- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 3,282
- Reaction score
- 686
Let's face it. When we step away from the emotion of the moment - the rage at Saban, the disappointment with Huizenga not building a winner, etc. There are a few things that are clear.
Nick Saban was unhappy as a professional coach. I believe he gave a significant effort but I also believe he was not suited to the pro game (not the pure coaching, per se, but the entire structure of finding talent and leading a team). And, it may well be the case that his family was not suited to the South Florida culture. Then, he saw this as an opportunity to change his circumstances which might not arise in the future. All of that is understandable. However, if Saban were following through with his own principles - of commitment and dedication in the face of trial - then he needed to stick with the job.
Yet, Saban's greatest flaw was his arrogance. Arrogance that made him think he could dismiss the media and say whatever he wanted to - thereby misleading those who depended on him for forthrightness. He was hypocritical. He brought bald-face lying to a new height. He could have handled a difficult situation in an entirely different way. He could have simply stated that he was not going to take any questions regarding any jobs during the season - that he was the coach of the Miami Dolphins.
On the other hand, the Dolphins, particularly, Huizenga and Shula have shown class.
Huizenga took the highest road possible in his discussion about Saban. I will always appreciate him for that. Further, while one might criticize Huizenga, there is no doubt he wants the best for the Miami Dolphins and their fans, that he is willing to put his money on the line for the team as well.
Shula's recent comments were different from Huizenga's. What he said this morning did not pull any punches. And, as the former coach of the team - really the definitive face of the franchise - I believe he was justified to say what he said about Saban (Comments listed below). Though they took very different roads, both demonstrated a form of class for which Dolphins fans can be proud. Huizenga for being kind in his comments about Saban and showing true character and compassion. Shula for stating clearly what the problems were with Nick Saban. Here are Shula's comments on Saban from this morning on Mike & Mike (I Tivo'd the show and am quoting verbatim from ESPN2 this morning):
"He had a job to do here and if he was going to do the job, you say that and you live up to it (with reference to his statement about not going to Alabama), if you don't mean it then you don't say it."
"He put himself in a box by all of the things he said. He likes to talk alot, he's a very wordy person. And he says all of these things and he talks to the players about what he expects from them and he doesn't live up to his own expectations."
Well said. The Dolphins were hurt by Saban. But, I appreciate the character of both Huizenga and Shula and feel better about being a Dolphin fan today than I have in quite some time (even though I was a Saban supporter from the beginning - I drank the coolaid - but realize it was a mistake).
Nick Saban was unhappy as a professional coach. I believe he gave a significant effort but I also believe he was not suited to the pro game (not the pure coaching, per se, but the entire structure of finding talent and leading a team). And, it may well be the case that his family was not suited to the South Florida culture. Then, he saw this as an opportunity to change his circumstances which might not arise in the future. All of that is understandable. However, if Saban were following through with his own principles - of commitment and dedication in the face of trial - then he needed to stick with the job.
Yet, Saban's greatest flaw was his arrogance. Arrogance that made him think he could dismiss the media and say whatever he wanted to - thereby misleading those who depended on him for forthrightness. He was hypocritical. He brought bald-face lying to a new height. He could have handled a difficult situation in an entirely different way. He could have simply stated that he was not going to take any questions regarding any jobs during the season - that he was the coach of the Miami Dolphins.
On the other hand, the Dolphins, particularly, Huizenga and Shula have shown class.
Huizenga took the highest road possible in his discussion about Saban. I will always appreciate him for that. Further, while one might criticize Huizenga, there is no doubt he wants the best for the Miami Dolphins and their fans, that he is willing to put his money on the line for the team as well.
Shula's recent comments were different from Huizenga's. What he said this morning did not pull any punches. And, as the former coach of the team - really the definitive face of the franchise - I believe he was justified to say what he said about Saban (Comments listed below). Though they took very different roads, both demonstrated a form of class for which Dolphins fans can be proud. Huizenga for being kind in his comments about Saban and showing true character and compassion. Shula for stating clearly what the problems were with Nick Saban. Here are Shula's comments on Saban from this morning on Mike & Mike (I Tivo'd the show and am quoting verbatim from ESPN2 this morning):
"He had a job to do here and if he was going to do the job, you say that and you live up to it (with reference to his statement about not going to Alabama), if you don't mean it then you don't say it."
"He put himself in a box by all of the things he said. He likes to talk alot, he's a very wordy person. And he says all of these things and he talks to the players about what he expects from them and he doesn't live up to his own expectations."
Well said. The Dolphins were hurt by Saban. But, I appreciate the character of both Huizenga and Shula and feel better about being a Dolphin fan today than I have in quite some time (even though I was a Saban supporter from the beginning - I drank the coolaid - but realize it was a mistake).
