If you remember he took a leave last year to take care of a personal problem which turned out to be a messy divorce. But he announced he was comming back and Kevin O'Neal who ran the program in his absence moved on to some place. Now he is supposedly going to step down permanently, another odd piece of timing given the season opener is just around the corner in college basketball and the Wildcats will be forced again to go with some sort of interim coach. Lute was great for college basketball and a class act, but it's an odd way to end his career. What are you hearing Rick?
It's just a big freaking mess, Terry. Lute could have scripted his retirement, ridden out on his own terms wearing a big white hat and been revered forever in Arizona lore. Mike Montgomery could well have been Arizona's head coach today, with the beatified Lute continuing to attract elite point guard recruits to the program through his work as coach emeritus. Instead, he's leaving the program in a lurch and our highly ranked '09 recruiting class is now decimated by decommitments. I respect Coach Olson and appreciate all he has done for the school and athletic department over the past two decades, but the soap opera of the last few years has left Lute looking more like King Lear, with the Wildcat basketball program his Cordelia.
Very odd. He was a helluva coach. Health issue? I'll always remember him as the guy who busted my NCAA tourney brackets almost every year.
It's reported in Sporting News that he had a stroke in the past year and was advised by his doctor to retire. He recently exhibited depression which did not respond to treatment. Looks like there is a solid reason for the timing of his retirement.
Those are both certainly serious health issues and very good reasons to retire. I wonder if he hid them from the AD or was the AD very well aware of his health issues?
There certainly was a solid reason for Lute's retirement, Sid. No question. But then there's the timing of the leave last year, then the return, then the retirement just before the season (and early signing day), and now the announcement of the health problem. That's the issue. I'm not going to get into it here, but the stroke diagnosis isn't quite the breaking development it might appear to be. I revere Lute and appreciate all that he has done for Wildcat basketball and dear alma mater, but his inabilty to let go when he - more than most people - knew he probably should, has caused a major disruption for not just the program but more importantly the players in it.
Excellent point, Rick. If it had happened at my school, I'd be perplexed, perhaps a bit upset. It's a tough situation. You love the guy for what he has done for the program and the school, but you wish he could have taken a more considerate hence better-timed approach to his retirement.
I know nothing about this situation but just keep in mind: When the body begins to fail, you tend to disbelieve this could be happening. You tend to try to hold on to what you have and not let it go until you have to. Until proven otherwise, be kind in your remarks about someone. A change in his health issues could have sparked this seemingly abrupt decision. Just my opinion for what it is worth.
I'll keep that in mind, Tom, if it ever happens to me. :roll: :roll: You also make an excellent point. Thanks for putting the situation in the proper perspective. Your comments showed an unusual amount of kindness and sympathy for a conservative Republican. :lol: Edit: Had the wrong guy. Sorry, Tom.
Oh, not saying that you were. :!: :!: :!: Sorry if I gave that impression. I just know how easily it can trend toward the negative when speculation is involved. Remember, there is a lot of speculation going on at Tennessee right now and Phat Phil doesn't have obvious health issues to blame it on.
Not really... I was referring to half or more of the Big Orange Nation. But now that you mention it... :wink:
Wow. You have to wonder how a seemingly thoughtful, intelligent, caring guy like Lute ever got involved with a wackjob like that?