.....especially on the college level.

If Steinbrenner's NY Yankees aren't a good example of that, then what is? Sure, they won the World Series this year, but how long of a drought did they go thru with constant 2nd place finishes against their main rivals for many, many years - in spite of their bloated salaries, and large market share.

Yet, we at LSU, expect to be the champions of the world EVERY year in college football?? Not only can money not buy you or guarantee you continual success, Success itself does not always breed more success - despite what the old adage says. Sometimes, success breeds opportunity for individuals, especially in the coaching ranks, to improve their status in the world (i.e. Saban to Miami, Muschamp to Texas as the Coach in Waiting, Pelini to Nebraska) ...... shall I go on?

Miles is suffering from a departure of most of his staff 2 years ago, plus the termination of his only competent and experienced QB. Sometimes when you reload, you find out that some of the "parts" still don't work right, but as a CEO or head coach, you try to work your way thru it without totally disrupting the entire organization. Miles has proven to be that type of coach and CEO.

Sure, Crowton's coaching and play-calling have been less than stellar this year, and I am in the ranks of those who believe that this is where the main problem lies. But, I believe Miles to be the type of CEO who is willing to give his key coaches the benefit of the doubt when there are other "parts to the puzzle" that aren't working at 100% (i.e. inconsistent OLine play, and inexperience at the QB position). Does Crowton and Miles need to take responsibility for that? Sure, but in the middle of the season, that is easier said than done - much more easily addressed after the season is over. Adjustments can be made to play-calling, and this I believe to be the main "bitch" from the mainstream Tiger fans who respect Miles and are still proud of our 8-2 Tigers. Other issues, such as a major coaching change at OC, burning redshirts, and/or putting young and inexperienced players in tough situations is not what a good HC or CEO wants to do except in a "last resort" situation. We are not in that situation - we are a respected team that has shown it can compete well against the very best, even if we happen to lose occassionally.

I, for one, am still proud to be an LSU fan, am willing to pay the extra dollars to enjoy a "live game" at Tiger Stadium, and refuse to boo at the games (for fear alone that the players may consider it to be their failure instead of coaching mistakes, and for fear that recruits and opposing fans will recognize our fanbase as being similar to a couple of other "prima donna" fanbases who never expect anything other than 100% execution game in and game out).

Look at your own homelife, your own personal career, and your personal health, and honestly ask yourself whether MONEY completely protected you from the "curve balls" that life throws you. IF you're older than 25, you know the honest and correct answer to that question. And, insofar as correcting problems when you see them occurring, it takes a leader with real character to correct those problems in a manner that doesn't totally disrupt or destroy.

We are as stupid and arrogant as a couple of other fanbases that I know quite well from recent experience if we think that we are the only team who is immune from having the occassional "down years" due to coaching and/or player changes. If 8-5 and a possible 10-2 (or even 8-4) is what we consider a "disaster", then we're damn "BLESSED" in comparison to the rest of the world.

When Miles starts losing the big recruiting battles, AND loses the confidence of his players and his coaches, THEN I will reconsider my position. But for now, I'm pleased that we have our $4.0 million coach! He will continue to make the right adjustments to keep this program stable, strongly competitive, and desirable for both players and fans.

GEAUX TIGERS!