Doogie insinuates Donna Smith would rather be somewhere else

[BleedGopher]

In a mock Q&A, Doogie addresses Tubby coaching rumors and Royce:

Dear Dr. Dan: My wife would rather be somewhere else, the practice facility that I so richly deserve, and was promised to me, is at best two years from becoming a reality, and Nike head-honcho Phil Knight is willing to give me a Brinks truck to come to Oregon. Should I go? And while we have your attention, should I allow Royce White back onto the team if he wants to play?

O. Smith, Minneapolis


Dear Mr. Smith: At 58-years-old, your next landing spot will likely be your last job. Even with a brand-new arena, do you want that to be in Eugene, Oregon? Really, we see you at North Carolina State a year from now after former Timberwolves coach Sidney Lowe is dismissed. Between you and your wife, you have family in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. With your dream job, Maryland, not opening anytime soon, the Wolfpack makes the most sense to us.

As for White, do you really want to welcome back someone who quit on you? That being said, you lack a go-to scorer and a good individual rebounder, two areas where White could excel. Our society constantly grants second chances (heck, even Elin appears to be giving Tiger a second chance) so, yes, for the sake of winning an NCAA tournament game before you leave, take him back.

http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/89328572.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aUKcOy9cP3DieyckcUsI

Go Gophers!!

[Gold Vision]

Regurgitated, unsubstantiated rumors from this past couple weeks. Awesome.

[In Tubby We Trust]

doogie is a joke.

[akgopher]

Doogie:

I confident that you know that I like you and that I appreciate your presence here, especially when you offer the occasional inside scoop from behind the scenes, but sometimes you seem to ask for some of the ridicule thrown your way. That material was weak, especially if you aren't willing to back up the claims that Donna Smith is unhappy, and especially the NC State speculation because you've repeatedly mentioned that as the next destination for Coach Smith. Eventually you need to substantiate your claims if you continue to use the same Coach Smith is waiting for NC State to open and Donna Smith wanting out speculation.

Come on Doogie. That was as bad as the call you made for Gardy to start using Nathan in the 7th instead of as a closer, before the injury.

[Doogie]

Also donna hates being up north in mpls

This is an exact email I got from a source I trust on Thursday when the Oregon rumors started ... I am far from the 1st person who has heard this stuff ... I think in this case, where there's smoke, there's fire... many on here, I get, have a hard time believing anything negative in regards to our favorite program ... but in reality, not everything is perfect.

[Doogie]

akgopher -- I have never said that Tubby is waiting for the NC State job ... I have said that this is not Tubby's last job and that his dream job is Maryland, and he and Donna have family in NC, Vir., and Maryland, so making a bit of a leap in suggesting the NC State job.
As for Nathan, if they are facing the Red Sox and the 2-3-4 guys are due up in the 8th, why not use your best reliever in the highest of high-leverage situations?

[gopherphan]

Im sick of 'sources i trust'

considering this sources i trust guy hasnt gotten anything right for a few weeks now, im disinclined to listen to anything that guy has to say anymore

[akgopher]

I'm happy that you admitted that the NC State job speculation is a leap on your part. You've mentioned it more than once. Eventually your going to have to put more to the Donna Smith unhappiness if your going to go with that whenever a job opens up or each spring during the tournament. Also, you said using Nathan in the 7th, not the 8th. Regardless, I think your cool and I give you credit for not hiding behind a screen name and adding to our debates.

[Doogie]

7th inning then too -- Red Sox have Dustin P., Victor Martinez, and Kevin Y. due up ... it's a 4-3 Twins lead ... why not protect that lead with Nathan in the 7th?

I have always said that I thoroughly enjoy the debates on here ... I love the disagreement and attempting to validate points ... I just have never understood the personal attacks.

[SkitchPatterson]

Sounds like the Smith's could use a nice MN summer to get their minds right.

[GophersOnTheRise]

If everyone who disliked Minnesota winters moved there wouldn't be many people living here. Luckily most people suck it up and don't go through with it.

[jjgopher]

I don't know if you can even consider Doogie part of the MN media or not, but I think we should all take comfort in knowing that if you do consider him part of the media, Tubby obviously isn't going anywhere. These people are the same idiots that said Tubby was a lock for UVA last year, a lock for Auburn a couple weeks ago, a lock for Georgia Tech when there wasn't even an opening, the top candidate for the Oregon job, and the top candidate for the Florida job, when there was no opening. In the days that follow, different reports come out, like the report today from the Oregon media, that Tubby wasn't even contacted by the U of Oregon. So whom would you tend to believe in that situation? The last media market I would believe would be the Twin Cities. They can cite their sources all they want, but they continually are proven to be wrong. But there they always go again, like Doogie is now, and saying they have their trusted sources. Only people that are ignorant, or completely gullible would believe anything you say.

Seriously, read again what all these d-bags in the media have pooped out of their mouths over the last few weeks, and then someone with a straight face tell me you can believe anything any of them say.

[Section201]

If everyone who disliked Minnesota winters moved there wouldn't be many people living here. Luckily most people suck it up and don't go through with it.

To heck with the practice facility. If your wife hates the Minnesota winter, you need to move. I would not blame either Tubby or Donna one bit. I am thrilled to have them here for as long as they choose.

I only hope Mrs. Smith does not hate our winters.

:)

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

If everyone who disliked Minnesota winters moved there wouldn't be many people living here. Luckily most people suck it up and don't go through with it.

Every time I have to shovel out the car, I wish I wasn't here. I just think about the other 8 months, and that feeling goes away.

[MRJ]

I don't understand Doogie's apparent fascination with Tubby going to NC State. It's apparently his way of adding to the rumors and complete speculation everybody in the Twin Cities, and indeed the national media, are doing at all times regarding Tubby.

As for whether Donna hates it here or not, there are conflicting "reports" on this as well. I've read where she loves it in some cases and I've also read that she hates it in others. Whom do I believe? Well, not necessarily the media. Sorry Doogie, but I need something a little more concrete than simply "well, she hates it here and therefore we're on the first train out of town, like, say, NC State." It's the same crap we heard last year with Virginia and nothing came of it.

In the case of Royce White, the entire suggestion is completely ridiculous. Let Royce back so the coach can win an NCAA Tournament game before he jets somewhere else? Yeah, okay.

[97alumni]

Okay I'm lost - who the heck is Doogie?

[Ski U Master]

Aaaaaand Doogie has reached a new "journalistic" low. What a waste of ink and bandwidth.

[Section201]

Okay I'm lost - who the heck is Doogie?

Don't feel bad. I didn't know either, until this afternoon. This link will answer your question.

http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/89328572.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aUKcOy9cP3DieyckcUsI

[The Ghost of Bierman]

Also donna hates being up north in mpls

This is an exact email I got from a source I trust on Thursday when the Oregon rumors started ... I am far from the 1st person who has heard this stuff ... I think in this case, where there's smoke, there's fire... many on here, I get, have a hard time believing anything negative in regards to our favorite program ... but in reality, not everything is perfect.

that weak "TMZ wanna-be" type of line is so pathetic and bush-league. let me guess "your source you trust" was named dennis dodd?! because didn't that D-BAG use that same pathetic, cheap, speculative "bail out line" when he published his B.S. nothing-but-rank-speculation blog post (which was immediately proved to be wrong) the morning of the gophers vs. xavier game? you really are a lame, lame person doogie. lame.

:rolleyes:

[97alumni]

Don't feel bad. I didn't know either, until this afternoon. This link will answer your question.

http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/89328572.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aUKcOy9cP3DieyckcUsI

Ahh thank you.:)

I find it odd that a Vikings "beat" reporter is commenting on basketball rumors but this whole coaching rumor fiasco this year has been more than odd so this fits right in.

[The Ghost of Bierman]

Aaaaaand Doogie has reached a new "journalistic" low. What a waste of ink and bandwidth.

ding, ding, ding. he likes to wallow in the weeds with rank speculative talk because that is all he is really able to produce. he doesn't have any REAL access to speak of. don't let this joker fool you guys with his nasa-space-camp-esque stints on local radio where he gets to play with all the big buttons and gets to wear the big headphones.

[tjgopher]

Tubby might someday go elsewhere, but if he does, it ain't going to be to NC State. My gosh, why would he want to work 10 minutes between Roy Williams and Coach K and get his head blown off four times a year by those guys? That job is not a good job with hugely unrealistic expectations. You think he felt pressure at Kentucky? Wait until he sits between those two coaches making $2.5 million per year and trying to compete. He'll run from that situation as fast as they make the first call.

[royboy]

Also donna hates being up north in mpls

This is an exact email I got from a source I trust on Thursday when the Oregon rumors started ... I am far from the 1st person who has heard this stuff ... I think in this case, where there's smoke, there's fire... many on here, I get, have a hard time believing anything negative in regards to our favorite program ... but in reality, not everything is perfect.

Breaking news!!!! Doogie gets the scoop!!!! Minnesota winters suck and nobody likes them. I never thought the secret would get out but it did. Did you hear anything else Doogie?

[gopherbadgerman]

If Tubby does leave there are going to be a whole lot of upset people in Minny...

[Friend Of Tubby]

Also donna hates being up north in mpls

This is an exact email I got from a source I trust on Thursday when the Oregon rumors started ... I am far from the 1st person who has heard this stuff ... I think in this case, where there's smoke, there's fire... many on here, I get, have a hard time believing anything negative in regards to our favorite program ... but in reality, not everything is perfect.

First, it's FALSE. Nonsense.

Second, ever been to Oregon? It's not as cold but it's not like the South either.

[howeda7]

Tubby might someday go elsewhere, but if he does, it ain't going to be to NC State. My gosh, why would he want to work 10 minutes between Roy Williams and Coach K and get his head blown off four times a year by those guys? That job is not a good job with hugely unrealistic expectations. You think he felt pressure at Kentucky? Wait until he sits between those two coaches making $2.5 million per year and trying to compete. He'll run from that situation as fast as they make the first call.

+1,000. First, if Donna Smith dislikes the winters here that much, they'd have high-tailed it to UVa last year. It's not as if she like the first two winters fine and suddenly started hating them this year. Give me a break.

Second, NC State may actually be one of the wost jobs in college basketball. The fans look around at the masterpieces being carved all around them, from UNC to Duke to even little old Wake. And they demand you do the same. Then they hand you spoon and expect you to carve Mount Rushmore.

[Doogie]

First, it's FALSE. Nonsense.

Second, ever been to Oregon? It's not as cold but it's not like the South either.

Unless he gets a 10-year, $30 mil offer or something crazy, I have never thought for one second that he was going to Oregon ... and the person who sent that to me would absolutely know ... I can read what your moniker is, but do you really know the family that well? Or at least well enough where open conversations are had?

[Doogie]

ding, ding, ding. he likes to wallow in the weeds with rank speculative talk because that is all he is really able to produce. he doesn't have any REAL access to speak of. don't let this joker fool you guys with his nasa-space-camp-esque stints on local radio where he gets to play with all the big buttons and gets to wear the big headphones.

What would you consider REAL access? I am guessing whatever your definition of it is, I have access to ... or at least as much as any reporter in town, and if I miss something, I am filled in by those that were there oftentimes.

[Doogie]

+1,000. First, if Donna Smith dislikes the winters here that much, they'd have high-tailed it to UVa last year. It's not as if she like the first two winters fine and suddenly started hating them this year. Give me a break.

Second, NC State may actually be one of the wost jobs in college basketball. The fans look around at the masterpieces being carved all around them, from UNC to Duke to even little old Wake. And they demand you do the same. Then they hand you spoon and expect you to carve Mount Rushmore.

He thought by now the practice facility would be at least in the process of being built, and never would've felt comfortable leaving after 2 years and after 1 year of Sampson III.
Correct ... my sense is that she has from the start not been a big fan of the winters ... nothing changed in the last year.

[howeda7]

He thought by now the practice facility would be at least in the process of being built, and never would've felt comfortable leaving after 2 years and after 1 year of Sampson III.
Correct ... my sense is that she has from the start not been a big fan of the winters ... nothing changed in the last year.

Perhaps, but then it's an arbitrary line. If your wife hates it here and a job as close to home as you're going to get offers you $3 million bucks and a shiny new arena, you go. Uncomfortable or not. Or, if she just isn't that fond of the weather but it's not a big deal, you stay. But then it's probably not a big deal now, either.

[Friend Of Tubby]

Unless he gets a 10-year, $30 mil offer or something crazy, I have never thought for one second that he was going to Oregon ... and the person who sent that to me would absolutely know ... I can read what your moniker is, but do you really know the family that well? Or at least well enough where open conversations are had?

I've been through this over and over. One more time.

I met the Smith family in 2000. I stayed in the same hotel for 3 weeks. My stepdaughter was an Olympian. He coached the Men's team. Players, friends, and family all stayed together.

I see T once or twice a year. I used to see D at UK games but haven't seen her since 2007.

HERE all I have said is READ TUBBY'S FREAKIN' QUOTES and ignore the rumors.

There are NO RUMORS when Tubby is ACTUALLY interested in a job. He keeps it quiet.

[Friend Of Tubby]

Unless he gets a 10-year, $30 mil offer or something crazy, I have never thought for one second that he was going to Oregon ... and the person who sent that to me would absolutely know ... I can read what your moniker is, but do you really know the family that well? Or at least well enough where open conversations are had?

Tubby will NOT coach 10 more years ANYWHERE. He'll coach 5-7 more years, tops.

[jjgopher]

What would you consider REAL access? I am guessing whatever your definition of it is, I have access to ... or at least as much as any reporter in town, and if I miss something, I am filled in by those that were there oftentimes.

Real access as in you (the collective MN media) have totally botched this whole Tubby situation and have looked like idiots in the process?

[MRJ]

What would you consider REAL access? I am guessing whatever your definition of it is, I have access to ... or at least as much as any reporter in town, and if I miss something, I am filled in by those that were there oftentimes.

You make a good point here. However, if the last few weeks have shown anything, it's that a lot of reporters in the cities haven't had the kind of "access" that they think they have. Do they have some access? Obviously, because they're reporters. That's their job. But based on recent events and the wild amounts of inaccuracy or flat out wrong information that is apparently being passed along, some of us are left to wonder about what kind of "access" the media in the cities actually has.

[Friend Of Tubby]

Real access as in you (the collective MN media) have totally botched this whole Tubby situation and have looked like idiots in the process?

MN media doesn't LOOK LIKE idiots - THEY ARE IDIOTS!

[tman333]

Doogie, for someone who often asks posters to reveal their real names, why is the name of your "trusted source" anonymous? IMO, if someone like your trusted source wants to speculate on stuff like this, he should at least have the balls to let you use his name. Otherwise, he should keep quiet. As we've learned in the past couple weeks, there are too many so-called faux media people out there who are trying to make a name for themselves by speculating on stuff like this. Even if we knew for a fact that Donna Smith doesn't like the winters, we couldn't ever be sure how much of a factor it would be in Tubby's decision to go or stay. Might be the deciding factor or might not be a factor at all. So, it's just more speculation if you ask me.

[GopherLady]

I've been through this over and over. One more time.

I met the Smith family in 2000. I stayed in the same hotel for 3 weeks. My stepdaughter was an Olympian. He coached the Men's team. Players, friends, and family all stayed together.

I see T once or twice a year. I used to see D at UK games but haven't seen her since 2007.

HERE all I have said is READ TUBBY'S FREAKIN' QUOTES and ignore the rumors.

There are NO RUMORS when Tubby is ACTUALLY interested in a job. He keeps it quiet.

I think I may be missing something, but I believe Doogie asked:


do you really know the family that well? Or at least well enough where open conversations are had?

I'm guessing from your answer, your reply would be "no" to having any open conversations?

[maxwellsmart]

Just ignore it folks. More of the same old stuff from another TC media hack.

[Friend Of Tubby]

I think I may be missing something, but I believe Doogie asked:

I'm guessing from your answer, your reply would be "no" to having any open conversations?

Asked and answered. Repeated below.

I talk to T once or twice per year. I haven't talked to D since 2007.

No need for open conversations. Just listen to TUBBY QUOTES and believe them.

[Blizzard]

Lol at this whole thread. Donna Smith doesn't like winter? Wow, now that is a scoop. Neither do I, neither does anyone else I know. Well, one guy likes to ski, but, that's it.

When Doogie or anyone else in the local media can produce a single quote from Donna Smith regarding Minnesota weather I'll believe him, otherwise its complete speculation.

Have you interviewed Donna, Doogie?

That is a serious question.

[Reserve]

I'm actually starting to feel a little sympathy towards ol' Doogie.

Maybe it's a negative attention type of deal?

Perhaps we should give him a group hug.

C'mon over here big guy..

((((((( hug )))))))

Does that feel a bit better?

[tjgopher]

Another thing to ponder here for Doogie. Depending on just how close his emailer is to Tubby, is it possible this emailer is intentionally feeding Doogie (and Marcus) this stuff in order for it to become public, thus strengthening Tubby's leverage with the U in relation to contract, practice facility, and other stuff. All the while, there may not be a shred of truth to it?

In other words, its an old negotiating tactic -- the other side doesn't know what's true or not, so let's feed them something that helps us. So, if someone close to Tubby has a vested interest in Tubby getting a better contract, a practice facility, and other things, then why not leak a potentially untrue tale about an offer from Oregon to strengthen Tubby's negotiating powers?

I find it a little fishy that everyone on the Oregon side has said unequivocally that Tubby is not a candidate. Yet, two different reporters are citing "someone close to Tubby" that a job offer has been made or that Oregon is strongly interested with big money; and/or Donna hates the weather. So, the info is coming from Tubby's side.

I know FOT says this is killing recruiting, but that's a short term issue at worst. The fact that Tubby's name continues to be out there only legitimizes what a good coach he is. I think overall, this has a positive effect, especially when he stays. People think, a coach that good that is wanted elsewhere stayed at MN. That place must be ok. So, lets say -- a person close to Tubby who might have a vested interest in Tubby's long term well-being at MN -- chose to keep these rumors going, to show Tubby is valued elsewhere, and say, that leads to getting a practice facility, a higher salary for Tubby and his assistants, etc., then that person "close to Tubby" would have accomplished his mission.

FOT can say all he wants, but almost all local stories regarding this cite "a person close to Tubby" which means it is coming from someone. Reporters don't make stuff up (at least almost never). So, someone is clearly feeding this info to these guys. Marcus and Doogie and Reusse are getting from someone here, that is nearly certain.

It could be legit. There may be a real offer there. Or, it might also be strategic in getting Tubby what he wants here at the U. If so, they're playing these media guys like a fiddle.

[gopherphan]

Reporters don't make stuff up (at least almost never).

That made me laugh. You must never follow politics.

[Blizzard]

FOT can say all he wants, but almost all local stories regarding this cite "a person close to Tubby" which means it is coming from someone. Reporters don't make stuff up (at least almost never). So, someone is clearly feeding this info to these guys. Marcus and Doogie and Reusse are getting from someone here, that is nearly certain.

So someone is getting deep throated in the Gopher's camp for information?

[Reserve]

So someone is getting deep throated in the Gopher's camp for information?

Nah. Not going there. :pig:

[tjgopher]

So someone is getting deep throated in the Gopher's camp for information?

I have no idea if that's the case or not. Just throwing it out there as a possiblity. I mean is it beyond the realm of possibility that someone "close to Tubby" might be saying "Oregon wants Tubby" without regard for truth just so Tubby has a stronger leveraging position in negotiating a new contract or wanting the practice facility done.

[Blizzard]

Just throwing it out there as a possiblity. I mean is it beyond the realm of possibility that someone "close to Tubby" might be saying "Oregon wants Tubby" without regard for truth just so Tubby has a stronger leveraging position in negotiating a new contract or wanting the practice facility done.

It's entirely possible tj and wouldn't surprise me a bit. It's just a personal feeling of mine but I really think Tubby is intent on building a championship program here as a legacy. He is going to get what he wants and I don't think anyone should underestimate that he may go to certain lengths to get it.

[akgopher]

What would you consider REAL access? I am guessing whatever your definition of it is, I have access to ... or at least as much as any reporter in town, and if I miss something, I am filled in by those that were there oftentimes.

Doogie- My issue is that the TC media has begun to emulate Jay Mariotti and is not accepting accountability for how wrong they've been reporting rumors or for the leaps they've taken in speculating. Maybe it has more to do with getting beat and having to compete with the new media outlets, but I have anecdotally concluded that the media types deciding to use social media to promote themselves has been a bust and in the end really put a dent into their own credibility.

[tman333]

For all we know, someone "close to Tubby" could simply be someone standing close to Tubby. Too many media hacks out there who are living off speculation and trying to make a name for themselves. I agree with the poster who noted that until Doogie or any so-called media member interviews Donna, all other reports as to whether she likes the winter weather are pure speculation. I'm not a big fan of our winter weather, but that doesn't mean that I'm leaving.

[minngg]

Trusted source who would know? Famous last words. If I had a nickle for everytime I have read that in a forum, I would be a rich man. When I see a coach on the recruiting trail at the WI state tournament and in Indiana the same days that PA is reporting that Tubby is scouting AL AAU players, I call BS. You can tell they have no journalism background.

[Doogie]

I'm actually starting to feel a little sympathy towards ol' Doogie.

Maybe it's a negative attention type of deal?

Perhaps we should give him a group hug.

C'mon over here big guy..

((((((( hug )))))))

Does that feel a bit better?

To quote Tubby from his first press conference here, "I feel the love!"

[Doogie]

Doogie- My issue is that the TC media has begun to emulate Jay Mariotti and is not accepting accountability for how wrong they've been reporting rumors or for the leaps they've taken in speculating. Maybe it has more to do with getting beat and having to compete with the new media outlets, but I have anecdotally concluded that the media types deciding to use social media to promote themselves has been a bust and in the end really put a dent into their own credibility.

I think there is definitely some validity to this take ... A lot of our business is about being first, not about being right ... I really don't care if I break a story or not, I care more about being right ... that being said, have people I've talked to been wrong ... they have, but over time, at least me specifically, they have given me enough good bits of information that have proven to be true, and many of those bits may never be discussed ... but you learn over time who you can trust and who you can't ... but it is an inexact science often.

[awag777]

Not that this holds any journalistic weight, but having talked with Donna before every Gopher home game this year, I've never heard her mention or complain about the weather. She once joked that she loved the snowstorm sometime in early January because it meant should slide and accidentally bump her car and have Tubby buy her a new one, but other than that she seems happy as a clam. Could be an act, but I'd be surprised if she secretly hated it here because of the climate.

[Gopher Teeth]

Not that this holds any journalistic weight, but having talked with Donna before every Gopher home game this year, I've never heard her mention or complain about the weather. She once joked that she loved the snowstorm sometime in early January because it meant should slide and accidentally bump her car and have Tubby buy her a new one, but other than that she seems happy as a clam. Could be an act, but I'd be surprised if she secretly hated it here because of the climate.

You have more credibility than Myron, Doogie, Dodd and others with me.

[Roland Brooks]

Is a legend like Cher, Madonna, Prince, Bono,Kobe,Sting... One name..

The guy I think was on this board calling out people because they wont use their real name and he goes by Doogie- like people are suppose to know who he is???

[ColNathanJessup]

A lot of our business is about being first, not about being right ... I really don't care if I break a story or not, I care more about being right ...

For however many years you spent on Chad's show you said multiple, multiple times that the biggest problem with the media in this town, specifically the tv sports media, is that they don't break any stories. You took Rosen to task for it on more than one occasion.

Now you care only about being right. You've sure changed your tune since being fired or, I guess, you might be shading the truth a bit here. I have no doubt you would LIKE to be right but it is certainly second fiddle to being first and you know it.

As with any media anywhere, there is absolutely NO accountability to anything that you throw out so why would you care about being right. Which again, I believe has very, very little factor in your "inside info." You could be wrong 20 times in a row and right once and a media member like yourself will crow about it for the next 20 times you are wrong. Just the way the business works now and it's pretty sickening.