Gene to Speak at 4:30

[RoyalShock]

I seem to recall it being said that Schaus and Stephenson didn't talk much either and that the best way for them to get along was for Jim to leave Gene alone and let him do his thing. I remember a lot of us being surprised he took Gene back in 2005 for that very reason. So I'm not sure we can blame Sexton if communication was minimal or non-existent.

The one thing Gene said that gives me any pause about how this was handled is if the staff truly had no idea they were facing possible termination.

[vbird53]

I believe that we, as WSU fans, that have supported the baseball program for years and years have earned the right to hear the rationale for the decisions made this week from the Athletic Director. There's obviously those that support the decision, and those that are adamantly opposed to the method in which it all transpired. The short press release that was issued does not suffice.

Please note: this is not an indictment of the AD, but he does need to explain his decision further than trying to hide it under a personnel decision. If not, the introductory press conference for the new staff will be mega-awkward (it probably will be anyway).

Ultimately, I'm very excited about the potential of Shocker Baseball, and believe the passionate fans, support, and facilities left in place will thrive under new leadership. It would go a long way for the AD to step up and give a glimpse into his vision.

[ShockTalk]

I think he is only doing it for the players sake. I think he could care less about ADES right now.

Don't believe I said "for ADES sake". Well, of course, if he would stay, it would be for the players. My two surprises with this is 1) if his old friend and coaching partner for 35 years was let go badly, I don't believe he'd even stay for the players and 2) What if Gene gets a new position, then would it be about the existing players?

My guess, if BK stays, it may not even last the summer. I don't see Gene letting Martin get a year's worth of wins closer or Soggy a year's worth farther away from him. BK is very key to Gene getting his next gig, assuming he wants one.

[tw805]

I seem to recall it being said that Schaus and Stephenson didn't talk much either and that the best way for them to get along was for Jim to leave Gene alone and let him do his thing. I remember a lot of us being surprised he took Gene back in 2005 for that very reason. So I'm not sure we can blame Sexton if communication was minimal or non-existent.

The one thing Gene said that gives me any pause about how this was handled is if the staff truly had no idea they were facing possible termination.

Call me harsh, but if they didn't know what every other human being with an interest in the program knew, they were probably too out to lunch to be kept on anyway.

[tru2thaduce]

Any ideas on where Gene may land?

[ShockerEngr]

I believe that we, as WSU fans, that have supported the baseball program for years and years have earned the right to hear the rationale for the decisions made this week from the Athletic Director. There's obviously those that support the decision, and those that are adamantly opposed to the method in which it all transpired. The short press release that was issued does not suffice.

Please note: this is not an indictment of the AD, but he does need to explain his decision further than trying to hide it under a personnel decision. If not, the introductory press conference for the new staff will be mega-awkward (it probably will be anyway).

Ultimately, I'm very excited about the potential of Shocker Baseball, and believe the passionate fans, support, and facilities left in place will thrive under new leadership. It would go a long way for the AD to step up and give a glimpse into his vision.

Honestly, he's far wiser to not detail the reasons. While I'm sure we'd all like to know, the odd's are very slim it'd leave people in a good light - be it Gene or the university. Best to leave it private so both parties can move on without adding any undue baggage to the situation.

[ShockTalk]

I seem to recall it being said that Schaus and Stephenson didn't talk much either and that the best way for them to get along was for Jim to leave Gene alone and let him do his thing. I remember a lot of us being surprised he took Gene back in 2005 for that very reason. So I'm not sure we can blame Sexton if communication was minimal or non-existent.

The one thing Gene said that gives me any pause about how this was handled is if the staff truly had no idea they were facing possible termination.

Are you sure you're buying this? His first clue might have been the stopping of the rolling contract. That things were going to be looked at much harder by the athletic department and WSU. I give Gene more credit than to think the last 5 years production would be Okey Dokey with the powers that be regardless what he said yesterday. He's been around the block too many times to think that. If not, then he was too blind to the situation and had lost touch.

However, I have no doubt that he figured ADES would not pull the trigger. That's not a knock on Gene, that is just Gene.

[SB Shock]

The one thing Gene said that gives me any pause about how this was handled is if the staff truly had no idea they were facing possible termination.

Micah Green yesterday addressed this. He said the players were feeling some pressure because the coaches were telling them that their jobs were on the line.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

wait a second..

Im going through tweets (late my son had a game tonight)

Shane Dennis has also been let go?

[shockfan89_]

“When we were struggling there was some frustrations, and words were said about the possibility of it happening if we didn’t do well,” Green said. “That did add some pressure. We didn’t talk about it too much.”

Micah didn't say who the words were coming from though. It could have been fans, it could have been players, it could have been ShockerNet... The fact remains the coaches had to be aware something was brewing since they were down to the final two years on their contract and had publicly stated it was impacting their ability to recruit.

[shockfan89_]

ASM - Yes, the entire staff, the Baseball Secretary, Shane Dennis. Oh and then somehow now not Brent??? Strange indeed.

[XManCometh]

ASM - Yes, the entire staff, the Baseball Secretary, Shane Dennis. Oh and then somehow now not Brent??? Strange indeed.

Gene lobbied for some of the staff to be retained. Apparently, Brent was the only guy Sexton would allow.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

I just dont get why Shane would get the axe. Dude was good on the radio.

[shockfan89_]

Why would the secretary get fired after over 20 years of service? Is it her fault we didn't win enough???

[pinstripers]

Why would the secretary get fired after over 20 years of service? Is it her fault we didn't win enough???

Not fair, pretty common, though.