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What I Really Think About Tom Izzo Potentially Leaving MSU For The Cavaliers
I find it strange, in this state, we are so accepting of departures.
Tom Izzo, for example. He was raised here and educated in our public schools. He attended college here, at a public university. He was given his entry level jobs as a basketball coach at a public high school and state-supported universities.
He got his first big break here as an assistant coach at Michigan State. He was named the head coach in waiting for Jud Heathcote, even though there were many more qualified candidates for the position at the time. When his initial seasons did not go well, the school and this state stood by him. Tom Izzo, after he’s had unprecedented success, has never had to ask for anything. It’s just been given to him. Money. Adulation. Status. Respect.
He has come symbolize this state as perhaps our most successful native son, at what might be the most trying time in this state’s history.
But as of right now, he’s holding MSU and this state hostage emotionally, evidently because he wants to find out whether LeBron James is going to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This, in my opinion, stinks. A lot of people in this state feel like Izzo owes MSU and this state nothing. I differ on that.
He owes MSU and this state everything. If anybody should understand this, it’s Izzo. He is a unique case. This wouldn’t be a typical person leaving one job for a better job - which is true 99.99999999999999999999999999 percent of the time. That would be completely understandable.
This would be somebody forgetting where he’s come from. That, in my opinion, is deplorable.
Tom Izzo, for example. He was raised here and educated in our public schools. He attended college here, at a public university. He was given his entry level jobs as a basketball coach at a public high school and state-supported universities.
He got his first big break here as an assistant coach at Michigan State. He was named the head coach in waiting for Jud Heathcote, even though there were many more qualified candidates for the position at the time. When his initial seasons did not go well, the school and this state stood by him. Tom Izzo, after he’s had unprecedented success, has never had to ask for anything. It’s just been given to him. Money. Adulation. Status. Respect.
He has come symbolize this state as perhaps our most successful native son, at what might be the most trying time in this state’s history.
But as of right now, he’s holding MSU and this state hostage emotionally, evidently because he wants to find out whether LeBron James is going to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This, in my opinion, stinks. A lot of people in this state feel like Izzo owes MSU and this state nothing. I differ on that.
He owes MSU and this state everything. If anybody should understand this, it’s Izzo. He is a unique case. This wouldn’t be a typical person leaving one job for a better job - which is true 99.99999999999999999999999999 percent of the time. That would be completely understandable.
This would be somebody forgetting where he’s come from. That, in my opinion, is deplorable.
Labels: Tom Izzo
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:46 PM
12 Comments:
As I said on your Tues chat, money isn't everything.
I guarantee that Izzo would be sorry for going to the pros for $3M more.
If Izzo tries to pull his magic on the pros that could outbid him on any poker game, he will be disenchanted.
The pros, team to team, and player to player are much more equal and it is much harder to differentiate your team or player.
Don't do it Tom, you'll be sorry because you'll not be as successfull in steering the pros, especially with your specialty, rebounding, transition and defense.
Are you a Spartan fan, Pat?
http://www.itsalwayssunnyindetroit.com/2010/06/spartan-fans-appreciate-coach-izzo-for_08.html
I'd look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Pat,
I think you are being a little harsh. I like Tom Izzo also and want him to stay. I am a diehard Spartan but I would have no problem with a man chasing his dream. I disagree with your statement that we gave him our adulation, that is not true, the man earned it by producing a winner on the court and a top notch program. If the Spartans were not winning we would have ran him out of town quick fast and in a hurry. Just ask Muddy Waters, another homegrown product from yesteryear. I think the Spartan program will be fine if Tom goes to Cleveland because he built it to sustain excellence. I wish him the best whether he stays or goes.
Alan
"...after he’s had unprecedented success, has never had to ask for anything. It’s just been given to him. Money. Adulation. Status. Respect."
Wrong, Pat. Izzo EARNED every one of those things. He was not given anything. Therefore, he owes nothing to anybody but himself and his family.
You are so extremely selfish in your views on this. THAT is the only "deplorable" thing about your article.
You, Sir, should be ashamed at the entitlement you are displaying.
"...holding his state hostage." Please. Dramatic much?
C'mon Pat...Deplorable? Holding the State of Michigan hostage? That's excessive. A ship in a harbour is pretty safe just sitting in the harbour. Who are you to tell him where to take his ship? People come and go, it's part of life. You simply have to cherish those times you do have with quality people and count it a blessing while you have them.
Grant
Remember "straight down the middle"?
For someone totally unbiased you sure come off as taking this very personally my friend. Three days running now.
Tom Izzo has given more to MSU than MSU has given back. He has also done much to bring respect to the state of michigan (much more currently than anyone else I can think of top of head). This is a professional decision on Mr. Izzo's part, and I feel it is unfair to attempt to tarnish his image based on this decision.
Anonymous,
I agree from the standpoint that Izzo would have to change his style to be an effective NBA coach. And isn't that style what made him Tom Izzo to begin with?
Caputo
Gerges,
I have no idea what you were getting at.
Caputo
Alan,
Good for you. A lot of people feel the way you do about it. But there is another way to look at it, too.
I presented that other way.
Caputo
Anonymous,
I have no horse in this race. I do feel strongly that even Tom Izzo is not bigger than the State of Michigan nor Michigan State University, and that if anybody is being selfish or self-centered on this issue, it's Izzo.
Caputo
Grant,
It's how I feel on the matter.
Caputo
Anonymous,
It's not a personal issue with me. Why would it be? Total opposite. I have written many nice things about Tom Izzo down through the years. I like him personally very much. But on this issue, I don't agree with how he's handled it. Period. Nor how many people give him a free pass.
Caputo
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