director of player engagement

[rich1122]

Maybe they will have to tone down the religious aspect of this, but the fact is it's a great idea. Universities are not doing some of these kids any favors. I read this article in the Post today and if this is a first step in fixing this crap then I am for it.

http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/unc-is-a-stark-example-of-colleges-warped-priorities/

 

[metsfan2323]

This isn't a big deal. You have to remember that those growing up in the former Conferderacy are taught since birth to be wary of the godless Yankees. We need a guy telling recruits that faith won't be an issue at UConn.

You are right, but this is a public institution in CT so the message will need to be tweaked to fit northern tastes. You must be politically correct at a northern public institution. It's not a big deal this time around but it would become a big deal down the road if the message isn't adjusted.

These guys get a free pass because they are new, if George DeLone delivered the same "jesus in the hudle" message to Dez this board would go into hyper hate mode.

 

[Colt house75]

Maybe they will have to tone down the religious aspect of this, but the fact is it's a great idea. Universities are not doing some of these kids any favors. I read this article in the Post today and if this is a first step in fixing this crap then I am for it.

http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/unc-is-a-stark-example-of-colleges-warped-priorities/

Great article....fact is we are all better off as people and future employers in doing whatever we can wherever we can and as you said...if it helps fix the crappola and doesn't send mixed messages as it did at UNC. Integrity, honesty, responsibility...IMO-Must read article. Thanks.

 

[Colt house75]

This isn't a big deal. You have to remember that those growing up in the former Conferderacy are taught since birth to be wary of the godless Yankees. We need a guy telling recruits that faith won't be an issue at UConn.

You are right, but this is a public institution in CT so the message will need to be tweaked to fit northern tastes. You must be politically correct at a northern public institution. It's not a big deal this time around but it would become a big deal down the road if the message isn't adjusted.

These guys get a free pass because they are new, if George DeLone delivered the same "jesus in the hudle" message to Dez this board would go into hyper hate mode.

Mr. Mets,I know I'm in the minority because I happen to live in this stoic blue state that taxes the poop out of us, but unlike you, I hope the message isn't toned down or tweaked. We market to "red states, blue states, pink states and states of insanity, I want players at the Rent that are big, fast mean tough m. and I want their families coming here knowing they are in a good place . Whatever it takes!!!!!!

 

[Chin Diesel]

This isn't a big deal. You have to remember that those growing up in the former Conferderacy are taught since birth to be wary of the godless Yankees. We need a guy telling recruits that faith won't be an issue at UConn.

Main reason why I started rooting for the Red Sox. Only godless heathens were Yankee fans.

 

[metsfan2323]

Mr. Mets,I know I'm in the minority because I happen to live in this stoic blue state that taxes the poop out of us, but unlike you, I hope the message isn't toned down or tweaked. We market to "red states, blue states, pink states and states of insanity, I want players at the Rent that are big, fast mean tough m. and I want their families coming here knowing they are in a good place . Whatever it takes!!!!!!

This post demonstrates exactly why the message must be tweaked, as this post demonstrates it will quickly turn into a political debate. "blue state, red state and taxes", sounds like politics to me.

 

[Colt house75]

You are right, but this is a public institution in CT so the message will need to be tweaked to fit northern tastes. You must be politically correct at a northern public institution. It's not a big deal this time around but it would become a big deal down the road if the message isn't adjusted.

These guys get a free pass because they are new, if George DeLone delivered the same "jesus in the hudle" message to Dez this board would go into hyper hate mode.

This post demonstrates exactly why the message must be changed, as this post demonstrates it will quickly turn into a political debate. "blue state, red state and taxes", sounds like politics to me.

you're the one who mentioned politics and making it "politically correct" above. Merely expounding on why I don't agree to make it politically correct...no tweaking necessary because we want to appeal to everyone in every corner of every state. We just need 16 to 24 commits are year wherever they come from.

 

[huskyblooz]

During my game on Friday night, I must have said the Lord's name 20 times!

 

[babysheep]

The issue I take is the whole putting all the credit in skydaddy Jesus who allegedly cares about the outcome of a single 100 year old game between a bunch of teenagers that ultimately means little. No guys, it's not because you've busted your asses your whole lives to get to a D1 team, it's not because of all the time and effort you put in to the gym and classroom, it's not because you are a brave, focused, intense group of brothers that drove you to victory, it's because you think Jesus saved you. It's like Obama saying "you didn't build that!"

 

[upstater]

So, when these kids go to take classes in public policy, civics or something to do with the law, boy will they be confused. A lot of what the university teaches is diametrically opposed to what they will learn i the football program.

 

[babysheep]

So, when these kids go to take classes in public policy, civics or something to do with the law, boy will they be confused. A lot of what the university teaches is diametrically opposed to what they will learn i the football program.

That's the other thing I was going to say... UConn is supposed to be an institution of higher learning that carries intellectual standards. What you say is expected to be backed by some kind of evidence or at least logic. UConn is huge on research and the application of the scientific model. Such deep, blind profession of devotion in faith in fairy tales just does not belong in the kind of intellectual environment that UConn surely looks to foster.

 

[UConnDan97]

That's the other thing I was going to say... UConn is supposed to be an institution of higher learning that carries intellectual standards. What you say is expected to be backed by some kind of evidence or at least logic. UConn is huge on research and the application of the scientific model. Such deep, blind profession of devotion in faith in fairy tales just does not belong in the kind of intellectual environment that UConn surely looks to foster.

Let's not throw out the baby (no pun intended) with the bathwater. UConn has always welcomed the religious and non-religious alike. St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Mark's, the Congregational Church, Temple Beth Hillel, and the Islamic Center are all within 100 yards of each other on campus. Doing away with religion is not the point. The point is to be inclusive of all of our student-athletes. And I'm sure that the new staff can find a way to accomplish that goal...

 

[FAIRTIDES]

Great article....fact is we are all better off as people and future employers in doing whatever we can wherever we can and as you said...if it helps fix the crappola and doesn't send mixed messages as it did at UNC. Integrity, honesty, responsibility...IMO-Must read article. Thanks.

Someone please tell the Media that Headlines starting with, "UConn Football: Jones Charged" scares people,

 

[babysheep]

Let's not throw out the baby (no pun intended) with the bathwater. UConn has always welcomed the religious and non-religious alike. St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Mark's, the Congregational Church, Temple Beth Hillel, and the Islamic Center are all within 100 yards of each other on campus. Doing away with religion is not the point. The point is to be inclusive of all of our student-athletes. And I'm sure that the new staff can find a way to accomplish that goal...

edit sorry completely mistook which post you were replying to

I was just echoing the idea that the other half of college for them is totally different

 

[SubbaBub]

As a firm believer in the establishment clause, I have no problem with this. These are grown men who can make their own choices as part of a very small group. It's different when you are talking about school children or public endorsements.

In spite of the article, I'm reasonably certain that JC isn't the check down pass option nor is he playing deep safety. Unless they position is using players to proselytize or forcing players to participate in religous activitives, it's not a big deal. As always, you are free to practice just don't invovle me in it.

 

[temery]

He shouldn't have the job if that's what he plans.

Did you actually just write read the article? Here is the quote that is being referred to:
We're going to make sure they understand that should be in the center of our huddle, that that's something that is important. If you want to be successful and you want to win, get championships then you better understand that this didn't happen because of you. This happened because of our Lord and Savior.

While his lead in is non-denominational and I completely agree that being spiritual is much more than believing in a specific God..he blows that up completely in the above QUOTE.

 

[temery]

So, no Jews or Muslims. Got it.

Mr. Mets,I know I'm in the minority because I happen to live in this stoic blue state that taxes the poop out of us, but unlike you, I hope the message isn't toned down or tweaked. We market to "red states, blue states, pink states and states of insanity, I want players at the Rent that are big, fast mean tough m. and I want their families coming here knowing they are in a good place . Whatever it takes!!!!!!

 

[temery]

Very well said.

I understood the Petrino (and Pitino) reference! That wasn't the issue. The issue I have is the idea that if someone doesn't like a dose of Christianity with their football that they can hit the road. Are you serious with this?

Well, whether you are or aren't, I hope that the coaching staff is wise enough to "tailor" the doses of Christianity to our players, so as not to alienate. And quite frankly, it shouldn't be that much to ask for. Smart businesses don't alienate talent with specific religious policies, so I hope that we are mindful of that as we move forward. Again, like I said, if it is the simple "God keep us safe" stuff and nobody is offended, fantastic! But we are a state school, and we need to remember that we are a state school. With all due respect, there is no room at UConn for statements like "they can choose to go elsewhere" if they don't like the religion angle...

 

[temery]

I think this is our first step in joining the new Big East.

 

[cohenzone]

Jesus in the huddle? Sorry, but if it was Moses or Mohammed or Buddha in the huddle, there would be more than a few raised eye-brows. On top of that, this is a state university. There can be no pretense of the football program espousing the ideas of a particular religion. The players and coaches can do whatever they'd like with their non-fb time,but sorry coach, you are way off base when it comes to you promoting it in the huddle or the locker room. It isn't just atheists who would be offended. Confusing spirituality with a particular religion or any religion at all isn't all that unusual, but he has to have the law laid down to him about what lines can't be crossed, and if our new HC is supporting the idea, he needs a talking to as well. You can promote character and public spiritedness without bringing anything identified with particular religious beliefs or deity beliefs into the picture.

 

[formerlurker]

I just prayed to God that we actually get some real football news soon so this thread goes away.

It's a non-issue.

 

[cohenzone]

OP started the thread to make it a point of contention and folks who want to stir the pot and make it an issue will. I'll agree he would have been better served and would not become the target he seems to be becoming if he left out the reference to a specific name.

I still say it will less of an issue with the team as a whole than the people who are parsing the words here.

Parsing words and understanding exactly what someone has said and taking them at their word is not the same thing. People do not have to put up with someone else's ardor when they show an intent to cross lines that they shouldn't.

 

[CL82]

Uh, I thought the posts were typical knee jerks liberalism but this quote seems a bit much to me.

We're going to make sure they understand that should be in the center of our huddle, that that's something that is important. If you want to be successful and you want to win, get championships then you better understand that this didn't happen because of you. This happened because of our Lord and Savior.

 

[upstater]

That's the other thing I was going to say... UConn is supposed to be an institution of higher learning that carries intellectual standards. What you say is expected to be backed by some kind of evidence or at least logic. UConn is huge on research and the application of the scientific model. Such deep, blind profession of devotion in faith in fairy tales just does not belong in the kind of intellectual environment that UConn surely looks to foster.

That's not the problem. I would defend his right to think Jesus is in the huddle. I'm talking about how the school teaches students to negotiate multiple views, context and frames of belief through any number of disciplines. I could think of how this might play out in Law courses, Government, Poli Sci, Literature, etc. There are likely a great many Christian scientists at UConn who have no problem being both Christians and Scientists, without however insisting that is central to what happens in their classroom.

 

[UConnDan97]

Uh, I thought the posts were typical knee jerks liberalism but this quote seems a bit much to me.

May I just remind you that conservatives knee-jerk just as much as liberals! (And I'm so liberal that I hate the Dems too)

But the quote that you referenced is indeed the "cause of concern" here, politics aside...

 

[temery]

Wonder if they'll play the soundtrack to My Fair Lady in the weight room.

Maybe they will have to tone down the religious aspect of this, but the fact is it's a great idea. Universities are not doing some of these kids any favors. I read this article in the Post today and if this is a first step in fixing this crap then I am for it.

http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/unc-is-a-stark-example-of-colleges-warped-priorities/

 

[babysheep]

I understood the Petrino (and Pitino) reference! That wasn't the issue. The issue I have is the idea that if someone doesn't like a dose of Christianity with their football that they can hit the road. Are you serious with this?

If you don't like prayers to Jesus every game, you can GIT OUT

 

[UConnDan97]

If you don't like prayers to Jesus every game, you can GIT OUT

Yeah, that's the answer...

EDIT: Just in case it wasn't clear, I knew you were kidding

 

[Stinger92860]

 

[Drew]

In fairness some of these recruits (a lot of them, actually) come from terrible backgrounds and often times college football is their first real regimented schedule/disciplinary model. Some/a lot come to schools (not just UConn) with no true role model and religion, whatever religion it may be, can often help in the development from the boy to a man. You see it a lot after games where both teams will gather for a prayer and some players partake, others don't.


I've been inspired by people who are adamant about their faith even though I may not agree with it. Grew up with a good friend who was a practicing Jew. Him taking his faith seriously inspired me to take my own religious beliefs more seriously even though I'm a Roman Catholic. If the kids can sign up to hear one side of it be preached in a classroom why is it awful that they hear the other side of it? I do agree that the above quote about JC always being first in the huddle is extreme but if our players are exposed to one of the many religions out there I don't think that's a bad thing. Tolerance goes both ways, it's something people in our country often forget.