Why passing the buck was a dumb move

[Mr. Scot]

So we've argued pretty extensively about where the fault really lies with the season, and some are giving John Fox a pass. Others might not be giving him a full pass, but are at least willing to say that the lion's share of the blame shouldn't fall on him.

Among those folks, some are lauding the fact that Fox has come out and made statements to the effect that things aren't his fault. Past and recent press conference statements (from which Fox has since backed off) about how the roster makeup wasn't his responsibility have some folks cheering that Fox is finally "telling it like it is".

Reality: Even if you agree with him, you shouldn't be cheering the fact that he said it.

Just the opposite. It's actually a pretty stupid move :nonod:

Fox has traditionally been what's called a "playe'rs coach". One of the big reasons for that is that he's never had a habit of throwing his team under the bus. He's always taken the blame or just pawned off bad games on other factors. That's one of the major reasons why, historically, his players have always been willing to go to war for him. They've had his back even when fans were grumbling, and have shown heart and fire even at times when things seemed most bleak. This, as much as anything else, is why Fox has never had a season record worse than 7-9.

Now imagine for a moment that you're one of those players who's been sticking his neck out, giving it your all for Coach Fox because you believe in him like you know he believes in you. And then you look online at the story from Fox's press conference and you see lines like this:

Fox has done a little of this before, with snippy references to the Panthers' "internal budget." But Sunday was his most obvious effort yet to distance himself from the construction - or deconstruction - of this pathetic 2010 Carolina team.

When asked if his team might bring in a veteran quarterback for the rest of the season, Fox snapped: "You'd have to ask someone in the personnel department about that." Later, Fox made another reference to "You can ask the personnel people."

In other words, Fox was saying without actually saying it: This isn't my fault. A lot of these guys aren't the guys I wanted. When I go looking for my next job - which I'll be doing in January - this season shouldn't even count. I got my hamstrings sliced before I even got started in 2010 by a front office that wouldn't spend any money, got rid of almost all of my veteran leaders and sent me off to float for a year like a lame duck.

Coach John Fox shifts blame to Panthers' 'personnel people'

(Side Note: For a little extra entertainment, mouse over the headline link and check out the URL the Observer gave this article) :eek:

On Wednesday, the guy who was essentially saying "it isn't my fault the roster sucks" will have to go back in front of that roster and start the task of preparing them for the next game.

In fact, unless he's fired prior to season's end (doubtful) Fox has eight more weeks of coaching that roster that he's deflecting the blame for lying ahead of him.

So if you're that player, are you still ready to take a bullet for him?

[Fiz]

Charles Godfrey knows he is poo

[mav1234]

this post was worth it for that mouseover alone.

this is also why he backtracked today. I don't think there is any strife in the lockeroom about Fox.

[X-Clown]

It's kind of telling that he is more than willing to throw his rookie qbs under the bus but never evvvvvvver would say anything about delhomme when his play was sub-par

[Mr. Scot]

Some coaches just don't like having to develop young players.

Great a coach as he was, Marv Levy once got caught on NFL Films saying "I hate rookies" :sosp:

[cookinbrak]

Charles Godfrey knows he is poo

The whole team does. Otherwise, people like Otah and Williams would be playing. Why throw away a career for a disposable year? "Damn, Coach, my knee is still bothering me. I better sit out again this week." Look for more of it to come.

And before anybody says "No decent player should take the money and not try to win", remember who signs the paychecks. Learn by example.

[mav1234]

I don't buy that, cookinbrak. if Otah didn't want to come back he'd have gone on IR. he made a choice to stick around - I think there is more here than we know about but I think he'd be back if he could be. D-Will will be back sooner rather than later. They may not rush their recoveries since the season is shot, but I think they're coming back pretty close to as soon as they can regardless of how much our payroll is.

I question a lot of things, but I never doubt these guys will play for Fox and play for the fans. They love football, and they want to play. This isn't about them being "decent football players." They are doing what they can and I really think it's unfair to say they aren't.

[Ricky Spanish]

my deal with fox is that his time in carolina is done. it would be best for everyone if we all just moved on from him. I don't care where he goes, I just know he'll be happier, as will we, when he leaves. if he wins a championship somewhere else, i am not going to be mad at him because it just wasn't meant to be here.

[Swan]

The whole team does. Otherwise, people like Otah and Williams would be playing. Why throw away a career for a disposable year? "Damn, Coach, my knee is still bothering me. I better sit out again this week." Look for more of it to come.

And before anybody says "No decent player should take the money and not try to win", remember who signs the paychecks. Learn by example.

I will still defend Fox. Lame duck coach whose owner decides to let go veterans.

[cookinbrak]

Damn, y'all. Fox didn't take the money and run, Richardson did.

[Kakarot]

I feel bad for Fox. I still feel his time is up here, and want to go in a different direction, but I truly believe if Fox had his way, this team wouldnt be as bad as it is now. I put the majority of this season on JR

[rayzor]

once again, agreed with mr. scot. that can't do a lot for team/player morale, esp. if they are hanging on by a thread. at some point, his lack of faith in the players is going to be pretty evident and, truthfully, i hope that happens. i want these players to be ready for a new HC to come in who actually believes in these guys and will give them an honest chance to make the most of their potential. i hope they see just how narrow minded fox is and that they look to the new coach as a better coach to play for. i want them to be ready and anxious for a change and to be excited about it. that isn't going to happen if there is a lot loyalty to fox carrying over.

[Debil]

It may not have been smart, but Fox was clearly agitated before the first question was ever asked. The tables were finally turned, and for once he was the one frustrated during a press conference. Generally, it's the other way around.

He sure gave that water bottle hell. Probably ended the presser just to go piss.

[Mr. Scot]

Damn, y'all. Fox didn't take the money and run, Richardson did.

Fox took the money, clapped and chewed gum. He'll run after the season's over.