Should Larry Eustachy Resign?

December 10, 2005

Outline - Should Larry Eustachy resign??

I. Introduction

A. Thesis Statement (Coach Eustachy should not have resigned)

B. Reasons Why He Should Not Have Resigned

1. Mistake

2. Severity

3. Other Sporting Figures

II. How The Des Moines Register Caused A Frenzy

A. Public Response

B. The University's Reaction

III. Coaching Abilities

A. Record

B. Players Success

IV. Conclusion

Should Larry Eustachy resign?

Larry Eustachy should not have resigned. Under great criticism from the university, the media, and public Larry Eustachy resigned as head coach of the Iowa State University men's basketball team. Personally, this was not the right decision. So, what caused one of the best college basketball coaches to resign?

He made a mistake. He was photographed drinking beer and kissing and being kissed on the cheek by young women at a party after an Iowa State loss. In any event, during his news conference, he apologized for his behavior, admitted to being an alcoholic, referred to alcoholism as an "illness", and said he would not resign his post. However, he did resign. Did he use poor judgment? Yes he did. Cause for him to resign? Absolutely not, especially not enough to call for his resignation. Up till the incident, he was a fine representative of the school. He expected a lot from his players, but they had no complaints. In fact, when students and players found out of his impending termination more than 300 rallied to his defense. He set the example, led a good life, and maintained the professionalism one would expect from a university head coach. Even with all the good, it wasn't enough. Larry Eustachy made a foolish mistake, but in the grand scheme of things, his act does not even come close to a "Bill and Monica" episode. Yes, he was photographed while doing it, but if one considers the severity of the issue it fails in comparison to other sports figures.

Numerous coaches in the sports arena have made far greater mistakes. Take Dan McCarney, head coach for the Iowa State football team for instance. Eight years prior to the Eustachy incident, Iowa State learned McCarney was accused of physically abusing his wife. The university supported him through the whole process and allowed him to keep his job. John Chaney, Temple University men's basketball head coach intentionally told one of his players to commit a foul during a game against St. Joseph's University. As a result John Bryant from St. Joseph's was injured. Chaney was suspended, but allowed to coach in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Bobby Knight survived punching guys out and throwing chairs and Larry got in trouble for flirting and drinking? Was it because the other guys had better contracts, more championships, or because the Des Moines Register caused a public feeding frenzy?

Many newspapers today, including The Register thrive on bad news. Bad news sells papers. Good news is not what people want to hear. For example, reporting from Iraq usually focuses on the number of troops dying, how many died or were injured from a car bombing, or prisoner abuse. I have never read in any newspaper 400,000 Iraqis now have running water and electricity for the first time in their lives. It was no different for Larry Eustachy. The register published the story and printed the photos to sell newspapers. They expected the public to respond with a loud outcry. They succeeded. Radio stations, internet sites, and the like all jumped on the band-wagon. They wanted Larry's resignation. Paul Anger, the Register's editor printed an article titled; The Eustachy story had to be told. In the article he stated, "As the highest paid public employee in Iowa, and one of the most recognizable college basketball coaches in the country, the photos and details of Eustachy's behavior at the party would be newsworthy". Did the register consider the ramifications? Was the Register under pressure from the university to publish the story? This story reeked. There was more to this than we know. It might have been an attempt by another Big 12 school to sabotage recruiting. Eustachy had one of the better recruiting classes in the country. The reaction from the university is really appalling.

Iowa State University and most especially, Athletic Director Bruce Van de Velde were cowards! Instead of supporting the coach and outlining a plan to help him deal with his alcohol problem and perhaps strengthen the basketball program in the process, they decided to hold a press conference to crucify Larry. Van de Velde missed an opportunity to show real leadership. During the press conference he stated, "The university has suffered "severe embarrassment" because of the Eustachy controversy". He also said, "I have been evaluating Eustachy's alleged behavior and I'm recommending that Eustachy be terminated". It is no wonder Eustachy resigned. The comments from his boss alone sent everything into tailspin. Dr Greg Geoffroy, university president said, "We are first and foremost an educational institution, one that values integrity, honesty, and treating others with fairness and respect. This decision is in the best interests of the university,