Wear A Uniform, Win A Talkshow

I woke up this morning and thought it was 1987.

I kept searching for a time machine (not pictured).

Why was Melvin Bratton on the front page of the Miami Herald sports section?

Turns out, he had some harsh words for the Canes program.
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As I read it, I thought, jeez, slow news day.

Was Carlos Huerta unavailable for comment?

They couldn't reach Eddie Brown?

Perhaps Ted Hendricks had a few thoughts?

I let it go.

Later in the day, a friend asked me on facebook what I thought of his comments.

My response was: Why is Mel Bratton the spokesman for the 2010 Canes?
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One of the local radio stations has a policy.

If you have ever worn a UM uniform, you get your own talk show.

It's an interesting giveaway.

As such, I'm inundated with Michael Irvin, Gino Torretta, Randal Hill, Lamar Thomas, and Sebastian the Ibis. (I made that last one up, though I might give them an idea--- wouldn't be the first time).

What I've learned listening to these various hosts (besides that talk shows are for people who are you know--- broadcasters) is the following:

There is a leadership void at the University of Miami.
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I'll use the analogy of one my other great loves, Duke basketball.

Sure, Duke is a program proud of its tradition.

But, when they lose a big game, Christian Laettner isn't ripping the current guys. We don't have to worry about Bobby Hurley going off.

Instead, the man who STEERS the tradition and who built it, Coach K is the ONE voice.

That's what leadership is about sometimes, one voice.
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Now look at Miami football.

It's as if some of the guys haven't been told that the "U" documentary is no longer filming.

The voice of the program needs to be Randy Shannon.

He is a bridge between past, present and future.

But because 1. his team is not performing well 2. he looks at interviews as tooth extractions with microphones, there's no unified message going out to Canes nation.

900 former Canes have stepped up to fill the void.

700 of them have their own talk shows in town.
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This Miami program should embrace its past greatness and its former players.

But you know what's more important than that?

Not getting your ass kicked by four touchdowns at home by Florida State.

That should be a little higher on the priority list.

I don't care what the Class of 1986 has to say.

They had their time.

I'm anxious to see what the Class of 2010 is going to do.

At this point, it hasn't been much.