Tim Fletcher response to the Crowton thread - Crowton Staying

Before you read anymore, this is not from me, (Sports2, Cauble), this a message from Fletcher who's not a poster here, but wanted this posted.


Hey Guys… I am waiting patiently for my approval so I can post personally on the board; but with this thing spreading like Charlie Weiss in a lawn chair, maybe it’s best that my bow-tied friend in Baton Rouge relay a message for me.

Here is how the deal went down (sounds like “The Wire”!):

Yesterday afternoon, a prominent LSU Alum/TAF member left a voice mail for me at work. I returned his call where he told me:
“Fletch… I have it on the highest authority that Gary Crowton will be dismissed by Friday.”
“THIS Friday? That’s a little odd… why wait a week after the bowl game?”
“It’s taken a little time for the TAF to convince Alleva a move had to be made… even he knows something has to be done now.”
“Hmm. Well…”
“If you have to use my name, go ahead---I’d rather you not because (-----)…”
“Don’t worry. I’m going to make some phone calls… check with some folks in Baton Rouge and go from there.”
“Sounds Good. Thanks, Fletch… I’ve never steered you wrong before, you know. And I wouldn’t have called you if I wasn’t certain this time.”
“I appreciate it… thanks (_____)… talk to ya’ later.”

So, on my show this morning---NOT Tool Time With Timmy, although Mardigaritaville would probably prefer that for a show title, one of the regular callers asked about LSU and their local recruiting. I mentioned the Fobbs and Jackson article in the paper this morning and then said:

“Oh, James… you’re always looking for some good news about LSU, right?”
“Yep.”
(side note: James hoped Les and Gary would be gone after season)
“There is a rumor---granted a strong rumor regarding Gary Crowton being dismissed as early as Friday.”
“Really!”
“Here’s the deal… I spent about 2.5 hours yesterday chasing this and Ryan Mallett rumors down---along with one other story that I can’t say anything about until next Friday. A very reliable source, who has never led me down the wrong path, said the TAF and Joe Alleva have gotten together… all are unhappy with Gary as the OC and he will be dismissed on Friday. “
“Wow!”
“But… hold on… it IS still just a rumor at this point. I received a text back from the LSU Sports Information Office that said, “Just a rumor as far as I know.” I’ve known Gary from his days at Louisiana Tech---personally, I like and respect the man---he sure appears to be a good man, good husband, good dad. But I also completely understand LSU fans anger at the direction of the offense this season. Professionally, the move would make sense to me… I will continue to follow up on this today when I get back to work… if I can’t get confirmation or firm denial of the rumor by Friday, I guess we’ll wait and see. If Gary is still around after Friday, my source has been incorrect for the first time… if Gary is dismissed, my source is on target.”

There.

In a case of burying the lead, I did hear back from a school official today, who had spoken to Les this afternoon about his very issue---he says coaching staff will remain as is. Take that for what it is.

So, I guess bring on the angry mob! Light the torches! The Tool Has Spoken! If I’m going to be a tool, can I be a garden weasel? That thing is money!

Seriously, we are a little detached here in Shreveport from the daily goings-on of LSU athletics. We do our best by covering LSU as much as financially possible. The Tiger fans in our neck of the woods are just as passionate as those down south and are as eager for news regarding their team as WBRZ, WWL, WGNO, WAFB, WDSU and WVUE viewers. For 15 years, I have worked harder (no offense, Cauble, Ed, Steve, etc.) than any sports guy in the state on to put out a product on a daily basis that is informative, entertaining and enlightening. I don’t hit 1.000 every day but I try.

Let the crucifying begin!

Thanks Cauble… are those things pre-tied for you?

Fletcher