End of Pride

For those that had not heard the news on ESPN, on Thursday December 3rd 2009 the Hofstra University Football program was terminated. In a unanimous decision by the board of trustees, the program was shut down, thus putting 84 students and 14 coaches out of school and work. One of those poor saps is yours truly.

And as all of this unfolded I began to think what the tell-all story would be like. There are alot of angles that could be played so I came up with a few that would work.

If it was going to be a chick flick it would be called "The Devil Wears Nike Windsuits".
If it was a Harry Potter book it might be called "The Program That Shall Not Be Named"
If it was a Dan Brown book, perhaps "Angels & Morons" would be appropriate.
If it was a High School Dramedy movie it might be called "Varsity Confused"

But as the layers peel back and more information surfaces the most accurate scenario is "Clear and Present Danger". The following is my understanding of the conversation that took place between the President of the University and the Athletic Director.

President: This football program represents a clear and present danger to the Hofstra community.
Athletic Director: They've been around for 70 years, we can't just get rid of them
President: Why not? it's our money. They're using our money.
Athletic Director: Are you suggesting a course of action sir?
President: The course of action I suggest is a course of action I can't suggest.

Basically, the President had an agenda from day one that he wanted to eliminate the program. This kind of thing doesn't just happen over night and it doesn't happen to a program as established as Hofstra was. It's convenient timing too, as the new Med school (a program that he announced when he became President a few years back) is set to open in the fall of next year, which apparently is in desperate need of funding . He wanted to make it look like it was an economic decision, when this was his plan from the start. And now he is trying to wipe his hands clean by pawning this off on the Board of Trustees, 12 men and women who don't work at the University, so he can come out clean on the other side. He probably said this to the board....

President: Let me make this very clear: this is your deal, not mine, so unless I have written authorization, this whole thing is over before it starts because I'm not going to be the only one left without a chair when the music stops.

So what now? There are some things I've always wanted to do. For instance. I want to be a sheppard. I want to move down to Nashville, get a nice spread, get some sheep and tend to them. The Pauper always talks about Ebbs and Flows, and perhaps I'm just knee deep in one really crazy Ebb. or would this be a Flow? I'm not really sure. Anyway, I've been in this position before, seeking a job in tough economy, but I made out alright once, and I'll make out alright again. So in the meantime I've got some things that I'm looking forward to.

Things I'm looking forward to During Unemployment:
1. Staying up late- I haven't seen an episode of Conan in months. I hear he is struggling so I will now be able to give my support. Every viewer counts
2. Toaster Strudels- I just like saying the word "strudel". Especially with a German accent.
3. TV show marathons- My usual suspects are Entourage and Seinfeld, but I might get crazy and try some shows I never got into before. Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been recommended by a few people who's opinion in this field I highly respect, Paulie Walnuts and John "Friends of the Captain Make it Happen" Deli (If any of the readers are interested in top of line, American made, Bob Villa-esque craftsmanship Cornhole Boards, just post a comment. Deli is the man who can make it happen. I've seen some of his products and they are the best I've ever seen)
4. Blogging- This is my Tebow moment. I started this blog during unemployment and kept it running while employed. My contributors are invaluable to this blog and one thing is certain...we will be better. I promise you one thing. A lot of good will come out of this. You will never see a blogger work as hard as I will the rest of the year and you will never see a team of contributors
work as hard as we will. God Bless.

Until next time, as always....Stay Sweet!