I feel bad for VCU fans

[The Process]

One Ram fan's suggested intro to the VCU board:

Guide for rival fans: )

Hello rival fan, and welcome to VCURamNation.com! You're no doubt here because Twitter is blowing up with reports of our awesome coach, Shaka Smart, and how he [was offered/is considering/has accepted] an offer from your university to become your head coach. Because we've done this before with [NC State / Maryland / Georgia Tech / Illinois / Minnesota / UCLA / Marquette] we thought we'd create this helpful guide to transition you more smoothly from the hope you're feeling right now to your inevitable disappointment. Be realistic. He turned down UCLA. You really think he's going to come coach for you?

You may be wondering, "But what does VCU have to offer that my university does not?" Are you from a bottom feeder university in a big name conference? Now now, be honest! Are you a university in a conference that used to be the creme de la creme but has fallen on hard times recently? That's what I thought. Did your university fire your previous head coach after two seasons because he failed to turn around your ailing program? Bad form, that.

VCU is a beautiful urban university in the wonderful city of Richmond, VA. You should visit sometime, you'll really enjoy it. We certainly love it here, and Shaka has - on every occasion possible - made it clear how much he loves it here. I know, that's what they all say. It's probably what your coach said before he [was fired/left for a better job]. Shaka says it so often we've actually come to believe him. Perhaps he's just saying it, but his wife says it too. And his super cute daughter seems to like it as well, which is really what matters.

On top of that, Shaka has continued VCU's winning tradition, a tradition that started under Jeff Capel and continued under Anthony Grant. Capel left for Oklahoma and failed and Grant left for Alabama and failed. Do you really think Shaka hasn't looked at those two and wondered if he was next? He's an excellent coach and will likely succeed at any school he goes to... but people said the same thing about our two coaches who preceded him. Shaka also really likes that VCU does not have and has no plans to invest in football. Does your school play football? Is football the top dog on campus? Uh oh... Shaka really likes that our Homecoming is at a men's basketball game.

I know you probably won't be persuaded by all this, and I don't blame you. Shaka Smart is an excellent coach, and you're right to lust after him. I just wanted to warn you - to plant the seed of doubt in your mind - so that when VCU gets around to it and denies the Twitter rumors you aren't too crushed. I don't bear you any ill will. You wanted to hire our coach - you thought you had a right to hire him. After all, who is VCU? "It's cute what they've done, but we are [________]! Who could say no to us if we came calling?"

Shaka Smart, unfortunately.

See you next season, and good luck in your coaching search! I hope your second choice says yes.

Yeah, that's the FAQ I quoted from in my previous post in this thread.  It's... something.

Perhaps that fan will need the biggest hug of them all when someday Smart breaks his heart.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

I give him an A for effort though.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Just because they are so damn cocky about Shaka staying now I really hope he leaves.

[Boozemon Barro]

Instead of that FAQ they should have all just got in a circle and played cookie together.

[Wojo'sMojo]

It's true of all sports message boards.

Again, as a fan of both teams here, I think things are certainly leaning in favor of Shaka staying and that is leaving out what my athletic department contact has told me. Nothing of substance has been reported. Just a bunch of message board fodder. Shaka has no agent and was physically in a meeting for most of the day with our AD discussing the previous season - that is a fact. He was also out in public playing with his daughter. Not sure how he would have had time to negotiate a big-time contract with MU. Add to this the fact that Goodman and those who's opinions matter most have been completely quiet.

Nothing but message board fodder? IWB is a well respected guy and if he says it's a done deal I'm going to believe him till I hear otherwise. The guy runs a paid website and would look pretty foolish if this doesn't go down. Were you in the meeting with him and the AD? Is it not possible he was informing him what was going on? If Marquette wanted to double his salary, I'm not sure too much negotiating would have to go down.

[Wisco]

Nothing but message board fodder? IWB is a well respected guy and if he says it's a done deal I'm going to believe him till I hear otherwise. The guy runs a paid website and would look pretty foolish if this doesn't go down. Were you in the meeting with him and the AD? Is it not possible he was informing him what was going on? If Marquette wanted to double his salary I'm not sure to much negotiating would have to go down.

I know who IWB is. I respect his reporting and am not necessarily saying he is wrong. In fact, I even posted on the VCU forum that I have a small amount of concern due to his insistence.

On the same note, I would never take his word as gospel. If Goodman, Parrish, the Richmond media, etc. were all reporting the same thing as a few news outlets in Milwaukee this would be an entirely different story. But they are not. Hence my massive level of skepticism (again, leaving out what I've been told by my contacts).

Also, the point about doubling his salary makes no sense to me. Many coaches have turned down much larger salaries in the past to stay in situations they felt completely comfortable with. There are so many other factors...this is an extremely nuanced issue. Shaka has the ability to re-negotiate his contract and has done so in the past.

[Wojo'sMojo]

I know who IWB is. I respect his reporting and am not necessarily saying he is wrong. In fact, I even posted on the VCU forum that I have a small amount of concern due to his insistence.

On the same note, I would never take his word as gospel. If Goodman, Parrish, the Richmond media, etc. were all reporting the same thing as a few news outlets in Milwaukee this would be an entirely different story. But they are not. Hence my massive level of skepticism (again, leaving out what I've been told by my contacts).

Also, the point about doubling his salary makes no sense to me. Many coaches have turned down much larger salaries in the past to stay in situations they felt completely comfortable with. There are so many other factors...this is an extremely nuanced issue. Shaka has the ability to re-negotiate his contract and has done so in the past.

You would have concern? So it's probably fair to say you are more a VCU fan than Marquette...that's fine just wanted to know where your loyalties are. It's hard to be a fan of 2 teams equally.

He has renegotiated his contract in the past. He's up to 1.5 million. How much more do you really think VCU can pay him? With the money they are talking, I wouldn't be surprised if we are offering him 3.5 million. It's one thing to turn down a half a million, but when you start talking millions it's a whole new animal.

[Wisco]

You would have concern? So it's probably fair to say you are more a VCU fan than Marquette...that's fine just wanted to know where your loyalties are. It's hard to be a fan of 2 teams equally.

He has renegotiated his contract in the past. He's up to 1.5 million. How much more do you really think VCU can pay him? With the money they are talking, I wouldn't be surprised if we are offering him 3.5 million. It's one thing to turn down a half a million, but when you start talking millions it's a whole new animal.

Not that it really matters, but yes, I'd probably classify myself as someone who follows VCU a little more closely than Marquette these days. Up until this season though, I was a bigger Marquette fan. It will probably go back in forth in the future.

Anyway, money is important, but some on here are operating under the assumption is the end-all-be-all. Shaka has probably had insane numbers thrown at him by some of his suitors and turned all of them down. There are other factors at play. If Marquette fits the bill, he will go and I'll be pleased.

[Wojo'sMojo]

Not that it really matters, but yes, I'd probably classify myself as someone who follows VCU a little more closely than Marquette these days. Up until this season though, I was a bigger Marquette fan. It will probably go back in forth in the future.

Anyway, money is important, but some on here are operating under the assumption is the end-all-be-all. Shaka has probably had insane numbers thrown at him by some of his suitors and turned all of them down. There are other factors at play. If Marquette fits the bill, he will go and I'll be pleased.

It doesn't matter, I just wanted to confirm. Money is not the only thing that matters. I would think Marquette is a top 25 job in the country to most who know the college basketball. VCU maybe top 50-60. We have resources that VCU will never be able to compete with. This is why I think it's so funny that VCU fans think our programs are equal. And for the record we are a better program than Minnesota and Illinois. UCLA is obviously more regarded than us, but some people are turned off by them and needs to be the right fit. I don't think it's that outrageous for him to think he would have a much better chance to win a NC at MU than VCU.

[Wisco]

It doesn't matter, I just wanted to confirm. Money is not the only thing that matters. I would think Marquette is a top 25 job in the country to most who know the college basketball. VCU maybe top 50-60. We have resources that VCU will never be able to compete with. This is why I think it's so funny that VCU fans think our programs are equal. And for the record we are a better program than Minnesota and Illinois. UCLA is obviously more regarded than us, but some people are turned off by them and needs to be the right fit. I don't think it's that outrageous for him to think he would have a much better chance to win a NC at MU than VCU.

I haven't seen a single VCU fan come out and say this. That is why I'm so confused as to why it keeps coming up.

The satirical nature of the VCU forum at the current moment is more a result of the silly media circus surround this issue than anything else. I think you'd find that nearly any VCU fan is willing to admit that Marquette is at least slightly better than a lateral move in an ideal world.

[Eldon]

One Ram fan's suggested intro to the VCU board:

Guide for rival fans: )

Hello rival fan, and welcome to VCURamNation.com! You're no doubt here because Twitter is blowing up with reports of our awesome coach, Shaka Smart, and how he [was offered/is considering/has accepted] an offer from your university to become your head coach. Because we've done this before with [NC State / Maryland / Georgia Tech / Illinois / Minnesota / UCLA / Marquette] we thought we'd create this helpful guide to transition you more smoothly from the hope you're feeling right now to your inevitable disappointment. Be realistic. He turned down UCLA. You really think he's going to come coach for you?

You may be wondering, "But what does VCU have to offer that my university does not?" Are you from a bottom feeder university in a big name conference? Now now, be honest! Are you a university in a conference that used to be the creme de la creme but has fallen on hard times recently? That's what I thought. Did your university fire your previous head coach after two seasons because he failed to turn around your ailing program? Bad form, that.

VCU is a beautiful urban university in the wonderful city of Richmond, VA. You should visit sometime, you'll really enjoy it. We certainly love it here, and Shaka has - on every occasion possible - made it clear how much he loves it here. I know, that's what they all say. It's probably what your coach said before he [was fired/left for a better job]. Shaka says it so often we've actually come to believe him. Perhaps he's just saying it, but his wife says it too. And his super cute daughter seems to like it as well, which is really what matters.

On top of that, Shaka has continued VCU's winning tradition, a tradition that started under Jeff Capel and continued under Anthony Grant. Capel left for Oklahoma and failed and Grant left for Alabama and failed. Do you really think Shaka hasn't looked at those two and wondered if he was next? He's an excellent coach and will likely succeed at any school he goes to... but people said the same thing about our two coaches who preceded him. Shaka also really likes that VCU does not have and has no plans to invest in football. Does your school play football? Is football the top dog on campus? Uh oh... Shaka really likes that our Homecoming is at a men's basketball game.

I know you probably won't be persuaded by all this, and I don't blame you. Shaka Smart is an excellent coach, and you're right to lust after him. I just wanted to warn you - to plant the seed of doubt in your mind - so that when VCU gets around to it and denies the Twitter rumors you aren't too crushed. I don't bear you any ill will. You wanted to hire our coach - you thought you had a right to hire him. After all, who is VCU? "It's cute what they've done, but we are [________]! Who could say no to us if we came calling?"

Shaka Smart, unfortunately.

See you next season, and good luck in your coaching search! I hope your second choice says yes.

They actually crafted a Wake specific one of these over on the Wake board.

Man, I give these guys credit for their tenacity.  This is unprecedented.

Did VCU hold a f*cking troll prep rally?!?  It almost seems that students there are required to at least minor in trolling.

[keefe]

It's true of all sports message boards.

Again, as a fan of both teams here, I think things are certainly leaning in favor of Shaka staying and that is leaving out what my athletic department contact has told me. Nothing of substance has been reported. Just a bunch of message board fodder. Shaka has no agent and was physically in a meeting for most of the day with our AD discussing the previous season - that is a fact. He was also out in public playing with his daughter. Not sure how he would have had time to negotiate a big-time contract with MU. Add to this the fact that Goodman and those who's opinions matter most have been completely quiet.

Reading what you post on your own board makes me question your actual loyalty to Marquette.

[umwram]

Don't feel bad for me guys! I think there are support groups you all can join after Shaka says no. They grow larger year by year...

[The Process]

Don't feel bad for me guys! I think there are support groups you all can join after Shaka says no. They grow larger year by year...

So... when Shaka eventually says yes somewhere, will you need said groups?

[Wisco]

Reading what you post on your own board makes me question your actual loyalty to Marquette.

I have no "loyalty" to Marquette. I am a fan, plain and simple. Anything posted on a sports message board should be taken with a grain of salt. Plus, when it really comes down to it, I've only defended Marquette over there, so I remain confused. If you're referring to my *light* participation in the troll-fest...I'm just trying to have a little fun, man.

[RawdogDX]

at this point I'd say MU fans are more like Illinois, Minnesota, UCLA, etc. fans. VCU has played this game before and come out on top every time.

You would have said the same thing about MU fans 2 weeks ago.

[TJ]

You would have said the same thing about MU fans 2 weeks ago.

True.  But someone here created a thread about how sorry they feel for VCU fans and how VCU fans are refusing to acknowledge anything that may upset their happiness -- before anything of the sort has actually happened.  Which is something that Minnesota, UCLA, and Illinois fans were doing because of Shaka Smart not too long ago, not VCU fans.

[Earl Tatum]

HE AIN'T COMING. I wouldn't either. We do not have a Prez and AD. Something is not right in MU Land.

[77ncaachamps]

I don't feel bad for them.

I feel bad for MU fans: unresolved Presidency and AD positions; getting hopes up then dashed; and watching a coach display more loyalty to his team/program and opt not to change schools.

[The Process]

I have no "loyalty" to Marquette. I am a fan, plain and simple. Anything posted on a sports message board should be taken with a grain of salt. Plus, when it really comes down to it, I've only defended Marquette over there, so I remain confused. If you're referring to my *light* participation in the troll-fest...I'm just trying to have a little fun, man.

That reminds me... give ViCtorioUs over on the VCU board a big hug for me when - someday - Shaka does go somewhere else.  Dude's gonna need it.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

HE AIN'T COMING. I wouldn't either. We do not have a Prez and AD. Something is not right in MU Land.

Youre putting way too much stock into the presidents position at MU. The head basketball coach runs the show. Though before I came to MU I could not have named you one president of the university while on the otherhand I could name more then a few coached. I didnt even pay attention to MU hoops back then.

[Sir Lawrence]

Youre putting way too much stock into the presidents position at MU. The head basketball coach runs the show. Before I came to MU I could not have named you one president of the university while on the otherhand I could name more then a few coached. I didnt even pay attention to MU hoops back then.

You might want to rethink this post.

[Warriors10]

Youre putting way too much stock into the presidents position at MU. The head basketball coach runs the show. Before I came to MU I could not have named you one president of the university while on the otherhand I could name more then a few coached. I didnt even pay attention to MU hoops back then.

LOL c'mon now. 

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Meant to use teal for the first sentence. Whoops. Serious about the 2nd half of that though.

[The Process]

VCU fans, we're not here to rub the eventual departure of Shaka - to destinations as of now unknown - in your face.  On the contrary.  We're here to help you - from one heartbroken fan base to one that will eventually be heartbroken - get through the dark days.  You will survive.  You will find a great replacement.  You will eventually realize that VCU basketball will continue.

It is because of you fans that VCU even showed up in rumors about who the Big East would invite last year.  You guys are great fans of your program.  You are what fan bases across the country should aspire to be like in terms of zeal for your program.  For that, you have my respect.