Friday October 10, 2008

Stay Near A Computer

Stay Near a Computer
Normally on Friday we have our e-mail bag segment but I thought about going another direction today.

Some are shocked and most are disgusted by the events surrounding the football program at Clemson. Last night was another piece of evidence that a change had to be made.

I think a decision might have already been made or will come soon but it could take a few hours or days to iron out details of how the athletic department will handle this situation. I was around when Coach Ford, Coach Hatfield, Coach West and Coach Shyatt were fired or resigned. These things take a few hours or days to work out depending on the individuals and details of each individual situation.

I am not sure when they announce the decision. I am not sure if Bowden will be allowed to coach the rest of the season or if they will go with an interim coach. But at this point I think the powers at Clemson understand that something has to be done.

Here is what I know at this point:
*Several key players in this decision understand that a change has to be made. It is now not a matter of if but has now become a matter of when.

*I was told by a very good source that one of the board of trustees cancelled an important business meeting this morning because he had to head to Clemson. I do not know the nature of his visit to Clemson and it may be a sheer coincidence. It is not fair to assume that this concerns football but I think it is fair to be intrigued by the timing.

*I have some information about Clemson’s interest in replacement candidates and information about potential candidates’ interest in Clemson. However, until a change is made I think it is inappropriate to discuss. I hope you will agree on this policy. Believe me, the blog will discuss in detail potential candidates as soon as an opening occurs but this is not the appropriate time.

*I have been told that several key boosters, former members of the board and top university officials have been in contact with the athletic department. These contacts obviously started last week but have continued throughout the early part of this morning and more are scheduled this afternoon.

*I have been in contact with a couple of college coaches this morning (none of the Clemson staff) as they have called to see if anything is happening today.

This is a fluid situation and new information continues to come in by the hour. Please understand the need to be a little brief with the blog today in an attempt to work the telephones. However, check back as I will try to update throughout the day and weekend with anything significant. My advice is for Clemson fans to stay near a computer or telephone today and this weekend. I am not trying to be overly dramatic but instead I think we all are aware that something could happen at any time. Thanks.

****12:35 Update****
I have talked several more people since posting the first blog. Here is what I am hearing from multiple sources inside the athletic department and those close to a couple of board members:
Bowden's pre-scheduled teleconference is still on for this afternoon. This is a routine teleconference and I am not expecting a lot of news coming out of this.

From the trustees standpoint, I trust my sources and they are pretty consistent in thinking that a change is coming. However, I have not heard any news about a the "board with an official meeting" this morning.

It was reiterated to me again a few minutes ago that the details of this type of thing are complicated and no one is sure of the timing.

At this point it would not surprise me if they do something this afternoon or later this weekend. It also would not surprise me if they waited until after the season to announce the decision because at least one official thinks that is the way to handle this.

The Tigers have practice scheduled for Sunday afternoon. If an announcement is coming before the Georgia Tech game, I was told it would come before that practice.

Everyone has to consider the credibility of their sources and weigh what you say with that in mind. This is a fluid situation and I am not exactly sure when it will work itself out. As I stated earlier, I would just stay close to the computer today and throughout the weekend.

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