Hearst called it their flagship newspaper during trial in San Francisco. The scary part is that there are very few good, solid newspapers anywhere in the States. Papers that report the news accurately, and actually search out the facts. As for the toy dep't, I mean Sports, other than Mickey, is there one single can't miss column? 'Notebook'? Real game insight?
It's easy to say 'no excuses' when you're already a lock for the playoffs now that Stockton and Malone no longer play for the Jazz and Golden State got rid of their two best players. Not to mention Yao Ming already has a year under his belt.
Codell, I would at least like to see the product before deciding on the bet. Regarding Rudy, part of the reason for JVG statement is to be very kind to Rudy and I am glad he went back because there was nothing about last year that could impress him with Rudy adn the job he did. So you know, I like Rudy T. I just find that his approach was not going to get it done.
What's the over/under on how long til one of the players changes it to "no excuses, but ... " I'll be generous and give it a month.
I don't understand DR. You were steadfast in your belief that Rudy was the reason why we didn't make the playoffs and finish top 4. Come on, your excuse has been eliminated. If Rudy was the crappy coach that you say he was, then us finishing top 4 is a given right??? And don't give me that BS about JVG being kind to Rudy. In no way was JVG prompted to make a statement about the job Rudy did. The interviewer didn't bring up Rudy, JVG did. JVG has no reason to kiss up to Rudy. Furthermore, if he felt differently, he could have not said anything! The guy made a point to say that Rudy was not the problem, the players are! lol
JVG did have a reason to be kind to rudy. one, not to alienate all of the fans who hold rudy in such high regard, and two, to light a fire under his players and put the responsibility directly on their shoulders. damn tricky bit of diplomacy/motivation, i would say.
thegary, I still disagree. He could have just not said anything, especially when he was never directly, or indirectly, asked to address the job Rudy did last year. Do you feel the fans would have been alienated if he had not given Rudy some love or not said a word about Rudy at all?? Also, perhaps he really does believe Rudy did a good job and he believes, after watching all the tape, that the playerss and their execution was the problem. He has more incentive to light a fire by telling the truth, then he does by lying.
hey, let's not brand anyone a liar. anyway, JVG is new to texas and is adjusting to the massive differences between the media and the people here and in NY. it is human nature to try and fit in and rudy is a houston legend. plus, rudy did do a good job- just not the way JVG would have done it. we needed the change and everyone knows it. but ultimately, as his statements imply, players win games, not coaches.
Anyone comes into a job situation where his predecessor was fired would look very carefully why the predecessor failed. Was it his fault or something else? If it wasn't his fault, why couldn't he succeed? How can I avoid the same fate? Genuinely believing Rudy did a great job is not necessarily contradictory to doing it differently and asking the players to stop making excuses. Besides, acceptable excuses last year might not be acceptable this year. All the young players are one year more experienced now. Why do people always have to bash Rudy when JVG mentions some need for change?
the players that were quoted said "no excuses" - then just in case we couldn't remember what the excuses were they ran through them for us
Actually, the quality of the Chronicle picked up significantly after the Post folded, mainly due to the fact that they hired a large chunk of the Post's staff. Not that the Chronicle is fantastic, but I hope no one here is judging the quality of a newspaper by its sports section. Jeez, why not critique the funny pages while you're at it?
Codell, no one has to prompt JVG. If he feels saying something would be beneficial he would say it and not wait to be prompted. It is reasonable for me to take a look at what the rockets have to offer. They have made a lot of changes many of which I am not yet in favour of. Remember I have already lost the bet. So if by the last preseason game I do not see what I expect then I would just leave the bet where it is and publish the signature.
DR, How would lying be beneficial to the players?? That makes no sense. I thought JVG was an upstanding guy. You talk over and over again about excuses. Well, what it sounds like to me is, JVG just removed your excuse that Rudy was the problem last year and is pointing his finger in the direction of the players (who you refuse to hold accountable). JVG is saying that the players are the problem. Good for him! I really don't see why you need to wait to make the bet. You were convinced that Rudy was the reason we didn't finish Top 4. He is gone. So we should be Top 4 right?? Don't give me the excuse "well, we made lots of changes". We lost one role player and signed 2. Have some gumption and either accept or don't accept. Or admit what I think you already know, and that is, Rudy was not the problem.
