[bluedevilflame]

As many of you have said or insinuated, sadly this saga has just confirmed the belief that Jerry only used LU as a vehicle for his political ambitions.

My hope is now that he has officially resigned, we redirect our focus away from divisive politics and focus on rebuilding the spiritual aspects that make our community unique, from the top down.

EDIT: A thought I just had. I think it is safe to say the Falkirk Center is done, but what about the lawsuit filed with the NYT, does the BOT drop that now?

[RubberMallet]

yeah i mean if we take that story at face value (i know i am) He likes to watch is a clear indication that this is a hobby. Would be interesting if a parade of dudes come forward. i know i wouldn't. why would you want to get dragged through all that bs.

[bluedevilflame]

yeah i mean if we take that story at face value (i know i am) He likes to watch is a clear indication that this is a hobby. Would be interesting if a parade of dudes come forward. i know i wouldn't. why would you want to get dragged through all that bs.

My gut says it did, but I really hope none of these encounters happened on campus.

[VAGolf]

Not here to defend Jerry or Becki, or even say the allegations are false. However, some things with Granda's story aren't adding up.

1. I've listened to the phone call a number of times now. It seems that whenever that call occurred, the "affair" had stopped. Still a weird relationship, and emotionally probably just as bad as an affair from a Christian perspective. However, Becki says multiple times that she's "matured" and "not as crazy" as she used to be. They talk about being best friends and her not wanting to hear about Granda's hookups. you can take that a number of ways but the more I listen, the more it sounds like the ex whose now a platonic friend and frustrated by the lack of physical intimacy. Sex seems to no longer be in the picture. If the affair lasted until 2017, did this call happen since then? Or is this call during that time? if so, I don't think the affair technically lasted seven years. Additionally, the way Granda says, "you don't care about me," and the fact he says it multiple times, it really seems like he's fishing for something. Lastly, and this in no way vilifies Jerry's actions, but he's really quiet during the entire call. He sounds distraught. Not like someone finding enjoyment out of his wife's affair.

2. He says in 2015 that Falwell wanted to buy him out and mentioned Trump running. Supposedly, he put together that his business venture with Jerry could somehow hurt Trump's chances. Yet, the affair continued into 2017? So, he knew that and allegedly continued having sex with Becki? None of this is normal but that just seems bizarre.

3. Falwell went to buy him out in 2015 but didn't pay. Yet, again the affair lasted in 2017? That just doesn't make sense. If they owe you money, and your "friendship" falls apart because Falwell not fulfilling his promise, why are you still sleeping with Becki?

There's also this:

"'Jerry Falwell Jr. admired Trump’s strongman public persona,” Granda told POLITICO in one of a series of phone conversations and emailed exchanges. “Also, there was a noticeable personality change after Trump was elected. He was drunk on power and felt like he could get away with anything.'"

This comment seems like it was verbatim copied and pasted from this board. We've been talking about this personality change for years.

“'I was struggling with my mental health at the time and said some regrettable things, but I was hopeless and at times felt like the only way I could break away from their ‘hold,’ was by lashing out at them or ending my life,' Granda said in an email."

Not to make light of mental health or depression but people actually struggling with mental health don't talk like this. Similar to the phone call, he seems to be fishing for either a comment or a feeling.

"During my work shift at the Fontainebleau Hotel in March 2012, I was chatting with some girls my age (20 at the time)," Granda told POLITICO. "Becki said, 'Those girls don’t know what they’re doing, you need someone with more experience.'"

After chatting, Granda said, Becki suggested they go to a hotel room.

"And then she goes, 'But one thing.' And I'm like, "Okay.' And she's like, 'My husband likes to watch.' And just then he comes out and he's wearing a Speedo."

There's no texts, emails or phone calls in this entire article. Just Granda talking from his memory. I'm supposed to believe that he remembers that conversation explicitly from 8 years ago when he was 20? Also, a speedo? That seems entirely cliche. I'm sure this moment happened, I'm sure Becki had sex with him. Other than his memory, we don't really have any proof that Jerry "ok'd" this affair and certainly nothing definitive that he watched. Not defending them. This article though feels like Politico just trying to generate some traction away from Reuters and it feels like Granda soaking it in.

[Just John]

Some more unfortunate details:

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/2 ... ant-401398

#ETTD

[chris leedlelee]

"And then she goes, 'But one thing.' And I'm like, "Okay.' And she's like, 'My husband likes to watch.' And just then he comes out and he's wearing a Speedo."

Oof. There is no recovering from this.

[thepostman]

Not here to defend Jerry or Becki, or even say the allegations are false. However, some things with Granda's story aren't adding up.

1. I've listened to the phone call a number of times now. It seems that whenever that call occurred, the "affair" had stopped. Still a weird relationship, and emotionally probably just as bad as an affair from a Christian perspective. However, Becki says multiple times that she's "matured" and "not as crazy" as she used to be. They talk about being best friends and her not wanting to hear about Granda's hookups. you can take that a number of ways but the more I listen, the more it sounds like the ex whose now a platonic friend and frustrated by the lack of physical intimacy. Sex seems to no longer be in the picture. If the affair lasted until 2017, did this call happen since then? Or is this call during that time? if so, I don't think the affair technically lasted seven years. Additionally, the way Granda says, "you don't care about me," and the fact he says it multiple times, it really seems like he's fishing for something. Lastly, and this in no way vilifies Jerry's actions, but he's really quiet during the entire call. He sounds distraught. Not like someone finding enjoyment out of his wife's affair.

2. He says in 2015 that Falwell wanted to buy him out and mentioned Trump running. Supposedly, he put together that his business venture with Jerry could somehow hurt Trump's chances. Yet, the affair continued into 2017? So, he knew that and allegedly continued having sex with Becki? None of this is normal but that just seems bizarre.

3. Falwell went to buy him out in 2015 but didn't pay. Yet, again the affair lasted in 2017? That just doesn't make sense. If they owe you money, and your "friendship" falls apart because Falwell not fulfilling his promise, why are you still sleeping with Becki?

There's also this:

"'Jerry Falwell Jr. admired Trump’s strongman public persona,” Granda told POLITICO in one of a series of phone conversations and emailed exchanges. “Also, there was a noticeable personality change after Trump was elected. He was drunk on power and felt like he could get away with anything.'"

This comment seems like it was verbatim copied and pasted from this board. We've been talking about this personality change for years.

“'I was struggling with my mental health at the time and said some regrettable things, but I was hopeless and at times felt like the only way I could break away from their ‘hold,’ was by lashing out at them or ending my life,' Granda said in an email."

Not to make light of mental health or depression but people actually struggling with mental health don't talk like this. Similar to the phone call, he seems to be fishing for either a comment or a feeling.

"During my work shift at the Fontainebleau Hotel in March 2012, I was chatting with some girls my age (20 at the time)," Granda told POLITICO. "Becki said, 'Those girls don’t know what they’re doing, you need someone with more experience.'"

After chatting, Granda said, Becki suggested they go to a hotel room.

"And then she goes, 'But one thing.' And I'm like, "Okay.' And she's like, 'My husband likes to watch.' And just then he comes out and he's wearing a Speedo."

There's no texts, emails or phone calls in this entire article. Just Granda talking from his memory. I'm supposed to believe that he remembers that conversation explicitly from 8 years ago when he was 20? Also, a speedo? That seems entirely cliche. I'm sure this moment happened, I'm sure Becki had sex with him. Other than his memory, we don't really have any proof that Jerry "ok'd" this affair and certainly nothing definitive that he watched. Not defending them. This article though feels like Politico just trying to generate some traction away from Reuters and it feels like Granda soaking it in.

@VAGolf I am sure that the truth lies somewhere in the middle but according to the article in Reuters published yesterday there were screenshots, emails and texts made available to them that they were able to verify a lot of the story with. They only shared the one phone call and I don't think any of us really want or need to see the rest.

Jerry got himself into a mess and tried to cover it up instead of facing it like a man of integrity. He continues to do that, even as late as last night.

[Jonathan Carone]

There's also this:

"'Jerry Falwell Jr. admired Trump’s strongman public persona,” Granda told POLITICO in one of a series of phone conversations and emailed exchanges. “Also, there was a noticeable personality change after Trump was elected. He was drunk on power and felt like he could get away with anything.'"

This comment seems like it was verbatim copied and pasted from this board. We've been talking about this personality change for years.

Could that be because it was obvious to everyone there was a change in personality?

[Liberty22]

I’m seriously concerned for his relationship with the Lord. He clearly doesn’t understand what’s going on here. He claims “self righteous” people want him fired for a few pics. Imagine a student that has done all Falwell has done. They’d have been gone a long time ago. Jr must think all Christ followers who are disappointed in his lack of repentance are self righteous.

[VAGolf]

There's also this:

"'Jerry Falwell Jr. admired Trump’s strongman public persona,” Granda told POLITICO in one of a series of phone conversations and emailed exchanges. “Also, there was a noticeable personality change after Trump was elected. He was drunk on power and felt like he could get away with anything.'"

This comment seems like it was verbatim copied and pasted from this board. We've been talking about this personality change for years.

Could that be because it was obvious to everyone there was a change in personality?

Yes. I guess that's my point. He's just stating the obvious, but as if he picked up on it first. That's easy to say now, after the story is out. Why wait until Politico comes calling? The interview doesn't really add anything of substance. It just seems like Granda piling on and Politico checking a box. Unless he has more definitive proof to share, I don't think he's gaining anything by doing any more interviews.

[bluedevilflame]

Jerry has been officially removed from the leadership page on the website.

I'm certainly not saying that he should pay for the sins of his father, but I can't imagine Trey will be around much longer with Jerry gone.

[VAGolf]

Not here to defend Jerry or Becki, or even say the allegations are false. However, some things with Granda's story aren't adding up.

1. I've listened to the phone call a number of times now. It seems that whenever that call occurred, the "affair" had stopped. Still a weird relationship, and emotionally probably just as bad as an affair from a Christian perspective. However, Becki says multiple times that she's "matured" and "not as crazy" as she used to be. They talk about being best friends and her not wanting to hear about Granda's hookups. you can take that a number of ways but the more I listen, the more it sounds like the ex whose now a platonic friend and frustrated by the lack of physical intimacy. Sex seems to no longer be in the picture. If the affair lasted until 2017, did this call happen since then? Or is this call during that time? if so, I don't think the affair technically lasted seven years. Additionally, the way Granda says, "you don't care about me," and the fact he says it multiple times, it really seems like he's fishing for something. Lastly, and this in no way vilifies Jerry's actions, but he's really quiet during the entire call. He sounds distraught. Not like someone finding enjoyment out of his wife's affair.

2. He says in 2015 that Falwell wanted to buy him out and mentioned Trump running. Supposedly, he put together that his business venture with Jerry could somehow hurt Trump's chances. Yet, the affair continued into 2017? So, he knew that and allegedly continued having sex with Becki? None of this is normal but that just seems bizarre.

3. Falwell went to buy him out in 2015 but didn't pay. Yet, again the affair lasted in 2017? That just doesn't make sense. If they owe you money, and your "friendship" falls apart because Falwell not fulfilling his promise, why are you still sleeping with Becki?

There's also this:

"'Jerry Falwell Jr. admired Trump’s strongman public persona,” Granda told POLITICO in one of a series of phone conversations and emailed exchanges. “Also, there was a noticeable personality change after Trump was elected. He was drunk on power and felt like he could get away with anything.'"

This comment seems like it was verbatim copied and pasted from this board. We've been talking about this personality change for years.

“'I was struggling with my mental health at the time and said some regrettable things, but I was hopeless and at times felt like the only way I could break away from their ‘hold,’ was by lashing out at them or ending my life,' Granda said in an email."

Not to make light of mental health or depression but people actually struggling with mental health don't talk like this. Similar to the phone call, he seems to be fishing for either a comment or a feeling.

"During my work shift at the Fontainebleau Hotel in March 2012, I was chatting with some girls my age (20 at the time)," Granda told POLITICO. "Becki said, 'Those girls don’t know what they’re doing, you need someone with more experience.'"

After chatting, Granda said, Becki suggested they go to a hotel room.

"And then she goes, 'But one thing.' And I'm like, "Okay.' And she's like, 'My husband likes to watch.' And just then he comes out and he's wearing a Speedo."

There's no texts, emails or phone calls in this entire article. Just Granda talking from his memory. I'm supposed to believe that he remembers that conversation explicitly from 8 years ago when he was 20? Also, a speedo? That seems entirely cliche. I'm sure this moment happened, I'm sure Becki had sex with him. Other than his memory, we don't really have any proof that Jerry "ok'd" this affair and certainly nothing definitive that he watched. Not defending them. This article though feels like Politico just trying to generate some traction away from Reuters and it feels like Granda soaking it in.

@VAGolf I am sure that the truth lies somewhere in the middle but according to the article in Reuters published yesterday there were screenshots, emails and texts made available to them that they were able to verify a lot of the story with. They only shared the one phone call and I don't think any of us really want or need to see the rest.

Jerry got himself into a mess and tried to cover it up instead of facing it like a man of integrity. He continues to do that, even as late as last night.

Agreed. None of us want to see the proof. The article from Politico just doesn't contain any. It's entirely from his memory, and just an email exchange. That isn't a real article to me. What Reuters published was real reporting.

[flameshaw]

Not here to defend Jerry or Becki, or even say the allegations are false. However, some things with Granda's story aren't adding up.

1. I've listened to the phone call a number of times now. It seems that whenever that call occurred, the "affair" had stopped. Still a weird relationship, and emotionally probably just as bad as an affair from a Christian perspective. However, Becki says multiple times that she's "matured" and "not as crazy" as she used to be. They talk about being best friends and her not wanting to hear about Granda's hookups. you can take that a number of ways but the more I listen, the more it sounds like the ex whose now a platonic friend and frustrated by the lack of physical intimacy. Sex seems to no longer be in the picture. If the affair lasted until 2017, did this call happen since then? Or is this call during that time? if so, I don't think the affair technically lasted seven years. Additionally, the way Granda says, "you don't care about me," and the fact he says it multiple times, it really seems like he's fishing for something. Lastly, and this in no way vilifies Jerry's actions, but he's really quiet during the entire call. He sounds distraught. Not like someone finding enjoyment out of his wife's affair.

2. He says in 2015 that Falwell wanted to buy him out and mentioned Trump running. Supposedly, he put together that his business venture with Jerry could somehow hurt Trump's chances. Yet, the affair continued into 2017? So, he knew that and allegedly continued having sex with Becki? None of this is normal but that just seems bizarre.

3. Falwell went to buy him out in 2015 but didn't pay. Yet, again the affair lasted in 2017? That just doesn't make sense. If they owe you money, and your "friendship" falls apart because Falwell not fulfilling his promise, why are you still sleeping with Becki?

There's also this:

"'Jerry Falwell Jr. admired Trump’s strongman public persona,” Granda told POLITICO in one of a series of phone conversations and emailed exchanges. “Also, there was a noticeable personality change after Trump was elected. He was drunk on power and felt like he could get away with anything.'"

This comment seems like it was verbatim copied and pasted from this board. We've been talking about this personality change for years.

“'I was struggling with my mental health at the time and said some regrettable things, but I was hopeless and at times felt like the only way I could break away from their ‘hold,’ was by lashing out at them or ending my life,' Granda said in an email."

Not to make light of mental health or depression but people actually struggling with mental health don't talk like this. Similar to the phone call, he seems to be fishing for either a comment or a feeling.

"During my work shift at the Fontainebleau Hotel in March 2012, I was chatting with some girls my age (20 at the time)," Granda told POLITICO. "Becki said, 'Those girls don’t know what they’re doing, you need someone with more experience.'"

After chatting, Granda said, Becki suggested they go to a hotel room.

"And then she goes, 'But one thing.' And I'm like, "Okay.' And she's like, 'My husband likes to watch.' And just then he comes out and he's wearing a Speedo."

There's no texts, emails or phone calls in this entire article. Just Granda talking from his memory. I'm supposed to believe that he remembers that conversation explicitly from 8 years ago when he was 20? Also, a speedo? That seems entirely cliche. I'm sure this moment happened, I'm sure Becki had sex with him. Other than his memory, we don't really have any proof that Jerry "ok'd" this affair and certainly nothing definitive that he watched. Not defending them. This article though feels like Politico just trying to generate some traction away from Reuters and it feels like Granda soaking it in.

I agree. There are a lot of people making giant leaps, that this is means they were serial swingers, with absolutely no evidence. Or that somehow this was related to Trump. It is all speculation based on someone that we know is a habitual liar and by someone who is a self-admitted gigolo.
I am in no way defending Jr. I believe the BOT's did the right thin in removing him. But some of these unsubstantiated comments are, at the least, quite entertaining. IMHO

[thepostman]

yeah, neither of these guys can be trusted which means we will probably never know the full truth. Which is fine but if there are financial missteps all of that will be the responsibility of the school leadership to get a good understanding of.

What a mess.

[chris leedlelee]

I'm certainly not saying that he should pay for the sins of his father, but I can't imagine Trey will be around much longer with Jerry gone.

Trey can get an entry level job at LU paying $12 an hour and work his way up like the rest of LU employees. No more nepotism.

[bluedevilflame]

I'm certainly not saying that he should pay for the sins of his father, but I can't imagine Trey will be around much longer with Jerry gone.

Trey can get an entry level job at LU paying $12 an hour and work his way up like the rest of LU employees. No more nepotism.

No argument from me on that one!

[rhezick]

I'm certainly not saying that he should pay for the sins of his father, but I can't imagine Trey will be around much longer with Jerry gone.

Trey can get an entry level job at LU paying $12 an hour and work his way up like the rest of LU employees. No more nepotism.

No argument from me on that one!

Here here! Put him on the phones at LUO cold calling applicants in consulting. Actually..no don't do that. He should take his stapler and move his desk to the basement.

[Jonathan Carone]

While Trey has definitely benefited from his dad's position, by all accounts I've heard he actually treated people fairly well. I wouldn't feel right piling on him right now given his biggest sin looks to be being his father's son. If I'm wrong on that, please tell me.

[RubberMallet]

i'm so far removed from liberty here in the midwest, outside of a few colleagues reaching out and talking to my BIL in lynchburg, this hasn't really impacted me. I never liked jr. I didn't expect this but I'm def not surprised.

I feel for my buddies who are still in lynchburg and have to deal with this en masse.

[bluedevilflame]

The thing I am waiting most on is how Jonathan reacts (or doesn't) to this scandal. Does he address the elephant in the room to the LU students or TRBC at some point? I feel like he has to say something.

[gerb]

While Trey has definitely benefited from his dad's position, by all accounts I've heard he actually treated people fairly well. I wouldn't feel right piling on him right now given his biggest sin looks to be being his father's son. If I'm wrong on that, please tell me.

I reached out to Trey numerous times when he was responsible for alumni. No response ever. My impression, if you're a nobody we're not interested.

[thepostman]

I believe Jonathan is scheduled to speak for virtual convo tomorrow morning. If so, that may be the first convo that I actually tune into since I graduated in 2008.

[El Scorcho]

Those who have been around here for a while will verify that for a period of time I had an up-close view of Junior.

With that said, I want to be extremely clear: This is always who Jr was. Becki probably even more so.

Yes, the public personality shift that you've all noted was real, but long before that it was clear to a lot of people working at LU that ethics were no longer in the way of doing business. Things became toxic (and frankly gross) from the moment Jerry Sr. was gone.

The board needs to fund a full audit of the university. Ignoring Jr's scandalous behavior, university resources have been used and abused for personal gain for years. Granda flew on the university jet how many times? I don't think looking for potentially criminal activity is out of the question either.

[thepostman]

@El Scorcho making an appearance! It has been very interesting to see people logging into the forum that haven't for years. I don't know if that is because we all love gossip or because Jr pushed away so many people that they were no longer invested enough in the school to stick around here but either way, it is nice to see so many old members come back. Hang around!

As for an outside audit, I would hope that is a given but the board has very little trust with me right now so who knows what they will do. My hope is an outside organization is hired to do a complete audit and that we hire an independent search committee. The board has lost a lot of trust with a lot of us so to me, that would be the best way to ensure we recover as quickly as possible from this.

[rhezick]

I believe Jonathan is scheduled to speak for virtual convo tomorrow morning. If so, that may be the first convo that I actually tune into since I graduated in 2008.

Haha, same!