Ex-Players Critical of SMU Football

[couch 'em]

If not for SMU where would he be?

The same place he is now - only with a degree from a different school. I think what ED says may be good for the program. 15 years of optimisim and support has not gotten anyone anywhere but the bottom. The program is humiliating. That isn't an attack on anyone in particular, but it is the truth. I am ashamed at every game (which I continue to go to, I might add) and I have no idea how ANYONE could recruit players to this program.

[BUS]

What is help?

Many here are saying the same thing, but from different directions. If you see things positive or negative, the same vital issues are being raised and taken differently.

Some call it gas on a fire and other call it helpful ideas.

One point I would like to make is, at least ED cared enough to say something other than " I don't know and I don't care".

We need more changes.
Athletically friendly majors ( 2 )
Relaxing the transfer hour requirement
Allowing a few RISKY recruits

It would not hurt my feelings if the athletic graduation rate was 55 to 60 %.

I remember that in the SWC days we had one of the highest grad rates at around 53 %.

See everyone at the BLVD. Support this team and the players. If you get a chance to talk to Mr. Copeland or Mr. Turner or anyone on the Faculty Senate.... VOICE your desire for needed change.

GO MUSTANGS

[RedRiverPony]

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!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to get all high and mighty here, but I was always taught never to bad-mouth someone without trying to help or improve a situation first. To the best of my knowledge, Dickerson never has lifted a finger (or dropped a dime, for that matter). I don't know if he has a degree or not, but he came to SMU to get to the NFL - that's it. At the time, it was a good destination for him to achieve his goal, and he did. But as far as I know, he's been on campus exactly twice since he left, and both times were to honor him .... and he left immediately after halftime on both occasions. He might well be the most talented player ever to wear an SMU uniform, and therefore always have a place in SMU history. But he's lost one of his biggest former fans. (Side note: When my son was born a couple of years ago, a friend found a small, replica Dickerson jersey and gave it to him .... even though he's not big enough to wear it. Now I'm hesitant to give it to him. I'd rather see him in a jersey from a guy like Allan Adami, Ramon Flanigan, Forrest Gregg or another former SMU player who believes in everything that's right about SMU.)

I have less of a problem with comments from guys like Lance McIlhenney. I don't know the details of his recruitment, etc., and that's irrelevent now. But at least he comes to games, alumni functions, etc.

And I certainly don't have a problem with comments from a guy like Craig Swann. He graduated (I was told he also has a graduate degree from SMU), he played during some of the rough post-DP years and you can tell from his broadcasts that he deeply cares about the program.

The fact is that the program is not where any of us wants it to be. But the fact also is that changes are being made, administratively, and short of donating money, there are other ways these alums can help. Show up at games. Wear SMU gear proudly. Encourage the players. Encourage the coaches. Bring friends to the games. If they feel the need to bad-mouth the program, that should be done behind closed doors, not through the media. Blasting the program in the newspaper doesn't improve things. If they care as much as they seem to, they need to be on the phone to Bennett, Copeland, Turner, etc., to see what they can do to help.

Nice timing, too -- right before Homecoming? Skeptics don't want to hear it, but I'm saying it anyway: keep the faith, PonyFans. Better days are ahead.

Go Ponies!

[jtstang]

I'm just happy this story was on the front page of the sports section today. That ought to make all those new fools happy who complain that SMU doesn't get any coverage in the DMN or on the Ticket.

[abezontar]

The last graduation rate numbers I saw were in the 60% range, not that great for a school that is trying to not take academic risks.

[Stallion]

I really get a kick out of you people who are criticizing alumni because their comments make SMU look bad. What does 4-28 do, how about 1-20, how about no NCAA Tourney's in a decade, no bowls in 15 years, how about a 15 year winning percentage headed for the Teens, how about one measly 6-5 winning record in 15 years, how about 8,000 people in the stands. That's what makes SMU look bad and that is the problem that will only be fixed by eradicating the last stupid vestiges of Kenneth R. Pye's disaster. That is the issue at hand-not Eric Dickerson's support for the university. Keep your eye on the ball.

[OldPony]

Maybe I am wrong but didn't ED give a scholarship to SMU to repay his after he first signed with LA? It seems that I remember reading or hearing that about both ED and CJ.
What would you have these guys say? Nothing? Maybe this will make some realize that we have squandered SMU's rich football heritage and a quickly extinguishing any memories or greatness. We either compete or we decide to be a lower division. When we go to the lower division though, I want the pointy heads to remember why the donations and interest in SMU dried up.

[Diehard Pony]

If this article pushes Dr. Turner into action relative to Bennett and additional internal changes it is a good thing in my view. If no action is taken then it is obviously bad to this kind of front page dirty laundry out there. I am hoping for the former.

As to Copeland, I am no fan of his, but I sense Dr. Turner still sees some value in him so I don't envision both being gone. With that said, as I posted on another thread, if a new FB coach is to be hired I have been told that Dr. Turner will be actively involved (i.e., the head of the committee if not by name).

[RedRiverPony]

I really get a kick out of you people who are criticizing alumni because their comments make SMU look bad. What does 4-28 do, how about 1-20, how about no NCAA Tourney's in a decade, no bowls in 15 years, how about a 15 year winning percentage headed for the Teens, how about one measly 6-5 winning record in 15 years, how about 8,000 people in the stands. That's what makes SMU look bad and that is the problem that will only be fixed by eradicating the last stupid vestiges of Kenneth R. Pye's disaster. That is the issue at hand-not Eric Dickerson's support for the university. Keep your eye on the ball.

You're right - Dickerson's comments don't make SMU look bad. Dickerson's comments make him look bad.

I don't blame him for what's taken place on the field since he left. I blame him for sitting back on the beach in California and lobbing potshots at the program without once getting to Dallas to see what he can do to help. If he wants to kick back in L.A. and distance himself from the program, fine - he's got piles of money and he can afford to do that. But if that's the route he chooses, he has no business blasting a program that allowed him to shine, thereby making a killing in the NFL. Yes, he would have succeeded elsewhere, but the fact is he chose SMU ... for whatever reason. His comments reek of laziness and immaturity.

[Sir Trolls A Lot]

I'm just happy this story was on the front page of the sports section today. That ought to make all those new fools happy who complain that SMU doesn't get any coverage in the DMN or on the Ticket.

I am very happy. Dickerson and James stood up for all of the alumni unhappy with the state of the football program. Because of their visibility, people in high places take note. Tough love is sometimes best! They just keep doing great things for the program, thanks Eric and Craig!!!

And finally, thank you DMN for running such a great story.

[SCAMP6381]

Look guys no playoffs no winning seasons dose not make SMU look good but damn the most noticable alum belittles his school.Hey all the past winning or lack of is horrible but my man E.D REALLY SHOWS HIS TRUE COLORS.Get off the beach and be a positive for SMU. Yea he could have gotten a degree elsewhere but he didn't. Besides he is part of the downfall he took gifts in his days so why not repay the program and DAMN IT be more supportive of what these kids are trying to do.Hey my boys hate losing I see every Sat. and I have to encourage them .Hey dad is Switzer coming here?Are they gonna fire coach?Now here comes E.D with his bull.If E.d wants to do something for SMU bring his butt to practice and tell these kids he's behind them and that the next game can be a turn around for the program. SHUTUP IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY E.D AND WHOMEVER ELSE. BYE I'M GOING READ THE COMICS FOR REAL HUMOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PonyFan]

[quote="Sir Trolls A Lot] .... Dickerson and James stood up for all of the alumni unhappy with the state of the football program. Because of their visibility, people in high places take note. Tough love is sometimes best! They just keep doing great things for the program, thanks Eric and Craig!!!

And finally, thank you DMN for running such a great story.[/quote]

1. Speak for yourself. These guys absolutely do NOT speak for all alumni.

2. They have done nothing "great" since they last carried the football. Craig James has been around a little, and he (I think) has a daughter at SMU, so his interest is probably genuine.

3. Great story? THIS is what you've been wanting when you've been crying because the media doesn't cover SMU? That's like saying you want attention from a pretty girl and then being thrilled when she hits you with her car.

[Sir Trolls A Lot]

1. Speak for yourself. These guys absolutely do NOT speak for all alumni.

Who count as alumni? BUS, Stallion, PK, MRYDAL, Ponyfans, the very people who blame the poor players for the losses.

It is nice that you guys have resorted to bashing SMU legends to ensure Bennett and Copeland stick around. I think it is just sad. Dickerson and James are only speaking to what many SMU alumni feel in different parts of the country. I live in the northeast and sports fans say two things to me when they find out where I went to college:

1) Those Dickerson & James teams were awesome!!

2) You guys have been terrible since the DP.

I do not like to perpetually associate myself with a losing team. I supported Phil for two years, and this is the season I expected some improvement. The trigger for me to become active on this board is when we got killed this year by Rice. They started a freshman QB from a poor high school program that destroyed our defense. Anyone can see that if SMU does not get rid of its coach, we will become a bigger embarassment.

[Stallion]

OK S.T.A.L. he was also probably the No. 1 recruit in the country to run Rice's offense-he was a 5 star recruit to the Rice program and he is in his second year. As for the feelings of the parents of players-please take this constructively. Some of us have been associated with the program for 40-50 years and hope to be associated with the program for another 40-50 years. If history is any indication you and your son will likely be fans of SMU for 4-5 and maybe make a game once every year in the future if we're lucky. Yes focusing on the kids at SMU right now is at the utmost importance to you because that is the basis of your affiliation. The issue to many of us goes much deeper-It is an issue concerning the survival of Division 1A football at SMU and it is very much at stake. Unless the recurrent institutional problems in the program are fixed now it is all moot. Quite frankly if SMU fans can not an do not express strong displeasure with the direction of the program at 1-20 then they may forfeit the right to complain about it in the future. And Scampi-I not sure if you realize that E.D.'s anger is directed at the very same frustrations which you related to concerning your son's experience and losing recruits due to academic barriers. In the past he has criticized the school for disporportionately creating obstacles to the admission of minority athletes. This is the issue or very similar to the issue concerning the admission of late (full) qualifiers like Ryan Moats and Jemario Thomas.

[PonyFan]

.... Who count as alumni? BUS, Stallion, PK, MRYDAL, Ponyfans, the very people who blame the poor players for the losses.

Well yes, among others. Those you mentioned are loyal alumni who care passionately about SMU. And they go to games. They have the right to be critical, because they go to games and they loyally support the school and its teams.

.... I live in the northeast and sports fans say two things to me when they find out where I went to college:

1) Those Dickerson & James teams were awesome!!

2) You guys have been terrible since the DP.

In other words, you don't go to games and you can't think of positive things to say about SMU? THAT is sad.

.... I do not like to perpetually associate myself with a losing team.

I'd suggest that if you do not like supporting SMU that you should go away, but I don't think we could ever be that lucky. Loyalty includes support when times are tough and coming up with constructive ideas about how to improve situations, not endless bashing and rumor-mongering (your Burns-as-next-coach babble). What will you do when one of your children struggles in school? Tell him not to work hard, because a new teacher will solve everything?

.... The trigger for me to become active on this board is when we got killed this year by Rice. They started a freshman QB from a poor high school program that destroyed our defense.

So because Joel Armstrong's HS team didn't win enough games, there's no reason a guy who runs a legit 4.3 should be effective in an option offense coached by the godfather of the option offense? Brilliant. He was heavily recruited by SMU, too. If he was thrown into action FOR us and ran for a lot of yards or touchdowns, you'd blast opposing defenses for giving up yards/points to a talented freshman QB, just because his HS team wasn't effective? Very sound logic.

.... Anyone can see that if SMU does not get rid of its coach, we will become a bigger embarassment.

On the contrary - I see a coach who has coached great defenses and has done endless work to change the foundation of the program and recruited better athletes than at any time since football returned. I have faith in Coach Bennett, and I have faith in this group of Mustangs.

SMU 23
Tulsa 20

Go Ponies!!