Thursday, January 6, 2011

Why Luck really stayed

Andrew Luck has always been sort of unconventional.

Picking Stanford -- when you're a highly-sought high school quarterback playing in the "Friday Night Lights" of Texas -- was unconventional. Especially given Stanford had just gone 1-11, and when you had offers from a whole lot of other places.

Now Luck has picked Stanford again -- this time over the instant riches assured by being the No.1 draft pick, which Carolina would have made him. Luck just completed his redshirt sophomore year at Stanford, throwing four TD passes in Stanford's 40-12 victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl Monday night.

I talked to Luck's father, Oliver Luck, by phone about the decision Thursday afternoon (and here's a link to my column from Friday morning, which goes in-depth into this conversation). Oliver Luck said it mostly boiled down to Luck wanting "at least one more year with his guys" -- his Stanford teammates, whom Luck wants to win a Pac-10 championship with.

Oliver Luck said his son also wanted to graduate before he left school, which is what he is on track to do by the spring of 2012. "It's kind of old-school, I know, but he went to college with the idea of not leaving until he got a degree," said Oliver Luck, who is the athletic director at West Virginia and a former NFL quarterback himself.

Oliver Luck also stressed -- and I asked him several times -- that the fact that his son would have ended up in Carolina had he declared early for the draft had "absolutely nothing to do with this decision." Jerry Richardson's news conference Tuesday, the Panthers' horrible 2010 season -- none of it mattered.

To hear the father tell it, the son barely even talked about the impending lockout, much less what team he would end up on. "Those external factors were just not that important to him," Luck said. "He wanted to go back to Stanford."

Believe me, this was a bigger loss than any of the 14 the Panthers suffered this season to get that No.1 pick. Whenever Andrew Luck does come out, he's going to be special.

But the Panthers haven't had much right happen in the past couple of years, and now here's another example that was totally out of their control. Luck wants to stay. He should complete his degree in the spring of 2012 as a fourth-year junior, and so I'll betcha he does leave Stanford a year early (although the father said they would make that a separate decision a year from now).

Silver lining? If there's no NFL season at all in 2011, the Panthers would then apparently hold the No.1 pick in the 2012 draft, too, and Luck will likely be available for that one.

But few people expect the entire season to be lost, and of course by then the Panthers may have taken Cam Newton or Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett or Blaine Gabbert, and you really can't invest two straight high first-round draft choices on QB with so many other needs. (On the other hand, if Carolina doesn't take a QB and plays Jimmy Clausen again in 2011, then maybe they will end up with that No.1 pick one more time).

But it's such a longshot -- look, Panther fans need to face it. If it weren't for bad Luck, they'd have no Luck at all... gloom, despair and agony on them. (And if you know what TV show that lyric is from, you're a true Southerner).

113 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for that nice sales job in your press conference Jerry -- If I was a young guy I'd really want to play for this loser organization --- Top it off by hiring that idiot Fewell --

Anonymous said...

Our mascot is a black cat, say no more.

Anonymous said...

Where can I send all this stupid Panther gear my family has bought for 15 years?

Anonymous said...

Agree completely that Richardson's comments at recent press conference may well have been detrimental.

First, he refused to even interview Harbough when it is clear that Luck went to Stanford because of his faith in Harbough's ability to turn the team around. Countless reports have underscored the close relationship that Harbough had with Andrew Luck and his Dad. You don't have to commit to hiring Harbough but at least bring the guy in and talk to him. Luck and his family may well have viewed it as a sign of things to come if he came out in the draft and the Panthers picked him up.

Second, the biggest concern that had been raised by Luck and his Dad had been related to the potential lock-out next year. So what does Richardson do as co-chair of the NFL committee handling this? He underscores how far apart the two sides are and how unlikely an agreement appears at this time.

I respect Richardson for bringing a team to the Carolinas but he needs to reassess his role as team spokesperson. Maybe he should have continued to remain silent.

Anonymous said...

Jimmy Clausen will now be more hated than he has ever been in Charlotte

They'll probably find him curled up in a car trunk at a motel 6

Anonymous said...

We don't need another QB that makes bad decisions. Turning down Millions is a really bad decision. Good luck Luck

Anonymous said...

On a lighter note...It was Hee Haw

Anonymous said...

Ha ha. Or is that hee haw? Either way, a bad luck day

Anonymous said...

On Jimmy Clausen: he is not going to curl up in a car trunk in a Motel 6 parking lot. There is probably no happier young man in the country right now than Jimmy Clausen.

On Jerry Richardson: he does indeed present a deep-dyed LOSER image on this team in the eyes of the rest of the league. And probably on the current members of the team as well. No wonder John Fox spent his last day as a Panther grinning from ear to ear.

As for Luck, he side-stepped a trap that could have derailed a hugely promising career.

What's next? Cam Newton, Come on down!

Anonymous said...

I have never thought this organization was bad no matter what our record. That press conference the other day was so pitiful and smacked of disrespect to everyone involved. Who wants to work for someone that talks to people in that manner. Jerry may have bottled up 9 years of venom prior to that news conference, but spewing it and running off your fan base and the best prospect in a decade is inexcusable.

Maybe we know now why is sons left?

Hey Jerry...you are slurring your words and making no sense! let me write you another check.

Anonymous said...

Andrew -- where, oh where, are you tonight? Why did you leave us here all alone? We searched the world over, and thought we found true Luck. You met another and Pbbbtt! you were gone. (More Hee Haw)

Anonymous said...

What an appropriate bookend to this season. I want to be upset with the guy, but really who can blame him for not wanting to come here?

Anonymous said...

Well, all I have to do is drive SOUTH on 85 to be a Falcon fan -- Its not far from Greenville and they were my team growing up till I bought into JR's crapola when he got this team.

Artur Blanks is a MUCH netter owner. -- Oh yeah Jerry - WHO CARES IF YOU ARE THE ONLY OWNER TO HAVE PLAYED? ----

You're tied with Al Davis now for intelligence -- NICE PRESSER JERRY!!! WAY TO RUN THE KID OFF!

Unknown said...

How can you call him a Moron for staying in school to get his degree?
If education is more important then a big pay day, that's his choice.

Anonymous said...

Jerrys Team Motto --- " I gotta make sure the pahtnuhs get a retuhn" on theuh investmunt"

I'm going back to the Redskins -- Danny Snyder makes mistakes -- BUT HE WANTS TO WIN FIRST!!!!

Anonymous said...

Jerry's sons should sue him under the grounds that he is not mentally stable.

Hey Mark...see you ar Red Rocks

Anonymous said...

Oh No! We suck again!

I can only say, trade down and trade Williams (can't believe I have to write that) and Smitty in order to get 1st and 2nd round picks in 2011 and 2012 draft. It will now take longer to rebuild, but them are the facts...biatchabatuka.

Anonymous said...

I heard it's because Luck hates Bojangles. Just the rumor! LOL.

Hysterical Panther's fan in Southend.

Anonymous said...

This is the curse of Mick Mixon.. The team has sucked since they got rid of Bill Rozinski.


Has to be a curse, otherwise how else to explain the downward spiral of this franchise

Anonymous said...

Will somebody please fire Hurney..

Anonymous said...

As A Bay Area Stanford fan all my life, I can promise you Panther fans Luck's decision had almost nothing to do with the Carolina franchise. It did have to do with two other things that are really outside of any franchise's control:

1) Luck loves and I mean LOVES being in school. It's about the total experience, not just football. Some may argue that he could go back and get his degree after the NFL, but you only get to be 20 years old at a great university once.

2) The NFL labor issues definitely had an influence in his decision. If there was a lockout, he had two choices with no camp: Sit for a year or get thrown to the wolves with no preparation. As you know, all the fundamentals and playbook work is in camp; during the season it's game planning week to week and no time for system fundamentals. This would be true at any franchise.

A lot of people may say that he's a moron for giving up the money and they'd be right if the Luck family wasn't very well off, something you can't say about a lot of top talent coming out of college. It's a unique situation.

Lastly, as a 49er fan, I feel your pain, Panther nation. Hope the south rises next season!

Anonymous said...

TJ Yates would make a fine QB. Go Heels!

Anonymous said...

Ooooooo! A sophomore rookie didn't come play for the Panthers. Big ******* deal. You know why we sucked the last 9 years? Because we try to build through the draft and get college players who are great in college but suck in the pros. If we spent a little money on getting players who have actually proven they can play the team would be better. The draft is ridiculously over-rated and that's why they're putting in a rookie wage-scale. For every Payton Manning there's a Ryan Leaf picked right after him.

Anonymous said...

Let's see what happens over the weekend. Betting Luck will change his mind if Carolina agrees to trade the pick. Players believe Carolina is not committed to winning.

GK said...

New plan: Draft WR AJ Green with the first pick (or see if you can potentially trade down and still land him).

Let Clausen play next year. Panthers will probably manage 1-15 or 2-14 again and lock up the top pick once more.

Take Luck.

Profit (if anyone still goes to the games at this point).

Anonymous said...

If the Panthers would have went for hard Harbough and started seriously dealing for him, I bet Luck would have entered the draft. The Panthers will always be a sucky low to mid level team because of overly conservative ownership with no imagination. I still say when Richardson passes on, the Panthers will be sold and the NFL will be no more in the Carolinas.

OSC said...

Luck is a smart man for continuing his education. His degree will get him a lot farther in life than a career in the NFL. The money will be the same next year as it is this year, with the imposed rookie salary cap. The kid's heart and mind are in the right place on both fronts.

Anonymous said...

Lets hope for a Lock Out! Two #1 overall draft picks sounds good to me,

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the new Detroit Lions

Thanks Jerry you make Matt Millen look good.

Anonymous said...

OSC

Money won't be the same either. Good chance of no cap this year, which means 55mil guarantee for the first pick. Next year almost certain a rookie wage scale in place and perhaps a 10mill guarantee. Smart college boy just blew at least $40million

Anonymous said...

@OSC 5:13pm...

You are an idiot. He can go back any time to get a degree, he wont be sure of always getting the same money. What if he gets hurt next year or pulls a Jake Locker and has a really crappy 2011? Degree is easy enough if he is as smart as they say, being the first overall draft pick is not as easy. So many variables can change his draft stock. Stupid move on his part. You can always go back to school but you wont always be first pick in the draft.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure the "fans" constantly complaining about JR being cheap and a horrible owner, and how bad the Panthers organization sucks had no bearing on a 20 year olds decision. Panthers fans have an extremely short term memory. We sucked because our coach stuck with an average QB for way too long. We sucked because opposing teams knew our gameplan; run, run, pass, punt. Not too hard to figure out. The owner gets tired of this, and makes sure we can't rely on veteran players because "they give us the best chance to win". I'm not defending JR. I don't have to. It's his team and he will do what he thinks is best. I think letting Fox go is a fantastic idea. I think getting rid of someone like Peppers who only has great years in contract seasons was a great move. Who had more sacks this year; Peppers or that guy who replaced him. JR doesn't suck. Panthers "fans" suck!

Anonymous said...

Luck is a great kid with a bright future in what ever he decides to do.

The Panthers are the F__King Losers here. Just look at there record from last season.

It all starts at the top in every organization. Look at the "MISER" you all have as an owner!

Somebody please tell him (Richardson) that he can't take his money with him when passes on (hopefully in the near future).

No body should be surprised by Luck's decision to stay in school.

Richardson would of low balled him too.

Hurney probably keeps his job for a while because nobody else will sell their soul to this DEVIL (Richardson)!

Anonymous said...

Well being 20 yrs old in college makes sense cause he will have fun. But I bet he would have more fun if he made $50,000,000. I hope we trade the 1st pick now and do what the patriots do, collect draft picks.

Anonymous said...

We will take him with the 1st pick in the draft next year cause you know we will start Clausen. Another shitty year.

Anonymous said...

What if the 49ers has a first pick? Betcha Andrew will jump. Plain and simple.

Anonymous said...

The Panthers will be the worst team again next year.

Maybe if we have a yard sale and sell our Panthers stuff, we could donate it to Jerry, so he can afford a coach next year. An extra 5,00 dollars or so might go a long way with the kind of guys he's interviewing

Nick said...

Vince Young?

Anonymous said...

We need to just face the facts that there will be NO football next year. Thats why Luck made the choice he did. If thats the case then we just take him next year. Thanks JR for only speaking once every 9 years. I hope that I dont have to hear you again until then.

Anonymous said...

If the team Harbaugh signs with swings a deal before Jan 15th, watch the schoolboy decide to 'change his mind'........

Pick Blaine Gabbert - He's a man. Ready to work like one. Not afraid of a challenge like that fozzie bear sounding luck kid

Anonymous said...

Vince Young?
How about a QB who has a grasp of the english language

OSC said...

They can't sign any draft picks to contracts until a new CBA is agreed upon is what I hear.

Anonymous said...

The Panthers only shot, I felt from the start, was to call Jim Harbaugh right after their bowl game. Talk to him about the possibility of a Luck/Harbaugh and much of the NFL experienced Stanford staff, as the new staff and QB in Charlotte. I think Harbaugh and his staff are very good; I've watched 5 Stanford games this year and know about their 4 year turn around. My opinion is that was the only shot at Luck and the Panthers thumbed their noses at that idea for a couple of NFL coordinators. Harbough can coach, as can much of his staff! Not getting Luck would make me want the worst record in the NFL next year! Clausen ain't the answer but he is for next season.

Anonymous said...

You left out the line "deep, dark depression, excessive misery...wooaaa" which I feel most accurately describes how most Panthers' fans feel...

Jeff said...

I was just wondering. Couldn't the Panthers go ahead and draft Luck at the upcoming 2011 draft and retain the rights to him in 2012?

Jeff said...

I was just wondering if the Panthers could draft Luck at the upcoming 2011 draft and retain his rights for 2012?

Anonymous said...

Vince Young - I don't care if the guy can't speak a word of English as long as he can hit an open man (preferably on his team...unlike Clausen) and WIN! We can enroll him in ESL at CPCC... We would also do well to beef up a pitiful offensive line...and fine Jordan Gross $500,000 every time he moves early!! Pro Bowl this year my arse!!

Anonymous said...

Could any more bad news hit this football team? Oh wait, we havent loss Williams YET. Hope he goes to the Saints to show our front office and JR how stupid they are.

Anonymous said...

uhhhh -- Vince Young has multiple issues -- maybe deeper than Collins were ---

thimk about it --- Adams is willing to let him go for nothing if necessary

Anonymous said...

Love the "Gloom, despair, and agony on me" reference, Scott.

Do remember that show, and was quite fond of it. ;)

Anonymous said...

I think the Panthers draft Cam Newton from Auburn and pick up Donovan McNabb to groom him for a couple of years. That way McNabb can show Newton what it takes to be a pro and how to handle himself on and off the field. The Panthers also should go hard after Vince Jackson from the Chargers. Move Smitty to No. 2 Receiver along with Lafell and Gettis; bring back D. Williams and we've just become a pretty dangerous offense.

Anonymous said...

are team so bad i want a lock out lol but really this whats going to happen hey people maybe i'm positive or just being realistic i think the Panther try hard trade down and get picks or just go after Wrs or Dt which ever one because i believe we will have a top 3 pick next year and honestly Andrew Luck most likely will be there we pick cause sorry every1 i don't see us being any better next year players wisw hopefully I pray coaches wise we're

Anonymous said...

I'd like to sell my 4 psls that I bought on the first day you could send in your money for the lottery.
2700 dollars for each psl. Right now I doubt I could sell them for 27 cents apiece. Actually, Jerry will probably get thm back for nothing. Then he'll try to resale them

Unknown said...

Let's just bank on there being a lockout and no season will be played. Panthers take #1 in 2011 and get it again in 2012.

Let's face it - a lockout would be a lot better than what the Panthers put on the field last year...and even worse next season. (Bye bye, D-Will...Kalil...etc. Richardson not signing them until a new CBA is made. So they will be elsewhere.)

Good Luck, Luck. I applaud you for going back to Stanford - granted I wanted you in Carolina Black/Blue rather than Cardinal Red next fall.

Anonymous said...

If anybody thinks Jerry Richardson cares about us, you are crazy. I'd rather have his sons as the owners. At least Mark and John would be more available.

Anonymous said...

This is awesome news! As a Bucs fan, I look forward to owning the Panthers for years to come! May the Panthers curse live on baby!

Anonymous said...

"If the Panthers would have went for hard Harbough and started seriously dealing for him, I bet Luck would have entered the draft".

So to you Jim H is worth being the "highest" paid coach in the nfl without proven anything to be worth the cash at the nfl level as far in being a coach? The dude would be making more than Bill B, who won 3 superbowl.

Afterall it takes only 4 to 7 games games before Luck is consider a bust. Along Jim H being a horrible sign once he starts losing.

So regardless it's a no win situation. Scott stop your loves fest with Luck, you would hype him up just like Luck to throw him under the bus later on the year.

Anonymous said...

As bad the record shows for this team, it would be nice for him to get drafted here. Instead of a Bills, Bengals, 49ers etc etc. Congrats to Luck and get that degree.

Anonymous said...

George Hanson says:

Told you Luck would never play for the Panther's. But as Ezekial observed on the other story, the Panther's might have the first pick for many years to come! Anon4.08pm, this franchise has been black catted to the highest order...

josephmcnulty said...

Its silly to talk about Luck giving priorithy to getting his EDUCATION. Yeah, that's the ticket. If he gets his degree on time he will be qualified to enter MIDDLE MANAGEMENT and HAVE A CUBLCLE OF HIS OWN. Don't you realize that when the goes pro -- which should be sooner, rather than later because of the uncertainties of injury and the uncertain future availlability of bonus money under a new CBA, which is liable to give owners their pound of flesh out of the hide of rookies, who have no power -- he can BUY his own college if he needs a degree? Does anyone know or care whether Drew Brees got his degree and in what? Yeah, that's right. Andrew Luck should quit football to concentrate on his architectural studies.

josephmcnulty said...

Its silly to talk about Luck giving priorithy to getting his EDUCATION. Yeah, that's the ticket. If he gets his degree on time he will be qualified to enter MIDDLE MANAGEMENT and HAVE A CUBLCLE OF HIS OWN. Don't you realize that when the goes pro -- which should be sooner, rather than later because of the uncertainties of injury and the uncertain future availlability of bonus money under a new CBA, which is liable to give owners their pound of flesh out of the hide of rookies, who have no power -- he can BUY his own college if he needs a degree? Does anyone know or care whether Drew Brees got his degree and in what? Yeah, that's right. Andrew Luck should quit football to concentrate on his architectural studies.

josephmcnulty said...

Its silly to talk about Luck giving priorithy to getting his EDUCATION. Yeah, that's the ticket. If he gets his degree on time he will be qualified to enter MIDDLE MANAGEMENT and HAVE A CUBLCLE OF HIS OWN. Don't you realize that when the goes pro -- which should be sooner, rather than later because of the uncertainties of injury and the uncertain future availlability of bonus money under a new CBA, which is liable to give owners their pound of flesh out of the hide of rookies, who have no power -- he can BUY his own college if he needs a degree? Does anyone know or care whether Drew Brees got his degree and in what? Yeah, that's right. Andrew Luck should quit football to concentrate on his architectural studies.

josephmcnulty said...

Its silly to talk about Luck giving priorithy to getting his EDUCATION. Yeah, that's the ticket. If he gets his degree on time he will be qualified to enter MIDDLE MANAGEMENT and HAVE A CUBLCLE OF HIS OWN. Don't you realize that when the goes pro -- which should be sooner, rather than later because of the uncertainties of injury and the uncertain future availlability of bonus money under a new CBA, which is liable to give owners their pound of flesh out of the hide of rookies, who have no power -- he can BUY his own college if he needs a degree? Does anyone know or care whether Drew Brees got his degree and in what? Yeah, that's right. Andrew Luck should quit football to concentrate on his architectural studies.

josephmcnulty said...

Its silly to talk about Luck giving priorithy to getting his EDUCATION. Yeah, that's the ticket. If he gets his degree on time he will be qualified to enter MIDDLE MANAGEMENT and HAVE A CUBLCLE OF HIS OWN. Don't you realize that when the goes pro -- which should be sooner, rather than later because of the uncertainties of injury and the uncertain future availlability of bonus money under a new CBA, which is liable to give owners their pound of flesh out of the hide of rookies, who have no power -- he can BUY his own college if he needs a degree? Does anyone know or care whether Drew Brees got his degree and in what? Yeah, that's right. Andrew Luck should quit football to concentrate on his architectural studies.

josephmcnulty said...

Its silly to talk about Luck giving priorithy to getting his EDUCATION. Yeah, that's the ticket. If he gets his degree on time he will be qualified to enter MIDDLE MANAGEMENT and HAVE A CUBLCLE OF HIS OWN. Don't you realize that when the goes pro -- which should be sooner, rather than later because of the uncertainties of injury and the uncertain future availlability of bonus money under a new CBA, which is liable to give owners their pound of flesh out of the hide of rookies, who have no power -- he can BUY his own college if he needs a degree? Does anyone know or care whether Drew Brees got his degree and in what? Yeah, that's right. Andrew Luck should quit football to concentrate on his architectural studies.

Archiguy said...

Oliver Luck, Andrew's father, was a smart guy. Rhodes scholar at WVU I believe. His son is also pretty smart - that's why he took his talents to the Harvard of the West, as Stanford is called. He could have gone to a typical football factory to get groomed for the League, but he aspires to greater things, a more complete personal development.

He understands, as a previous poster pointed out, that you're only 20 years old at a great university once. It's not about "getting a degree". It's about learning something amazing every day from one of the best faculties in the nation and graduating with your peer group.

The League and the money will always be there and I'm sure he's taken out insurance against injury. Nothing wrong with this kid's priorities, nothing at all.

Anonymous said...

When they say its not a "snub". Its a SNUB...

Anonymous said...

Luck did the right thing. There's plenty of time for him to have his cake and eat it too. He'll win a Pac 10 Championship next year, maybe win the Heisman trophy instead of finishing #2, get his degree from one of the top schools in the US, then he'll come out in the next year's Draft, in exactly the same place he is right now but with the added hope of not having to play for a team and owner as unispiring as the Panthers have become. He's got a great life right now. That will change completely when he goes pro. Give that up early? And for what? The Panthers? He's 21 years old! Anyone who's watched him play knows that the money and probably a legendary NFL career are there whenever he decides to take them. Time is on his side. If he wins the Heisman, the Pac 10, and gets his degree, then goes on to be the next Peyton Manning, he'll never regret having waited one more year to join the league's worst team as a rookie.

Anonymous said...

@ josephmcnulty

Whats up posting the same comment 6times?

The Panthers will have the 2012 1st overall picks, especially if theres no football in 2011.

He must rather play for the Bills or Bengals who both have cheaper owners and fair wheather fans as well? Not saying all of them are fair wheater by the way.

Anonymous said...

Hopefully by now- people here will get off of Julius Peppers back and understand that this city is boring. Why would any athlete or entertainer want to live here? We have absolutely nothing to offer these men, who are single and rich beyond their wildest dreams. Heck, Michael Jordan owns the Bobcats and waited until now to purchase a PART-TIME home here. The city desperately needs an identity. If Charlotte wants to become relevant, it needs to make a better effort at trying to attract more singles. Its the youth that keeps a city live and vibrant

Anonymous said...

The Panthers lack of pursuit on Harbaugh had absolutely ZERO impact on Luck's decision. Luck is free to do whatever he wants, including the pursuit of his degree. I know probably 99% of you never went to Stanford so you probably don't even know what it's like to go there. The students that university attracts aren't the ones that sell their bowl memorabilia on eBay or get busted stealing computers from their university. I'm disappointed that Luck is staying like any other Panther fan, but to blame the Panthers, JR or anyone else associated with the organization for Luck not coming out is plain ignorant at best.

Anonymous said...

January 6, 2011 7:35 PM - What Charlotte do you live in? The one I live is vibrant and full of single, young people. Then again I live close to downtown and not in the boonies like you probably do.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't want Vince Young to play for this looser organization. Vince, do yourself a favor and don't even look this way. The Panthers would be the nail in your career.

Luck knew that also.

Anonymous said...

Luck was weirded out by Fowler stalking him last week.

Anonymous said...

Have fun in Oakland next year Luck

Anonymous said...

"Luck was weirded out by Fowler stalking him last week".

Imagine Luck on this team right now, oh boy Scott would make up every morning to see Luck everywhere.

Interview him more instead of the other 52 guys. Afterall from Scott he is the glimmer of hope.

Anonymous said...

I meant "wake" up

PickleTickle said...

Party at Jimmy's crib tonite!!!

kosspro4aa said...

...Scott, want to "man-up" to this one (for a change)? Believe you said in a column a day or so ago that you 'felt' that he was going to 'forgo' the rest of the college experience for the NFL...since the late seventies, Charlotte has had SEVERE "ego" issues; we in the surrounding counties just "watch...then smile."

...just sayin'...

Anonymous said...

Man. Another defensive coach. So, Casey kicks his one field goal and we call it a score. Hey, Jerry!!! FGs are for losers. It means your OC is a moron!! Has anyone heard of an offensive Head Coach? Run, run,pass,kick doesn't require a lot of brainpower. Mr. Luck, I don't blame you a bit. Eli Manning did it and was a man about it...just said he wasn't playing in SD and went to NY. There needs to be a 3rd quarter beer boycott for a few games and then we'll see something happen. Oh, I'm sorry, make that the second quarter. My row leaves @ the half. We can't take it any longer. PSLs on Ebay are real cheap is you can find some snowbirds to buy your tickets. Peace, Panther fans. We have nowhere to go but up

Anonymous said...

Well, you can't blame him. With the labor situation looming next year and the way management of the Panthers tanked the team last year. Couple that with not knowing who the coach will be for the Panthers, it was inevitable. I would say the management of the Panthers have set the franchise back for years.

Anonymous said...

But Monday on "The Herd" Colin interviewed Luck's Dad and he said that it was his belief that Andrew was coming out and he(Dad) had told him that when you are going to be the # 1 pick in the draft it can't get any better than that, and could get worse.

So..... hmmmm what happened from Monday around 11am to this announcement today?????

Panthers have had what 2 or 3 lucky "good" seasons out of 15, and can't have 2 winning years in a row because they can only have a winning year when they get the 4th place schedule. When they have the 1st or 2nd place schedule.... bam.... sucky year again.

When I walked out of the major drubbing vs the Iggles in Sept 2009 I knew there were going to be many more bad game-days.

Kenneth said...

Panthers fans you don't realize it right now, but Andrew Luck just saved you. He is the latest product of the ESPN hype machine. His arm doesn't impress me. We would have taken him and then found out that we had a 6ft. 4in. Jimmy Clausen with leadership skills but no arm. This is the NFL! Our franchise quarterback has to have a strong arm to go with other intangibles. I am telling you that most of you were so blinded by Andrew Luck that you couldn't see that Cam Newton was the best choice all along. He has the arm strength, mobility, intelligence, and leadership skills we need. He's also going to come in with a chip on his shoulder because of the scrutiny that he's faced about his dad getting paid. This is not the end of the world. It's Christmas all over again. Like someone in an earlier post said, we have a ton of money so we can bring in Donovan Mcnabb to groom our franchise quarterback. But we have to get the right offensive coaches to go along with him.

Anonymous said...

Agree with many here tonight....who in their right mind would want to develop their professional career under a mismanaged, misguided, inept front office and and owner without a clue? The guy has talent, and obviously knows when to hold/fold. Us fans don't want to go to Panther stadium. Can understand why players wouldn't want to either. What a mess.

Anonymous said...

Having been to panther games and been asked to "sit down I cannot see" during the opening kickoff of the first ever game, and watching 16 years of fans doing the wave while we are on offense, and watching the fans finding their seat near the end of the first quarter, I am just not surprised by the stipidity that I read over and over again in the "fan" posts. Jerry Richardson has usually spent near the top of the league. One year does not make him cheap. He has also brought in Capers and Fox that were excellent coaches, that just did not win the big one, and Seifert that had won several, just not here. Wake up you morons, he has a plan, and we will certainly be back on top soon.

Anonymous said...

how many superbowls have the Jaguars been too? The Texans? How many Conference Championships did they get in their fist decade and a half? Same question for Atlanta, Seattle, Tampa, and New Orleans!

Anonymous said...

The panthers have never gone two years in a row with double digit losses. Only once have they had three years in a row with a losing record. How many teams can say that. Before you start talking the kind of trash that I read on this blog, suffer the kind of misery that they have had in Detriot, Atlanta, New Orleans, Arizona, Tampa, Seattle, ... Man, you guys are just rediculus.

Anonymous said...

The last comment about Richardson's plan makes sense to me. I have never heard an owner admit to cleaning house and then using his pricey, lame-duck coach to endure the learning curve of a bunch of rookies.

Look how much easier will it be for the new staff to evaluate the talent and not have to take the rap for getting rid of popular but declining veterans and endure a marginal 'youth movement' season.

I also like the creativity of the comment about getting McNabb, Newton and a McNew Offensive Coordinator with Cojones.

Of course the Hee Haw references have made my night. Whoa!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Insanity: Doing the same thing expecting a different result. Why look to hire someone like John Fox? Maybe Richardson's heart condition is affecting his mental state! I suggest all PSL owners pick a day and boycott outside of the stadium.

actualfan said...

Anon 6:20'

I'll totally give you 27 cents for your psl. Some of you are the sorriest fans I have ever seen. Go out tomorrow and buy yourselves some falcons shwag, I mean, they're winning this year right?

Anonymous said...

I have another angle on today's horrible news. I was searching for a way to abandon my 2nd set of PSLs. I have been waiting for years for decent news to provide hope the fan base. I am SO far under water with my PSLs... I wanted Luck to come my way and get out of them SOME of what I put into them.

Anybody interested? 205 Row 14 (3 seats) Email me at evan869@hotmail.com...

Anonymous said...

I'm not bitter, but I sure hope that the CBA includes a rookie salary cap, and he F's up next year in college and he loses MILLIONS of dollars of salary.

Anonymous said...

I am so PIzzED at Jerry Richardson that I can't see straight. It's not about winning.

Anonymous said...

"Curled up in a car trunk" is probably one of the worst illustrative phrases that will ever be used involving a Carolina Panthers player......

Jay Hanig said...

Luck is not a moron: it's a smart move on his part and one that recognizes there is life beyond football. Assuming he doesn't get killed or maimed next year, the NFL will still be there for the 2012 season and hopefully its labor issues will be settled by then.

It's a shame the Panthers won't get him but it's hardly the first time we've been disappointed.

Anonymous said...

If you think Luck is the great god who can turn a struggling failing franschise around then keep Fox another year lose 16 in a row and he will be assured of being a Panther in 2012.
That is if you believe he is the answer.
Winning 4-5 games next yr will only lose him to another team.

Unknown said...

Hee Haw...born and raised in Charlotte NC

Anonymous said...

Big flipping deal. So what, the kid is staying in school. You guys are all ready to bet the franchise on him and give him 50mill over one good college season? Have any of you seen the Oregon game? We spent a draft pick on Clausen but the kid had zero chance of being successful in the offense we ran. Look at our (former) offensive staff, two of those coaches were fired from CLEVELAND & one was the QB coach and the other the OC!! Let's give the rookies this year a chance to get some real coaching and see what they do afterwards. Draft AJ Green or trade first pick and move on. Please just don't draft Bowers, he had one good promising season but it was in the ACC and we all know the ACC sucks in football.

Anonymous said...

Kudos to a smart Silicon Valley, Stanford kid.....pretty much a NO BRAINER to turn down a deadbeat owner...deadbeat team...deadbeat town.....

Craig Morton said...

Luck may need to finish out college because I don't see him in a broadcasting booth after his NFL Career is over. Comes across too much like a country bumkin. Time for that Cam Newton Smile...he'll wow the crowd!

Anonymous said...

I heard on wfnz this afternoon that Luck consulted with some NFL ppl including Arhcie Manning - (who is notorious for tampering with the Jets draft pick)

Kenneth said...

I don't see how anyone can beleive Oliver Luck when he says the fact that his son would be drafted by the Panthers wasn't a determining factor in him staying in school. With this potential CBA mess he would make a lot more this year than next year. Also, he knew that Harbaugh wasn't coming back, but that didn't matter. Come on man? By the way just who is this great NFL player named Oliver Luck? I mean his name fits right there with Sid Luckman, Johny Unitas, Joe Montana and John Elway.

Christian H said...

What we need to do is see what Pike can do and draft pouncey instead of finding people on their couch watching the price is right.

"Although Pierre has only thrown 3x's in his previous 5-8 years exp I believe he is better for the job than the one who works his butt of during practice"
-Fox and the ppl who agreed

Anonymous said...

That might be an insanely good idea to wait a year for Luck to leave Stanford and get him with the 1st draft pick in 2012 with a 2nd worst NFL record. How may games could the Panthers really win anyway in 2011? Three? Four? Five at most?
Someone will get Luck in 2012 and it might as well be Carolina. He should a lot better in 2012 too if thats possible.

How can you "throw" a whole season in 2012? Keep everything intact from this season?

Anonymous said...

Its simple.

Just trade the 2011 #1 pick off for the #1 pick in 2012 and problem solved.

You will then have Luck in 2012.

josephmcnulty said...

Luck will come out for the draft, just not as a Carolina Panther. He is just waiting until the Panthers trade the pick to declare his eligibility. Anyone really believe he is going to stay at Stanford with a NEW coach and new system? His father, as a collegiate athletic administrator, was politic enough not to dump obviously on the Panthers. Why dump on the employers of your guys? The reality is bitter enough: Andrew Luck has so little interest in the Carolina Panthers that he did not even go throug a charade of "interest" and then announce that he had decided "reluctantly" that there was one more course at Stanford that he just had to take. This is a bad situation. Better trade the Number 1 pick unless you have the imagination to take Cam Newton and build the offense around his diverse and unique talents. He is a young Michael Vick with a better body and a rocket arm. Not very promising with the Panthers, who have never shown any imagination.

josephmcnulty said...

Luck will come out for the draft, just not as a Carolina Panther. He is just waiting until the Panthers trade the pick to declare his eligibility. Anyone really believe he is going to stay at Stanford with a NEW coach and new system? His father, as a collegiate athletic administrator, was politic enough not to dump obviously on the Panthers. Why dump on the employers of your guys? The reality is bitter enough: Andrew Luck has so little interest in the Carolina Panthers that he did not even go throug a charade of "interest" and then announce that he had decided "reluctantly" that there was one more course at Stanford that he just had to take. This is a bad situation. Better trade the Number 1 pick unless you have the imagination to take Cam Newton and build the offense around his diverse and unique talents. He is a young Michael Vick with a better body and a rocket arm. Not very promising with the Panthers, who have never shown any imagination.

josephmcnulty said...

Luck will come out for the draft, just not as a Carolina Panther. He is just waiting until the Panthers trade the pick to declare his eligibility. Anyone really believe he is going to stay at Stanford with a NEW coach and new system? His father, as a collegiate athletic administrator, was politic enough not to dump obviously on the Panthers. Why dump on the employers of your guys? The reality is bitter enough: Andrew Luck has so little interest in the Carolina Panthers that he did not even go throug a charade of "interest" and then announce that he had decided "reluctantly" that there was one more course at Stanford that he just had to take. This is a bad situation. Better trade the Number 1 pick unless you have the imagination to take Cam Newton and build the offense around his diverse and unique talents. He is a young Michael Vick with a better body and a rocket arm. Not very promising with the Panthers, who have never shown any imagination.

josephmcnulty said...

Luck will come out for the draft, just not as a Carolina Panther. He is just waiting until the Panthers trade the pick to declare his eligibility. Anyone really believe he is going to stay at Stanford with a NEW coach and new system? His father, as a collegiate athletic administrator, was politic enough not to dump obviously on the Panthers. Why dump on the employers of your guys? The reality is bitter enough: Andrew Luck has so little interest in the Carolina Panthers that he did not even go throug a charade of "interest" and then announce that he had decided "reluctantly" that there was one more course at Stanford that he just had to take. This is a bad situation. Better trade the Number 1 pick unless you have the imagination to take Cam Newton and build the offense around his diverse and unique talents. He is a young Michael Vick with a better body and a rocket arm. Not very promising with the Panthers, who have never shown any imagination.

Anonymous said...

Luck stayed because Richardson doesn't really want to win and Hurney is a "SORRY MOTHER" YOU KNOW WHAT!

Anonymous said...

No imagination? Super Bowl?

Careful for what you wish. Newton might be another Vick for real after the FBI invest. Does he fight rots and pits too?

The Pack put something on Vick and the Eags.

No question they need to trade off the #1 pick for next year to get Stanford boy.

Anonymous said...

Ducks by 14.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Andrew! You were the luckiest thing never to happen to us!