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• Yes, but does calling the Trustees things like "spineless" and "self-serving bums" help us to (as you put it) "get the ear of that one BOT member to lobby this cause?" And why do you think that ONE Trustee will be able to singlehandedly push through the needed changes? Like all of us, the Trustees have egos, and--since many are wealthy, important individuals--they generally don't take well to being attacked. Rather than buckle under to such pressure, their tendency would be to "circle the wagons," and not give in. While I would agree with you that a lot of people in authority at Fordham have dropped the ball over a long period of time, I think many of US have as well. The last time I was at M.J. Armstrong's, I spoke with several people who were vehemently complaining about Frank. When I asked them if they had written Fr. McShane or anyone on the BOT, all of them said they had NOT. (NT) -- JCC, Sun April 17, 2005 20:37:01

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• FB, it might be useful for students to organize, have rallies, wear t-shirts calling for change etc., and in fact some students have come on this board looking for advice on how to get their message out. But if alums like most of us did that sort of thing, it would reduce whatever credibility we have. JCC is right. We have a new administration that is feeling its way. Frank is at retirement age right now. If enough alums contacted Fr. McShane and the Trustees directly, we might have more success than you'd imagine. (NT) -- BLT, Sun April 17, 2005 21:07:15
  • Remember this however. As pointed out by several other posters here. This AD went on a public radio show and blasted the infrastructure of his own organization., The now famous "enemies within" comments, et al. So, maybe I come off crude and unprofessional calling people bums and spineless, However, the AD went on a public radio station and made those comments, so where was/is the BOT when those comments were being made? (NT) -- FB, Sun April 17, 2005 23:33:25

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• BLT's point about credibility is on the mark. Most of us on this board are professionals: business people, attorneys, educators, even a few physicians. Let's act as professionals, and use whatever skills of analysis and persuasion we have to advocate for change. And that change won't come easily. Since the 1950's, a culture of "benign neglect" has characterized policy regarding Fordham athletics. Changing that culture of neglect will not be easy. No one person (including the current Athletic Director) created this culture. While new leadership may be needed in the Athletic Department, this is going to be a task that goes way beyond a few personnel changes. Strident language and scape-goating will get us nowhere. It's time to engage the administration and trustees in a real dialogue about the important role that athletics can play in a vibrant academic community. (NT) -- Old Prof, Sun April 17, 2005 23:32:13
  • These are words of reason. How do you suggest that alums and students get started with that dialogue? (NT) -- Rambacker, Mon April 18, 2005 12:56:39
    • I'd hope all of us would contact the Pres. & the BOT Chairman (Mr. John N. Tognino) directly to express our opinions. Those with experience in sports management , marketing, public relations etc. should make as many specific recommendations as possible--spelling out possible costs & benefits. Secondly, we could ask for some sort of forum/open meeting where the topic will be: "The Future of Fordham Athletics." Preferably such an event would take place at McGinley, on an evening while school is in session so that both students & alums can attend--and before the Strategic Planning Committee has finalized its work. The administration might be reluctant to sponsoring something like this, so perhaps sponsorship could be done by an alumni group or by one or more of the existing supporter clubs. I hope other people on this board (inc. Rambacker, DamnRam and others who have more "real world" experience than the Old Prof) would chip in with their ideas on how to get such a dialogue going. (NT) -- Old Prof, Mon April 18, 2005 14:17:46