re: a request of our beloved "Negatigers" I mean "Realists"

Nice post. Some disagreements with you, which I’ll list below, but at least it is rational and invites a discussion.

That said, steel sharpens steel. Legitimate criticism of a coach – never players – is not only appropriate, but healthy. It’s part of the checks and balance system (much like the media supposedly is a check to the govt.). The heat from the fan base ultimately trickles to the admin, who then applies the heat to the coach. While I’m sure the admin reaches the same point independent of the fan base, to say that a fan base (or Rantard) does not influence the program is, well, wrong.

Personally, I subscribe to the school of frank, direct discussion. If someone is not living up to expectations, then you address it head-on, you don’t bite your lip or sweep it under the rug. Silence serves no purpose and only promotes festering problems. It’s actually very Pavlovian. You reward good behavior and punish bad.

Steel sharpens steel.