McLaughlin Addresses Negative Tone of Fans
Posted by Fordham SportsNet on April 23, 2009
(This article is Part V of Fordham SportsNet’s series detailing Frank McLaughlin’s thoughts on the current state of the Fordham men’s basketball program. Today, the AD addresses the fans.)
BY CHARLES COSTELLO
This past Saturday’s New York Times article by Brian Heyman brought to light the concerns some Fordham basketball fans have been voicing of late. Discontent with the school administration, from Father McShane to Jeff Gray to Frank McLaughlin. Discontent with the state of affairs within the basketball program, with head coach Dereck Whittenburg receiving the bulk of the criticism.
While the article seemed to represent the sentiments of only a handful of disgruntled fans, a general level of frustration within the Fordham community has been evident both during and after the 3-25 season that concluded in early March. McLaughlin, the university’s Executive Director of Athletics, is aware of this dissatisfaction, but was quick to caution fans about the impact their negativity can have on a basketball program.
“One of the disappointments has been how quickly people have turned negative,” McLaughlin said during an interview with Fordham SportsNet. “I don’t think they realize that their negativity affects recruiting, affects the atmosphere of the team.”
While McLaughlin appreciates the passion fans have, he asked that they keep things in perspective.
“I understand people being frustrated. I understand it all,” McLaughlin said. “Some people have a great love for Fordham and Fordham basketball. But they have to remember that these are our students. These are the kids who could get admitted here. They’re representing us.”
McLaughlin also addressed ongoing questions fans have had about the chain of command at Rose Hill. When it comes to basketball, some have questioned what role Gray, the university’s Vice President of Student Affairs, has with the basketball program. Gray can be found at just about every men’s home basketball game standing a few feet to the side of the Fordham bench, leading to speculation about his role with the program.
“Dereck reports to me,” McLaughlin said. “And I don’t mean that in a bad way. I don’t even like saying that. We work together.
“I think Jeff takes a bad rap. He’s really been supportive and really fought for athletics.”
For any sports team, in addition to low morale, a down season will usually result in poor attendance. The majority of seats at the Rose Hill Gym were empty this year. No sellouts in a gym that holds just 3200 people. This did not come as a surprise to McLaughlin.
“When you’re in New York City there are a lot of other options so you do have to have a good product,” he said.
Now the AD and head coach have to work on bringing that good product to Fordham.
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Fan said
The NYTimes article was a complete joke, and waste of ink. It highlighted a few disgruntled fans, citing a recent graduate who plays no role in the basketball program. I was not only disappointed in the Times for writing the article, but for everyone who was associated with it. The University was wise to not comment on such a poor piece of journalism.
Ram 91 said
I would be very impressed if the the NY Times, Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, the CIA and NSA could get together and find a fan who is satisfied with the condition and direction of Fordham basketball. They can start outside the Rose Hill Gym. If there are satisfied people they aren’t going to the games.
ram723 said
“Fan” = Delusional Apologist.
98ramgrad said
this was a total waste of space. McLaughlin says nothing here. He doesn’t address any of the woes of the department. He doesn’t mention any positives. He says nothing. At least have him take a position on something. All he says is the DW reports to him. Thanks, I already knew the chain of command. Once again, he shows his incompetence.
TerpTek said
Fordham should support the men’s team, and their coach, for at least another couple of seasons. By then the few remaining good players left will have transferred, and the school can finally get the coach they want, with him bringing many players from his successful program that is graduating 60% of its basketball players within 6 years. He is none other than Sidney Lowe, and he’ll bring at least two Wolfpack players to strengthen the Rams. And if Lowe doesn’t work out, maybe Lorenzo Charles, Thurl Bailey, or Terry Gannon can show the guys how to run an undisciplined offense and defense. Whittenburg and Lowe sure must be teaching that – jeez, they must be convincing their AD with some smoke and mirrors show … Either that, or the AD’s made a pact with Jimmy V we don’t know about. How did Jimmy V get Ruland and Vickers to play at Iona anyhow? Hmmmm, cannot touch that subject now….
Fordham81 said
Let me provide you with some basic research that I was able to dig up in 10 minutes- the number of Men’s NCAA tournament games played by schools that are considered our peers since 1985- the year Frank became AD. They, in most cases have just as stringent academic requirements as Fordham, yet are able to perform at levels that we have never approached, or could imagine.
Villanova- 37 Georgetown- 47
Notre Dame- 20 Siena- 9
Xavier- 32 Fordham- 1
Boston College- 24
and you wonder why we are disgusted with the pathetic excuses that Frank uses, and your pandering. Ask him why these school’s are successful, what process do they have to win, why are thier AD staffs 3-5 times larger than Fordham’s, and how many have had the same AD for 23 years? Until you ask some hard questions, and get some real answers, you will have no credibility.
ghog said
Duquesne was very similar until a group of concerned alumni spoke up & forced the AD out. New prez Charles D fully understood the importance of a successful mens program. Colleary fired father Hogan removed in comes G. Amodio who hires Ron Everhart not bad! Oh yeah shootings yet the program continues to move toward top 25 in 90-10. Organize & speak up Ram fans.
TerpTek said
“the number of Men’s NCAA tournament games played by schools that are considered our peers since 1985- the year Frank became AD.”
Villanova- 37 Georgetown- 47
Notre Dame- 20 Siena- 9
Xavier- 32 Fordham- 1
Boston College- 24
Yes, and what about across town rival and true peer Manhattan College – 4 NCAA appearances!
TerpTek said
Fordham should get one of its own back – “Geno” … Gene Doris is an excellent AD at Fairfield. Check what he’s done for their sports program there. Plus Geno received his Bachelor’s and Master’s at Fordham. C’Mon, Upper Administration, wake up and get a good AD in place and things will start happening. Geno for AD!