Spring Break
The Daily OrangeTeary-eyed Marrone backs Paulus as quarterback
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 11/3/09, 2:12 AM EST Section: Sports
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Marrone began his weekly press conference, notes in hand, by delivering a nearly three-minute partially prepared oration addressing what happened to his starting quarterback last weekend.
Tears rushed to his eyes as he spoke about "one of the greatest people" he has ever known. Though Marrone said after the game Saturday that he did not hear the boos, his comments Monday acknowledged that they stung.
This came before the Orange's head coach announced that star wide receiver Mike Williams quit the team earlier in the day.
"I have never seen an athlete at any level, including the NFL, work as hard mentally and physically as Greg has worked since he joined us at Syracuse," Marrone said. "What he's accomplished is extraordinary. Maybe it can't be fully appreciated because most don't know just how difficult it is to play quarterback at a Division I program.
"In the era of video games, virtual reality, it's easy to believe that throwing a pass, reading a defense, avoiding a sack is as easy as a push of a button that any of us can do. The problem about it is, it's not that easy. We can't do that.
"Despite the turnovers and mistakes Greg's made, as any quarterback makes, he's exceeded expectations at any level. Greg is a victim of his own success. We have seen him make great plays and great decisions, and we expect him to do that every time. But football is a team game. People don't know when an offensive lineman misses a block or a receiver runs the wrong route - they only see the decision that Greg makes.
"Calling for a backup quarterback, backup pitcher, backup point guard, I understand that's just a part of sports. But Greg is one of us. He grew up here. He came back to do something that's never been done before. He's poured every ounce of his body and soul into that task.
"It has really been remarkable. If his performance and dedication drop off, then obviously just like every other position, he will not be a starter for our team."
"When he's in the game, it means we believe he gives us the best chance to win. And I truly, truly, truly thank him for being here. I hope my kids grow up to have the courage and determination of a Greg Paulus."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 18
Alan
posted 11/03/09 @ 4:45 AM EST
It's a fact of life. No one wants to be on a loser and right now SU is a big loser You can not win with inferior talent and you cannot get superior talent with losing teams like SU is producing year in and year out. (Continued…)
john winthrop
posted 11/03/09 @ 7:17 AM EST
I was a sophomore at SU 50 years ago whem the Orange won it all with the great Ernie Davis, beating Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Heady stuff, for sure. And as much as I want Syracuse to field another gridiron winner, it just cannot be done
in a year or two. (Continued…)
RoysRunts
posted 11/03/09 @ 8:45 AM EST
Diamonds sensationalism is fully appreciated by SU's Recruiting Rivals. "Teary Eyed" B.S. Diamond.
This is one Diamond that should stay in the rough. (Continued…)
Ian
posted 11/03/09 @ 8:51 AM EST
I'm a long-time Cuse fan and I am ashamed that anyone would "boo" a college athlete. I Don't Care who it is, you should NEVER "boo" a college athlete. (Continued…)
Alberto
posted 11/03/09 @ 9:50 AM EST
Whereas the previous gentleman had to pleasure to see Ernie Davis play, I had the pleasure to work at the Carrier Dome and watch McNabb and M. Harris play during a good run our program- WHAT HAPPENED to CUSE football?
Regardless if Paulus works hard and approaches every game with passion, he is not playing well. (Continued…)
Bill Merna
posted 11/03/09 @ 10:23 AM EST
I was in the stands on Saturday and was very uncomfortable with the treatment given the SU starting QB. He made a super play on a scramble and pass to Williams just before the interception, where he threw the ball [I think] where he should have. (Continued…)
lepusrex
posted 11/03/09 @ 11:40 AM EST
WOW
i hear the RETARDED Philly Eagles Fans Booing the Eagles, but the low life people at SU that BOO Number 2 Mr Greg Paulus are MORE THAN RETARDED. (Continued…)
lepusrex
lepusrex
posted 11/03/09 @ 11:46 AM EST
ONE more time, ANY ONE that is an SU Fan that BOOs ANY SU Coach OR Player is MORE THAN RETARDED. The people booing should be given an MMPI test and if they fail it SU should dig a hole and throw them in,
Keep up the great work Coaches and Players. (Continued…)
Lauren
posted 11/03/09 @ 1:35 PM EST
I would like to see the fans who BOO go to school full time, get decent enough grades to play the sport or even better grades if you are a good student, practice several hours a day, live a lifestyle that permits you to be a good athlete. (Continued…)
Jah
posted 11/03/09 @ 2:39 PM EST
This program headed towards the gutter when the school ignored Pasqualoni and Deleone's overstaying their welcome, which was about when McNabb was playing his last couple years. (Continued…)
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