Muffet on UConn's dominance

[HuskyNan]

“They have been an amazing team,” McGraw said, exuding her best political correctness. “Tennessee probably did something similar (three straight titles, 1996-98). I don’t remember anyone calling that bad for the game (back then)."

I don't know why the writer had to put that "political correctness" thing in. With the exception of the one season, Muffet has always been gracious towards UConn. I have met the woman and she truly is a nice person. I think the tension a couple years ago was that she was tired of having her team mostly ignored while UConn got all the press.

Tourney upsets, UConn's dominance impact women's hoops landscape, South Bend Tribune

 

[vtcwbuff]

And I also think that some of her behavior that BYers found so offensive was most likely unintentional.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

I have to say that the few women's coaches I have met - very briefly in all cases - have come off as very, very nice to someone that, in every case, was wearing Rutgers colors.

These include Harry P., Borseth, McGuff, Andy Landers, Anne Donovan, as well as the coaches inducted with Vivian at the Women's Hall of Fame - Van and Linda K. Sharp come to mind. Also met Vivian's friend, John Cheney from the men's side a bit more extensively at that time.

Coaching is a profession where you won't go far if you go about alienating people. And there are very few coaches that I have ever heard negatives about that way.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I have to say that the few women's coaches I have met - very briefly in all cases - have come off as very, very nice to someone that, in every case, was wearing Rutgers colors.

These include Harry P., Borseth, McGuff, Andy Landers, Anne Donovan, as well as the coaches inducted with Vivian at the Women's Hall of Fame - Van and Linda K. Sharp come to mind. Also met Vivian's friend, John Cheney from the men's side a bit more extensively at that time.

Coaching is a profession where you won't go far if you go about alienating people. And there are very few coaches that I have ever heard negatives about that way.

KB - Did you miss a word or does it read as you intended?

 

[CL82]

"Then, there’s UConn. Remove coach Geno Auriemma’s personality from the equation, then tussle with the debate: Is a dynasty a positive or a negative for the perception of the game? Some say it detracts from interest in the game, others argue it raises the competitive bar."

You know, I kind of like coach's personality. If you ask me Geno has been pretty mellow as of late.

 

[UcMiami]

With the exception of the one season, Muffet has always been gracious towards UConn. I have met the woman and she truly is a nice person. I think the tension a couple years ago was that she was tired of having her team mostly ignored while UConn got all the press.
Nan - so absolutely agree with your assessment. For whatever reason she seemed to go off the rails not even for a whole season, just of a NCAA tournament and it has soured a lot of people on this board to her. With the exception of the public utterances that month (she seemed cordial on court with Geno even in the middle of that) she has been pretty easy with her praise and she is a really good coach.

 

[malevocalist#]

I can't say the same for that Maryland wbb coach. She don't get it at all. Always got something shady to say.

 

[carpe diem]

“They have been an amazing team,” McGraw said, exuding her best political correctness. “Tennessee probably did something similar (three straight titles, 1996-98). I don’t remember anyone calling that bad for the game (back then)."

I don't know why the writer had to put that "political correctness" thing in. With the exception of the one season, Muffet has always been gracious towards UConn. I have met the woman and she truly is a nice person. I think the tension a couple years ago was that she was tired of having her team mostly ignored while UConn got all the press.

Tourney upsets, UConn's dominance impact women's hoops landscape, South Bend Tribune

Following the above link, there was at the end of the article other Notre Dame women's
BB news, most interestingly, the Brianna Turner had surgery on her twice dislocated shoulder and is expected to be out for six months.

 

[Soxx]

The one thing I can't seem to forget from that bad season of ramped up Muffet tension is the ceremony where she and her entire team refused to clap when Stewart won the player of the year award. Not remembering the exact title of that award, but that was a very low point for Muffet and team in terms of poor sportsmanship.

 

[hoophuskee]

And I also think that some of her behavior that BYers found so offensive was most likely unintentional.

For me it is forgotten. Because I used to like Muffett a lot. Now I have respect for her and no longer feel like a fan that really, really dislikes her. That moment when she went off on Geno - couldn't believe it. And her team is going to be awesome next couple of years- has been recently last several years too. I just don't know though what you mean by "unintentional." I realize they made up and great for them for that. But I don't see how the comments per the links can be considered "unintentional." Sure sounded "intentional" to me by her throwing barbs at Geno. There was another one too that I can't find in which Muffett sort of mocked Geno in comparison to Pat Summitt. -- I just found it. It is 3rd link. IMO these are NOT unintentional. Unless I'm missing your meaning. I seem to recall they met another time after finals and Muffett "sort of" acknowledged she may have gotten carried away. I think that's it. But I was one of the BYers you refer to. Not no more.

Irish's McGraw: No civility with 'bully' UConn

UConn, Notre Dame rivalry gets chippy heading into title game

Voepel: Coaches' war of words won't have any bearing on title clash

 

[Plebe]

Following the above link, there was at the end of the article other Notre Dame women's
BB news, most interestingly, the Brianna Turner had surgery on her twice dislocated shoulder and is expected to be out for six months.

I think it says "four to six months."

 

[bellairehusky]

I am shocked that no one has mentioned this perspective...the "unfortunate" comments made by Muffet about the "loss of civility at the top" and then some of Geno's follow up to those comments, I truly believe was birthed and fueled by the press. Bear with me.

You have to put the clips and quotes of Muffetts comments into the context of the "build up" prior to those comments. Personally, I believe that certain members of the press baited Muffett and she fell for it. Prior to her comments, the press set her up beautifully...questions about why ND was not getting any publicity, why it is that everyone is talking about just UConn and ignoring ND, why UConn's players get more attention, why Geno gets more attention - as I recall, before the fateful comments, the press was just hammering Muffett with questions and "quotes" out of context about the disrespect towards ND. Then came the zinger...the press asked Muffett to respond to what was a sarcastic and playful comment about Muffett and ND from Geno. I think at that point, Muffett, forgetting that she was dealing with devils with mics and recorders, and after being put in a bad and defensive mood the past 15 questions, lost it for a couple minutes and out came the quotes that I am convinced she regrets.

Then, the press takes those quotes and baits Geno....

Does no one remember this or have this view? It was so clear to me when it happened - I remember chuckling at the time because I was surprised that two seasoned coaches who are friends took the bait so easily. In hindsight, I despise the press who fueled that situation because frankly, IMO, it made two coaches look a little foolish.

 

[Geno-ista]

The one thing I can't seem to forget from that bad season of ramped up Muffet tension is the ceremony where she and her entire team refused to clap when Stewart won the player of the year award. Not remembering the exact title of that award, but that was a very low point for Muffet and team in terms of poor sportsmanship.

It was horrible- the big player of the yr where McBride wasn't even the runner up.
Neile Ivey stood and cheered!!! The only one. Now that's classy and takes some courage!

 

[Plebe]

Does no one remember this or have this view? It was so clear to me when it happened - I remember chuckling at the time because I was surprised that two seasoned coaches who are friends took the bait so easily. In hindsight, I despise the press who fueled that situation because frankly, IMO, it made two coaches look a little foolish.

I think it was Muffet who came out looking far worse than Geno. And of course, her comments lamenting that Pat Summitt's departure meant a loss in civility was enthusiastically seized upon by the Tennessee fan base -- "See! We're right! It's not just us! Everybody hates Geno!"

 

[bags27]

I've always believed that Muffett's explosion was a reaction to Geno's "sympathetic" tweet about Achonwa that he had lost players to injury too--referring to 2001, which gave her her only NC--but who cares? These are all folks who live in the most transparent of glass houses, under tremendous pressure, and it's amazing that they can keep it together as well as they do. There is plenty of trash on Geno, too, but he's ours and we overlook it. Muffett is by all accounts a nice person and is certainly a great coach; she's made Notre Dame a great and tough program, and the one, year in, year out, I fear and (after UConn) admire most. Geno's completely put aside that tiff (I wonder what was the birthday present he gave her?), and there is no animus between the programs at this point, only respect.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

[QUOTE="KnightBridgeAZ, post: 1665192, member: 591"]I have to say that the few women's coaches I have met - very briefly in all cases - have come off as very, very nice to someone that, in every case, was wearing Rutgers colors.

These include Harry P., Borseth, McGuff, Andy Landers, Anne Donovan, as well as the coaches inducted with Vivian at the Women's Hall of Fame - Van and Linda K. Sharp come to mind. Also met Vivian's friend, John Cheney from the men's side a bit more extensively at that time.

Coaching is a profession where you won't go far if you go about alienating people. And there are very few coaches that I have ever heard negatives about that way.

KB - Did you miss a word or does it read as you intended?[/QUOTE]
Not sure what you are reading, so I'll rephrase it. In addition to the various Rutgers coaches, I have met and spoken to a number of women's basketball coaches "in passing". Among others - Harry P. whom I was congratulating on winning an award, Borseth at the '07 final four, who commented he would have beaten UConn if he had had Kia Vaughn, McGuff when he was coaching Washington (my wife and I spoke with him after he did his radio duty at a UofA game), Landers who was talking with Laimbeer in the concession line at an all-american game, and the various coaches at Viv's induction, who signed an autograph basketball. At Viv's reception, sat at a table with John Cheney. Also spoke with Kay Yow at the announcement of the Kay Yow fund at Rutgers. Usually try to respect the privacy of coaches I have been around at other times - they don't need to be bothered by fans of other programs. But my point was that the ones I did talk to were all particularly pleasant in taking the time to say hello and respond to someone who was a fan of another program. Even the head coach of UTEP after we beat her in the WNIT final, although she was a bit more curt.

All in all, these coaches that I met were more polite to my wife and myself - in our Rutgers gear - than some of my "co-workers" were. My point was that, being in the public position these coaches are in, they really, really don't want to alienate anyone.

 

[HuskyNan]

I wonder what was the birthday present he gave her?

They were M&Ms. You know, Muffet McGraw. I don't know if it was a cheesy joke or some kind of long running teasing going on. They've known each other for decades, after all.

 

[vtcwbuff]

KB - Did you miss a word or does it read as you intended?

Not sure what you are reading, so I'll rephrase it. In addition to the various Rutgers coaches, I have met and spoken to a number of women's basketball coaches "in passing". Among others - Harry P. whom I was congratulating on winning an award, Borseth at the '07 final four, who commented he would have beaten UConn if he had had Kia Vaughn, McGuff when he was coaching Washington (my wife and I spoke with him after he did his radio duty at a UofA game), Landers who was talking with Laimbeer in the concession line at an all-american game, and the various coaches at Viv's induction, who signed an autograph basketball. At Viv's reception, sat at a table with John Cheney. Also spoke with Kay Yow at the announcement of the Kay Yow fund at Rutgers. Usually try to respect the privacy of coaches I have been around at other times - they don't need to be bothered by fans of other programs. But my point was that the ones I did talk to were all particularly pleasant in taking the time to say hello and respond to someone who was a fan of another program. Even the head coach of UTEP after we beat her in the WNIT final, although she was a bit more curt.

All in all, these coaches that I met were more polite to my wife and myself - in our Rutgers gear - than some of my "co-workers" were. My point was that, being in the public position these coaches are in, they really, really don't want to alienate anyone.[/QUOTE]

"I have to say that the few women's coaches I have met - very briefly in all cases - have come off as very, very nice to someone . . ."

I read the comment a couple of times and it struck me as negative. I knew by the context of your post that was not your intention. Then I read it again this AM. Apparently I missed the word the each time I read it. It's such a small word and easily overlooked.

 

[bags27]

They were M&Ms. You know, Muffet McGraw. I don't know if it was a cheesy joke or some kind of long running teasing going on. They've known each other for decades, after all.

Hmmm....peanut or regular?

 

[Jim R]

I am shocked that no one has mentioned this perspective...the "unfortunate" comments made by Muffet about the "loss of civility at the top" and then some of Geno's follow up to those comments, I truly believe was birthed and fueled by the press. Bear with me.

You have to put the clips and quotes of Muffetts comments into the context of the "build up" prior to those comments. Personally, I believe that certain members of the press baited Muffett and she fell for it. Prior to her comments, the press set her up beautifully...questions about why ND was not getting any publicity, why it is that everyone is talking about just UConn and ignoring ND, why UConn's players get more attention, why Geno gets more attention - as I recall, before the fateful comments, the press was just hammering Muffett with questions and "quotes" out of context about the disrespect towards ND. Then came the zinger...the press asked Muffett to respond to what was a sarcastic and playful comment about Muffett and ND from Geno. I think at that point, Muffett, forgetting that she was dealing with devils with mics and recorders, and after being put in a bad and defensive mood the past 15 questions, lost it for a couple minutes and out came the quotes that I am convinced she regrets.

Then, the press takes those quotes and baits Geno....

Does no one remember this or have this view? It was so clear to me when it happened - I remember chuckling at the time because I was surprised that two seasoned coaches who are friends took the bait so easily. In hindsight, I despise the press who fueled that situation because frankly, IMO, it made two coaches look a little foolish.

Spot on - while the press has a job to do, regretfully, sometimes their desire for "gotcha" gets in the way of the truth. And, you're right, Muffett took the bait.

 

[MJL243]

Hmmm....peanut or regular?

Peanut.

 

[mairnéalach]

I recall that McGraw said that, with Pat no longer coaching the women's game had lost 'class' at the top. Doris and Dave O'Brien took issue with it.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Following the above link, there was at the end of the article other Notre Dame women's
BB news, most interestingly, the Brianna Turner had surgery on her twice dislocated shoulder and is expected to be out for six months.

I felt that Brianna's decision (??) to tough it out was a bad one. She should have pulled Tuck - I know she had played too deep into the season not to have it count (now people will correct me I'm sure; red shirting is too arcane for a casual fan like me ). She just looked like half of herself all season. The rehab is going to be an absolute bear, but I wish her all the best with the surgery and the recovery.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I recall that McGraw said that, with Pat no longer coaching the women's game had lost 'class' at the top. Doris and Dave O'Brien took issue with it.

Dave: " Indeed...nothing but class at the top." It was a pretty big defense of Geno and only underscored Muffet's lack of class over everything once she and Geno did the he said she said about scheduling. Everyone else can play kissy face with Muffet, but that side of her is lurking under a thin veneer of kissy face. I suspect, should she win next year, the snotty side of Muffet will resurface. She is dead, dead, dead to me.

 

[Orangutan]

The one thing I can't seem to forget from that bad season of ramped up Muffet tension is the ceremony where she and her entire team refused to clap when Stewart won the player of the year award. Not remembering the exact title of that award, but that was a very low point for Muffet and team in terms of poor sportsmanship.

I really don't want to start this again, but...that is a persistent myth. If you actually look at the video, you can clearly see a few ND players plus Niele Ivey clapping and you can't see the hands of most of the players. What is true is that McGraw didn't clap. Somehow that got blown out of proportion into the whole team not clapping, which isn't fair to those who did respectfully applaud Stewart.