The first time I saw Randy Shannon in person I was awed by the man’s intensity. It was to the point that when he returned my gaze I did not dare to maintain eye contact. When everybody thinks about Randy Shannon they think discipline. Susan Miller of The Miami Herald even goes as far as labeling Shannon as “clearly being a
disciplinarian.” Although I heard about his infamous rules, I wasn’t so sure to what to make of them. However a four and three record has really made me wonder what it is that these rules hope to accomplish.Surely after the team had been through two-gun related incidents and a huge brawl with FIU last season, changes had to be made. Some of the rules that were listed in Gary Smith’s Sports Illustrated article “Hiding in Plain Sight,” include: no guns, no cell phones in class, treating women appropriately, no eating or wearing hats during team meetings, no freshmen or sophomores living in apartments, and no GPAs under 2.5. What’s even better than these rules are their consequences. For example, if a player violates the gun rule he will be kicked off the team and dismissed from school.
Tim Reynolds’ article from The Associated Press “Shannon Sending His Message Loud and Clear in Miami,” quotes Randy Shannon saying “That’s all the rules are for, to keep all the distractions down from what we’re trying to accomplish.” In my opinion, it is ingenious. Along with stripping their names of jerseys and rearranging seating in the locker room and meeting rooms, it forces players to be accountable for one another and increase bonds of team unity. It has instilled respect and responsibility in the players and it is beginning to show.
Although it is unrealistic to think the transformation would be complete before the end of this season, I can’t help but wonder if it will be enough. The players are still not producing as a team on the field. Despite a few individuals there is still a lack of heart, passion, and intensity during the games. It seems that there is a parallel between our “fair-weather fans” and our players: When we’re winning they’re on fire, but when we’re losing they could care less.
1 comment:
Coach Shannon and his "infamous rules" will, at the end of things, prove to have helped this team get on back on the track towards excellence. As a former player I know that these rules instill fear in the players not only because of the consequences but because they know Coach Shannon will enforce them no matter who you are. I also agree that the generation of these rules will help the team eliminate the distractions they bring on themselves. As for the last comment you made "When were winning their on fire but when were losing it seems like they could care less" Are you talking about the players or the fans?
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