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[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR=black][COLOR=blue][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR=#000000][COLOR=blue][FONT=Arial][COLOR=#000000]Yesterday on the Joker Phillip’s call-in show, Joker was asked by a fan what it will take to get the football team fired up before games (Exhibit A. Western Kentucky first half, Exhibit B. Central Michigan first half). Phillips responded by saying more fans in the seats. Really, more fans in the seats is the answer to lighting a fire under a Division 1, SEC, college football team? [/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#000000]So let me get this straight, because the Western Kentucky game was played at 9:30pm on a Thursday night before a long holiday weekend, it’s the fault of the fans for not making it to the game to get the team fired up? So when Central Michigan, a team that was 3-9 last year, kicked off against Kentucky at noon, the fact that Kentucky went into halftime down 13-6 can be blamed on the fans? [/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#000000]Look, I am a big Joker Phillips fan, I love that he is from the state of Kentucky and now coaching his alma mater. I respect what he is about and hope more than anything he can be the guy to make Kentucky a national name in football. BUT, and this is a big but…..to even hint that the fans late arrival to the games (or lack thereof in Nashville ) is the reason behind the slow starts is absurd. As season ticket holders, or even fans that decide to attend just one game, last time I checked, they do not get paid to coach this football team, do you? In fact, they PAY money to watch good football. Western Kentucky and Central Michigan are not exactly known for “good football”, and have played quite miserably over the last few years.[/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#000000]Later in the call-in show, Joker tried to retract his statement, and I don’t blame him. The last thing you want to do is put blame on fans that are undeserving and no doubt the more he thought about it after making that statement, he realized he should take responsibility. [/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#000000]Instead of looking at the glass half empty, I think it’s time for the Kentucky players and coaches to look at it half full and appreciate the fan support they do have. As a season ticket holder myself, I can tell you that I sit around fans that have had tickets for 20+ years, talk about loyalty and support (those fans have seen some ugly football over the years). I am a firm believer in appreciating what you have, and accepting responsibility for your mistakes, and hopefully Coach Phillips believes in this too. [/COLOR]
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[COLOR=#000000]GO CATS. BEAT LOUISVILLE.[/COLOR]
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