Dr. Ronald Crutcher

[RobinsHall98]

No offense intended, but I am not at all sure that I understand your post inasmuch as I cannot tie a large part of it as relevant to what I stated in my post. My post had to do with the response by members on this board to any suggestion of an incident of racial bias on campus with the defense of playing the "race card" and how much of a strawman argument (a logical fallacy, if you prefer) and hollow such a defense was. If you read the posts further up this thread you will see that there was a specific statement that I had referred to which was followed by a number of posters suggesting that I was playing the race card rather than addressing my characterization of the statement. I also suggested that such a response was more indicative of their racial bias than it was a legitimate argument in response to the suggested incident of racial bias which I had cited.

No offense taken. Perhaps I took your sarcasm in your posts too far. I am inferring from your comments that you feel Richmond has a racial bias problem. It appears that you feel any criticism of UR as a growing bastion of social justice and progressive group think is based in racism and white privilege in Trumps America. Furthermore, I inferred that you do not feel that increasing the diversity of races in itself is not expressing a racial bias. To that end, saying that disagreement with the former is racist (an ad hominem) is often employed and is false. I will concede that "playing the race card" is not always a logical argument. Sometimes things are actually racist and sometimes people take advantage of the stigma of being seen as racist. Employing empty hyperbole instead of using reason is wrong and prevents a dispassionate and honest debate about a host of issues. Meh, I think I will stay quiet from now on. I am imbiding in front of our game and try not to get into it politically...especially on a sports board. Would rather do it over beers.

 

[spider3309]

You two guys need to get a room. I'm trying to be sensitive to everyone's feelings so let me make it clear this is only my opinion, but you're really boring.

 

[iSpider]

No offense taken. Perhaps I took your sarcasm in your posts too far. I am inferring from your comments that you feel Richmond has a racial bias problem. Any criticism of URs to a bastion of social justice and progressive group think is based in racism and white privilege in Trumps America. Furthermore, you do not feel that increasing the diversity of races in itself is not expressing a racial bias. To that end, saying that disagreement with the former is racist (an ad hominem) is often employed and is false. I will concede that "playing the race card" is not always a logical argument. Sometimes things are actually racist and sometimes people take advantage of the stigma of being seen as racist. Employing empty hyperbole instead of using reason is wrong and prevents a dispassionate and honest debate about a host of issues.

I do not think that UR has a major problem, but I do believe that racial bias on this board does exist. Diversity, for me, is an entirely different issue and separate from the lingering veiled racism to which I was referring, though I do see from your post how if may be appropriate to be considered a form of, for lack of a better term, reverse racism.

 

[RobinsHall98]

You two guys need to get a room. I'm trying to be sensitive to everyone's feelings so let me make it clear this is only my opinion, but you're really boring.

Your right time for football. Politics is boring.

 

[Stonewall D]

You two guys need to get a room. I'm trying to be sensitive to everyone's feelings so let me make it clear this is only my opinion, but you're really boring.

+1. Game on.

 

[SpiderK]

Trump 306 - Hillary 232. Ball game!!! LOL

 

[Spiders05]

Two of the most important metrics for a President...dollars raised and applications received. We're struggling in both of those departments right now.

I've never met the man. Everyone I've talked to that has met him has said he is very impressive, but I didn't care for hiring an older individual whose academic focus was on something we've never emphasized at our school. I'd rather hire a younger individual that will be at the school for a while and will build on some of the existing strengths.

 

[spiderhoops2011]

You mean people aren't lining up to fork over $220k to get a degree in "Equitablness & Inclusion" from Bernie Sanders U.?

 

[The Sauce of UR]

Rocco for President! Make Richmond Great Again!

 

[spiderhoops2011]

Rocco to replace Crutcher?!

I bet he'd do a great job!

 

[keefusb]

The University saw an opportunity to hire Crutcher and make a statement (about the biggest statement an institution can make, IMHO) about its commitment to diversity. I don't think anyone can argue that Crutcher wasn't qualified, as he had been a successful college president before (I characterize his success based primarily on his fundraising efforts at Wheaton). I would imagine his primary charter is to raise money and raise the academic profile of the University. Personally, I would have liked to see someone younger at the helm of UR, but since I'm not on the BOT or on the search committee, I don't really have a say in the decision.

I think how Crutcher does his job is absolutely fair game for criticism on this forum, and in public in general. I think it is ridiculous to characterize such criticism as "racist" simply because Crutcher is black. I'm willing to give Crutcher time and the benefit of the doubt for now, but I will not hesitate to call him out if I don't think he is acting in the best interest of the University, and I don't expect to be labelled a racist if I do.

As far as Crutcher's culpability in our current football coaching calamity, I think he and Gill share the blame, but personally I lay most of the responsibility at the feet of Gill. I think Gill is not up to the job, and this football situation is not unique in terms of what I consider poor leadership at the Robins Center. I think Gill's head should roll before Crutcher's.

 

[SpiderRick]

So you think he was hired because of his race? I believe that is the definition of racism. I prefer to think he was hired to play the cello

 

[keefusb]

^^I don't think that was the sole reason he was hired, but I certainly think it was a factor in the decision. To think otherwise is pretty naive. I'm also assuming you are being sarcastic.

 

[iSpider]

I think it is ridiculous to characterize such criticism as "racist" simply because Crutcher is black.

Not only is your statement a logical fallacy, you apparently did not understand the thread or only read it in part. Otherwise, you would not make such a ridiculous statement.

 

[keefusb]

It's not a logical fallacy, it's a statement that stands on its own without the context of the general thread. Stop being such a pedantic bully.

 

[I-M-UR]

No offense taken. Perhaps I took your sarcasm in your posts too far. I am inferring from your comments that you feel Richmond has a racial bias problem. It appears that you feel any criticism of UR as a growing bastion of social justice and progressive group think is based in racism and white privilege in Trumps America. Furthermore, I inferred that you do not feel that increasing the diversity of races in itself is not expressing a racial bias. To that end, saying that disagreement with the former is racist (an ad hominem) is often employed and is false. I will concede that "playing the race card" is not always a logical argument. Sometimes things are actually racist and sometimes people take advantage of the stigma of being seen as racist. Employing empty hyperbole instead of using reason is wrong and prevents a dispassionate and honest debate about a host of issues. Meh, I think I will stay quiet from now on. I am imbiding in front of our game and try not to get into it politically...especially on a sports board. Would rather do it over beers.

you guys really piss me off. Why do people continue to group people together by skin color. People are individuals regardless of skin color, they have their own brain, own opinions, etc You assume that skin color determines how you think, that is by definition racist. I fed up with this kind of racism.

 

[RobinsHall98]

you guys really piss me off. Why do people continue to group people together by skin color. People are individuals regardless of skin color, they have their own brain, own opinions, etc You assume that skin color determines how you think, that is by definition racist. I fed up with this kind of racism.

Exactly my point. Social justice assumes the opposite.

 

[Floridaspiderfan]

I actually want to give the president benefit of doubt. I think it's the AD we need to focus on as he has a non- football agenda despite the results on the field
However, wouldn't it be nice to see a tweet from the president at least acknowledging the spectacular win. I see this AM it's a tweet about some lady at a sexual violence awareness conference. And not a football acknowledgement in sight...the players are students right?
Finally I hope he is on plane this week to Washington. Cmon man!

 

[Stonewall D]

He has created an intolerable rift between himself and the football program. His failure to even acknowledge their accomplishments speaks volumes.

 

[Eight Legger]

He has created an intolerable rift between himself and the football program. His failure to even acknowledge their accomplishments speaks volumes.

You have no idea if this is the case or not. Writing something it in an authoritarian tone does not make it so.

 

[iSpider]

He has created an intolerable rift between himself and the football program. His failure to even acknowledge their accomplishments speaks volumes.

Please support that statement with at least one fact or one quote from a source who has a clue as to the what is going on within the football program or the office of the President.

Nothing personal, I swear, but it truly amazes me that you can make statements based purely what appears to be your agenda without any basis in reality. Really. How did you come by that ability? Our President-elect has the same ability. Seriously. He does and I do not mean that as a negative political statement. I just mention it because I see a similarity. So are you modeling your statements on his modus operandi? I promise, I am not being mean-spirited or sarcastic, I just want to know how this happens.

I know that you are a great Spider-Fan as demonstrated by 95% of your posts, but I would like to know where the other 5% of your posts such as the one above come from. Please help me understand. Thank you.

 

[LKNSPIDER]

The leadership of Ronald Crutcher is poor. It is a mistake to rule a school in the manner that he has. He is wrecking the football program. He has made poor decisions. He must go.

I will assume you don't know our administration and haven't spent serious time with them . If wrong I apologize.

I hope and want Coach Rocco to stay. But Coach Rocco has no basis to embarrass the Administration.....Negotiate in private not the press. And stick to coaching not strategic planning. I love what Coach Rocco and the team have done the past five years and I also want him to remain......make NO mistake!

 

[PhillySpider]

Problem is Danny wasn't negotiating in my opinion. That was over and he wasn't happy with the outcome, chose to move on, and was explaining (in advance) why because he was being pressed to make some comment.

 

[LKNSPIDER]

Problem is Danny wasn't negotiating in my opinion. That was over and he wasn't happy with the outcome, chose to move on, and was explaining (in advance) why because he was being pressed to make some comment

Problem is Danny wasn't negotiating in my opinion. That was over and he wasn't happy with the outcome, chose to move on, and was explaining (in advance) why because he was being pressed to make some comment.

If your opinion is correct...what did Coach have to gain?? No ....he did not move on....he chose to embarrass the administration. In fact, Coach said no one owned him tomorrow.....correct. So I am still hopeful.

 

[urfan1]

I am on the record saying it is not over, in fact I believe it to have been a cry for attention to what he perceived as a problem of lack of attention.

 

[Spiderwiz]

I sincerely hope it is a cry for attention and it is not over. I would have preferred it to be handled more privately but if a public statement was the only (last) option, I can live with that.

 

[Stonewall D]

I will assume you don't know our administration and haven't spent serious time with them . If wrong I apologize.

I hope and want Coach Rocco to stay. But Coach Rocco has no basis to embarrass the Administration.....Negotiate in private not the press. And stick to coaching not strategic planning...!

With all due respect, it is the Administration that has embarrassed Coach Rocco. Part of the strategic vision of UR is to increase its profile through athletics. The key to good athletics is a good coach. Crutcher does not see this. His priorities are different and they do not include a strong football team. Crutcher is living on borrowed time. Crutcher=Cooper.

 

[Floridaspiderfan]

Crutcher is being guided by his AD that's how it's done.... AD Gill is the issue and it's a tough one because one of them is gotta go and from what I can see. Gills time is coming but not now so most likely unless the schools biggest big shots intervene the right call for a president is to follow his AD's advice.

 

[32counter]

The way this has been managed has been quite embarrassing.Can't believe that either Gill or Walsh survive this whether Danny goes or doesn't.If Danny leaves he will leave an unintended tsunami in his wake.

 

[iSpider]

The way this has been managed has been quite embarrassing.Can't believe that either Gill or Walsh survive this whether Danny goes or doesn't.If Danny leaves he will leave an unintended tsunami in his wake.

According to some on this board, it won't be "unintended."

 

[Stonewall D]

The leadership of Ronald Crutcher is poor. It is a mistake to rule a school in the manner that he has. He is wrecking the football program. He has made poor decisions. He must go.

I do not see how he survives.

 

[32counter]

I do not see how he survives.

Do you always respond directly to your own posts?How silly.Are you trying to get a following of yourself by yourself?

 

[Spiders10]

Honestly, if Rocco leaves this is on Gill more than anyone else. He runs the AD. Can he not manage his shop?

 

[32counter]

Honestly, if Rocco leaves this is on Gill more than anyone else. He runs the AD. Can he not manage his shop?

He's considered an empty suit with no leadership skills by a number of coaches inside RC.In essence,a rudderless leader and compass deprived.Danny has never been simpatico with Gill.He lost a friend when Miller retired.Many believe Gill doesn't manage up or down
and Crutcher,being the new guy on the block,wasn't paying attention until the follow on Broadus issue
and the recent Danny public declaration.For Crutcher,the rough and tumble UR setting is a far cry from the tranquil New England setting of a cozy 10 year stint at Wheaton College with 1,600 undergraduate students,70% acceptance rate,$175m endowment and D3 athletics. Danny issues of vision have been brewing for sometime
with Gill likely shrugging his shoulders and didn't take Danny's concerns upstairs.I don't get that Gill is a big decision taker or decisive initiator.He shows up at work and delegates.If Danny leaves many loyal assistants will follow and likely other head coaches.
The Blue Hen AD will have found her pided piper in Danny.Gill and Walsh should be looking for another job no matter what Danny does.Its time for new management,real management.
Don't get someone underqualified(Gill)or a guy that carries 74 keys on his belt buckle and who is basically a project manager(Walsh).

 

[Stonewall D]

+1

 

[Stonewall D]

Do you always respond directly to your own posts?How silly.Are you trying to get a following of yourself by yourself?

User error . I did not read the manual .

 

[Floridaspiderfan]

He's considered an empty suit with no leadership skills by a number of coaches inside RC.In essence,a rudderless leader and compass deprived.Danny has never been simpatico with Gill.He lost a friend when Miller retired.Many believe Gill doesn't manage up or down
and Crutcher,being the new guy on the block,wasn't paying attention until the follow on Broadus issue
and the recent Danny public declaration.For Crutcher,the rough and tumble UR setting is a far cry from the tranquil New England setting of a cozy 10 year stint at Wheaton College with 1,600 undergraduate students,70% acceptance rate,$175m endowment and D3 athletics. Danny issues of vision have been brewing for sometime
with Gill likely shrugging his shoulders and didn't take Danny's concerns upstairs.I don't get that Gill is a big decision taker or decisive initiator.He shows up at work and delegates.If Danny leaves many loyal assistants will follow and likely other head coaches.
The Blue Hen AD will have found her pided piper in Danny.Gill and Walsh should be looking for another job no matter what Danny does.Its time for new management,real management.

I'm a new guy on the block at this school so I ask...how active is the BOT and or major donors on these type of issues/decisions? Losing the coach of your more successful team to Delaware is not good optics to say the least!

 

[urfan1]

My read is the BoT is more reactive than active. This is likely the norm at most Universities.

 

[United_In_Red]

The way this has been managed has been quite embarrassing.Can't believe that either Gill or Walsh survive this whether Danny goes or doesn't.If Danny leaves he will leave an unintended tsunami in his wake.

You have certainly changed your tune since last week.

 

[WebSpinner]

did not used to be that way on our board, not even close. it has changed just as our university has. not saying it is bad or good, only changed.