Ex-Players Critical of SMU Football

[Bergermeister]

How are we supposed to tell if they do or not? They enjoyed a high paying college career and PLAYED well. Can't fault them for that.

[Uncle Morty]

[quote="Bergermeister"]Eric Dickerson was smart enough to get Bootsie Larsen to fill his wallet and his hard earned vehicle, but, other than that, he doesn't sound very smart judging from his comments. He's definitely "past tense" and of no value to SMU.[/quote]

I get the feeling that writing people off comes really easy to you. A year ago werent you telling us all that Foy Munlin would make everyone forget the name Keylon Kincaide? Some of us have better memories, I guess. I wouldnt be so disdainful of Eric's mental acument, its not like you have any kind of successful track record in that department.

[Sir Trolls A Lot]

How are we supposed to tell if they do or not?

There are some safe assumption in this world. People that make their career playing and talking about football probably know more about it than others. I think it has become clear to almost everyone that Phil has been an absolute failure. He should be gone.

However, word is that after the buyout SMU will not splurge for a big name coach. In fact, they are gonna turn to Rusty Burns in a cost cutting move. Copeland ensured him the first shot at the job to get him to come (word is he could have gone with Minter to South Carolina). He would keep his same salary, but obviously add some incentives. If Ponysnob wants to act like he couldn't get another job last year, many programs were after him because of his offense at Cincinnati. It is promises like this that make it difficult to rationalize keeping Copeland around. I hope we get this done early so it doesn't hurt recruiting.

[MustangStealth]

"When teams play SMU now, it's become stat day," Dickerson said. "Yes, they have the facilities, but they are not going about recruiting in a right way."

Didn't he hear? We can't recruit like that anymore.

[anurep]

This is just great for recruiting in the Dallas area.

[Laura Bush Lover]

Sir Trolls,
Your response on this thread is more inflammatory than usual. It makes me think you have some connection to the posted story that you're not revealing. What gives? Who are you really?

[Charleston Pony]

I've never understood the criticism of the AD in connection with recruiting. Last I heard, Copeland doesn't establish the admissions criteria nor does he have much say about what cirriculum is offered. We'd all like to see a program that would allow SMU to attract recruits who meet minimum standards and have a degree program geared to the athlete that wants to either play professionally or fall back on a coaching career or something else related to his/her sport. Is it Copeland's fault we don't have these things?

I'm not here to defend the guy, but if you are going to criticise him, at least go after him for something he does control. Everyone is frustrated, but there is no easy solution without a financial commitment from the hghest levels and we know it isn't there. If SMU had 50,000 people who really cared about the state of athletics, things might be different...but we've demonstrated over the years that there unfortunately are very few of us. The fact that there are only 15-20 of us who regularly post on this board is simply more evidence of the overall apathy.

[VarsityShop]

"However, word is that after the buyout SMU will not splurge for a big name coach. In fact, they are gonna turn to Rusty Burns in a cost cutting move. Copeland ensured him the first shot at the job to get him to come (word is he could have gone with Minter to South Carolina). He would keep his same salary, but obviously add some incentives"

I find it hard to believe the best we can do if we fire Bennett is Rusty Burns!

[RGV Pony]

These things having been said, an E.D. being the main reason I became a fan of SMU football in the beginning...does that mean I should look elswhere for a program to support? ED has SMU ties, an SMU degree (doesn't he?), and refuses to give $$ after calling the place a joke. Someone make the case for any of the rest of us to give, in light of ED's comments.

[ALEX LIFESON]

When you read that CRAIG JAMES, would consider not letting his own son attend SMU................well that should let us all know how bad it really is! very, very sad indeed.

[Pony_Fan]

I like that the article will stir the pot a little.

Dickerson should not sit back and [deleted] about things but get involved. He took $$ for playing..make up for it by doing some good for SMU. I take it he has a real dislike for Copeland which doesn't help. I am not "in the know" but I don't think Turner would have the balls to fire Copey.

Both of these guys could be a real asset to SMU for promotion.

I almost wish Calvin took an investigative reporting approach and interviewed other players since the DP, and get people to admit the real problems....etc...

[ponyboy]

Interestingly, the article never blames Bennett.

[Dooby]

Every time I read something from Copeland, all I can think of is Kevin Bacon's character in Animal House screaming "Remain calm. All is well!"

If you ever go around dallas-mavs.com, you are stealing my bit. Never thought to use it here. But it is very appropriate.

[EastStang]

Look, I don't love Copeland, I've met the man once. That's it. I do know some facts. 1. He helped build a successful program at UVa. (which when he started there was rated the worst football program in the Country. 2. He was offered by several schools and picked SMU. 3. He came here despite the fact we were dumped by the SWC. 4. He knew the restrictions on our program were rigorous. 5. He has hired by consensus. Every choice has involved hiring committees of large donors, players, ex-players, and administration types. 6. He got us into CUSA when we didn't deserve to go there. 7. He saw that the 15000 attendance rule was coming and worked to get regional opponants into Ford for future years to avoid problems with those requirements. Note that teams like Wyoming, San Jose State, and Sun Belt teams have not adjusted well to this requirement. 8. He understood our strengths in the Country Club programs and soccer and has not messed with them. He's had some failures, too. He has not worked hard enough to get funding to renovate Moody. He was behind the curve on Title IX which forced closing of the men's track program (with in my view will cause some long term credibility problems). He has not found a way to invigorate our student body. He has not made SMU, Dallas' college team. And lastly, he has not been able to get the Administration to be more supportive of our football and basketball programs by dealing with the Pye model issues in a constructive way. He's made some in-roads, but clearly they are not enough to overcome the remaining problem areas. That being said, could another AD do better in changing the model? And what new AD candidate would come here knowing that his programs would be doomed to failure unless the Administration changed some things. Forrest Gregg left for that very reason.

[SCAMP6381]

Dickerson may have it right,but why throw gas on the flames, it'll only burn more intensly and maybe that's his intentions.I personally don't think it helps constructively. When you are on the outside looking in why not help to burn it down.Go ahead and agree with E.D.He says what he has to say and won't even come and speak to the team for uplifting support.TO HECK WITH THE ADMINISTRATION IF THAT IS WHAT HE FEELS OK,but what about these young men.Did he consider paying his way to encourage these young men!!!!!! FORGET E.D. He has his education and his fame but, he does owe SMU so type of gratitude.If not for SMU where would he be? SHUT UP AND HELP TO GET THESE KIDS BETTER BY NOT THROWING GAS ON THE FLAMES THRU THE MEDIA.Something needs to be done but the are better ways to do it ERIC!!!!!!!!!!!