carlfense
Heisman Trophy Winner
I'm not sure what the protocol is for posting user content from other websites onto Huskerboard, but this is so good that it must be shared. I will put it in quotes and not include a link for now. (Mods: is this correct?)
I couldn't have said it any better. Thanks Jory Knowlton.An open letter to Bo Pelini
Bo,
Let me begin, by saying there is no question you are the right man for this job. You’re a defensive genius. Your work speaks for itself. I was as excited as anyone, when I had learned you had been hired by Tom Osborne and Harvey Perlman.
Your passion for the game of football is unparalleled. I feel, sometimes your unbridled passion, can get in your way. Your sideline antics are well documented. As a matter of fact you are becoming a victim of your own animated delivery. You risk becoming a caricature of yourself. National television cameras are constantly pointed in your direction. Producers endlessly train them on you because of your wildly animated reactions.
I feel if you were to tone down your demeanor and save that emotion to use at crucial times, you will find it to be a valuable weapon in your arsenal. As it stands the officials have their eye on you. Your reputation precedes you. Your behavior could actually be costing your team a few penalties a game. I think it would only be human nature that a bias may develop.
Moving away from the field of play, it seems as if some of these same issues follow you into the press conferences. I fully understand that some members of the media at times may ask obvious questions, at times may be trying to lead you astray. Maybe a good public relations firm can be of assistance.
These are only suggestions from a humble common fan, however I believe they can serve you well.
In a heated situation, go grab a Coke. Send in one of your assistants to start things off. Implement a cooling off period. Use statistics from the game as talking points. Check your anger at the door. I love your competitiveness, your passion, your desire to win. However, when you are making a 7 figure salary YOU will be expected to be the professional and to be able to handle the situation as a CEO.
Finally to that end, I expect you to take every responsibility to sell this program in a positive light. I respect your policy on not naming individuals on National LOI signing day. That is cool. You are doing it YOUR WAY! However, to phone it in, on a teleconference, is unacceptable to me. This is a great opportunity to sell the University, to sell YOUR Brand! National Exposure is something money can’t buy.
Even if you were reading off a prepared statement, it is an opportunity to put on your Official Husker Apparel, and get out there in front of the cameras to talk about the future and direction of your program. Your players deserve it. Your fans deserve it.
Remember somewhere out there is tomorrow’s signing class awaiting their 1st exposure to Husker Football. I’m rooting for you. I am rooting for the Huskers!
Go Big Red
Jory Knowlton