Amb, I suspect that I recognize the somewhat sarcastic tone in your post, but unfortunately your frequently stated bias against Holly has, once again, in my opinion, taken you too far overboard for the sarcasm to be effective.
I don't consider myself a "Holly apologist", although some may feel differently, nor do I come on the board and make disparaging comments about players for public consumption, but I must say that I am disappointed in Diamond Deshields' decision to leave the team, both because of the timing and the manner in which it was done. Not having been present during any of the conversations, I cannot, nor will not, speak to the circumstances that occurred, but it is intuitively obvious to the casual observer that the action was not based on any "team" consideration. And, in my opinion, displayed a regrettable lack of loyalty and personal responsibility. One simply does not make a public commitment and display of solidarity and three weeks later abruptly, and without explanation, renege on that commitment. That, in my opinion, shows a character fault that I did not recognize before. My personal hope is that Ms Deshields learns and grows from this situation. If not, I foresee a number of instances of quitting on situations and teammates in her future!
As for Holly, of course she shares some of the blame for recent events and the direction of the team. But your characterization is, in my opinion, over the top. It fails to recognize the limitations that the NCAA places on a coaching staff regarding involvement/contact in the off season (and even in season). Surely you are aware that the coaching staff sits down with each player and advises them regarding the things that they need to work on individually during the off season. And, the operative word here is, individually. The staff cannot make the players work on these things. And that brings us to, what I consider, one of Holly's greatest failings. She has allowed the roster to be too much on the thin side, as a result of poor recruiting techniques, to deal with the unfortunate, but as Lady Vol fans have seen in the recent era, but all to often circumstance of roster depletion, either as a result of injury or defection. Does this need to change? Clearly. Have there been positive steps taken? in my opinion, yes.
And, in my opinion, the constant negative harping of some posters, while not as serious an effect as the direct involvement of the coaching staff, can have a detrimental effect on the team (because it has been made extremely clear that both players, family and recruits read this board) and the program. Just my opinion!
Jim
