A Spin Zone For The Ages - Long Beach State's AD Credits Himself For Inspiring The Team To Make The NCAA Tournament By Firing Dan Monson
[Source] -Long Beach State's athletic director said the timing of his decision to fire coach Dan Monson was done with the hope it might trigger the exact run that led the team on its unexpected trip to the NCAA tournament.
"My belief and hope is that by doing what I did and the timing of it, they would play inspired, and that's what they did," Bobby Smitheran told The Associated Press on Thursday, a few hours before the Beach tipped off against Arizona. "I'm not trying to pat myself on the back, but it worked."
Just in case somehow you didn't hear the story, last Monday Long Beach State and Dan Monson 'parted ways.' Well, except he'd coach them the rest of the season. They go on as the 4 seed in the Big West Tournament to win the whole damn thing and are now in the NCAA Tournament. Dude is out here living like George Costanza.
But then I saw this quote. Look, I'm all for taking credit when something happens but this? This is a spin zone like we've never seen before. Bobby Smitheran (really ruining the name for us adults who also go by Bobby in real life) doesn't want credit, but he was the one who inspired the run by firing Dan Monson. All credit to the athletic director for doing such a good job of winning the Big West all on his own. Without him? Shit, we're probably looking at UC-Irvine or UC-Davis in the Tournament. So every player should be thanking Bobby here for inspiring a run. He made the plays. He was the one who raised the trophy.
Again, if you wanted to fire Monson, fine. It's college basketball, coaches get fired all the time. Just wait the 4 days until you lose in the Big West. Or wait until the season is over. You're Long Beach State! You don't need a head start on finding a coach. You're not in a big boy league. You're not competing with a bunch of other teams to hire Dusty May. Instead we are all making fun of you, Bobby! Read the room!
I just can't believe he said I don't want to pay myself on the back, but it worked. That's a real quote from a real person in charge of Division I athletic program. We got ourselves a real life Major League situation on our hands, just not with a cougar for an owner. Monson needs to embrace the Costanza life now. Tell him the jerk store is all out. Start insulting Bobby at every press conference. You're already fired and didn't get any credit!