Husker Letter

[huskerhonk]

Like I said in another thread, lets bring Frankie S back and let him run us into the ground some more. The complainers should just love that.

[bigredhusker427]

If we had lost today I might agree more with that letter but we are going bowling baby!!!!!!!We have some momentum now,let's not ruin it yet.

[OldSchoolHusker]

Here's a copy of a letter that is being forward to Hukser fans. Fans who agree with the contents of the letter are being asked to forward copies to the UNL board of regents, president and chancellor, also to forward it on to other concerned Husker fans to do the same. It's already been talked about on an Omaha sports talk show, Big Sports 590, and posted on their website.

 

 

NEBRASKA FOOTBALL PROGRAM 11-6-05

 

ATHLETIC DEPT.:

 

The University of Nebraska football program is in dire straits. Something needs to be done immediately to rectify the situation. Fans, alumni, boosters, students and the players deserve action. The Athletic Director, Steve Pederson, with the backing of Chancellor Harvey Perlman, is directly responsible for the current situation. It is a situation that this great university should not be forced to suffer. At the very least, Mr. Pederson’s divisive actions have split Husker fans into various camps.

 

Steve Pederson should be removed from his position immediately. Mr. Pederson's decisions and actions have been detrimental to the university and its football program. A once-proud organization, Husker football is now relegated to being ridiculed and marginalized nationally due to Mr. Pederson's actions over the past two years, including:

 

* In reference to an article in the Lincoln Journal Star: Pederson was witnessed laughing during the home loss to Kansas State University in 2003. Mr. Pederson's celebratory actions during a Nebraska loss are intolerable, particularly in a public setting. Mr. Pederson was also quoted as stating that "this will never happen again". Yet he publicly denied anything about the coaching change at the time. Of course, Pederson fired the head football coach 2 weeks later.

 

* During the 40 day search for a replacement coach, in which Mr. Pederson was a one man search committee, he continually misled internal candidates Turner Gill and Bo Pelini. They eventually received token interviews. This came after national audiences watched an apparent bidding war for another Division 1-A head coach at the University of Arkansas. Pederson then publicly denied any offer was made even though the other party has stated otherwise.

 

* Mr. Pederson has failed to take any action against the current head coach, Bill Callahan, for his on-field actions. These actions include the infamous “F-ing Hillbilly” remark directed at fans of an opposing team and a throat slash gesture made toward an official during a game. Mr. Pederson did not reprimand coach Callahan on either count even though both merited a public apology and admittance by the coach.

 

* Mr. Pederson has also deceived the public with his football scheduling tactics. Prior to the 2005 football season, the University of Houston, along with ESPN, had an agreement to play a televised game with Nebraska. Mr. Pederson backed out of the apparent arrangement. This despite the fact that the Houston AD and ESPN stated it was a done deal. However, Mr. Pederson denied any deal. This issue in this situation was not legality, but honesty and integrity. At the very least, Pederson appeared to have lied about the situation. Eventually Maine was added to the schedule, as was Wake Forest. Mr. Pederson stated that Wake Forest was the replacement for the Houston game despite the dates not coinciding and the athletic directors from each school stating otherwise. If Pederson’s version of events was true, it appeared he had planned for Nebraska to play two opponents on the same weekend…in different cities!

 

* Fund raising is not going well since the removal of the previous coaching staff. According to a story in the Omaha World Herald, up to $30 million could be paid in additional interest expense because of the inability to raise enough money caused by Mr. Pederson. Now we have another university official, Boyd Epley, chastising the fans for not making contributions and Mr. Pederson does nothing. People from all over the country have apparently stopped supporting the football program. Fund raising will continue to struggle with Mr. Pederson in charge of the athletic department.

 

* Public perception of Nebraska is at an all time low. Sports commentators and media outlets nationwide have publicly ridiculed Nebraska since Mr. Pederson fired the previous coaching staff. Negative press is the norm and Mr. Pederson is responsible. Nebraska football has become a laughing stock due to Mr. Pederson's actions.

 

These are just a few examples of what Mr. Pederson has done to create the current situation at the University of Nebraska. This situation is not acceptable. Mr. Pederson has alienated many, many fans with his actions. Many fans, donors, and supporters may never come back until Mr. Pederson is removed from his position. The time is now. If Callahan is not able to turn the program around, we need an AD in place who has the credibility and ability to hire a capable head football coach.

 

COACHING:

 

The coaching situation is something else that needs to be looked at as well. Coach Bill Callahan has also done some things detrimental to the university:

 

* Following a loss at Oklahoma during the 2004 season, Bill Callahan directed an expletive towards the Oklahoma fans. Totally unacceptable.

 

* Following another loss to Oklahoma during the current season, Bill Callahan made a throat slashing gesture toward a game official. During multiple press conferences he denied anything, then later recanted and said it was a gesture of some sort. Again, totally unacceptable. Though he was publicly reprimanded by the Big 12, Bill Callahan never admitted or apologized for the making such a gesture, apologizing only for people perceiving it that way. Mr. Pederson did not reprimand Bill Callahan in any way.

 

* The on-field situation is glum at best. The team, two years in a row, has continually played worse as the season has gone along. The team is not prepared to play on game day and the coaching decisions on game day are extremely questionable. There is no progress being shown on the field. The coaching, or lack thereof, isn't helping the players improve.

 

* The coaching staff has not improved the football program in the two years they've been here. In fact they have taken the football program to all-time lows. A losing record for the first time in 40 years and no bowl game. The Huskers suffered the biggest loss in Husker history, 70-10, to Texas Tech last year and back to back home losses for the first time since 1968. A 36 game winning streak over the University of Kansas snapped, including giving up the most points ever to Kansas. A woeful 2-6 road record. Two separate 3-game losing streaks in two years. Perhaps worst of all, our million dollar coaches appear to blame the players for anything negative on the field.

 

Bill Callahan needs to make drastic changes in his staff and his approach to the college game. Failure to do so will keep Nebraska where it is at, the bottom of the Big 12. Should Bill Callahan not be willing to make the necessary changes to better the program, then he needs to be removed from his position and replaced with someone capable of bringing Nebraska back to the upper echelon of college football.

 

The University of Nebraska deserves nothing less than the best. Unfortunately, since the removal of the previous coaching staff, the football program has fallen to disgrace. Not so much because of on-field win-loss record, but because of its tarnished reputation as a program. This has occurred because of Athletic Director Steve Pederson. Only his removal will start to remedy the situation. Again, if Callahan does fail, we need an AD in place who would be able to conduct a legitimate coaching search.

 

In closing, this letter of concern is not originated or composed by one single fan, but rather by various fans, supporters, big money boosters, former Husker players and Husker faithful in general. People who lay down their hard earned money to enjoy a Saturday in the fall to take in one of the greatest atmospheres in college football and witness a product on the field that produces WINS, not losses. People who take time out of their lives to experience Cornhusker football and the HIGH MORAL standards of HONESTY, INTEGRITITY, LOYALTY and SPORTSMANSHIP that this fair state was once known and respected for nationally. Ideals of which the current Athletic Director and Head Football Coach have failed to live up to. This great university and it's supporters deserve so much better!

 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

 

Cordially,

 

Nebraska Cornhusker football fans everywhere

pathetic ..... might be a better idea to forward to your mommy ....

[BigWillie]

Considering that the letter is being endorsed and backed and contributed by a group of former Husker football players and a booster group, yeah I think there are people who give "two flaming piles of cow dung"! Those groups have a hell of alot more invested in the university than you do. The former players left their hearts, blood, sweat and tears to build and maintain a proud tradition of excellence, honesty and integrity that your boys Pedey & Cally have managed to destroy in less than 2 years. Yeah that's really something to be proud of isn't it?

 

Go ahead and spew and blow all you want, the opinions and thoughts of those players who are supporting the idea have tons more credibilty. The only thing making this great university look bad are those in charge of the football program!

HA

 

I call BS on that one.

 

The boosters are not going to sell themself out by admitting they're wrong this quickly. No way, no how.

 

Former players? Doesn't really surprise me since their loyalities are with Solich and Osborne. If you've bothered to read any interview, you can tell Tom supports the program just as much as anyone, but even he is willing to take the stabs at BC and company.

 

I find it funny you use the 2 incidents against Oklahoma as evidence for his removal. I mean, I would rather have a HC who will go pat the refs on the back and tell them how great a job they're doing when they blow calls. I would rather have a coach who will go shake Oklahoma fans hands when they're pelting players with oranges. Heck, by the way you talk we would be better off hiring a priest since that is the only man who is likely to fit your expectations.

 

Give it a rest. If you want to help your program STFU and support the coach. Just honestly get over it because he isn't going anywhere. The players who are on the field are supporting him until the end, but yet you know more than they do? Funny.

[kc_husker]

it's things like this that make me question what the integrity of our fans.  It is very easy to be a fan of a team when it is winning championships, but the true measure of a fan is this...Do you still support your team when they lose.  I don't care if NU went 0-11.  I would still give my cheer and support to the team.  instead of trying to find things to boo and criticize like bandwagoners that get dissapointed when their team loses, maybe we should be patient and realize that we are the second youngest team in the country.  IN THE COUNTRY!!!  YOu people that are so fast to judge could never be a fan to any school with a losing record.. therefore you are not fans at all.

 

Sorry, that is just my opinion

Since when does supporting the team and the program have to equate to supporting those in charge?? If you consider yourself an American, do you have to believe everything that the President does??? IMO, those who question the President (if done so respectfully) are every bit as much of Americans as those who follow him in lock-step.

 

Bottom line, every single NU fans wants to see the program succeed and become great once again. Problem is that there is a faction that does not believe that those who are in charge have a vision, plan, and the integrity to return the program to that place. There are some that do.

 

Doesnt mean that you are any less of a fan. Maybe if you accept mediocrity, you are less of a fan??

When you call yourself FORMER FAN what does that mean? I take it as you dont support the program anymore. You bring it on yourself.

[rawhide]

Everyone gets outraged by a downswing in a football program. It happens everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

 

 

Where was everyones outrage when a previous President was committing immoral acts in the Oval Office. Or when a sitting President has started a war over unfound and possibly nonexistent WMD's while our brave soldiers are still going in harms way. And allowed oil companies to make a 30 billion dollar profit at the taxpayers expense. I know that was in the nation's best interest

 

Everyone needs some perspective on the level of outrage being generated. What is the state budget for NE probably not even close to 30 freakin' billion dollars. Do farmers pay less for diesel and get more for their crops probably not. PERSPECTIVE FOLKS

 

Is that letter even signed by anyone? Let all the "fans" everywhere show up for a hearing at the State Capitol. Then I will believe but I may not agree.

 

GBR GBR GBR

[skers]

c'mon folks...it's obvoius there are problems...we're young, we don't have the best line, but damn it those kids have shown some heart... look at who we have coming in, look at the players we got to come last year, give this guy three more years and then if you're not satisfied with your result call for heads...i know you can rant and rave about the men in charge but they are what we've got...deal with it. There is nothing we can do. You have to be patient...for all you instate folks look at a school facing something like what we have here in lincoln. A southwest team that three years ago was the laughing stalk of highschool football...this weekend they will be playin for the state title...give these kids time, support, and a little bit of something to fight for. Who wants to fight and play for a state/fans that are calling for the head of the man they follow. I agree there needs to be an improvement but the stadium/program and a national champoinship team aren't built over night...remember that. GOD BLESS HUSKER NATION...Who's up for some bowlin?

 

GBR

[Red Snow Sword: Husker Sentinel]

pathetic ..... might be a better idea to forward to your mommy ....

[Red Snow Sword: Husker Sentinel]

I really don't know what to say about it.

 

I mean, if you really feel that way - agree with the letter - then go ahead and do it. But I wonder, really, what the author really wants.

[Roy CO HSKR]

Don't be sucked into this sham. This letter was written and distributed by a bunch of CU "fans" who are either doing it as a big frat joke or are hoping that NU "fans" are stupid and gullible. The would like nothing more than to destroy the program.

 

This AD is putting together the same type of comeback that USC has done from their dismal losing years. Is anyone so naive to think that the triple option today would ever result in a championship of any kind?

Solich gutted the program for 6 yrs and would never have been anything, but mediocre. What championship team uses this outdated system? Swallow your false pride of living in the past and use your logic a little!!!

 

Two years from now you'll have to go to the games with women's hose pulled over your head so the real fans won't notice that you were really dumb!

[StuckinChicago]

Im sorry, but this football program has absolutely no hold, or obligations to you or any of the other fans out there. If you dislike the way our program is going, or do not trust in the integrity of those in charge, than by all means leave and never spend another dollar on husker athletics again. The only true resposibility that this school and it's leadership have is to their student athletes, and their progress as outstanding men and women. If our graduation rate was dropping, or I was seeing a different type of person being brought into this program, than I would whole-heartedly agree with you, but seeing as we still have one of the highest graduation rates in the nation, I see no merit in your arguments. Winning isnt everything, and neither is money, and this school as no legitimate reason to accede to your, or any former player, or fan's demands. Take your season tickets and leave, instead of cowering behind a letter. That would be the mark of a true fan.

[junior4949]

I might send the letter to my Board of Regents representative, but considering he's going to be forced to resign due to campaign finance issues I guess I won't. I've already done about as much as I can possibly do in regards to things going on at the U. I have donated $1000.00 per year since I graduated in 96'. I also attended a couple of games per year.

 

Since Solich was fired, I have not donated a penny and have not been to a game. This is about all I can do as a fan. My lack of funding has absolutely nothing to do with BC. As I have said time and time again, at the time he was hired I didn't give a hoot whether he panned out or not. My lack of funding has everything to do with the jackass originally from North Platte, Pud! Once Pud is relieved from his duties at UNL, I'll probably donate once again. BC isn't panning out like he was expected, but I won't hold the U responsible for him. Even if things do turn around, I won't change my mind. You don't do the things Pud has done. Since some want to compare the situation to the President, I will do the same. Pud has lied to us just like Clinton lied to the American people. Clinton was impeached but was not forced from office. Hopefully Pud will be impeached.

 

Sometimes actions speak louder than words like Pud laughing during the 4th qtr. in a loss to KState. Sometimes words speak for themselves. We will not surrender the Big 12 to the likes of Texas and Oklahoma. We will win and win now. Etc., etc. If Pud told me the sky was blue, I'd go outside and look for myself. This is how much I trust him. He has repeatedly embarrassed UNL especially with the Houston and scheduling debacle. It's amazing that everyone else is always supposedly not telling the truth. I guess what they say is true that people of the like kind travel in packs. BC lies and says he made no gesture. It's one thing to lie, but to lie when it's caught on camera is just stupid. We all make mistakes, but these clowns continue to make them. I guess they just never learn from their mistakes. For this, I don't think I need to keep donating!!!!!!

[Roy CO HSKR]

If you are upset at any of the coaches or AD then complain to the Chancellor. He hired the AD and sticks by that decision. Sorry, but the buck stops there.

 

By the way, you'll get nowhere with the complaining!

[formerfan]

Winning isnt everything,

Then why make the change?????????

[formerfan]

Don't be sucked into this sham.  This letter was written and distributed by a bunch of CU "fans" who are either doing it as a big frat joke or are hoping that NU "fans" are stupid and gullible.  The would like nothing more than to destroy the program.

 

Thats funny, because after losses to OU, Kansas, Mizzou, and a near loss to ISU, I have listened to fans of all of those programs beg pud to keep billy c around. The longer he is here, the longer NU wallows below mediocrity.

 

Maybe those who want billy c and his proven bad coaching habits, bad performances, and pathetic records to stick around are those who are not true fans.