The pain of the lack of competitiveness in the last two years, coupled with the precipitous decline in the financial stability of the athletic department, have eliminated the need for any "crow eating". Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while, so things may turn around, but the amount of damage done will be extremely hard to overcome and hardly anything to "crow" about as if it was all part of a master plan.

Well said John Davis and I think there is a lot of support for that position, outlook, etc. I thought the AD was actively looking for another job and if so why did we extend his contract and give him a raise. I don't think he earned either. I understand showing loyalty and rewarding performance but what did the AD do to deserve either. He fired the football coach, hired a guy (who I personally do not have an issue with) for on the job training and now it appears we have overextended ourselves financially. I will support the Pirates forever and have since the early 70's but some things are not adding up.

I might as well continue to support my alma mater. Coach Mo said we would be bowling for '18 for certain. OK. I'll stay positive. If we don't I'll expect some changes. But if we do I would hope that you guys show up on this sight to eat some crow (and maybe some of that nasty mess they call western NC BBQ!). GO PIRATES!!!

Agree, John Davis.

Well spoken John Davis.

Well said John Davis.

The ship in your analogy which represents Pirate athletics has been guided off course by a navigator making bad decisions in the areas of personnel, spending and financial planning. The results are showing in a lack of competitiveness and financial instability. At a time when the captains of the ship (chancellor and board of trustees) should be correcting the offcourse trajectory of the navigator, they have chosen to reward the lack of performance of the navigator instead of performing their due diligence and correcting the ship’s course, and making sure the course is adhered to. To expect those financing the fuel to propel the ship forward to blindly pour more fuel into a ship headed into a competitive and financial wreck is just wrong. The captains of the ship need to correct the direction of the vessel with sound management and appropriate personnel decisions before expecting anyone to blindly follow. Until those actions are taken in a transparent manner, expect to see the one quarter full venues we witnessed in our main revenue sport this fall. Investors work too hard for their resources to throw them at a directionless vessel.

Sammy, Thanks for update on new recruits. Several sources have us listed in middle of AAC ranking 2018 recruits. Do you agree?? Also, what are biggest need's for Feb. signing? Lunch in Burlington is still available, maybe with Touloupas.

Great Article Bethany!

Outstanding article. Tom Southern '74

Incredible read. Thanks so much for this article!

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What about Rick Pitino; rumor is that he wants back into coaching. Granted he has baggage, but no evidence has been produced that he instructed the Assistant to pay and provide benefits to prospects. Pitino could put ECU on the fast track to winning beyond what has ever occurred in in Greenville. But, there would have to be a full understanding as to what would be tolerated. Then, there's the money angle, but if he is not getting offers with big bucks he may consider ECU.

Waiting!

Re that bowl guarantee comment, I have a feeling that Coach said that out of 1) sheer desperation to say something, anything positive, and 2) an acknowledgement that he's likely finished if they don't win 5 or 6 games anyway, so he pretty much has nothing to lose in his prediction.