By Paul Gotham
It is only fitting on this first Monday of September – when we celebrate labor – that job and career choices fill the air of sports discussion.
Jeff Jagodzinski appeared rather comfortable some 10 months ago. The former head football coach of the Boston College Golden Eagles was in the third of a five-year contract. Somewhere along the line Jagodzinski decided he had enough of recruiting, booster dinners, and what not that goes with the title of being a college coach. Despite the warnings of BC athletic director, Gene DeFillippo, Jagodzinski went ahead and interviewed for the head coaching position of the New York Jets. With the interview went Jagodzinski’s job with BC. The tenuous head coaching position with the Jets never materialized, and Jagodzinski found himself on the unemployment line.
That is until Jagodzinski landed in Florida as the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now Jagodzinski finds himself looking for employment…again.
This time not of his choosing.
Late last week, Buccaneer head coach, Raheem Morris decided his team needed to go in a different direction, and Jagodzinski was no longer in Tampa Bay’s plans.
Hmmmm….wonder if Jagodzinski wouldn’t mind doing some recruiting or booster dinners. Maybe they serve Miller High Life at those booster banquets.
Jagodzinski could spend some time commiserating with Chan Gailey and Turk Schonert.
After cutting his teeth with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 90s, Gailey has not been able to find a home. He spent a couple of seasons coaching the Cowpokes. Much to the delight of many around the NFL, Chan started the Cowpokes winless post-season streak. Then Gailey tried his hand coaching Georgia Tech (coincidentally, he replaced George O’Leary – another labor dispute of sorts). Gailey lasted five years with the Rambling Wreck before landing with the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive coordinator. That job lasted a week ago when Gailey was relieved of his duties.
It must be offensive coordinator season, because now Schonert has taken a hit. After a feeble performance against, of all teams, the Lions, Schonert was sent packing.
Jagodzinski, Gailey, and Schonert could share a little of their wisdom about the High Life with the likes of Michael Crabtree. With others around the NFL losing their jobs, Crabtree and his peeps have decided the contract offered him is not enough. Crabtree, as is well known now, might consider sitting out the season. Here’s hoping his conciliar can float Crabtree a few loans to get him through to next season. Anyone want to take a guess at the interest rate of such provisions.
Rickey Rubio could stand for a lesson in labor relations. While everyone is trying to figure out the various scenarios to the Rubio situation and all of its pros and cons, the bottom line is the youngster entered the NBA draft and was taken. Now, he is deciding to stay in Spain. Sure, this may benefit his development in the long run as a player. In the meantime, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and namely new coach Kurt Rambis, are standing at the altar. The cute little ring bearers just made their walk and everyone is waiting for the bridegroom. The reception hall is reserved. Open bar is on tap. Meanwhile, Rubio is messing with the High Life.
Stephen Strasburg’s tango with the High Life could be interesting. As the dust has settled on the holdout of the #1 pick in the recent MLB draft, we come to find out Scott Boras wanted to get a record contract for his client. Boras worked his magic with Mark Teixeiria back in 2001. Of course, Boras also worked the record-setting contract for Ben McDonald. Big Ben went on to win a grand total of 78 Major league games. Strasburg will be lucky to get that many wins with the Nationals.
At least Strasburg got his fat deal. After Thursday night, LeGarrette Blount might never earn a fat paycheck from professional sports. Unless of course, Al Davis decides that he could use Blount’s abilities with the Silver and Black.
Yes, boys – mess with the High Life, and the High Life will mess with you.
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