[BostonCard]

It's interesting to keep an eye on but the differences are so significant as to make a comparison fraught. David Shaw is literally one of the greatest (in terms of accomplishments) black coaches in American sports history. Icon. 50 years old so he has lots of time left in his life as a respected wise man, forever affiliated with the university these young men have hitched their stars to. Saying anything against him is a brave, public burning of a bridge that draws attention (hence how interesting Ben Gardner's comments have been). For many others publicly saying nice things, regardless of whatever nuance may be in their private hearts (or not, some surely view him as an unparalleled role model), is a classy, low cost gesture. Walt Harris was, shall we say, a different situation.

Anyway, as much as I had to give thought about how to characterize Shaw in my post, it's so much more fraught for those he views as his mentees. Big-time power dynamic here (I mean, in the most basic sense, think letters of recommendation) and, beyond power, just the genuine force of what he's meant for Stanford, black men, etc.

That’s why I also highlighted the reaction amongst players and former players to Harbaugh’s departure, where criticizing a future NFL coach publicly would not be without cost. I agree, and noted, that the diplomatic move would be to wish the guy well and say diplomatically positive things. But it turns out that many humans just can’t help themselves, and their feelings will come out one way or another.

Btw, notwithstanding what Gardner wrote during the season, which was very direct, here’s what he tweeted upon Shaw’s announcement.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/bennyg49/status/1596890620144259073?s=61&t=xVlrb2kTCIPC31rxa2s8Sg[/tweet]

Again, whether it’s current players or former players, the worst I have seen is sadness and frustration over the results, but not any indication that his players didn’t respect or like him personally, or were about to instigate a mass revolt, as some here suspected (or hoped).

BC

[BostonCard]

It's interesting to keep an eye on but the differences are so significant as to make a comparison fraught. David Shaw is literally one of the greatest (in terms of accomplishments) black coaches in American sports history. Icon. 50 years old so he has lots of time left in his life as a respected wise man, forever affiliated with the university these young men have hitched their stars to. Saying anything against him is a brave, public burning of a bridge that draws attention (hence how interesting Ben Gardner's comments have been). For many others publicly saying nice things, regardless of whatever nuance may be in their private hearts (or not, some surely view him as an unparalleled role model), is a classy, low cost gesture. Walt Harris was, shall we say, a different situation.

Anyway, as much as I had to give thought about how to characterize Shaw in my post, it's so much more fraught for those he views as his mentees. Big-time power dynamic here (I mean, in the most basic sense, think letters of recommendation) and, beyond power, just the genuine force of what he's meant for Stanford, black men, etc.

That’s why I also highlighted the reaction amongst players and former players to Harbaugh’s departure, where criticizing a future NFL coach publicly would not be without cost. I agree, and noted, that the diplomatic move would be to wish the guy well and say diplomatically positive things. But it turns out that many humans just can’t help themselves, and their feelings will come out one way or another.

Btw, notwithstanding what Gardner wrote during the season, which was very direct, here’s what he tweeted upon Shaw’s announcement.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/bennyg49/status/1596890620144259073?s=61&t=xVlrb2kTCIPC31rxa2s8Sg[/tweet]

Again, whether it’s current players or former players, the worst I have seen is sadness and frustration over the results, but not any indication that his players didn’t respect or like him personally, or were about to instigate a mass revolt, as some here suspected (or hoped).

BC