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I don't entirely know why it…

I don't entirely know why it matters if he "handled" it or not. It's a transactional, managerial part of the role and - whether he directly oversaw it - is not really the question or concern. Instead, I believe Belein (among others, like Jay Wright) do not like the underlying culture associated with college basketball. For a lot of these coaches - many of whom may have or actively bent various rules in their favor - the entire NIL, transfer portal, etc. has created a Wild West version of the game they have frankly never known. While I bet many had / have staff members that "handled" these tactics for them, I don't think it's created a particularly enjoyable profession for them anymore. Hence, I don't think Belein is coming back to this new environment of the game...

I'm sure the Board may have…

I'm sure the Board may have covered the situation, but this is the first I've actually read about the incident. Admittedly, there's two sides to every story, so I say this with some caution: If this report is true, how was Juwan able to retain his position? Isn't he on double-secret probation at this point, given Wisconsin and other (multiple) situations? 

What was really fun a few years ago has turned into a complete sideshow and embarrassment. 

One of the reasons JB left…

One of the reasons JB left is because the entire landscape of college basketball shifted. It's funny when people say "We want JB back" when he was public about not wanting to deal with both NIL and the transfer portal. Moreover, I know a lot of people on here point to Coach Harbaugh and the football team as testimony to adapting to new NCAA dynamics. Basketball is wildly different. When it's 10 guys on the court instead of 22 guys on the field, talent and roster management become crucial. 

As a UM alum, I'm not in favor of reducing our academic admissions to win some games. On the same token, I'm not super pumped about hamstringing our coaches with restrictions that impact the playing field. Yes, people can complain about in-game decisions and team culture - and those would be correct. Simultaneously, I hope those same people realize we would have a wildly different team if the institutional barriers that Coach Howard faces - that few if any top tier programs also face-  were different.

I don't think Coach Howard all of a sudden forgot how to coach. I do think his strategies for building a team need to change....and that's not going to come from mimicking Coach Harbaugh. Coach Howard is either gonna have to crack that nut or figure out a new way...and I don't think firing him is somehow going to alleviate our biggest problems for recruiting, portal, etc...

Michigan alum and Niners guy…

Michigan alum and Niners guy: Best of luck today. Hope it’s a fantastic game and all visitors have a wind time in NorCal! Go Niners!!! (But if you guys when, I’ll sport some Honolulu Blue in a few weeks)

Not sure how realistic these…

Not sure how realistic these are:

  1. Joe Brady
  2. Mike MacDonald
  3. Jesse Minter
  4. Chris Kleinman
  5. Dave Aranda
  6. Sherrone Moore
I typically compartmentalize…

I typically compartmentalize my NFL fandom (Niners) from my college fandom. It's cleaner that way...And I don't normally integrate the two (Pro Tip for Lions Fans: Throw at Ambry Thomas this week).

I would love to see Keegan and Corum wind up with the Niners in this draft. We don't have a reliable #2 back, and we desperately need interior support with some road maulers at Guard. Those two would look really good in the red and gold. 

EDIT: Maybe we hold out for Donovan...? I actually think he'll have a great pro career...

 

Congratulations to Lions…

Congratulations to Lions fans! Looking forward to hosting you next week in SF!

I’ll admit to being more…

I’ll admit to being more casual than most on the board, but would it be bad if he took Moore and opened the coaching spot for Minter instead?!

I'm not gonna say you're…

I'm not gonna say you're wrong because I have no idea. But why is there a belief Minter is gone if Harbaugh is gone? Moreover, assuming you are right, isn't that actually pretty damning of Moore?! Harbaugh leaves and plans to take his best team with him...leaves Moore but takes Minter?! 

If and / or when Harbaugh…

If and / or when Harbaugh decides to take off for the NFL, I genuinely hope Warde, et al. conduct a formal hiring process instead of "pulling an ND" and promoting from within. While I like Moore a lot and he seems like a great guy, the offense has looked absolutely anemic at times this year, and his play calling for portions of the Rose Bowl and Championship Game were baffling. I fear his promotion would be more about feelings than actual rational decision making about what's best for the program.

 

 

Very excited to see his…

Very excited to see his growth and development the next few years. He definitely shined when the lights were brightest! He's gonna be a good one!

The anti-Warde attitude,…

The anti-Warde attitude, including the narrative he and Jim have no relationship, is fascinating to me. By every insider account, they have a positive relationship AND if it wasn't for Warde, Harbaugh would have been canned after the 2020 season. I'm not a Warde supporter, per se, but in this era of information / disinformation / I'm right / You're wrong, I'm sorta impressed to see the one guy that literally salvaged Harbaugh's coaching career at UM now be villainized for reasons espoused by the same media blowhards people claim to dislike...

For some reason I thought…

For some reason I thought Vrabel has said he has no interest in the college game. I guess he's not a big fan of recruiting (allegedly)...

This is def a game we cannot…

This is def a game we cannot claim the refs are against us

As a Niners guy,…

As a Niners guy, congratulations to the Lions for earning todays victory and the NFC North crown!!! Looks like you guys have a great young team and could be poised to own that division for a while! Way to put 30 years to rest, and (maybe) see you guys in the playoffs!

Made the mistake of reading…

Made the mistake of reading the thread and drawing the conclusion we are getting blown out…

Then I check ESPN and see we are actually up 28-22…

Geez, there must be a lot of Festivus celebrators in this thread!

I’m a Niners guy - happy to…

I’m a Niners guy - happy to see the Lions are doing well…but - woof - what a terrible game. I think most of us expected a crappy game, all things considered…but not a great day from Moody. Two opps, one to win the game, and fans. That can’t happen from a 3rd round kicker. 

…maybe

…maybe

…and only one of these is…

…and only one of these is worth watching!

Love it.

With all due…

Love it.

With all due respect to Indianapolis, Las Vegas is one of the easiest locations in the country to access. There are direct flights from every major city; there are direct flights from lots of non-major cities too! There are more than 600 direct flights to Vegas each day, compared to 150 to Indy. Moreover, Las Vegas is THE convention city; there are 150,000 hotel rooms (compared to 33K for Indy). 

Additionally, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, etc. are not "regional alum bases." Their alums and fans extend coast-to-coast. It's absolutely not a challenge to fill Allegiant with the massive fan bases of these universities. 

I don't think Vegas should host every year...but once every few years would be epic (rotating with other Midwest and East Coast cities)...

Hmmm...I'm not thrilled…

Hmmm...I'm not thrilled about the destruction of the Pac-12, and for all the other reasons listed on this blog, I'm not a big fan of the obvious money grab. With that in mind - at least for me - it seems like we actually leveled up the conference. Coupled with the LA schools, we've created some really interesting and compelling match ups that are far more exciting than Purdue, Minnesota, Rutgers, Maryland, and a few others (again, just my opinion). For both football and basketball (and even some of the non-revenue sports), the addition of the schools may elevate our product more than its current state. 

These posts simultaneously…

These posts simultaneously make me stoked...and confused...

Do we want Charley boys?! I guess that may be better than "Billy Boys" (apologies to all the Billys out there!). 

*Airport Lounge. Free Bar. Yay*

Long-time Niners fan here. I…

Long-time Niners fan here. I live in SF proper, and continue to go to games in Santa Clara. While I loved the old Candlestick - personally, I appreciated the fact it was a shit hole - I also understand it was a major shit hole. It's unfortunate the ownership and City were unable to strike a bargain and figure out a new development, but there are many, MANY reasons for that! (Note: It especially sucks because the new Niners stadium would have anchored a whole new district of the City, just the way the Giants stadium opened up SoMa and the Warriors stadium has contributed to the opening of Mission Bay / Dogpatch. Huge opportunity lost for the City's waterfront.)

Long story short, Santa Clara is super generic, very commercial, and lacks all the charm that Candlestick used to have (dents, scuffs, and all). It's a pain in the ass to get to from the City, even though there are light rails, high-speed rails, two major interstates, and tons of other transportation options (I prefer local party buses sponsored by bars). Moreover, it's right in the heart of Silicon Valley, devoid of any real personality, and - although the tailgating is "okay" - the stadium experience is nothing like SoFi, Allegiant, or others...

Any time the Niners play the Bears though, I always make the trip. We stay at the W Hotel near Navy Pier, party most the weekend, and walk to-and-from the game. We always have a good time, especially because Chicago is an absolute blast. There are few things more fun to do than a fall weekend in Chicago for a Bears game!

Granted, I'm a foreign agent in this equation, but I probably won't be making the trip to Arlington Heights. No disrespect to wherever that is, but it's not exactly attractive for a visitor (compared to Soldier Field). I guess that frees up a few more tickets for Bears fans though! So, enjoy! Hopefully ownership doesn't make the same mistake the Niners did...

Not gonna lie, I was very…

Not gonna lie, I was very happy to NOT play the Lions. Admittedly I don’t know a ton about them, but it’s never good to play the hot team. Plus, their offense is designed to give our defense fits. I hope they can build off the second half of this year and make some strides next year! That division is gonna be wide open in 2023!

Niners fan here: I’m not…

Niners fan here: I’m not particularly worried about any of the remaining NFC teams; however, for rivalry sake, I’d love to host the Cowboys in a few weeks for the NFC Championship. Rooting for the Vikings today and Boys Monday because 1) I’m not worried about Kirk, and 2) I think Dallas can defeat Philly. Also, if Dallas wins, they’re more likely to keep their coach and not go after Payton (which would not be good for UM fans)…

If you’re in SF, the three…

If you’re in SF, the three main Alum bars are Underdogs, Trademark, and Blue Light. Blarney Stone is an unofficial bar as well. There are bars in East Bay and the Peninsula/SJ area as well, but I’m less familiar with those…

You may be right but with…

You may be right but with the exception of one big difference: This is the super bowl for KSU, and Bama would rather be anywhere else in the world 

No doubt he’s talented, but…

No doubt he’s talented, but if Arch’s last name isn’t “Manning,” is he as highly ranked rated as he has been?

Chaos would include USC, UM,…

Chaos would ensue if USC, UM, TCU, and Clemson all win out…and LSU both loses to aTm but beats UGA. Unless conference championship games are entirely meaningless, it seems like you’d need to admit UM, Clemson, TCU, and USC. Aside from UM and TCU, everyone would have one loss, but all those other teams are Power 5 champions…LSU would win the SEC, but how can they reasonably pass a 1-loss team (especially if FSU gets pasted by UF). People can dream…

 

I’m not sure anyone would be…

I’m not sure anyone would be so naive to suggest natural grass would completely eliminate injuries like this. Rather, I think the NFL wants to reduce the risk, which seems pretty well documented. 
When massive humans running full speed cut and make moves like the TN QB, injuries can occur. I think most people believe these injuries will still happen on grass but at a reduced rate / overall number…

MVP is Moody

MVP is Moody

Won’t it still be 3rd down…

Won’t it still be 3rd down with 40ish seconds?

I’d say the blame is shared…

I’d say the blame is shared. JJ has missed many throws; he’s also had a ton of drops and bad routes. The entire passing game has been rough…I now appreciate what Space Coyote would talk about all those years about “execution.”

TCU just won on a last…

TCU just won on a last second field goal to 6-5 Baylor

I agree. I won’t pretend to…

I agree. I won’t pretend to know much about scheme and the X’s and O’s, but I’ve enjoyed listening to MMQB with Devin and Sam. Their most recent episode gave me (possibly false) hope. Long story short: They believe we already have a really strong short and intermediate passing game, good play action, as well as a solid RPO. They think we are basically “practicing” in game-time situations the deep pass because we are “good” with many other passing concepts.


I think Jim is intentionally making Day’s and Knowle’s jobs brutal. He’s putting a ton of concepts on film that they’re gonna have to plan for…and if we can hit just one or two deep passes against Illinois, I don’t see any way the OSU D can stop us…turns into Stroud v. UM.

I know you are focused on Ws…

I know you are focused on Ws and Ls, which obviously matter the most…but context is also key. PSU has lost to two top-10 teams, one at home and one on the road, by nearly 40 total points. Alabama has lost to two top-10 teams, both on the road, by a combined total of 4 points. Alabama also played a legit top-25 school on the road and won in non-conference (Texas). PSU scheduled a good non-con that they thought would likely be compelling, Auburn, but that win is looking less relevant by the week. I am not a fan of Bama as much as the next guy, but their aggregate resume this year seems better than PSU’s, in my opinion.

I thought this was going to…

I thought this was going to be about softball

I’m confused: they’ve called…

I’m confused: they’ve called 14 penalties on Bama, 5 on Texas. I guess If you want Bama, bummer…

I know I’ll be in the…

I know I’ll be in the minority, but I think Russel is the GOAT of basketball. He didn’t arrive at the dawn of sport broadcasting, the internationalization of the league, and merchandise marketing. His legacy would be very different if he came around the league with all the outlets and avenues Mike had. Moreover, and certainly more so than mike, he dedicated his life to social justice. He did as much to advance the civil rights of his community as he was an amazing player…and he didn’t shirk from that platform the way Mike did.

I honestly hope you’re…

I honestly hope you’re joking. No doubt, the football program has some incremental network benefit on the institution’s academics, but to suggest UM “thrives and expands” from football revenue is just absurd. The university has north of a $17B endowment and is ranked in the top 25 globally. That’s not because of Bo or Harbaugh or anyone in the AD. It’s because we have preeminent scientists, scholars, researchers, etc…seriously, let’s put football in perspective and not bloviate more than we have to about the criticality of the program to the university as a whole.

Ummmm…no.

Ummmm…no.

I guess I'm just curious how…

I guess I'm just curious how a broad and politically diverse cross-section of cities from three countries were presented with the same exact T's and C's and agreed to them.

My guess is given the - shall we say - "unique" political operations of at least Chicago and Detroit, there may be some other things that were left unspoken as to why they withdrew their bid. 

I mean...maybe?

It's…

I mean...maybe?

It's curious that - except for a handful - every other major city from a cross section of politically diverse areas was presented with the exact same terms and conditions and still bid. I suspect there's more to the story than "FIFA is being inflexible," especially in a city like Chicago, which isn't exactly known for it's by-the-book governing practices.

It's unfortunate. Those cities are going to miss an opportunity to showcase themselves on a global stage, reap the benefits and revenues from hundred of thousands of visitors, and create an amazing environment and experience for their local populations. 

I upvoted you for your…

I upvoted you for your honesty…and I don’t want to make you feel like this is entirely directed at you. Unfortunately, you’re the sacrificial lamb.

I guess I just really don’t understand why the need to pile on a 16 year old? Maybe 17?! I honestly have no clue how old the KID is. Personally, his family pedigree is meaningless to me: go be your own person…especially when you’ve been told to be someone else your entire life.

Only because you’ve been honest, I’ll call you out…but there are hundreds if not thousands of people making this kid’s life terrible right now because of a college choice he made. Holy hell…just put that in perspective: adults are up in arms - in 2022 - about a teenager’s college choice…to throw a ball.

I don’t want to come across as holier than thou or part of the unnecessarily “woke” crew, but if you’re 48 and feel the need to post something that becomes nationally syndicated about a kid, take a serious moment to consider your priorities.

It’s a game. It’s not a big deal.

According to Russian police,…

According to Russian police, which arent exactly targeting WNBA stars, she’s had 3+ pounds on her…the people that think she had “a vape” are wrong.

it’s okay to admit she fucked up

Ha! We will see…lots of…

Ha! We will see…lots of commentary about his health. He’s in rough shape for sure, but I’ll believe it when I see it…

Logic isn’t exactly…

Logic isn’t exactly commonplace when you’re a recognized star. Nevertheless, I travel with gummies and a vape pen. I’ve travelled with them globally on accident and have been fortunate to dump stuff en route before getting to customs…

But - to directly answer your question - people can be arrogant or stupid or both. Griner wouldn’t exactly be the first or even a novel entry into the “bad decision” category. I’m not saying she’s a bad person. She made a mistake, and one many of us make (albeit not to the point drug dogs come after you)…it’d be great if the situation ended with some human compassion but it won’t.

Based on my knowledge of the…

Based on my knowledge of the situation, we unfortunately are considering it. Sadly, we have no leverage in this situation, and - not to come across as political- this admin wants and needs a “win.” I fear it will become a reality soon…WNBA Star >>> Guy responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. Bout back in Russia is existentially bad…

Prisoner swaps are pretty…

Prisoner swaps are pretty standard and normative among nations. Russia-US just negotiated a swap a couple of months ago and have been doing so for decades. It’s not uncommon.

My advice to anyone that travels globally: Do not assume local laws are “dumb” and you can skate by them. I don’t agree with the detainment of Griner morally, but I also know she broke Russia’s laws (as well as International law). She wasn’t targeted by Russia; drug dogs caught her with “pounds” of cannabis cartridges. She seriously fucked up. Obviously the detention has now become politically motivated, but she’s extremely fortunate her layover wasn’t in Riyadh, Doha, or Dar. Her experience would be very different and much worse…

it would be an absolute travesty to human rights to swap Griner for Bout. Whether as an American or as just a human, hopefully the powers that be can appreciate that…

Baalke might be the main…

Baalke might be the main reason Harbaugh was fired by the Niners. Jim didn’t have a great relationship with the Yorks, but he and Baalke absolutely HATED each other. It was an absolute power move, and Jim lost…Ask most Niners fans, and we all want Jim to have success…let’s just say that sentiment is not share with Baalke. He’s a very petty and incompetent man.