I understand the disappointment and frustration but picking Jeff Thomas apart and pouncing upon or even fabricating any of his perceived weaknesses isn't going to help this situation. Turning Manny Diaz and his Miami staff into the Anti-Christ isn't going to help this situation. This chain of events leaves us all with a bad taste in our mouths but I for one will not allow it to stain what has to date been the best off-season I've seen in a decade plus. I wholeheartedly, wish Thomas the best of luck.
Three open scholarships and some good kids/transfer still to target. My eyes are focused there.
I would if I knew how to upload it.....haha he responded to a tweet/gif that with the laughing crying emoji that was not classy at all.For the people not on twitter can you share what you are talking about?
Martell would have to get a waiver.Wonder if Martell transferring to Miami was the final nail in our coffin. JT seemed undecided as of late and between not having to worry about a waiver, a known QB situation with Martell coming in, and a new coaching staff that seems to have his back was enough for him to decide to stay. More question marks on our end: Will I get a waiver? Who's going to be the QB (Rivers, IW, maybe Tate)? I don't blame him for staying, if the NFL is what he wants immediately, Miami is his safest bet.
Although after reading various comments it's unclear as to if Martell will be eligible to play next year. So who really knows?
Martell would have to get a waiver.
I think that Illini fans have been about as even tempered on this news as they possibly could have been.I understand the disappointment and frustration but picking Jeff Thomas apart and pouncing upon or even fabricating any of his perceived weaknesses isn't going to help this situation. Turning Manny Diaz and his Miami staff into the Anti-Christ isn't going to help this situation. This chain of events leaves us all with a bad taste in our mouths but I for one will not allow it to stain what has to date been the best off-season I've seen in a decade plus. I wholeheartedly, wish Thomas the best of luck.
Three open scholarships and some good kids/transfer still to target. My eyes are focused there.
I understand the disappointment and frustration but picking Jeff Thomas apart and pouncing upon or even fabricating any of his perceived weaknesses isn't going to help this situation. Turning Manny Diaz and his Miami staff into the Anti-Christ isn't going to help this situation. This chain of events leaves us all with a bad taste in our mouths but I for one will not allow it to stain what has to date been the best off-season I've seen in a decade plus. I wholeheartedly, wish Thomas the best of luck.
Three open scholarships and some good kids/transfer still to target. My eyes are focused there.
I agree that the reaction from most fans seems to be reasonable. I have no ill will towards Thomas but I think the various statements and actions he made on both sides did not help him. IMO, he handled the situation...poorly.I think that Illini fans have been about as even tempered on this news as they possibly could have been.
Miami has been 'not classy' for some time now - so it fits their MO. Their fans are pretty obnoxious as well and the stupid turnover chain is just another symbol of their 'class'.I would if I knew how to upload it.....haha he responded to a tweet/gif that with the laughing crying emoji that was not classy at all.
FYI I loved Lovie's response on twitter. Simple, soft yet powerful...basically mirror's Lovie's Smith
LOL ya I should's proof's read a little's more+infinity (major apostrophe issues not withstanding)
Lovie exudes class. We are in very good hands.
I think that Illini fans have been about as even tempered on this news as they possibly could have been.
I am not going to give anymore of my time toward that player. So I am not going to read the last 5 pages, since it would take me 30 min. Can someone give me an update if there was any non JT post in the last 12 hours? Thanks in advance
FYI I loved Lovie's response on twitter. Simple, soft yet powerful...basically mirror's Lovie's Smith
We have Claiborne in for an OV this weekend, Dominic Moore is working to schedule a visit before 2/6. Moore is said to be down to either us or New Mexico.
in hindsight, his supposed reasons for moving back home to Illinois proved to be nothing but a smokescreen in a bid to get a waiver. Diaz must have told him there was NFW they were going to be able to agree to what they needed to state to the NCAA for this to occur, and he had no choice to be able to play his Jr (and final) year at the FBS level other than there. If he would have transferred, he would have had to sit and he would have NEVER stuck around one more year to play.
in most respects, he was backed into a corner. Stay at the U and play your last year before entering the draft, or transfer to UI, sit out and declare next Jan and cost yourself 2-3 rounds in the draft.
He had no choice. It was apples and oranges. Understand his side of this.
I would if I knew how to upload it.....haha he responded to a tweet/gif that with the laughing crying emoji that was not classy at all.
in hindsight, his supposed reasons for moving back home to Illinois proved to be nothing but a smokescreen in a bid to get a waiver. Diaz must have told him there was NFW they were going to be able to agree to what they needed to state to the NCAA for this to occur, and he had no choice to be able to play his Jr (and final) year at the FBS level other than there. If he would have transferred, he would have had to sit and he would have NEVER stuck around one more year to play.
in most respects, he was backed into a corner. Stay at the U and play your last year before entering the draft, or transfer to UI, sit out and declare next Jan and cost yourself 2-3 rounds in the draft.
He had no choice. It was apples and oranges. Understand his side of this.