QWE, I usually laugh at your posts, but yesterday in your exuberance over the loss you had rooted for last week, you made factual errors and crossed a line even someone like you shouldn't be allowed to cross without response.
First, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am the parent of a football player. I won't hide my bias the way you hide yours.
When my son chose Villanova, he chose it over Delaware, Penn and Harvard and others. He chose Villanova because it offered the best overall experience - a great education, a great culture, a great FBS football program and a great basketball program that on a few occasions each year allows him the opportunity to have a fan experience similar to what he would have found at an ACC or Big Ten university.
Embedded in that decision is wisdom that is lost on you. Greatness within elements of an organization is not a zero sum game. No element of Villanova would benefit from football's demise. Greatness feeds on itself and great universities strive to be great at everything they do - all sports
all academic programs
the total university experience. To weaken one is to weaken all.
My son was also a soccer player and won a state championship. I know what it is like to hope people support a sport (soccer) that they don't truly appreciate or understand. As an apparent soccer fan, I would think you would have learned from that experience instead of mimicking the shortsightedness.
Perhaps, if football had been more of a priority, Villanova basketball would still be in a league with UConn, and Syracuse - a perfect example of how each element benefits the whole in ways that cannot always be predicted. To take your advice is to suggest Villanova move closer to becoming Creighton than UConn or Wake Forest.
The college sports landscape is changing and the first rule must be to keep options open. Who knows what might happen? Who could have predicted the significance of ESPN, The Big East and Big Monday? Who could have anticipated the 30-year brand halo of the 1985 NCAA tournament?
Despite your attempts to label it otherwise, Villanova competes at a very high level of football and entered the playoffs as the team with the highest graduation rate. That should be a source of pride for you and anyone who supports Villanova.
The transfers at SHSU you suggested were not talented enough for FCS programs were actually contributing members of those FCS teams but dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons - then scooped up by SHSU. That's a practice Villanova does not engage in.
Most importantly, yesterday, you crossed a line by referring to a kid you've never met and know nothing about as a "thug" in multiple posts. There are all kinds of overtones in that label that could be addressed, but suffice it to say if you are any man at all, you will offer a public apology for slandering a kid who has done nothing but represent Villanova with his dedication and effort. These young men play through injuries you couldn't begin to understand. And they do so, not to be on TV and despite the lack of support. They play for the love of the game. And that is something everyone should celebrate.
These players you constantly criticize will be twice the men and twice the Villanovans you are (if you are) - giving back to the university in their time, in their resources and in the personal reputations and successes they will create.
Villanova football is a top eight program with the highest graduation rate among playoff teams and a culture that shapes good young men. Congratulations to the players, coaches, administrators and fans for realizing and recognizing those accomplishments.
QWE, you may not understand, but you don't have the right to anonymously slander people. If you go there, at least have the courage to sign your name.
