The problems are complex but the solution is simple

[Ben Hansen]

The players obviously have had enough, as have some of the assistant coaches on John Mackovic's staff.

Who is to blame? Who cares? The question is what will you as the fans do about it now?

http://www.goazcats.com/stories.php?newsID=20021115192025

-Ben

[CatnPhx]

Ben - liked the article but didn't understand one phrase, "What it all comes down to is the dreaded “lack of institutional control”." Can you explain the lack of institutional control that happened?

I'm not sure I agree with your use of that phrase (I know, I'm nit-picking). A lack of institutional control is what happened at Enron and I'm not seeing where the controls were lacking at AZ. Thanks

[Zona90]

Do you really believe that some of the players will not give it 100% agaisnt Cal? If that is the case it's very sad.

[Goose]

SACK THE MACK!

Let's get Smiley with Riley.

Save AZ Football.

BEARDOWN.

[uafan_joe]

Spider Man with my kids, I just want to remind you of a quote from that movie, "With great power comes great responsibility." There are not too many, if any, Arizona fans who are happy with the events surrounding our football program right now. But using your Internet site to incite rebellion against the current football coach is almost as pathetic as those players who chose to go straight to the University President. Having played baseball through JC until transferring to the U of A, I played for some coaches that called me a f-ing P*ssy, worthless piece of crap, and countless other things when I failed to move a runner over, get down a bunt or just made a mental mistake. In my current profession I've had bosses that were very critical of minor errors but I never went to my bosses boss or the president of the Company to complain. Before I ever went in to speak to the person I had a problem with I first evaluated the situation to determine how much fault laid with me. These players have failed to recognize that they too have some fault in this whole mess. I was always told you have to stick up for yourself when you feel you are being treated unfairly, but you better make sure your complaint has some merit. Why don't you stick to covering basketball as that is obviously where your passion is and leave the lynch mob mentality at the door.

[LuteLoyalist]

Lynch mob? John Mackovic is a big boy who is making nearly $1MM a year- and can't even get fired without a $1.2MM payday. With that type of high profile income (and media exposure) he can handle the public criticism, OR LEAVE, because it comes with the territory. He sought out his position, and it is the role of a free press to provide honest commentary, and that is exactly what Ben has done. (Many of us happen to agree with it)

Mackovic loves to create the image of a CEO... well right now it's pretty ironic - because the state of our program reflects that of many embattled companies in this troubled economy. Mackovic was SO aloof and condescending that he would (IMHO) never listen to anything the players had to say - or the assistant coaches. His attitude made him unapproachable, and he got his just desserts when the players took matters into their own hands. When you are the captain of the ship, you get credit (or blame) for how things are going, whether your deserve it or not. In this instance, Mackovic deserves it.

On a lighter note - What did you think of Spiderman? I actually liked the movie (even though I was never a real comic book nut).

Looking forward to brighter days on the gridiron...

[Ben Hansen]

I can appreciate where it is that you're coming from but I think you may have misinterpreted what it was I was trying to say.

In no way am I inciting anything. Mostly because it's impossible to insite a rebellion when a rebellion has already begun and it had nothing to do with me. I also don't quite get the lynch mob analogy.

You say that I should stick to covering basketball. What makes you assume that basketball is my passion? I just have been on that beat for the last year or so. Football always came first for me. I love Wildcat football and am as big a fan as anyone. But because I am a fan, I am also upset at the current state of UA football and can see the necessity of a change somewhere...anywhere.

It is my belief that Mackovic's dismissal will start a new era and one that will be a positive step in the right direction for Arizona football.

My column was based on personal beliefs and my own opinions. You obviously have your own as well. We don't agree but I can live with that if you can. I realize full well that with my job and my writings, people are going to disagree. I welcome it.

Thanks for posting, though. I hope to read your response in the near future.
-Ben Hansen

[Zona90]

Some people over at UASports.com say after hearing Mackovic on Dan Patrick's show that Mackovic will be here until his contract runs out, unless the BOR does something.

[ASE]

I don't pretent to understand all the causes of the current situation, but it seems to me that fans are not coming to the games. Does anyone have the attendance average per home game?
Why does it matter? I think the problem had already spread to the fans before it broke out on national TV.

As for Spidey, it fell short with me, but I liked the Spiderman comics when I was a kid. Plastic Man was the best.:D

[timmy1973]

does any of this still apply?


Will the revolution be televised?