Several former Spiders who played for Mooney, Richmond’s coach since 2005, since that billboard with the critical message appeared have discussed the possibility of sponsoring a supportive billboard when they felt the time was appropriate. Led by former UR star Grant Golden, that group recently determined this is a fitting time.
"For years, it's been kind of a running joke," said Golden.
Golden plays professionally in Italy and he said in a Monday phone interview that the billboard five years ago was unfortunate, and that sort of criticism can be part of the job for college basketball coaches.
“As (Mooney’s) guys and people who care for him, we felt we needed to show support,” said Golden.
Golden said about 15 former UR players and managers contributed to pay for the new billboard, which is expected to occupy this prominent place near I-95 for a month. It displays its message where the critical one did in 2019.