Welcome to the Friday Feedback, an abbreviated version today preceding an abbreviated absence. I’ll explain. But first, let’s loosely wrap a ribbon around some (really) old news — and we hope to tighten the bow later. Previously on WVUSBWMC, we tried to learn a little bit more about the WVU v. WVRC settlement. There is a — ahem — living document now, though we still don’t (yet) know what’s inside.

In a statement announcing the settlement, university officials said all claims against all parties were resolved. The terms of the settlement, though, have not been disclosed, and school officials have declined to comment further.

Yes, yes, the statement. WVU threw together a press release Wednesday afternoon with some very vague details and quotes from both sides.

WVU President E. Gordon Gee released a statement that he was “very pleased to bring this matter to a final resolution. WVRC is a significant contributor to our local community, West Virginia University, and the State of West Virginia. The University deeply appreciates and values the partnership it has had with WVRC for more than 70 years in bringing high-quality radio broadcasts to Mountaineer fans throughout West Virginia and the surrounding states.”

WVRC Chairman John R. Raese stated that he was also “very satisfied with the settlement and the need to move forward. I certainly appreciate the approach of Dr. Gee to these matters. Our companies will look forward to supporting WVU’s and the Foundation’s mission of making WVU one of the leading institutions of higher education in the country.”

There’s a key paragraph that follows about WVU evaluating its purchase and procurement process, including what amounts to making a better record of who knows who any why around here. The gist  is WVU us undertaking “significant, ongoing” improvements.

That’s dandy. But how about the between-the-lines stuff from Gee?

…deeply appreciates and values the partnership it has had with WVRC for more than 70 years in bringing high-quality radio broadcasts to Mountaineer fans throughout West Virginia and the surrounding states.

Two ways to read that: Hatchet buried. Relationship buried.

Our one major point of interest last week, when we discovered there was an agreement to end this, was whether a settlement would include an arrangement for future business between the two.

Two things about that:  I’m told there is nothing of the sort in the settlement. (Of course, last week, when I was talking to legal people, they suggested it might not be included and that that doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future.) I also don’t believe John Raese was deposed, meaning everyone with a high profile was except him. Assuming that’s true, he played some sort of hand in this game.

As for the schedule here, I’m out for a few days at the beginning of next week. It’s the annual Tier 4 retreat, in which the staff gathers to put together a plan for the upcoming football season. Exciting time, and not just because it means we’re almost there (Big 12 media days are July 20-21). We’re going to make some changes and introductions this season, all for the better.

Onto the Feedback. As always comment appear as posted. In other words, be careful, not ironic.

Josh24601 said:

The Mike Parsons Project is allllllmost asleep.

The Million Dollar Dream is applied in the middle of the ring. The arm has fallen limp twice…

Mr M said:

My guess is that time has tempered the tempers and an agreement involving some participation by WV Radio Corp in a broadcast capacity is being considered … if not already approved. Raese’s posturing aside (and the distain many on this site seem to have toward him), his organization has some continued value, not the least of which are stations (owned or controlled via “network” affiliations) within markets not well-served this past year by IMG. I still follow WV Radio on-line and think they offer worthwhile, regular, and frequent programing that WVU fans enjoy. If nothing else, their production of the mid-week coaches shows were superior to the past seasons (of football and basketball). I suspect the hatchet has been dulled if not buried — with or without a large cash settlement.

I guess I’m not surprised the settlement (purportedly) doesn’t include some arrangement, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they shake hands again in the future. There is internal and of course external frustration about the reach of the IMG product, and WVRC can help with that. There needs to be some time and healing, I think, but I hope it happens. It’s bad form when some people in the city can’t hear the games. As for then and now, I’ll be honest with you: I don’t know what WVRC does now that meets your parameters, though I do think it’s telling they’re on the air during the game — it means people can get that station. The radio version of the coach’s show is preferred now. It’s more like peer formats. It has on-site sponsors. And it’s theater as opposed to a forum. It’s interactive and accommodates and rewards audiences. It’s not a sterile, in-studio environment. I promise you Bob Huggins favors the current format and I’m inclined to believe Dana Holgorsen does, too, though I think he could do without it all, as well. (I think Huggins really likes it.) I’ve never seen the TV show — I’m usually working, and I have DirecTV, which means no local channels — but it’s on TV, which isn’t bad. I do know the on-air folks work constantly and the operation is always working to make it better.

ffejbboc said:

My thinking is that exchanging Luck for Lyons has gone a long way to simmer the boiling water.

The thing about this legal battle that has always intrigued me the most is the Tony Caridi “Thing.”

I think we can all agree that Tony’s situation is one of the more unusual media arrangements in CFB.

He is the anchor on WVRC’s most recognizable radio program AND the play-by-play guy for IMG’s football & men’s basketball broadcasts? Crazy! That is some serious double dipping. Given the bad blood between WVU and Raese, that’s like playing QB for both teams in the Alabama-Auburn game.

Something I need to ask Lyons: You ever met John Raese? The answer would be enlightening. And please be prudent with your Capital Ts.

bitcruncher said:

Whatever the case, I’d bet Raese spent more in legal fees than he got in the settlement. He’d have been far better off coming on board from the start.

Agreed. But let’s not forget, he did point out WVU’s process was screwed up, and the SAGO agreed. 

Dann White said:

There is an age-old custom behind Raese’s objection to the IMG deal. West Virginia fiscal policy has been wrought with the principal for eons, put simply, it works like this:
This is WVR Corp’s turf, we have had this spot for years – free – and its too late for you to come and take it away!
The fact that John Raese is willing to sue to preserve his exclusive spot at the public trough proves his enormous sense of entitlement. Personally, I can’t believe he is willing to pout publicly over the University’s good fortune to wind up in the Big 12, a move that virtually required the U to get an experienced tier-3 partner, and give up a greedy freeloader. C’mon really? Free rights to broadcast the games for all those years and the temerity to ask to be paid more than a much more qualified company? Get over it!

Dann = not over it!

Ron from Morgantown said:

Where’s the outrage ? A “neutral – site ” game IN Pittsburgh AT the home field of the Panthers ? It’s an insult to all Mountaineer fans wherever you may be – from Weirton to Welch and all parts in between .

Wrong way to look at it, I think. Outrage doesn’t matter as much as outcome. WVU would get paid. A game would come with neutral-site terms, which pays for travel and accommodations. And who’s insulted when WVU fans buy more than half of the tickets? I’m telling you, this is definitely something WVU would do, if the price is right.

smeer said:

Heinz is still home field for WVU. We’d get half the stadium and then buy the unsold tickets from the Pitt ADept. In six or seven years, as their muscles atrophy from playing in the AAC – oh excuse me – the ACC (the AAC plus FSU), it will be fun to smack them around.

That’s the spirit.

Walt said:

I will repeat my following comment from May 29 (‘Brass Tacks’). I hope Mr. Lyons and the new pitt a.d. don’t mess around scheduling until I am too old to recognize our Mountaineers beating the hell out of pitt. (I am getting closer …. )

I saw my first WVU football game in the Fall of 1956 when our Warwood High football team went to Morgantown to see our ex-schoolmate, Chuck Howley play. My next was in 1961 after I got out of the Air Force. It was then I learned my first WVU cheer which has stayed with me through the years ….
BEAT THE HELL OUT OF PITT !!!!

No team in the Big 12 will ever replace that.

… and that’s the motivation.

MontanaEer said:

Being a tight ends coach for Holgy must be like teaching the visual arts at the school for the sight-impaired.

Whoa. Not that bad. (Also, he’s a GA, so is that like a substitute teacher at the visual arts school?)

Drew said:

Is anyone on the roster even listed as a tight end?

Sure.

smeer said: 

28 Elijah Wellman TE/FB 6-2 232 r-So. Huntington, W.Va. Spring Valley
89 Darren Arndt TE/FB 6-3 248 r-Sr. Martinsburg, W.Va. Martinsburg
88 Cody Clay TE/FB 6-4 265 r-Sr. Alum Creek, W.Va. George Washington
52 Michael Ferns TE/FB 6-3 242 r-So. St. Clairsville, Ohio University of Michigan

so do they split time in the RB room?

HCDH is getting some bargain coaching

Actually, Wellman is with the running backs. The others are with Gerberry. A fullback here is basically a tight end who lines up in the backfield (or the slot) and does the same stuff. And add C.J. Maduewesi and Stone Wolfley. In the fall, Justin Cogar arrives, as well as another walkon. They’ve got bodies. 

BobbyHeenan said:

Really excited about this recruit. A nice combo of speed, moves, and size/power. Not world-class in any one of those but very well rounded.

Anybody else see some Amos Zereoue in Martell Pettaway?

Sid Brockman said:

Taking a recruit from that area probably won’t happen every year (or even every two years). But when good ones are out there and fit the system/style of play, you want to be able to get them.

That’s what I like most about that commitment. Find the guy you like and get him committed, regardless of previous ties to the area.

WVU’s a program that needs to use speed dial. What I mean is the traditional recruiting territories are, let’s say, talented but also limited enough to do only so much every year or every cycle. There’s a ceiling. It’s a drop ceiling and WVU can pop its head through from time to time, but the tiles are still there. In the years when you need something and you can’t get it from your neighborhood grocer, when you want something and it’s not around the corner, you need to be able to hit the speed dial and call long distance to find people you know in faraway places. Detroit won’t be a pipeline, but when a coach sees a player who fits, or when a coach needs a player at a position of weakness, it’d be nice to press 3 and get on the phone with someone who knows of someone. 

ffejbboc said:

Mike, the guy that runs Rising Stars brought 46 players from Michigan down for the 1-day camp…. FORTY-SIX!!!

If Coach Seider was going to make a friend in Michigan, I think he picked the right one.

Ccteam said:

Keeping existing members whole on tv money is huge. It is also interesting that Boren let that slip. Certainly more likely he meant to than not. Would seem to indicate he favors expansion and is nudging it forward. I still say expansion is not worth it unless it brings teams from ACC looking at it from a purely selfish WV perspective. I also personally value the round robin schedule where everyone plays each other every year.

There are no accidents. There are some who believe this might be coordinated.

Mack said:

Notre Dame was never going to joint the Big 12. It maintains its status with the ACC (remember, it’s still not an ACC member in football) because it puts Notre Dame in the south (where all the talent is) but it avoids playing the good southern teams in the SEC. Notre Dame wouldn’t have wanted to join or play in the Big 12. (Joining the ACC in basketball also gives Notre Dame more exposure than joining the Big 12 basketball conference would have).

Adding Louisville would have been questionable once the Big 12 already had 10 teams. Louisville probably adds no $$$ to the conference. (WVU didn’t add any money to the conference either, but WVU was lucky to find the Big 12 in the bind of needing a 10th team).

Adding an 11th team is about money and that’s it. If a team brings in more money to the conference, then they should be added. If they don’t, then they shouldn’t. If the Big 12 adds a team that doesn’t bring in money, then it’s a huge mistake. In other words, if the Big 12 adds a team, it should be a no-brainer. Florida State, Clemson would be no-brainers. (Since Florida State just won a national championship and made the playoffs… it’s not likely to feel like shaking things up any time soon). Adding Cincinnati would be a terrible decision. Again, at this point, there are teams that are certainly equal with WVU in terms of revenue generation, success on the field, etc., but the Big 12 isn’t in the desperate state now that it was in then.

Yeah, Notre Dame was seemingly Big Ten or ACC or nothing. The Big Ten was a very nice fit, possibly good enough for a full membership. The ACC is a better fit, for the reasons mentioned and because the Irish retain some independence. I think Louisville with a 12th member would have been great for the Big 12, but the ACC pounced on Louisville (Swofford!) and the Big 12 never had a chance after that 11th hour debacle involving WVU’s addition. I just don’t know who is good enough to be the 11th/12th team. We’re talking about Cincinnati suddenly because of ratings for the playoff, which was entirely Ohio State’s doing. It’s not like the Big Ten adding Rutgers to drop the Big Ten network in the metro NYC area. Ohio’s big, but it’s Bucketes country. People up there aren’t craning their necks to watch TCU v. Kansas State. And imagine Texas’s reaction the first time its football team and the brass rolls up into Nippert. Glorious. ECU offers nothing outside of football. I think UCF has potential, but it’s a more muscular ECU in a much more populated area. If the Big 12 thinks 10 teams brings a bias, imagine adding a pair of meh football programs teams. Then go and tell the basketball coaches they lost their beloved double round robin because “football.”   

Rugger said:

Skyler, Sills, Crest and Chug….Helplessly Hoping or Daylight Again?

Not sure, but might as well have a good time.

Dann White said:

Its not Deja-Vu, its just that old quarterback Carousel.
Don’t be Denied coach. Teach Your Children Well.

Don’t let it bring you down.

SheikYbuti said:

Think about how many times we have fallen.

Looking forward all that I can see is good things happening to you and to me.

netbros said:

If they can find someone, anyone, who can field punts and return for positive yardage, that player becomes indispensable.

Most!

Loopy Hoopy said:

I say Skyler. If WVU didn’t have him, they would be starting a QB week 1 who has played approximately 10 snaps against a FCS school in a 4th quarter blowout. At the most indispensable position on the field.

It’s hard to bicker with that argument, but it also assumes a lot about Howard and his performance. I think you could make similar arguments at almost every Big 12 (NCAA?) school.

Drew said:

Skyler isn’t indispensable. How far is the drop off between him and Crest? We don’t know. Skyler wasn’t Johnny Football or Jameis Winston out there. Geno was indispensable. He was great and we were without a competent back up. Skyler is not that. He isn’t even close.

Agreed, and I don’t think anyone dares make any of those comparisons, but I thought the point made was Howard is what he is, and at least you know the guy knows the offense and can perform under duress, win on the road and play in a bowl game. You don’t have any of that behind him, even in sum, and you don’t know anything about Crest’s arm.

Bobby Heenan said:

This is insane to say given his lack of experience, but I say it’s Shelton Gibson. He’s the only deep threat/home run hitter on the roster that I see at this point.

You take away a deep threat (either via lack of arm strength – see Millard, Paul – or lack of talent/speed at WR) and that changes the whole complexion of offensive play calling and defensive strategy. The safeties come creeping up and it makes it hard to run or do anything over the shallow middle in the passing game.

Skyler is a close second, but I”m not convinced he’s THAT much better than Crest at this point…I think the gap between Gibson and the next WR is wider in terms of impact

I don’t think it’s insane. Obtuse, sure, but it’s worthwhile. Here’s a question: Name the last Boom or Bust candidate with more potential for either to exceed Gibson. I’ll hang up and listen.

ccteam said:

Depth in defensive backfield makes Joseph a dubious choice, but he is a leader like some of the other possibilities are not. I say either Howard or Rose due to drop off that would ensue if they were out.

Rose is a super sleeper. There’s almost nothing behind him, unless you believe in Darrien Howard a lot and in Jaleel Fields only a little bit less.

SheikYbuti said:

If Skyler isn’t much improved and/or we don’t find enough competent receivers to throw to (particularly on the outside), it’s going to be Nick O’Toole.

Enjoy the weekend!