Larry Williams Resigns

[swoopem]

dance on his grave.

Good Grateful Dead song, well played Glow

[jsglow]

From a student perspective pretty happy to see him and Pilarz go. Neither were liked by the students that much especially LW. He tried to micromanage wayyy to much and sent out too many emails.

If the band plays the 'You Suck' song today we'll all know the worm has turned.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

If the band plays the 'You Suck' song today we'll all know the worm has turned.

True. Id actually like to qualify my statement a little. I wasnt a fan of him, however I recognize that he did a fantastic job of getting us into this conference and was one of the leaders in that regard. Not a fan of his relations to students but really happy the way the Big East turned out.

[NersEllenson]

The search was done by Parker.  Larry and Mary DiStanislao had ties together back to ND Athletics. Before she was named to her MU leadership role, she headed up the Marquette Athletics Review ordered by SP.  Oh, and she was a childhood friend of SP. Not to pick on you, but the statement that LW was not part of the Scranton crowd simply isn't true. Allie and Doc were just rubber stampers essentially.

This is not to say LW didn't have the qualifications or didn't have accomplishments...but the Pilarz regime's legacy is as an unmitigated disaster--that cannot be denied.  And LW tied his horse to that cart from Day 1. Thus, why should he and MU go on together?

I'm proud that MU recognized the mistake, and took action swiftly to correct things.  Higher education, like any business, is ultra competitive - and if you have shaky (at best leadership), it's going to end badly, if you don't take action.

Truer words have never been spoken:

Absolutely great news for those of us who recognize the value of Buzz and the prospects of him stayin' long term at Marquette.

[NersEllenson]

True. Id actually like to qualify my statement a little. I wasnt a fan of him, however I recognize that he did a fantastic job of getting us into this conference and was one of the leaders in that regard. Not a fan of his relations to students but really happy the way the Big East turned out.

I believe the whole idea that Larry Williams was the driving force behind the Big East is a total fallacy.  As our AD, he had to make comments on the matter, and state the universities position.

The writing was on the wall for all basketball only schools - the Big East was crumbling with defections of football schools.  Fox Sports 1 needed content.  It had long been discussed about the inevitablility to us needing to one day be in an all basketball league.  And, it isn't like we were Creighton, on the outside of the Big East looking in - and Larry pitched/sold us on getting into new Big East.  We, along with Villanova and Georgetown ARE the marquee brands of the basketball only Big East - no way we weren't going to be a part of it.

If we have anyone to thank, it's Father Wild, Bill Cords, and Tom Crean for getting MU basketball turned around and invited into the Big East back in 2006.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

nm.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I believe the whole idea that Larry Williams was the driving force behind the Big East is a total fallacy.  As our AD, he had to make comments on the matter, and state the universities position.

The writing was on the wall for all basketball only schools - the Big East was crumbling with defections of football schools.  Fox Sports 1 needed content.  It had long been discussed about the inevitablility to us needing to one day be in an all basketball league.  And, it isn't like we were Creighton, on the outside of the Big East looking in - and Larry pitched/sold us on getting into new Big East.  We, along with Villanova and Georgetown ARE the marquee brands of the basketball only Big East - no way we weren't going to be a part of it.

If we have anyone to thank, it's Father Wild, Bill Cords, and Tom Crean for getting MU basketball turned around and invited into the Big East back in 2006.

I think you are missing the point on this.  MU was going to have a seat at the table for the Big East, that is understood and agreed to.  The question is what role would MU have and MU + Gtown ended up taking the lead roles in how it was shaped, the berthing of the conference, etc.  LW had a key role in that, including who the last two members of the conference would be, the television contract, etc.   I realize that LW put some clamps on our coach and came in to help clean up the mess created by his players, but someone had to do it for perception purposes at a minimum. 

If Buzz is that thin skinned about those comments LW made, then I worry a great deal about Buzz. 

[forgetful]

I think you are missing the point on this.  MU was going to have a seat at the table for the Big East, that is understood and agreed to.  The question is what role would MU have and MU + Gtown ended up taking the lead roles in how it was shaped, the berthing of the conference, etc.  LW had a key role in that, including who the last two members of the conference would be, the television contract, etc.   I realize that LW put some clamps on our coach and came in to help clean up the mess created by his players, but someone had to do it for perception purposes at a minimum. 

If Buzz is that thin skinned about those comments LW made, then I worry a great deal about Buzz. 

Again you are mistaking the difference between doing your job and doing your job well.  As you correctly note, MU was going to have a seat at the table no matter what.  But, as one of the top 2 most prestigious programs in the conference we were also going to have a leading voice in the matter regardless of who was in charge.  Had he not had a leading voice it would be a severe dereliction of duty.  To slap him on the back and say awesome job, for doing his job is over the top.

Larry Williams was extremely poor in how he handled Buzz...extremely poor in dealing with important donors...and extremely poor in dealing with fundraising.  As a AD, those are his three most important jobs.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Again you are mistaking the difference between doing your job and doing your job well.  As you correctly note, MU was going to have a seat at the table no matter what.  But, as one of the top 2 most prestigious programs in the conference we were also going to have a leading voice in the matter regardless of who was in charge.  Had he not had a leading voice it would be a severe dereliction of duty.  To slap him on the back and say awesome job, for doing his job is over the top.

Larry Williams was extremely poor in how he handled Buzz...extremely poor in dealing with important donors...and extremely poor in dealing with fundraising.  As a AD, those are his three most important jobs.

It's one thing to have a seat at the table, one to have a place in the negotiations, quite another to do it so things aren't screwed up and that's what I am talking about.

As for fundraising, what are the numbers?  I don't know, I'm asking.

Certainly it is clear that there remains a faction of give Buzz whatever he wants, let him do whatever he wants.  I get it, I don't agree with it and think ultimately it bites people hard, but I get why some people want to go down that direction.

[79Warrior]

IMO this is either excellent news for fans of MU ball or very bad news. On the excellent side, the BOT decided Fr. P and LW did not understand the history of MU ball and the benefits that the program brings to the school. On the very bad news side, it could be there is an internal problem and Fr. P and LW decided to bolt before it was too late.

I personally would lean towards to excellent news, but with the limited information provided by the school and guys jumping ship it is difficult to say with 100% certainty. MU needs to far better job of making announcements and offering more disclosure on what leads up to these decisions.

For the record, I have no idea what is the reason why he left or was fired (if that was the case). I am hoping this turns into a long term positive for the men's basketball team at MU. Time will tell.

Goose,

I don't not believe the departure of Fr. P and LW are related. Fr. P simply was not cut out to be President of Marquette. There is way more to that position than men's basketball. Fr. P was not connecting with alumni or donors. That is death in his position.

Who know with LW, but it seems it was planned. He either informed Fr. Wild and gave him enough time to get Cords in place, or Fr. Wild lined up Cords and showed LW the door. Eventually the story will surface.

[GGGG]

The athletic department was apparently having troubles balancing its books due to some issues with donors.  Not sure that was Pilarz or LW related however.

[Goose]

real chilli

Not sure how this a 180 or not. If my sources at the time were accurate there was trouble at The Al. If you mean by Buzz remaining and Fr.P and LW leaving is connected I actually think my source was completely accurate. I mentioned many times that deal for Buzz to leave was done and added a lot could happen in a year. Well, roughly 20 months later something did happen. Possibly level thinking BOT and donors decided MU basketball is and should be a top priority.

Really have no interest in rehashing or defending my comments from 2012 again. That said, possibly the rift was very real and Buzz won the battle.

[Goose]

Only question IMO on LW departing is timing of it. Understand a deal was probably made and salary may be paid for period of time. Unless he is a very wealthy man you would think for career purposes having a new gig would be better idea than not having a new gig. So, looks to me he was canned and such is life.

Honestly, if he quit or was fired it makes zero difference to me. My hopes are a new AD that understands the role the basketball program has in the overall success of the university. Hopefully new guy and Buzz become friends quickly.

[ChicosBailBonds]

According to the Blue and Gold website, last year was a record breaking year in terms of fundraising.

http://www.gomarquette.com/bluegold-fund/about-bgf-goals.html


I'm trying to reconcile this with Forgetful's comments about fundraising being extremely poor if they had a record year.   

[GGGG]

B&G is a specific fund for a specific purpose.  My understanding is that the fundraising issues were due to a couple of major donors who annually write checks to help the athletic department who didn't write those checks this year...or wrote them for a lesser amount.

[Eldon]

According to the Blue and Gold website, last year was a record breaking year in terms of fundraising.

http://www.gomarquette.com/bluegold-fund/about-bgf-goals.html


I'm trying to reconcile this with Forgetful's comments about fundraising being extremely poor if they had a record year.   

Specific fund or not, the funds are fungible.

Maybe it was a record year historically, but still short of expecations/projections.  Just throwing it out there.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Specific fund or not, the funds are fungible.

Maybe it was a record year historically, but still short of expectations/projections.  Just throwing it out there.

According to the goals, it appears they hit and exceeded their goals.

The goal was $3.7M per last year's site  http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/blue-gold/spec-rel/061110aag.html

They actually raised $3.99M per the current site at B&G

[muwarrior69]

So does this mean Malek Harris will be given a second chance and sign in the spring?

[chren21]

B&G is a specific fund for a specific purpose.  My understanding is that the fundraising issues were due to a couple of major donors who annually write checks to help the athletic department who didn't write those checks this year...or wrote them for a lesser amount.

Yes. Rumor that one of the biggest donors refused to give his huge check specifically because of LW.

[keefe]

Yes. Rumor that one of the biggest donors refused to give his huge check specifically because of LW.

Chico? Satellite Monopoly Money?

[Goose]

Strong possibility that money was held back.

[keefe]

Strong possibility that money was held back.

What a Dick!

[We R Final Four]

Strong possibility that money was held back.

That's a very strong statement.

[4everwarriors]

Strength in numbers, a'ina?

[Dr. Blackheart]

According to the goals, it appears they hit and exceeded their goals.

The goal was $3.7M per last year's site  http://www.gomarquette.com/sports/blue-gold/spec-rel/061110aag.html

They actually raised $3.99M per the current site at B&G

And driven by the B&G fee increase per seat, and the new student donation plan for alumni points, not the seven figure donors.  And adding men's and women's lacrosse on the cost side.