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Pat Dye Field => War Damn Eagle => Topic started by: Sensi on August 21, 2009, 03:35:40 PM

Title: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Sensi on August 21, 2009, 03:35:40 PM
Eric Smith isn't a criminal. He's not planning a heist or even organizing an illegal front to move products. He got in a fight, late at night/early in the morning in a public place and was promptly arrested for it. What becomes of this legally is probably not going to require trial or anything along those lines.

The real trial is in how Gene Chizik handles this situation. It is the first "off-the-field incident" in his time at the helm for Auburn. If recent history is any indication (the players dismissed this summer for disruptive behavior in a classroom), he will not take it lightly. All of that is speculation until he makes an announcement one way or another.

The fact remains that he needs to make a firm stand about this to demonstrate his authority to his players and to an already divided fan base. On one hand, he must realize Eric Smith faces some further fines and perhaps probation, so more punishment could be construed as piling on with the legal system. On the other hand, if he gives an inch someone will take the mile and Chizik can't afford the public backlash or the internal conflict from the team if he appears "soft" with discipline.

However he plays it, Chizik must realize this incident can either become an afterthought or a footnote on his first season as head man on the Plains.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AuburnChopper 3.0 on August 21, 2009, 03:39:26 PM
Good read, but I have to ask. What would be considered "soft", "hard", or "too harsh" to the many many different opinions about Chizik and how he handles things?

I have a feeling regardless, it'll be scrutinzed with ANY conclusion he brings this to.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AUChizad on August 21, 2009, 03:45:02 PM
Good read, but I have to ask. What would be considered "soft", "hard", or "too harsh" to the many many different opinions about Chizik and how he handles things?

I have a feeling regardless, it'll be scrutinzed with ANY conclusion he brings this to.
If you want my actual opinion, too soft is anything less than some kind of suspension. It can be as light as as one quarter, as long as he's clearly being punished for his actions. Too harsh would be anything beyond three games.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AuburnChopper 3.0 on August 21, 2009, 03:48:17 PM
If you want my actual opinion, too soft is anything less than some kind of suspension. It can be as light as as one quarter, as long as he's clearly being punished for his actions. Too harsh would be anything beyond three games.

I can agree with this.  I hope that if we hear he's suspended for a "game" that he doesn't magically appear in the second half of said game.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AUChizad on August 21, 2009, 03:50:06 PM
I can agree with this.  I hope that if we hear he's suspended for a "game" that he doesn't magically appear in the second half of said game.
Agreed.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Snaggletiger on August 21, 2009, 03:56:24 PM
First off, I expect Chizik to be tight lipped about the whole thing.  He's been that way on most everything to date from practice, to injuries all the way to booting the players this summer.  My guess (Definitely a guess) is there are set rules in place about staying out of trouble and out of the papers away from the football field and classroom.  It would appear Smith crossed the line and I imagine a suspension of some sort...game(s) will be in order.  

Like RWS and others have said about Upshaw...right or wrong, you've got to know better than to put yourself in that situation.  Unless it turns out that this is all a misunderstanding and Smith is not guilty of what is alleged, I'll be disappointed in Chizik if some type of discipline is not enforced.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Kaos on August 21, 2009, 04:14:46 PM
I think he should suspend him.  Unless we're behind and need him to play or his parents are in the stands. 

And then he should make some drama queen statements about football being the equivalent of nuclear war and that he considers his men soldiers.  Expendable soldiers who should be soaked in gasoline, set on fire and sent running toward the opposing sideline. 

Then I think he should scour the back alleys and mean streets of Mobile -- or at least the courthouses -- and find some guys who were at a drug-related shooting but didn't actually fire the weapon, allegedly.  Measure their vertical jump, make sure they get a nice car with some blingy rims and bring them on to campus for an "education".

Then he should go out and give Rivals $400 so Auburn could be named the "recruiting national champion."   

Then I think he should bitch the media out for asking questions and slap a secretary for putting too much ice in his Mountain Dew. 

Or not.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 21, 2009, 04:19:29 PM
I think he should suspend him.  Unless we're behind and need him to play or his parents are in the stands. 

And then he should make some drama queen statements about football being the equivalent of nuclear war and that he considers his men soldiers.  Expendable soldiers who should be soaked in gasoline, set on fire and sent running toward the opposing sideline. 

Then I think he should scour the back alleys and mean streets of Mobile -- or at least the courthouses -- and find some guys who were at a drug-related shooting but didn't actually fire the weapon, allegedly.  Measure their vertical jump, make sure they get a nice car with some blingy rims and bring them on to campus for an "education".

Then he should go out and give Rivals $400 so Auburn could be named the "recruiting national champion."   

Then I think he should bitch the media out for asking questions and slap a secretary for putting too much ice in his Mountain Dew. 

Or not.
Alright buddy...Behavior Probation for you!
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Wishbone on August 21, 2009, 04:21:06 PM
The teams in the worst scholarship-player situation are Miss St. and Auburn with 75 each at the beginning of Fall camp.  ( I know we just awarded 3 walk-ons bringing us to 78.)  Both these programs were run by disciplinarians (Croom and CTT).  I don't think a draconian approach is what you want to do if you want to win football games.  You don't want to drive players away especially when you can only sign 28 a year.  
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AUChizad on August 21, 2009, 04:23:10 PM
I think he should suspend him.  Unless we're behind and need him to play or his parents are in the stands. 

And then he should make some drama queen statements about football being the equivalent of nuclear war and that he considers his men soldiers.  Expendable soldiers who should be soaked in gasoline, set on fire and sent running toward the opposing sideline. 

Then I think he should scour the back alleys and mean streets of Mobile -- or at least the courthouses -- and find some guys who were at a drug-related shooting but didn't actually fire the weapon, allegedly.  Measure their vertical jump, make sure they get a nice car with some blingy rims and bring them on to campus for an "education".

Then he should go out and give Rivals $400 so Auburn could be named the "recruiting national champion."   

Then I think he should bitch the media out for asking questions and slap a secretary for putting too much ice in his Mountain Dew. 

Or not.
Proof that the old Kevin is under there somewhere...
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Kaos on August 21, 2009, 04:33:48 PM
Alright buddy...Behavior Probation for you!

Can we handle it "in house"?
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 21, 2009, 05:00:12 PM
Can we handle it "in house"?
Sure.  Just don't ask me about any fucking depth charts.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: RWS on August 21, 2009, 05:16:07 PM
I highly doubt most of you care that Smith even got arrested, judging from some of the replies I've seen in both threads. Its amusing, let an Alabama player get arrested for nearly the same thing (except it happened with a female), and its a Greek tragedy and heads should roll.

How many will genuinely frown upon anything short of a suspension? 
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AuburnChopper 3.0 on August 21, 2009, 05:19:13 PM
I highly doubt most of you care that Smith even got arrested, judging from some of the replies I've seen in both threads. Its amusing, let an Alabama player get arrested for nearly the same thing (except it happened with a female), and its a Greek tragedy and heads should roll.

How many will genuinely frown upon anything short of a suspension? 

I guess you've just had a lot more opportunities to learn how to handle this type of situation.   :eyeroll:
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 21, 2009, 05:21:47 PM
I highly doubt most of you care that Smith even got arrested, judging from some of the replies I've seen in both threads. Its amusing, let an Alabama player get arrested for nearly the same thing (except it happened with a female), and its a Greek tragedy and heads should roll.

How many will genuinely frown upon anything short of a suspension? 
<raises hand>  I think he did something very stupid and it warrants a suspension.  I also think the idea of "Behavior Probation" reeks of arrogance.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Kaos on August 21, 2009, 05:28:59 PM
I highly doubt most of you care that Smith even got arrested, judging from some of the replies I've seen in both threads. Its amusing, let an Alabama player get arrested for nearly the same thing (except it happened with a female), and its a Greek tragedy and heads should roll.

How many will genuinely frown upon anything short of a suspension? 

You are assuming many facts not in evidence.  Let me recap for you:

1) Most of us are genuinely concerned with the situation and intently interested in how our coaching staff handles the first off-field incident we can remember since Mike Price was briefly your head coach.

2) Most of us would ridicule a dead grandmother if she were wearing Bama attire. It's just a source of amusement for us.  We make fun of you because it's easy. 

3) There's a whole lot of difference between a guy punching a girl and a guy punching a guy.  If you don't believe me, bring your girlfriend on over and let me punch both of you.  If she's really, really hot I'll punch you first.  In the temple. 

4) 90% of what we say is intended to be humorous or to, again, make fun of you (bama fans collectively).  But if your girlfriend is, like, really super hot?  I might not have been kidding about the punching thing.  Send me a photo so I can decide if it fits in the 10% or not. 

5) On a serious note? If Smith is not suspended, providing that an investigation into his behavior shows wrongdoing on his part, the vast majority of us will be greatly disappointed and I dare say what  confidence we have in Chizik would wane.  In that respect we are not like you.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: El Guapo on August 21, 2009, 05:34:25 PM
I look at it like this... We have two weeks before the season. You can work the players ass off running extra drills, community service, etc. and never need to have the player miss a snap.

I just see it as the season is still far enough away that you can come up with something other than missing a game.

Naturally this all depends on what each person does to get into trouble.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AuburnChopper 3.0 on August 21, 2009, 05:44:17 PM
I look at it like this... We have two weeks before the season. You can work the players ass off running extra drills, community service, etc. and never need to have the player miss a snap.

I just see it as the season is still far enough away that you can come up with something other than missing a game.

Naturally this all depends on what each person does to get into trouble.

I'm sure that having to pick up trash on campus, or having to run a few extra laps might suck, but missing games is what gets their attention.  Take away their "glory time".  The games are what they are there for.

Practice??  We're talking about....Practice?  Really... I mean ... Practice??
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Pell City Tiger on August 21, 2009, 06:13:31 PM
I wonder if Mayfield Ice Cream would be interested in picking up Colonial Bank's slack as a sponsor of Auburn athletics?

Kaos nailed it on the head - there's a HUGE difference in fighting a dude as compared to choking out a chick. I would sit his ass for 2 games if I were the head ball corch. Bama set their precedent with Wimp Sanderson, and repeated it with Dubose - anything goes as long as you win.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: The Prowler on August 21, 2009, 06:26:09 PM
I say cut him......take a Damn stand!!!!  Or...just suspend him for a few games and say that "we will not tolerate this kind of behavior, it's completely unacceptable...Eric Smith might as well as have choke slammed a lot lizard, PERIOD!!!"  Then add, "this incident, or any similar to it, will not be swept under the rug like they do over in East Mississippi."
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: The Prowler on August 21, 2009, 07:01:59 PM
I just heard.....from the skreets, of course.....that Eric Smith is not at practice today.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: RWS on August 21, 2009, 07:36:25 PM
I just heard.....from the skreets, of course.....that Eric Smith is not at practice today.
Skreets = most AU blogs/beatwriters. Nice scoop.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: RWS on August 21, 2009, 08:13:26 PM
Chizik has spoken....
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/08/auburns_chizik_says_smith_will.html#more (http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/08/auburns_chizik_says_smith_will.html#more)

Quote

Todd Van Emst/Auburn
Eric Smith
Auburn coach Gene Chizik met with running back Eric Smith on Friday, and told the media afterward that if fans see Smith in an Auburn uniform again, he's paid a price.
Smith was arrested early Friday morning for disorderly conduct. Smith did not practice Friday. Chizik would not reveal the extent of Smith's penalty or punishment.

Chizik said he was disappointed in Smith. He met with the team over the incident before practice.

``It was an incident that I've spent a lot of the day fact-finding and doing a lot of research on the incident,'' Chizik said. ``In my opinion, it's a family matter between Eric, myself and our football team. But I can assure you that is has been addressed. I've met with the young man, I've met with our football team. We have certain expectations of an Auburn man and quite frankly he didn't live up to that. So we've addressed it and if you see him in an Auburn uniform again I can guarantee you that he's paid a price to be an Auburn man and he'll be a lot better one at that point than he is now.''
Who wants to bet he will take some snaps against La Tech?
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Tiger Wench on August 21, 2009, 08:29:33 PM
Who wants to bet he will take some snaps against La Tech?
Doubt it.

Also, getting the team involved carries some weight with me too.  Not only did everyone weigh in, but everyone learns the lesson.

He was not drunk.  He was not fighting with a woman.  He was stupid.  He was someplace he had no business being. 

I am satisfied for the moment. 
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: RWS on August 21, 2009, 08:33:35 PM
Doubt it.

Also, getting the team involved carries some weight with me too.  Not only did everyone weigh in, but everyone learns the lesson.

He was not drunk.  He was not fighting with a woman.  He was stupid.  He was someplace he had no business being. 

I am satisfied for the moment. 
For the record, I have no issue with Smith not being suspended. I would still like to see the police report that these news outlets have, though. Everybody was pretty quick to get Upshaw's on the internet, but nothing yet on Smith. Anyway, I'm fine with no suspension for him. My comment is mainly pointed towards those who have said his actions warrant a suspension.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: The Prowler on August 21, 2009, 10:18:58 PM
I'm guessing a two to three game suspension....possibly more, that'll depend on Eric Smith.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Hogwally on August 21, 2009, 11:13:00 PM
     At least he didn't go to kick the guy, sling off his shoe, and dislocate his big toe.  That kind of thing can cost you the Heisman a few years later, at least if you play as the same time as Jesus's nephew Tebow.
 
     Kind of hate to see something like this, but think back, how many of you were out at 12:00 or 1:00 the week before school started?  It's not like it's crazy wild behavior for a college student.   I always get a kick out of things like this.  If the kid was a normal student, he would be 1 of 100 at Auburn (or any other school) who got in this kind of trouble over the last week, but since he plays ball, everyone in the country who follows college football will know about it.

     Unless something else comes out to make the story worse, run the kid every day, make sure everyone knows he's getting extra running, then maybe sit him out the first half of the first game.  That's what I'd do of I ran the zoo....
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Sensi on August 21, 2009, 11:43:56 PM
I have come to the realization that this is what we are going to get from Chizik.

He's not going to tell us anything we don't know.

How he acts and reacts will be our only glimpse into his rhyme and reason.

Well, at least I won't waste time listening or reading his pressers.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Jumbo on August 22, 2009, 06:52:34 AM
Chizik has spoken....
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/08/auburns_chizik_says_smith_will.html#more (http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/08/auburns_chizik_says_smith_will.html#more)
Who wants to bet he will take some snaps against La Tech?
I'll use your A as my avator if he plays more than 5 snaps.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: DnATL on August 22, 2009, 08:06:40 AM
3) There's a whole lot of difference between a guy punching a girl and a guy punching a guy.  If you don't believe me, bring your girlfriend on over and let me punch both of you.  If she's really, really hot I'll punch you first.  In the temple. 

4) 90% of what we say is intended to be humorous or to, again, make fun of you (bama fans collectively).  But if your girlfriend is, like, really super hot?  I might not have been kidding about the punching thing.  Send me a photo so I can decide if it fits in the 10% or not. 

No girlfriend - remember him talking about getting married and honeymooning on the cruise out of Mobile?  Based on this wedding picture, you may want to follow Clint's advice from "Unforgiven" and punch her first.
(http://www.lilligren.com/Redneck/images/redneck_wedding_2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: RWS on August 22, 2009, 12:08:16 PM
No girlfriend - remember him talking about getting married and honeymooning on the cruise out of Mobile?  Based on this wedding picture, you may want to follow Clint's advice from "Unforgiven" and punch her first.
(http://www.lilligren.com/Redneck/images/redneck_wedding_2.jpg)
I've posted a picture of my wife on here before, and from what I understand, I'm definitely batting out of my league.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Jumbo on August 22, 2009, 02:46:25 PM
I've posted a picture of my wife on here before, and from what I understand, I'm definitely batting out of my league.
Did you out kick your coverage?
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Argo on August 22, 2009, 02:55:21 PM
Did you out kick your coverage?

Or maybe she shanked one?
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: The Prowler on August 22, 2009, 02:56:39 PM
Or maybe she shanked one?
Yeah, that's it.  :rofl:
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: RWS on August 22, 2009, 04:47:51 PM
Or maybe she shanked one?
Laces out!!!!
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: War Eagle!!! on August 22, 2009, 05:55:47 PM
I've posted a picture of my wife on here before, and from what I understand, I'm definitely batting out of my league.

 :eyeroll:

What do you want people to say? "Damn, that bitch is ugly. What the fuck were you thinking?"
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Jumbo on August 22, 2009, 06:12:01 PM
Laces out!!!!
It's Marino's fault!
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Kaos on August 22, 2009, 06:25:40 PM
So when are you coming by so I can punch you both? 
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: DnATL on August 22, 2009, 08:04:12 PM
So when are you coming by so I can punch you both? 
Him in the temple, her in the back of the head?
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Kaos on August 22, 2009, 08:05:25 PM
Him in the temple, her in the back of the head?

Ixnay on the ivinggay up ecretsay. 
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: DnATL on August 22, 2009, 08:08:57 PM
Ixnay on the ivinggay up ecretsay. 
They may figure it out when they pull up and see you wearing this shirt...
(http://jagofftees.com/zencart/images/donkey_punch.jpg)
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: DnATL on August 22, 2009, 08:29:54 PM
I've posted a picture of my wife on here before, and from what I understand, I'm definitely batting out of my league.
Well good for you, although with you being a fan of uat "out of your league" could just mean she has a pulse and an IQ in triple digits.   Besides, I can't imagine the woman in that picture with you above going on a cruise of any sort, at least not without it being followed by a flotilla of Japanese "research" vessels and the SS Steve Irwin with its crew of "sea shepherd" bleeding hearts. :poke:
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: El Guapo on August 22, 2009, 08:35:30 PM
I think we're all missing the point here... I love titties.  :tits:
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: Argo on August 22, 2009, 09:27:31 PM
:eyeroll:

What do you want people to say? "Damn, that bitch is ugly. What the eff were you thinking?"

Over here, I would fully expect that to be the response if it were true.  You fuckers are heartless.
Title: Re: The Importance of How Chizik Handles the Eric Smith Situation
Post by: AUTiger1 on August 22, 2009, 11:22:13 PM
Over here, I would fully expect that to be the response if it were true.  You effers are heartless.

That cuts deep.