Link to Presser?

[Allezchat]

Welcome to the FCS, Coach Stitt. It's a little different here. There's a professional and thoughtful way of handling these things. Just as I was critical of how MSU handled Coach Ash, I'm critical of this and the attitude at the presser. If you won't communicate with the "press," it's your fault if they have to rely on "sources."

Well said.

 

[Allezchat]

He also said it's ridiculous for these reporters to quote "sources" and use the word sources because he said Half the time they aren't true and that if you want the source it needs to be directly from Stitt. He was pissed. i'd say Colter has some explaining to do

There is zero reason to give Colter access. If I was Stitt, I would not. None. AJ, Kaimin and others do well for us. Colter's coverage of the Big Sky wit large...without the Griz...is like no coverage at all.

You haven't really paid attention to his coverage. Best reporter in the Big Sky.

 

[signedbewildered]

Welcome to the FCS, Coach Stitt. It's a little different here. There's a professional and thoughtful way of handling these things. Just as I was critical of how MSU handled Coach Ash, I'm critical of this and the attitude at the presser. If you won't communicate with the "press," it's your fault if they have to rely on "sources."

So how should have he handled it? Contacted the press with a list of changes he was making? I see your point in a way but doing that would certainly draw fire too. From what I gathered he didn't want any of the kids names in the headlines.

 

[Potomac Griz]

Welcome to the FCS, Coach Stitt. It's a little different here. There's a professional and thoughtful way of handling these things. Just as I was critical of how MSU handled Coach Ash, I'm critical of this and the attitude at the presser. If you won't communicate with the "press," it's your fault if they have to rely on "sources."

The professional and thoughtful way is to not go blabbing to the media immediately about a sensitive topic like college kids being cut. Stitt was professional in how he handled it. The alleged "source" who leaked the info and the reporter who plastered it all over twitter without verifying any of it was correct was not very professional.

Instead of it being handled like the reporter is some wannabe-TMZ gossip spewer maybe he should have done a little more digging before putting incorrect info all over twitter.

 

[Grizzlies1982]

The other part that really struck me was when he said guys need to be accountable and can't just get a scholarship and think they can cruise here for five years. I don't want to speculate too much but I felt that was pointed at someone or a few players. Thought it was interesting he used the term five years almost referring to one of our young players. I'm probably reading too much into that.

Hooked, he may have had a few individuals in mind.

However I am guessing that comment was addressed to EVERYONE on the team. He talked about hitting the weight room and earning it EVERY DAY, not just once at recruitment.

 

[SoldierGriz]

He also said it's ridiculous for these reporters to quote "sources" and use the word sources because he said Half the time they aren't true and that if you want the source it needs to be directly from Stitt. He was pissed. i'd say Colter has some explaining to do

There is zero reason to give Colter access. If I was Stitt, I would not. None. AJ, Kaimin and others do well for us. Colter's coverage of the Big Sky wit large...without the Griz...is like no coverage at all.

You haven't really paid attention to his coverage. Best reporter in the Big Sky.

He may need the Griz, but the Griz do not need him. cats do. And, agree to disagree on your assessment of his work.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

Welcome to the FCS, Coach Stitt. It's a little different here. There's a professional and thoughtful way of handling these things. Just as I was critical of how MSU handled Coach Ash, I'm critical of this and the attitude at the presser. If you won't communicate with the "press," it's your fault if they have to rely on "sources."

What did Stitt do thats not proffessional? Cut some kids??? We brought him here to WIN FOOTBALL GAMES....not take care of kids feelings. We could have a guy like Ash that just doesnt hurt anyones feelings....is wishy washy on all decisions..and guess what...we'd be .500 every year! I love Stitts approach!

 

[UMGriz75]

The other part that really struck me was when he said guys need to be accountable and can't just get a scholarship and think they can cruise here for five years. I don't want to speculate too much but I felt that was pointed at someone or a few players. Thought it was interesting he used the term five years almost referring to one of our young players. I'm probably reading too much into that.

The problem with a crack like that is that it is an invitation to read something into it, and it does pretty specifically aim at a young athlete with huge scholarship potential that ... just got let go. Of course people are going to "read" into that. It's an open invitation to do so.

Oh man, what is it with this guy? "Don't speculate" and then he puts down a player(s) with some half-assed comment like that? No problem with him "sharing" that with the player of concern, but to effectively humiliate a young man in public like that, apparently out of some generic anger at the press, after himself botching the "let go" process right out of the gate ... suddenly I am sensing a long and difficult learning curve here ....

 

[UMGriz75]

However I am guessing that comment was addressed to EVERYONE on the team. He talked about hitting the weight room and earning it EVERY DAY, not just once at recruitment.

Isn't that what team meetings are for?

 

[SoldierGriz]

However I am guessing that comment was addressed to EVERYONE on the team. He talked about hitting the weight room and earning it EVERY DAY, not just once at recruitment.

Isn't that what team meetings are for?

He is also speaking to the kids he is recruiting right now, Tis the season...setting expectations. Many will be attracted to the intensity. He is not saying things other coaches don't say. Work hard...all the time.

 

[UMGriz75]

What did Stitt do thats not proffessional? Cut some kids??? We brought him here to WIN FOOTBALL GAMES....not take care of kids feelings. We could have a guy like Ash that just doesnt hurt anyones feelings....is wishy washy on all decisions..and guess what...we'd be .500 every year! I love Stitts approach!

Here's an alternative when you are not in the NFL and are dealing with young people, with families and friends, and futures just developing, and you are also not Mike Kramer dealing with murders and drug dealers, you know, because its all about WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES!

I wasn't complaining about the speed or the timing, but obviously information started dribbling out, the SID said a couple of things, some rumors got out there about a couple of players that weren't true, which likely caused some consternation among the players, a couple of coaches issued corrections on their own -- all the kinds of things that happen in this day and age because of social media.

Because this is a different day and a different era, things of this sort need to be controlled and organized; let the affected kids know and issue a press release so there is no second-guessing. Shut down the rumor mill before it starts and, by all means, do it graciously. Thank these kids, say some good things about them as players and people, and don't issue odd statements about "chemistry" for some and nothing about others.

Or imply that some freshman is taking advantage of the scholarship five year plan and is too lazy to work for it. And then let him go.

 

[UMGriz75]

He is also speaking to the kids he is recruiting right now, Tis the season...setting expectations.

How many of them were there?

 

[poorgriz]

Welcome to the FCS, Coach Stitt. It's a little different here. There's a professional and thoughtful way of handling these things. Just as I was critical of how MSU handled Coach Ash, I'm critical of this and the attitude at the presser. If you won't communicate with the "press," it's your fault if they have to rely on "sources."

What did Stitt do thats not proffessional? Cut some kids??? We brought him here to WIN FOOTBALL GAMES....not take care of kids feelings. We could have a guy like Ash that just doesnt hurt anyones feelings....is wishy washy on all decisions..and guess what...we'd be .500 every year! I love Stitts approach!

Actually, Ash was more like a .700 coach throughout his career. Stitt is more like a .600 coach based on his career. What did you guys end up, 8-5? Seems about like what you can expect from here on out. .700 wasn't good enough for the CATS according to fields so he made a change, hopefully an upgrade. How long before Stitt gets the boot over there?

 

[Potomac Griz]

UMGriz75 - On one hand you're complaining about Stitt not communicating with the press about players being cut. On the other hand you're complaining about Stitt making a generic statement to the press about how ALL players need to bust ass each year and keep earning their scholarship.

I'm getting the feeling that no matter what Stitt does you're going to find fault with it... If he talks to the press then you think he didn't say the right things and was bashing the players. If he doesn't talk to the press and some choad posts incorrect info on twitter then that's Stitt's fault too.

I think Stitt handled this perfectly fine. He didn't talk about the player cuts and later in the press conference only made a statement about how players need to earn their scholarship every year and can't coast. That isn't bashing any particular player or set of players. It's making a statement that everyone knows but may need a reminder of from time to time. Nothing wrong with that at all.

 

[Dannyboy03867]

UMGriz75 - On one hand you're complaining about Stitt not communicating with the press about players being cut. On the other hand you're complaining about Stitt making a generic statement to the press about how ALL players need to bust ass each year and keep earning their scholarship.

I'm getting the feeling that no matter what Stitt does you're going to find fault with it... If he talks to the press then you think he didn't say the right things and was bashing the players. If he doesn't talk to the press and some choad posts incorrect info on twitter then that's Stitt's fault too.

I think Stitt handled this perfectly fine. He didn't talk about the player cuts and later in the press conference only made a statement about how players need to earn their scholarship every year and can't coast. That isn't bashing any particular player or set of players. It's making a statement that everyone knows but may need a reminder of from time to time. Nothing wrong with that at all.

+1

 

[Potomac Griz]

What did you guys end up, 8-5? Seems about like what you can expect from here on out.

Yes, because the first year at a program without the pieces in place to run his offense is a great indication of how every year is going to go. :roll:

Remember Hauck? First year 9-4 with a first round loss in the playoffs at home & a loss to the Cats. How did the rest of Hauck's years go?

 

[SoldierGriz]

He is also speaking to the kids he is recruiting right now, Tis the season...setting expectations.

How many of them were there?

Dozens....kids WILL WATCH everything the coach touches during recruiting. Parents as well. This will archive, and they will watch.

 

[SoldierGriz]

UMGriz75 - On one hand you're complaining about Stitt not communicating with the press about players being cut. On the other hand you're complaining about Stitt making a generic statement to the press about how ALL players need to bust ass each year and keep earning their scholarship.

I'm getting the feeling that no matter what Stitt does you're going to find fault with it... If he talks to the press then you think he didn't say the right things and was bashing the players. If he doesn't talk to the press and some choad posts incorrect info on twitter then that's Stitt's fault too.

I think Stitt handled this perfectly fine. He didn't talk about the player cuts and later in the press conference only made a statement about how players need to earn their scholarship every year and can't coast. That isn't bashing any particular player or set of players. It's making a statement that everyone knows but may need a reminder of from time to time. Nothing wrong with that at all.

:agree:

 

[horribilisfan8184]

UMGriz75 - On one hand you're complaining about Stitt not communicating with the press about players being cut. On the other hand you're complaining about Stitt making a generic statement to the press about how ALL players need to bust ass each year and keep earning their scholarship.

I'm getting the feeling that no matter what Stitt does you're going to find fault with it... If he talks to the press then you think he didn't say the right things and was bashing the players. If he doesn't talk to the press and some choad posts incorrect info on twitter then that's Stitt's fault too.

I think Stitt handled this perfectly fine. He didn't talk about the player cuts and later in the press conference only made a statement about how players need to earn their scholarship every year and can't coast. That isn't bashing any particular player or set of players. It's making a statement that everyone knows but may need a reminder of from time to time. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Interesting. Stitt bashers know athletes on scholarship will be held accountable academically, but say Stitt can't hold them athletically accountable. There were two teams Saturday, one on which every player seemed energized, focused, disciplined and engaged, and another where those traits were lacking in many. I applaud Stitt for caring enough about this team and this University and this Montana community to weed out those players who don't push for the next level every day in everything they do.

You can bet the guys not cut will be working their butts off come spring practice, summer workouts, and fall camp. Glad Stiit won't keep a kid on just because he's the kid or nephew of some big time booster or former coach.

 

[UMGriz75]

He didn't talk about the player cuts and later in the press conference only made a statement about how players need to earn their scholarship every year and can't coast. That isn't bashing any particular player or set of players. It's making a statement that everyone knows but may need a reminder of from time to time. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Well, a well-designed press conference can do that. Pretending that this one had that purpose by adding it as a tail end to a press conference obviously designed to allow him to "vent" at the "misinformation" that is his own d*** fault has ... a different effect.

A petulant Bobby Hauck didn't really do any favors for anybody by throwing tantrums at the press. It made him appear petty and jejune. Holding a press conference to throw a similar public tantrum, and then trying to justify it as an appeal to ... recruiting?

Seriously?