It's very painful to watch a fan base self destruct. In 1991, I remember a bunch of recruits came together and was assembled by a bunch of coaches that had a vision. Coach Spurrier who was never a great recruiter came into each of our homes and preached his vision and a bunch of guys bought in to what he was saying. Not one second did we consider the fans, or reporters, or boosters, or athletic directors or students. We came together for each other. Whether it was Larry Kennedy, Kevin Carter, Ellis Johnson, Henry McMillan, Mark Campbell, Ben Hanks, or myself we did it for US! What's sad is every fan wants to feel like they are a part of the PROGRAM, but in reality you are not. Because if you were a part of the PROGRAM you would never publicly belittle that PROGRAM. If you truly believed "In all kinds of weather, we stick together" then you would never question the PROGRAM. The reality is that what we expect or what we want is up to the young men that step on the field, not Coach Muschamp, not Coach Roper, or not Coach Durkin. Our fan base has disaappointed a great deal of former players and pioneers. Because you don't hear it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Just because you went to UF doesn't make you a GATOR. Just because you sit there and watch GATOR games on your 60 inch tv and become an arm chair QB doesn't make you a GATOR. These young men and coaches go out every day and represent Gator Nation to the best of their abilities. And it is unfortunate that some cowardly, and uninformed people sit on the Internet and bash them. All I ever say is, how many sprints have u ran for the PROGRAM, how many hits have you taken for the PROGRAM, how many TD's have you scored for the PROGRAM, or how many tackles have you sacrificed your body for the PROGRAM because until you have done these things your opinions and your ridicule fall on deaf ears. In no way am I trying to disrespect Gator Nation, but this is the same fan base that ran off Steve Spurrier and the same fan base that still belittles Urban Meyer. So ask yourself are we getting what WE deserve? Will Muschamp is a good coach. No he is not GREAT right now, but neither was Saban when he arrived at LSU or neither was LES when he arrived at LSU. My point is the fan base and the players are GATOR NATION, and how we handle ourselves while the whole world is watching will be how we are portrayed nationally. If you are a GATOR stand up and applaud your GATORS, but if you are not a GATOR continue doing what you are doing and that's hiding behind screen names and bashing the PROGRAM. Keep calling into the talk shows and sounding like an idiot. Keep bashing Urban And Shelley for the contribution to Gator history. By all means continue what you are doing and watch the whole nation including those clowns in Tallahassee sit back and laugh at you and say "see I told you they are no better than US!" Go Gators!!!

posted on Scout.com

WL

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.