Another thing to ponder here for Doogie. Depending on just how close his emailer is to Tubby, is it possible this emailer is intentionally feeding Doogie (and Marcus) this stuff in order for it to become public, thus strengthening Tubby's leverage with the U in relation to contract, practice facility, and other stuff. All the while, there may not be a shred of truth to it?
In other words, its an old negotiating tactic -- the other side doesn't know what's true or not, so let's feed them something that helps us. So, if someone close to Tubby has a vested interest in Tubby getting a better contract, a practice facility, and other things, then why not leak a potentially untrue tale about an offer from Oregon to strengthen Tubby's negotiating powers?
I find it a little fishy that everyone on the Oregon side has said unequivocally that Tubby is not a candidate. Yet, two different reporters are citing "someone close to Tubby" that a job offer has been made or that Oregon is strongly interested with big money; and/or Donna hates the weather. So, the info is coming from Tubby's side.
I know FOT says this is killing recruiting, but that's a short term issue at worst. The fact that Tubby's name continues to be out there only legitimizes what a good coach he is. I think overall, this has a positive effect, especially when he stays. People think, a coach that good that is wanted elsewhere stayed at MN. That place must be ok. So, lets say -- a person close to Tubby who might have a vested interest in Tubby's long term well-being at MN -- chose to keep these rumors going, to show Tubby is valued elsewhere, and say, that leads to getting a practice facility, a higher salary for Tubby and his assistants, etc., then that person "close to Tubby" would have accomplished his mission.
FOT can say all he wants, but almost all local stories regarding this cite "a person close to Tubby" which means it is coming from someone. Reporters don't make stuff up (at least almost never). So, someone is clearly feeding this info to these guys. Marcus and Doogie and Reusse are getting from someone here, that is nearly certain.
It could be legit. There may be a real offer there. Or, it might also be strategic in getting Tubby what he wants here at the U. If so, they're playing these media guys like a fiddle.