[fpic]http://www.sectalk.com/teams/South_Carolina.gif[/fpic]Black Coaches Association urges boycott.

BCA tells athletes to spurn USC

Group criticizes school for not interviewing minority canditate before hiring Spurrier.

By JOSEPH PERSON
Staff Writer
www.thestate.com

Not everyone is thrilled with USC’s hiring of Steve Spurrier.

The director of the Black Coaches Association is urging prospective coaches and athletes to shun the Gamecocks in response to the school’s hiring of Spurrier last month without interviewing any minority candidates.

Floyd Keith, the BCA’s executive director, said USC officials demonstrated “a complete disregard and lack of respect for our process,” an article that was published Tuesday on the Chronicle of Higher Education website.

Keith encouraged recruits, their parents and coaching candidates to look elsewhere “because this is indicative of an attitude that should be of concern,” according to the article.

USC athletics director Mike McGee said that “unusual and extraordinary circumstances” surrounding Lou Holtz’s retirement and the hiring of Spurrier gave the school little time to conduct a normal search. McGee said previously that after Holtz informed him of his decision following the Tennessee game on Oct. 30, Spurrier was the only candidate McGee contacted.

The two sides reached an agreement within three weeks, and Spurrier was introduced as Holtz’s successor on Nov. 23.

“We were faced with the possibility of not having a coach in place for the bowl game,” McGee said Tuesday in a release. “We had the opportunity to replace an accomplished and national championship coach with another accomplished and national championship coach.

“The window for that to occur was clearly uncertain. It certainly was not the normal type of coaching transition that an institution faces.”

Spurrier won six SEC titles and the 1996 national title during 12 years at Florida before embarking on a failed, two-year NFL experiment with the Washington Redskins.

McGee was in New York on Tuesday for the College Football Hall of Fame dinner and unavailable for further comment. Attempts to reach Keith on Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Besides maintaining a database of qualified minority candidates, the BCA recommends that at least 30 percent of finalist pools be made up of people other than white men. Keith’s organization also asks schools to take at least two weeks to hire coaches.

Keith Crolley, coach of Crestwood High in Camden, said he doubted whether the BCA’s position would have much impact on Crestwood all-state linebacker Damien Wright, who has committed to the Gamecocks.

“I don’t think it’s made a difference with Damien. We haven’t heard anything about this,” Crolley said. “He’s still staying strong to his commitment as of right now.”

Attempts to reach Wright were unsuccessful.

Columbia all-state tailback Mike Davis, who has USC on a long list of possible destinations, was unaware of the BCA’s stance on USC.

“I don’t feel I know the issue well enough to speak on it,” Davis said.

Last week’s firing of Notre Dame’s Ty Willingham left only two black head coaches among 117 Division I-A schools, making the issue of minority inclusion in coaching searches a hot-button issue.

Since arriving at USC in 1993, McGee has hired only one black head coach — track and field coach Curtis Frye, the first black head coach in any sport in school history. McGee talked to Kentucky’s Tubby Smith before hiring men’s basketball coach Dave Odom, and has brought in several minorities to fill administrative positions, including compliance director Marlynn Jones.

In his statement, McGee said he was appreciative and supportive of the BCA’s efforts.

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496 or jperson@thestate.com

Most of yall know me personally and know that I don't hide from speaking my mind. So here it goes:

What is going on with the BCA? This is clearly a political attack on USC's decision to hire Mr. Spurrier. Can anyone tell me that if you were in Dr. McGee's (USC AD) shoes, you wouldn't hire Steve Spurrier? Of course you would hire him. He has proven himself to be one of the top college football coaches available in the country. At the time Mr. Holtz retired, McGee willingly said he had a list of candidates, and he was going down the list one by one. He told Mr. Spurrier at the first meeting "You're my first candidate, so after I exhaust all of my resources on you, then I will go to the next one." You get the best coach you can find regardless of race. I mean, what are these guys trying to prove or do? Name me one African American college football coach who has proven himself as effective as Mr. Spurrier?

I don't see the BCA going after Notre Dame, Illinois, Florida, or Ole Miss with their recent hirings/firings. Why are they picking on USC? I'll tell you why. Because it will get the BCA the biggest headlines and publicity. It's not going to matter when all is done. No player with a chance at playing football and a $100,000.00 scholarship is going to turn it down over the request of a group of people who would rather see a young black football player miss an opportunity to get a college education, build a career, and possibly go on to have a NFL career. Any given HS player that is recruited by USC would be making a tremendous mistake by NOT accepting the scholarship from USC. Mr. Spurrier's priority of seeing that his players graduate is one of the top in the country.

The BCA is irrevelant in my eyes because they have shown me that they are willing to sacrifice a young man's future of bettering himself and securing a career for him and his family for their political gain. Anyone that remotely does a taboo thing called "thinking" can see this obvious grab for political gain by the BCA at the expense of impressionable young men.

I think this situation was best evaluated by Gregory Moore. He's the managing editor of the San Antonio Informer, a weekly African-American newspaper located in San Antonio, Texas. He is also a writer for blackathlete.com and he is African American.



"We are all too aware of racism in this country but to say that Black coaches aren’t getting their fair shake is probably a statement that shouldn’t be made in 2004." "Over the years and in continuing years, Black coaches have been hired and will continue to get opportunities. It is just that if a Black coach wants one of the big colleges, he will have to do like his white counterpart. He will need to show himself approved to handle the job."

The BCA Executive Director Floyd Keith can be reached at:

Phone: 317-829-5600
Fax: 317-829-5601

http://www.bcasports.org/MiContent.aspx?pn=accessBCA

Is There A More Qualified Coach Out There Other Than Steve Spurriur---black Or White?

The BCA is way off base here. They are making fools of themselves and reversing their momentum. No one in his right mind would pass up a chance to get Spurrier. Look what happened at Florida. They told him to submit his resume! He was offended and quickly backed away from Florida's irritating president and athletic director. USC played it smart, got the "ball coach," and will become a team to contend with in the unmatchable SEC. If the BCA continues to act like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton (who make their livings by delusion, illusion, and confusion), they will end up as the same type of jokes. No one will take you seriously.

No one is taking them seriously now. On ESPN, they were laughing at the BCA for their attack on USC. One commentator said and I quote: "You have to pick your enemies and your battles." "The University of South Carolina isn't one of them, they did exactly what any other university would have done."

Its just something to get them attention. They got a high profile coach hiring and they figured they needed the media attention therefor they are going to make a big deal out of it when in reality the university was doing all they could do to get Mr. Spurrier... just like all the other schools would have. Dont fault SC cuz they got the coach they wanted .. and every one else wanted.

You brought up an interesting point Hardie. Could another school have caused this? It's at least something to ponder. No one else is in the BCA's crosshairs except for USC. Even though the same thing was done across the country. Hmmmmmmmmm.

First is a copy of the letter I e-mailed and faxed to them and afterwards is the response I got.


What is going on with the BCA? This is clearly a political attack on USC's decision to hire Mr. Spurrier. Can anyone tell me that if you were in Dr. McGee's (USC AD) shoes, you wouldn't hire Steve Spurrier? Of course you would hire him. He has proven himself to be one of the top college football coaches available in the country. At the time Mr. Holtz retired, McGee willingly said he had a list of candidates, and he was going down the list one by one. He told Mr. Spurrier at the first meeting "You're my first candidate, so after I exhaust all of my resources on you, then I will go to the next one." You get the best coach you can find regardless of race. I mean, what are these guys trying to prove or do? Name me one African American college football coach who has proven himself as effective as Mr. Spurrier?

I don't see the BCA going after Notre Dame, Illinois, Florida, or Ole Miss with their recent hirings/firings. Why are they picking on USC? I'll tell you why. Because it will get the BCA the biggest headlines and publicity. It's not going to matter when all is done. No player with a chance at playing football and a $100,000.00 scholarship is going to turn it down over the request of a group of people who would rather see a young black football player miss an opportunity to get a college education, build a career, and possibly go on to have a NFL career. Any given HS player that is recruited by USC would be making a tremendous mistake by NOT accepting the scholarship from USC. Mr. Spurrier's priority of seeing that his players graduate is one of the top in the country.

The BCA is irrevelant in my eyes because they have shown me that they are willing to sacrifice a young man's future of bettering himself and securing a career for him and his family for their political gain. Anyone that remotely does a taboo thing called "thinking" can see this obvious grab for political gain by the BCA at the expense of impressionable young men.

I think this situation was best evaluated by Gregory Moore. He's the managing editor of the San Antonio Informer, a weekly African-American newspaper located in San Antonio, Texas. He is also a writer for blackathlete.com and he is African American.

"We are all too aware of racism in this country but to say that Black coaches aren’t getting their fair shake is probably a statement that shouldn’t be made in 2004." "Over the years and in continuing years, Black coaches have been hired and will continue to get opportunities. It is just that if a Black coach wants one of the big colleges, he will have to do like his white counterpart. He will need to show himself approved to handle the job."

Sincerely,
James A. Mills
Monroe, NC












Dear James,


I usually do not respond to emails, but do read them. For obvious reasons and time issues, I do not get involved in verbal volleyball with inquiries and emails. However, I felt your email and statement was very reasonable and deserved a response.

Your viewpoint is well taken and represents that of others I’m sure; however, you have missed the principle in our and our intent of this process…and, trust me, you are not alone in this error. OUR (BCA) CONCERN IS NOT ABOUT STEVE SPURRIER; HE IS A GREAT COACH AND WORTH EVEY PENNY USC SPENT TO GET HIM. THIS IS ABOUT THE SEARCH AND HIRE PROCESS USED BY USC; AND A TOTAL DISREGARD AND LACK OF RESPECT FOR OUR REQUEST FOR A DIVERSE SEARCH. AT NO TIME, DID USC COMMUNICATE OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTANCE OF THE BCA IN ANY MANNER (EVEN AS OF THIS DATE) DESPITE OUR INITIAL WRITTEN AND EMAILED REQUEST TO DO SO ON THE DATE OF HOLTZ OFFICIAL “ANNOUNCEMENT”

All, and I repeat ALL, of the other institutions conducting searches for 2004 communicated with the BCA and followed the suggested criteria of the report card. (I have attached a copy of the criteria for your review). In order for this social injustice to be eradicated, the status quo of over-nite hires (which this hiring process was on paper, but actually was orchestrated two weeks prior to the official announcement). The manner in which USC chose to time the announcement of Holtz and hire of Spurrier circumvented the process. Steve was going nowhere…he could have played golf for ten more days or they could have made the official announcement of Holtz retirement earlier; which we all knew was coming. You ware being quite naive if you believe what you saw transpire.

I hope this clarifies the position and intent of the BCA and helps to redefine your perception of the issue which I feel is not accurate. Remember, this is not about the hire, but about the process. As you stated, “In the future I would hope that we all try to continue the dream that Dr. King laid out and judge one another by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin”. This will not happen in collegiate football until we change the manner in which institutions hire football coaches; a process that is exclusive rather than inclusive.

I would suggest that you visit our website www.bcasports.org and view the findings of the 2003 Hiring Report Card. It may shed some more light on the subject for.

I wish you the very best in your senior year and hope you secure a job next year that meets your needs and expectations. Good luck.


I find it funny that I'm not even in college?????????? Canned response?????

High profile hire, in the south, easy target !! Thats their whole reason for bringin it up, to garnish attention.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Check out what Mr. Ron Cooper (USC's Asst. HC) said about the BCA.

Comments from USC assistant coach Ron Cooper regarding the BCA issue


Dec. 9, 2004

Columbia, S.C. - Comments from USC assistant football coach Ron Cooper regarding the recent publicity from the Black Coaches Association. Cooper is an African-American and former head coach at Eastern Michigan University, the University of Louisville and Alabama A&M. Coach Cooper made these comments after first reading about the BCA issue on Thursday while he was out of town recruiting ...

"In early November, when Coach (Lou) Holtz had made the decision to retire at the end of this season, Mike McGee came to me and informed me that Coach (Holtz) was going to step down. Dr. McGee said that he was prepared to recommend me to the University's Administration to be a candidate for the job. He also said that there was a good chance that we could hire Steve Spurrier. My comment to him was "if you can hire Steve Spurrier, go hire him now."

Read the story at the following link:
http://uscsports.collegesports.com/.../120904aaa.html

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/10379582.htm

The BCA needs to open their mouth REALLY WIDE and PLACE FOOT IN MOUTH!

Protest of Spurrier hiring a bad call

By A. PETE DYER

Guest columnist


The recent actions from the Black Coaches Association regarding the University of South Carolina’s hiring of Steve Spurrier are disappointing. The coaches group is treading on dangerous ground in terms of maintaining its credibility as a rational, fair and visionary organization.

Association Executive Director Floyd Keith has gone on record recently to criticize the University of South Carolina for its hiring of Steve Spurrier. The association apparently is upset that no minority coaches were considered during the whirlwind process between Lou Holtz’s decision to retire and the hiring of Spurrier.

Floyd Keith has gone so far as to ask prospective student-athletes and assistant coaches to stay away from South Carolina. This boycott call is poorly thought-out, at best, and could easily be considered reckless.

The mission and purpose of the Black College Association is important to sports in America. Minority head coaches exist in vastly disproportional numbers to white head coaches. When you couple this reality with the fact that blacks make up the majority of athletes, especially in football and basketball, you can fully appreciate why there is a Black Coaches Association.

The notion in our society seems to be that blacks can play the sports but they aren’t qualified to coach the sports. That is the perception that the association seeks to fight. And, throughout its 15-year history, it has done an exemplary job. The association’s major struggle has been to increase the number of black head coaches in major college football. There are now only two black head coaches among the 117 Division I football teams. This fact, taken with the reality of three black coaches recently being relieved of their jobs, seems to account for the association’s aggressive stance toward South Carolina.

Judgment and reason must be used by any individual or organization before taking a stance. It does not appear that the association took its time in considering the factors of Spurrier’s hiring. South Carolina was to replace a coaching legend, and a golden opportunity arose involving another legend.

The association commonly asks that minorities make up 30 percent of a coaching candidate pool and that at least two weeks be allowed for a search. Unfortunately for South Carolina and the association, timing did not allow for these conditions. The window of opportunity for hiring Steve Spurrier was extremely small. To South Carolina’s credit, it acted decisively and pulled off what is considered a coup in coaching ranks.

Looking at how the coaching landscape has changed in the two weeks since Lou Holtz retired, who is to say that South Carolina would have had a chance at Spurrier had it met the association’s guidelines? The plain reality is that given a chance to get a Steve Spurrier, you don’t play around and let someone else beat you to the punch.

As an African-American, I am not offended that a black candidate was not considered for the job of head football coach at South Carolina. I don’t detect any motives of bigotry. It would have been much more offensive if the administrators at South Carolina had flown in a black candidate, splashed his name across the news, waited for the association’s thumbs-up and then announced Spurrier. This would have been disrespectful and insulting. What professional would want to be tokenized in that manner? I would wager that, if polled, nine out of 10 sports-savvy African-Americans would call this a fair hire.

The approach of the association in this particular matter sabotages the organization’s best interests. This unfounded call for a boycott lessens its voice rather than broadening it. Truthfully, the overreaction is somewhat embarrassing to many African-Americans, including myself. If the leaders of the Black Coaches Association continue to water down its influence by taking such hard lines on non-issues, the organization and its purpose will begin to be ignored.

Why should the association worry about a hire at South Carolina that makes sense? Perhaps the association’s leadership should look at the firings of some minority coaches that don’t make sense. It would seem like a boycott of Notre Dame would be more appropriate. That is probably unlikely with the organization’s president being a Notre Dame graduate.

These are the types of decisions that ultimately build or destroy a group’s credibility.

Mr. Dyer is a Columbia software developer and sports enthusiast.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/state/ne...n/10391941.htm