Ronald Oswalt?

[Independent]

Ronald Oswalt is no longer with the Turfcats?

[daytonadan]

http://www.turfcats.com/news/2009-11-13/oswalt-leaves-turfcats-to-pursue-other-opportunities.html

Nope.

[indoor fan]

Hmmmmmm......If you read between the lines, you can see that he was forced out. Oswalt tried to make himself the face of the Turfcats, even ahead of the players and coaches. I've never heard of a GM giving quotes about the game to the media.

With Oswalt gone, I think the Turfcats will begin to prosper.

[Caballo Diablo]

Ron,
Thanks for all you've done to lay the foundation for the Austin TurfCats.
It's far easier to sit at a keyboard and be the Monday morning GM than it is to live it. Most of us have the luxory of going to work each day below the radar of public scrutiny, which is a good thing because most of us would probably fail the forum's litmus test.

Some complain you came across as too arrogant, while other thought it was confidence. They say you spoke out too much and was too imbedded in the publics eye. The same people who have complained for years that the 50 yard game didn't get enough attention or media coverage. How can you have it both ways? It's an impossible goal to please everyone and usually leads to failure when you attempt it. You were definitely a leader that marched to your own tune and Austin got to enjoy the fruits of your efforts in year one.

You got the word out about the team and the league and kept them in the media. The forum posters should understand the difficulty of attracting media attention as the sport has always been ignored and scoffed at by the masses and the media. Some may not like your style, but it's the aggressiveness and your undying efforts that are needed to build a successful franchise.

You not only put the organization together piece by piece, you did it in a market that had become skeptical of the sport after several teams had previously come and gone.

The naysayers must admit the TurfCats had the most PR put out to the media and some of the most vocal fans in the SIFL. You always had time to meet the fans and discuss their concerns and regularly visted the tailgates to thank the fans. You created a fan friendly atmosphere and top notch football entertainment for our enjoyment. Definitely the best dollar for dollar entertainment value available in the Austin market.

Were you perfect? No, but who on this forum can say they are. You hired and trained a staff that became very tops in the league. You built a solid expansion franchise that was able to compete with an existing three time league championship organization and on a much smaller budget.

Were mistakes made? Sure, but all in all, myself and all of the T-Cat fans I've spoke with are very thankful to you for putting Austin back on the football map in a positive light and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Once again, THANKS for everything Ron.

[Caballo Diablo]

I think the Turfcats will begin to prosper.
Begin?

This is the 5th different league to attempt a team in the Austin market, so we started behind the 8 ball of skepticism from the masses. (6 if you include the Centex Barracudas of the Intense League 30-45 minutes up the Interstate)

The Turfcats were an expansion franchise started from nothing. Austin soon became well known around the sport. They went 10-3, only losing to two teams and two of the three losses were to the three time back to back to back league champions, the Louisiana Swashbucklers. And the Turfcats even recorded a rare regular season victory against the `Bucs that many established teams had been unable to do over the years. The only thing that would have been better would have been to beat the `Bucs in the championship game, something no one has been able to do over the past three years.

Attendance and sponsors grew over the season, granted it must continue.

Begin to prosper? I would say continue to prosper. The TurfCats have moved up to a tougher league and it will be much more difficult to match their on the field success this season. Having a good front office and coaching staff in place will help the transition for year two immensly.

All of last seasons success wasn't an accident, it was because of the solid foundation that was built both in the office and on the field. If none of this credit goes to Ron then you guys know far less than I thought about the inner workings of a franchise and how difficult it is to build one.

[Gusher]

"Well Said"
By Ronald Oswalt

I kid I kid

[daytonadan]

Never, ever believe your own B***s***.

[trifecta]

Nobody likes to see anyone lose their job. Sounds like the Owner might have wanted a relative to take the reigns....Definitely his perogative.

Minor League Sports is a burn and churn business.

Never met Oswalt but I knew he was in trouble when in one of his first on air interviews he said that the Turfcats would be different than other past Austin Arena teams AND that the only thing he was worried about was that he would not have enough seats in the arena.

Like the other Arena teams were doing something wrong as to the reason for their demise.....Arrogant.

In addition I would say his constant quotes in every press release were a bit annoying. Almost like he wanted to see his name in print.

The one I really feel for is Caballo....He will have to cuddle up to a new GM in order for him to remain "In the Know".

[Big Easy]

Not surprised. The good news? He finally has legitimate indoor football management experience to bring to his next opportunity.

[indoor fan]

Nobody likes to see anyone lose their job. Sounds like the Owner might have wanted a relative to take the reigns....Definitely his perogative.

Minor League Sports is a burn and churn business.

Never met Oswalt but I knew he was in trouble when in one of his first on air interviews he said that the Turfcats would be different than other past Austin Arena teams AND that the only thing he was worried about was that he would not have enough seats in the arena.

Like the other Arena teams were doing something wrong as to the reason for their demise.....Arrogant.

In addition I would say his constant quotes in every press release were a bit annoying. Almost like he wanted to see his name in print.

The one I really feel for is Caballo....He will have to cuddle up to a new GM in order for him to remain "In the Know".


Hahaha.....no doubt. I'm sure Caballo already has a "man crush" on Mr. Martinez, the new Turfcats GM. He will be lingering around the parking lot asking if he can help clean up, wash his car, etc., etc.

[Caballo Diablo]

Never met Oswalt but I knew he was in trouble when in one of his first on air interviews he said that the Turfcats would be different than other past Austin Arena teams
Let's see..............
Season one 10-3 - that's different
Season one played in the Championship game - that's definitely different.
Recent teams were ArenaBall, T-Cats are Indoor - I hope I don't have to explain the difference - lol
Two Older Indoor teams were NIFL, T-Cats Much improved with SIFL & IFL.
The list could go on and on but people don't like reading longwinded posts and this is just the introduction to my response. - lol


AND that the only thing he was worried about was that he would not have enough seats in the arena.
I see PR is lost on you. Similar quotes of grandour are regularly spouted by most teams and all leagues. Remember that 5th Major league thingy? If this bothers you I hope you avpid TV commercials.

Like the other Arena teams were doing something wrong as to the reason for their demise
More of a problem were the leagues. NIFL, yeah- lots wrong. AFL and af2 the Arena restrictions were the demise of the Wranglers. No other venue in the area except the Erwin center met the restrictions. It was very expensive and there wasn't a favorable negotiating point, the Arena knew you had no other choices but to move cities and the league wouldn't allow it.

AF2 Wranglers paying over $20K per game rent and sometimes over $30k depending if another event was to be set up quickly. 3,500 fans in a 15,000 seat arena. You're right, no problems here.

Most AFL and many af2 front offices were bloated trying to chase the unobtainable dream. Those two leagues were far more arrogant in their B.S. and the Austin teams never stood a chance.


.....Arrogant.
Jealousy is unbecoming.

In addition I would say his constant quotes in every press release were a bit annoying.
Really, previous teams were always criticized for their lack of press releases and PR campaign. Part of the problem was it takes $1 to $1.5 mil per year to even dent the Austin market and no matter how many butts you put in the seats it'll never be recovered. (this from GDS&M)

Ron got out tons of PR realitivly cheaply compared to previous teams (are these more differences? - lol) You were annoyed? We can live with that.

Almost like he wanted to see his name in print.
That's one opinion.
Let's see, he was the President, GM, minority owner, and at the beginning the only person on the bus. He had to find people for the various jobs and train them. He was the photographer, writer, and PR dept. Wheter you liked what you read or not, obviously he got the word out and many read the releases. Mission accomplished whether you agree with the style or not.

The majority owner, Albert Martinez, and the head coach prefer to stay in the background as they go about their jobs.


The one I really feel for is Caballo....
While your concern is appreciated, there's no need to fret. I've been wearing big boy pants for awhile now and have endured far more difficult news in my sports world.


He will have to cuddle up to a new GM in order for him to remain "In the Know".
Ahhh, your entering the situation late grasshopper. Joe became the asst. GM somewhere around midseason and we're friends. He many times would even help me load up the tailgate equiptment after games in the wee hours. Joe was a big part of the decision for my oportunity to ride the players bus to the championship game in Lake Charles.

We were together for dinner and drinks the previous night. It was his truck I took to the airport in Lake Charles to pick up Robert Quiorga for the game. No cuddling necessary - lol

My roots are far deeper than I'm willing to explain, but dang I'm having fun!

Question Tri, now that your nemisis is no longer a part of the team will you be joining us in the stands this season? I've got a cold beverage and an accepting hand shake for you out at the tailgate.

[Caballo Diablo]

Hahaha.....no doubt. I'm sure Caballo already has a "man crush" on Mr. Martinez, the new Turfcats GM. He will be lingering around the parking lot asking if he can help clean up, wash his car, etc., etc.
Is that how you get noticed?

Most of the office staff asks me how they can help with the tailgate and fan support. They help load my truck and have even supplied things for us.

Wow, I'm sorry your team hasn't accepted you or appreciate your support.
Now that's sad.

[Caballo Diablo]

Not surprised. The good news? He finally has legitimate indoor football management experience to bring to his next opportunity.
He didn't get any experience in Houston while you wore a Redhat?
You understand how things are done far more than you let on you sly dog you.

[trifecta]

I have to say I do have a new view of the Turfcats...Just got turned off by the arrogance of the management with regards to the teams before them..Also got WAY turned off with ALL the constant Quotes from Turfcats VP/GM.

Chances are you will see me this coming year. I am a sports fan and do attend EVERY other teams games (Express, Toros, Stars, Horns) from time to time so I really need to go to a T-Cats game...Now that they are in a league with more than 4 legitimate teams it will be more exciting. I cant lie....I have never been and will never go to an Aztex game.

P.S. There is some guy named expressfb who PM'ed me saying you are not a fan but rather Robert Winfrey with the SIFL....I have met you before and I know that you are a fan just thought you would want to know that this guy thinks you are someone else.

[indoor fan]

I have to say I do have a new view of the Turfcats...Just got turned off by the arrogance of the management with regards to the teams before them..Also got WAY turned off with ALL the constant Quotes from Turfcats VP/GM.

Chances are you will see me this coming year. I am a sports fan and do attend EVERY other teams games (Express, Toros, Stars, Horns) from time to time so I really need to go to a T-Cats game...Now that they are in a league with more than 4 legitimate teams it will be more exciting. I cant lie....I have never been and will never go to an Aztex game.

P.S. There is some guy named expressfb who PM'ed me saying you are not a fan but rather Robert Winfrey with the SIFL....I have met you before and I know that you are a fan just thought you would want to know that this guy thinks you are someone else.

I too may checkout a Turfcats game, now that Oswalt is gone. It would be fun to watch a game with the SIFL "Fan of the Year". I just wonder if Caballo will be the IFL "Fan of the Year". His nose will be pretty brown by June.

Oh and BTW, I am not Robert Winfrey, nor Oprah Winfrey, for that matter.

[Caballo Diablo]

There is some guy named expressfb who PM'ed me saying you are not a fan but rather Robert Winfrey with the SIFL...
I call B.S. on expressfb. Personal foul charged to Trifecta. 15 yds and AUTOMATIC first down for the TurfCats resulting in a first and goal!

Rob is the SIFL Director of Operations, three feet taller than me - lol, and his username on these boards is sportznut. Yes, he was a Super fan for the Beaumont Driller. Here's his picture.
http://www.southernifl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=4

Here's my picture.
http://www.turfcats.com/news/2009-04-01/turfcats-april-fan-of-the-month.html

I was the T-Cats first Fan of the Month, why would a league director be chosen for that? Rob came to most of our games and gave me the SIFL Fan of the Year certificate at mid-field. Would the SIFL select a league official as fan of the year?

Many thought I was also Dan Ryan, the SIFL Director of communications. The Florida Kings owner even accused him of being Diablo - haha.

I'm just a guy that loves the 50 yard game, I don't work for any league or team.


I have met you before and I know that you are a fan just thought you would want to know that this guy thinks you are someone else.
Well you've got me at a disadvantage then. You should have introduced yourself, where did we meet?

[Caballo Diablo]

I just wonder if Caballo will be the IFL "Fan of the Year".
I highly doubt it, they don't even select one do they? Don't forget my fan of the year awards I received in the AFl and af2 for the Austin Wranglers.


His nose will be pretty brown by June.
What grade are you in again? - lol

I love the sport and have supported all of the teams that have passed through Austin. I've helped out with whatever was needed, tailgates, appearences, parades, setting up the field, and even ran Wranglers signs on my truck.

It helps when my wife and kids love sports also. My wife has been a judge for the dance team selections for both the Wranglers and TurfCats and one of my daughters was a Jr Lady Wrangler for a couple of years.

If pursuing your hobby to the fullest and becoming friends with the office and coaching staffs, along with the players is brown nosing then so be it. I didn't realize being a vocal fan and supporting your teams was a bad thing.

[Big Easy]

He didn't get any experience in Houston while you wore a Redhat?
You understand how things are done far more than you let on you sly dog you.

Never wore a red hat in my life. Fail. I do have an Astros brickish colored had though...

And if you'll read my post carefully, I said "management" experience. I'm not aware of any management positions Ron held in Houston. Unless you want to call writing press releases management...if thats the case I guess I have Indoor football communications management I should add to my resume as well. I did wear a blue hat for one season....which was the af2's compliance officer get up. I guess I should add to my resume that I was an officer for the af2. :)

/just kidding as I wouldn't be so foolish to suggest either scenario...both "jobs" were pretty much volunteer....I would hardly call the money paid to handle communications a "job" much less a management position

[Caballo Diablo]

Never wore a red hat in my life. Fail. I do have an Astros brickish colored had though...

haha, it's not actually a hat or red, it's just a term for volunteer/intern positions.

[trifecta]

Caballo the term "Red Hat" has NOTHING to do with being an intern OR Volunteer........I can't believe someone with your intimate behind the scenes knowledge would not know this.

The Red Hat is the person who controls the TV and Radio Time outs on the football field....This person USUALLY wears a RED HAT OR big floresent Oversized oven mit and is responsible for the commercial breaks....Usually a former Referee.


It is NOT a term for an Intern....SHEEEESH!!!!

[Big Easy]

haha, it's not actually a hat or red, it's just a term for volunteer/intern positions.

In the af2 it was a title for one of their in game off field officials. They were called the "red hat". And it was volunteer with the Copperheads. In my first year with the Copperheads I had the choice of being "red hat" or "compliance officer". I went with compliance....you make friends with a lot of players by fining them you know. :) When Ron left, I jumped into his spot handling communications. Hardly a position I could build a resume around.

[daytonadan]

Was Jeremiah Johnson there when you guys were?

[Big Easy]

Was Jeremiah Johnson there when you guys were?

Yep. Jeremiah left the C-heads and came to work with me with the Houston Aeros. I was helping the Copperheads on the side doing compliance (1st year)/communications (2nd year) while running corporate sponsorships for the Aeros. We've talked Dan....prior to the SIFL's beginning last season. JJ connected us. We exchanged a couple of emails and texts about the Houston franchise's communications.

[indoor fan]

Caballo the term "Red Hat" has NOTHING to do with being an intern OR Volunteer........I can't believe someone with your intimate behind the scenes knowledge would not know this.

The Red Hat is the person who controls the TV and Radio Time outs on the football field....This person USUALLY wears a RED HAT OR big floresent Oversized oven mit and is responsible for the commercial breaks....Usually a former Referee.


It is NOT a term for an Intern....SHEEEESH!!!!

They just told Caballo that he could wear a red hat so he would wag his tail.

[Caballo Diablo]

Caballo the term "Red Hat" has NOTHING to do with being an intern OR Volunteer........I can't believe someone with your intimate behind the scenes knowledge would not know this.

The Red Hat is the person who controls the TV and Radio Time outs on the football field....This person USUALLY wears a RED HAT OR big floresent Oversized oven mit and is responsible for the commercial breaks....Usually a former Referee.


It is NOT a term for an Intern....SHEEEESH!!!!

PFFFT!
I was on the sidelines with Doug at many games.
The af2 didn't have many TV timeouts - lol


In the af2 it was a title for one of their in game off field officials. They were called the "red hat". And it was volunteer with the Copperheads.

[Caballo Diablo]

They just told Caballo that he could wear a red hat so he would wag his tail.


That doesn't even make sense. You're trying too hard at lobbing humorous insults and it's seems your ship load of fail has arrived.

Just relax, take a deep breath and try again, it's free.

[Big Easy]

PFFFT!
I was on the sidelines with Doug at many games.
The af2 didn't have many TV timeouts - lol

First, am I supposed to be impressed because you stood next to Doug at games? Wow. You live an exciting life. When you tell people you stood next to Doug they must be impressed.....after they ask "who" of course. Doug's an alright guy...I "worked" for him....well....lets say I got paid to do communications for the Copperheads....I wouldn't call that a job or real work. Anyway my claim to fame is that I didn't stand next to him at games. :) I win.

As for the "tv time out comment", it doesn't matter genuis. All of our home games were on radio. The red hat official had a specific job to do whether games were televised/on radio or not. Most "jobs" (tasks actually) with the C-heads were volunteer positions. I mention that because you always take posts and analyze every little word...in my last post you had to make a it a point to make note that the red hat was a volunteer position with the Copperheads. The point is... "red hat" is not a generic term for volunteer. Understand now or should I make it easier? You may have noticed that the red hat at an af2 game looked a little different than your "red hat" looked in Austin. You'll notice the af2 red hat didn't have a propeller on top of his.

I'm not one to talk smack...I've managed to avoid it on this site for two years...but you asked for it. Now that Oswalt is gone from Austin, you and that team are irrelevant to me. I followed them simply to laugh at Ron's embellishment. I can change my signature now too.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

3 pages bragging about being in a national group of old women?

http://www.redhatsociety.com/

you guys :P

[Big Easy]

3 pages bragging about being in a national group of old women?

http://www.redhatsociety.com/

you guys :P

Hahaha! :mrgreen: Trust me....theres no bragging here. If anyting I agree...the volunteer and minimal payment jobs at these games is far from sports/business management experience. They are remedial tasks...so much so even Caballo can perform them. :p

[sportznut]

Too Funny..... Caballo, you have been accused of being me, and of being Dan Ryan.... hahahaha I think we actually have a picture taken during the playoff game of us side by side somewhere.....

For the record, I will only post as Sportznut! But my days of trash talking i leave far behind because, even if our league is not the biggest, I still try and bring a level of professionalism as if we were a major league. Got a question, I will do my best to answer it. I want to see ALL leagues and its teams be successful! That is what will make our sport stronger

[Caballo Diablo]

First, am I supposed to be impressed because you stood next to Doug at games? Wow. You live an exciting life. When you tell people you stood next to Doug they must be impressed.....after they ask "who" of course. Doug's an alright guy...I "worked" for him....well....lets say I got paid to do communications for the Copperheads....I wouldn't call that a job or real work. Anyway my claim to fame is that I didn't stand next to him at games. :) I win.
I know your comprehension skills are better than that. I wasn't talking to other people, I was talking to you. You know Doug, that's all that mattered. You worked for him, I was friends with him, a little difference. You admitted the Copperhead volunteers were referred to as Redhats. Once again, the conversation was between us, and basically we were agreeing.

Claim to fame, haha, I don't have one. Maybe you attempt to impress people on forums, I think it's a silly idea. Although you have often tried to pretend you're special and above the low life actual fans of the games. No biggie.

Spin your conversation, you sound more and more like malepig everyday. - lol


I'm not one to talk smack...I've managed to avoid it on this site for two years...but you asked for it.
Silly boy, keep repeating that and hope it comes true. -lol
I guess everyone has different views of "Smack," but you're pretty versed at condenscending statements. You know, talking down to us peasants from atop your Ivory Tower.

I asked for it? haha
When conversation doesn't go your way it seems to hurt your feelings. You are no better, or worse than anyone here. Take a hard look in the mirror before you start point fingers. Your attempts at superiority are transparent and weak, but do hold a minute entertainment value.

[Caballo Diablo]

I followed them simply to laugh at Ron's embellishment. Sweet, the jealousy is finally admitted. Are you honestly going to tell us there was no embellishment in promotion and advertising to the fans and corporate sponsors in the Aeros franchise?
Or were they perfectly honest and ethical because you were a part of it?

It must be a sad and lonely life when there's a need to stalk others on forums and make attemtps to belittle them so you can feel better yourself. Some might call that a small wee wee syndrome.

Are you still going to try and tell us you've avoided smacking? You have been smacking Ron and the TurfCats since they were announced. Man up and admit it, it's ok. It's the first step to recovery.

I'll start first and admit something.
I admit, you do make me smile and chuckle. - lol

[Big Easy]

You admitted the Copperhead volunteers were referred to as Redhats.

No I didn't. I said we had one "red hat" official. That it was a volunteered position with the Copperheads. You have the comprehension problem.

Sweet, the jealousy is finally admitted. Are you honestly going to tell us there was no embellishment in promotion and advertising to the fans and corporate sponsors in the Aeros franchise?

First of all there is no jealousy at all. You are funny. Why would I want to be like you, Ron or anyone else? I'm doing very well for myself thank you.

Second, I can only speak for myself....but I believe in integrity and honesty. Every sales guy has SOME salesmanship about him, but some are just totally full of crap. I have no respect for a salesman who never infuses the truth into a pitch. I'm an honest, straight up person who understands that my personal integrity is more important than lying for the sake of getting a sale. They way I conduct myself in business will follow me long after I'm gone from my current (and past) positions. I'm very comfortable with the way I work with my clients from start to finish. I have nothing to look back on with regret....I can call on any of them...and have done so since I chose to get out of sports....and they are pleased to take my call. Matter of fact, many times they've called me. You see...instead of being like every other sales idiot they've dealt with...I conducted myself with integrity...which I know they appreciated....they've told me as much. Is that me talking down to you or anyone else? No, but if you live by a lower standard I'm sure you might try to spin it that way. It's funny how you attack now...but have used me as an example of how to have a forum conversation in the past. I guess thats what you do when you don't get your way. You always have a problem with someone or something. Whats up with that?

[Caballo Diablo]

I guess thats what you do when you don't get your way.
Really? What do you expect to get out of forums? Do you expect everyone to agree? If they don't does that make them or you wrong? Two people can watch the same video and see two different things.

What I expect out of forums is entertainment with occasional facts and info. If people only expect facts and Info we wouldn't be allowed to discuss our varrying views and opinions. It wouldn't be a forum anymore, but more of a newspaper.

I got exactly what I expected, I didn't realize I was supposed to be worried that others would disagree. How do you "get your way" on a forum? Is this the type of stuff you try to sell to your clients?


You always have a problem with someone or something. Whats up with that?
I have no problem with you. Why do you post and then have a problem with replies? Do you really take forums that serious?

You stated you only follwed the T-Cats to laugh at someone, it sounds like you've got the problem. We've all got imperfections, but most of us at least admit it. - lol

Disliking someone or something so bad that you find it necessary to dwell on it and actually stalk over it hoping for them to fail is telling. Yeah, it sounds like you're doing alright. A little insecure and unstable, but nothing some professional help and meds can't cure.;)

[Big Easy]

Disliking someone or something so bad that you find it necessary to dwell on it and actually stalk over it hoping for them to fail is telling. Yeah, it sounds like you're doing alright. A little insecure and unstable, but nothing some professional help and meds can't cure.;)

I'm sure you know all about meds and instability. Dislike has nothing to do with it. I saw it as comedy. You have to admit, I didn't call "BS" quite nearly as often as I could have....and when I did, I always tried to do so as respectfully as possible...you used to say so yourself.

PS. I sell my clients what I promise them. Nothing ever less, but they always get some kind of added value. I believe in fulfillment...it's the path way to repeat sales. Great service on top of that adds to the cause. And I've done so at every sales job I've ever had. And it's BS free. In the industry I came from (before sports), which I have since returned to, conducting myself any different would probably result in having to take a used car sales approach in a used car sales environment....God forbid. Like doing things the wrong way, doing things the right way follows you from job to job, from industry to industry.

[nksports]

This thread is spiraling quickly to irrelevance.

[daytonadan]

Irreleveant, yes, but with Mad Men done, I need the entertainment...

Very interesting developments the past few days, eh?.

[Caballo Diablo]

This thread is spiraling quickly to irrelevance.

Big Easy just wants the "Ronald Oswalt" name to stay at the top of the page.;)

[daytonadan]

You guys wanna hear the Ronald Oswalt rule?

[trifecta]

Daytona....Let me guess.


The Ronald Oswalt rule is: A non football playing employee can not be named in two successive press releases and no more than 2 in any given month????

[daytonadan]

If anyone other than the coach or player is quoted in a game story -- $5,000 fine.

There was also a part about a kick in the groin with steel tipped boots for all offending GMs ...

[phydeaux72]

If anyone other than the coach or player is quoted in a game story -- $5,000 fine.

That has absolutely got to be just about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Whoever came up with that crap is real tool.

[daytonadan]

It was a frakking joke, Brandon. Relax. But it got the point across. He never quoted himself on game days ever again.

[phydeaux72]

It was a frakking joke, Brandon. Relax.

Ha! Good one, Dan! :p

[Big Easy]

After taking some time to consider this, I regret saying anything negative about Ron. Thats not my style...I've always tried to conduct myself better than that....so I apologize to Ron and the guys who run this site...especially Ron.

While I'm not a fan of Ron's style or the way he can embellish things, I doubt he had the tools or resources to make a serious run of it with the Turfcats. It's not uncommon for a team (a successful one, one hanging by a string, or anything in between) to appoint a GM (or "executive"), give him very little resources...and at the same time hold him to a standard of achievement thats not realistic.

So what do you do if you are in that position? Successful people are confident in their ability. You have to believe you can or you are doomed from the start. They think they can make a difference in spite of the challenges in front of them. So Ron works his butt off and tries to "will" this organization into success in spite of the limitations he most likely dealt with....saying anything he can to get someone to pay attention to his efforts. He does so, not considering that his statements will be attributed to him, not the organization, after the fact. He probably only had himself to truely count on...I can't imagine he had the resources to surround himself with a competent full time staff. I'm not saying he didn't have any help, just not the kind needed to meet the organization's expectations. Leaders can make a difference, but most of the time they are only as good as their support system and the people around them. In the process he probably figures getting his name out there isn't a bad idea....so that he can at least hang his hat on his efforts at some point....because I wouldn't say theres a lot of loyalty in this sport....he'll have to toot his own horn....which he happens to do well.

The biggest mistake I think Ron made was putting himself out there and making statements or promises he couldn't back up. He also inserted himself in too many football stories....fans don't care about what the business guy has to say...and to people in the business it came across as self serving. At some point reailty has to replace grandiose desire. I'm sure he was "selling" or "marketing" and hoping to make something out of virtually nothing, but in the process he put his name on the line....needlessly. These organizations will encourage you to do so.....they want every drop of blood, sweat and tears you have...while not giving you much support in return. When you are gone you become their scapegoat....the reason they couldn't be successful (according to them). At that point, all you have is your good name to fall back on....but if you've compromised that, you have nothing. I wish Ron good luck as he moves on....and the same goes to the guy who replaces him....and those who find themselves in similar situations. Be true to yourselves first. It's a vicious cycle.

[indoor fan]

If anyone other than the coach or player is quoted in a game story -- $5,000 fine.

There was also a part about a kick in the groin with steel tipped boots for all offending GMs ...

I think he made this rule a little to late to save his job. I believe he was fired for just that. He tried to make the team the Austin Oswalts.

[daytonadan]

Indoor Fan:

If Ron learns from this experience, than it will be good for all.

[ronaldoswalt]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday and I wish all a wonderful 2010
www.twitter.com/ronaldoswalt

[Caballo Diablo]

Back at ya Ron.

Here's wishing you and yours a very happy Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

[trifecta]

Are you Serious??? A twitter account??

[preeths]

Are you Serious??? A twitter account??

Are you serious? What are there, 17-18 million Twitter users, and you have such a problem that one guy has one? This thread is done.