Can only be one outcome

[couch 'em]

We know from the players that posted on ponyfans that there was already dissent in the lockerroom about Jones and his inflexibility, favoritism at QB, and inability to adjust to the QB problems, especially as an offensive 'genius'. (I'm beginning to think that everyone Jones had success it was really Mouse Davis, but that's another subject)

Now Jones has zero credibility. Someone even posted that players called him out to his face in the team meeting, if that report was accurate. I don't think Jones intended it to happen this way and most of the blame is on ASU, but nevertheless, it happened.

The only outcome is that Jones stays until 1. Jones finds a new job and leaves, or 2. Orsini quitely finds a quality replacement, and Jones 'resigns' and everyone saves face.

[smupony94]

Or June admits he just got smacked down professionally/personally and gets back to work.

[smubrooks]

so you're saying the team won't play for him? time to drop some cash on Pitt...

[Mitch McConnell]

Now we're up to three outcomes.

All kidding aside, just let our decision makers go through this process and determine what the best steps are in resolving this.

[couch 'em]

Or June admits he just got smacked down professionally/personally and gets back to work.

He's lost the team. He was losing parts of the team before the ASU thing even happened, as confirmed by the players that posted here. They feel they had a 10+ win team that was wasted by Jones refusing to reduce the reliance on our injured/troubled QB. Now those lockerroom issues must be amplified.

[rich59]

JJ needs to understand that he is damaged goods and should work extra hard to rebuild his Rep. That may include getting off this "we do what we do" attitude and evolving his offense. In the Arizona newspapers some believe that the buyout was the problem. Rodriquez is only making something over a million dollars at AU. Other are saying that JJ would require a lot of oversight to keep him square with the NCAA. ASU is sensitive about that. Who knows?

[Mitch McConnell]

JJ needs to understand that he is damaged goods and should work extra hard to rebuild his Rep. That may include getting off this "we do what we do" attitude and evolving his offense. In the Arizona newspapers some believe that the buyout was the problem. Rodriquez is only making something over a million dollars at AU. Other are saying that JJ would require a lot of oversight to keep him square with the NCAA. ASU is sensitive about that. Who knows?

Arizona State's baseball program is on probation.

And I believe I read RichRod is making $1.4 million.

[rich59]

Yes, I believe that is the number I saw quoted in the Arizona Republic, $1.4M. I live in Arizona now and have been several times to the area where ASU is located. Their "campus" is a joke. I question strongly that ASU is a better job than SMU. I also question that they would pay more than Uof A. It would not surprise me if the reason JJ was attracted was the great winter weather in AZ compared to Dallas for golf. Overall Phoenix has much better weather than Dallas and the city and it's locale are beautiful, especially compared to Big D.

[Topper]

Yes, I believe that is the number I saw quoted in the Arizona Republic, $1.4M. I live in Arizona now and have been several times to the area where ASU is located. Their "campus" is a joke. I question strongly that ASU is a better job than SMU. I also question that they would pay more than Uof A. It would not surprise me if the reason JJ was attracted was the great winter weather in AZ compared to Dallas for golf. Overall Phoenix has much better weather than Dallas and the city and it's locale are beautiful, especially compared to Big D.

I wouldn't live in Phoenix if you gave it to me, but it is right next door to California where Jones likes to recruit and if you have an ego, as Jones does, you would be the center of attention of a fan base much larger than SMU's. The PAC 12 is not the best conference, but it is a good one, the teams play mostly in good weather, and it has a Rose Bowl tie in. I would consider the offer in a heartbeat if the money was good and I'm coaching anywhere in CUSA or the Big East.

[ponyte]

Players are furiously loyal to their coaches. Many players will be thankful that the ASU deal didn't occur. And will be thrilled to continue to play for their coach (Jones).

Jones isn't like many coaches that have players that talk bad about them after they leave the program. Players talk highly of Jones once they leave SMU.

People screamed that Jones play McD last year cause Pardon was having issues. Well, Jones listened and now we have people complaining because he didn’t play Pardon and didn’t throw a freshman into the melee. Doesn’t matter what Jones does or doesn’t do, he will be vilified by some.

But in the end, all that matters is the players. And if they love him, they will forgive him in a flash and play just as hard as ever before.

We can complain and speculate all we like, but in the end, kids on the field will determine if Jones is their man. And we will know their response on Jan 7th.

[SMUer]

Yes, poor poor unfortunate June Jones...he gave you want you wanted and you still hate him...total victim, you're right

[EastStang]

Those that had an axe to grind with Jones have a tomahawk now. Those that were neutral about the second half of this season as bad luck, etc., are now concerned. Those that loved Jones still like him. Fact. He is our coach. He will be our coach for the foreseeable future. And either we sit around having a pity party, or just buck up and move on. Let's beat Pitt to show we belong in the BE and what they will have to deal with in 2013.

[PonyTales]

Now we're up to three outcomes.

All kidding aside, just let our decision makers go through this process and determine what the best steps are in resolving this.

Somehow I have a feeling you'll be reminded of this suggestion...

[Treadway21]

Or June admits he just got smacked down professionally/personally and gets back to work.

He's lost the team. He was losing parts of the team before the ASU thing even happened, as confirmed by the players that posted here. They feel they had a 10+ win team that was wasted by Jones refusing to reduce the reliance on our injured/troubled QB. Now those lockerroom issues must be amplified.

When were players posting here? I didn't see that and am interested in their comments.

[Mountain Mustang]

Jones did give a lot of us what we wanted SMUer. 3 Bowls the last three years. The only way he's a victim is through his own success. If he wasn't able to have the success he had, then no one would be after him, and the program would likely be in the same position as it's been in for the previous years since the death penalty. Because of his success he was pursued, and he didn't handle that pursuit well.

Ponyte's point is valid while not asking for any sympathy for Jones. The only thing that's probably incorrect about Ponyte's post is the supposition that Jones played McD because of what people on here/fans were wanting. Frankly, if Jones really started listening to what people say on this board about how to coach this team I'd be worried for our program. I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of people on here who are very knowledgeable about the sport, but I am saying that we hired this guy to coach and do things the best way he sees fit; not to be a spineless puppet for the wishes of every disgruntled fan/alum.

Jones is by no means perfect, and as I said above the way this was handled is certainly regretable. I think Ponyte's main point is that we should wait and see how the players respond and then make the call as to how Jone's actions impacted the team. He's exactly right and that will probably tell us all we need to know about this situation.