I think not giving out blackshirts to the defensive starters in the first place is odd. If you are a defensive starter for NU you should get one ... it is up to the player to have pride in it and live up to what it stands for. Having them withheld until the defense is at a certain level seems a bit odd. Oh well, I guess it is motivation, but wouldn't the desire to live up to the tradition also be motivation? Why not just give them out to certain players then, like Suh or other standouts, that makes just as much sense as not giving them out at all.
This isn't Bob, Tom, Frank or Bill's team anymore. They had their time at the helm and created and changed tradition as they saw fit. Now it is Bo's time and we'd better start getting used to it. He's done an awesome job of respecting traditions, reinstating programs, bringing former players and coaches back into the fold, etc., so I think it is pretty hard to fault the guy in that regard. However, Bo is his own man and defense is Bo's "thing", so if he wants to use the Blackshirts as a motivational tool, so be it. It is his tradition to modify as he wishes. With the job he's done turning this mess around in such a short time, I'll be the last person to tell him to do this or that.I think not giving out blackshirts to the defensive starters in the first place is odd. If you are a defensive starter for NU you should get one ... it is up to the player to have pride in it and live up to what it stands for. Having them withheld until the defense is at a certain level seems a bit odd. Oh well, I guess it is motivation, but wouldn't the desire to live up to the tradition also be motivation? Why not just give them out to certain players then, like Suh or other standouts, that makes just as much sense as not giving them out at all.
I agree with you. I guess Bo knows more about the tradition than Bob D or TO <_<
GBR!!!
I agree. The shirts were for winning a starting position. There is still motivation after it being handed out. You could still lose it.I think not giving out blackshirts to the defensive starters in the first place is odd. If you are a defensive starter for NU you should get one ... it is up to the player to have pride in it and live up to what it stands for. Having them withheld until the defense is at a certain level seems a bit odd. Oh well, I guess it is motivation, but wouldn't the desire to live up to the tradition also be motivation? Why not just give them out to certain players then, like Suh or other standouts, that makes just as much sense as not giving them out at all.
I agree with you. I guess Bo knows more about the tradition than Bob D or TO <_<
GBR!!!
I guess the question is if the blackshirts should be used as a motivator or reward? both have pros and cons, but I guess we just have to allow Bo Pa to do what he believes is best.Bo is awarding the shirts in his own time, a little different than in the past, can't say i defend the change nor disagree either one, but there is no traditional timing with the presentation of the shirts now, not sure i really like the idea, and if he waits too long, what is the point?
Yup!hold MU to a shut out...the second game in a row...and I say the entire defensive unit get 'em!!!!
GBR