[Husker] A Big One Gets Away

[Alan Siporin]

First, I owe Jon an apology. After these many years on the internet I should
know better and control my sarcasm. Yes, it was sarcasm. Sorry about the low
dig, Jon.

Second, Mike you wrote: "I take it you were in the room when they conversed
and know exactly what was said and what was just implied?"

Hmmm. Isn't that sarcasm? More importantly, is this your new standard for
the list? We can only refer to things that we were personally present for?
(Whoops, there goes my sarcasm). I read numerous articles starting more than
18 months ago and running through last June, articles in both the LJ and OWH
online editions, that referred to this unique recruiting arrangement and how
it might backfire, first with Beck, and later with Freeman. Which it finally
did. I read many direct quotes from Callahan, Beck and Freeman referring to
this arrangement and how they all would abide by it. For people who follow
recruiting, this arrangement was hashed and rehashed numerous times.

But that wasn't my main point, anyway. I thought it interesting that
Callahan had one moral application for one circumstance and seemed to have a
different moral application for another. And I don't say this in judgment of
him. I sincerely see it as an opportunity to explore/discuss moral
conundrums. And Jon, that's what ticked me off. I said I was not judging
anyone, and you basically said you didn't believe me. My word wasn't good
enough for you. And that struck me wrong since the whole theme of my post
was the credibility of one's word.

I guess a sports list isn't the place for my observations on moral
conundrums and contradictions. As a novelist and commentator, it's what I
do, and since I generate conversations with high school and college kids on
such topics, it seemed good fodder for the list. I really didn't give it a
second thought. I just tossed it out there for responses. I wasn't expecting
to be called sanctimonious, especially when I made a point of saying this is
just for the sake of observation. Oh well. I'm passed it. I hope everyone
else is, or will be soon.

I sincerely wish everyone a happy holiday season, topped off with a Husker
victory over Michigan. And I wouldn't mind some recruiting coup, either,
like Mitch Mustain.

Alan