Bama State Names Charlie Coe as New Football Coach


I disagree. You guys are on the upswing but you wont acknowlegde it. Whats the worst that could happen? Finishing in last place? Helllooooo? The press picked you for last place with Coles, that should tell you something. I think Coe is going to offer you a level of ingrity that you didnt have before...he has a lot of experience.....and he may be able to bring players and better contacts with him. This is a real step up.
 
I disagree. You guys are on the upswing but you wont acknowlegde it. Whats the worst that could happen? Finishing in last place? Helllooooo? The press picked you for last place with Coles, that should tell you something. I think Coe is going to offer you a level of ingrity that you didnt have before...he has a lot of experience.....and he may be able to bring players and better contacts with him. This is a real step up.
Click to expand...


The current administration being in a position to use tha athletic department as a political pawn. that's the worst that could happen...


GR, you don't get it....this ain't about the coach. This is about the folks that caused this mess to begin with. I've seen Coe's resume and he's a class act. that still ain't gonna exempt him from dealing with the internal bullisht that previous coaches( including LC Coles) have had to deal with in the past.


The first time this coach, or any other coach for that matter, crosses wires with those cats. You'll see potentially the same thing happen all over again, minus LC Coles.


:shame: We'll be on the come up when those admin folks are gone and replaced with folks that actually give a dayumn about the program...
 



Originally posted by Get Ready
I disagree. You guys are on the upswing but you wont acknowlegde it. Whats the worst that could happen? Finishing in last place? Helllooooo? The press picked you for last place with Coles, that should tell you something. I think Coe is going to offer you a level of ingrity that you didnt have before...he has a lot of experience.....and he may be able to bring players and better contacts with him. This is a real step up.
Click to expand...
If this "hire" had been made, in a timely manner, after a fair investigation was done, then you may have a point. I could write a book, but I won't.....

As far as your statement about the press picking us last and that telling us something, what should it tell us? and since they didnt pick u in first, what should that tell you?
(before you start crying that I'm "blaming" JSU, I'm just getting you to see you can't have it both ways, when you try to make your point.
 
This was on USATODAY.COM, under the label SWAC TURMOIL :smh:

Alabama State names interim coach, may face lawsuit
By Jon Krawczynski, The Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. ? Alabama State named University of Memphis assistant coach Charles Coe III as its interim football coach Monday, setting off a groundswell of resistance from players, who are taking legal action to keep L.C. Cole as their coach.
Alabama State President Joe Lee announced the coaching change Monday, saying an eight-month internal investigation revealed several violations in the football program. (Related item: Alabama State suspends coaches)

Cole along with his brother, assistant coach Johnnie Cole, and assistant coach Richard Freeman were suspended with pay on Friday. An administrative process is underway to remove all three from the university, Lee said.

The report ASU submitted to the NCAA on July 22 alleges that Cole played ineligible players and paid for strippers to entertain recruits and that assistant coaches had improper contact with potential recruits.

The violations will result in the school forfeiting "a substantial amount of games," including the 2001 Southwestern Athletic Conference eastern division championship, and paying fines, Lee said.

"The findings are an embarrassment to the university," Lee said.

Cole has denied any wrongdoing.

In response to the coaching change, as many as 17 Alabama State players are suing the university, attorney Julian McPhillips said Monday.

The lawsuit alleges breach of implied contract and civil fraud and seeks an emergency injunction to lift Cole's suspension.

"We are going to fight this tooth-and-nail with everything we've got," said McPhillips. He also is representing Cole in a lawsuit against a former assistant coach who first brought forth the allegations.

The players' lawsuit says they understand that a school has a right to fire a coach for many reasons, but the allegations against Cole and his assistants are completely false.

"The whole team is in shock," redshirt sophomore linebacker Martravis Gary said. "This is a big turning point for this university."

Though many players had threatened to transfer if Cole was fired, all of those who spoke Monday said they will play for the Hornets in 2003.

Those players will face long odds for the 2003 season. The players and new coaching staff have little time to install a new system before the season opener Aug. 30 against Florida A&M in Detroit.

"The most important thing right now is our players," Coe said after his announcement as the new coach. "It's a difficult time for them."

"Players are attached to coaches, but life goes on," he said. "We're going to put this behind us and make sure it never happens again."

Coe, who has also previously coached at Iowa, Cincinnati, Louisville, Missouri, Kansas State, Tennessee and Pittsburgh, was scheduled to meet with the players Monday evening.

"I am convinced he will lead a winning season for ASU's football program that is marked by dignity and professionalism," Lee said.

Cole said he warned then-President William Harris about problems with the university's compliance department in 2000, when the team allegedly allowed four ineligible players to practice.

In response on Monday, Lee reassigned two administrators who handled compliance and eligibility issues for football players.

The school plans to hire a full-time compliance officer, replacing Robert Whitfield, who handled compliance issues in addition to his professorship at the school, Lee said.

Lee also said that athletic director Richard Cosby is still under contract at Alabama State, and reports that he was leaving for Stillman College are untrue.

John Ivery, who handled certification of athletes, also has been reassigned within the university.

Critics of the university have called the investigation a "witch hunt," and believe Cole was unfairly targeted.

Lee denied those accusations, saying the school was simply following up on credible allegations made by a former assistant coach.

Cole said Monday the investigation has been "an assassination of my character, my brother's character and Richard Freeman's character."

He said his push for a new stadium, a new weight room and changes to his contract ultimately led to his removal.

"If I didn't speak out about those things, I'd still be the coach," he said.
 
Hey DaHill,

Roc and GB are still down in Egypt Land. The river has already run red and swarmed over by locust. Somebody please send Moses to save them. I hate that does two are caught up in all of this.
 
In response on Monday, Lee reassigned two administrators who handled compliance and eligibility issues for football players.

The school plans to hire a full-time compliance officer, replacing Robert Whitfield, who handled compliance issues in addition to his professorship at the school, Lee said.
Click to expand...
 
Success, Cole "suspension".

How successful has this guy been at these places? How and when did he get on the ASU short list for the job? Also, I thought Coles nem was just suspended. Why do they say this if the guys is basically being fired? Just call a spade a spade for crying out loud. What's with the "two week suspension" stuff? :confused:
 
Those folk in Montgomery has been looking to get rid of LC Cole since Watkins got ghost. The timing wasn't right because he was winning. The minute he had a losing season, they pounced on the chance.

I think a lot of the charges are trumped up. $8.36 on some dayum expense statement. Players having strippers over for the recruits...hell, all college students get strippers. I could understand if a coach was with them and having a few beers like of Larry Eustachy at Iowa State. This administration is sooooo anti-LC Cole that they even took the man's weight room (after he had worked his azz off to get it renovated from an abandoned warehouse). He should have pulled up and left then.

But Cole is a good coach. He will land somewhere...maybe next time things will work out!
 
Originally posted by MikeBigg
Those folk in Montgomery has been looking to get rid of LC Cole since Watkins got ghost. The timing wasn't right because he was winning. The minute he had a losing season, they pounced on the chance.

I think a lot of the charges are trumped up. $8.36 on some dayum expense statement. Players having strippers over for the recruits...hell, all college students get strippers. I could understand if a coach was with them and having a few beers like of Larry Eustachy at Iowa State. This administration is sooooo anti-LC Cole that they even took the man's weight room (after he had worked his azz off to get it renovated from an abandoned warehouse). He should have pulled up and left then.

But Cole is a good coach. He will land somewhere...maybe next time things will work out!
Click to expand...

I can't get a good read on this situation out here and only having access to TSPN and MGMAdvertiser. I tend to concure with your assessment though.
 
Somebody please go ahead and post today's articles from the Advertiser. :tup:
(damn copy and paste won't work on my computer)

:cool: :cool:

The season is coming up at the right time!!!!!!
 
Just For You, Mighty Hornet:

ASU names Coe interim coach

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser



Alabama State University named a football coach to replace suspended coach L.C. Cole, and 16 of the school's players sued to have Cole immediately reinstated.

ASU President Joe Lee introduced former University of Memphis assistant Charlie Coe as the Hornets' interim head coach and said he suspended L.C. Cole and two assistants for alleged NCAA violations that he called "an embarrassment to the university."

Monday was a whirlwind day for the university and its football program:

Julian McPhillips and Kenneth Shinbaum, lawyers for L.C. and Johnnie Cole, filed a lawsuit about 4:15 p.m. Monday on behalf of 16 ASU football players asking for an injunction to immediately reinstate L.C. and Johnnie Cole.
Assistant coach Richard Freeman was not included in the request.

They named Alabama State University, Lee and Athletics Director Richard Cosby as defendants.

The suit alleges a breach of implied contract by ASU with the 16 players, who -- the suit says -- agreed to play football at ASU for Cole.

It alleges civil fraud for a failure to disclose material fact of a feud between Joe Reed and former trustee Donald Watkins, who supported the Coles' hiring, and how the players may have chosen to play elsewhere if they had known the feud could have led to the coaches' removal.

"The only sin that (the Coles) have committed is that they were recruited by Donald Watkins," McPhillips said.

The suit also alleges "equitable estoppel," which says Cosby knew the Coles would be removed as early as January and said nothing, allowing the Coles to sign a recruiting class and enticing current players to stay at ASU to play for the Coles.

McPhillips and Shinbaum had a news conference at noon blasting Lee, Cosby and a member of the ASU board of trustees.
"The fight has only just begun and it is a fight that will be fought on a number of different levels," McPhillips said. "In the end, we'd like to see a total change in the administration of Alabama State University."

McPhillips said he blamed Reed, an ASU trustee, for the "witch hunt" that led to the suspensions.

ASU started an investigation after Dedrick Bell, a former ASU assistant under L.C. Cole, wrote a letter alleging major NCAA violations by Cole and other assistant coaches.

The letter spawned the eight-month internal investigation that led to the NCAA report, which Cosby said showed a program "almost totally out of control."

"They're getting rid of these coaches and saying things are out of control," McPhillips said. "They're not out of control. There's only one man out of control and we know who he is. He's on the board of trustees, and his name is Joe Reed."

A message left for Reed on Monday afternoon at the Alabama Education Association was not returned.

Cosby said he was "still the athletic director" at ASU, and Lee contradicted Stillman College, which sent out a press release last week saying it had hired Cosby as its athletic director.
"He is still under contract and has not been released from (the) contract," Lee said. "It is my understanding that he has not signed a contract with another university, as has been reported."

Stillman College officials Veronica Clark and Wesley Peterson said Monday that the school stands by its release.

Cosby, after the press conference, said "I'm not going to comment on anything."

Asked about the Stillman report and whether it was accurate, he said, "Have your fun," and walked away.

ASU also stripped Robert Whitfield of his duties as athletic compliance officer and removed John Ivery from the eligibility certification process.
Lee said the date discrepancy on the letters suspending the coaches -- they were dated July 29 and not delivered until three days later -- was because "several drafts" of letters about possible decisions had been prepared July 29.
When he and athletic director Richard Cosby came to a decision Friday, Lee said they chose the appropriate letter "and the date was never changed."

Lee said he does not know if or when the school will release its report to the NCAA that ended an eight-month investigation into the football program and led to the suspensions of Cole and assistants Johnnie Cole and Richard Freeman.
The Advertiser requested the report under Alabama's open records law two weeks ago.

"We have that request with our university counsel," Lee said. "There is some sensitive information in the report and some of it is protected by ... the Family Privacy Act, and some of it contains information about individuals and specifics that could be an embarrassment that we do not want to release."

Lee did say ASU used ineligible athletes, recruits were treated to strip shows and coaches made improper contact with recruits.

The players named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit seeking an injunction were Chris Coleman, Keldrick Williams, Richard Rowe, Everette Rosette, Cary Nagel, Hector Ruiz, Lorenzo Hoffman, Ronald Dillon, Jamol Johnson, Victor Revill, Greg Jones, Niven Hinkle, Nick Forston, Kerry Frazier, Chad Lucas and Martravis Gary.

A secretary in Lee's office said Lee would not be available for comment on the suit late Monday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASU fans feel Cole's firing unjust

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser




An officer in Alabama State University's national alumni association says she won't buy season tickets this season or "support the school in any way" after the removal of football coach L.C. Cole.

Mary Broadnax, the secretary for the alumni association, said Monday that school President Joe Lee lied Thursday when he said he had not made a decision to suspend Cole and two assistants.

Lee, who suspended Cole a day later, said at a press conference Monday that he made the decision after returning from speaking to a national alumni convention in Atlanta.

Broadnax, who graduated from ASU in 1977, said she wanted Gov. Bob Riley to intervene.

"I want the governor to make sure we have a president and not a principal," Broadnax said. "He's not making his own decisions, and the day-to-day decisions of the university are supposed to be made by the president and not a trustee."

Broadnax said trustee Joe Reed -- and his feud with former trustee Donald Watkins -- was to blame for Cole's removal. Watkins supported hiring Cole, who succeeded Ron Dickerson, who was fired over Reed's objections.

A message left Monday for Reed at the Alabama Education Association was not returned.

"I feel like the accusations that were brought up and the way they were brought up was not right," said Sarian Matthews, a senior from Wetumpka who is majoring in social work.

"I feel they should have been punished, but not fired."

Lee named Charlie Coe, a college assistant coach since 1976, as interim head coach for this season, which starts Aug. 30 in Detroit against Florida AM.

Cole, offensive coordinator Johnnie Cole and linebackers coach Richard Freeman expect to be fired Aug. 15.

Also, Alabama State has stripped Robert Whitfield of his athletic compliance duties and removed John Ivery of his role in certifying the eligibility of athletes.

The school has not released its report of alleged NCAA rules violations that it cites for making the coaching change.

"I certainly think we deserve more explanation than we got at this press conference," ASU alumnus Shirley Glover said. "Coach Coe's credentials sound real good, but that doesn't negate the fact that no one knows what happened."

One player's mom, after meeting Coe, said she felt the coach would do big things.

"I think he's very encouraging," said Elaine Ealy of Los Angeles, whose son, Frederick Brewer, is a junior wide receiver who transferred to ASU from Morris Brown.

"I think he can take this team somewhere. I'm a believer."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hornet players get to know interim coach

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser



Nick Forston and Ronald Dillon met Charlie Coe for the first time Monday afternoon, less than an hour after they were party to a suit asking that Coe be removed as Alabama State's head football coach and L.C. Cole be reinstated.

Forston and Dillon were two of 16 players listed as plaintiffs in a suit against Alabama State University, school President Joe Lee and athletic director Richard Cosby that asked for an injunction returning Cole to the Hornets.

The two said they were not planning any boycott of today's first team practice, nor considering quitting the team if Cole does not return.

"No matter who the coach is that's doing it -- and we'd love to have coach L.C. Cole -- we're going to play," said Dillon, a junior defensive back from Memphis.

The Hornets start their season Aug. 30 in Detroit against Florida AM.

"We still have to play 12 games and win to get to the (SWAC) championship game," quarterback Forston of San Diego said.

"Anything less than getting to where we want to be is a failure."

Coe met his players for the first time at a 5 p.m. meeting Monday. The 53-year-old has been an assistant coach at 10 schools since starting his career in 1976. Most recently, he was the assistant head coach and receivers coach at the University of Memphis, which fired him last December.

He said he wouldn't hold a grudge against any of the plaintiffs, but said he didn't know about the suit.

"That's news to me," Coe said. "I just met with all the seniors and their comment to me was that they're behind the program 100 percent. No one said anything about the previous staff, but this is America. I guess they can do what they want to do." The suit was the players' response to Friday's suspension of Cole, offensive coordinator Johnnie Cole and linebackers coach Richard Freeman.

The coaches learned of their suspensions in a sealed letter delivered late Friday afternoon, and the players -- and non-suspended assistants -- were left wondering about the program through the weekend.

"I've never experienced anything like this," incoming freshman linebacker Freddie Gipson of Stanhope Elmore said. "I'm just anxious and ready to play. I want to start practice."

Gipson was not one of the plaintiffs in the suit.

Senior offensive lineman Kevin Harris, who has been one of the most outspoken supporters of the suspended coaches, also was not listed as a plaintiff.

One of the suit's three counts alleges the 16 players had an implied contract with Alabama State that they would play football for Cole. Harris signed under former coach Ron Dickerson and doesn't have that implied contract, said Julian McPhillips, the lawyer for both the Coles and the players.

Harris still attended a Monday press conference for the Coles.

"This is unfair to us and that's the bottom line," Harris said. "We're just here to fight."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alabama State players can step up to lead



Mike Shula has it tough? Keith Gilbertson has some ruffled alumni feelings to smooth over?

Try stepping into Charlie Coe's shoes, the ones that are sinking in the quagmire that is Alabama State's football program.

Don't blame Coe. He just wants to be a head football coach for the first time in his life. Let's see if he still wants the "interim" tag removed from his title in January. He said he doesn't plan on moving his wife and family south from Memphis until he finds out his status in January. Smart.

Coe was introduced as the Hornets' head football coach on Monday morning, less than a week after L.C. Cole and assistants Johnnie Cole and Richard Freeman were suspended with pay pending a hearing (i.e., fired) for alleged recruiting violations.

University president Joe Lee rattled off a list of corrections the university has made in the wake of the latest scandal. The compliance director and the person in charge of certifying the players academically eligible have both been reassigned. The coaches, whose NCAA crimes appear less severe than the academic counselors, have been fired. At Monday's press conference, one of the first questions directed at Lee accused him of leading a witch hunt.

"I received a list of allegations from a former coach here at the university, and it was in writing and it was signed," Lee said. "Any time allegations are made on that level and any time those allegations are discussed with NCAA people, we have an obligation to review those allegations. And that's what we did. We did not go on a witch hunt."

It's yet another round in the Joe Reed-Donald Watkins heavyweight bout, one that Alabama State fans are sick of seeing. Remember when Donald Watkins gained control of the Board of Trustees' athletic committee three years ago and chased off Reed-backed Ron Dickerson? Now it's Reed's turn to run off Watkins-backed Cole.

And then there's athletic director Richard Cosby. Reporters discovered a parking space at Stillman College with his name on it, yet he claims he is athletic director at Alabama State. When asked a serious question by a reporter about whether he is remaining at Alabama State, his snide comeback was, "Have your fun."

When will the adults stop acting like children? When will the people responsible for leading this university into the 21st century start acting responsibly and stop playing petty politics?

At Alabama, Mike Price's conduct gave the Crimson Tide its third coach in six months, forcing Shula into the unenviable role of coaching a team without benefit of a spring practice.

At Washington, Rick Neuheisel's love for betting on March Madness left the Huskie players upset with their administration's decision to fire the coach and promote the offensive coordinator, Gilbertson.

At Alabama State, the players wish they had it so easy.

"This whole situation is crazy," said running back Keldrick Williams, who transferred from Tennessee with high hopes that were dampened with the latest turn of events. "The time frame is so out of order. You're trying to bring in a new coach and we're playing in 25 days."

His mother Linda attended Monday's press conference and was just as upset.

"They're not concerned with the players and how they feel," she said. "I wish my son could just go ahead and leave."

Alabama State players, stun by the latest turn of events, responded by filing an injunction asking for Cole's reinstatement. That's understandable. They're just following the example set by the school's administration.

Here's a suggestion. Go out and show them who the real leaders are. Dedicate the season to the Cole brothers and show the Alabama State fans and alumni some real character and maturity.

It could wind up setting an example for others to follow.

____________________________________________________

New coach Coe excited about challenge

By Tim Gayle
Montgomery Advertiser



Charlie Coe was spending a relaxing Tuesday afternoon on the golf course when Alabama State athletic director Richard Cosby called.

Fired from his last job at the University of Memphis in December, Coe had just about given up on the idea of coaching in 2003 when Cosby hinted a head coaching position may be opening up soon in Montgomery.

The longtime assistant coach could hardly contain himself as he rushed through his golf game and returned home to tell his wife Debbie. The possibility of becoming a head coach for the first time in his 27-year coaching career finally became a reality for the 53-year old when ASU president Joe Lee called on Saturday night and offered him the job as the Hornets' new football coach.

"I've never been a head coach," Coe said. "That's one of the reasons I took it. It's on a six-month basis, but everybody feels like they can get it done. It's a challenge for me, but I've never backed down from a challenge. It's a little more stiffer challenge than I realized before I got here, but I think it can be done."

Coe recoiled in shock at the reaction he received at a Monday morning press conference announcing Lee's choice as the replacement for fired coach L.C. Cole. There was no applause when Coe was announced, only a few Cole supporters voicing their dissent at nearly every comment made by Lee.

A half-dozen or so players were on hand as well, including several who were part of an injunction filed against the university to reinstate Cole. Later, the players gathered for their first meeting with the new coach.

"He seemed pretty straight forward," junior defensive tackle Jim Parham said. "I can tell he's about business, no time for small talk. The way he presented himself to us was cool, on a friendly basis. He has a good background. Really, I'm just going to put it all in God's hands."

Coe was a defensive back at Kansas State, but has spent most of his life as an offensive assistant, working with Johnny Majors at Tennessee and Pittsburgh, Bill Snyder at Kansas State and Howard Schnellenberger at Louisville, among others.

He will serve as his own offensive coordinator and will replace fired assistants Johnnie Cole and Richard Freeman with defensive coordinator Tony Pierce and defensive assistant Jack Bush.

Coe said he will call the plays from Cole's playbook.

"There may be a few tweaks here and there," Coe said, "but I have to learn their (the players') terminology and we'll go from there. I don't want those guys having to think about what's going on. It's a lot easier for me as one guy to try and learn it as opposed to trying to get 40 or 50 guys to learn a new offense.

"I like throwing the football. We've got a running back who transferred from Tennessee (Keldrick Williams) and you've got to use that guy and make sure he's got his hands on the ball if he's as good as they say he is," Coe said. "And you've got outstanding quarterbacks. So we have to utilize those kids' talents. Find out what they can do and what they do best."

Coe admits it won't be easy getting the Hornets ready for their Aug. 30 season opener with Florida AM, but says his lifetime experience in coaching will make the difference.

"Having been a coach for 30 years, it won't take long to do the things I need to do," he promised. "You can spot talent. Having been around guys like Bill Snyder, the Johnny Majors of the world, the big thing you learn is what to do and not to do. It's mainly about dealing with people."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Re: Just For You, Mighty Hornet:

thanks Oracle
and you posted the most important article last!!!

Though the situation is not over, there's a light shining. Alabama State University will overcome this mess. Sure there were and are knee-jerk reactions to the way things have transpired, but when the initial emotion wears off, I think we'll be more than alright!!!!!!!

"He seemed pretty straight forward," junior defensive tackle Jim Parham said. "I can tell he's about business, no time for small talk. The way he presented himself to us was cool, on a friendly basis. He has a good background. Really, I'm just going to put it all in God's hands."
Click to expand...
Great, absolutely GREAT!!!!!!



Coe said he will call the plays from Cole's playbook.

"There may be a few tweaks here and there," Coe said, "but I have to learn their (the players') terminology and we'll go from there. I don't want those guys having to think about what's going on. It's a lot easier for me as one guy to try and learn it as opposed to trying to get 40 or 50 guys to learn a new offense.

"I like throwing the football. We've got a running back who transferred from Tennessee (Keldrick Williams) and you've got to use that guy and make sure he's got his hands on the ball if he's as good as they say he is," Coe said. "And you've got outstanding quarterbacks. So we have to utilize those kids' talents. Find out what they can do and what they do best."
Click to expand...
Coe is saying all the right things so far. And for him to keep Cole's offense is definitely the right move. I went back and read some of his offensive philosophies and this dude will definitely have a wide open attack. Look for some big numbers to be put up!!!



"Having been a coach for 30 years, it won't take long to do the things I need to do," he promised. "You can spot talent. Having been around guys like Bill Snyder, the Johnny Majors of the world, the big thing you learn is what to do and not to do. It's mainly about dealing with people."
Click to expand...
:tup:


For the folks who wrote ASU off for this season, that was a premature move.

GOD is good!!!!!
 
Coe takes over at Alabama St., replacing Cole

37164453.jpg

Suspended Alabama State Coach L.C. Cole, left, and attorney Julian McPhillips are backed by players as they discuss the coach's legal options and a suit by some players to fight Cole's removal.

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ? University of Memphis assistant coach Charles Coe III was named interim football coach at Alabama State yesterday, setting off a groundswell of resistance from players, who are taking legal action to keep L.C. Cole as their coach.

Alabama State President Joe Lee announced the coaching change yesterday, saying an eight-month internal investigation revealed several violations in the program.

Cole, brother and assistant coach Johnnie Cole, and assistant coach Richard Freeman ? all formerly at Tennessee State in similar capacities ? were suspended with pay last Friday. Lee said an administrative process was under way to remove all three.

''I am convinced he will lead a winning season for ASU's football program that is marked by dignity and professionalism,'' Lee said.

Coe has previously served as an assistant coach at Iowa, Cincinnati, Louisville, Missouri, Kansas State, Tennessee and Pittsburgh and was a finalist at TSU when Cole got that job.

Cole was scheduled to meet with the players last night.

''The most important thing right now is our players,'' Coe said after his announcement as the new coach. ''It's a difficult time for them. Players are attached to coaches, but life goes on. We're going to put this behind us and make sure it never happens again.''

The report ASU submitted to the NCAA on July 22 alleges that Cole, former head coach at Tennessee State, played ineligible players and paid for strippers to entertain recruits and that assistant coaches had improper contact with potential recruits.

The violations will result in the school forfeiting ''a substantial amount of games,'' including the 2001 Southwestern Athletic Conference eastern division championship, and paying fines, Lee said.

''The findings are an embarrassment to the university,'' Lee said.

Cole has denied those allegations. He admitted yesterday to minor infractions, including one instance where Johnnie Cole rode back on the same airplane some ASU recruits were on, which is a violation. But the violations did not merit the punishment handed down, Cole said.

In response to the coaching change, as many as 17 Alabama State players are suing the university, attorney Julian McPhillips said yesterday.

The lawsuit alleges breach of implied contract and civil fraud and seeks an emergency injunction to lift Cole's suspension.

''We are going to fight this tooth-and-nail with everything we've got,'' McPhillips said. He also is representing Cole in a lawsuit against a former assistant coach who first brought forth the allegations.

The players' lawsuit says they understand that a school has a right to fire a coach for many reasons, but the allegations against Cole and his assistants are completely false.

''The whole team is in shock,'' redshirt sophomore linebacker Martravis Gary said. ''This is a big turning point for this university.''

Though many players had threatened to transfer if Cole was fired, all of those who spoke yesterday said they will play for the Hornets in 2003.

Those players will face long odds for the 2003 season. The players and new coaching staff have little time to install a new system before the season opener Aug. 30 against Florida A&M in Detroit.

Cole said he warned then-President William Harris about problems with the university's compliance department in 2000, when the team allegedly allowed four ineligible players to practice.

In response on Monday, Lee reassigned two administrators who handled compliance and eligibility issues for football players.

The school plans to hire a full-time compliance officer, replacing Robert Whitfield, who handled compliance issues in addition to his professorship at the school, Lee said.

Lee also said that athletic director Richard Cosby is still under contract at Alabama State, and reports that he was leaving for Stillman College are untrue.

John Ivery, who handled certification of athletes, also has been reassigned within the university.

Critics of the university have called the investigation a ''witch hunt,'' and believe Cole was unfairly targeted.

Lee denied those accusations, saying the school was simply following up on credible allegations made by a former assistant coach.

Cole said Monday the investigation has been ''an assassination of my character, my brother's character and Richard Freeman's character.''

He said his push for a new stadium, a new weight room and changes to his contract ultimately led to his removal.

''If I didn't speak out about those things, I'd still be the coach,'' he said.
 
In order to get things in order at ASU,they've got to get rid of Richard Cosby and the whole board of trustees. Then maybe this new coach can work his magic.
 



Originally posted by Butch Wms.
In order to get things in order at ASU,they've got to get rid of Richard Cosby and the whole board of trustees. Then maybe this new coach can work his magic.
Click to expand...
Yep I agree!! But I'm not sure about this new coach.Crosby brought this dude in.He's a quick fix till December
 
They also need to check their facts.... Coe was "Dismissed" from the coaching staff after the season at Memphis...
 
Originally posted by Anonymous
They also need to check their facts.... Coe was "Dismissed" from the coaching staff after the season at Memphis...
Click to expand...
You're right!!! Uhh Ke oops anonymous:D
We're always hiring the rejects:mad: guess nobody in there right mind would want to come here:( can't really blame em though
 
The violations will result in the school forfeiting "a substantial amount of games," including the 2001 Southwestern Athletic Conference eastern division championship, and paying fines, Lee said.
Click to expand...

I'm keeping my eye on this.
 
Running back Williams cleared

Running back Williams cleared

By A. Stacy Long
Montgomery Advertiser



Suspended in June for allegedly failing to cooperate in Alabama State's internal investigation, running back Keldrick Williams was in uniform for the school's first football practice Tuesday.

Williams and the other five Hornets suspended for not meeting with investigator Robert Clayton either practiced Tuesday, didn't because of other matters or are leaving the team.

Jamaal Fletcher, Billy Gresham, Shamarcus Wilcox, Antonio Bradford and Williams have been cleared, Alabama State coaches said. Marquis Hubbard, who was also suspended, isn't listed on the team's preseason roster.

"I've never really experienced anything like that," Williams said. "I've never had any academic problems, and that's why you usually get suspended. It was disappointing to my family."

The Hornets, who started practice late Tuesday afternoon in Lockart Gym under interim coach Charlie Coe, will practice once a day throughout the week and start two-a-days Monday -- the same day a judge will hear a request to reinstate ousted coach L.C. Cole.

Montgomery County Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick will have a hearing at 4 p.m. Monday on the suit 16 players filed to reinstate Cole and offensive coordinator Johnnie Cole, who were removed from their jobs Friday.

"I won't be there (at the hearing)," said senior tight end Chris Coleman, who was one of the plaintiffs, along with Williams.

"I wish the coaches Cole the best and I'll do anything for them -- as long as it doesn't interfere with football."

The players filed for the injunction Monday after Alabama State named Coe as the school's interim coach in place of L.C. Cole. School President Joe Lee declined comment on the suit.

"Any time there is litigation, I will have no comment," Lee said.

Coe hired defensive coordinator Tony Pierce and defensive assistant Jack Bush to replace two removed assistant coaches -- Johnnie Cole and linebackers coach Richard Freeman. Freeman isn't part of the suit filed by the players.

Coe's first practice was his first chance to evaluate his players.

"The best part of the day for me was practice," Coe said. "When you just sit in the office, you get phone calls and people want to talk about the season or what's happened before.

"I have nothing to do with that. I wish (the Coles) nothing but luck, but the biggest thing I'm worried about is the Alabama State football team."

The school suspended the Coles and Freeman after its internal investigation allegedly revealed major NCAA violations. The school sent the report to the NCAA on July 21.

Lee said the school won't release the report to the public because it meets an exemption in Alabama's open records law.

The Advertiser requested the report two weeks ago.
 
????

Originally posted by Get Ready
I disagree. You guys are on the upswing but you wont acknowlegde it. Whats the worst that could happen? Finishing in last place? Helllooooo? The press picked you for last place with Coles, that should tell you something. I think Coe is going to offer you a level of ingrity that you didnt have before...he has a lot of experience.....and he may be able to bring players and better contacts with him. This is a real step up.
Click to expand...


Originally posted by mighty hornet
If this "hire" had been made, in a timely manner, after a fair investigation was done, then you may have a point. I could write a book, but I won't.....

As far as your statement about the press picking us last and that telling us something, what should it tell us? and since they didnt pick u in first, what should that tell you?
(before you start crying that I'm "blaming" JSU, I'm just getting you to see you can't have it both ways, when you try to make your point.
Click to expand...

Originally posted by mighty hornet
thanks Oracle
and you posted the most important article last!!!

Though the situation is not over, there's a light shining. Alabama State University will overcome this mess. Sure there were and are knee-jerk reactions to the way things have transpired, but when the initial emotion wears off, I think we'll be more than alright!!!!!!!


Great, absolutely GREAT!!!!!!


Coe is saying all the right things so far. And for him to keep Cole's offense is definitely the right move. I went back and read some of his offensive philosophies and this dude will definitely have a wide open attack. Look for some big numbers to be put up!!!

:tup:


For the folks who wrote ASU off for this season, that was a premature move.

GOD is good!!!!!
Click to expand...

MH, what if anything was different in what you said and what GR said? It looks like for the time being that Coe will be good for the program????????????
 
Re: ????

Originally posted by JSU*Toi
MH, what if anything was different in what you said and what GR said?
Click to expand...

Toi, MH will not accept it, cause GR said it. If it comes from anyone else (excluding the Mafia), then MH will listen and accept it.
 
:smh:


Toi,
GR said that stuff sight unseen. The ONLY thing that was released at the time was that Coe had been named as interim coach, with no knowledge of Coe or his intentions with the system in place. Matter of fact, the players were saying they would boycott. For somebody to take that information alone and say we're on the "upswing" was way premature.
My statement was made AFTER Coe had stated his intentions, AFTER the players had met the man and seemed to accept him and seemed to be ready to play football, in spite of everything going on.
Surely, you can understand the difference in that.

beans,
You're only being beans and I expect nothing less than you looking for your usual mess.

give it up!

damn
:tdown:
 
Coe

I wonder what happens to Coe if ASU goes 4 and 7? Does he get whacked or does ASU lock him in for stability?
 
Originally posted by mighty hornet
GR said that stuff sight unseen. The ONLY thing that was released at the time was that Coe had been named as interim coach, with no knowledge of Coe or his intentions with the system in place. For somebody to take that information alone and say we're on the "upswing" was way premature.
My statement was made AFTER Coe had stated his intentions, AFTER the players had met the man and seemed to accept him and seemed to be ready to play football, in spite of everything going on.
Click to expand...

So basically you're saying, "I couldnt agree with GR because he said it before anyone else on TSPN or otherwise knew anything about this Coe guy. But now, after Coe have came in and took control of this program that was 'totally out of control' that I believe in him." Is that what you are saying? In other words, what GR said was true, but because he said it before you all knew what was going on that he had to be lying?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top