She used to wake me up with coffee ever morning
I don't necessarily disagree, but as I pointed out, this isn't Gee's first time at the rodeo. I'd also point out that you seem to differ from others in this thread in that they seem to argue that there shouldn't be any ramifications for this type of behavior. On that point, I couldn't disagree more. Should he be pushed out? Maybe not, but he shouldn't get a slap on the wrist either. At the risk of going all Robert Bork here, I think we're slouching our way toward mediocrity in the standards we hold our professionals to.
How do we know he's not Mel Torme?
Couple of points. What Gee said was behind "closed doors." It could have been a booster meeting or whatever. But it wasn't something the general public was invited too. Granted as a head of a major university you need to be careful with what you say at all times. In essence it was more of a "weekend card game atmosphere" than a public speaking engagement. Taking pot shots at rivals in a fundraising event is going to get a reaction.
What he said about Louisville and UC were pretty much status quo with everyone's thinking. It was well documented that UC has more to offer from and educational stand point to the ACC but they chose Louisville because of their athletic facilities. What he said about not wanting UC in he B1G I have no problem with. You want the 2nd or 3rd largest city in your state to funnel the best to your university.
I posted a rebuttal in the SEC discussion thread regarding Drew Franklin of Kentucky Sports Radio's rebuttal. A couple of the zingers thrown in there are perfect for a sports blog, and I myself was not offended, but I could see where someone would be:
We value paying for our tattoos, not bartering for ink with autographed jerseys and bowl rings.The first one would be offensive to Ohio State fans, but even some would probably get a laugh. The second, if it came from a SEC coach, athletic director, or university president, would likely land them in hot water.We value our youth. We don’t shower with them.
Point is, it all depends on how we view our public officials. I can think of a political analogy, but I really don't want to derail this thread with it, but you can leave it up to interpretation.
It would be a little different if he was President Joe Schmoe from State Tech and he didn't seek attention the way Gee did. I don't think it's much of a stretch to say Gee was the most recognizable university president in the country. Since he's already said some controversial things in the past, every public event Gee went to had media there ready to report any gaffe. No one cares what President Schmoe says. His public appearances are not going to have a lot of media there. That attention Gee craved was a double edged sword. It made him recognizable but it also cost him his job. He's a smart guy who did some dumb things.
Why is it okay for a university president to criticize the academic standards at other universities? He specifically criticized the academics at UofL as well as the sec. Thats fine for anyone else but a university president should champion higher education not criticize anyone who didn't attend his school.
University presidents should be noncontroversial and boring. Leave the controversy to the coaches.
It might have been behind closed doors, but it was unquestionably an event that he attended in his official capacity. Not at all like a card game. This wasn't simply amongst friends and family on a weekend. Additionally, as Chip mentioned, he's one of the highest profile presidents around. That alone should put him on notice that anything he says is fair game.
How do we know he's not Mel Torme?
http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com...youryoure.html
This learning lesson is brought to you by the Southeastern Conference.
I am not defending Gee here, but some people are forgetting/overlooking some facts:
1) A university presidents #1 job is fundraising.
2) Gee was a great fundraiser
3) As said before, it wasn't Gee's first rodeo. He has been operating like this for decades.
4) It is times that have changed, Gee hasn't
5) In America, Catholic jokes are not comparable to racist or homophobic jokes. Minorities and homosexuals are consistantly descriminated against. Catholics are not.
6) Nobody is call Gee a bad guy, just a president with bad judgement and loose lips.
What if this is as good as it gets?
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