FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 11/9/2009) Tommy West unleashed nearly ten years of frustration in less than ten minutes. Saying what he couldn't as the tiger football team's head coach.
"It's too painful," exclaimed West. It's painful for coaches, players people for families it's painful. Put something in it or do away with it. There is a negativity here like nowhere I've coached. That in the end eats you up."
After nine years on the sidelines and weeks of speculation, West was fired Monday morning after an embarrassing 28-point loss to the University of Tennessee.
"Everyday was a fist fight to move this program."
Some may call West's press conference a rant or being a bad sport considering his firing after this year's 2-7 record. But he says it's nothing more than a wake-up call.
"I want to see this program successful."
West says that means more fans in the stands and a bigger financial commitment to the program.
If not....shut it down.
"Give the next guy a fighting chance. That's what I ask of our fans. But to our fans demand he get a fighting chance or give it up."
"The university football program is something that will continue," retorts Harold Byrd, a big U of M booster who's pushed for an on-campus arena.
Though Byrd says west has valid concerns regarding the need for better equipment and a bigger recruiting budget. He argues other programs do more with less.
"There are numbers of programs across the country that succeed with less assets than we do at the U of M in all do respect."
- Tiger Football Coach, Tommy West, fired
- Says team needs more support from fans and financially from program
- Booster says other teams have done more with less
(Memphis 11/9/2009) Tommy West unleashed nearly ten years of frustration in less than ten minutes. Saying what he couldn't as the tiger football team's head coach.
"It's too painful," exclaimed West. It's painful for coaches, players people for families it's painful. Put something in it or do away with it. There is a negativity here like nowhere I've coached. That in the end eats you up."
After nine years on the sidelines and weeks of speculation, West was fired Monday morning after an embarrassing 28-point loss to the University of Tennessee.
"Everyday was a fist fight to move this program."
Some may call West's press conference a rant or being a bad sport considering his firing after this year's 2-7 record. But he says it's nothing more than a wake-up call.
"I want to see this program successful."
West says that means more fans in the stands and a bigger financial commitment to the program.
If not....shut it down.
"Give the next guy a fighting chance. That's what I ask of our fans. But to our fans demand he get a fighting chance or give it up."
"The university football program is something that will continue," retorts Harold Byrd, a big U of M booster who's pushed for an on-campus arena.
Though Byrd says west has valid concerns regarding the need for better equipment and a bigger recruiting budget. He argues other programs do more with less.
"There are numbers of programs across the country that succeed with less assets than we do at the U of M in all do respect."
