[Kolzilla41]

Dear Liberty Basketball,

I know you've been through a lot in your life, but this shouldn't happen. (Not even to an homely girl like you.) It's okay if you want to take a few days to cry it out. It's normal. I can't say that I have any great wisdom to offer, but in times like this I usually turn to music to soothe my pain. So, put on the best breakup songs you can find, shed a few tears and burn some letters if you need to. Take the weekend to get over it. Come Monday, I'll expect to see you all dolled up and out looking for a new guy. Keep it classy and let's try to prevent a typical rebound relationship, okay? You've got plenty to offer, even if you aren't the most attractive thing in the world. Work what you've got and you'll find your next beau soon enough.

Oh, one more thing. If nothing else, please know this: You're better off without him. That much is for certain.

With all my love,

El Scorcho

P.S.

If you happen to see "him" out somewhere, please tell him I said <a href="

">don't forget to give me back my black t-shirt</a>.

This is a brilliant post.... My wife was wondering why I was giggling so much

[flamesfilmguy]

Dear Liberty Basketball,

I know you've been through a lot in your life, but this shouldn't happen. (Not even to an homely girl like you.) It's okay if you want to take a few days to cry it out. It's normal. I can't say that I have any great wisdom to offer, but in times like this I usually turn to music to soothe my pain. So, put on the best breakup songs you can find, shed a few tears and burn some letters if you need to. Take the weekend to get over it. Come Monday, I'll expect to see you all dolled up and out looking for a new guy. Keep it classy and let's try to prevent a typical rebound relationship, okay? You've got plenty to offer, even if you aren't the most attractive thing in the world. Work what you've got and you'll find your next beau soon enough.

Oh, one more thing. If nothing else, please know this: You're better off without him. That much is for certain.

With all my love,

El Scorcho

P.S.

If you happen to see "him" out somewhere, please tell him I said <a href="

">don't forget to give me back my black t-shirt</a>.

POST OF THE YEAR

[flameshaw]

This may not sit well with most, but i will say it anyway.

I know people are upset right now, no one more than me. I have been involved at LU since 1972, have been a member of the Flames Club when it was called the Eagle's Club, (or something like that) and have given sacrificially to the sports program and the University.

Just a word of caution here. It is always a good practice not to express yourself when you are very upset, especially in a public forum and in writing. All of us will probably feel a little different tomorrow and the next day and the next day.....................
There are a lot of people that read/lurk here, that don't really realize what it is like to have the feelings that we have for LU, because it IS unique. For some, this is the only venue for them to observe our university. We all say things that we regret, and you may very well feel the same way you do now, in a few days. I am not saying that there is not a time/place for criticism, etc. I have done it myself. However in most cases the vitriol will be less and save you a "wish I hadn't said that".

Things will be ok, we may end up better off, and it will end up being a learning experience for all involved. Unfortunately, this same thing will probably happen before long with Coach Rocco. Yes, I will probably unload all the guns in the house for a few days when that happens. But it is better that people want our players and our coaches now, than being a place where we have to beg coaches and players to come and stay. Much better than the old days.

Just my .02.

[olldflame]

Nobody on this board has any place to judge why Coach McKay has chosen this path. Who are we to judge what God may have called Coach McKay to do? One thing I know about Coach is that he is one of the most sincere men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Things happen, things come up and things change. God can change the direction of any person on this board in a split second. To call the man a liar and fraud is not only wrong but completely out of line. Accusations of him doing it for the money are also absurd. If you knew him personally you would know this. Coach McKay's relationship with God and desire to do his will comes long before anything else in his life. Yes, its unfortunate. He's a great coach and has clearly changed the program at Liberty. He has a passion for the game which is evident but nothing comes before God and his family. You can deny that all you want but those of you on this boards with some kind of rational thinking understand what I'm talking about.

Yep the God card has always been a good way out. Not saying hes lying, but let's not be completly naive about this one.

I'm glad you consider a relationship with God a "card" to be played. The only thing that is naive is judging a man's decision when you know almost nothing about the situation and have no personal relationship with that person you are talking about.

No, your relationship with God is NOT a card to be played; but unfortunately people do it all the time. I'm not necessarily saying RMK did, but it sure looks like it. Break your word and then essentially blame God for your actions. Not much different than Flip Wilson saying "the devil made me do it" if you ask me.

[01LUGrad]

Unfortunately, this same thing will probably happen before long with Coach Rocco.

Sure, kick us all while we are down. Kidney shot, while you are at it.

[momof3oftn]

I attended LU...

I have a son in the program....

RMK sat in my living room, and again in a hotel room @ Clemson PROMISING me he was NOT leaving LU...

Clearly, $$$ can change one's life course....

Please, don't bring God into it....I've always believed that God isn't interested in basketball...He is, however, interested in the lives of young men, and the course in which their lives are taking....

Prayer, and a fresh focus can calm this course....

["R" i "]

[quote=""R" i ""]Sly- Coach says blah blah blah

abstur girl- I will support you coach

Flames 1971 - I will root for you to coach

Ri - I will not root for you coach

Supa - I dont believe most of what he is saying about his reasons for leaving

Momof3tn - "whatever"

I am not sure what happened after that, but it couldnt have been good

I don't wanna go down this road, but I want to make something VERY SIMPLE. I will not put up with a personal attack. Call me a girl, I don't give a rip, but let's make ONE THING CRYSTAL CLEAR!! I treat people with respect and I expect the same amount of respect. I WILL NOT put up with that crap. GOT IT! GOOD!

I am a proud alumnus of this school who is proud of the legacy and heritage we are building here. Liberty University and the athletic department are having a great impact in the Lynchburg community and the Mid-Atlantic region. I considered my time here to be a privilage and would like to be able to continue to give back to the University. I understand that some may not be happy with how all of this went down. But that in NO WAY is an excuse for that kind of behavior.

Man's never even met me. Good night and thanks for the time.[/quote]

Honest Mistake . I have always thought that was your name. A simple oversight on my part. I wasnt calling you a girl.

[belcherboy]

Unfortunately, this same thing will probably happen before long with Coach Rocco.

Sure, kick us all while we are down. Kidney shot, while you are at it.

I hate to pile on, but this is just reality for Liberty athletics. Perhaps one day we will get over the hump, but for now we are just a springboard for coaches and now apparently for players. Nothing wrong with that, and you can actually move up the ladder this way, but there is NO way you can expect a coach to come here, be successful, and not be enticed away by a bigger program. Perhaps we will find that gem that wants to stay, but the reality of it is that if they have ANY ambitions of winning national championships, it just isn't going to happen here. They just need to keep bringing in quality coaches, and start winning the Big South on a consistent basis.

The positive thing is, that we should NEVER have to bring in a no name coach. I personally think we are the PERFECT location for those experienced coaches that have had a bad run lately. Catch someone that has had some success, but has fallen out of the limelight. These guys are usually hungry, and have a wealth of experience in building a program. Just don't expect them to stay if they are successful!

[Sly Fox]

I really wish everybody would take a deep breath. I admit that after my conversation with Coach McKay that I feel different than many of you about this turn of events.

I honestly don't see this as a cash grab and frankly I doubt this is as lucrative as most of you assume.

I guess life experience has given me a different perspective on how major decisions occur. But I get his mindset much more than I would've just a few years ago.

I really would expect Christians above all others to respect a man who humbles himself to follow what he considers a direct calling. He is responsible for his actions but I would be very hesitant to publicly assault the integrity of a man who claims a call.

I unashamedly support Coach McKay as he heads up 29 even though I absolutely hate losing him as head coach.

I am excited to see who God gives us next to lead our program and frankly I believe we will have some amazing candidates.

[HenryGale]

I attended LU...

I have a son in the program....

RMK sat in my living room, and again in a hotel room @ Clemson PROMISING me he was NOT leaving LU...

Clearly, $$$ can change one's life course....

Please, don't bring God into it....I've always believed that God isn't interested in basketball...He is, however, interested in the lives of young men, and the course in which their lives are taking....

Prayer, and a fresh focus can calm this course....

To me this is the biggest tragedy in the whole deal...yea...we are all fans and are hurt, but there are a bunch of kids that have lost 2 starters and a coach in little over a week. They do not know who to trust or believe. They have truly been the ones that are being kicked in the groin right now...

[SuperJon]

Ha, I still had the notepad document open where I edited my response to Sly earlier.

And when he said at Flames Club that he intended to be at LU for the rest of his life he was being sincere.

Don't believe that.

He explained to me that after 14 years as a head coach that the idea of being an assistant had become appealing.

God calling him to be an assistant is a cop out. Don't believe that.

He gave me the feeling that if it weren't for that relationship there is zero chance this move could've happened.

Don't believe that.

He is putting the things he has learned at LU about humbling himself and following God's call ahead of his own selfish desire to stay as head coach at Liberty.

Don't believe that.


Other than that, sure.

[HenryGale]

I am not sure how anybody believes anything that he says right now...

[afbuckeye]

I attended LU...

I have a son in the program....

RMK sat in my living room, and again in a hotel room @ Clemson PROMISING me he was NOT leaving LU...

Clearly, $$$ can change one's life course....

Please, don't bring God into it....I've always believed that God isn't interested in basketball...He is, however, interested in the lives of young men, and the course in which their lives are taking....

Prayer, and a fresh focus can calm this course....

First, God is interested in every part of our lives. He doesn't turn away from anything even the bad parts. I'm sure Coach McKay said things to you and I'm sorry that things have ended up this way but like I said, paths can be changed in an instant. If you knew even a small portion of who Ritchie McKay was you would know that "prayer and a fresh focus" is exactly what led him to where he is now.

[belcherboy]

I am excited to see who God gives us next to lead our program and frankly I believe we will have some amazing candidates.

I think this is what everyone is forgetting. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't go get a no name guy. Get someone who has had some success and experience at a higher level. Even if it seems apparent they are using this as jump to something bigger. I'd hate for Liberty to get "gun shy" because they think he may leave in a few years. I've got a feeling that there are a few out there that would LOVE to come to Lynchburg. In my personal opinion, we may find someone that is a better recruiter and coach than McKay.

[4everfsu]

I don't believe anything RMK said to Sly. Using God as the reason to move to UVa is an excuse. Well I know who I will be rooting for next year in ACC basketball games. Any teams playing againist Duke and UVa.

[El Scorcho]

I'm sure Coach McKay said things to you... but like I said, paths can be changed in an instant.

Pro Tip: If you know paths can be changed in an instant, don't say things to people as if they can't.

[flamesfilmguy]

This may not sit well with most, but i will say it anyway.

I know people are upset right now, no one more than me. I have been involved at LU since 1972, have been a member of the Flames Club when it was called the Eagle's Club, (or something like that) and have given sacrificially to the sports program and the University.

Just a word of caution here. It is always a good practice not to express yourself when you are very upset, especially in a public forum and in writing. All of us will probably feel a little different tomorrow and the next day and the next day.....................
There are a lot of people that read/lurk here, that don't really realize what it is like to have the feelings that we have for LU, because it IS unique. For some, this is the only venue for them to observe our university. We all say things that we regret, and you may very well feel the same way you do now, in a few days. I am not saying that there is not a time/place for criticism, etc. I have done it myself. However in most cases the vitriol will be less and save you a "wish I hadn't said that".

Things will be ok, we may end up better off, and it will end up being a learning experience for all involved. Unfortunately, this same thing will probably happen before long with Coach Rocco. Yes, I will probably unload all the guns in the house for a few days when that happens. But it is better that people want our players and our coaches now, than being a place where we have to beg coaches and players to come and stay. Much better than the old days.

Just my .02.

1st i'd like to admit i do see your point with what people say. That being said I don't think most people will regret what they said. The man lied to us. Straight up. there is no beating around the bush, no sugar coating or anything of the sort. He lied. Best friend or not He lied, and all the people talking about the fact that he's "called there" think back about 2 years. thats exactly what he said to us. So pulling the God card doesn't fly.

LU is Unique and a lot of us thought that because RMK publicly made it obvious that he loved this school and wanted his kids to go here and that he wanted this to be his permanent home that he was here to stay. that he was of the same character of a Shane Pinder or Carey Green. Life long LU coaches. but that all went out the window. If i had to guess he'd be here still if seth stayed. It all just looks bad on him. Job hopping before he got here+ leaving right after seth leaves+ lying= Bad rep.

[SuperJon]

I unashamedly support Coach McKay as he heads up 29 even though I absolutely hate losing him as head coach.

Of course you do. You weren't capable of pouring into this program the way some of us have. Yes, you're a fan, and you're a big one. There's no denying that. However, there is no way whatsoever you can claim to have the same relationship with him as those of us on campus. The things he said during convo, the things he said to the LUnatics, the things he said in Flames Club, the things he said in private all 100% contradict what he did today. If you saw the reaction of some of the players, coaches, and staff then maybe you would feel different. If you saw the way it affected other people around campus, maybe you would feel different. If you sank the resources that a lot of us did into following this program around multiple states the past few years then maybe you would feel different. You can act all high and mighty and use your "life experiences" card and maybe you're right, but you're also in a completely different situation than 95% of the people on this board. You even said yourself that because you've been so far away you'd never gone to a game in The Vines until this year. In the past two years, I've been at 55 men's basketball games. 17 of those required me to drive at least an hour and/or buy a ticket. Do you realize the strain that puts on a college student? Multiple people on here have done the same thing. We've given up a ton of other things and chose to support basketball and Coach McKay. Those sacrifices make us have a slightly different opinion than you so forgive me if I'm a little upset. Forgive me if this one hits a little close to home. Forgive me if I feel a bit betrayed. Take your high road all you want. I'll choose to stay on the road I'm on because up until this point, it's been a pretty good one.

[soccer7]

I attended LU...

I have a son in the program....

RMK sat in my living room, and again in a hotel room @ Clemson PROMISING me he was NOT leaving LU...

Clearly, $$$ can change one's life course....

Please, don't bring God into it....I've always believed that God isn't interested in basketball...He is, however, interested in the lives of young men, and the course in which their lives are taking....

Prayer, and a fresh focus can calm this course....

I am glad your son is at LU an is athlete representing our University. I played soccer but I support all the sports at LU. With that being said I was always slow in getting excited about basketball at LU and I attended more games this year than I did the past ten years. I love the team LU had this year and I am very upset to see that being torn apart. How do you as a mother and your son feel about this situation? I hope that the rest of the guys stay and the recruits that have verbaled keep those commits. If that happens and we find a good fit to be the next coach here...and hopefully they will stick around longer than two years...then I think the program is headed in the right direction. IF more players leave and we loose the recent commits then I think the program is right back were it started. Please help me sort out my feelings

[SuperJon]

I'm sure Coach McKay said things to you... but like I said, paths can be changed in an instant.

Pro Tip: If you know paths can be changed in an instant, don't say things to people as if they can't.

Thank you. If you fully believe that God can change your calling in an instant, don't go around claiming that God has called you to be here and you feel you'll be here forever. When you say things like that, we, as Christians, believe you.

[Chris Lang]

Wasn't trying to cause an incident when I said McKay hadn't called yet. Just answering a question. Yes, he did call, so we'll have something more than just the LU statement in tomorrow's paper.

[bigsmooth]

i will try to be polite and if sly wants to remove me from being a moderator then im ok with that too. as most of you know im a huge UVA fan. been that way since i was little. i have went to school there and been around the culture. i am very curious as to how UVA will handle the God culture that RMK exudes, and for that matter tony bennett. i honestly think RMK used the God card to get out of his gig at LU. he says God called him to be an assistant coach, but last week he was speaking of his vision of LU hoops and how much he loves LU?? im sure some will call me out for saying this but i just do not feel like God changes your heart just like that. i guess it could happen, and apparently RMK believes that happened. i think he is leaving for the money. i also feel like that if he shows his faith like he does at LU he will be gone from UVA quicker than he thinks. new mexico was the same way right?? If the new UVA staff is successful in turning around the program, then they will all be in high demand and i would bet RMK will be a head coach again someday. I do thank him for how he had the program going in the right direction, however this is a business and people come and go. we just have to trust jeff barber that he will find the right coach who sees the LU vision. i feel for the players, but im sure they will rally and the program will be in good shape when someone even better takes over the LU program that we all care about so much.

[belcherboy]

I unashamedly support Coach McKay as he heads up 29 even though I absolutely hate losing him as head coach.

Of course you do. You weren't capable of pouring into this program the way some of us have. Yes, you're a fan, and you're a big one. There's no denying that. However, there is no way whatsoever you can claim to have the same relationship with him as those of us on campus. The things he said during convo, the things he said to the LUnatics, the things he said in Flames Club, the things he said in private all 100% contradict what he did today. If you saw the reaction of some of the players, coaches, and staff then maybe you would feel different. If you saw the way it affected other people around campus, maybe you would feel different. If you sank the resources that a lot of us did into following this program around multiple states the past few years then maybe you would feel different. You can act all high and mighty and use your "life experiences" card and maybe you're right, but you're also in a completely different situation than 95% of the people on this board. You even said yourself that because you've been so far away you'd never gone to a game in The Vines until this year. In the past two years, I've been at 55 men's basketball games. 17 of those required me to drive at least an hour and/or buy a ticket. Do you realize the strain that puts on a college student? Multiple people on here have done the same thing. We've given up a ton of other things and chose to support basketball and Coach McKay. Those sacrifices make us have a slightly different opinion than you so forgive me if I'm a little upset. Forgive me if this one hits a little close to home. Forgive me if I feel a bit betrayed. Take your high road all you want. I'll choose to stay on the road I'm on because up until this point, it's been a pretty good one.

I'm having a tough time relating with you as well. Perhaps it is because I grew up near a big city, and because I have been away from Liberty for nearly 10 years now. The thing is that I expected this from the minute they hired him. No matter what he said, he was too big for our program IMO. He played the game the way all coaches play it. MANY coaches betray their fans all the time due to better opportunities, more money, better programs, etc. It just seems to be a part of the game to me, at ALL levels. I don't think just because we are a Christian program that we are immune to this. I feel for you, but I personally think A LOT of Liberty students just got a shot of reality in terms of the business of basketball. If we want to get to the big time, this isn't going to be the last time this happens to us IMO.

[Ed Dantes]

I completely under$tand why McKay i$ making the tran$ition to Charlotte$ville. He $ays he prayed about the deci$ion, and it became clear that he needed $ome "change" in hi$ life.

It make$ perfect cent$ when you think about it.

[flamesfilmguy]

i will try to be polite and if sly wants to remove me from being a moderator then im ok with that too. as most of you know im a huge UVA fan. been that way since i was little. i have went to school there and been around the culture. i am very curious as to how UVA will handle the God culture that RMK exudes, and for that matter tony bennett. i honestly think RMK used the God card to get out of his gig at LU. he says God called him to be an assistant coach, but last week he was speaking of his vision of LU hoops and how much he loves LU?? im sure some will call me out for saying this but i just do not feel like God changes your heart just like that. i guess it could happen, and apparently RMK believes that happened. i think he is leaving for the money. i also feel like that if he shows his faith like he does at LU he will be gone from UVA quicker than he thinks. new mexico was the same way right?? If the new UVA staff is successful in turning around the program, then they will all be in high demand and i would bet RMK will be a head coach again someday. I do thank him for how he had the program going in the right direction, however this is a business and people come and go. we just have to trust jeff barber that he will find the right coach who sees the LU vision. i feel for the players, but im sure they will rally and the program will be in good shape when someone even better takes over the LU program that we all care about so much.

Thanks Smoothie great post.