Posted by ButterBall Devil on June 04, 21 at 08:53:51:
In Reply to: Ray Anderson interview on 247sports.com posted by Big Ron on June 04, 21 at 08:07:38:
well, he has mastered the art of the non-answer. This is what he should have said:
Our #1 goal at Arizona State is to establish and maintain each of our sports as elite programs. Of course excellence in academics and financial stability are essential components to this mission. To the extent any program is not meeting this standard, will require that we evaluate and assess the status and current trajectory. This is an ongoing and relentless effort, and my most important charge.
Presently, most of our programs are at or near where we believe they should be, or are on a clear arc of improvement, in terms of success and continuity. But like anything else, a handful of our sports are in the "can do better" category. Where we see good progress - for example men's tennis, women's gymnastics, volleyball, football and men's basketball - we will have reasonable (but not unlimited) patience to allow the development to continue.
But where we see a lack of improvement, and particularly, where a program is simply neither attaining or moving toward a level of excellence, then with reference to our mission, we will make such changes as are appropriate.
Given the challenges of COVID, everyone (including those of us at ASU) was required to make certain accommodations. However, we now believe we are past the point where we are materially impacted by the health concerns.
Accordingly, as of today, we want the ASU community to know that we will be fully engaged in the assessment process of all sports programs, with no excuse or exception. Those sports programs which are not performing at, or demonstrably improving toward, a level of excellence will be re-evaluated, and changes where necessary will be made.
That is why I am announcing today unless the ASU baseball program does not emerge from a super regional and earn a slot in Omaha, we will be undertaking a thorough review of the staffing and coaches. ASU is indeed an elite baseball program, and our allowing it to flounder for the past 7 years has fallen far short of the remarkable legacy and reasonable expectations.
The responsibility, and if appropriate, blame, is mine and mine alone. We are all accountable, and cannot fall back on excuses.
Go Devils.