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Speculative theory about Emmert
DerekJohnson
Administrator, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 63,029 
This is pure speculation and probably wrong. It is not based on anything I have dug up or been told. But it occurred to me the other day while on a walk.
Emmert knew that firing Willingham and hiring Mora was the most beneficial move for Husky Football, back in December 2007. Yet he retained Willingham for a fourth disastrous season, purely for political reasons having nothing to do with football.
Two years later, we were all stunned to hear that Emmert was named president of the NCAA.
Let's go back to December 2007.... Karl Dorrell had just been fired at UCLA. There was much talk in the national media about how there were now only 3 black coaches in Division I.
What if the NCAA was deeply concerned about charges of racism and they reached out to Emmert secretly and said "If you can see to it that Willingham is retained, we will make it worth your while."
NCAA president Myles Brand, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, died in 2009. And Emmert was named his successor, a post that he took over in 2010.
It never made any sense how Emmert would even get an interview with the NCAA, let alone be named president.
So I wonder if this theory is plausible?
TO REITERATE: This is pure speculation and not based on anything I have dug up or been told.
Emmert knew that firing Willingham and hiring Mora was the most beneficial move for Husky Football, back in December 2007. Yet he retained Willingham for a fourth disastrous season, purely for political reasons having nothing to do with football.
Two years later, we were all stunned to hear that Emmert was named president of the NCAA.
Let's go back to December 2007.... Karl Dorrell had just been fired at UCLA. There was much talk in the national media about how there were now only 3 black coaches in Division I.
What if the NCAA was deeply concerned about charges of racism and they reached out to Emmert secretly and said "If you can see to it that Willingham is retained, we will make it worth your while."
NCAA president Myles Brand, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, died in 2009. And Emmert was named his successor, a post that he took over in 2010.
It never made any sense how Emmert would even get an interview with the NCAA, let alone be named president.
So I wonder if this theory is plausible?
TO REITERATE: This is pure speculation and not based on anything I have dug up or been told.
Comments
Emmert is a politician through and through, "taking one for the team" in return for personal gain would be consistent with his other behaviors. Whether the NCAA was involved or not in 2007, the NAACP was. Emmert's reaction was to shield himself, and by extension, the university, from accusations of racism at the expense of the football program, actions that are completely acceptable (perhaps expected) in Seattle and by the UW BOR. I have no idea, but do think it's possible and more likely that his (likely unsolicited) actions simply fit the mold of the person they were looking for. I also think that most folks now recognize the NCAA made a huge mistake. He is not the guy for that job.
I think you might be on to something. Quid pro something I can't spell going on here...