First of all, 99% of the people whose support pay the coaches, pay for the facilities, and paid for the education received by UF's student athletes never "set foot on the field." So the "you're not a Gator if you're not on the field" take is complete unadulterated bull#badword#. Sorry Jack.

Second, he is engaging in the same abusive ad hominem tactic that he decries. He loses points when he resorts to attacking people for attacking people. See Irony (Webster's definition, not Alanis Morrissette's).

Third, he needs to reflect seriously on why he came to UF. Does Jack really believe that would have come to UF in 1991 if Spurrier wasn't hired in December 1989? Say UF when 6-5 in 1990 and 4-7 in 1991? Would Jack Jackson, Ben Hanks, etc chosen to come to UF.

I doubt it. Winning elevates the profile of a PROGRAM, and draws better players, which begets more winning.

Fourth, I get that the players are doing the best they can. I don't bash players. But the coaches are very well paid to a job. And the results are measured by wins and losses.

Getting frustrated, or calling for a change does not make a supporter any less of a Gator.

Ironically, I actually agree with much of what Jack is trying to convey: Support the team, go to the games, support the players and give the coaches a chance. I agree with all of that.

But the manner in which Jack conveys his point is offensive. And foolhardy. Under Jack's logic, I guess Foley never should have fired Ron Zook. Because he tried. And Zook "set foot on the field." And who are we to do anything but support the coach.

Sorry, but that's poppycock.

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IMO--Jackson is trying to come at us from a player's perspective. I know he can't speak for all the players, current and past, but his message to me seems to be this is how he and possibly many other Gator players and coaches perceive and feel when Gator Nation screams for coaches' head and major changes on the field in the middle of the season.

Perhaps he didn't explain or get his message across the best possible way...but I do feel we should at least listen to his words and consider how he and others may receive our bashing on the team and coaches.

No one that walks the earth is perfect....but all have a voice and deserve our attention at times.....just like we have a voice and deserve to speak our opinions. Just listen to how they are received at times is not a bad idea either.

WL