tufinal4 wrote:I think the two schools of thought are both ok at this stage. Those who are still highly skeptical and cynical can't be blamed for their viewpoint, and the undeniable fact that complaints eminating (in many cases through the internet) from its diehard fanbase have instigated change proves that it's good to keep the pressure on. I have thought these very same thoughts expressed by JJ, Fred, show me etc. many, many times.
Those who believe it's time to buy in also can hardly be blamed. Revenues have skyrocketed from this. We're 1,000 sales shy of selling out the stadium for an entire season. In addition to my 6 season tickets, I bought 12 extra Ga. Tech tickets and they are GONE. Tickets to this game are going on Stubhub for $150. We are talking about Tulane football. 10 months ago we were all trying in vain to get anyone to go with us to home games. Think about that.
I don't trust some in the school administration. However, I'm not all that worried and here's why. Too many people have now stepped up and given too much money to stand by and ever accept a decline into mediocrity again. Board members giving millions. 3,000 or so people have stepped up and made multi-year commitments of $2,000 per year, and hundreds have made multi year commitments of $10,000 to $20,00 per year for 5 years. These folks aren't going to tolerate anything less than a full commitment to succuess. The board is lined up with this philosophy. Anyone who doesn't get the job done, or obstructs this progress, will be replaced. I'm convinced of that.
This is a great take, and I hope you are right. But it's absolutely impossible to talk about accountability in the athletic program with Rick Dickson in charge. Impossible. 12 months ago, everyone here (cough, cough, except for me) was certain Dickson would be canned as soon as Fitts arrived and stated "if not then we have bigger problems". Well, what say those people now? Are they as optimistic as you?
Dickson's presence remains both proof of something rotten at the core as well as the source of continually bungled decisions and a fundamental disconnect from the 90%+ of alumni he has alienated over the past 15 years. Until Dickson, who is for obvious reasons unable to fundraise from alumni who openly dislike him, has been replaced, you cannot tell me that those obstructing progress will be replaced.