Crimson Red Sports

I was stunned when three more starters were suspended and sent home just before the LSU game.  Whatever they did must have been serious for CAG to suspend them on gameday.  However, at least he sent them home when the team is entering a do-or-die stretch.  That speaks volumes about CAG and his vision for UA basketball.  I was disappointed and worried when Butch Davis was hired by my undergraduate college, UNC-CH, because I always thought his attitude was bad for NCAA sports, which IMO includes a cheat-to-win approach to the game.  I was proved correct, to the great detriment of Carolina.  I watched Dean Smith run one of the best programs of all time with never an unkind word about his approach to the game.  CAG is cut from the same bolt of cloth.

What does this mean in practical terms one can see?  After Mitchell was suspended the team improved their play substantially.  Then this, whatever it was, and a totally crippled, under staffed and very short (height) team that had NEVER played in this combination took the floor.  After a 1st half of playing "getting to know you" basketball, they came out convinced they could play with anyone and dang near beat LSU. (If I was a Tiger, I'd be ashamed of my team today).  To my thinking, this shows how well CAG coached up these Freshmen and bench warmers.  All coaches tell every man on the team to be ready to play, but the 9th-10th guy knows it will never happen.  However, CAG had THESE guys ready to step in and he got them settled down and, more importantly, confident at the half.

While I am disappointed at the 4 who have been suspended, I am proud of those who remained to play so valiantly and very pleased UA has a man of unyielding intergity as head coach.

GREAT Post  #+

Thanks for the great post, well written.  #+

Tough love can seem so cruel when discipline is necessary for a situation in a young persons life. It can be so effective in turning that persons life around into something positive and that is so important as they grow up. I had to walk that street with my youngest son and it hurt so bad but today, I am so happy that it happened.

It would have been so much easier for Coach Grant to do something different and play for the win. Instead, he risks an NCAA bid to make a point to his team. There are not many coaches who are willing to do that. For that, I salute him!

AMEN, Bros... AMEN

Great post.  I put it on the front page.

I fully support CAG and will stand by his decisions about these suspensions even if he doesn't win another game. The reasons are (a) it's the right thing to do, and (b) somewhere there are parents of a blue chip recruit who are sitting around a kitchen table saying that's the kind of man I want coaching my son.

Thanks.  I take that as an honor.

Roll Tide Coach Grant   (http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Transports/elephant-027.gif)

If anyone has questions about the character of our coaches, in all sports, then they don't know squat about the University of Alabama. I see written comments from fans of other schools saying that the only thing these coaches want is to win at all costs. As Florida Tarheel so eloquently put it, that's not the case. ALL Bama coaches have proved that they have the students best interest at heart. If that means disciplining those kids, so be it. I applaud CAG and all the Bama coaches for stepping up and doing the right thing.

It is amazing how so many have openly bashed CAG for his suspension of the players but the sad part about all of this is , no one actually knows what the suspension was for.  :dunno:  ???

Who is bashing him? I have not read a single article or post anywhere criticizing him.


 ???

I figure the REC will unleash it's exemplary investigative powers to uncover said transgressions.  ;)

That's already in progress!!  ;)

MD, read the comments on the link that Jamos posted on the "Anthony Grant discusses the latest suspensions" from Al.com.

I thought he meant some legitimate articles or Tide posters. Those clowns you refer to are probably LSU or Aubie fans who are trying to create dissension in our program.


 :popcorn2:

Nope. Just the jealous idiots on the outside looking in.  :D

This is not a bash, but a reality coaches have to deal with.  Not only are you puishing the players, but the team is also hurt for those who have done things right.  Coaches have to deal with this all the time.  I, myself, have sat player for being late and it has hurt my team.  I have since change the policy where these players don't start, but will play later if needed.  They will also have to run as part of the punishment after the next practice.  There are some punishments I have no control over, but will follow the guidlelines established by our school.

You guys have a tough job, Coach. I've done a lot of softball coaching, on the children's level, HS kids level and adult level. Sometimes it's like trying to heard a bunch of cats.

I thought that was hearding a bunch of Rabbits, lol. RTR!

 :lol: Tough to heard either of those critters.

Yeah, you're right! He couldn't herd cats or rabbits. Best work is cheerleading other posters. If Mee Maw finds him posting on here she'll send him to his "Alabama Room". :huge eye roll:

You go BAMAWV. Tell it like it is, and btw, I didn't know you could read Chinese. Great job, rofl. RTR!

I won't lie to you preacher. I have trouble reading Chinese! :(

Coach, I understand where you are coming from - I have coached on the school level in the past. However, I believe what CAG is dealing with in these two players goes way beyond tardiness. I truly feel he is making a stand for his team's future - probably not the immediate future, but beyond. I would bet this is eating him up inside, but I applaud him for the stand he is taking. I am willing to bet that most people close to the situation knows what has gone on, and they have Grant's back. Just my 2 cent's worth...

Carl I agree with you completely.  I was just making a point of some of the factors coaches have to consider when making these decisions.

Los calles son verde pero mi tio esta infermo!