The Misery Index Week 14

[PonyKai]

Interesting comments from Wolken; he also tweeted over the weekend that he "had been told SMU didn't want to fire" June, but the result of the UH game "wouldn't sit well" with SMU.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nc ... u/3797321/

7. SMU: The Mustangs still have one game left, but keep an eye on this situation. Despite much improved play in the second half of the season, there's a lot of unease about the direction of the program, especially in the wake of a 34-0 loss to Houston on Friday. That left SMU 5-6 and needing to beat American Athletic Conference leader UCF next weekend to reach bowl eligibility.

Though SMU has not been inclined to fire June Jones — he is well-liked, and such a move would be both expensive and distasteful for school president Gerald Turner — it will be interesting to see how high the heat gets turned up. This is one situation where both sides may be unhappy.

Is SMU fully committed to doing what it takes (especially on the academic side and non-conference scheduling) to help build the program and push it to the next level? On the other hand, why hasn't SMU's investment in Jones yielded the financial gains expected from things such as ticket sales?

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Discuss. Wolken isn't prone to conjecture.

[I'm4Peruna]

1. He apparently only listens to a chosen few that "Jones is well liked"---ask just about anyone on the Blvd how they feel
2. Better question than why hasn't the investment in June turned into ticket sales---why hasn't investment turned into; better recruitment, active interest in coaching and engaging the alumni instead of alienating.
This piece (including academics) just spews the same old line. Nothing to see. Let's move on ---Aloha June as you hopefully wing westward.

[GiddyUp]

The great unknown question. Seems like we are "all in" in hoops but not there in fball. I don't really understand it. Rice seems more committed to fball than we are, and we are in a better conference.

Up to Ford and Sewell basically as key donors. We shall see, we shall see....

[stc9]

Interesting comments from Wolken; he also tweeted over the weekend that he "had been told SMU didn't want to fire" June, but the result of the UH game "wouldn't sit well" with SMU.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nc ... u/3797321/

7. SMU: The Mustangs still have one game left, but keep an eye on this situation. Despite much improved play in the second half of the season, there's a lot of unease about the direction of the program, especially in the wake of a 34-0 loss to Houston on Friday. That left SMU 5-6 and needing to beat American Athletic Conference leader UCF next weekend to reach bowl eligibility.

Though SMU has not been inclined to fire June Jones — he is well-liked, and such a move would be both expensive and distasteful for school president Gerald Turner — it will be interesting to see how high the heat gets turned up. This is one situation where both sides may be unhappy.

Is SMU fully committed to doing what it takes (especially on the academic side and non-conference scheduling) to help build the program and push it to the next level? On the other hand, why hasn't SMU's investment in Jones yielded the financial gains expected from things such as ticket sales?

---------------------------

Discuss. Wolken isn't prone to conjecture.

I am willing to bet that JJ is well liked in the Athletic Dept. Seems like a laid back guy and is probably pleasant to speak with. It is never entertaining to fire or even discuss firing a colleague. So not wanting to fire someone you like is not entirely unexpected. I know they didn't ask PFs about firing him. They would have gotten different results.

The "Is SMU fully committed" comment sounds like the beginning of the CYA/Face saving from the staff. Speaking off the record. We couldn't make this work because the school wouldn't let us.

[blackoutpony]

1. He apparently only listens to a chosen few that "Jones is well liked"---ask just about anyone on the Blvd how they feel
].

Yup. Even my friends who only go to the blvd talk about how much they hate June and want him gone. It's pretty bad....

[03Mustang]

1. He apparently only listens to a chosen few that "Jones is well liked"---ask just about anyone on the Blvd how they feel
].

Yup. Even my friends who only go to the blvd talk about how much they hate June and want him gone. It's pretty bad....

You mean your friends that don't care enough about this program to even go to the game even want him gone? We definitely need a change then, just for their sake if nothing else.

[SMU 86]

1. He apparently only listens to a chosen few that "Jones is well liked"---ask just about anyone on the Blvd how they feel
].

Yup. Even my friends who only go to the blvd talk about how much they hate June and want him gone. It's pretty bad....

You mean your friends that don't care enough about this program to even go to the game even want him gone? We definitely need a change then, just for their sake if nothing else.

He never said that they did not go to the game. Just sayin'.

[PonySnob]

Up to Ford and Sewell basically as key donors. We shall see, we shall see....

I believe that Carl Sewell really likes JJ and the job he's doing.......

[gostangs]

I think carl likes JJ - but you would have a hard time finding anyone who thinks he is doing a good job right now.

[blackoutpony]

Yup. Even my friends who only go to the blvd talk about how much they hate June and want him gone. It's pretty bad....

You mean your friends that don't care enough about this program to even go to the game even want him gone? We definitely need a change then, just for their sake if nothing else.

He never said that they did not go to the game. Just sayin'.

No, they don't. I said they only go to the blvd, ie, they don't go to the game. They used to go when we were undergrads but soured on the program after the ASU fiasco. They go every now and then (when I drag their drunk asses there), and almost all have bought season tix for bball. Yes, they are band wagoners, but my point is that when the casual fan knows that JJ can't recruit and runs an offense from the 80's, there's a problem.

[CoxMustangFan]

I'm not sure the issue is how much he's liked. My limited interaction with the guy has been very positive. Killer issues for me is his lack of passion to recruit and running a rusty old offense. Based on what I know for fact, nothing bugs me about the "ASU fiasco". I just hope they get someone who will be excited to be at SMU, recruit, and engage the Dallas community. I know that's asking a lot.

[redpony]

I believe that Carl Sewell really likes JJ and the job he's doing.......

And if Sewell really thinks jj's performance at SMU is great and still wants him here then he should be selling yugos and used ford pintos. That would be about the same quality as what we have now.

[couch 'em]

Why does a guy who built a car empire.....errr....ummmm..... lucked into inheriting a car empire think he is qualified to be an athletic director? It is Jerry Jones syndrome.

[Grant Carter]

Why does a guy who built a car empire.....errr....ummmm..... lucked into inheriting a car empire think he is qualified to be an athletic director? It is Jerry Jones syndrome.

They do not have to do what he wants and he does not have to give the money if he does not want to. Are you suggesting he should just provide them a blank check for whatever they want to do no matter whether he agrees with it or not?

[PonyKai]

Are you suggesting he should just provide them a blank check for whatever they want to do no matter whether he agrees with it or not?

If he disagrees with what I think is right, than yes, by all means give me a blank check and go away lol.