UPDATE: This post was written before the announcement of Joker’s termination.
When will Mitch Barnhart make an announcement about Joker’s future as head coach? Besides Randall Cobb scoring touchdowns, that seems to be the topic of discussion today. Any coaching change is a difficult situation, but Banrhart’s miscues handling this situation has me scratching my head.
It was reported yesterday by KSR that Mitch Barnhart made a comment directed towards the fans that was not very popular….
On the pre-game show with Tom Leach this morning, Mitch Barnhart addressed the low attendance by thanking the “real fans” for coming to the game and said that those who are critical of Joker must have “personal agendas.”
We’ll I’m definitely one of those fans who decided to stay home.
I had access to a number of tickets with a parking pass. Did I decide to go? No.. but please know that not showing up to the game has nothing to do with wether I’m a “real fan” or not. I invest in season tickets, I live and breath UK 24/7 (even when my wife would rather I not) and that’s even how this website got started. So I find it hard to think that I’m not a “Real Fan”.
Due to the time and money I spend on UK Athletics each year, I do expect something in return. It’s not a national championship ring, free tickets or even a t-shirt. What I do expect is for the administration to appreciate my investment (time and $$) and listen to my concerns. NOT to have Mitch Barnhart question my status of a fan and my “personal agenda” concerning Joker Phillips.
This is the exact attitude I spoke about in my pre-game post yesterday . Mitch Banhart feels that the fans owe the administration something when it comes to UK Football. This statement would have never happend if it were basketball in this situation. I never heard anything like this during Tubby or Billy Clyde’s tenure.
Do I think Joker needs to be replaced? Yes! Does that mean I’m a racist or have something “personal” against Joker? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I would love to see Joker be successful. I admire Joker as a person and for what he represents on and off the field. Unfortunately, that hasn’t translated to victories on the football field.
A “coach in waiting” was supposed to ensure our program didn’t lose momentum after the modest gains we made under Rich Brooks. Today, we’ve completely lost anything gained and we’ve hurt our status among recruits, in and out of state. So yes,.. it’s time for a change.
Why does Barnhart find it so difficult to be open and honest with the state of UK football and to what direction we’re heading? One of the most powerful, honest things a leader can do, is to admit when he’s wrong or that it isn’t working out as we thought it would.
Mr. Barnhart, with all do respect, the fans deserve that. There’s only one person who deserves that more and that’s Joker Phillips. Remember Mr. Barnhart, you did say that Joker was one of your dearest friends. I can’t imagine a “dear friend” keeping me out in the cold when it comes to my family’s future. I for one, would not want a friend like that.
So the question remains.. When should an announcement be made? At the end of the season or Monday morning?
I believe an announcement should be made first thing Monday morning. Anything later than that, will continue to deteriorate the level of trust between the football program and the fans. I think everyone would agree that there’s a lot of work that needs to happen in order to turn things around. So lets’ start now!! Why wait till the end of the season?
Joker Phillips deserves to have an answer by Monday!
Would you enjoy going to work everyday knowing that you might lose your job in a couple of weeks? Wouldn’t you rather know if that was definitely going to happen and the details around that? You’re family would be in a much better position if you were able to make plans. From the standpoint of the employer, it’s simple, it’s the right thing to do.
So I leave you with this question.. When should Mitch Barnhart make the announcement and do you think it’s fair to Joker the way this has been handled?
