latracey

This is going to be a fun pissing war to watch from the sidelines.

As you say, Haywarduck, the bureaucracy and litany of rules in USA and international track is ridiculous. It's a long history where much of what they do takes advantage of athletes as opposed to helping them. The list of banned substances is extensive and include things that everyone agrees are NOT performance enhancing. That said, elite track and field athletes and their coaches are well aware of what is on the list. In spite of what some athletes have said, it's hard to inadvertently and accidentally consume a banned substance. That said, the name of the game is to find a competitive edge and there are individuals around the world searching for ways to administer steroids and other performance enhancing drugs that don't show up under what have become rigorous testing protocols. The movie Icarus is a fascinating look at Russia's long and sordid doping process. When it comes to Alberto, it's hard to know what is going on. Everyone in professional track and field is looking for ways to find a competitive edge, and Nike wants to be on the cutting edge of all of that. Alberto has certainly experimented with alternative training techniques and substances. He has also rubbed some of his athletes the wrong way and, fairly or not, they are going after him. The fly in the ointment for those trying to prosecute him is that there has never been any real evidence beyond hearsay that he actually broke any rules. Alberto is most definitely a legend in track and field. Unless there is tangible evidence that he has done something wrong, the fair thing to do would be to drop the charges. Regardless of Nike's backing, however, that probably isn't going to happen. The sad part is that we will most likely never know the details because of the cloak and dagger nature of the International Track Federation.

Why can't McClendon just tell the truth? The truth will be revealed soon after the Alamo Bowl is played. Integrity matters.

It's going to be really interesting to see what The Gator Bowl decides to do. I can't imagine they will easily find another opponent wiling to prepare for a game that is only a week away. The game is scheduled to be on December 31.

Yeah. Joe Moorhead is definitely older than 48. I believe I read in a previous article that he is in his mid to late 50s. I also agree with Mr. FishDuck that his move to Akron was an escape. I think he would have taken that job regardless of what Mario decided to do regarding Miami. The only reason he would stay is if he could have gotten the HC job at Oregon, and I think he realized that wasn't going to happen.

I think the fact that Nix knows Dillingham's system is a big plus, although the other quarterbacks in the room who have been patiently waiting their turn may not not agree. It's also a good sign that the Auburn faithful are hating to see Nix go. I'm really liking this new coaching staff. Have I mentioned that I'm really excited about the future of the the team we all love so much.

Another thing about Nix is that Dillingham coached him in 2019 so he is probably going to be familiar with the offense that Dillingham will want to run. Nix can hit the ground running.

There were pictures of Pittman and Dillingham together after Pittman hit the transfer portal, but before Dillingham was hired as Oregon's OC. I was wondering if Pittman would return when I heard that Dillingham was Oregon's new OC. I'm wondering about adding Nix to the fold. Dillingham is certainly familiar with Nix since he coached him in 2019. Statistically, he doesn't look a whole lot better than AB. I guess the new coaches want to make sure that have experience at the QB position.

It's a shame to be losing McClendon, although it was hard to evaluate how good a coach he was given the fact that our wide receivers were so rarely used in Cristobal's offense. We do know that the players love him and many have said that they wished he would have gotten a look see for the head coaching job. We will see if that would have made any sense at all in the upcoming bowl game. I understand McClendon wanting to get back closer to his home and his roots, but I also find his decision to follow Mario somewhat curious. A lot of what I've been hearing from my friends with behind the scenes knowledge is that Mario was a bit of a bully at times with both staff and players. I'm sure McClendon experienced that as a wide receivers' coach who most directly worked with disgruntled players who were told one thing and handed another. If we can assume that Mario is the person and the coach he showed us that he is, I don't see smooth sailing ahead for him at Miami where a hurricane is already brewing behind the scenes. What I do see are a lot of parallels with Mario and the man who brought him to Oregon. I'm interested to see how things work out for McClendon in his future at Miami, and I wish him well.

Great article Charles! While I yearn to see the young quarterback talent show their stuff in The Alamo Bowl, it will be a national showcase where Moorhead's reputation will be on the line. Short of Brown getting injured, there is no way a freshmen QB plays in this game. As you astutely pointed out, this isn't going to be a "practice game". That said, however, even though Brown's skillset is limited, he has shown that he excels in certain areas. Now that Cristobal's wraps are off, I'm interested to see what Moorhead can do to more fully utilize the things Brown can facilitate with his highly talented cast of fellow players at the skill positions.

While Cristobal left A LOT to be desired as an actual coach, he is a master at schmoozing recruits and their parents. He knows how to work a living room demonstrated by the fact that was recently able to turn a highly ranked Alabama commit to sign with Miami instead. That said, Lanning and his staff know that the proof is in the pudding as far as Cristobal's record goes in the area of player development. There are already rumblings from underpaid professors and staff at Miami regarding the exorbitant amount of money being spent on the football program which is going to put even more pressure on Mario to produce immediately. There could even be an NCAA investigation coming up for recent Miami sins which is not a good look. I like Nike supported Lanning's chances in the future going head to head with Mario. We will lose out to Mario and others this year as Lanning has to first focus on building his staff and getting his program revved up (I sure hated losing T Mac to Arizona), but Lanning is putting together a staff that will truly be a force to reckon with on the future recruiting front.

This is like a home remodel (which I just happen to be doing right now) where we get to tear off the veneer and look behind the walls to see what was going on in the bones of Mario's program. He certainly talked a good game, but he and his coaches left a lot to be desired. Lanning has a little black book where he's been collecting names of talented people he's worked with throughout his career. It's clear from the hires he's made so far, and Malchow has me as excited as anyone he's hired, that he is a good judge of talent and a very sharp guy. He really has been visualizing what he knew would be his head coaching opportunity and the components he would need to make it a success. As Mr. FishDuck and others on here have said, however the hiring process might have gone to eventually arrive at getting Lanning, getting him was a wonderful way to start the holiday season for passionate Duck fans everywhere. I think we are going to love our shiny new football program when the remodel is finished.

Outstanding observations Haywarduck, and I think it gets to the heart of what "loyalty" means in 2021. When I was a kid, my dad worked for a company where there was true mutual loyalty. His bosses treated him with personal concern and respect. If he got sick or was struck with personal hardships, they tried to understand and work with him to help him because they truly valued him. In return, he ran through walls for his company. As he got older, his loyalty to his company was appreciated and honored by his employers. Fast forward to 2021. We now live in an age where corporations are all about the mighty dollar. Kim's book store and Bob's coffee shop are probably out of business, or certainly struggling. Lower level employees at the corporate replacement stores are paid as little as their companies can get away with. Tornado heading for the warehouse? Too bad. Keep working. The higher up the ladder you are, the more you are looking over your shoulder because there are always up and coming young folks who want your job. Heaven forbid that you get sick or have to miss work because we live in a "next man up" society now. Loyalty from the top down only goes as far as your latest success and if you can't get the job done, there is someone else who can. For you, it's "see ya, wouldn't want to be ya!" Time invested and loyalty to the company mean next to nothing in this "what have you done for me lately" brave, new world. Football? It's Amazon and Starbucks Football as far as the eye can see. You'd better darn well win and keep the cash flowing because one bad season, and you'll be sitting on a hot seat looking over your shoulder at the latest and newest hot young assistants at an SEC team.

Not so strangely, you Steven A. are CORRECT. I'm so glad he's NOT Oregon's coach.

Strangely, there were a lot of Duck fans clamoring for Mullens to hire Urban Meyer as Oregon's next coach. Can you imagine that? Thankfully, neither Mullens nor Knight could.

I'm not going to lie. I really like Mycah Pittman and I hated to see him go because I know he loves it here. I've been following his video adventures at Oregon for a while now and he won a place in my heart. Although he was hardly targeted at all this season, he has proven over his Oregon career that he is an outstanding receiver. Just as problem child Carrington did when he transferred to Utah, Pittman will prove his worth at his next stop. That all said, I read what Mr. FishDuck wrote and I have to agree with him that Mycah leaving before the season ended could be seen as an immature and selfish thing to do, in spite of the fact that he wanted to red shirt early in the season but was strongly discouraged to do so by Cristobal and B Mac. There was also another meeting that he refused to go into detail about later in the season where I'm sure he was read the riot act ( Think Kris Hutson. My way or the highway, baby !!). As he alluded to in the video, I think his treatment and broken promises by his coaches resulted in some mental issues that also played a role in his decision making process. It's true that he was selfishly looking out for himself and avoiding injury, but it's also true that he had a terrible attitude that snowballed as the frustrations of the season mounted and he didn't want to be a negative influence on his fellow players. We often encourage men and women to tough out relationships that are abusive to the point of resulting in real and lasting damage to the victims. This is not good my friends. "Be tough" or "Be a man" or "Honor your commitment" when someone is dealing with an abusive relationship that is hurting them is neither right, good, nor healthy. We should be singing the praises of people who are brave enough and strong enough to make the decision to walk away from mental and physical abuse. It's not easy in this "take it like a man" society we live in. Mario liked to talk about his "real relationships" with his players, but I think that many of them were as frustrated as Pittman. We know the WR room is a mess, and I'm sure the QB room is as well. Had Cristobal stayed, there would have been a portal exodus unparalleled in the history of Oregon football. It's clear that there were many players who didn't have their heads into either of the games against Utah. Like Mr. FishDuck said, we dodged a bullet with Cristobal because things were going downhill fast. That all said, Dillingham will be Oregon's new Offensive Coordinator and Pittman has developed a very positive relationship with him. I wouldn't be surprised if Pittman is convinced to switch gears and stick it out at Oregon, much like Seven McGee. Has anyone else noticed how young this new staff is turning out to be? Young and hungry. I'm loving it people!

Looks like Kenny Dillingham from Florida State has shown some interest in Mr. Pittman. Guess who Dan Lanning is trying to hire as his Offensive Coordinator? That's right, Kenny Dillingham. Hmmmm.... I'm really excited about the future of Oregon football my friends.

It was edited A LOT. I imagine it was because he said some things either he didn't need to say, or perhaps that he felt he shouldn't say. You can tell he was pretty emotional about the decision. He loves his team mates and the school, he just has to do what he has to do to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.

You hit the nail on the head. Nothing Pittman said was the least bit surprising. What good is it to recruit some of the best skill position players in the country if you aren't going to develop their talent and use them. I'm so glad Mario is gone.

All I know is that I'm glad to see the RPO offense (just plain run offense considering the limitations of the quarterback) that Oregon ran in 2021 getting smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror. The time has come to open things up and to utilize the great amount of talent Oregon decided to squander this season. Now that Mario is gone, I'm interested to see what Moorhead and company do in the bowl game.

In the following Youtube video, Mycah Pittman explains why he decided to transfer. It makes me wonder how many other players felt extremely frustrated with Oregon's offense, as well as being frustrated by being promised something different than what actually happened. It's just one of many reasons I'm glad to see Mario leave, and why I am very excited about what's ahead with Dan Lanning.

The letter was written close to the very beginning of the search for the new coach. It expressed concerns with the last two head coaching hires of people who had no connection with Oregon's football history from people who were intimately involved with that history and who are still passionate supporters of their team. I am also a passionate supporter of my Ducks and I completely understand and sympathize with the sentiments expressed in the letter. I'm sure most of you do too. John Canzano has a job to do and, love him or hate him, he does his job very well. He is a columnist for the Oregonian and a big part of what he does is to shine a prickly light into the dark corners and controversies of sports in Oregon. He is well connected and he digs deep to get his stories. The more he is able to raise controversy, the better he is doing the job he was hired to do. The only bad part about the letter being released, aside from the fact that its authors had no intention of it going public, was the timing of the article which made it seem like an attack on Dan Lanning's hire. The updated comments and posts of the author/authors make it clear that they are all in support of "Lanning Strip's" hire. Anyone who was surprised by the content of the original letter hasn't been paying attention to what people like Joey Harrington and other former player media talking heads have been saying since Helfrich was fired. Most of us can relate to the thoughts and ideas they were expressing. That all said, I don't understand the need some feel to demean or disparage Justin Wilcox. He's a wonderful person and an excellent coach, and I'm honored to count him among my friends. He was interviewed for the Oregon job, looked at it in comparison to what he is doing and building at Cal and, allegedly, decided to pass. If you feel the petty need to criticize him for that, you didn't want him anyway, so what's your problem? Although he is from here and he loves Oregon, he realized that the Oregon HC job wasn't a good fit for him. He should be commended for making a wise decision. Just in case you haven't noticed, it's never been an easy task for Oregon to "kick Cal's ass" since Wilcox has been head coach there, and I don't expect that's going to change any time soon.

I'm with Grandpa Duck. The timing here isn't good, but it is what it is. As many of the past and current players I've heard have said, Oregon, in and of itself, is a pretty special place for many reasons. The Ducks have a pretty solid roster at this point and none of the recruits in waiting are going to make or break the team. Some of the really good recruits will sign on Wednesday, and others will wait until February to see how Lanning's staff shapes up. As Grandpa pointed out, the ocean is vast and filled with big fish in addition to the fact that there is more talent in the transfer portal than ever before. Do as well as you can to add to the flock, but concentrate on keeping the current roster intact. Oregon is going to be just fine.

I'd be surprised if Lanning's starting salary is 6 to 8 million a year. That said, if Wilcox was even actually offered the job, he considered everything involved with the University of Oregon job and realized that he was satisfied where he was.

Canzano has his connections, that much is for certain. From the outside looking in, it's hard to believe that Justin Wilcox would turn the Oregon job down, but we don't know any of the things going on inside of Justin's world. Justin has been at Cal for long enough that he understands the system and expectations there, likes the staff he works with, and loves his players there. He lives in a nice house in a beautiful part of the Bay Area, and is able to lead a fairly low key life at a college where academics are world class and clearly more important to the university than sports. Not everyone dreams about coming home. Some are quite happy and satisfied with the the life they have made for themselves away from home. I think he likes what he has at Cal. I'm also certain that he noticed that a good percentage of the Oregon faithful all over social media were not excited about him coming back to coach the Ducks. Following "The Beast" who put in 90 plus hours a week every day all year would be hard enough without having to deal with disgruntled fans who weren't happy with your hire. Truth be told, I think he hit it out of the park when he interviewed. He's super smart, he knows Oregon football, he is personal friends with Oregon's biggest boosters and legendary former players, and I'm guessing he checked every single box that RM and PK had. It would definitely be a feel good story that they could promote to high heaven to have him come home, but he is a low key, salt of the earth kind of person who isn't a rah-rah, break out the T-shirts kind of person. He realized that life in the fishbowl as the head football in the Eugene wouldn't work for him. As it turned out, I think Lanning will be a much better fit as Oregon's football coach. I'm really excited to see what he brings to Oregon's table.