Jim Les Radio Show

[cpacmel]

I don't think so. I don't recall Jim Les ever being critical of the fans. The only issue I recall is when a caller to his radio show was mildly critical of the fans at the game. Jim himself has never said or implied it that I recall.

Here's what Les said in regards to the fans earlier this year. This is quoted from Dave Reynolds' column on December 4, the day of the Michigan St game -

"I'm looking for a response from our fans," Les said. "I don't think the atmosphere in our building has been that great this year. Our fans need to step up, energize, come with great enthusiasm and get off their hands a little bit. This is a great opportunity for our program, but I also want appreciation shown from our fans, too, and start to create the environment we want to have."

So Da Coach, after reading Jim Les' exact quote, do you still think he wasn't being critical of the fans?

When someone says things like "Our fans need to step up" I would think that is being a little critical of what they have or in this case have not been doing.

[cpacmel]

Congrats on your teams results. I see from many boards that you are a big fan. You suffered through many years....too many.

Thanks. We haven't won anything yet though. The games are much easier to watch this year, I can tell you that. We actually have direction on offense and our players seem to play harder for Jank. That's not a rip on Porter, but I don't think he motivated them like Jank has.

[Da Coach]

That's the first time I recall seeing that quote.

I can see that someone reading that would take it as criticism of the fans. Maybe it was.

I think he was just trying to challenge the fans to help get a better home court advantage against a tough opponent. Do you know of any coach that doesn't?

The numerous times I have heard Jim Les speak about the Bradley fans, I have never heard a hint of criticism. He has always acknowledged that Bradley fans are the greatest, and among the best anywhere. He speaks all the time of his fondness for the fans and his experiences at BU as a player.

[longtimelistener]

I don't think so. I don't recall Jim Les ever being critical of the fans. The only issue I recall is when a caller to his radio show was mildly critical of the fans at the game. Jim himself has never said or implied it that I recall.

And as far as this current issue-- if he asked for the writers to be sensitive to a certain issue and he feels the writer did the story without regard to the issue that was raised, then he has every right to be upset.
And I don't think the writer in question is a columnist.

To a degree, I agree with you. Here's my problem. Would Les allow KW or DR to make decisions regarding the starting lineup or playing time for the bigs? Would Les allow KW or DR to make a decision on how to defend the last 10 seconds of a one-point game? No.

So why would he expect to have the authority to dictate what goes in the paper?

[shaunguth]

I thought there was another time when Les and Snell both were saying how disappointed they were with the fans. I think it was on a postgame show or maybe it was on the weekly radio show, but I thought they were both in agreement that the fans could have done more after that particular game.

[manyoram]

JS is not PR

Hmmm ... Fired coach now an assistant at BU ... His former team is coming to town ... Why would the paper want to write about that? Never mind the fact the assistant somehow refused to scout his former team ... that fired him.

All that's not worthy of a story? What else are you going to write about the last-place team in a very sorry MVC? Oooo how about former players coming to play former coach? That's not interesting?

Maybe we need another Daniel Ruffin update.

[tornado]

....I think he was just trying to challenge the fans ...

exactly...it is precisely what Paul Herzog, the PA announcer said right as the Michigan State game was starting to validate the feelings anyone in the crowd had that they were free to stand and scream all they want.
If you read criticism into this then I think you have the really thin skin.

[tornado]

... it seems to me... that Jim Les has some thin skin ...

oh really.....given the incredible amount of baseless trashing aimed at him, I think he had responded in an amazingly mature and admirable way.
Can you give any examples of his behavior that demonstrate his "thin skin"?

[MacabreMob]

I thought there was another time when Les and Snell both were saying how disappointed they were with the fans. I think it was on a postgame show or maybe it was on the weekly radio show, but I thought they were both in agreement that the fans could have done more after that particular game.

Was that the radio show where a caller and Snell talked? I think it wasa show where Les and all the coaches were outta town or something.

I could be wrong. This is coming from a guy that forgets to put the liner in the trash can as soon as I come in from taking out the trash.

[onetuffshot]

Post reply

For Coach Les to go off the way he did, I have to feel there was more involved than what appears on the surface. Maybe something like JL making a specific request for the Merfield/Evansville situation to be put on the back burner before the game. He went out of his way to say kind things about his assistant. We don't know exactly what was going on re Merfield's emotions/feelings. It had to be very difficult for him. If Jim did make a strong request to leave his asst. coach out of it, I would hope the writer would honor it.

[Murph]

Hmmm ... Fired coach now an assistant at BU ... His former team is coming to town ... Why would the paper want to write about that? Never mind the fact the assistant somehow refused to scout his former team ... that fired him.

All that's not worthy of a story? What else are you going to write about the last-place team in a very sorry MVC? Oooo how about former players coming to play former coach? That's not interesting?

Maybe we need another Daniel Ruffin update.

Very true...It was a story and if Merf refused to scout Evansville he should be sent packing.

[ER3]

Very true...It was a story and if Merf refused to scout Evansville he should be sent packing.

If Merf is responsible for the development of BU's big men, that would be strike two against him.

[Murph]

If Merf is responsible for the development of BU's big men, that would be strike two against him.

No doubt, it seems like losing follows him around.

[chitown fanatic]

Murph is exactly right. The last time I checked, Merfeld is an employee of BU now, and if you can't scout a league opponent because it's too difficult for you for WHATEVER reason, you should either resign or be docked that week's pay. That is akin to refusing to do your JOB and it should not be tolerated for any reason. He is Example A of why BU is so SOFT!! Grow a pair!

[longtimelistener]

For Coach Les to go off the way he did, I have to feel there was more involved than what appears on the surface. Maybe something like JL making a specific request for the Merfield/Evansville situation to be put on the back burner before the game. He went out of his way to say kind things about his assistant. We don't know exactly what was going on re Merfield's emotions/feelings. It had to be very difficult for him. If Jim did make a strong request to leave his asst. coach out of it, I would hope the writer would honor it.

If KW or DR (JS variety, not BU pg) make a strong request to see more playing time for the bigs, will JL honor it?