#he is truly not beating the “he's just ken” allegations

[yllowpages]

johnny calling his house "casa del cage" in the invasions game mode...........

this man has a moj.o do.jo ca.sa hous.e

[scienceshir]

WARNING a long ass post ahead, but only because this beef got weird and crazy af (imo) lol

Lol this beef even made the educators who met/knew of J Cole while he attended St. John's university come out lol. This woman said she interviewed him for something in relation to the school and said he always had a good head on his shoulders and was not surprised that he made a smart move:

That being said, I hope he continues to be smart and stop fucking with Aubrey, forreal. The reasons for Cole to keep his distance from dude just keeps on adding up. Cuz why his house getting shot at. Why he dealing with drivebys (or possibly setting them up for public sympathy). Whether that shooting was real or not, its messy and dangerous. I really like Cole, so I am praying the union they had is done and Drake is not on the fall off. We don't wanna hear it. Not because Kendrick obviously doesn't like him. But like we notice, every time he comes around Cole, Cole has to deal with some damn stray/negativity. Mess follows that dude, and I don't like how he handled/reacted to Cole for apologizing. Its a good thing Cole made that last minute move to exit or he would be mocked by the entire world like Aubrey or something. The only thing they are taking seriously about Aubrey now is them predator/pedo allegations. The feds could be watching him/his crew, cause them allegations Kendrick threw were serious (as are the allegations that Aubrey threw to Kendrick), and Aubrey didn't really do himself justice when he responded at all. I personally hated that molestation approach he took, thats just me. Out of all the disses, that was the first time I truly felt disgusted by what I was listening to. I know its battle rap, but there had to be a better way than that. Anyway, One of the main reasons I hope Cole distances himself is because of how low key spiteful Aubrey acted towards Cole for dropping out. He acted like the trolls on the internet did. As I mentioned before, it was obvious Drake didn't take the apology decision well at first. But still, a month goes by, and on his Family matters diss, Aubrey did that shit again. And everyone noticed- some were even taken aback that he kept poking at it, so much so, the top comment under the official video is about how he threw another stray at cole:

I think this is why in "Not like us", Kendrick said Drake "Did cole foul, why you still pretending", after mentioning how Drake disrespected tupac. Kendrick was def reacting to the family matters diss because he mentioned Drake's slave comment. So I think by "foul" he meant that Aubrey of all people is the one that keeps throwing jabs at Cole, knowing Cole was doing what was truly best for himself/his life. He should have been understanding or like "whatever" by that point, but clearly he was not. Kendrick himself didn't even react that way to the apology and he was the one that got a whole diss record thrown on him from cole. If ANYONE should be hanging that over Cole's head after a month, its Kendrick. But Ken did not, Aubrey did, just like Cole's haters did. Thats interesting. And yeah, that makes aubrey seem entitled and like he really didn't care , he just wanted Cole to still be involved probably because that would have served him more. Yea, Aubrey is never beating the "user/shady/fake/not a good person" allegations. In my opinion, he showed Cole his hand with these multiple poor apology reactions. I really hope this entire situation finally made Cole re-evaluate and start being more careful with who he works with and lets get close to him. I don't think he been the best at that these past 2-3 years. I think he always just cared about the music and making music/making money. But this beef should have showed him, he really should start caring. This beef was like a domino affect. It got sad and ugly for almost everyone. Many things showed showed you can not trust these people or be too friendly with them. Aubrey's own crew has moles in them and is trying to help take him down. Cole got lucky because this got ugly for almost everyone, including their families. And we don't even know if Ken and aubrey were really telling the whole truths on each other or if they was just spewing the worst lies/rumors just to destroy each other (although obviously there is more "evidence" for the allegations against drake)

Kendrick still the winner in my eyes if I had to pick between him and Aubrey. Cole is still a winner to me for doing something that I could tell in many ways was best for him and in the long run he will probably appreciate his decision even more. He graduated from a good university with a 3.8 GPA and we see why

[whoisleft-rp]

CONGRATULATIONS TO KATHERINE //

// FOR EARNING THE ROLE OF RABASTAN LESTRANGE

Please send your blog to the main within 24 hours, familiarize yourself with the FAQ, and check the blogroll for who to follow and tags to track. Your accepted application will be posted in full on our members-only application archive. Additionally, your faceclaim change has been accepted and new graphics are in the works. We’re so excited to have you bringing this chaotic babe back onto the dashboard!

Fast Facts:

Rabastan’s heart is obvious, bleeding, and constantly worn on his sleeve. He’s never been able to perfect the art of a stony expression like his brother, or how to close off his emotions like his father. Anybody who knows him well enough will be able to tell when his smile is forced – if he’s happy, jealous, excited, sad, irritated, you’d know it. The boy is an open book for anyone who bothers taking the time to read him.

Others will describe Rabastan as carefree, but it runs even deeper than that. Before realizing the extent of the Dark Lord’s expectations, he truly believed that he was, in a word, untouchable. His family has the name, the money, the reputation and strength to get him out of any sticky situation between anybody in the pureblooded society, and he can’t even imagine what kind of power a muggleborn would have that he can’t beat. All he has to do is be loyal to the ideals that raised him, and that isn’t even that hard – he learned very quickly how to throw on a charming smile and tactfully change a heated topic. 

Of the Slytherin house’s common traits, Rabastan was chosen for his cunning, cleverness, and loyalty to his family. He was in no means a hat stall, in fact his Sorting took all of two seconds. Which is a surprising thing for most people, given how well he gets on with almost everyone he meets. And, yes, that includes ‘blood traitors’ and Muggleborns. Politics are complicated and grudges cause wrinkles. It’s almost endearing, almost charming until you realize that his tolerance is really just willful obliviousness — he has the luxury of not having to care what people think, because he can buy every single safety net in the universe. So dance with him, drink with him, and never for a moment worry that he’s secretly judging you. Just don’t expect him to stand up to his friends when they call you a slur the next day.

Rumors

the good.

Rabastan is a good person to have during group projects. It’s a surprising thing, given how lax he comes off, but he’s marvelous at taking orders and finds that complaining clashes horribly with his instinctual need to keep those around him happy. He’s resourceful, too, and far too confident with his mouth – which makes him perfectly content with handling the ever dreaded task of presenting in front of a class. He’s a good team player, because he actually enjoys being one.

the bad.

In their third year, Isaiah Gloryflower asked Rabastan to be his second during his duel against Justin Kennings. The next day, Isaiah was in the infirmary because his ears kept trying to flap themselves off his head and Justin missed Charms because he was sobbing in his dorm room. Apparently Isaiah got wrecked because Rabastan never showed up, because he’d been busy making out with Olivia Benson — Justin’s girlfriend. Rabastan’s alleged excuse to Isaiah when he went to drop off Get Well Soon muffins: “hey, in complete fairness I did technically still help you knock him down a peg.”  

On at least four separate occasions, he’s gotten another student in trouble because he paid them to do something and then didn’t back them up when they got caught. Any time that it’s Rabastan himself that is getting his hands dirty, he’s confidently and effectively always been able to buy or talk his way out of it. It’s a general assumption that any scheme that he tries to rope another into is only half baked, and he’s only got one escape plan – and it’s for himself.

the false.

The Lestrange family has always had at least two sons in each line, and has therefore cultivated a sequence-based duty for each: the eldest is to marry for power, the second is to marry for wealth. If a line is lucky enough to be blessed with a third, then he is to marry for influence. Therefore Rabastan is set aside for a daughter whose family holds the biggest shares in Gringott’s by the time he’s twenty. This is not only meant to promote a strong tie, but to ensure that the Lestrange vault is further secured with every generation.

[the-record-columns]

Jan. 8, 2020: Columns

Cold water and olive oil...

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

Usually it is wintertime before I recount the story of the bitter cold day when I was at Harold’s Restaurant over on Hwy 115 just across the top of what for years was affectionately known as Liquor Hill in North Wilkesboro.

I had asked the late Harold Call for a Band-Aid for my sore thumb and he asked me what had happened to it. I told him I had bumped it on the car door as I got out coming into the restaurant and it was killing me-and that it would be killing me all winter. I went on to tell Harold that it was cracked open by the dry winter weather so badly it looked like there was a hot coal inside my thumb and I could even feel my heart beat in my thumb as I suffered.

And my mother knew, my daddy the preacher knew, my brothers know, and all my wives know–I do not suffer very well. And certainly not in silence.

Well, on that fateful day, Harold, or Dr. Call as we called him, smiled broadly, handed me a Band-Aid, and said, “All you have to do is wash your hands in cold water all winter and your problem will go away.”

That seemed just too easy, but it worked–perfectly–and changed my winters for all time. As time went on Harold relayed many home remedies to me that were simple, safe, and they worked. We lost our friend Harold Call a few years ago. He was a truly wonderful man and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him misses him every day.

Which brings me to today’s story:

Many times in this space I recount a visit from someone who stopped by The Record and Thursday Printing’s offices. Sometime back, a man who introduced himself as Fletcher Jones from Boomer stopped in. He immediately went to the banjo on the counter, a very rare short scale 5-string banjo, and picked it up. He held it like it was an infant and plunked out a few notes. We began to talk, and I learned he was a musician who could play many things including the piano. I, of course, love my piano, and asked him to play something for me. He held up his hands, and I could see that they were badly gnarled with arthritis, but he said he would try. After he played for a while, I remarked that I would have loved to hear him earlier, because, even with his crippled hands, he played remarkably well. Mr. Jones was a fascinating guy and I very much enjoyed our expanded visit that day.

Fast forward to several months later, and Mr. Jones returned. I felt sure it was him, but something was so different and I chose not to say his name. He didn’t mention his name again either, so finally I asked him to remind me who he was. “Why, Fletcher Jones,” he replied, “I’ve been in here before.” I assured him that I remembered him well, but frankly I remembered his hands looking markedly different before. He proudly held out both his hands and his fingers were in unbelievably better condition. I honestly do not know how to adequately describe the improvement.

When I asked him what he had done, he told me a story. He said that not long after he was in our office he was at a store holding the door open for his wife to enter. As he held the door a stranger noticed his twisted hand and asked if he could speak to him for a moment. That stranger told him to begin taking a large spoonful of olive oil each morning and his hands would very likely get better.

Skeptical, but willing to try most anything that appeared safe, he began the olive oil regimen. As the months passed by, his hands began to get better, and better. He said it was almost like a miracle, the transformation he had watched right before his very eyes, and went on to say he was planning to take a large spoonful of olive oil every day for the rest of his life.

His eyes sparked when I asked him to play my piano again, and he set it on fire. Truly it was a blessing to see Fletcher smile and play that day. I told him the “cracked fingers” story and about my friend Harold Call.

After he left I couldn’t help but think that Dr. Call would be proud of this one.

United we stand

By AMBASSADOR EARL COX and KATHLEEN COX

Special to The Record

Despite denials, for many years Iran has been hard at work building its nuclear infrastructure and perfecting it conventional weapons capabilities.  They’ve also been busy “winning friends and influencing others” as they form alliances with China, Russia, Syria and others who embrace their brand of Islam and their hatred of America.

Likewise, Israel has not been asleep at the wheel. Knowing that a serious confrontation with Iran was a distinct possibility, Israel has been training her army and air force to be mission capable at a moment’s notice and to be flexible enough to handle changing hostile environments without missing a beat. “Peace through strength” has always been the Israeli creed and it’s been backed up by their strong, and sometimes daring, actions.

In recent days, Iran put an $80 million dollar contract on the life of U.S. President Donald Trump for ordering the targeted killing of the world’s worst known terrorists, Qasem Solimani, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).  This took Iran by surprise and they have vowed to retaliate.  Furthermore, Iran has vowed to strike Israel if the United States retaliates against Iran for what they are threatening to send our way.  All of this rhetoric has placed Iran in a very precarious position because, in the Middle East, idle threats are a clear sign of weakness.  To save face, Iran must act.

Israel is fully prepared, armed and ready.  Iran will think twice before sending missiles in her direction.  In addition, when under threat, the people of Israel know the importance of forming a united front. For this reason, many Israelis are standing with Prime Minister Netanyahu despite the fact that he has been indicted (but not convicted) for alleged fraud, bribery and corruption.  Israel knows that united they stand.  America needs to learn this same lesson very, very quickly as Iran will exploit America’s division to America’s own detriment.  It’s time for the Democrats to put away their open and very public hatred for Trump and instead form a united front against America’s enemy.  There is no Democrat boat or Republican boat.  We are all in the same boat and it’s the one on which Iran has trained her sights. Divided we fall but, united we stand. 

The Don Gibson with Spiders and Snakes

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas  

Not so long ago, we were in production at the Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby, for one of our Carolina Theater Trail broadcast segments. The general idea of these segments is to highlight theaters in the Carolinas that have historical significance and are producing shows regularly.

The Don Gibson Theatre certainly meets our requirements. The Art Deco style building initially opened as the State Theater on October 27th, 1939. That was the same year that now-iconic movies such as The Yellow Brick Road, Gone with The Wind, Mr. Smith goes to Washington, The Hunch Back of Notre Dame, It’s a Wonderful Life and Stagecoach hit the big screen.

This was also a time when you had the opportunity to meet one of the stars at the theater possibly. It was great promotion for the theater and the movie. Just imagine going to the movies and meeting one of your favorite cowboy actors. It was quite the show for sure.

Things do change over the years, and so it was with the State Theater which would become The Flick theater in the mid-late '70s. The building would also have other lives before setting empty with an uncertain fate. That is until a group of concerned citizens came together to create a plan that would help revitalize the area and celebrate two of the area’s musical legends, Don Gibson and Earl Scruggs.

In time, the old courthouse on Shelby's town square would become the now-celebrated Earl Scruggs Center and the State Theater, with its Art Deco style, would become The Don Gibson Theatre that now hosts approximately 100 shows and events per year.

Stan Lowery, General Manager of the Don Gibson Theatre, shared that while there have been challenges, the victories have been far more significant. Stan recalled that the first movie he saw at the State Theater was the Jungle Book, which came out in 1967. Now that he books around 30 national acts a year for the Don Gibson Theatre, he sees firsthand the value of providing well know entertainment for the community.  

As it turns out, during the day of our production at the Don Gibson the evening’s entertainment was a Song Writer’s in the Round program featuring Jim Stafford, Walt Aldridge, and Lenny LeBlanc.

The three of them have written many well-known songs; however, it would be Jim Stafford that we would spend time with on camera.

While Jim is an excellent songwriter, he is also a great entertainer with dynamic timing. Our interview with Jim was a heartfelt and laughter filled walk down memory lane.

It’s hard to watch one of his television appearances and not smile or laugh when he sings one of his hits like Spiders and Snakes, Wildwood Weed or The Swamp Witch.

Regarding writing, he said he did not have a specific method or muse, it was “Butt powered; Sitting on your butt and just doing it.” The Jim Stafford Theatre in Branson Mo., has been going for over 30 years. Now in his mid-70’s, he still loves the music and putting on the show. He shared many great stories in our interview.

With all his years of writing and entertainment, I found it interesting that his appearance at the Don Gibson Theater was his first participation in a Song Writers in the Round performance. I ask him why he did it. He said, “Someone called, and it sounded like a good idea. So, I said yes, and here I am.”

As I watched the show at the Don Gibson, the three songwriters shared their stories and talents for an admiring audience, and I thought about all the people who have laughed, cried and set on the edge of their seats in anticipation as they watched the entertainment in front of them.

From the State Theater to the Don Gibson Theatre, you could not count the emotions if you tried but we can count ticket sales, and that’s a good thing.

 Carl White is the Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In The Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its 10th year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturday’s at noon and My 12. The show also streams on Amazon Prime. For more information visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com. You can email Carl at Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com.

[radfem-gossip-archive-blog]

moderation guidelines for gossip blogging:

Your original RFG moderator is getting old and weary and sadly, must move on. I don’t know how many RFG moderators will be added in the future or how many URL moves will be made to facilitate gossiping, but I do know that RFG is now an institution in the tumblr radfem community. I want some of the guidelines to be posted for transparency’s sake, and to help anyone trying to start a gossip/drama blog of any sort. 

Your main job as a gossip blogger is to solicit asks and submissions and make a record of notable happenings. If you have a dilemma ask yourself: will this encourage, or discourage submissions? Without your faithful gossipers theres nothing to discuss, be grateful even when they are annoying the living shit out of you.

This is also why you must shut the hell up most of the time. If you are writing a reply, you must delete it more than half the time. Keep yourself out of the equation as much as possible. Pick your battles. Reply to non-admin related material a maximum of once a week. If people dislike you it will discourage submissions. It is better that they don’t know you at all. If you reply try to choose topics that 99% of the community agrees on.

Blocking: Blocking non-community members is fine at any time, but it is a pain to track them all down so I would recommend blocking whoever is annoying you.

Only block community members if it is absolutely necessary. I have blocked in the following cases: non stop sexual asks being sent to me, death threats, repeated asks with graphic violence, threats of litigation, severe mental illness episodes that make it in the member’s best interest to be blocked, being cursed with death. 

queueing: queue everything you can so that no one tries to play internet detective about what your main/other blogs are. Adjust the queue to try and make sure that asks are usually posted within 24 hours of submission.

private messaging: its better not to say anything if you can avoid it. Say as little as possible but be polite. People WILL try to be your friend in order to get favors like having posts deleted at their request. Don’t be friends with people on this account for that reason.

Bumping asks/submissions:

If the community is on fire with a certain topic you may want to bump asks to facilitate discussion. Also bump anything that is urgent, like a community member is in danger or needs money to escape an abusive situation. Use your head, you’ll do fine. 

Episodes of mental illness: always encourage the poster to seek help IRL. It does not matter how mean they are to you or what they say, if they are in danger you must encourage them to seek help IRL.If you know of other members who know the person IRL reach out to them directly. 

Threats of litigation: Most states have anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) laws that make it illegal to sue others into silence over unpopular opinions. The word “gossip” is protective here also, it is not meant to be taken as a serious source of news, so it is hard to claim that anyone can really have their reputation damaged by its contents. That being said, serious accusations will be made from time to time. It is a good idea to ask for evidence directly in such a case, or note that you have not seen any evidence of what is being alleged. If you do get into legal trouble, contact ken white of popehat, he hooks people up w pro bono lawyers who dislike rich people using their money to shut up free speech online. It is more likey that tumblr would simply delete your account and you would have to start over again, bu they, c’est la vie. 

deleting asks: deleting asks should be taken seriously. Sometimes askers truly are beating a dead horse and you would make the blog less entertaining by publishing all of them. You can choose those that best summarize the wave of asks in your inbox and publish them. Other asks are disgusting or obviously fake, you can publish these to make fun of the poster or you can delete them, whatever you think would irritate the sender the most. Take whatever biases you have in yourself and try to mitigate them. If you agree with one position in an argument make sure you are more liberally publishing the opposing side to keep yourself in check. I no longer publish single insults asks like saying someone is ugly, dumb, etc. Context is needed or it becomes boring. Always publish asks sent about your main.

outside advice: everyone will tell you how to run the blog. Most of them are wrong. You can try different things out to improve the blog but never worry too much about those who act like they are entitled to your work, they won’t ever be happy with what you do anyway. 

charity posts: seek out as many posts as possible about fundraising or charity and publish them. Help out the community. 

Leave others alone outside of the confines of your blog: Reblogging isn’t fucking with them unless you add a bunch of mean commentary, which you should never do. You are there to present something notable happening, not add your opinion. If a person blocks you, leave them alone. You can screen cap without mentioning them in the text or otherwise drawing their attention to you. It is fine if people do not want to interact. Never send anons to stir the pot or any other crap like that. Believe me you will have plenty of content, even if it is somewhat cyclical. 

Drama summaries: these are a pain to write. If I were more organized I would have started a draft and added to it each week, but I didn’t so it was a nightmare. Ditto w tagging. Be organized or stop giving a shit, whatever works for you. Read some tabloids if you need an example of the writing style. 

adding mods: do what you can to protect the content, like moving URLs. Some people would love to help just to delete everything because they hate this place. They are free to not visit it! Try to choose mods that won’t get flustered when asks about themselves are sent in.

[chestnutpost]

Reverse hot seat — why these embattled coaches should stay

Minnesota’s Richard Pitino could be in trouble without a strong finish by the Golden Gophers. 

7:10 AM ET

Myron Medcalf

Close

ESPN Staff Writer

Covers college basketball

Joined ESPN.com in 2011

Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

Jeff Borzello

Close

ESPN Staff Writer

Basketball recruiting insider.

Joined ESPN in 2014.

Graduate of University of Delaware.

Most “hot seat” columns at this point in the college basketball season are fairly one-sided. Who might get fired, why he’s in this position �� and then move on to the next guy. But what about the other side of the debate? The reasons to keep a particular coach for another season are rarely brought up when discussing the coaches at risk during the spring carousel.

Well, we’ll take a stab at it, giving you both sides of the argument: the case for keeping a coach and the case for replacing him. And we’ll leave it up to you from there.

Pat Chambers, Penn State Nittany Lions (121-137 in eighth season)

What his detractors would say: Not many high-major head coaches get eight seasons at the same school without making the NCAA tournament — and Penn State isn’t going to come close this season. The Nittany Lions enter Tuesday with just one Big Ten victory and are going to finish at the bottom of the standings. They’ve never finished above .500 in the conference during Chambers’ tenure.

Why his firing would be unjust: There were clear signs of progress last season, beating Ohio State three times to earn a spot on the NCAA tournament bubble and then winning the NIT. Chambers signed a contract extension last spring to keep him until 2022; why even give that in the first place if one down season after losing Tony Carr was going to seal his fate? This isn’t an easy job; the Nittany Lions have been to the NCAA tournament four times since 1965. — Jeff Borzello

Jim Christian, Boston College Eagles (59-94 in fifth season)

What his detractors would say: Christian has one plus-.500 season at Boston College (2017-18). This season’s team has won just two games since Dec. 22. Athletic director Martin Jarmond, who arrived in 2017 and did not hire Christian, might be interested in putting his stamp on the program by recruiting his preferred candidate.

Why his firing would be unjust: Coaches are charged with developing elite talent, and last year, Jerome Robinson was the school’s highest draft pick since 1982. Christian is navigating through a tough league with multiple national title contenders, too. Not easy to do. And due to injuries, only three players on this season’s roster have participated in all 22 games. — Myron Medcalf

Mike Dunleavy Sr., Tulane Green Wave (24-60 in third season)

What his detractors would say: It has been a truly dreadful season for the Green Wave. They haven’t won a conference game yet, and lost nonconference games to the likes of South Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, Towson and Alabama A&M. They’ve won eight American Athletic Conference games total in three seasons. Dunleavy will be 65 in March; maybe he’s just not cut out for college.

Why his firing would be unjust: What did you expect when he was hired? Dunleavy had never coached a minute of college basketball before the Green Wave made the call. And he took over a program that went 3-15 in the league the season prior. There were some positive signs last season, and he has had some success on the recruiting trail since taking over. — Jeff Borzello

Steve Hawkins, Western Michigan Broncos (276-236 in 16th season)

What his detractors would say: It’s pretty simple: The Broncos haven’t won a game in the Mid-American Conference yet this season. They’re 0-10 heading into Tuesday. While Western Michigan has been competitive for most of Hawkins’ tenure, the Broncos have gone to the NCAA tournament only twice in 16 seasons and have finished .500 or below in MAC play in three of the past four seasons.

Why his firing would be unjust: Hawkins and the Broncos won the West division title two seasons ago and have won at least 20 games in seven of his 16 seasons at the helm. This season’s 0-10 league start is terrible, yes, but this will be just the fourth season since Hawkins took over that Western Michigan will finish below .500 in league play. What’s the rush? — Jeff Borzello

Wyking Jones, Cal Golden Bears (13-42 in second season)

What his detractors would say: It’s simple, really. Jones just hasn’t won enough games. Rather than conduct an exhaustive national search, the school handed him the job after Cuonzo Martin left for Missouri two years ago. But this outcome is even worse than anticipated for a team that has lost to Seattle, UC-Riverside, Chaminade and Central Arkansas under Jones.

Why his firing would be unjust: Money is a problem for Cal, which invested nearly $500 million in a football stadium renovation that will tie the school up in massive debt payments for decades. According to Bloomberg, the school’s debt payments will rise to $37 million per year beginning in 2039. Jones makes $1 million per season, a below-average sum for a Power 5 coach. Cal might not have the cash to pay a replacement for Jones. — Myron Medcalf

Maurice Joseph, George Washington Colonials (42-49 in third season)

What his detractors would say: A disastrous third season for Joseph, who won 20 games after replacing Mike Lonergan as an interim head coach in 2016, has turned into a free fall. George Washington, which is 7-16 overall, has one of the worst offenses in America, and it entered the week ranked 251st in the NCAA’s NET.

Why his firing would be unjust: He helped this program salvage its reputation after Lonergan was dismissed for his alleged verbal abuse of players. That has to count for something. And he’s only 33. When Mike Krzyzewski was 33, he finished 10-17 in his second season at Duke and then 11-17 a year later. Maybe Joseph just needs more time. — Myron Medcalf

Billy Kennedy, Texas A&M Aggies (146-111 in eighth season)

What his detractors would say: There were the Sweet 16 appearances in 2016 and 2018 … and nothing else. The Aggies have missed the NCAA tournament in five of Kennedy’s seven seasons in College Station, and they’re certainly not getting there this season. A&M is 2-8 in the league and 9-13 overall entering Tuesday, with a 15-point home loss to Texas Southern back in December. There’s too much talent in the state of Texas and on the current roster to be toward the bottom of the SEC.

Why his firing would be unjust: We just said it. The guy has been to two of the past three Sweet 16s. The Aggies are in the midst of a down season after losing three starters to the NBA draft and another to a season-ending injury. It’s hard to fault Kennedy for that. Throw in the fact A&M is bringing in a top-20 recruiting class next season while also having just one senior on this season’s roster, and the Aggies should be poised for a turnaround. — Jeff Borzello

Ernie Kent, Washington State Cougars (57-91 in fifth season)

What his detractors would say: We’re not asking him to be Tony Bennett, but come on, at least be competitive in a bad Pac-12. The Cougars haven’t finished with more than seven conference wins since Kent took over and haven’t come close to finishing .500 overall. He has won 20 total conference games in four-plus seasons. The former athletic director parted ways with Ken Bone after five seasons, and Bone had a couple of competitive seasons in there.

Why his firing would be unjust: Did you not see this past weekend? Washington State went on the road and swept the Arizona schools. The Cougars have arguably the best player in the league in Robert Franks. Kent is signed through 2022, and really, who is going to come to Pullman and have consistent success right off the bat? It’s not an easy job. — Jeff Borzello

Greg Lansing, Indiana State Sycamores (145-138 in ninth season)

What his detractors would say: The Sycamores are sitting in a tie for last place in the Missouri Valley Conference this season, their fourth consecutive season in the bottom half of the league and the fourth in a row below .500 in conference play. They haven’t finished with an overall winning record since the 2013-14 season, and Lansing saw his automatic contract rollover canceled back in 2017.

Why his firing would be unjust: Prior to the past four seasons, he was one of the better coaches in the Missouri Valley. The Sycamores went to the NCAA tournament in his first season in charge and finished .500 or better in the league in four of his first five seasons. It’s important to keep in mind that during Lansing’s first few years, there was a Creighton-Wichita State hegemony atop the league — that factors into his overall record — but both schools have moved on. — Jeff Borzello

Dave Leitao, DePaul Blue Demons (42-74 in fourth season)

What his detractors would say: He won nine, nine and 11 games in three previous seasons, without a hint of NCAA tournament consideration. And that problem is secondary to the testimony in federal court by Brian Bowen Sr., who alleged that assistant Shane Heirman and a grassroots program formerly run by fellow assistant Tim Anderson both paid him thousands of dollars for the services of his son, Brian Bowen Jr. Leitao’s losses and his hiring decisions could help end his time at DePaul.

Why his firing would be unjust: C’mon, man. Leitao’s squad is 13-9 entering Tuesday and 5-6 in the Big East after a two-game win streak. Plus, he has signed a top-25 recruiting class anchored by Romeo Weems and Markese Jacobs. This could be the class that changes things for DePaul. — Myron Medcalf

Danny Manning, Wake Forest Demon Deacons (63-86 in fifth season)

What his detractors would say: After an NCAA tournament at Tulsa, more was expected from Manning. Instead, the Demon Deacons have sandwiched four awful seasons around a First Four appearance in 2017. They’re 2-8 in the ACC this season, and lost to the likes of Houston Baptist and Gardner-Webb at home in the nonconference season. They’re sliding further and further behind the rest of the ACC.

Why his firing would be unjust: The talent is there. Manning is recruiting quality players to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by five-star Jaylen Hoard in 2018 and two other ESPN 100 players in the past three classes. Back in 2017, Manning signed an extension that keeps him at the school through 2025 — and it’s fully guaranteed. It’s going to take a lot of money to make a move and still hire a high-level replacement. — Jeff Borzello

Marvin Menzies, UNLV Rebels (43-45 in third season)

What his detractors would say: Do you see what’s going on in Reno? UNLV has taken a back seat to its in-state rival. Nevada has been getting better high school players, better transfers — and is ranked in the top 10 nationally. Menzies has failed to even get the Runnin’ Rebels in a conference title race in his first three seasons.

Why his firing would be unjust: One, it has been just short of three seasons. Two, it hasn’t been that bad in Vegas. The Runnin’ Rebels are above .500 in the Mountain West this season and have improved tremendously since an 11-21 (4-14 in the MWC) debut season for Menzies. They won 20 games last season, for crying out loud. It’s a different Mountain West than it was five to 10 years ago; it’s a one-team league for now, but that team won’t always be Nevada. — Jeff Borzello

Tim Miles, Nebraska Cornhuskers (110-108 in seventh season)

What his detractors would say: He’s gone from the fun coach who used to tweet at halftime to the coach whose team has experienced high turnover and won more than 20 games only once. Nebraska, which has only reached the NCAA tournament once under Miles, has lost seven in a row. Plus, Nebraska can shred the final year of his deal by paying him a $2.5 million buyout this offseason. The school would owe Miles nearly $4 million total if it made the move after next season.

Why his firing would be unjust: Nebraska has opened a great arena and practice facility within the past five years. The school has invested millions to rebrand itself as a viable basketball program. That’s not easy to do for a program that’s never won an NCAA tournament game. Firing Miles could erase the momentum the program has built during his time in Lincoln. — Myron Medcalf

Sean Miller, Arizona Wildcats (261-84 in 10th season)

What his detractors would say: Well, this one is easy. Three of Miller’s former assistants (Mark Phelps, Book Richardson and Joe Pasternack) have been connected to significant violations that could lead to hefty penalties for the program. That, coupled with the fact that Miller has never reached the Final Four despite securing multiple elite recruiting classes, could become justification for his dismissal at season’s end.

Why his firing would be unjust: He’s still here. After an ESPN report last season tied him to an alleged pay-for-play scheme involving Deandre Ayton, the school and its key supporters backed him. Those backers seem content to dismiss anyone but Miller, who has ESPN’s No. 1 recruiting class for 2019 in spite of the issues surrounding the program. He has also won 76 percent of his games as head coach in Tucson. Why would the school fire him now when it has fought so hard to keep him? — Myron Medcalf

Dan Monson, Long Beach State 49ers (194-193 in 12th season)

What his detractors would say: Monson hasn’t led Long Beach State to a Big West tournament championship since 2012 or a conference regular-season title since 2013. He took a $75,000 pay cut in the offseason after facing scrutiny for his unique contract, which last season allowed him to rack up more than $300,000 from nonconference buy games. Monson’s team is 1-6 in its past seven games following back-to-back losing seasons under the 57-year-old leader.

Why his firing would be unjust: Monson, who has been with Long Beach State since the 2007-08 season, when he won just six games, is the face of that program. His team has been able to schedule nonconference games against America’s best teams based on his ties within the business. And before last season, he hadn’t finished lower than fourth in league play since his first season on campus. — Myron Medcalf

Chris Mooney, Richmond Spiders (247-209 in 14th season)

What his detractors would say: John Hardt, Richmond’s athletic director, wouldn’t address Mooney’s status last week. “This is not the time,” he told reporters. “The focus right now is on the team and competing on the court.” That’s not a favorable response for a coach who hasn’t reached the NCAA tournament since 2011’s Sweet 16 run and has a 4-7 record in the Atlantic 10 this season.

Why his firing would be unjust: Few coaches can match his consistency. Before last season’s tumultuous 12-20 campaign, Mooney hadn’t had a losing season since 2007, when he finished 8-22 in the second year of his tenure. His top three scorers this season (Grant Golden, Jacob Gilyard and Nathan Cayo) are all sophomores, too. He can build on this. — Myron Medcalf

Chris Mullin, St. John’s Red Storm (55-67 in fourth season)

What his detractors would say: The Red Storm have arguably the most talented roster in the Big East this season — and they’re below .500 in the league, fighting for their NCAA tournament lives. They’ve yet to finish above .500 in the Big East since Mullin took over, and haven’t played in a postseason tournament yet. There have been questions about Mullin’s commitment level, and on the recruiting front, they haven’t been able to keep New York/New Jersey kids home for college.

Why his firing would be unjust: Despite Saturday’s loss to Providence, this team is still on track to make the NCAA tournament if the season ended today. Even if Shamorie Ponds leaves for the NBA, the Red Storm will still bring back most of the rotation, and they have three talented transfers sitting out. Athletic director Mike Cragg took over in September; his first order of business is going to be forcing out the school’s all-time greatest player? Stop. — Jeff Borzello

Jeff Neubauer, Fordham Rams (49-68 in fourth season)

What his detractors would say: Things are going progressively downhill at Rose Hill Gym. After winning 17 games overall and eight Atlantic 10 games in his first season, Neubauer now has the Rams with a 1-9 record in the A-10 and poised for a second consecutive season at the bottom of the standings. And even though basketball in New York City is down compared to what it used to be, the presence of just two players on the roster from New York is surprising.

Why his firing would be unjust: Did you see how it was when Neubauer took over in the Bronx? Tom Pecora had won 13 A-10 games total in five seasons, never winning more than 10 overall in a single season. Neubauer has shown he can win games at Fordham, even if hasn’t happened the past two seasons. — Jeff Borzello

Saul Phillips, Ohio Bobcats (78-71 in fifth season)

What his detractors would say: Saturday’s 20-point road loss to Miami (Ohio), Ohio’s chief rival, punctuated a 3-7 start in MAC play for Phillips, who hasn’t reached the NCAA tournament with the Bobcats. The Bobcats have had two losing seasons in conference play since 2010 — both under Phillips, who could endure No. 3 this season and lose his job.

Why his firing would be unjust: He won 43 games from 2015 to 2017, a promising start. He has proved he can win big at Ohio. And two of his best players, Teyvion Kirk and Jason Carter, are both underclassmen. The Bobcats are a top-100 defensive team, too. It’s not all bad at Ohio. — Myron Medcalf

Dave Pilipovich, Air Force Falcons (94-126 in eighth season)

What his detractors would say: His first full season as head coach in 2012-13 is the only winning season on his résumé. It was also the only season Air Force finished higher than ninth in the Mountain West during his tenure. This could be Pilipovich’s sixth consecutive losing season.

Why his firing would be unjust: It’s a difficult, complicated job. And Pilipovich, who has been with Air Force as a head coach or assistant for more than a decade, understands that. He has a growing young point guard in A.J. Walker and a modest 5-6 record in league play. That’s better than par for the course in a program with four NCAA tournament appearances in its history. — Myron Medcalf

Richard Pitino, Minnesota Golden Gophers (106-86 in sixth season)

What his detractors would say: He has made one trip to the NCAA tournament since he was hired in 2014. That he has even failed to duplicate former coach Tubby Smith’s modest success in Minneapolis is a problem for a guy who has had better resources, including an elite practice facility, but no home-run recruits. Multiple assistants have left the program. And the stain of Reggie Lynch, who was dismissed last year after facing multiple sexual assault allegations, remains.

Why his firing would be unjust: This isn’t Kentucky or Duke in terms of on-court expectations — Pitino’s team might reach the NCAA tournament if it can finish strong. And if that happens, it will be difficult for athletic director Mark Coyle to justify firing Pitino, who has actually become a more likable and approachable figure in the Twin Cities this season. His handling of the recent death of guard Dupree McBrayer‘s mother gave him an opportunity to display his softer side. — Myron Medcalf

Al Skinner, Kennesaw State Owls (40-78 in fourth season)

What his detractors would say: The Owls are headed for another finish in the bottom half of the Atlantic Sun, on Saturday winning just their third game over a Division I team this season. Since arriving in 2015, Skinner hasn’t finished above .500 in the league and hasn’t won more than 14 games in a season. This is a job you have to grind on the recruiting trail; is Skinner still up for that?

Why his firing would be unjust: The former Boston College and Rhode Island coach has been at the helm for four seasons — and Skinner has actually been a slight improvement on his predecessors. Jimmy Lallathin went 4-10 in the league in his lone season, while Lewis Preston won five Atlantic Sun games total in three seasons. Before this season, Skinner was 20-22 in league play. It’s Kennesaw State; you’re really going to fire him over that? — Jeff Borzello

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