of the program and the health of the state is in your hands. Please do your due dilligence and responsibility and be passionate about your job and let your results show.

Sincerely,
Concerned Hawaii Football Fan

They may have to call a special session of their leg. body to get this done.
Don't know how it works in Hawaii? They need to move fast. Great move by SO, 72 hr.s.

[BRStang]

I think he is correct that recruiting is the penultimate concern if one is forced to prioritize what one wants/needs in a head coach.

So, what is the ultimate concern?

[SMU Football Blog]

From the blog:

[quote]It isn’t that Hawaii isn’t capable of matching or coming close to matching any SMU offer (they may not be able to, but they may not have to). It is that aside from the salary, it is the refusal to run Hawaii football like a top 25 program, whereas Steve Orsini wants SMU to be “top 25 in everything [it] does.â€

[George S. Patton]

A+B does not = C
How do you jump to these conclusions? Looks to me like Hawaii is doing exactly what June Jones is waiting on. Putting together a package of benefits to retain the Coach. They aren't going to have to match because they aren't SMU. For each headache at Hawaii he'll have a different significant headache at SMU-which in the end Jones will not be willing to accept.

Looks like you're jumping to conclusions as well.