Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician - Gross Out, Boeheim Retirement Plan Set Following NCAA SanctionsAll the Syracuse Orange #jokesandgarbage fit to print.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49165/nunes-fave.png2015-03-23T09:00:03-04:00http://www.nunesmagician.com/rss/stream/68191222015-03-23T09:00:03-04:002015-03-23T09:00:03-04:00The Ten Best DOC Gross Quotes After Stepping Down
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<p>Daryl Gross wanted to make it very clear that his stepping down in the face of NCAA violations is the greatest thing has ever happened to him.</p> <p>Simultaneously the weirdest and most-predictable thing to come out of the shake-up in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> athletics was last week's mini-press tour by former AD DOCTOR Daryl Gross, who wanted to it clear that he was going to step down anyway and the timing of all of this is a TOTAL COINCIDENCE, YOU GUYS.</p>
<p>We went through all of his press and radio interviews and culled the very best quotes that Gross leaves us with. #Brand never dies. #Brand simply evolves. Such is #Brand.</p>
<p><b>10. "Today, I am announcing that after 10 years of leading the Syracuse University Department of Athletics, I have decided that it is time for me to take on new challenges." (<a href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangesports/index.ssf/2015/03/daryl_gross_issues_statement_after_stepping_down_as_syracuse_athletic_director.html" target="_blank">via</a>)</b></p>
<p>What curious timing, your decision...</p>
<p><b>9. "It wasn’t like because there’s an NCAA problem I’m going to step aside. That’s not the reason." </b>(<a target="_blank" href="http://dailyorange.com/2015/03/daryl-gross-discusses-decision-to-step-down-as-director-of-athletics-future-role-at-syracuse/">via</a>)</p>
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<p><b>8. "You get to point where you maximize what you can maximize and then you need fresh eyes on things. I felt like this was the time.'' (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse">via</a>)</b></p>
<p>Looking at the state of Syracuse Football and the current reputation of SU Athletics, I think we can all agree that everything is maximized and can't possibly get any better...</p>
<p><b>7. "You've seen the report. It's too bad that certain things have been interpreted the wrong way. Obviously, I'm not here for big portions of it." </b>(<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse" target="_blank">via</a>)</p>
<p>You mean the report that encompasses violations that focus on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangesports/index.ssf/2015/03/comprehensive_timeline_of_ncaa_investigation_into_syracuse.html">things from 2002 to the present</a>? The place you started working at in 2004? If you're not here for big portions of it, what's the correct adjective to describe the portions you ARE here for?</p>
<p><b>6. "We (he and Syverud) had some great conversations and we came up with a wonderful plan.'' (<a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse" target="_blank">via</a>)</b></p>
<p>Sounds great and wonderful!</p>
<p><b>5. "The brand is very, very strong. I think we will get through this period gracefully. In a classiest way. It is in great shape to hand it off to help the athletic department to move forward." (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse">via</a>)</b></p>
<p>No matter what else happens, #Brand.</p>
<p><b>4. "Every day we went to work trying to do the right thing and trying to make the right decisions, and tried to do it with as many people and has many conversations as possible. That's something you should do in life. That's my feeling on it." (<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse">via</a>)</b></p>
<p>And yet we still got platinum uniforms. So many platinum uniforms...</p>
<p><b>3. "It's unfortunate. Folks just don't just have enough data. When you don't have the data, I can't react to that." (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangesports/index.ssf/2015/03/daryl_gross_says_it_was_his_decision_to_step_down_as_syracuses_athletic_director.html">via</a>)</b></p>
<p>Why? Why can't you react to it? Why can't you write a long-ass explanation saying here's where everyone is wrong and this is what's correct? Why is that an impossibility?</p>
<p><b>2. "It’s like being in a NASCAR flying around the track race after race after race and trying to win at everything and off the field," he said. "Now I can be part of the pit crew and try and help it from the outside and help the institution." </b>(<a href="http://dailyorange.com/2015/03/daryl-gross-discusses-decision-to-step-down-as-director-of-athletics-future-role-at-syracuse/" target="_blank">via</a>)</p>
<p>That's Gross's justification for moving from AD to "special assistant to the Chancellor" and an adjunct professor. Just like it's common for a CEO to all of a sudden decide they'd rather be a regional junior sales manager at the same company. Happens all the time.</p>
<p><b>1. via the <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_Samuels27/status/579008562279686145" target="_blank">DO's Brett Samuels</a>, who somehow left this out of his piece.</b></p>
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<p>Gross: "A painter like Picasso, he paints a certain style. You never go into a museum that just has Picassos... Let’s get a Monet in there."</p>
— Brett Samuels (@Brett_Samuels27) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_Samuels27/status/579008562279686145">March 20, 2015</a>
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<p>This guy...</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/23/8273455/the-ten-best-doc-gross-quotes-after-stepping-down-as-syracuse-adSean Keeley2015-03-19T10:01:46-04:002015-03-19T10:01:46-04:00Source: Joe Giansante Out at Syracuse (UPDATE 2)
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<p>This one shouldn't surprise TOO much, especially when coupled with yesterday's news.</p> <p> </p>
<p>Following yesterday's news that Daryl Gross would <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa">no longer serve in his position</a> as Syracuse athletics director, it was only a matter of time before some of the staffers below him started being shown the door. Well, that process started today.</p>
<p>A source confirmed that a memo was sent to SU athletics staff today, to announce that Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director/External Affairs and Chief Communications Officer <a href="http://cuse.com/staff.aspx?staff=389">Joe Giansante</a> would no longer serve in that role at the university. He'd been in the position since 2013, after coming over from Oregon.</p>
<p>Sue Edson, long-time associate athletics director at Syracuse, will be taking on some additional duties to make up for Giansante's departure.</p>
<p>This isn't a "firing" per se, but well... again, it's sort of a given that several of the next-in-line folks will be on the way out after Gross. And that starts with Giansante, whose <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse">#BRAND-centric ways</a> were a large part of how the now-former athletics administration <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/6/8163871/lack-of-attention-to-detail-for-syracuse-athletics-where-have-we-seen">did business</a>.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Not major news, but nonetheless, things are changing quickly at Syracuse. We'll certainly get further clarity on the other side of yesterday's news -- Jim Boeheim's timetable -- at this morning's 10 a.m. ET press conference.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE </b>(5:10 p.m. ET):</p>
<p>Giansante has told Syracuse.com that he has <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangesports/index.ssf/2015/03/joe_giansante_says_hes_been_given_leave_of_absence_by_syracuse_university.html#incart_river">taken a "leave of absence"</a> from his post. You can infer what you want from this statement on his part, after Gross made some <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuse">similar remarks</a> about his own self-determination yesterday. So #BRAND, guys.</p>
<p>UPDATE (5:53 p.m. ET):</p>
<p>This sure doesn't look like a "leave of absence," Joseph...</p>
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<p>Joe Giansante is no longer employed by Syracuse Athletics according to Sue Edson. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCCNews?src=hash">#NCCNews</a> <a href="http://t.co/1ZJpuyH4Cj">pic.twitter.com/1ZJpuyH4Cj</a></p>
— Brandon Hillier (@BeanCuse15) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeanCuse15/status/578674276427030528">March 19, 2015</a>
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https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/19/8257113/source-joe-giansante-out-as-executive-senior-associate-athletic-director-syracuse-departmentJohn Cassillo2015-03-19T09:30:03-04:002015-03-19T09:30:03-04:005 Positives From Wednesday's SU Announcements
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<p>Plenty happened/was announced yesterday. Here are the positive things to take away.</p> <p>Yesterday, we learned two things: <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa">that Daryl Gross has resigned</a> from his position as Syracuse athletic director and that SU men's basketball coach <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa">Jim Boeheim plans to retire</a> in three years.</p>
<p>This, of course, comes less than two weeks after the NCAA released its findings from its eight-year investigation into the Syracuse athletic department. Those findings resulted in penalties that included a loss of 12 scholarships over four years for the program.</p>
<p>Having had 24 hours to digest the news, here are five positive things to take from Wednesday's announcements:</p>
<h3>1. Gross had to go.</h3>
<p>Remember, this wasn't the first time Gross worked in an athletic department that committed NCAA violations resulting in major penalties. He served as USC's senior associate athletic director prior to coming to Syracuse in 2004. USC was stripped of football scholarships and was banned from bowl games in both 2010 and 2011 for recruiting violations of Reggie Bush, who played for the Trojans from 2003 to 2005. That's alarming.</p>
<p>And even if you're inclined to defend Gross in wake of the NCAA sanctions, here's an undeniable truth: Syracuse and chancellor Kent Syverud had to get rid of someone after the athletic department was shamed the way it was. That someone had to be someone at the top of the food chain, and it certainly wasn't going to be Boeheim. That leaves one option: Gross.</p>
<p>(And, yes, Syverud forced Gross to step down. This wasn't Gross's choice, regardless of what he says. But you already knew that.)</p>
<h3>2. We have a Boeheim timeline.</h3>
<p>This is important. Before yesterday, we didn't know how long Boeheim planned on sticking around. We assumed it wouldn't be much longer, but we didn't<i> know</i>. One more year? Two? Five? Another decade?</p>
<p>Now, we know: Boeheim will be here for three more seasons. And at least as a fanbase, we can rest easy knowing that Mike Hopkins likely won't be bolting for another coaching opportunity, now that he has only three years before he almost certainly becomes the next head coach at Syracuse. Because as much as I appreciate Boeheim, I wouldn't want him sticking around for too long, to the point that Hopkins would be prompted to find a head coaching job elsewhere.</p>
<h3>3. Three more Boeheim years is more than many expected.</h3>
<p>Depending on who you are, this might not be a good thing. Maybe you've grown tired of Boehem, and you would rather see him retire after next season. But if you didn't want to see the Boeheim Era end that quickly, now you won't have to. The Hall of Fame head coach has three more seasons, and given the incoming recruits, he should have at least one or two more opportunities at winning his second National Championship. And that's not to mention that we get three more years worth of snarky Boeheim press conferences. We're all winners here!</p>
<h3>4. It's possible that Hopkins can start with a clean slate.</h3>
<p>This is pure speculation, but fellow staffer Brian Tahmosh brought up an interesting idea in the TNIAAM chat room yesterday: it's possible that, when Syracuse appeals its sanctions, the NCAA cuts the scholarship reduction to a two-year penalty, rather than a four-year penalty, to accommodate Hopkins. That way, he could start with a clean slate when he steps in as head coach in 2018. In a perfect world, the NCAA would at least consider it, as it seems unfair to have Hopkins pay the price for violations committed under Boeheim's watch.</p>
<h3>5. Recruits can now be in the know.</h3>
<p>Yesterday's news almost certainly makes it easier for Syracuse to reel in top recruits in the coming years. That's because recruits won't have to worry about committing to play for SU, just to see Boeheim unexpectedly jump ship. Just like the rest of us, they know the deal: Boeheim coaches three more seasons and then it's (presumably) the Mike Hopkins show. No surprises.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/19/8252691/syracuse-basketball-5-positive-things-from-wednesdays-athleticMichael Burke2015-03-18T18:00:03-04:002015-03-18T18:00:03-04:00Replacing Gross: Who's the Next Syracuse AD?
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<p>Today's news means there's going to be a new Syracuse athletic director. So who could it be?</p> <p>DOCTOR Daryl Gross is <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa">officially out as Syracuse's athletics director</a>. You probably knew this was coming, but that doesn't change the fact that Syracuse will definitely have a new AD come the 2015-16 academic year. For the time being, we'll look to long-time Orange staffer Pete Sala as the interim director until a true replacement is named. Sala could conceivably be that guy, though he'd need to denounce his committee membership on the search in order to be thrown into the mix. So for now, we'll leave him out.</p>
<p>Beyond Sala, your OTHER potential candidates for the Syracuse University athletic director position, based on a mix of connections to Chancellor Kent Syverud, SU and some rising stars in the industry:</p>
<h4>Sitting Athletic Directors</h4>
<p><b><a href="http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=207326283">Kevin Anderson</a>, Athletic Director, Maryland</b></p>
<p>I'll file this one under "not going to happen," due to a variety of reasons, but it's hard to ignore his <a href="http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-10-19/sports/bs-sp-terps-kevin-anderson-1020-20101019_1_debbie-yow-contract-wallace-d-loh">year-to-year contract situation</a> going forward, as well as his experience in New York state already (was at Army before Maryland). On the other hand, it's easy to ignore him for the same contract status, as well as Maryland's inability to balance a budget while under his direction. Money problems were definitely near the top of Syverud's list on the Gross decision (among other things), so someone who can't keep a checkbook tidy is unlikely to be a top choice. Still, a name to keep an eye on.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.uconnhuskies.com/genrel/manuel_warde00.html">Warde Manuel</a>, Director of Athletics, Connecticut</b></p>
<p>Not the "sexiest" or most feasible pick by any means, but there are definitely factors that could motivate Manuel to make the jump northward to SU. He's a football guy from his time at Michigan when he played, and that Wolverines connection could play a role for Syverud, who has two degrees from UM. Like Anderson, he's familiar with New York -- was athletic director at Buffalo for six years -- and has previous experience managing academics for Georgia Tech athletes. Manuel is presiding over a sinking ship on the gridiron, which is a minus, but the other sports -- including and especially basketball -- have done well during his tenure. If he wants to step up to a power conference, it's worth talking to him.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.bucknellbison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32100&ATCLID=209052769">John Hardt</a>, Director of Athletics & Recreation, Bucknell</b></p>
<p>On paper, this may not seem like the biggest fit, BUT a quick look toward the bottom of Hardt's resume lets you know that he was a compliance officer at Syracuse once upon a time. That's not the type of thing that wins you a job, but it's certainly a factor for an Orange program trying to get back on track in that department and also (potentially) add someone who "gets us." On top of the SU ties, Hardt's done a great job growing athletics at Bucknell and fundraising -- both important toward what we need here. Expect to hear his name a few times in the search news.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.utahstateaggies.com/genrel/barnes_scott00.html">Scott Barnes</a>, Vice President & Athletics Director, Utah State</b></p>
<p>Scott has no Syracuse ties, admittedly, but his cred is built on a phenomenal job <a href="http://collegead.com/fundraising-athletic-director/">fundraising for Aggies athletics</a>, as well as making USU football incredibly relevant out of virtually nowhere (oh hey, we sort of need that expertise, right?). There are some turnoffs for SU fans -- in particular that he'd be another California "mercenary" sent here to fix things en route to a bigger, better position, but I'm willing to look past that. He's likely to stay West, but not an awful idea to gauge his interest in a move just the same.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.ulmwarhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208608761">Brian Wickstrom</a>, Director of Athletics, UL-Monroe</b></p>
<p>This one's entirely based on potential, since Wickstrom's done a nice job at ULM and looks to continue to grow that Warhawks athletic program. The drawback -- that he's very much a climber, not a long-term solution -- could be seen as both a positive and negative depending on your vantage point. No real big takeaways on Wickstrom's resume beyond where he is now, and where he's been -- most notably Missouri, a fellow power conference school. Watch out for his name either with SU or elsewhere.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.latechsports.com/genrel/tommy_mcclelland_ii_853387.html">Tommy McClelland II</a>, Director of Athletics, Louisiana Tech</b></p>
<p>When your resume says "rising star" in the text, does that mean you're actively trying to get hired? Probably. But McCelland has done a very good job at LaTech in his short time there, and his relative youth could make him an asset in terms of fundraising, visibility, etc. His ties are in a variety of spots, including McNeese State, Northwestern State and North Carolina -- plus some links to USC (oh no!) and UConn as well. He's focused on fundraising (again, big plus) and academic success, which we do need around Syracuse. Not a likely call, but let's keep an eye on him.</p>
<h4>Rising Athletic Administrators</h4>
<p><b><a href="http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=157704&">Chris Kennedy</a>, Senior Deputy Director of Athletics, Duke</b></p>
<p>Duke keeps its athletics people around for quite a while, so pulling them away takes quite an offer. Maybe Syracuse is that offer for Kennedy, who's been with the Blue Devils since 1997 and likely has a great rapport with Coach K -- friend of the Orange athletic program (or at least Jim Boeheim). While he graduated Georgetown a few years before Syverud, the Hoya (ugh) connect is there, and could be another foot in the door for Kennedy who also boasts a strong resume of compliance and academic success with Duke's student athletes.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.mgoblue.com/genrel/060811aaa.html">Chrissi Rawak</a>, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, Michigan</b></p>
<p>Rawak is Michigan born-and-bred, having played sports and received her undergrad there -- plus, we've already discussed the Syverud ties to UM. Hiring a woman for the role would be a progressive thing to do, and Syverud's conscious of that. But she's under consideration here for merit most importantly. There are some red flags, like two separate communications degrees that could have SU fans having DOCTOR Gross flashbacks already. But Rawak would be a fresh face for the Orange, and one that could use her extensive alumni outreach experience to the program's advantage.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.georgiadogs.com/genrel/williams_carla00.html">Carla Williams</a>, Deputy Director of Athletics, Georgia</b></p>
<p>Based on our internal TNIAAM discussion, Williams may be the clubhouse favorite. While she's a Georgia alum and long-time employee, she has experience elsewhere at Florida State and Vanderbilt -- that last one being pretty important due to Syverud's own ties to the university. Her primary responsibilities have centered on academics, as well as women's sports -- which should both be pluses for any potential Syracuse AD. Despite no direct football experience, she very clearly understands how to achieve success in the sport, given SEC and Tallahassee backgrounds. She's among the top names to watch in this search.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://legal.osu.edu/bios/vannatta.php">Julie Vannatta</a>, Senior Assistant General Counsel/Senior Associate Athletic Director, Ohio State</b></p>
<p>You don't hire a guy as intelligent as Syverud and expect him to make a conventional AD pick. This is where someone outside-the-box like Vannatta could get the call. As we know, the chancellor's advisor, Jeff Kaplan is a former SVP at Ohio State and will be <a href="http://www.dailyorange.com/2014/05/syveruds-next-advisers-qualifications-indicate-changes/">influential in any and all hiring decisions</a> he makes. That could mean some Buckeye favoritism, which given that program's success... maybe not the worst thing ever. Vannatta's background is both athletic and legal, she'll run a tough ship and stress compliance over everything else. If Syracuse wants to make even more moves to stay in line with the NCAA, someone who's worked on the NCAA general counsel and advisory board wouldn't be a bad move at all.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/genrel/willis_miechelle00.html">Miechelle Willis</a>, Deputy Director of Athletics, Ohio State</b></p>
<p>Willis is another candidate whose entire list of ties are based on Ohio State -- but again, that's not a bad thing. She understands how to raise funds for athletics, understands the challenges of power conferences and football, and also has a presence with women's sports. She's spent a lot of time in Columbus, while also excelling at Temple. Plus, with a student services background, you'd have to think she'd much better understand how to keep things afloat in that department. Not as outside-the-box as Vannatta, but still, another Buckeye we should keep an ear out for during the search process.</p>
<p>UPDATE: Would also add another name (not under the two headers above) to the list:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Interesting transition coming at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syracuse?src=hash">#Syracuse</a> .. Keep an eye on UnderArmour exec Nick Carparelli (ex of The Big East) in the mix for AD job.</p>
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/578212123437768704">March 18, 2015</a>
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<p>***</p>
<p>Plenty of other names we could throw around here based on any number of athletic department or Syverud ties, as well as just wild conjecture. But at least this is a good starting point.</p>
<p>Anyone else you'd toss into the ring? Weigh in down in the comments.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252165/searching-for-doctor-grosss-replacement-whos-next-syracuse-athletic-director-orange-darylJohn CassilloKevin Wall2015-03-18T17:06:51-04:002015-03-18T17:06:51-04:00Daryl Gross Says Daryl Gross Decided to Step Down
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<p>Daryl Gross says it was his decision to step down as AD and that the timing to NCAA sanctions is entirely coincidental. Uh-huh.</p> <p>Former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse</a> University athletic director Daryl Gross went on a public relations blitz Wednesday afternoon trying to convince the college sporting world that his new positions with the school–vice president and special assistant to the SU chancellor Kent Syverud–is... well... his doing.</p>
<p>In separate interviews with <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangesports/index.ssf/2015/03/daryl_gross_says_it_was_his_decision_to_step_down_as_syracuses_athletic_director.html#incart_river">Syracuse.com's Mike Waters</a> and <a href="http://espncny.com/includes/news_items/6/19301/daryl318.mp3">ESPN CNY's Upon Further Review</a>, the former Director of Athletics went on a "these aren't the droids you're looking for" propaganda frenzy the likes of which SU fans rarely get to see.</p>
<p>Let's start the public relations recap with these snippets from the Waters' piece.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>In his first public comments since the announcement, Gross said he decided it was time for him to leave his position as athletic director.</i></p>
<p><i>"When I hit February, that was 10 years for me,'' Gross said. "It's been an exhilarating and amazing time. I'm fired up about 10 years. You get to point where you maximize what you can maximize and then you need fresh eyes on things. I felt like this was the time.''</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>(We can picture your shocked face and using the "no way did he just say that" head nod). It gets better.</p>
<p><b style="line-height: 15px;">On whether his reassignment was a result of the NCAA's sanctions against Syracuse and the university's expected appeal of those sanctions:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"I'd say that's totally inaccurate. Totally inaccurate. You've seen the report. It's too bad that certain things have been interpreted the wrong way. Obviously, I'm not here for big portions of it. I'm proud of the things we did in communicating as a leader should do.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b> On whether he could have continued as Syracuse's athletic director: </b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"I don't even go in that direction. That's so speculative. To speculate to me doesn't do any good. </i></p>
<p><i>"We (he and Syverud) had some great conversations and we came up with a wonderful plan.''</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, what DOCTOR Gross is trying to sell you is: Twelve days after the NCAA <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2014/10/23/7055081/syracuse-football-possibly-part-of-ncaa-investigation-into-syracuse" target="_blank">handed down sanctions</a> to his athletic programs, he coincidentally chose to "step down" and take jobs with far less standing, that he is very excited for his new roles as an assistant and adjunct professor and that even if the NCAA sanctions hadn't come down, he'd still be making this exact same move.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>Gross wasn't done with his magic #branding wand, as he joined <a href="http://espncny.com/includes/news_items/6/19301/daryl318.mp3">ESPN CNY's Upon Further Review</a> at 2 p.m. ET and said these things:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>He is so grateful for the opportunity to be the vice president at "this great university... We've (Syverud and himself) talked about being together for awhile."</span></li>
<li><span>He called the Falk school one of the rising schools in the country. </span></li>
<li><span>When it comes to these types of decisions (stepping down from director of athletics to his jobs now): "When you're at a great institution property like Syracuse athletics, and you do that job for 10 years that's a long time and there's a shelf life to that. Whether you do good things, or things don't always go great, you have challenges, there's a build up of scars after years, kinda battle scars, but it has been such an amazing, amazing ride and we've accomplished so many fabulous things." </span></li>
<li><span>Gross goes on to mention Syracuse's move to the ACC and how it wasn't a popular announcement, but looking back people understand what the problem was.</span></li>
<li><span>"We have done some many great things here. How much more can you max out without getting some fresh eyes to check it out? I look at it in such a positive way. It is positive for the university, and it is positive for me and my family, and it still takes advantage of some skills that can help advance the institution. A lot of people will probably think there's devastation, I see nothing be positive."</span></li>
<li><span><b>On what he believes Syracuse University needs to do moving forward:</b> "I think the university is in great shape. I always had a goal that when I handed the baton on, I wanted the program to be in great shape. If you look at our teams and our head coaches, goodness gracious, I am so proud of them, they're outstanding. <i><b>So, anyone that can came in and grab these coaches and continue on for the quest to stay elite and be even better, it is there for them.</b>"</i></span></li>
<li><span>"<b>The <i>brand</i> is very, very strong.</b> I think we will get through this period gracefully. In a classiest way. It is in great shape to hand it off to help the athletic department to move forward."</span></li>
<li><span><b>His part in the NCAA report: </b><i>"I don't want to spend a lot of time on the report. We feel really good about a lot of processes we did take. Everyone had the best interest. Things were discussed as groups, things were discussed in a transparent way within the institution. Sometimes the perception of what has been written is not accurate and that's just part of the deal. The right stuff and the truth with come out. I don't even worry about it. I don't even worry about some of the comments because they don't have enough data to say some of the things they're saying. It is just not accurate. I don't want to get into specific areas, but there's an area where we were not only truly trying to do the right thing, it was even stated in the report that certain meetings were appropriate and the right thing to do. Every day we went to work trying to do the right thing and trying to make the right decisions, and tried to do it with as many people and has many conversations as possible. That's something you should do in life. That's my feeling on it."</i></span></li>
<li><span><b>What does he want Syracuse fans to remember about his last 10 years:</b> "That's a beautiful question. I want them to remember that Syracuse University assembled some of the best head coaches across the board, anywhere in the country. We went from average in Olympic sports to one of the elite now, and that our <b><i>brand</i></b> was improved... The idea was to make it better than it was and I think we did that. We have seen significant revenue increases, we did some really groundbreaking things with our multi-media contracts. Just really a lot of hard work."</span></li>
<li><span>Gross says, <b>"the <i>branding</i> as New York's College team was very, very crucial for us getting an edge into getting into the ACC." </b></span></li>
</ul>
<div>(Note: the word <b><i>brand</i></b> was used at least seven times in the interview.)</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Gross went onto say he is proud of the way he competed as an athletic director, comparing it to being an Indy car driver going 200 mph. He stood of for his idea of playing at MetLife Stadium, as it allowed for financial flexibility.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Finally, he said he was proud and happy for Jim Boeheim. He couldn't 100% comment on assistant coach Mike Hopkins taking over as Boeheim's successor. He did refer to Hopkins as "the coach in waiting."</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>So there you have it. Gross is moving on, but on his own terms. This is <b><i>his</i></b> choice. Like all the other choices he made while serving as Syracuse athletic director.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>If this is in fact his choice, it is the best one he's made in awhile.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Long Live #Brand</div>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8252117/daryl-grosss-departure-athletic-director-syracuseJared E. Smith2015-03-18T14:17:12-04:002015-03-18T14:17:12-04:00Gross Did a Good Job, Just Not the One We Wanted
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<p>Daryl Gross is out as Director of Athletics after ten years. His legacy is more likely to be determined by how he did things rather than what he actually did.</p> <p>On paper, DOCTOR Daryl Gross did an excellent job as Director of Athletics for ten years at Syracuse University.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<span>He took over an athletics program that was unbalanced and directionless and turned it into </span><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2013/6/20/4448666/syracuse-athletics-capital-one-cup-nacda-directors-cup" target="_blank">one of the better overall programs in the nation.</a><span> </span><span>The turnaround on women's sports in the last decade is especially commendable. </span>
</li>
<li><span>He is the face you can put to Syracuse's decision to join the ACC and get out of the crumbling Big East before it swallowed SU's future whole.</span></li>
<li><span>While controversial, tactics such as "New York's College Team" and the Metlife games brought newfound awareness to SU and kept them in the conversation, locally and regionally.</span></li>
<li><span>His hiring of Doug Marrone turned out to be a move that saved Syracuse Football, for at least a while.</span></li>
<li><span>He helped make Ernie Davis' life into a movie, brought <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2014/9/12/6141457/floyd-little-i-wanted-to-pattern-myself-after-what-ernie-davis-could" target="_blank">Floyd Little</a> back into the fold and worked hard to make sure Syracuse was always among the other top programs in the nation in terms of high profile events, announcements and (ahem) uniforms.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>But Gross committed one cardinal sin that ultimately did him in. It's not actually anything he did that's outlined in the NCAA's massive report on violations that took place on his watch. The things that ultimately led to <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa" target="_blank">his reassignment out of the job</a>. No, his greatest failing was the one he's been perpetuating the entire time he's been here.</p>
<p>Gross never let you feel like he was "one of us."</p>
<p>Now for the record, I abhor the idea of things like the "Michigan man" and running the athletics department at Syracuse does not require someone to have SU ties in order to do it well. Clearly. And you can perform the job well even if you don't go out of your way to be liked by the fanbase. Hell, Gross would probably have been able to write his own ticket had NCAA sanctions not come down so hard.</p>
<p>What I'm referring to is that sense that Gross never quite got what it was to be a Syracuse fan. I've said in the past that Gross saw college athletics for what it is, a business. And that's been a successful strategy at times.</p>
<p>But it's the kind of strategy that values money and branding over rivalry and tradition. He's the kind of guy who would gladly <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2014/1/8/5286852/doc-gross-really-really-really-wants-to-play-miami" target="_blank">give up a yearly football game against Boston College</a> for the chance to play more often in bigger media markets like Miami or Atlanta. While there are certainly times when tradition can hold you back from making progress, there's also times when a little tradition helps to strengthen the bond between fans and teams.</p>
<p>The laundry list of things Gross did that broke with tradition and angered fans is a long one but the highlights include...</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Retiring 44</span></li>
<li><span>Platinum uniforms</span></li>
<li><span>Dissolution of "Orangemen"</span></li>
<li><span>Moving bigtime football opponents from Carrier Dome to MetLife Stadium</span></li>
<li><span>Seemingly <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2013/11/6/5071244/whats-the-deal-with-syracuse-jersey-celebrations-anyway" target="_blank">inserting himself</a> into every major Syracuse moment</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Gross, and his underling Joe Giansante, would often made belittling remarks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2014/9/27/6854033/brand-brand-brand-on-syracuses-metlife-endeavor">such as</a>, <i>"I don't think a lot of people understand the idea of brand"</i> as a way to deflect criticism from Syracuse fans who didn't really care that an ad promoting SU appeared during <i>Dancing With The Stars</i>, especially when the game promoted ended up being a predictable loss on the field.</p>
<p>Gross embodies the Nike Ethos. Brand above everything. Better to be talked about negatively than not to be talked of at all.</p>
<p>Syracuse fans just aren't built that way. It's not that we're backwood yokels that don't understand how marketing works. We understand how the sausage gets made. But we also know the difference between actions that have tangible effect and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2014/11/11/7181959/how-to-save-syracuse-football-in-three-seasons-part-i-what-doesnt-work">a lot of shiny bells and whistles</a> that do nothing but distract us from the truth.</p>
<p>Of course, Gross probably never recovered in the eyes of many Syracuse fans when he not only hired Greg Robinson, Destroyer of Worlds, but also kept Greggers on for a season too long. That hiring decimated the Syracuse Football program is ways that it's still trying to recover. On the field, we've seen some success.</p>
<p>Reputation-wise, that battle is still being waged.</p>
<p>The Daryl Gross Era will probably not be remembered fondly. In a way that's a shame because he was actually good at his job. You could make a good case he was better than Jake Crouthamel, who will be remembered in a much better light. Gross did what he thought was best in order to make Syracuse Athletics a recognizable brand. He figured that if he rose the tide, it would life all of Syracuse's boats.</p>
<p>What Syracuse fans would have preferred is if Gross tended to each individual boat first to make sure they could all still float.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8250439/syracuse-athletics-daryl-gross-director-football-jobSean Keeley2015-03-18T12:04:36-04:002015-03-18T12:04:36-04:00Jim Boeheim is Still Recruiting and Ready to Talk
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Syracuse's head coach will address the media Thursday at 10 a.m.</p> <p>Right before everyone was set to lose their minds and give their #hottake on Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud's <a href="http://news.syr.edu/message-from-chancellor-syverud-to-the-university-community-73722/">Wednesday morning e-mail newsletter</a>, which announced the news of <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa">Daryl Gross going from athletic director to college professor at the school</a> and <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8244339/jim-boeheim-retirement-kent-syverud-syracuse-basketball-chancellor-daryl-gross">the new timetable for the retirement of men's basketball head coach Jim Boeheim</a>, the ol' coach was doing work, <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/index.ssf/2015/03/jim_boeheim_called_2016_recruit_tyus_battles_dad_before_announcement_became_publ.html?hootPostID=d5eaca5319aac0e18b4182bdcca27edd">according to a Syracuse.com's Donna Ditota</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Before Syracuse University publicly acknowledged basketball coach Jim Boeheim would be retiring in three years, the Orange coach reached out to a key recruit in the Class of 2016.</p>
<p>"He called me about 15 minutes ago and told me," said Gary Battle, father of 5-star recruit Tyus Battle. "He just said he wanted to give us a call and not have us hear it on TV."</p>
<p>Gary Battle had said one of the key components in his son's interest in Syracuse was Boeheim's position as the head coach. Battle said today that Boeheim's reitirement would not alter the way Tyus viewed Syracuse.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>(Before anyone goes on a rant about how this latest news will KILL Syracuse's recruiting, take a second to realize that assistant coach Mike Hopkins does a lot of the recruiting already and his the other assistant coaches are very good at their jobs too. There's a chance not having Boeheim's name could hurt recruiting, as will the new recruiting restrictions handed down by the NCAA, but this will not KILL Syracuse's recruiting.)</i></p>
<p>Not only is Boeheim still doing his thing on the recruiting trail–you could argue he's just doing the right thing too–he is going to speak to the media Thursday at 10 a.m. ET about the program's future plans, which involve him stepping down within the next three years.</p>
<p>So, just so you know, on Thursday college basketball fans are going to get a Jim Boeheim press conference at the Carmelo K. Anthony Center that will be the opening act to the first real day of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness" class="sbn-auto-link">NCAA Tournament</a>!! TOMORROW IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!!</p>
<p>What Boeheim will media members get tomorrow? Well, we will see. I have a feeling it will be a balance of heat-felt Boehiem, who spoke during the Bernie Fine saga, and tight-lipped Boeheim, who can't speak much on the NCAA penalties because of an impending appeal. Either way, Syracuse fans should get some answer from James Arthur. We just don't know how many.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8245301/jim-boeheim-retirement-syracuse-basketball-recruiting-tyus-battle-daryl-grossJared E. Smith2015-03-18T11:07:31-04:002015-03-18T11:07:31-04:00SU Chancellor Says Jim Boeheim Has 3 Years Left
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<figcaption>Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Syracuse University Chancellor announces time table for Jim Boeheim's retirement.</p> <p>Three years. That's apparently how many <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a> men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim has left, according to Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8243953/daryl-gross-out-syracuse-director-of-athletics-ncaa">Syverud revealed Boeheim's future plans in an e-mail that addressed the removal of Daryl Gross as athletic director</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I have also had recent discussions with Coach Boeheim about the Infractions Committee Report, and the future of his team and program. Coach Boeheim has assured me that he will respond thoughtfully and appropriately to the serious findings of the Infractions Committee Report. <b>Coach Boeheim has also told me that he intends to retire as Head Coach in three years.</b> His goal in making this decision and announcement now is to bring certainty to the team and program in the coming years, and enable and plan for a successful, longer-term transition in coaching leadership. Coach Boeheim's commitment to ensuring that the men's basketball program remains strong even after his tenure is just one more example of his deep loyalty to our University.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Syverud, who has been on the job since last January, stated the university will stand behind Boeheim as he goes through the appeal process, which will hopefully return his 108 victories vacated by the NCAA and possibly shrink his nine-game suspension for next season.</p>
<p>Now, the debate will begin on whether or not this is really is Jim Boeheim's decision, or is Syverud finally making a decision for Boeheim, who has come <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/17/8229101/this-week-in-syracuse-sanctions-jim-boeheim-split-opinions-edition">under a lot of heat lately for his role (or lack there of) in his program's rule breaking</a> that<a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/6/8162079/breaking-news-ncaa-drops-the-hammer-on-syracuse-with-laundry-list-of-sanctions-basketball"> led to the hammer being dropped on it by the NCAA 12 days ago</a>.</p>
<p>Regardless, Syracuse hoops fans know now when the Boeheim Era will end and when the next one could begin.</p>
https://www.nunesmagician.com/2015/3/18/8244339/jim-boeheim-retirement-kent-syverud-syracuse-basketball-chancellor-daryl-grossJared E. Smith