Mr. G Blog

Sic Semper Tyrannis  Tuesday, December 22, 2009

 

History tells us that all Tyrants are doomed to failure and thus the fate of our modern Caesar has already been written as we await the conclusion of our contemporary Illini tragedy. Is RZ unwittingly playing the role of Brutus and will his ineptitude be the first dagger to deliver the fatal blow to our Athletic Dictator or “AD”.

The AD has all but admitted failure after cleaning house and establishing a puppet regime with a toothless Head Coach commanding no one while posing as a general without an army in a war he cannot win, Salutations will be given to Coordinators and the AD if 2010 miraculously produces wins and competency. More likely though, we will witness a barren campaign bereft of success and catastrophic in its aftermath. Heads will roll as RZ will be forced to fall on his sword but not before his blade is thrust into the Tyrant in a ignominious ending to a career with more battles won than lost except for the war which come to define his empire. His legacy will be defined by his failure in the one area that will mean the most to him and no buildings or minor victories can overcome the stigma of a losing 18 year war with a sport he places above all else. At least Al Davis, Jerry Jones and Caesar himself have conquered worlds and ruled an Empire of note before succumbing to their worst devices as their Kingdoms fell.

How long has the plan to take back the program without dismissing his General been afoot? How many interviews were granted with candidates and how were they vetted? Were any candidates of color interviewed or considered in the latest purge and is there a nexus between Reggie Mitchell’s departure and the process in question? Clearly the AD had no committee, no transparency and no support from the loyal servants in his Kingdom who buy the tickets and support his blunders. Money was available to saddle this Program with two years of exorbitant assistants salaries that will most likely ensure that no real change will occur until the end of 2011 should things go astray.

Given the mindset of our fearless Dictator, it is clear that “Battle Plan B” consists of firing RZ and hiring Petrino, but what if Petrino is a bust; hire the DC I guess. One element has been lacking throughout this saga and that my friends is accountability. When will the AD step up and proclaim that he has failed and will no longer serve. We teach our children to take responsibility and be accountable for their mistakes, but it’s difficult to reinforce that message when it’s always someone else’s fault. Great leaders have the courage to take risks, fail and stand accountable. Lead and be great or be graceful and noble. In the end it is inevitably, “Sic Semper Tyrannis”, et tu.

PS: Basketball is undergoing growing pains that many of us anticipate from a physically and emotionally immature team with enormous upside and talent. Don’t fret, this team will ultimately find its groove and may surprise us with a deep run in the Tourney if our draw is favorable. I know there are those who are doubting whether this team evens makes the Field of 64, but I have faith in the Coach and his ability to shape the squad into a “dangerous out” come March.

See U at UC and in CU; Go Illini!

Posted 06 Jan | 0 Comments