Spring Break
Dear Mike Riley, nice job
Nick Lilja
Issue date: 8/8/07 Section: Sports
Props to Mike Riley because today I am very proud of our football coach. And yes, I am serious. There is no sarcasm here. With the help of friends and family, I think I might finally be coming around. I'm becoming a Riley fan.
And this week, Riley took a big jump up in my book.
Sure, a 10-win season is great, a Sun Bowl win was awesome and his hip-hip-hoorays are way more fun than "hit on three… one-two-three, hit," but I am more impressed with his decision-making off the field.
Recently, Riley came to the decision that all coaches must face, eventually, to cut or not to cut. It's never a situation any coach wants to be involved with - at any level. Especially when the circumstances involve a confrontation with the law.
'Cause then a coach is fighting two fronts. The coach wants the player to make an impact on the field, but the player can't see past the edge of his. The coach's personal beliefs that every player he recruits and coaches has the ability to be a positive contributor to society and the fact that the law says otherwise.
It's a balancing act when coming to a decision. It's not always a cut and dry decision.
Riley, much like an emo kid, chose to cut this time. In doing so, he gained a lot of respect and laid down the law for the rest of the team that a "violation of team rules," regardless of the magnitude or conviction, will not be permitted. This could go a long way in keeping this team on point as they begin the 2007 - 2008 season.
The player he chose to cut is second-string cornerback and kick returner, Coye Francies. The senior was caught in June in Multnomah County on charges of possessing a loaded firearm. While the charges were dismissed on July 2, Riley still chose to cut him from the team.
Paul Buker of the Oregonian, quoted Riley as saying, "I will say the event surprised me," he said. "It was one we couldn't turn back from. There was only one solution to it."
It was the right decision. He showed that he is a true leader, commands the attention of his players and expects discipline out of his football team. He cut Francies, even though the charges were dropped. Riley wouldn't expand on why Francies was cut, but it's not rocket science.
And this week, Riley took a big jump up in my book.
Sure, a 10-win season is great, a Sun Bowl win was awesome and his hip-hip-hoorays are way more fun than "hit on three… one-two-three, hit," but I am more impressed with his decision-making off the field.
Recently, Riley came to the decision that all coaches must face, eventually, to cut or not to cut. It's never a situation any coach wants to be involved with - at any level. Especially when the circumstances involve a confrontation with the law.
'Cause then a coach is fighting two fronts. The coach wants the player to make an impact on the field, but the player can't see past the edge of his. The coach's personal beliefs that every player he recruits and coaches has the ability to be a positive contributor to society and the fact that the law says otherwise.
It's a balancing act when coming to a decision. It's not always a cut and dry decision.
Riley, much like an emo kid, chose to cut this time. In doing so, he gained a lot of respect and laid down the law for the rest of the team that a "violation of team rules," regardless of the magnitude or conviction, will not be permitted. This could go a long way in keeping this team on point as they begin the 2007 - 2008 season.
The player he chose to cut is second-string cornerback and kick returner, Coye Francies. The senior was caught in June in Multnomah County on charges of possessing a loaded firearm. While the charges were dismissed on July 2, Riley still chose to cut him from the team.
Paul Buker of the Oregonian, quoted Riley as saying, "I will say the event surprised me," he said. "It was one we couldn't turn back from. There was only one solution to it."
It was the right decision. He showed that he is a true leader, commands the attention of his players and expects discipline out of his football team. He cut Francies, even though the charges were dropped. Riley wouldn't expand on why Francies was cut, but it's not rocket science.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Jim
posted 8/08/07 @ 6:54 PM PST
Nick,
you sound like you are the jilted lover an OSU football player. This is not the first player that Riley has cut for violation of team rules and unfortunatly it probably wont be the last. (Continued…)
Matt T
posted 8/09/07 @ 12:09 AM PST
I'm sure that I'm not the only person that is tired of the Nick-Lija-is-a-negative-person campaign. Read his articles, he isn't negative he is a smart-ass. (Continued…)
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