Hot Corner: Alabama keeps softball coach Patrick Murphy, shows its classPublished: Monday, June 13, 2011, 8:00 AMBy David Knox -- The Birmingham News al.com I don't have any inside knowledge as to why Patrick Murphy decided to renege on his agreement to coach LSU and return as Alabama's softball coach. I know what he said, and I've no reason to doubt that's the whole story.I do know he handled it with class. Too bad I can't say the same thing about LSU AD Joe Alleva's public response to his decision.Certainly, it would have been better if Murphy had not taken it in the first place, but once you've made what you believe to be a mistake by taking a new job, it's better not to make another one by staying some place you don't really want to be.Murphy's words were contrite, apologetic to both schools, and he said that his change of heart had nothing to do with LSU.Alleva felt the need to point out that Murphy had "committed to be our head coach" and that Murphy had given "every indication he was in this for the long haul." His words took on a bitterness when he said, "We will ... find a coach who will be the right leader ... who will wear the purple and gold with pride and will lead ... with integrity."I understand the disappointment Alleva feels. But is taking thinly veiled shots at Murphy in public the best he can do?If Alleva wants to see how you publicly handle losing a coach, maybe he should look at how Alabama AD Mal Moore handled Murphy's sudden, shocking decision to leave, even though Alabama was set to match LSU's offer."I can't say enough about the job Patrick has done for us here at Alabama," Moore said then. "He's an outstanding individual. He has built this program up to the top level nationally. I hate to see him go, but I wish him the very best."That's how you handle disappointment.
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