Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFB | Embattled Robinson on defensive at Big East Media Day
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 7/29/08, 6:42 PM EST Section: Sports
NEWPORT, R.I. - Greg Robinson sat at the Syracuse table minutes into the interview session, wearily fielding the same question again and again. The same question he has attempted to answer countless times during his tumultuous tenure as SU's head coach. The same question made even more relevant now as the Orange comes off a summer of seemingly constant discontent.
Just how can you prove this year will be "The Year," the year Syracuse finally starts to turn things around after three straight seasons of disappointment?
"I don't in talking," Robinson said. "I say to our team all the time, 'Your actions speak so loudly I can hardly hear you talk.' Coming into this season, the time for talking is done, the time for doing is about to begin."
That's the mantra SU hopes to take into the season, which unofficially began today with Big East Media Day at the Hotel Viking here. Robinson, who was accompanied by offensive lineman Ryan Durand and defensive tackle Arthur Jones, had his first opportunity to explain how Syracuse will bounce back from last year's dismal 2-10 season.
And it better happen soon for his sake. Robinson enters the season publicly on the hot seat, as athletic director Daryl Gross announced last year he needed to see "tangible improvement" from a team that has gone 7-28 the last three seasons for Robinson to keep his job.
For three years, Robinson has stood in front of microphones and cameras assuring everyone change was on the way. Now, heading into his fourth and most important campaign, he says he is finally done talking.
"It's not about what is said," Robinson said. "You're asking questions. I'm answering the questions. It's what we do."
Robinson and the Orange are coming off a disastrous summer, which has seen Syracuse lose two of its best players - leading receiver Mike Williams and defensive end Brandon Gilbeaux - to academic issues. Neither will play for Syracuse this year, but Robinson left the door open for both to re-enroll in the spring and play in 2009.
Just how can you prove this year will be "The Year," the year Syracuse finally starts to turn things around after three straight seasons of disappointment?
"I don't in talking," Robinson said. "I say to our team all the time, 'Your actions speak so loudly I can hardly hear you talk.' Coming into this season, the time for talking is done, the time for doing is about to begin."
That's the mantra SU hopes to take into the season, which unofficially began today with Big East Media Day at the Hotel Viking here. Robinson, who was accompanied by offensive lineman Ryan Durand and defensive tackle Arthur Jones, had his first opportunity to explain how Syracuse will bounce back from last year's dismal 2-10 season.
And it better happen soon for his sake. Robinson enters the season publicly on the hot seat, as athletic director Daryl Gross announced last year he needed to see "tangible improvement" from a team that has gone 7-28 the last three seasons for Robinson to keep his job.
For three years, Robinson has stood in front of microphones and cameras assuring everyone change was on the way. Now, heading into his fourth and most important campaign, he says he is finally done talking.
"It's not about what is said," Robinson said. "You're asking questions. I'm answering the questions. It's what we do."
Robinson and the Orange are coming off a disastrous summer, which has seen Syracuse lose two of its best players - leading receiver Mike Williams and defensive end Brandon Gilbeaux - to academic issues. Neither will play for Syracuse this year, but Robinson left the door open for both to re-enroll in the spring and play in 2009.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 7
Bernard Tarver '82
posted 7/29/08 @ 7:31 PM EST
Something tells me we'll be welcoming a new head football coach a year from now.
Melvin Mason
posted 7/29/08 @ 8:17 PM EST
OK, G-Rob. It's time for you to start producing.
I'm not optimistic, but hopefully this team can take a few steps forward. I want exciting football at the Dome again. (Continued…)
Bruce Connors
posted 7/29/08 @ 11:48 PM EST
I'd like to know who's responsible for bringing this turkey to town in the first place. Then, we should have Thanksgiving early.
Bruce Connors
Bruce Connors
posted 7/29/08 @ 11:50 PM EST
I'd like to know who's responsible for bringing this turkey to town in the first place. Then, we should have Thanksgiving early.
Gene
posted 7/30/08 @ 3:34 AM EST
I actually saw Ernie Davis,Floyd Little,Lary Csonka,John Mackey and remembeer the '59 National Championship. Once upon a time ther was good football at SU. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 7/30/08 @ 11:18 AM EST
I'm a class of '56 grad and I live in Oklahoma now. And I still root for the Orange (NOT Oklahoma State!). 'Ben' was a neighbor of my in-laws and we had some great chats. (Continued…)
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