My opinion on the hot topic everyone is talking about

There's been one topic everyone has been talking about lately. I've stayed silent on it, because I don't want to get too carried away. It's an emotional topic. People take it very seriously. You have one side that will defend their opinion on it and people on the other side that disagree - at times strongly - and will let their voice be heard (sometimes in a negative light). I try not to, but my emotions do get the best of me at times when thinking about this. So now, I figure that I've had enough time to let things settle down a bit and calmly, rationally discuss this topic.



Of course I'm talking about Mississippi State athletics. The past couple of weeks have been a figurative kick in the nether regions.

First, there's the baseball team. Now I'm not going to claim to be a baseball expert or super fan. I want to see State excel in baseball, mostly because I know how big the program can be. The has had some struggles recently, losing to inferior teams. There are people that are furious that this is happening and want immediate change. There are others that are also upset, but consistently say that it's going to take some time to "right the ship", so to speak.

Why start with baseball? Well, because after the end of basketball season, most just turned their attention to the diamond, in hopes of seeing something in maroon succeed.

Yeah, MSU basketball. The whole season can be a microcosm of what it's like being a State fan. It goes something like this: "Hey, your team is pretty good. What? You lost to who? You suck. Hey, look at that, you're getting back to where you should ... More crappy losses? You aren't trying are you? Good luck salvaging this season? Wait. Who is that rolling through the SEC tournament? Uh oh. Look out. Someone is about to make a statemen ... oh. That must have hurt. Well, that's what we expect from you. Good luck next year. (snicker)"

A promising season, derailed by losses to inferior teams. A chance to salvage what little respect we might have had. Only to see it crushed by the smallest of margins. Then being insulted while injured, by having the crappy season relived through talking heads on national TV. Being "rewarded" with a minor consolation prize. Trying to re-focus and claim this consolation, only to have those hopes killed in the closing seconds.

Such is the cycle of MSU basketball, the hottest of the hot topics. Some are content with what we have. Some are pissed that we aren't better. Some are both. It's a constant struggle year after year. Those that want change were hoping that this would be the ultimate example they could offer.

Which leads to the final kick in the you-know-what. MSU is losing their athletic director. Greg Byrne, who in a short period of time changed the face of MSU athletics and provided hope for the future, is leaving for another job.

This news was unexpected. Maybe in a couple of years, we could see someone come in and hire him away, but not now. Just under two years on the job. As mentioned, in those two years, so much has improved. Can't help but think what would happen if he stayed for a couple more.

Those disgruntled with basketball were hoping Byrne could shake things up a bit. Now it's either going to remain the same or some new guy will come in and go in a completely different direction.

The annual basketball dive. Baseball sputtering. Now we lose our leader. It's a weird time for MSU athletics.

Oh well, at least football spring practice has started. A fresh start, filled with optimism. For now.