Billick on WBAL

[JimBone]

Brian Billick is on WBAL right now and he's taking calls from listeners. If you want to know why he didn't go for a touchdown at the end of regulation against Miami or if he truly believes Boller can be an NFL starter now's your chance to ask.

[Mista T]

Brian Billick is on WBAL right now and he's taking calls from listeners. If you want to know why he didn't go for a touchdown at the end of regulation against Miami or if he truly believes Boller can be an NFL starter now's your chance to ask.


OK, Jim:

(1) why didn't he go for the TD?

(2) does he truly believe that Boller can be a starter?

[RavenScallywag]

I still go with Billick's call from that Miami game...While I think it would've been a real chance to go with a gutsy call and give Troy a chance to win it, the smartest chance to win is take the easy FG and go into OT. That's the "safe" pick. And honestly, how many people would've thought Stover misses a 40 yd FG!? So many people lambast that call, but I give Billick credit...if he'd of gone for it on 4th and 1 and missed, people would've tore him a new one for not trying for OT!

[Marchetti]

OMG!:laugh:

David Steel's waste of space today;
"Time To Own Up-Bisciotti still hasn't given ex-coach reason for firing"

and on the next page Jamison Hensley is equal to the 'waste of space" task;

"Don't Know Why"

I literally laughed out loud!!!!!!

The entire world knows the reason why he got fired.

[Losac]

Does Billick really need Bisciotti to spell it out for him? It's because the man could not produce a decent offense in 9 years, and the team was beginning to tune out his repetitive BS.

Billick has taken the high road in this. He's never bashed the team, Bisciotti or any of the players, so you have to give him credit. But really, is Brian's ego so big that he cannot see why he was fired?

[Hook]

But really, is Brian's ego so big that he cannot see why he was fired?

What does his ego have to do with it? You cant see the need to know why you were fired?

[festivus]

Does Billick really need Bisciotti to spell it out for him? It's because the man could not produce a decent offense in 9 years, and the team was beginning to tune out his repetitive BS.

Billick has taken the high road in this. He's never bashed the team, Bisciotti or any of the players, so you have to give him credit. But really, is Brian's ego so big that he cannot see why he was fired?

No, he is aware of the criticism. But even you, Losac, give two criteria, the offense and the players tuning out. Assuming for a moment both are true, and both are firing offenses for which BB is/was responsible, then he does not know which if either was the principle reason for him getting fired after being assured he would be keeping his job. So it's not wrong of him to say he doesn't know, if no reason was given. *You* may be sure those were the only two criteria, and they were given equal weight, but I'm not as sure as you, and it may not be that simple for him either.

Anyway you ask if he's familiar with the criticism about his offenses. He was interviewed on Drew's show this morning and chuckled at the thought someone might bring him in as an OC, he said something like "some people might laugh at that," or something like that.

I really don't think he's as blind, stupid or egotistical as he's made out to be.

:2c:

[Losac]

No, he is aware of the criticism. But even you, Losac, give two criteria, the offense and the players tuning out. Assuming for a moment both are true, and both are firing offenses for which BB is/was responsible, then he does not know which if either was the principle reason for him getting fired after being assured he would be keeping his job. So it's not wrong of him to say he doesn't know, if no reason was given. *You* may be sure those were the only two criteria, and they were given equal weight, but I'm not as sure as you, and it may not be that simple for him either.


As an intelligent person, I'm sure Billick could infer why he was fired based on the team's performance, his offense never developing, and the players' response to his message. Does he need Bisciotti to sit him down and spell it out? Do you really think there was some hidden motive Bisciotti had in his decision that Billick was not aware of? It was a mistake for Bisciotti to guarantee Billick would be back, but the reasons for firing him have been on display in a very public way for years now.



What does his ego have to do with it? You cant see the need to know why you were fired?

Because with his ego, he seems to think he can do no wrong, and everyone who criticizes him is just not as intelligent as he. That's the way he's come across since he's been here. Remember all those leaps of faith he asked us to take?

[purplepoe]

As an intelligent person, I'm sure Billick could infer why he was fired based on the team's performance, his offense never developing, and the players' response to his message. Does he need Bisciotti to sit him down and spell it out? Do you really think there was some hidden motive Bisciotti had in his decision that Billick was not aware of? It was a mistake for Bisciotti to guarantee Billick would be back, but the reasons for firing him have been on display in a very public way for years now.




Because with his ego, he seems to think he can do no wrong, and everyone who criticizes him is just not as intelligent as he. That's the way he's come across since he's been here. Remember all those leaps of faith he asked us to take?

O please.

Billick stated repeatedly yesterday that he can understand reasons for him to be fired.

What he was talking about was the sudden about face that Bisciotti took. He wasn't told what the reasoning was.

He was told he was coming back all the way up to the second he was fired on that Monday.

All he's saying is that he doesn't know what changed and was never told.

How is that ego?

It's a point of fact.

Sheesh.

PP

[ravenwoman]

Steve Bisciotti said at the firing "We are losing more than we are winning." or something to that effect. That is why he was fired. It is standard operating procedure in the NFL. Lose more than you win--you're fired.

[festivus]

Because with his ego, he seems to think he can do no wrong, and everyone who criticizes him is just not as intelligent as he.

He could not possibly have been more respectful since he was fired. He is not the person you are describing, Losac. He's just not.

[ravenjoe]

Regardless of the circumstances behind BB's firing, BB deserved to be given the reasons Behind his dismissal, even if it was obvious to everyone else. For being a highly successful businessman, SB really showed a lack of class in how he carried this all out - I wonder if his business dealings over the years were conducted with the same lack of professional courtesy that he demonstrated here?!

[ravenjoe]

I also agree that Brian should've been let go. And, yes, SB is honoring his contract. However, Everyone, regardless of the circumstances, should be given the reason(s) behind their firing - simple professional courtesy. SB is a highly successful businessman; but somewhere along the line, he forgot how to treat people with respect!

[festivus]

I fail to see the disrespect showed by SB. He said BB was his friend and it pained him to see him go. I love what BB did for this team, he should be forever loved by BMore. But with all that said it was time for him to go...as top gun would say...he lost the edge. It was very apparent and Steve was direct and sincere.

Besides the bolded part, I basically agree. SB showed a lot of respect to Billick, publicly at least, and Billick showed a lot of respect to the team.

I don't like how it was handled internally, but that goes to the owner/gm dynamic, not to the respect (or lack thereof) shown to BB once the decision was made.

"I hope I will be thought of as as good an owner as Brian Billick has been a coach." to paraphrase, but he said something like that.

Concerning the bolded part, and Losac's similar insistence that he has laid his finger on the exact reason for the firing, we do not know what led to the decision to keep Billick, and we do not know what led to the subsequent reversal and decision to fire. Our guesses are extremely uninformed. Perhaps even more uninformed than our guesses about why a certain play was run one Sunday afternoon instead of another.

[Losac]

He could not possibly have been more respectful since he was fired. He is not the person you are describing, Losac. He's just not.

My comment there was really referring to his overall personality over the past 9 years. He gives a vibe that he feels he's the most intelligent man in the room and everyone should sort of bow to what he says because he knows more than us. I agree that he's reacted to the firing with class. If he has admitted his shortcomings which led to the firing, then I applaud him for that.


O please.

Billick stated repeatedly yesterday that he can understand reasons for him to be fired.

What he was talking about was the sudden about face that Bisciotti took. He wasn't told what the reasoning was.

He was told he was coming back all the way up to the second he was fired on that Monday.

All he's saying is that he doesn't know what changed and was never told.

How is that ego?

It's a point of fact.

Sheesh.

I have said all along that Bisciotti's mistake was guaranteeing Billick's job security throughout the season. He should have just told him he wanted to see how the season played out and he'd make a decision then. Maybe Bisciotti had his doubts all along but wanted to be the supportive owner. Maybe he really did wake up on Dec. 31st and decided to fire him. No one knows but Bisciotti. He made a mistake giving Billick the extension and he made a mistake telling him his job was safe as the team continued to implode. I'm sure he's learned from this ordeal and will do it differently next time (hopefully not for a long time)

[purplepoe]

My comment there was really referring to his overall personality over the past 9 years. He gives a vibe that he feels he's the most intelligent man in the room and everyone should sort of bow to what he says because he knows more than us. I agree that he's reacted to the firing with class. If he has admitted his shortcomings which led to the firing, then I applaud him for that.



I have said all along that Bisciotti's mistake was guaranteeing Billick's job security throughout the season. He should have just told him he wanted to see how the season played out and he'd make a decision then. Maybe Bisciotti had his doubts all along but wanted to be the supportive owner. Maybe he really did wake up on Dec. 31st and decided to fire him. No one knows but Bisciotti. He made a mistake giving Billick the extension and he made a mistake telling him his job was safe as the team continued to implode. I'm sure he's learned from this ordeal and will do it differently next time (hopefully not for a long time)

Since Bisciotti doesn't comment publicly during the season there was no reason to be "supportive" seeing as nobody would've known either way.

In a span of 2 years he publicly berated Billick, gave him a 4 year extension, agreed to keep him midseason 2007, and fired him after the 2007 season.

The jury is still WAY out on if Bisciotti has learned anything throughout this.

It's on him to prove himself now.

Put my in the skeptical crowd.

PP

[Losac]

Since Bisciotti doesn't comment publicly during the season there was no reason to be "supportive" seeing as nobody would've known either way.

In a span of 2 years he publicly berated Billick, gave him a 4 year extension, agreed to keep him midseason 2007, and fired him after the 2007 season.

The jury is still WAY out on if Bisciotti has learned anything throughout this.

It's on him to prove himself now.

Put my in the skeptical crowd.

PP

He was supportive privately to Billick, who in turn spoke out to the media that he and Bisciotti have talked and he was told his job was safe.

I'll take Bisciotti anyday over a tyrant like Danny Snyder, who might as well name himself head coach.

[purplepoe]

He was supportive privately to Billick, who in turn spoke out to the media that he and Bisciotti have talked and he was told his job was safe.

I'll take Bisciotti anyday over a tyrant like Danny Snyder, who might as well name himself head coach.

Are you insinuating Billick broke some sort of pact or agreement not to mention anything about him coming back?

I mean, the freakin VP of PR posted it on his blog for crying out loud.

Why did you bring up Snyder?

PP

[Losac]

What are you talking about? You posted this:


Since Bisciotti doesn't comment publicly during the season there was no reason to be "supportive" seeing as nobody would've known either way.

And I replied that apparently Bisciotti told Billick privately that his job was safe for 2008. Billick did say to the media that he'd had several discussions with Bisciotti about his job and that he was told he'd be back for '08. Even if Bisciotti didn't publically comment during the season, he did indirectly through Billick. So we do know that he was apparently supportive during the season. I never brought up any pact or agreement they might have had.

I brought up Snyder because you seem so adamant about the jury being out on Bisciotti as an owner, and I just said my opinion that I'd rather have him than Snyder. Bisciotti is not the best communicator and seems to have some people skill issues, but he's not a meddlesome megalomaniac.

[Greg]

Billick was told he was coming back. He was not told to keep it private so when reporters asked he said he had been told he was returning. Exactly how would you have expected Billick to handle it. He was told he was coming back and when asked he told reporters he was told that.


He gives a vibe that he feels he's the most intelligent man in the room and everyone should sort of bow to what he says because he knows more than us.

I have met him in person a number of times and of course watched and listened to him for 9 years. I never got the vibe that he thought he was smarter than anybody else. He uses big words and talks eloquently, somehow that seems to offend people. I don't get it, I like people who can speak well and have a large vocabulary. It shows they are smart. He wasn't doing it in a "I am smarter than you" way, he did it because that's who he is. If it made you feel less smart than Billick I don't think that's on him.

[flraven]

Poe and Festivus nailed it.

BB was told he was returning, and up until the morning he got the news, he never thought otherwise. So yeah, I can see him being curious.

We'll never know the thought process that brought the owner to fire the coach, and I think its HIGHLY unlikely he got canned because of some agreement not to say anything about his return. If anything, BB did that to try and instill a bit of unity.

[flraven]

I have met him in person a number of times and of course watched and listened to him for 9 years. I never got the vibe that he thought he was smarter than anybody else. He uses big words and talks eloquently, somehow that seems to offend people. I don't get it, I like people who can speak well and have a large vocabulary. It shows they are smart. He wasn't doing it in a "I am smarter than you" way, he did it because that's who he is. If it made you feel less smart than Billick I don't think that's on him.

:thumbup:
I met BB a couple of times too, and never got that vibe of "superiority". The man has a sharp wit and can speak well. He's a very confident person and perhaps that rubs people the wrong way. I enjoyed my encounters with him.

[purplepoe]

What are you talking about? You posted this:



And I replied that apparently Bisciotti told Billick privately that his job was safe for 2008. Billick did say to the media that he'd had several discussions with Bisciotti about his job and that he was told he'd be back for '08. Even if Bisciotti didn't publically comment during the season, he did indirectly through Billick. So we do know that he was apparently supportive during the season. I never brought up any pact or agreement they might have had.



He was supportive privately to Billick, who in turn spoke out to the media that he and Bisciotti have talked and he was told his job was safe.

This is the quote I was referring to.

I took this as maybe you meaning that Billick somehow overstepped his bounds by speaking to the media about his job security. If I was off base, I apologize.

My point was that Bisciotti obviously went out of the way to make it clear to Billick that he was coming back.

PP

[highwater]

My point was that Bisciotti obviously went out of the way to make it clear to Billick that he was coming back.

That's essentially the whole mystery of his firing -- it's not a question of whether or not it was justifiable, because of course anyone can come up with reasons to justify it, and it's obviously not a question of whether or not Bisciotti had the right to do it, because of course he does -- but he did tell Billick that he was coming back, and then suddenly woke up one morning and changed his mind. If my boss told me my job was safe and one week later told me I was fired, I'd want an explanation too. What changed? That's the question.

So the question, and the problem some people (like me) have with the way it was handled, is not about whether or not Billick should have been fired, it was the fact that Bisciotti said one thing and then did an about-face with no apparent explanation. He has the right to do that of course, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

[RustonRifle]

Biscotti owes Billick nothing other than a paycheck.



If Biscotti told Billick he was returning , so what? Biscotti isn't the first guy to tell someone something and change their mind.

Regardless, until Biscotti says he indicated Billick was coming back I don't believe it anyway.

It's pretty obvious to most fans why Billick got canned. I believe it was long over due.

[ravenjoe]

He has the right to do that of course, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
It also does not mean that an employer has the right Not to give someone, who has been a loyal and dedicated employee over the years, a 'sit-down' and explain to him why he is being let go. Why is that so hard to expect?! SB, successful businessman, can give lip service to the public regarding his firing of Billick, but can not extend BB the common courtesy of some 'face-time' regarding his dismissal. Sounds like something Sweet Pete would do!

[HoustonRaven]

Biscotti owes Billick nothing other than a paycheck.



If Biscotti told Billick he was returning , so what? Biscotti isn't the first guy to tell someone something and change their mind.

Regardless, until Biscotti says he indicated Billick was coming back I don't believe it anyway.

It's pretty obvious to most fans why Billick got canned. I believe it was long over due.

Have you been in a coma since Jan 1?

Bisciotti has stated numerous times that he did indeed tell BB he was coming back. Dont believe any of us? Go to the Ravens web site and watch that press conference -- its till up in the multimedia section.

You will hear it from Bisciotti's mouth -- he told Brian he would be back and then changed his mind last minute.

[ravenjoe]

Because SB should've sat down with Brian, and explained to him, in the privacy of the Bellagio, why he was being let go. Yes, it's obvious to everyone why he was fired; but professional courtesy, not to mention human decency, dictates otherwise. I just want this organization to be a model organization, and that starts at the top. I also don't like the public 'dressdown' SB gave BB two years ago - that was totally UnProfessional!

[Hook]

Because SB should've sat down with Brian, and explained to him, in the privacy of the Bellagio, why he was being let go. Yes, it's obvious to everyone why he was fired; but professional courtesy, not to mention human decency, dictates otherwise. I just want this organization to be a model organization, and that starts at the top. I also don't like the public 'dressdown' SB gave BB two years ago - that was totally UnProfessional!
I Totally agree with everything you said.

SB really tore Billick down in that press conference but the funny thing is Billick Changed and turned it around the year after. Obviously SB can do what ever he wants but this whole firing could have been handle a wee bit better.

The Man just wants to know why, he is entitled to that from the man that fires him.

[festivus]

Regardless, until Biscotti says he indicated Billick was coming back I don't believe it anyway.

From the AW article on the front page:

Bisciotti has said that no promises were made to Billick, but acknowledged he did give indications that he would be retained.

Edited for emphasis.

:)

[highwater]

Have you been in a coma since Jan 1?

Apparently Ruston Rifle has, in fact, been in a coma for several months, or is simply oblivious to what the rest of us know.


Bisciotti has stated numerous times that he did indeed tell BB he was coming back. Dont believe any of us? Go to the Ravens web site and watch that press conference -- its still up in the multimedia section.

Bingo -- it was reported on the Raven's own website. Their own PR guy said Billick was returning. Anyone who thinks otherwise simply hasn't been paying attention.

[4G63]

It seems to me Bisciotti doesn't have the testicular fortitude to sit Billick down and tell him why he was fired and at this point, does it really matter?

I don't feel sorry for Billick in the least. He's made bundles of money and will continue to make bundles of money. Come on guys, its not like he getting his food from the Maryland Food Bank!!!

[festivus]

I heard the NST interview and read about some of the others.

BB has said words to the effect of "No I was not told why Bisciotti changed his mind," but from what I've read, and what I heard from his own mouth, he wasn't complaining. Stating a fact, without coming across as whining or even remotely disrespectful.

I think he & the media recognize the firing of a winning NFL head coach is a newsworthy event, so all the particulars come out. That's it.

Certainly nobody feels sorry him, as far as I know; he certainly doesn't seem to feel sorry for himself.

[ravenjoe]

It seems to me Bisciotti doesn't have the testicular fortitude to sit Billick down and tell him why he was fired and at this point, does it really matter?

I don't feel sorry for Billick in the least. He's made bundles of money and will continue to make bundles of money. Come on guys, its not like he getting his food from the Maryland Food Bank!!!

It Does Matter! If you want a class organization here, and we all want that, then this organization must conduct itself the Right way, which includes treating ALL employees with respect, Regardless of the circumstances.

[RustonRifle]

From the AW article on the front page:


Edited for emphasis.

:)


Thanks Festivus, okay I believe it now:patriot:

As I said in my first post in this thread I believe like anyone else Biscotti has the right to change his mind. Obviously something had changed and we may never know what it is.

I believe the answer is plain as day.



If SB comes out and says what changed his mind and assuredly it has to be a negative to cost someone their job, some in the fanbase would say SB or the Ravens have no class for blasting Billick after he was fired. No excuses were needed , the owner thought he could do better with someone else running the show. It remains to be seen if it's a wise move. I believe it was.


Biscotti is damned if he does , damned if he don't. Rest assured the real issue with some folks is billick being fired in the first place.

[ravenjoe]

As I've stated in previous posts, this was between SB and BB. SB does not owe us, the fans, an explanation. He owes his former employee an explanation - that's where he failed, IMO.

[4G63]

It Does Matter! If you want a class organization here, and we all want that, then this organization must conduct itself the Right way, which includes treating ALL employees with respect, Regardless of the circumstances.

So THAT is all it takes to run a class organization? Give me a break!! It doesn't change the outcome and Billick knows why he was fired.

Let me ask you this: If SB drove his pretty little Bentley down to Queens Anne's Co. and videotaped his apology to Billick and put it on Youtube, would that make you feel better?

The point is, he told him he was fired and maybe didn't get specific enough as to 'why' for Billicks liking......who gives a shit at this point. I sleep well at night as I'm sure Billick does too......

[HoustonRaven]

I prefer a winning orgainization over a class organization any day!

With that said, SB did the best he could with BB given the fact he changed his mind. He was upfront (and even contrite at times) about him changing course last-minute. He and Billick both said publicly they remain friends to this day -- something you just dont see these days. With the exception of a VERY small minorityand biased (NST), the Ravens have a strong reputation in the league as being top-knotch. What happened with BB doesnt change that.

Hearing BB only confirms he is still a class-act and that our team is a class-act as well. Sure he has his disagreements, but Im sure they are diminished somewhat everytime he goes to the ATM and checks his balance.

[4G63]

I prefer a winning orgainization over a class organization any day!

With that said, SB did the best he could with BB given the fact he changed his mind. He was upfront (and even contrite at times) about him changing course last-minute. He and Billick both said publicly they remain friends to this day -- something you just dont see these days. With the exception of a VERY small minorityand biased (NST), the Ravens have a strong reputation in the league as being top-knotch. What happened with BB doesnt change that.

Hearing BB only confirms he is still a class-act and that our team is a class-act as well. Sure he has his disagreements, but Im sure they are diminished somewhat everytime he goes to the ATM and checks his balance.


:word

[RAVENOUS52]

Hearing BB only confirms he is still a class-act and that our team is a class-act as well. Sure he has his disagreements, but Im sure they are diminished somewhat everytime he goes to the ATM and checks his balance.

With the kind of cheddar he's stackin, I'm sure that BB can pay somebody to go online and check it for him!!:ww:

[ravenjoe]

Let me ask you this: If SB drove his pretty little Bentley down to Queens Anne's Co. and videotaped his apology to Billick and put it on Youtube, would that make you feel better?
All that matters to me is that SB be upfront with Brian, in a PRIVATE meeting, as to why he was let go. Brian does not have to like it, or even accept the reasons why. But, he should be given that courtesy. A class organization begins with treating all employees with respect, unlike another professional sports franchise here in town.

[4G63]

All that matters to me is that SB be upfront with Brian, in a PRIVATE meeting, as to why he was let go. Brian does not have to like it, or even accept the reasons why. But, he should be given that courtesy. A class organization begins with treating all employees with respect, unlike another professional sports franchise here in town.

I don't agree with you when it comes to the coaching staff......if he were to fire the janitors and cooks and team assistants for no good reason than I'd have a problem with that because they rely on that income much more so than a coach. Does that make sense?

Coaches (HC's and Assistants) are fired every year. We've been lucky as an organization in this regard because most of our people move on to better jobs. Kavanaugh and Fassel were fired. Do you think they were given proper send-offs from either Billick or Modell or SB? If not, then why not stand up for their cause?

[ravenjoe]

If word was that they too were fired without due explanation, yes, I'd have a problem with that. It just does not bode well for an organization to adopt this kind of approach to the handling of personnel. I'm certain the Ravens are far better off than alot of organizations (evidence the 'skins); having said that, what is right is right, and this matter was not handled properly Between SB and BB, that's all.

[Losac]

If word was that they too were fired without due explanation, yes, I'd have a problem with that. It just does not bode well for an organization to adopt this kind of approach to the handling of personnel. I'm certain the Ravens are far better off than alot of organizations (evidence the 'skins); having said that, what is right is right, and this matter was not handled properly Between SB and BB, that's all.
Are we still talking about this? Billick was fired because his offense stinks and the team is losing. He hasn't won a playoff game in 6 seasons with a roster loaded with Pro Bowl talent. He doesn't need to be told that.

I don't think Art Modell told Ted Marchibroda why he was fired. I'm sure he assumed it was because of all the losing.

[RustonRifle]

All that matters to me is that SB be upfront with Brian, in a PRIVATE meeting, as to why he was let go. Brian does not have to like it, or even accept the reasons why. But, he should be given that courtesy. A class organization begins with treating all employees with respect, unlike another professional sports franchise here in town.

Billick didn't give Dilfer an explanation on why he wasn't brought back after being at the helm of a Super Bowl winner.

[ravenjoe]

Suffice it to say that they too were wrong. Also, I don't disagree with SB's decision to let BB go, nor do I disagree with his selection of HC - in both cases, I agree with his decisions. However, I will never agree with how he carried out his firing of BB - he screwed up.

[Losac]

However, I will never agree with how he carried out his firing of BB - he screwed up.

He screwed up by giving him a 4 year extension and by assuring him his job was safe during the 2007 season. He should have told him he'd evaluate his job after the season was over and then he'd make a decision.

[ravenjoe]

Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree on this topic. I just believe that there are certain mores in life that should be adhered to, regardless of circumstance or situation.

[AZRAVEN]

Regardless of what the "law" is in Maryland if Mr Whimsey and Billick were such "good friends" I would think respect and common courtesy would trump the letter of the law. It was a piss poor way to treat someone you claim is a "friend". I hope in the future Billick picks his "friends" a lot more carefully and if the new "best friend" is paying attention he should consider that Mr Whimsey probably gets those bball tickets for nothing.

[Losac]

Regardless of what the "law" is in Maryland if Mr Whimsey and Billick were such "good friends" I would think respect and common courtesy would trump the letter of the law. It was a piss poor way to treat someone you claim is a "friend". I hope in the future Billick picks his "friends" a lot more carefully and if the new "best friend" is paying attention he should consider that Mr Whimsey probably gets those bball tickets for nothing.

Your boss is a boss first and friend second. As Michael Corleone said, "it's not personal. It's just business".

[purplepoe]

Are we still talking about this? Billick was fired because his offense stinks and the team is losing. He hasn't won a playoff game in 6 seasons with a roster loaded with Pro Bowl talent. He doesn't need to be told that.

You know Losac, you repeatedly state this when it's not what we are talking about.

Billick has even acknowledged several times that he could see reasons for him to be fired.

The point is, as has been stated over and over, is that Billick was told he would be back by Bisciotti after the season had gone in the shitter and the offense sucked.

Billick's point, which you seem to want to ignore, is that he was never told what changed from the days leading up to the final game, when it was known he was staying, to the day he was fired.

I really don't understand what is so hard to understand about that.

Despite my points about this, I can understand the decision to fire Billick. It could turn out to be a great move.

I just look at things for what they are. And it's getting a bit old to read that "Billick was fired because his offense stunk etc...."

That's never been the point of this whole discussion.

PP

[AZRAVEN]

Your boss is a boss first and friend second. As Michael Corleone said, "it's not personal. It's just business".

I fail to see why they have to be mutually exclusive. Just because you are the boss and have a tough decision to make regarding a "friend" shouldn't/doesn't preclude approaching it with common respect and courtesy. Hell, that should be how any subordinate should be treated. There really is no reason to be unnecessarily hard-assed in the matter just to flex your "boss" muscles.

[highwater]

Regardless of what the "law" is in Maryland if Mr Whimsey and Billick were such "good friends" I would think respect and common courtesy would trump the letter of the law.

Very well stated. The "law" has nothing to do with this -- has anyone in this thread complained that anything illegal had been committed? This is just about common courtesy and ethics. I was sure that Bisciotti had both but now I'm not so sure.

But the fact that they will remain friends (according to Billick) speaks well of both men, if it turns out to be true.

[HoustonRaven]

At-Will employment has absolutely NOTHING to do with a contractual employee. Independent contractors can be fired at whim so long as their contact terms are met. BB was under contract and SB, in essense, decided that the performance portion of that contract did not need to be met. Hense, BB gets paid to sit around and do nothing.

Stepping up on my soapbox .... And if you like a free market, a free society and the cost of living low, please for the love of God do NOT write your congressmen and complain about At-Will employment. I seem to remember some dude named Lenin who was all for worker rights over the free market. How did that turn out for him?

[Losac]

Billick's point, which you seem to want to ignore, is that he was never told what changed from the days leading up to the final game, when it was known he was staying, to the day he was fired.


So in the future Bisciotti may think twice before guaranteeing the head coach's job while the team is stinking it up on the field. Nothing "changed" so to speak as to the reasons why he was fired, but Bisciotti may have to learn to wait until the season is over for a proper evaluation on the team before making any guarantees. This dead horse has certainly been through enough.


I fail to see why they have to be mutually exclusive. Just because you are the boss and have a tough decision to make regarding a "friend" shouldn't/doesn't preclude approaching it with common respect and courtesy. Hell, that should be how any subordinate should be treated. There really is no reason to be unnecessarily hard-assed in the matter just to flex your "boss" muscles.

They are certainly mutually exclusive. A boss can be a "friend" to a subordinate in the same way a parent can be a "friend" to a child. Your boss role comes first when it comes to business decisions. And how exactly was Bisciotti "unnecessarily hard-assed" here? I don't think he treated him any worse than Billick treated his "friend" Jim Fassel two years ago.

[purplepoe]

So in the future Bisciotti may think twice before guaranteeing the head coach's job while the team is stinking it up on the field. Nothing "changed" so to speak as to the reasons why he was fired, but Bisciotti may have to learn to wait until the season is over for a proper evaluation on the team before making any guarantees. This dead horse has certainly been through enough.

According to you nothing changed.

I have a hard time believing that.

Billick was told he was staying when this team had clearly shown it was going to have a terrible record and the offense was not good. So it stands to reason that something certainly did change from the time he told Billick he was staying to the day he was fired.

I find it very plausible that some other factors came up during the time period when Billick thought his job was safe. And IMO it had nothing to do with on the field performance.

And THAT is the whole point.

PP

[Losac]

According to you nothing changed.

I have a hard time believing that.

Billick was told he was staying when this team had clearly shown it was going to have a terrible record and the offense was not good. So it stands to reason that something certainly did change from the time he told Billick he was staying to the day he was fired.

I find it very plausible that some other factors came up during the time period when Billick thought his job was safe. And IMO it had nothing to do with on the field performance.

And THAT is the whole point.

PP

What are your theories on what changed then? I mean, it's not like Bisciotti just woke up on Dec. 31st and realized his team sucked, or that he saw Billick's questionable clock management and offensive management for the first time on film that day. He was aware of the problems all along as he told Billick his job was safe.

Are you implying there may have been some personal situation that came up on Dec. 31st that caused Bisciotti to change his mind?

I'm still of the school of thought that the reasons for canning Billick were very much clear all along, and he was fired for those reasons. Bisciotti was a bonehead for making him think his job was untouchable as the team continued to lose and he kept making the same questionable decisions. In fact, I think his fate was sealed after the Miami loss.

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree? :girlfight

[HoustonRaven]

:grbac: :alien:

Someone tell me how he was disrespectful/ unethical!!!! I would like quotes/ links/ something because I watched the press conference and saw nothing disrespectful. He stated it was time for a new direction and a change which happens in every sports team/ town not just football.

:read :read :read

Where in this quote or past posts did I say SB was disrespectful / unethical????? You need to relax! :insane:

[HoustonRaven]

First, I am relaxed thanks for caring...Second, the alien and Grbac symbols were for your Lenin comment. So, I forgive your lack of ability to stay on topic. The At_Will employment reference was made to state SB owes BB no answers. Please save your political rants for another forum.

Anyway, This quote was on NFL.com 1/1/08

"I believed that it was time for a change, I believed that we have the nucleus of a team that can get back to the Super Bowl, and we felt that in the next five years we had a better chance with a new coach than leaving Brian in that position," said owner Steve Bisciotti, who made the decision after consulting with team president Dick Cass and general manager Ozzie Newsome.

This sounds like a reason to me, and if I had to guess....I would say he was told something to this affect.

You brought poltics into this, not me. Im not going to let you go unopposed with your rant. God forbid I challenge your thoughts with pesky things like historic and factual examples. How dare I?!?!

Seriously, if you took the time to :read you'd find I am saying the exact same thing you are saying.

Your snide comments aside, Im still waiting for you to show / tell me when I made the claim that SB was unethical or whatever words you used.

[HoustonRaven]

Again the Alien, and Grbac signs were direct at you. If you would :read above you you would see who I was sending the other comments to. Now I am done with you...be gone

You directly quoted me, not anyone else.

Can someone else take a look and tell me if Im missing something?

And again, when did slam SB for being unethical???