[Husker] Pederson

[Steve Reichenbach]

> There was never any contract for the game, so there was no "deal" from
> which to back out. At what point does NU become "honor bound" to play
> a game?

There are degrees of honor.  No, NU was not legally bound to the deal,
nor perhaps was it, as you characterize, even "honor bound".  But,
there are different ways of dealing with people.  Let's consider some
different ways

One way is to tell your head football coach and the media that you will
wait to discuss the coaching until the season is over, when you have
made up your mind to fire the coach, are talking to boosters about those
plans, and avoid meeting with the coach while slipping notes under the
coach's door.  Another way is to be upfront with the coaches and the
media.  Which did Pederson do?  Well, we don't really know, but he
left many people unhappy with his actions.

One way is to tell Pellini that he will be interviewed and considered
for the head coaching job, when you have no intention of hiring him.
Another way is to tell him he will be interviewed and considered, but
that strong consideration will be given to applicants with head
coaching experience.  The first way might be "honest" in so far as
it goes, but is misleading.  The other communicates more fully the
situation without being insulting.  Which did Pederson do?  Well, we
don't really know, but he left Pellini unhappy.

One way is to negotiate with Houston as if it is your intention to
enter into a contract, when in fact you are negotiating with other
parties and would only sign with Houston if other negotiations didn't
pan out.  Another way is to negotiate with Houston while communicating
that you're not ready to make a commitment and are looking at other
possibilities.  Which did Pederson do?  Well, we don't really know,
but he left Houston's AD unhappy.

There may be doubt about these and other individual situations (such
as the building contracts), but when there is so much smoke you have
to think there is a fire.  At what point do you admit that Pederson
creates concern about his "honor" in his dealings with people?