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This could be the players backing Coach Maile against President Cockett. If she made negative comments about his religious and cultural background then I think I'm with the players on this one. At the same time it's very hard to truly judge without being there and/or knowing all the facts.

Wow. that is a bomb drop. If true...deeply concerning. Also very concerning the team felt this was the best step forward. Man, what a freaking mess this season as been. In the running for worst USU football season in history.

I'd like to hear President Cockett's response before getting too emotional about this. She has a proven track record of decades of working intimately, closely, and effectively in the interface between academia and the LDS community.

Obviously something was said that was interpreted as being offensive, but the character of President Cockett would suggest it was a misinterpretation, a miscommunication, or something similar.

That all said, Colorado State better get a 2-0 win out of this. This is a forfeit.

HomeTown wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:10 pm

This could be the players backing Coach Maile against President Cockett. If she made negative comments about his religious and cultural background then I think I'm with the players on this one.

Yes, I have to hear it first to buy it. Seems very far-fetched.

If the players had grabbed a recording of the Zoom...and she said what they alledge...wow. That would be grounds for termination and would gather bigger news agencies than Cache Valley.

BigBlueAggie wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:15 pm

If the players had grabbed a recording of the Zoom...and she said what they alledge...wow. That would be grounds for termination and would gather bigger news agencies than Cache Valley.

Could we have a wierder football season? Wow? What does this mean?

Well, have the players showed up for any games yet this season?

This just makes me feel sick.

Is there anyone with close contact to a player who can lay out what she said exactly?

rAggie wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:10 pm

I'd like to hear President Cockett's response before getting too emotional about this. She has a proven track record of decades of working intimately, closely, and effectively in the interface between academia and the LDS community.

Obviously something was said that was interpreted as being offensive, but the character of President Cockett would suggest it was a misinterpretation, a miscommunication, or something similar.

That all said, Colorado State better get a 2-0 win out of this. This is a forfeit.

Agree. I imagine she may have said something like "we want to make sure we do a broad search so it doesn't look like we are just giving the job to a mormon because we are in Utah and we found a better candidate" and it got construed as anti-mormon or something.

I cannot fathom she would say to a group of 100 people that his religion and race impeded his candidacy. It would be a stunning mistake by a university president who has generally shown herself to be competent and sensitive to this sort of thing.

Seriously no Aggie sports this week!

Why would religion be brought up in the first place? Even if she didn’t express negative views towards his religion the fact that it was even brought up is alarming to me

ThunderAggie wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:21 pm

Seriously no Aggie sports this week!

At the rate this is all falling apart, it might be longer than that.

I believe them....I just think this year has caused everyone to be hypersensitive to every single word said.

taniataylor wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:23 pm

I believe them....I just think this year has caused everyone to be hypersensitive to every single word said.

I agree, and the drive/want to have Frank as their coach would definitely play into this. BUT, I would REALLY hope they took into account these accusations if something wasn't said to the extent they are stating.

I do not get this generation. Protest all you want but opt not to play in a football game. I have spent a number of years beating up my body and my finances just for the chance to play for fun. There is nothing like it.

Go to the Quad and hold up a sign or something. Block the roads and stop traffic. But to opt out of a chance to play football? That kind of thought process is as foreign as the moon to me. Why would you let someone else's bigoted comments affect you to the point you wouldn't play a game you love.

hickaggie wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:27 pm

I do not get this generation. Protest all you want but opt not to play in a football game. I have spent a number of years beating up my body and my finances just for the chance to play for fun. There is nothing like it.

Go to the Quad and hold up a sign or something. Block the roads and stop traffic. But to opt out of a chance to play football? That kind of thought process is as foreign as the moon to me. Why would you let someone else's bigoted comments affect you to the point you wouldn't play a game you love.

I do agree with this statement a bit, I don't think boycotting is the right move. If this is true, make a statement about it, go out and win the damn game for Frank...

If she or Hartwell said anything remotely like this. And the majority of players already said they did. I amend my statement. This will be or already is...national news. Players boycotting a game due to allegedly religious bigotry is huge. Speaking as a 25 year PR professional...they need to prepare for an onslot. I would recommend they nominate a few "team captain spokespeople" and hold a zoom press conference. If they don't, media outlets are going to be scrambling to reach any player or player family they can and its going to be a circus.

Man o man, what an ugly year. #F 2020.\

Edited: I get where you are coming from splintorb, and as a fan I agree. However, if I was a player and wanted to ensure attention...action like boycotting a game is one of the only real "power" plays I could make. I hope they understand how much attention this is about to get, and what that means.

Second edit: 1280 the Zone is talking about this extensively right now.

taniataylor wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:23 pm

I believe them....I just think this year has caused everyone to be hypersensitive to every single word said.

But why do you not play as protest. Do whatever else but letting someone else's bigotry prevent you from doing something so few get a chance to do. The 2 things would never coincide in my mind.

In that article
On Friday morning, in a players-only meeting that lasted more than an hour, the players unanimously voted to not play the season finale because of these issues. The coaching staff was not aware of the players’ meeting until after its conclusion. The Aggies finished the year 1-5.
Something very seriously bad was said to have this happen.

Maybe another (separate) reason they decided not to play was because they knew they were likely to lose again with Frank at the helm. So what's the point?

taniataylor wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:23 pm

I believe them....I just think this year has caused everyone to be hypersensitive to every single word said.

I believe certain players have convinced themselves that Cockett said something inappropriate. And since it can only be a subjective judgment and you can, therefore, never tell them they're wrong, it becomes irrefutable.

So go ahead, players, and tell us exactly what was said so that people without an ex to grind might form their own opinion.

This is interesting. For these kind of accusations there will most definitely need to be some sort of proof presented. Pretty tragic for things to go down this way.

SLB wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:29 pm

In that article
On Friday morning, in a players-only meeting that lasted more than an hour, the players unanimously voted to not play the season finale because of these issues. The coaching staff was not aware of the players’ meeting until after its conclusion. The Aggies finished the year 1-5.
Something very seriously bad was said to have this happen.

Why would that inspire anyone not to vote to play. File a grievance. A title 9 complaint. Shut down the school,. do whatever protestors do but for football players to not play football. To mess up an entire conference. To not play football...That is so far beyond my ability to comprehend.

We should have to forfeit. Pay CSU,. be sanctioned by the MW, and pay for lost TV revenue. And Frank Maile consented to this horse (I can't express myself without swearing)?

This may descend into sandbox territory and quickly.

AgMac wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:35 pm

taniataylor wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:23 pm

I believe them....I just think this year has caused everyone to be hypersensitive to every single word said.

I believe certain players have convinced themselves that Cockett said something inappropriate. And since it can only be a subjective judgment and you can, therefore, never tell them they're wrong, it becomes irrefutable.

So go ahead, players, and tell us exactly what was said so that people without an ex to grind might form their own opinion.

Knowing what was said is the only way to effect real change. Let's hear it.

WOW!!! I mean I knew your program was a dumpster fire but good hell this is bad....
Administration being accused of racial and religious bias, really not good.
Tell me again how USU is such a superior program to Weber State....
Im betting Jay Hill is saying prayers of thanks that he didnt get that job

Madmartigan wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:36 pm

This may descend into sandbox territory and quickly.

Its not sandbox. Its football. I don't care what anyone does to protest except to not play the greatest game on earth when you have a chance. That's just beyond my ability to understand.

ajwildcat wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:37 pm

WOW!!! I mean I knew your program was a dumpster fire but good hell this is bad....
Administration being accused of racial and religious bias, really not good.
Tell me again how USU is such a superior program to Weber State....
Im betting Jay Hill is saying prayers of thanks that he didnt get that job

now, remind us.... who are you again?

ajwildcat wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:37 pm

WOW!!! I mean I knew your program was a dumpster fire but good hell this is bad....
Administration being accused of racial and religious bias, really not good.
Tell me again how USU is such a superior program to Weber State....
Im betting Jay Hill is saying prayers of thanks that he didnt get that job

Go away, this is not your time

hickaggie wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:27 pm

I do not get this generation. Protest all you want but opt not to play in a football game. I have spent a number of years beating up my body and my finances just for the chance to play for fun. There is nothing like it.

Go to the Quad and hold up a sign or something. Block the roads and stop traffic. But to opt out of a chance to play football? That kind of thought process is as foreign as the moon to me. Why would you let someone else's bigoted comments affect you to the point you wouldn't play a game you love.

What is disturbing about things in present times is going public with racial accusations. I am not blind to think that there are not racists or racial insensitive speech etc. Isn't there a way to bring issues up or to gather facts before making these claims? Build a case then go public?

People lose jobs and much more from false accusations.

It seems now if you make a decision someone doesn't like you are a bigot or racist.

I am not saying one side is right or I have any knowledge nor am I condoning such things as being claimed by the players.

taniataylor wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:41 pm

ajwildcat wrote: ↑

December 11th, 2020, 3:37 pm

WOW!!! I mean I knew your program was a dumpster fire but good hell this is bad....
Administration being accused of racial and religious bias, really not good.
Tell me again how USU is such a superior program to Weber State....
Im betting Jay Hill is saying prayers of thanks that he didnt get that job

Go away, this is not your time

After sitting back and reading all the comments on how superior USU supposedly is, well you have to expect WSU and BYU fans to pile on. At least my team isnt in the national media for all the wrong reasons.

I hope the players haven't bitten off more than they intended. They're actively and literally going after the president of the university and her job (and possibly the Athletic Director as well). They're going to need proof, especially given that as far as I'm aware Cockett hasn't ever had a single complaint against her.

I hope it isn't mostly a case of being mad their guy wasn't hired and latching onto whatever they can to cause a stink.

I'm not saying that's the case. Maybe Cockett said something completely worthy of the players getting her fired.