HornSports Staff
HornSports.com
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2013
- Messages
- 2,521
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Due to the sensitivity of certain issues on campus this past week, multiple sources elected to sit this week’s Crossfire out but, we still have some good stuff from our the reliable Friends of Bevo.
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McPhaul: My goodness, what on earth is going on at the 40 acres?
FOB: It is messy and to be quite honest, I don’t see it clearing up anytime soon. There are factions everywhere.
McPhaul: Elaborate please.
FOB: When you replace an athletic director that has been in office for over thirty years, an iconic football coach that was on campus for the past sixteen years, the University’s President, and the Chancellor all within a year, you are going to have a lot of people jockeying for position. Everyone is trying to assure their agenda is met.
McPhaul: Go on.
FOB: What you are witnessing is a chess match on multiple fronts and it’s compounded by the fact that it’s taking place in a election year. Some big money donors, and you know who, are swinging the money weapon and naturally they have the ears of some big wheels in the legislature – their money has financed plenty of political careers and when you have that kind of bargaining chip, people listen. This cannot be overlooked.
McPhaul: Has this enabled Powers to set his own retirement date?
FOB: Darrell, I know you, and I know you don’t like to share information in a cryptic manner…I was simply told that a BMD that opposed Strong (and loved Mack) is heavily invested in creating a new regime. What would be your conclusion?
This aside, there are significant political ramifications at stake. There is a power struggle going on behind the scenes that not everyone is aware of - nor are they aware of all the motivations. Right now, everyone of consequence is sort of hunkering down - to see how this plays out.
This topic is a fiery one, they are opinions wide and varied. I hope you understand how volatile this could be and proceed with caution. Our credibility could be on the line here.
As far as threats of fund withdrawal to leverage Powers - I really don't know. I was told that campaign financing could be affected and the new UT President will need to walk the party line…and I am not talking the Republican line.
McPhaul: Last year you mentioned that some of the BMD’s were interested in Condoleezza Rice as a replacement for Bill Powers, is there still interest?
FOB: Yes but, over the certain BMD’s dead body. You know which one I’m speaking of.
McPhaul: Switching gears, why did Chancellor Cigarroa flip the switch on Powers when he did? Some sources told me he was leveraged by some of BOR members that had committed to funding his new center in San Antonio. According to this source, the funding was threatened unless he complied with the firing of Powers.
FOB: I’m not sure if that occurred but, the Chancellor definitely did not do this on his own accord (regardless of what he is saying).
McPhaul: Speaking of the Chancellor, why no alcohol sales after it was tested at basketball and baseball games?
FOB: Again, certain individuals are directing the Chancellor on these decisions. These individuals do not like Steve Patterson and have no intentions of assisting him getting anything going that the public would see as a positive.
McPhaul: Is the dislike for Patterson because he prefers to work close to the vest?
FOB: That is only part of the equation. The other piece in play is that most of the changes Patterson intends on making effect some long time employees that have built strong relationships with some of our BMD’s over the years. Patterson also hired a football coach that was not the first, second or third choice of some of the BMD’s. You get my drift?
McPhaul: Next subject…what is the deal on Plonsky?
FOB: I actually heard she was scheduled to get reassigned last week but, the Powers situation put that on the back burner. Again, everything is on hold until some of the major pieces shake out.
McPhaul: On another subject, recruiting appears to be making progress.
FOB: As I encouraged you in the past, give Strong the time necessary to build relationships and he will do some serious damage. Coach is really is a great guy but, you need to spend some time around him to get the full gist of who he is.
Charlie is dead set on doing it the right way. Take a look at the A&M 2013 class and tell me what parent of a high school prospect would feel good about the type of program Sumlin is running.
That class has already lost 5 of the top 9 recruits, and the hits keep coming. The offensive line contingent will be very thin with only a possible transfer and a grey shirt contributing from that class. Several others from that class do not appear to be able to make the two deep at this time. It’s a mess in College Station.
