Why it's a dumb move - Part Deux

[Mr. Scot]

So let's explore for a moment the premise that Fox is starting St. Pierre this weekend as a big flip-off to the franchise.

We've got a few folks defending that or saying that they don't really blame him given the situation that he's in. This, however, ignores a certain reality.

Even in down years, Fox has always had the loyalty of his players. They've believed in him and followed him, taking the blame for losing on themselves rather than pointing fingers at anyone else.

So let's say you're one of those players who's always been a good soldier under Fox.

A few weeks ago, you saw him say "ask the personnel people". Now, in the wake of that, you see him name a guy who's been here less than a week as the starting QB. And then you see and hear the theories about it being a "mutiny" and/or a slap in the face of the ownership and front office.

In other words, you see a coach willing to throw his players under the bus first off the field, and now on it.

How strong is your loyalty now?

As I mentioned elsewhere, there are two possibilities here. One is the "mutiny and try to get fired" scenario, which would make you question his character. The other is that Fox actually believes this is the right thing to do, which would lead you to question his judgment. You can argue over which is worse, but neither is good.

In short, it doesn't really look like there are any winners here.

[CRA]

So let's explore for a moment the premise that Fox is starting St. Pierre this weekend as a big flip-off to the franchise.

We've got a few folks defending that or saying that they don't really blame him given the situation that he's in. This, however, ignores a certain reality.

Even in down years, Fox has always had the loyalty of his players. They've believed in him and followed him, taking the blame for losing on themselves rather than pointing fingers at anyone else.

So let's say you're one of those players who's always been a good soldier under Fox.

A few weeks ago, you saw him say "ask the personnel people". Now, in the wake of that, you see him name a guy who's been here less than a week as the starting QB. And then you see and hear the theories about it being a "mutiny" and/or a slap in the face of the ownership and front office.

In other words, you see a coach willing to throw his players under the bus first off the field, and now on it.

How strong is your loyalty now?

As I mentioned elsewhere, there are two possibilities here. One is the "mutiny and try to get fired" scenario, which would make you question his character. The other is that Fox actually believes this is the right thing to do, which would lead you to question his judgment. You can argue over which is worse, but neither is good.

In short, it doesn't really look like there are any winners here.

but there looks to losers here (fans).

[Brooklyn Bully]

Meh. Who cares? He's gone no matter what he does, or what was done to him. The players will play and man up because they are pros, but deep down they don't give a rat's ass anymore. Fans will show up to support the team but know the season has been over for weeks now. Why look into anything? It'll all change next season. Fox can't hurt us any more this year, and if he's hurting himself, oh well. Let's just watch the ship go down and see if any highlights pop up here and there.

[carpanfan96]

It's bizzare, It's dumb....It's a whole lot of things....but Fox doesn't care and this is about the biggest F-U I've ever seen a coach give a team...

I think it's time to end the suffering of both Fox and the Fans, and just fire him already.... It's pathetic.

[ryoung]

It is one thing to hear crazy rumors and talk of a Coach doing something out of spite for the Owner/front office on a message board. However, to see that in print is another thing and I was out listening to the Jim Rome show at lunch and he said he was going to discuss this at some point on the show.

His teaser for the segment was that Fox wanted to get fired and it was a spite move.

This is like bizzaro world. Fox should have that weird goatee and mustache like the evil Spock. This has been such a good organization under Fox. I just can't fathom that we have reached this level.

[carpanfan96]

It is one thing to hear crazy rumors and talk of a Coach doing something out of spite for the Owner/front office on a message board. However, to see that in print is another thing and I was out listening to the Jim Rome show at lunch and he said he was going to discuss this at some point on the show.

His teaser for the segment was that Fox wanted to get fired and it was a spite move.

This is like bizzaro world. Fox should have that weird goatee and mustache like the evil Spock. This has been such a good organization under Fox. I just can't fathom that we have reached this level.

Everyone is saying that he did it out of Spite

Check out Gantt's twitter or the Charlotte Observer.... The press are all saying he's doing this to get fired.....Gantt went as far to say he already has a job or that's how Fox is acting about it all.

[Mr. Scot]

We now know what it feels like to be a Raiders fan

[carpanfan96]

We now know what it feels like to be a Raiders fan

Yes we do...

I really don't get why JR hasn't fired Fox after the last few weeks....His he making Fox stay out of Spite??? Fox has attacked the FO and made a mockery of the team with this move and the way he acted during the conference, just seemed like he was saying FU.

[Brandon]

We now know what it feels like to be a Raiders fan

Too successful. Think Pittsburgh Pirates.

[Panthro]

I'd take Jawalrus at QB over St Pepe

[Mr. Scot]

I really don't get why JR hasn't fired Fox after the last few weeks....His he making Fox stay out of Spite??? Fox has attacked the FO and made a mockery of the team with this move and the way he acted during the conference, just seemed like he was saying FU.

Hard to say.

In fairness, it's not like we have anyone waiting in the wings that there's any reason to believe would be better.

[carpanfan96]

Just posting a comp of all the places about fox doing this out of spite and having an agreement in place to coach next season somewhere.

http://reederstake.freedomblogging.com/2010/11/19/fox-so-far-out-of-here-its-not-funny/7502/

Right now Fox is just trying to get through the season.

Way too much bad blood has been built up now between Fox and management/ownership and it’s hard to imagine this divorce will turn out anything but ugly.

At this point I’m sure he wouldn’t mind getting fired and taking a paid vacation because he knows he will find work elsewhere next season. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he already has a wink-nod agreement in place with another team assuring him of a job in 2011, providing, of course, there is actual football to be played.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/18/1849261/it-is-what-it-is-and-thats-mutiny.html

Losing confers freedom. The more you lose the more freedom you have. As the coach of a one-victory team, John Fox can do anything he wants.

He proved it Thursday when he announced that Brian St. Pierre, who on Friday celebrates his one-week anniversary as a Carolina Panther, will start at quarterback

Finally Gantt's Twitter account http://twitter.com/daringantt

A few last thoughts on St.Pierre-gate before I pack it in for the night. 1) Fox is acting like he's got his next job in hand already,Because otherwise, you wouldn't so blatantly and wantonly disrespect the boss who's paying you $6.5 million or the GM you call a friend. And if you can school the out-of-work for 10-months St. Pierre up in two practices, why couldn't you get Pike there in six months?

Vinny history: If out-of-shape St.Pierre (signed to be stable pony) actually plays whole game, he won't be physically able to next week.

I've wracked my brain, and for the life of me, can't find a rational reason for this move, other than pure spite.

[ryoung]

d the way he acted during the conference, just seemed like he was saying FU.

Wow it seemed that way to you too.. I thought I was just being irrationally upset. Isn't there a call in show where you can ask the Coach questions (monday/tuesday) after a game? I got a few questions. Any one know when this is on. I know I have heard it before.

[Cyberjag]

You know, it's always possible that St. Pierre is the guy because he knows more about the Raven's D than anyone else on our roster. Presented that way, it makes a certain sense.