News & Observer: Minnesota AD Norwood Teague learned at Athens Drive

[BleedGopher]

per the News & Observer:

Teague’s advice to high school athletes is to play as many sports as they possibly can and concentrate on academics.

“I might have been a little bit better if I had concentrated on one sport, but I wouldn’t have had as much fun or learned as much,” he said. “Playing as many sports as I could was absolutely the best thing for me. And you can’t emphasize the academics too much.

“I look at our football team at Minnesota and maybe three will play in the NFL for a very few years. Some of our basketball players may play in Europe. But their education will be with them forever.”

http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/07/18/4015221/minnesota-ad-norwood-teague-learned.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[GoldenRodents]

I don't think we want the 4 and 5 start recruits to focus on this nugget: “I look at our football team at Minnesota and maybe three will play in the NFL for a very few years. Some of our basketball players may play in Europe."

 

[mnsports1]

I don't think we want the 4 and 5 start recruits to focus on this nugget: “I look at our football team at Minnesota and maybe three will play in the NFL for a very few years. Some of our basketball players may play in Europe."

He can say that at this time because so far we have B level recruits...

 

[60's Guy]

Except

He can say that at this time because so far we have B level recruits...

Not any one of our recruits or present players considers themselves a "B level recruit." That's what's wrong with that statement. You are squashing people's dreams by limiting it to three players in the NFL and for a short time. And basketball players in Europe. Every guy basketball player thinks they are going to play in the NBA.
For the A.D. to incorrectly or correctly judge their future is just dumb. Yes, academics is important! That reality shouldn't be sold by scare tactics and some
ill conceived idea because he's an A.D. , he's now a talent evaluator too!
Dumb statements. This guy just keeps dissing people it would seem he'd want as supporters of him and the Gophers.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

What an idiotic thing to say. There are at least 3 potential NFL players in the incoming class alone. Not to mention the current team. Perhaps he meant the senior class. Norwood?

I'm not sold on Teague. I know he's an upgrade from *no need to say* but how can he sell the gophers if he doesn't believe it himself? From the ticket prices to the slow play on the facilities/donors to backhanding your own football team across the face I'm not sure he's prime time.

I'd prefer more of a schmoozer and less of a Mitt Romney in the AD position. Raising $10MM at VCU is child's play compared to what he needs to raise at the U.

 

[imthewalrus]

Oh come on people. Kissing the collective butts of every high school fantasy four star recruiting object is total nonsense...

I don't know if our not nearly as new Norwood is all I have seen some people on this board have claimed in the fairly recent past, or if he is as worthless as some of you guys are trying to paint him now. But: he is right on the money to be telling these high school fantasy wannabe kids that not many of them will play on Sundays and that they had best be paying attention to their academic progress and growth.

The damn NCAA is keeping tabs on the academic progress made by the student athletes and they won't be playing ball if they don't have the grades. And, haven't you people seen that commercial on the Big Ten Network that reminds everyone that almost every man or woman who plays a Big Ten sport will go pro in something other than the sport they play.

In this case, I'd have to give the former "NEW" Norwood a good, solid A. He is telling the young student-athlete wannabe types the truth. Not many of them will ever sign big professional sports contracts. They had best learn how to really "book it" as well as to just be bigger, stronger, faster on the football field.

I fully support our Norwood telling the TRUTH!

 

[Dr.Don]

Oh come on people. Kissing the collective butts of every high school fantasy four star recruiting object is total nonsense...

I don't know if our not nearly as new Norwood is all I have seen some people on this board have claimed in the fairly recent past, or if he is as worthless as some of you guys are trying to paint him now. But: he is right on the money to be telling these high school fantasy wannabe kids that not many of them will play on Sundays and that they had best be paying attention to their academic progress and growth.

The damn NCAA is keeping tabs on the academic progress made by the student athletes and they won't be playing ball if they don't have the grades. And, haven't you people seen that commercial on the Big Ten Network that reminds everyone that almost every man or woman who plays a Big Ten sport will go pro in something other than the sport they play.

In this case, I'd have to give the former "NEW" Norwood a good, solid A. He is telling the young student-athlete wannabe types the truth. Not many of them will ever sign big professional sports contracts. They had best learn how to really "book it" as well as to just be bigger, stronger, faster on the football field.

I fully support our Norwood telling the TRUTH!

Well done, wren. Here's to ya, my friend...

 

[imthewalrus]

Well done, wren. Here's to ya, my friend...

We old timers have seen a lot of "hyped" potential super stars and even a lot of darn good Big Ten players who had good college careers end their careers with injury or after their last college football game. Most all of them go on right from college to make their way in life without some big nfl pay check weighing them down and keeping them from getting on with their lives in a good, honest productive way.

Teach the children what they need: readin...writing...ritmatic and they will most likely find their way to being engaged in that great American Dream: living a good life. Norwood is only being honest with these kids, hopefully their parents and all the darn coaches out there too. There probably is not too much hope for some fans though...

Have a good weekend Dr. Don!

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Walrus, that goes without saying.

You think we need a foot-in-mouth AD to tell these kids to study?

Norwood's primary directive is to sell the program. Raise money.

You can defend him all you want. It was a stupid thing to say and insulting to our team. Are you insulting our team. Do you believe we have 3 NFL players on our roster.

Walrus??

 

[Pompous Elitist]

I'm sorry "maybe" three players on our roster.

He isn't sure.

Walrus? Can you name the three? Or two, or whatever Norwood is (or isn't as the case may be) thinking about?

 

[imthewalrus]

All I can say is that EVERY kid playing football for my U of M Golden Gopher Team had better be making acceptable academic progress or he will not be contributing a damn thing regardless of how good and how much he might think he is. And, IF the coaching staff doesn't get the attention of every one of those kids who want to play football about the academic facts of life: it is time for that coaching staff to take a hike and go out to put their own academic preparation to work earning a living in the REAL world. Football is NOT the real world. Basketball is NOT the real world.

A cup of coffee in an nfl rookie camp won't keep the cold winds and bill collectors off a football players back after the round of cuts in which he is shown the door. And, something always happens to make that final cut for a football player.

Norwood is ONLY doing what I would certainly expect Norwood to have the integrity to do, say, think and BELIEVE!

Damned if I know if there are any nfl stars...journeymen...special teams players...free-agents...practice-squad guys just waiting to RIP-UP the Big Ten Playing Fields. Maybe. Maybe not. To even get through the season or the next few years they have got to go to class, make satisfactory academic progress, crack their books and their butts studying, stay healthy, stay out of the coaches dog house and finally make some real plays on Game Day Saturday...in THAT order.

I won't call you General ***hole...maybe I would consider you to be Major ***hole though. You really aren't elite either. I will give you that pompous tag though.

 

[Dr.Don]

I am on wren's side this time, rookies. And if Dr.Don is on wren's side, you'd best be assured that wren is right on the money, and you lose.

GO GOPHERS!!!

 

[imthewalrus]

If the NCAA, every college/university, every coach and every administrator doesn't start pounding the drum about the VALUE of the academic degree, it is high time to unionize EVERY DI college player and it is time to split the big money college football and hoops brings in between the players, the coaches, the administrators, the cable companies, the conferences and the individual schools. You see, if the spokespersons for the colleges don't even value the academic bone that is being thrown to the players,there is nothing of value being presented to the players in exchange for ALL the $$$$$$ they are putting in the pockets of these multi-million dollar contracts the coaches get and all the money the conferences and the schools get. IF the value of an academic degree is not celebrated, touted, bragged about and sold, why the hell was Prexy K just extended in his job? Why does the U of M still exist? And, why on earth are there University sports teams?

Think about it people. And then remember CONCUSSIVE CONSEQUENCES do not affect the coaches, college prexys, athletic directors, cable company executives, sportswriters, fans or any of the other parties who benefit so richly from the games the players star in. Unless the scholarship leads to a degree it is of no value what so ever. Teach these kids well so they can have a good productive life AFTER football has ended. And football ALWAYS ends...

 

[Pompous Elitist]

I am on wren's side this time, rookies. And if Dr.Don is on wren's side, you'd best be assured that wren is right on the money, and you lose.

GO GOPHERS!!!

Ok...

 

[Pompous Elitist]

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that neither of you are motivational speakers.

 

[Dr.Don]

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that neither of you are motivational speakers.

Oh, man, I will make sure that you are cleaning toilets when we speak.

 

[hungan1]

Walrus, that goes without saying.

You think we need a foot-in-mouth AD to tell these kids to study?

Norwood's primary directive is to sell the program. Raise money.

You can defend him all you want. It was a stupid thing to say and insulting to our team. Are you insulting our team. Do you believe we have 3 NFL players on our roster.

Walrus??

I'd think most recruits dream of playing in the NFL. Let them dream. But, reality eventually bites them in the buttocks.

Insulting the team? IMHO, it is incumbent upon the schools to make sure that these kids graduate. I think most parents will want Jerry Kill and others to look after the best interest of their kids.

An AD telling the kids to hit the books & practices with equal resolve will not hinder fund raising. As a matter of fact, I think most donors will see that as a positive selling point.

 

[station19]

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that neither of you are motivational speakers.

Winner of this months Parski Award.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Gopherhole is where happiness goes to die.

Would it make a difference to you if Kill had said it?

Probably not, you've circled the wagons. You guys are representative of why the U football program has lagged the last 40 years.


#HailTeague

 

[Killjoy]

Gopherhole is where happiness goes to die.

Would it make a difference to you if Kill had said it?

Probably not, you've circled the wagons. You guys are representative of why the U football program has lagged the last 40 years.


#HailTeague

+1 I had a discussion with a high ranking U of M athletic person last year at a Goal Line lunchion about the GopherHole and he just shook his head and I cried.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

Look - there's a difference between honesty, and being brutally honest.

If Teague believes that the Gophers don't have many players with pro potential, he should know enough to not say that in public. Part of his job involves promoting and supporting the Gophers - not telling people that "our players really aren't that good." (in so many words)

I would expect the AD of the Gophers to say positive things about the players and the program. I don't expect him to lie, but you can find ways to present things in a positive light. (i.e. - FB and BB programs showing progress; good coaching staffs; emphasis on academics; represent the school in a positive manner).

On The Sports Huddle Sunday, Kill was talking about how having Vereen and Hageman getting drafted is good for the program. Maybe he needs to tell Teague, too.

 

[imthewalrus]

The conference wins and the conference losses will tell us everything we need to know about the players, the coaches, the administrators and the overall condition of the University of Minnesota Football Program compared to all the other football programs in the division as well as the other division.

Our somewhat new Norwood will have to be judged by the product Coach Kill and his staff put on the field.

The entire program will be open for a public display this fall. Be honest Norwood. It is always the best policy.

 

[Mulligan]

Look - there's a difference between honesty, and being brutally honest.

If Teague believes that the Gophers don't have many players with pro potential, he should know enough to not say that in public. Part of his job involves promoting and supporting the Gophers - not telling people that "our players really aren't that good." (in so many words)

I would expect the AD of the Gophers to say positive things about the players and the program. I don't expect him to lie, but you can find ways to present things in a positive light. (i.e. - FB and BB programs showing progress; good coaching staffs; emphasis on academics; represent the school in a positive manner).

On The Sports Huddle Sunday, Kill was talking about how having Vereen and Hageman getting drafted is good for the program. Maybe he needs to tell Teague, too.

He's said those things over and over since he got here. A comment in the middle of an obscure article in a Raleigh newspaper really isn't anything to get upset about, especially considering the point he's trying to make which is basically right on. Doubt that many Gopher players' dreams were shattered.

 

[60's Guy]

The point is

He's said those things over and over since he got here. A comment in the middle of an obscure article in a Raleigh newspaper really isn't anything to get upset about, especially considering the point he's trying to make which is basically right on. Doubt that many Gopher players' dreams were shattered.

The point is too many of you guys miss the point. The man makes stupid comments. What were we? number one in NCAA football academics the last factoring period? Where's that in his comments? He's talking about something that should be championed how great Coach Kill and the U of M football team are doing in academics. Not constantly espousing dampening, downer viewpoints. Why is he attempting to raise $190 million if not to win. A by product of winning is putting more people in the NBA and NFL. It's part of the plan to succeed.

OBviously, at the same dang time athletes go to class and study. That's a given under Coach Kill. Part of his job is to promote success in sports. He makes a negative out of a positive each time he's quoted lately. That's the point.

You can be honest and say stupid things. You can be honest and say encouraging things. You can be honest and say things perceived smart. Life is about choice. Norwood has been making the wrong ones when he speaks lately. JMO

 

[Pompous Elitist]

He's said those things over and over since he got here. A comment in the middle of an obscure article in a Raleigh newspaper really isn't anything to get upset about, especially considering the point he's trying to make which is basically right on. Doubt that many Gopher players' dreams were shattered.

So obscure that it was posted on a gopher fan site that we know is read by players, recruits, and parents. The wonders of modern technology.

Most decent teams have somewhere between 20-40 former players in the NFL at any given time. If Kill can pull a Ferentz or Chris Peterson and turn 2 and 3 stars into NFLers we will join those ranks.

Teague implies that isn't going to happen at MN so don't get your hopes up. Best go to Iowa or Wisc if you want to NFL.

Inspiring stuff. And not even honest. We have more than three future NFL players on this roster. Book it, all day long.

 

[60's Guy]

Also: A good A.D. supports his coaches. The program is one voice. Courtesy of DL65 just today on WCCO radio : Mike Max asked about the effect Brock Vereen and Ra’Shede Hageman being in the NFL has on Gopher recruiting: Kill also added Aaron Hill’s name to the duo (former Gophers during Kill’s tenure) currently in NFL camps. Hill is presently at the St. Louis Rams camp. Kill said having players in the NFL is a positive when it comes to recruiting. But he also credited the reputation of secondary coach Jay Sawvel: “Jay Sawvel has a a reputation as a very good teacher . . . six guys (defensive backs that played under Sawvel’s tutelage) playing the NFL . . . more credibility helps.” (Kill sounded very proud of Sawvel’s coaching abilities during his discussion of the Gopher secondary coach.)

You don't think Coach Kill and every other BCS coach is emphasizing we can get you to the NFL to recruits? Teague's comments do not support his coach's efforts. And again, in addition coach Kill promises mom and dad we'll help your son get his degree. And he has proven this. Is Norwood that out of touch?