AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2006 > May > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLongevity of Bowden, Paterno worth celebrating
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When I was a very young reporter one of my mentors, Irwin Smallwood of the Greensboro (N.C.) News & Record, gave me some very good advice:
“Never be cynical but ALWAYS be skeptical.”
It was a piece of wisdom that has served me well.
But sometimes it is hard not to be cynical about college football.
When a Texas player’s national championship ring ends up on eBay just months after one of the greatest college football games in history, it’s hard not to be cynical.
When coaches cut academic and ethical corners because the money has become so great, it’s hard not to be cynical.
When boosters buy players with no regard to the damage it can do to the institution they profess to love, it’s hard not to be cynical.
When college presidents talk about academic integrity and then fire a coach who doesn’t cheat and who graduates most of his players, it’s hard not to be cynical.
There are times, my friends, when this job makes you want to stand up and shout:
“What the hell are you people doing to our game!”
But then comes a day like Thursday when, for 30 unforgettable minutes, you listen to Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno.
The two most successful coaches in Division I-A history were on a conference call Thursday when the National Football Foundation announced that the two men would share the Gold Medal, the highest award given by that organization. Now this is not an old coaches award. Among the previous recipients are Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and John Wayne. This is a really big deal.
Bowden is 76. Paterno is 79. Both have been head football coaches for 40 years. Both have been coaches for over 50 years. Think of that.
When Bowden was 13 years old, he was confined to his bed for over a year with rheumatic fever. With only his radio to keep him company, Bowden listened to reports of World War II at night and Alabama football on Saturday afternoons. He could have taken his money and gone to the beach a long time ago, but he still wants to coach.
“I stayed in because I finally got to the point where I could help people,” said Bowden.
In 1950 Paterno was 23 years old and headed to law school but needed a job to repay a $2,000 debt. So he became an assistant football coach at Penn State. He’s still there.
“When I told my dad that I wanted to try this (coaching), he told me to make sure that I made a contribution to the institution,” said Paterno.
Not only has Paterno been a part of Penn State football for 56 years, several years ago he and his wife, Sue, pledged $3.5 million of their own money to endow faculty positions and scholarships.
Now I’m not saying that these men are without flaws. Their football programs have been touched by disappointment. Some of their players have gotten on the wrong side of the law. In a world of instant news, there are times when both men seem out of place.
I would submit that being out of place in today’s climate is probably a good thing. For at the end of the day it can be argued that both men care about the game and care about the people who play the game. That doesn’t make them perfect but it does make them unusual.
Today’s game-with all of its pressure, money, and media attention-will never again allow a man to coach at one school for 30 years. Just as surely as radio gave way to TV and TV gave way to the internet, once Bowden and Paterno are gone, the era of college football’s great coaching icons-Bryant, Neyland, Vaught, Osborne, Hayes, Dooley-will be over.
So let’s enjoy Bowden and Paterno while they are still here. Regardless of how many games they win, their continued presence should make us all a little less cynical about the game. And that’s worth celebrating.
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Comments
By uga4ever
May 26, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
I agree! Those days are over. With the NFL paying so much and Universities constantly raising their coach’s salaries, it is difficult to keep a successful head coach. I believe and hope that Coach Richt will be in Athens for quite some time. He has said on many occasions that his wife and kids are very happy. I think he is the type of man who wants to keep his family happy more so than for his own personal gain. He is making over 2 mill. a season now, and I think that as long as UGA keeps him among the highest paid coaches, he will stay here. Only time will tell, though.
By Richt Cheats
May 26, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
First of all…..Do not compare Bowden and Joe Paterno…..One is everything that is right about college football and the other(Bowden) is a hypocrytical cheater….And you have the nerve to list Vince Dooley as one of college football’s coaching icons….Do you think just maybe you should have listed Heisman and Dodd before mentioning Dooley….Barnhart, you sir are a turd………
By gdawginkalamazoo
May 26, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Richt Cheats, Dooley had a few more WINS than Dodd. Also Dodd has that so called “stadium” which would demolished if you could find an engineer in the ATL capable of doing so. Guess you could wait on an Auburn grad. You sound like a disgruntled ACC fan.
By PolarBear
May 26, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Richt Cheats youy are sick. Bobby Bowden is the farthest thing from being a cheater. He’s a great man and a great coach. Like Tony said, he is not without flaws. Your only cheating yourself by thinking this.Your criticism of Tony Barnhart also is way off base.
By Randy
May 26, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know the reason why people say that Bowden does not have as many wins as they say he does ? Something about the school he was coaching at was not a division 1 school and they are counting those wins in his total.
By TitletownUSA
May 26, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
Bowden and Paterno, two of the all time greats. They are tremendous men who will leave a huge mark on the game.
Hopefully, Richt will one day be mentioned in the same way those guys are.
By northwestDawg
May 26, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
A long time ago, I was Sports Director of WECA-TV, the ABC outlet in TAllahhassee(sp?)Our station broadcast FSUs Away games back to the Seminole. It was the year of the Octoberfest when the ‘Noles played Nebraska,Ohio State, Notra Dame, Pittsburgh and LSU 5 weeks in a row and all games on the road. I did a pre-game show every week and had Coach Bowden on it. During those times I was honored to get to know him and his family on a personal basis. Don’t go telling me he’s a cheat or anything else like that. It hurt him deeply when his players would get in trouble. He always tried to do what was best for the player. He refused to cave into the media or anyone else. He would give out the punishment that fit the wrong doing. I don’t want to hog this blog so I’ll end by saying that Bobby Bowden is as fine a man as any one I’ve ever met. Is he perfect? No! Has he made mistakes? Yes! But every thing that Tony wrote is right on. If anyone has questions fire them at me. I was there for the late night “off the record” talks we had in his small office. Inside stuff? You bet! Ask away!!!!
By LATrojan
May 26, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
I disagree that we will never see a coach stay with a school akin to Bowden or Paterno, precisely because of the rising coaching salaries. If a Miami, ND, Oklahoma, UGA, or USC gets a great coach, they have the money to keep him there, even with the pros sniffing around. I have a feeling that Richt will be at Georgia for a while to come, and Stoops will have to have 2 or 3 more seasons like the last to lose his job - not likely. Carroll will likely be at USC until a pro team offers him complete control, barring an Erickson type meltdown. Admittedly, the chance of a coach staying at a school 30+ years is minimal - but it was in JoePa/Bowden’s day, as well.
By Chris Rix, Sr.
May 27, 2006 06:21 AM | Link to this
Watch out, TB!
Back away from the buffet table, Tony, and put down the Kool-Aid! Keep swallowing marshmellows and pretty soon you’ll wind up with a bad case of Lyme Disease. Coaches cutting academic corners? Let me tell you a story. In Dec. of 2003, I found my son was lagging in some of his courses. I talked to the Academic Athletic Support Director at FSU, the President, the AD, the Compliance guy, and then made an appointment with Coach Bowden’s secretary to see him one hour after I talked to the Compliance guy. I got to his office because I was not to pleased when the Academic guy says: “I failed your son, Chris”. While I’m cooling my heels, two FSU police show up carrying automatics, and, catch this, say they are here to “escort me from the building”, as “per Bob Minnix (the compliance guy I just talked to”, due to Coach Bowden’s “bowl preparations”. and Bowden calls you guys (journalists) cowards? In bed pulling for our boys overseas. What a load of crap. What battle has Bowden won that somebody else didn’t fight for him. Big Patton buff. Ever read the story about his hare-brained scheme to send 300 men 60 miles into enemy-territory to rescue his son-in-law at a POW camp? Great read. Oh, about 25 men get killed, and his son-in-law gets shot in the butt, but hey, nobody questions Patton. Sounds like the “Chris Rix be the scapegoat” story until my son gets his coaching training wheels off? Big talk about God, but breaks the 1st Commandment by having a great big statue of himself sitting outside his temple. One version of being a Christian: lay your Son’s life down for everybody else. Bobby’s version? Lay others lives down for my son. Iknow, I watched it personnally. House at the beach? Sure, isn’t that what it’s all about? Got one for Tommy, when he dumped FSU’s title hopes to save his son’s job, IN MY OPINION. Just check his axles for the blood and guts of others. As far as I’m concerned, Barkhart, the right question is “What the hell are people like you doing to the game?”
By Rambler
May 27, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
I think we’re all quickly reminded of why Chris Rix Jr. had the issues he did and why so many people feel bad for the kid. Look where he comes from. Everything I’ve ever heard about Sr. is bad. Time to check back into reality Mr Rix.
By JK
May 27, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
There were several reasons Chris moved all the way from California to Florida to play football. Amoung those was Richt & Bowden.
But the most obvious one was to get as far away from Rix,Sr and his delusional personality as possible. Your right Rambler…. he explains a lot of the problems Chris had.
By reality check
May 27, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
I am neither a Penn State nor Florida State fan, but Paterno and Bowden command respect and positive comments, as do Vince Dooley and Mark Richt. The people on this blog criticizing Richt, Dooley, or Bowden are clearly disturbed and pitiful.
By TitletownUSA
May 27, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
NorthwestDawg, as a former resident of Tallahassee, I used to enjoy those local broadcasts. Back before we had a gajillion games on every week, those local broadcasts were a great way to keep the locals up to date. Even though I wasn’t/am not a Seminole, you guys did a great job with those.
I remember WAGA in Atlanta used to have “Dawg Vision” for UGA road games in the early 80’s too.
By Chris Rix, Sr.
May 28, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
To Rambler & JK.
Too bad you don’t know Jack. I know Jack. And you’re no Jack. You’re Jack…whatever. I also know I’ve done two youth football clinics at Camp Pendleton Wire Mtn. Youth Center with 3 NFL QB’s, worked with the NFL getting the Convoy of Hope, which gives out food, clothing, & medicine to low- income communities (www.convoyofhope.com) sanctioned as a SuperBowl host committee event last year in Jacksonville, officiated over 450 youth/high school football games (40 last year), and 150 youth/h.s. baseball games and that you couldn’t last 5 minutes out on a football field with me. Try me. I also know that Coach Bowden said to me, in his office “I’ll treat your son just like mine”, with a straight face. Now you tell me, did he? Furthermore, if he had said, “Uh, after Mark Richt leaves Jeff will be the new OC” I don’t think I would have been too excited. But I did tell him Norm Chow was available. Of course, it did the coaching staff 4 years to call the guy. A little slow on the uptake, wouldn’t you say, Mrs. Know-it-all???
By SB
May 29, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
You know the song, “It’s five o’clock somewhere”? It oughta be CR Sr.’s theme song.
You make a bitter old fool, sir. And you give your son a large cross to bear.
By Robert
May 29, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
It is truly sad that Rix sr?? takes this forum to express his obvious bitterness over his son’s lack of success at FSU.
I sincerely doubt his son feels such anger towards Bowden. He was given every chance imaginable to succeed and unfortunately was extremely inconsistent.
Rix sr,
If you are truly Chris’s dad, You are a total embarrassment and totally classless. I actually liked your son. He seemed very respectful and carried himself quite well in public.
Of course the students at FSU thought differently. From your remarks I am beginning to think maybe they were right in their dislike and that isn’t a good sign.
Sr,
You just shot yourself in the foot bigtime!! And yes, Bowden bent over backwards in support of your son. Too bad you are too blind to see it. Heck, he allowed Chris to be the only QB in FSU history to lose to Miami 5 straight times. That will be a record hard to beat.
What next? Are you going to blame Bobby for Chris oversleeping or parking in handicap parking spaces? How about taking a little responsibility for these actions your self!! After all you are his father!!!
By RA
May 29, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
You took the words out of my mouth SB…I worked with a compnay Sr. was “employed” with for a couple weeks…and according to his red nose….it was always 5:00 somewhere… It made me understand all of Chris’ issues quickly.
By Hollywood Nole
May 29, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
Mr Rix I can assure you that even though Bobby Bowden is not a perfect man(like we all are not) He did bend over backwards for your son while he was at FSU. Despite the fact He got in trouble Off the feild and made stupid decisions(Throwing off his back foot and in triple coverege 80-90% of the time) on it. I can remember countless interveiw after countless interveiw of Bowden Defending Rix, Jr after he litterally GAVE away games(Including 5 times against UM) saying “he’s getting the hang of it” until he couldnt anymore. The only reasons he was benched his Senoir Year beacause It got to a piont that He was getting WORSE as the season went along and he had to get demoted. Im guessingyour still bitter about your Son not making it to the NFL so I will let it pass
By Doc1936
May 29, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
Thoughts for Rix, Sr. 1)The apple didn’t fall far from the tree — no wonder Jr. never made it, 2)Because Bobby is a principled man, you & your problems are probably the only reason your son got to screw up for 5 years at FSU…(he was probably trying to make it up to Chris for having an idiot for a father)and who are you blaming for him not being good enough to play in the NFL?
By enough
May 29, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
Enough of this. If this “Chris Rix Sr” is just some joker, I feel sorry for the Rix’s name to be insulted and he should just be ignored. If he is telling the truth, he is simply embarrassing himself and should be ignored. Regardless of how CR performed, no one can criticize his effort. That kid sacraficed himself on every play and should be respected.
Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno are ventige. They are priceless. They are both honorable men who believe in the virtue of the game that is seldom understood these days. I respect both of them tremendously and will miss them greatly when they are gone.
By nate
May 29, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this
“Sr.”
You truly are the most ignorant person who may have ever spoken.
You want to talk about taking responsibilties, Chris needs to look in the mirror. Here are a few things this idiot did while in college:
1) Handed out business cards that said “Chris Rix…FSU QB” even before he practiced.
2) Overslept for a final and missed the Sugar Bowl, costing FSU the game.
3) Parked in a handicapped spot because his was damn cocky and too self involved to park like a regular person.
4) Took it upon himself to be the worst, most ridiculous “QB” in college football history. There was a reason his high school coached moved him to reciever.
Listen, your son couldn’t get it done at FSU. Bowden let him play, while the more talented kids like AD, Walker, etc just sat around. Your “son’s” “religion” was what kept him around.
By james anderson
May 30, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this
To Rix Sr: There were many FSU fans that backed your son’s efforts to be a great FSU quarterback. I was astounded with some of his plays, great and awful, but, pops, stop the insanity you are showing your arse regarding Bowden comments. Your son was not the center of the universe, he was one of many who played and failed to keep up his end of the bargin from time to time. He wouldn’t be on radio today without the FSU connection, period.
By Sean McLaughlin
May 30, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
nate, How about directing your criticisms to Rix Sr. instead of a quarterback who did everything in his power to win games at FSU. Also, quit thinking you are an insider and know why Bowden kept him in the game.
By Dave
May 30, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Bobby never threw Chris under the bus. Sr. really needs to come back to reality. You blame everything on everyone else, just like you claim Bobby does. You should be treating Bobby like a saint. He did everything but lie for your son.
By William Knight
May 30, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
Is this the same Rix Sr. who was busted for stealing steaks at Publix nevermind a bad alcoholic?
By Leslie Sexton
May 30, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
Rix Sr, much like his son = Hypocrite.
By Matthew Brown
May 30, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
I love Chris Rix… no matter what anyone says about him. He is a handsome man and a solid citizen. Maybe one day Nole nation will be fortunate enough to have him as our head coach. Let’s pray about it.
-Matt
By Daniel
May 30, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Don’t blame Bowden, blame Rix. He stunk. Even his own teammates said it. Rix could not even throw a pass without it sailing on him. I can’t believe he’s trying to teach QB’s now.
By northwestDawg
May 30, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Titletown USA, thank you for the compliment!! I used to drive my Director crazy with the half time show because I would be putting together plays to review right up to where I had 20 sec. to go liive after the commercial break at the end of the half. I had to buy the poor man a nip or two after everything was over so he could settle down. We had a lot of fun living on the TV edge.
By Rich Halten
May 30, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Bobby had no choice but to start Chris as a redshirt frosh, way before his time. FSU’s normal QB progression went awry when the guy ahead of him, Jared Jones, was dismissed from the team. And when bluechip QB Joe Mauer changed his mind before reporting (something about catching for the Twins). That left Chris as the only choice.
Next, Mark Richt leaves for UGA. Suddenly, a green QB is mentored by two new coaches learning on the job: Jeff Bowden as O.C. and Daryl Dickey, QB Coach.
Early in 2001 before Rix’s first start, D. Darling tragically dies in matt drills. It casts a pall over the team that lasts more than one season.
Rix was guilty of trying too hard to make things happen. In large part, because he had to do more than FSU QBs before him. A ton of talent left after the 2000 MNC, plus key injuries made the 2001 team light years different than previous ones.
His potential was enormous (BTW, he only started as a WR in high school for one game). Too bad we’ll never know what kind of QB he could have been if he wasn’t thrown into battle too early. AND if Mark Richt had been able to develop his talents for all 5 years Rix was in Tallahassee.
Chris wasn’t perfect and he admits as much.* But he played his guts out on every snap. He’s moved on, so maybe it’s time some FSU fans did, too.
*He admits his low point at FSU was missing the 2002 Sugar Bowl game vs UGA. According to him, because his Dad had health problems and football wasn’t his main priority at the time. You can hear him say it at www.garnetandgreat.com
By Reality Check
May 30, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Very few men I respect less than Bobby Bowden. He is an absolute hypocrite, who will lie to your face and enjoy doing it.He is everything bad about colege athletics.
By reality check
May 30, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
Whoever just posted as me is the worst type of liar, a complete jerk and hypocrit.
That imposter is a small person who would compound a lie by being critical of a respected, successful man.
You are a coward as well as a liar little man.
By Robert
May 30, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
The biggest problem with Bobby Bowden is he has so few real vices and so many virtues.
His mere existance at being who he is just kills the unethical, dishonest, and classless people in the sporting world.
Has Bowden ever spoke so harshly or really critically towards anyone as some that have criticized him in this thread?
By Eric
May 30, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this
Bowden, a man of character? What a joke!!! He represents everything that is wrong with todays game. A man of character does not allow a player to blow off classes for a whole semester and yet still let him play in the bowl game. A man of integrity doesn’t need the NCAA to implement the “Deon Sanders” rule in order to address the problem. A man of integrity doesn’t pray for misdemeanors so that his star player is available. A man of integrity doesn’t contradict himself and make up special “Warsaw Rules” so that his star kicker is availbale for the National Championship game. A man of integrity doesn’t allow convicted fellons the priviledge of playing Div 1 football. A man of integrity doesn’t have R.C. on his recruiting staff for over a decade. A man of integrity, even if he originally thought he was helping his kids by letting all of thier crimes go unpunished, would eventually see what a collosal failure that approach is and start handing out real discipline. Unless of course he is just a “win at all cost” coach.
By ghost
May 31, 2006 02:53 AM | Link to this
Eric, I think you forgot one other little incident which everyone should know about before thinking Bowden is a good person.
Just ask some of Michael Gibson’s rape victims and relatives how they feel about Saint Bobby sending a “letter of reference” on behalf of Gibson to a Judge saying he was “no problem” and trying to help him out.
Michael Gibson Former Florida State football player He received six life sentences in 1994 — four for rape, one for armed burglary and one for attempted felony murder — for his conviction in an attack on a student who was raped, robbed, shot and left for dead in her apartment in 1993 in Tallahassee, Fla.
Now if you still think Bowden’s a good person after knowing this you have a serious problem. (Interesting fact: Michael Gibson is Ernie Simm’s half-brother)
By Debbie Turner
May 31, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
With regard to Chris Rix’s comments. He is a Dad that is disappointed in his sons performance and finds a need to blame everyone else except the person he should blame. Himself. I know Chris Sr. and he bullied Chris, he had a drinking problem, tried to live off his sons laurel as our quarterback and never behaved himself as a Dad and he was NEVER around to help Chris. He lived in California for most of Chris’ time at FSU. Chris made some boneheaded mistakes, as do all kids, come on, are your kids perfect? I do not defend everything Chris did, but I had two children attend FSU, I attended FSU as did my husband and I know the bone headed things we all did.
As for Coach Bowden and Joe Paterno. I do not know Joe Pa, but I know his legacy and reputation and go Joe Pa. I do personally know Coach Bowden and THIS MAN WALKS THE WALK AND TALKS THE TALK. He is not perfect, and he does have a statute in front of the Moore Athletic Center and he deserves it. What other individual at FSU had done for this university what Bobby Bowden has done? He has athlete problems, what college doesn’t? Our problems aat FSU just happen to make headlines because we are a premier football program. I have seen Bobby put his arms around a player as that player has cried over a death in the family, or go into his office and pray. Ask Derrick Brooks about what Coach Bowden did for him by giving him a chance after he made a mistake, Ask Warrick Dunn about what Coach Bowden has done for him. Go furthermore and ask his coaches why they stay with him? Because his is ethical, loyal, religious and a down right out fantastic coach and a wonderful man.
He deserves this award as does Joe Pa. God Bless them both and congratulations.
By J Smith
May 31, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
I agree with Matt Brown. The only hope for us is to have him one day coach the Seminoles. His styling techniques could only help the fashionably challenged that we have today. Go…Redken 15!
By Doc1936
May 31, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this
Good points, Debbie. I will try to be nicer in comments of Jr considering what a loser his dad is. I’m wondering if some of the recently added negatives are coming from Sr. who decided he wasn’t getting anywhere being Sr?
Bobby Bowden is a very great man, and a humble one as well.
By Doodler
May 31, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
Responding to an earlier post — yes, Bobby counts 31 wins when he was the coach at tiny Howard College (now Samford) in Florida. He beat such teams as Memphis Navy (guys at the Millington Naval Air Station playing club football), the University of Mexico (yes, they thought it was a futbol game), and Maryville. But a technicality allows him to grandfather wins in to be ahead of the Bear and Joe. As a lawyer friend told me, “It’s not right, but it’s legal.”
By Doodler
May 31, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
Responding to an earlier post — Yes, Bobby counts 31 wins from when he coached at tiny Howard College (now Samford) in Florida. He beat such teams as Memphis Navy (guys at the Millington Naval Air Station playing club football), the University of Mexico (yes, they thought it was a futbol game), and Maryville (TN). Thus he stays ahead of The Bear and Joe. As a lawyer friend told me, “It isn’t right, but it’s legal.”
By Lorraine
May 31, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
How many wins does Bowden have in Division 1A?
By Blaze
May 31, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
more than everyone on this thread….
By Scott K
May 31, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Bobby Bowden’s wins at Samford came before there were divisions in college football. So, thereby, it’s no hoax or not shady. All of his wins came in Division 1A. Incindentally, Doodler, thank you for further proving your ignorance by saying that Samford is in Florida. It is in Alabama. As a matter of fact, The Bear used to send the players that didn’t quite cut it at Alabama to Bowden at Samford. And Bowden has no wins over “The University of Mexico.” Get your facts straight.
By WBF
May 31, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this
Oh Eric, you’re wrong on so many levels, I don’t know if I even have the time to tell you where your mistakes lie.
The Deion Rule was never an NCAA rule. It was enacted by the Board of Regents because Deion brought it to the surface because of his, and the schools, visibility. Every single division I school did the same thing. Had Bobby declared Deion inelidgible he would have been playing against other teams that were not playing by the same rules, throughout the season. That BOR rule has since been recalled BTW, and it is now an FSU rule……..Not NCAA.
What’s wrong with wishing for a misdemeanor? Had it been anyone but an FSU ball player it would have been a misdemeanor right from the start. He got an unauthorized discount. That is all. Maybe Bobby shouldn’t have said that he was wishing for a misdemeanor, but only because you and others like you just want to take an innocent remark and badmouth a truly great person.
“Warsaw Rules?” Hmmmm, last I knew they were Bobby’s rules. Busting curfew is a real serious offense, requiring suspension, in your book I guess. What a joke. Once again, it was Bobby being light hearted and having it turned back at him by envious opponents like yourself.
R.C.? Well, if you call him taking the fall for a dishonest SEC head coach being a problem, well maybe. Oh BTW, show me where R.C. did anything illegal while at FSU anyhow. Bobby inspires honesty in his staff; something that can’t be said for all others.
Oh, and Ghost…..an appropriate name.
Bobby wrote an honest letter, not an unsolicited letter to try and help out a convicted felon. He said that Gibson had been no problem “while he was on the team.” I’ve done the same for military people facing courts martial several times. It does in no way mean I support the individual, or think that they should get off lightly for their crimes. It meant that they gave me no problem the year before, when they worked for me. That is all. I can’t answer for Bobby on this matter, but I would be very surprised if he did not feel bad for Gibson, all the while knowing that his sentence was justly deserved.
By littleitch
May 31, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
For Mr.rix senior,I would like to verify if it is actually you.I and you alone know something that actually happened prior to the orange Bowl game in which your son was th qb.
Answer this question correctly and it will prove you are in fact him.
What was the name of the person that drove you to the team hotel and was he alone?please respond with first name only.
By erik
May 31, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
For the person who decided to defend Rix by stating that he lost a good surrounding cast that left after 2000, I have two WR’s that you may have heard of that Rix got a chance to throw to… Javon Walker and Anquan Boldin.. whoever you are, you probably just made the dumbest statement of all time.
By Ossie
May 31, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
BB stuck with Rix much longer than he should have. I will agree that JB should never have been made OC. He got the job because of his last name, not on talent that is a fact.
By Carlisle
May 31, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about Richt, when the time comes (and it will if he continues to be successful, he will eventually move to the NFL, if not for money then for the challenge. Just ask Gator fans about Spurrier if you think I’m wrong. He was a god in Gainesville, but after 6 SEC titles and a national championship the lure of the NFL was just too much. And he was a Heisman trophy winning alumnus of UF to boot! Richt will eventually leave for the NFL if he’s successful or he will be fired if he’s not.
By Dubya
May 31, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
Bowden’s hypocrisy is legendary. He shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as Paterno. Men like Bowden deserve to go on and meet their maker sooner rather than later.
By Rickster
May 31, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
Scott K - Great…let’s talk facts on the Coach Bowden “win caper”…….You are right on one count, Samford is in Alabama. Here is a link for you shipmate….
http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltimecoachyearbyyear.php?coachid=212
9/29/62….Samford beat the “Fighting Chalupa’s” of the University of Mexico 40-0…wow….great win.
9/23/61….He beat the sailors of Memphis NAS 60-0. Being a sailor, I can speak for them…we can’t play football and counting a game against a bunch of Chief Petty Officer’s is a JOKE.
By doodler
May 31, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
OK FSU folk. Here’s the data on Bobby’s wins at (Tiny) Howard College. You can look it up. Wins are listed by year and team:
1959: 14 - 0 Maryville 20 - 0 Sewanee 34 - 0 Tenessee Tech Freshman Team 26 - 0 Millsaps College 14 - 13 Tennessee Martin 16 - 0 Rhodes College 24 - 0 West Alabama College 20 - 19 Troy State 52 - 20 Gordon College
1960: 14 - 0 Maryville 56 - 0 Sewanee 41 - 0 Georgetown College (KY) 42 - 0 Millsaps College 28 - 14 Delta State College 22 - 6 West Alabame College 26 - 0 Rhodes College 48 - 14 Troy State
1961: 60 -0 Millington Naval Air Station (Memphis Navy) 64 - 6 Georgetown College 16 - 13 Wofford College 20 - 14 Delta State 18 - 7 Carson-Newman College 34 - 0 Rhodes College 80 - 0 Troy State
1962: 22 - 12 Tennessee Chattanooga 40 - 0 University of Mexico 14 - 12 Louisiana College 14 - 7 Furman College 47 - 0 Carson-Newman 21 - 3 Mississippi College 34 - 28 Wofford
Now a man of principle would not count these as wins in pursuit of the Bear’s record Division I record (or later Paterno) because it’s apples and oranges. But Bobby takes the wins on the technicality that there were no divisions. Wonder what the Bear would have said about that? Just a thought. Not right, but legal.
By big al 49
May 31, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
Bobby always looks the other way and always takes guys that should not be taken in order to win.———————————————————————————————————————— Two former Florida State football players have been charged with stealing electronic equipment worth approximately $1,700 from the home of a current player, Tallahassee Police told ESPN on Wednesday.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker A.J. Nicholson and former wide receiver Fred Rouse, who was dismissed by coach Bobby Bowden at the end of last season for detrimental conduct, are charged with burglarizing the Tallahassee home of current Florida State running back Lorenzo Booker on May 20 or 21.
Rouse confessed his involvement to authorities on May 28, according to police. Rouse was arrested and charged with three felonies: burglary of a dwelling, grand theft and unrelated possessions of a controlled substance without a prescription, which was ecstasy. Rouse has been released on bond.
all schools have problems but with bobby it never ends..he never learns it is always about winning at ALL COST
By Doodler
May 31, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rickster for the correction. My bad on the FL-Al mishap. But not on the teams or the scores! Also glad to see via the site you listed that the 52 - 20 win over Gordon was a JUNIOR College. Hoo boy. It just gets worse!
By Rickster
May 31, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this
Doodler - No problem. What goes around, comes around. That 52-20 score got me thinking…..hmmmmmm…..oh yeah, that was the same score he got his butt handed to him in the National Championship game against his biggest rival - the Florida Gators. Guess he appreciates how those junior college kids felt that night in 1959.
By BossGator
May 31, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks Bowden doesn’t cheat does not know the true facts. I have personal knowlege of incidents as far back as 1980.
By Elrond
May 31, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this
You Bowden lovers are a totally different breed. This thread is garbage. I can say two good things about Booby Bowden. 1. He is funny. 2. He has a whole slew of coaching wins. That’s where it stops. GREAT man? Give me a freaking break. He basically runs a squad full of prisoners and barely sticks his hand in any of the coaching or team discipline. FS poo is the worst disciplined team I have personally ever seen and he has all of the power in the world to do something about it, but still does nothing. What a crock of __!
By FSU
May 31, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
There seems to be a lot of hatred and jelousy towards Bowden and FSU. I love to see rival fans wallow in their own misery. BTW,UF’s Urban Meyer was recently investigated by the NCAA for cheating and shady recruiting tactics. As I recall, Bowden was not mentioned in the investigation.
By mike
May 31, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
When you have acomplished something great like Bowden has, you will find a lot of haters crawling out of holes. Get a life dirtbags(gator fans).
By GA DAWG
May 31, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
OOOOH, I hate Bowden, he’s evil, he cheats, he’s the anticrist, his players are all convicts, FSU sucks because my team lost to FSU bla bla bla.. What a bunch of freaking idiots you are. You sound like a bunch of bitter morons.
By big al 49
May 31, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
FSU JUST BECAUSE U WRITE IT DOES NOT MEAN IT IS TRUE….THIS IS NOT! U ARE TALKING ABOUT THE STUFF WITH C.J. SPILLER..AND TEBOW..EVERYBODY KNEW ABOUT IT AND TOMMY BRINGS IT UP 4 MONTHS LATER..JUST LIKE THE OTHER LOSER COACHES THAT SAID BILLY D WAS CHEATING..READ THE ARTICLE FROM ABOVE THAT I POSTED 2 GUYS THAT WERE RECRUTED AND PLAYED FOR YOUR SCHOOL THIS YEAR, EVERY YEAR AND I MEAN EVERY YEAR THERE ARE MAJOR PROBLEMS AT YOUR SCHOOL …..BOOBY IS DONE HE HAD HIS DAY IN THE SUN FSU HAS TROUBLE PACKING THERE STADIUM NOW WITH THE GREAT BOOBY AS COACH WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE LEAVES OH YEAR THATS RIGHT HALF FILLED INSTEAD OF 90%
By Rich Halten
May 31, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
To Erik about FSU’s talent losses in 2001. Javon Walker, yes. Anquan Boldin and another key receiver, no. Here’s a quote from ESPN’s archives from Oct. 2001 (all caps are mine):
“In recent years, FSU has lost a ton of talent at wide receiver. The list includes Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans, Laveranues Coles and Marvin “Snoop” Minnis. Compounding matters this year were SEASON-ENDING INJURIES to Robert Morgan and Anquan Boldin.”
From the same article: “Heading into this season, the question was whether Bobby Bowden and his staff would be looking to reload or rebuild in Tallahassee. The fact that the latter is true shouldn’t come as a surprise. Just consider all the talent that moved on: Heisman Trophy-winning QB Chris Weinke, RBs Travis Minor and Jeff Chaney, WR Marvin “Snoop” Minnis, TE Ryan Sprague and three starters on the offensive line.”
Remember, too, that Bowden has had to adjust his staff over the past two years. Longtime defensive assistant Chuck Amato became the head coach at North Carolina State, while former offensive coordinator Mark Richt left before this season to become the head coach at Georgia.”
By Noleswin
May 31, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
It’s funny to hear Gator fans accuse others of cheating. Look in the mirror or check w/ the NCAA violations committee.
By don
June 1, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
No other team has had near as many problems with their players as FSU for over a decade, and Bobby still does everything he can to keep his kids from getting punished.
Bobby is the biggest hypocrit in sports today. He part of the reason the kids act this way because he enables this behavior by not punishing his players. Stadium steps??…give me a break.
Just more of his “polish rules” mentality…
Nicholson should have been off the team long before that girl got raped in Miami. And where was she raped?…the team hotel of course!! He should not have been on the team and no where near the team hotel. If Bobby had done his job Nicholson wouldnt have been there and the rape would not have happened.
I really wonder how he sleeps at night…
Nobody is surprised Nicholson is in trouble again, especially Bowden. If you keep doing your best to keep kids from paying for their crimes, then they will keep committing crimes.
How many times do we have to read about FSU players in the police blotter before you people realize that Bobby is part of the problem???
Bobby’s actions have clearly shown for years that he cares far more about wins than right & wrong. Anyone who says otherwise needs to find reality..
By don is clueless
June 1, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
Uhh i wasnt sure rape charges were filed, you must be an insider huh? And I’m pretty sure AJ was kicked off the team….so…you were saying? Oh yeah..Bobby should have been psychic and knew a girl would make accusations that can’t be proven, waste police time, until they say no charges are expected…hmmmm.
By Albert
June 1, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
To Eric & ghost
By don
June 1, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
Psychic???
What I said was that if Bobby had punished him for the other stuff he had already done, that he would not have been on the team or in miami at that point. Actually, he wouldnt have been living with Booker this past year either if he had been kicked off like he should have been. Quite possibly this crime could have been avioded too!
Its ok, you noles have more than enough reason to be so defensive. Personally I hope Bowden stays there forever because you know he’ll never fire Jeffy, and no one is fool enough to hire Jeffy away. You’re stuck with him!!
Dont worry, nothing I can say will p** you off as bad as watching Jeffy’s play-calling. Isnt nepotism a wonderful thing?? LOL
By sb
June 1, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
I think it’s funny that we have some of the ultra-moronic gator fans on here. Hope the Georgia fans are laughing at more evidence of gator logic. Oh, sorry. That’s a contradiction in terms.
BossGator - Graygator is that you? You have EVIDENCE going back to 1980? Only you would post that paranoid and delusional kind of thing.
I won’t ask if you realize how STOOPID you sound. I don’t think you are capable of recognizing it. Now, don’t you have some cars to wash, goater?
All we need now is for Tank Black to weigh in. Have they shut down the computers in the pokey? Probably why we haven’t heard from him.
By Elrond
June 2, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Poor Lorenzo Booker (still a nole, so who cares?) gets his apartment broken into by two of his other Bowden recruited teammates (thugs Rouse and Nicholson). HA! You noles need to go ahead and sever your ties with the university. Do it, just defect! You will feel so much better about yourselves. I can’t believe that you morons support this team of criminals. And by the way, the guys name is Booby. Get it right you stupid nole f_s!
By FSU MBA
June 2, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
It’s funny to see all these bitter gator fans in here. Don’t you gator fans have to something better to do like asking for money in a street corner. After reading all this stupidity posted by gator fans, I’m about to yell at the 3 UF grads who work FOR ME, because I can. These 3 gator clowns are a little slow so I may have to fire them when it’s all set and done. Is always fun to watch a UF grad beg for his job.
By John S.
June 2, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
That’s funny FSU MBA. Today I had a Florida grad come interview for a position in my company here in Atlanta. This poor guy wasn’t the brightest fella. I knew he had no chance of working for me, but I still rode him like rental car during the whole interview. This poor fool was ready to cry by the end of the interview. I love my job. FSU GRAD ‘82
By Canes dynasty
June 2, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
I am not surprised at all by all the comments coming from the gator fans. If you live in the state of Florida, you know that gator fans and alumni are for the most part pure trash. As a Miami alumni, I dislike FSU but I also respect them and Bobby Bowden. UF is a different story. Florida fans are horrible and disgusting creatures. All the posts above show why the entire country hates UF. Get a life gator fans.
By Elrond
June 2, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
FSU. One of the most highly regarded criminal justice programs in the country. I guess it pays to have an abundance of crooked a$$ lawyers to look out for the crooked a$$ athletes. BTW, how in the haides could we be bitter about 34-7? There wasn’t a nole in sight that night.(the best kind of night) Anyway I’m just playing with you noles because its fun. So defensive.
By WarEagle
June 3, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget one of the finest coaches and gentlemen the game has ever known: Ralph “Shug” Jordan at Auburn. He stood tall in the same state for many years with Bear Bryant and never compromised his integrity.
By ATL DAWG
June 6, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Elrond works at Burger King, like most graduates of the Swamp. Can I get your order Elron?LOL