Criticism Comes With The Territory

WARNING: If U are extremely sensitive and can't handle the truth or criticism for that matter, stop reading, curl up into a little ball and go find a cool, comfortable place to hide.  Thank U...

This isn't about hate or anger or fear or jealousy.  No, it's about the truth. 

So here it is in the most direct and simple terms that I can think of:

1. If U are in the public spotlight, criticism comes with the territory.
2. If U play competitive sports, criticism come with the territory.
3. If U can't handle criticism, U should avoid sports and stay out of the public spotlight.

If you think that being a fan of any person, player or team, means that you are prohibited from criticizing them, then you are living in a delusional world. 

Here are some clear examples of what I am refering to:

• Tampa Bay Rays skipper Joe Madden gets grilled regularly on talk radio in Central Florida for changing his lineup or pitching substitutions.  Currently the Rays are tied with the (Damn) Yankees for first place in the AL East division.  The team that plays at Tropicana Field  has 1/2 the payroll and fewer stars than the Bronx Bombers yet just took 2 of 3 games from the New Yorkers during the heat of the rennant race.  Still, there is no love for Madden.
• Former Green Bay star and current Minnesota Viking Brett Farve gets criticized by fans for and against him no matter what he does.  If he retires or if he comes back to play, or if he throws a brilliant TD or an ignorant INT, he gets blasted for his actions.
• U.S. Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama have both held the most difficult position of anyone on the planet and no matter what they do they are constantly blasted by the public, the media and everyone that is either on "the right" or "the left".
• Dave Wannstedt, Butch Davis, Greg Schiano and Larry Coker were all once heralded and loved University of Miami coaches.  Then they either had a few tough seasons at Miami (Coker) or left "The U" and moved on to the Dolphins and Panthers (Wannstedt) or the Browns and Tar Heels (Davis) or Rutgers (Schiano).  Now, according to what you read on blogs, 90% of UM fans would tell you that "they all suck".  Wannstedt is "too conservative", Butch is "a liar", Schiano we hate for no apparent reason (but that's good enough) and Coker, even though he won a National Championship at UM, is a bum because he either couldn't recognize talent or recruit well.
• Since June of 2007 I have personally received and endured more criticism than any one person should ever tolerate in their lifetime.  I'm still here and blogging away.  No harm, no foul.

Much ado has been made about the  comments and criticisms that Hurricane fans (me included) made in the aftermath of the disappointing loss to Ohio State last Saturday.  Some negative things were said by many (me included) that some may regret.  Others stand by their comments without remorse. 

Still, we continue to move forward as life, work, family, blogging and yes, even Hurricane football, goes on. 

For the record what I did say was that Randy Shannon failed again in Columbus.  I stand by that statement.  There is no argument about the fact that Shannon has yet to deliver that one big win on the road that puts Miami back on the national college football map.

This is not a personal attack on the UM Head Coach.  It's simple really: The Hurricanes lost; Shannon is the head coach; the buck stops with him.  He would probably be the first to tell you so himself if he were sitting here with us now.

Now does that mean I blame the loss all on the head coach?  Of course not! 

But you can't give the coach credit for a win and then allow him to avoid accountability when the team loses.  The Hurricanes lost, so Shannon has to share in the blame just as he would certainly share in the glory and praise of victory.

The same goes for the Hurricanes' starting QB.  His wardrobe, hair designs and goatee all look totally awesome.  His play against the Buckeyes and four turnovers that lost the game?  Well, not so much.

Sure the UM players (Damien Berry anyone?) and most of their fans (Captain Optimist comes to mind) talked the talk before the game, but they failed to walk the walk during the game. 

That resulted in Miami once again coming home from a big road game with their tail between their legs as another supposed "stepping out party" was canceled due to lack of participation by the (still waiting) supposedly talented, mature, experienced and soon to be resurgent Hurricanes.

Now does this mean that anything has changed?  No, not at all. 

I predicted correctly before the game that Miami would lose to Ohio State.  Does that mean I am not a "fan" of The U?  Of course not.  I have always been and wil always be a fan of the University of Miami.

Let's review the facts as we know them:

1. UM alumni?  CHECK.
2. UM fan?  CHECK.
3. Season ticket holder?  CHECK.
4. Going to all of the home games?  CHECK.
5. Going to the game @ Clemson?  CHECK.
6. Support Randy Shannon?  CHECK.
7. Root for Jacory Harris?  CHECK.
8. Think the Canes can finish strong?  CHECK.
9. Believe Miami will finish 10-2 or better? CHECK.

The bottom line is this: It is what it is.  Nothing more, nothing less. 

Deal with it!

Comments

[MassivCane]

Oh Yeah

[MassivCane]

I think everyone on here can agree that this is one awesome blog.

Oh Wait!

[SOUP]

What happened to the supposed leader we wer getting in JH. The dude needs to get back to basics, film study, ect. I think he has every chance to shine as a QB but the dude needs to mature IMO. Ken Dorsey he aint.

Posted by: USAFCane | September 15, 2010 at 05:52 PM

GIVE HIM UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM ALL OVER AGAIN!

[DZ8]

Word.

[Old Skool]

OH no

[Old Skool]

OH well

[MassivCane]

Does everyone forget about the Syracuse game with McNabb and something like 66-13 or the VaTech game were we had to put Dorsey in since we were losing so bad. How about Washington in 200. Yeah Kenny D. never threw 4 picks in a game but come on.. This could be a 11-1 season and we are passing judgment after the 2nd game. Kenny needs to call J12 and say, take that newspaper article stick it on the wall next to your bed and use that for motivation every morning you wake up, that's what he did and you saw where that got him in college at least.

[Sebastian]

You can throw me in as one that rips into Maddon at every chance I get. But I still cheer for and support the Rays

Nice article by the way

Favre-Never liked him and never will
Politics- I never discuss
Coaches that moved on- Good luck, except when they oppose the `Canes

I was born into this world a `Cane, im living my life as a `Cane and ill meet my maker as a `Cane

It doesnt matter what happens I dont leave the `Canes. I believe in these guys that put on the Uniform

LETS GO `CANES

[SOUP]

Hey, where'r the kids doin their community-work this weekend?

Can we get a link for that, 86 -- anymone? Cuz Coach Shannon's definitely got our team doin something out and about --- in addition to practice this week...

CANES, baaby

Posted by: darCANEgel | September 15, 2010 at 06:59 PM

Love your posts!

[SOUP]

A TD on this drive would have put us up 14-3 and realled changed the games momentum.
Seemed to be a very good time for some OSU favoring officiating.

Did anybody else notice this. Excuse me if this has already been commented on, I may not have read all posts since the game

Posted by: SWFL CANE | September 15, 2010 at 06:17 PM

SWFL...appreciate your comment and can see your point of view.

Unfortunately woulda, coulda, shoulda do NOT count.

Can't leave it up to the refs. EVER!

[1miamifan]

Good Post

[SOUP]

Senior Maria Ronderos shot one over-par 73 and the University of Miami women's golf team posted its best score of the three-day tournament to finish up play at the Cougar Classic hosted by the College of Charleston at Yeamans Hall Tuesday.

"I think the girls played great today," UM head women's golf coach Patti Rizzio said. "They improved everyday as the tournament went on. I think they're only going to get better and better as the year goes on. Their attitudes are wonderful, and they've been a joy to work with."

Ronderos continued her strong play Tuesday. After shooting even-par 72 on Monday in the second round, she birdied four times on the front nine to go one-under par 35 before registering a two-over par 38 on the last nine holes. The four birdies was a career-best for Ronderos as she finished tied for 29th.

[Sarasota 'cane]

SI.com's weekly bowl projection has UM vs Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. We better get through Pittsburgh first!

Go 'canes!

[SOUP]

Friday, 10 September 2010 10:20

Atlantic Coast Conference & Raycom Sports Launch New

Mobile Application for College Football and Basketball

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For the first time, fans of the Atlantic Coast Conference will be able to continuously stay connected with ACC Sports via their iPhone or iPod touch. The Official ACC iPhone application will be available beginning September 2nd, as announced today by the ACC and Raycom Sports. Havoline is the presenting sponsor of the application, which will have an introductory annual cost of just $1.99.

Users will be able to search for “ACC” in the iTunes application store and download the application. They will have instant access to their favorite ACC teams and be able to customize the application to feature and track their favorite conference schools. And the application features an easy-to-use interface and 4x resolution graphics for the iPhone 4 retina display.

With the application, ACC fans will be able to:

Watch select Live Football and Basketball syndicated ACC telecasts from Raycom Sports
See real-time "ACC Live” game-tracking with live game stats, scoring summaries, play-by-play and other updates
Be alerted to breaking team news and game scores
Customize the application to represent their favorite conference team
Receive real-time individualized school news, scores, and breaking updates
View video-on-demand clips featuring team previews, exclusive game day highlights and archival ACC moments

Keep up with the latest polls including the AP, BCS and Coaches Polls.

[SOUP]

SI.com's weekly bowl projection has UM vs Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. We better get through Pittsburgh first!

Go 'canes!

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | September 15, 2010 at 08:24 PM

If U were Wannstedt what would your game plan be?

[Sarasota 'cane]

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dolphins/joerose/2010/09/herbstreit_um_looks_like_a_top.html

This was a very accurate assessment of UM by Kirk Herbstreit in my opinion. The full interview is located below. Fowler even has some good things to say about the 'canes as well in his interview.

http://wqam.com/index.php?page=347

Go 'canes!

[Sarasota 'cane]

If U were Wannstedt what would your game plan be?

Posted by: SOUP | September 15, 2010 at 08:26 PM

If I were Wannstedt I would be scheming to lose in a dramatic fashion!

Seriously though I would live by the blitz to beat UM. If you can't rattle Jacory and Co. they will pick you apart. Jacory has not proven that he can handle extreme pressure, so that is the blueprint for beating him until he proves otherwise.

I'm not sure there are many teams left on UM's schedule that can generate the kind of pressure that can rattle Jacory. UNC's players are starting to "trickle" back into the lineup, so they may give us fits when we play them. If all of UNC's players are available they might have the best defense in the NCAA.

Go 'canes!

[SOUP]

The Top 5 teams in the country according to the coaches poll remained the same: Alabama, Ohio State, Boise State, Texas and TCU.

The AP's top four - Alabama, Ohio State, Boise State and TCU - remained the same, but Oregon moved up to No. 5 after its blowout win at Tennessee on Saturday.

Miami is the only Atlantic Coast Conference team ranked in both polls.

[SOUP]

REMEMBER: Boise will lose the Fresno State.

[SchwartzCane08]

I thought this seemed appropriate. Don't ask me how to parse an image, however.

http://schwartzcane08.typepad.com/.a/6a0133f437fca5970b01348764b17b970c-800wi

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359]

Good Read...And I Agree..

tho 1 lose is the end of losing this year...
its the 12% of me tht wont let it go..

[SSFDballer]

Nice, im getting tired of cane fans saying if u criticize the QB or coach or any other thing, ur not a true fan. Thats BS!!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000117339359]

RayChanCanesFan

[SSFDballer]

I'm not afraid to say it:

Jacory Harris Is THIN SKINNED

they all need to toughen up abit, and half of our fan base need to toughen up even more!!

[solarcane]

darC
glad to see you on here old friend.

[solarcane]

I'm sticking to what I said the day Randy was hired as HC.
Give him five years then he either has it or he doesn't.
So far hes done some wonderful things and some average things.

I feel the program is moving forward, although slower than a lot of fan's expectations.

The one thing I don't want to see happen is Randy become "Big Game Randy."
Go 9-3 10-2 every year and lose the big road games and bowl.

[Coach Beamer]

Go 9-3 10-2 every year and lose the big road games and bowl.

Posted by: solarcane | September 15, 2010 at 09:33 PM

You talking bout me???

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Or Bill Dooley.

[GURU]

I think there Is a difference between criticism and hating..
In a team sport you can never blame a player for a win or a loss..

[solarcane]

ogv yeah

[canesteeler]

Right the hell on! I agree with and approve this article!

[solarcane]

When we call out the refs over every debatable call against us,why aren't the Sister's of Mercy ball spots in our favor mentioned in the same paragraph too?

[SJMPARMAN]

I agree Solar. The first five minutes of that game I was like, these refs are trying to make it up to us for Terry Porter. I can't blame the officiating at all for the result.

Here is a GREAT quote by the team's true leader.

This is a Hurricane who wrote on a preseason questionnaire that being a Cane means ``knowing you are the hardest-working, baddest SOB in the nation. Knowing every time you step on that field that people fear and respect you.''

``I love tackling,'' said the 6-0, 205-pound Bosher. ``It's part of the sport, and one reason I wanted to play football. Granted, I play the least contact position on the field, but it's exciting every time I do it.

``I mean, you get to go up and just hit somebody and not get in trouble for it.''

[BahamaCane]

If U were Wannstedt what would your game plan be?

Posted by: SOUP | September 15, 2010 at 08:26 PM
-------------------------------------
If i were Wannstash, i would force the Canes to beat me on the ground. The o-line is still green as it is their 3rd game together. Take away the pass and make the o-line have to open holes for the RB's.

On 3rd and long i will come with an occasional blitz to put some pressure on J12, but my main focus would be to make the Canes one dimensional.

The flip side of this is the Canes o-line actually played pretty well against Ohio State and the Canes running game was decent. If the o-line holds up against Pitt's front 7, which i am pretty sure they will, then its going to be a long day for Pitt.

Either way, Pitt is going to get bitched slapped by a hurricane come next thursday.

[solarcane]

Bosher is a natural born killer
The way he got up and chased that dude down was awesome.

[SJMPARMAN]

Wannstedt's game plan has not changed from what I have been reading in the Pitt papers. He wants to run the ball, avoid turnovers and play defense.

The problem is they have a very inexperience offensive line, he hasn't recruited but one 4 star offensive lineman since 2008, and New Hampshire flat out dominated their offensive line last week in the first half. In the second half, they opened it up, the quarterback played pretty well, and they pulled away.

They have a huge problem with linebacker play, and their secondary is not the strength of the team. Unless they show miraculous improvement in 10 days, they will get embarassed if we run the ball and if, if, if, Jacory does not turn the ball over. Their fans are very uptight about this game, for good reason.

[The "U" is America's Team]

This just in....J12 just threw another interception to OSU

[SJMPARMAN]

Oh man, that brought a laugh...I hope Jacory starts to understand the financial impact these interceptions will have on his future. If you are 6-4 and 220, the NFL might overlook some of these errors. When you are 6-4 and 200 pounds, like Dorsey, you have to show some stats to let some GM want to take a chance on you. There is a huge difference between 1st round guaranteed money when your size and weight project (like Jamarcus Russell) and a 7th pick if you are a Dorsey.

What Jacory needs to understand is that every interception taints his NFL prospects. So if you see your receiver blocking on a running play, throw it out of bounds.

The value of "your brand" lessens with every pick you throw. 1.5 interceptions in college ball probably translates to 2-2.5 at the next level. No one will draft you if you average that in your college career.

[WindyCane1]

Herbstreit: UM looks like a top-10 team

> Posted by Joe Rose on September 15, 2010 12:45 PM
ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit joined me on the show Wednesday morning and was encouraged by the Miami Hurricanes' performance againts No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus.

“I looked at Miami and I looked at a team that was physical, I looked at a team that was athletic," Herbstreit said. "I looked at a team that, if Ohio State’s number two in the country, then how can Miami be a team that’s not considered a top 10 team?

"Because, if you eliminate those mistakes, Miami’s playing right there with Ohio State. Athletically, maybe more gifted than Ohio State," he added.

"There’s no reason that this team should not have a chance to win every single game they play the rest of the season.”
_________________________________________

I think I said something like that right after the game and I was criticized a bit. Glad to see more people agree with many of our assessments.

Leading the nation in tackles for a loss. If that is the case by the end of the season, the Canes will have a top 10, big-play defense for sure

[Six]

I don't see Rocky Top beating UiF, even up in Knoxville

UiF's Defense will carry them through a lot of games this year, just like it has since Corch Irvin Meyers has been there

Both of their national championships under Corch Meyers was won mainly b/c of their Defense ... it's not their Defense that is having the problems on the team

How much do the Crocs miss Dan Mullen?

Until their Offense catches up - their D will be there. Janoris Jenkins shuts down his side of the field. Ahmad Black helps with the other side, while the break in their new DB

Rocky Top got absolutely curb stomped against Oregon, AT HOME

Of course I'm not saying that UiF is like Oregon, but I'm saying that Rocky Top didn't look that great when the relied on their QB Simms to help them out

Only way Rocky Top has a remote chance at winning this game, is to pray that their RB Poole has a Timmy Smith (Washington Redskins Super Bowl rushing record RB) type day and they just eat that game clock up ... pray for UiF to not get into any kind of rhythm on Offense by keeping them off the field as much as possible, due to Rocky Top eating up clock

UiF owns Rocky Top in the past 11 years, it hasn't even been close

[Six]

Old Skool - it's funny that you said that about looking for technical & production things

When I go home to hang with the parents, they'll be watching the local news .. and so will I .. but we're not watching the same thing. I really don't know what a lot of what is said during the newscast, b/c I'm paying more attention to the production value of it - the lighting, the shot selection, the shot composition, etc

I'll be pointing these things out to them while the news is going on

[j.w.]

Hey six, great finish to that Rays series! I only caught the end of the game, but the replays of that HBP on Jeter showed a pretty shameful call. Nobody else in the game would get that one.
And soup- good post, amigo. You're going to get rocks thrown at you whenever you start something like this and it sucks. Nobody should question your fan status.

[USAFCane]

I'm wasn't one of the doom and gloom merchants. I saw enough already, if JH improves we can go undefeated we'll have one one loss on our record heading into the bowl game. I believe as JH goes, the season will go. His focus and determination is key to his improvement. If JH remains the QB he was on Saturday, we're looking at a few more losses. It's a team effort but he's the key.

[SOUP]

Right the hell on! I agree with and approve this article!

Posted by: canesteeler | September 15, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Thank U. I'll be here all week.

[SOUP]

Bosher is a natural born killer
The way he got up and chased that dude down was awesome.

Posted by: solarcane | September 15, 2010 at 10:34 PM

Agree 100%

[Sebastian]

Jeter used the soccer flop move and it worked for him last night

In the end D.J. and the Rays got the last laugh and won 4-3

Now if that was someone like A-Rod that did that I would expect the media would be eating him alive, but since it was Jeter most in the media are saying they have no problem with what happened on that play

Go Rays
Go `Canes

[francis w]

I wonder how many of those on this blog can answe yes to #4 Going to all of the home games? CHECK. & you live 200 miles away!!
I ask How about those who live within 50 miles of Sun Life Stadium
#10 going to 4-6 home games
#11 going to 2-4 home games
#12 going to 1-2 home games
If you are willing to give up beer for 3 hours U can have 2 seats in the family section (EAST UPPER DECK) for about $225 for all 6 games.
My wife and I drive 41/2+ hours to SunLife and I made the mistake of buying in Lower Section 127 great visibility except those in front of us stood or went for beer constantly as did those in our row. very uncomfortsble for 70 somethings to enjoy what we could not see (even on the jumbo-tron most of the time).
We will still be there for 5 more games.
Fran

[dj moonbat]

Anybody who watched that game should be able to admit the obvious: we were beaten by a better team. I was a little surprised to find out that J12 and his wideouts were the weak link, but there it is.

Those guys are Jrs. It's really time for the class of '08 to man up.

[pb]

Posted by: dj moonbat | September 16, 2010 at 10:44 AM

I disagree.

[dj moonbat]

Whatevs. If you're OK with their growth over the last two years, and OK with fielding a team that just can't win tough road games, that's fine.