Pete Thamel- App State Fires Shawn Clark

[ASUTodd]

Now that the deed is done and all the anti-Shawn Clark folks are tickled pink I have a few comments. First, I hope that we somehow find the $$$ to pay the next HC a 7 figure salary like some of our SB brethren are doing. Second, all YC members need to make sure that they back-track on the threats to withhold contributions and/or season ticket. Third to all the anti-Shawn Clark people who are not YC members and were equally if not more vocal than the YC club donors I say pony up or shut up. Join the YC club and let your pocket book back up your desire to fire him.

To Shawn Clark I say: the overall results were not what we or you wanted but we couldn't ask for a better Mountaineer ambassador. Thank you Coach.

People don't have to give to YC to have opinion. That's about as dumb as saying people aren't fans if they don't xyz.....

No you don't have to give but your opinion is meaningless to me. If someone complains about the outcome of an election but doesn't vote then they have no right to complain. Same thing with the YC. What really disappoints me is the number of Mountaineer fans who on social media openly cheer (loudly with all CAPS) that he's finally fired and out on the street. Forget the fact his family is affected and the team is affected. Show some grace and class like a true Mountaineer. Some of the stuff I read was identical to a lot of stuff on the stink's pages and JMU. Mountaineers should be way above that.

How's the view up on that high horse?

Joining the YC isn't really a high horse. You can get in on donkey pay. I agree with the put up or shut up attitude. More opinion for more money isn't right but dang, pay the minimum admission price and don't just freeload.

If we accept this line of thinking.... can any of us really be NFL team fans then?

[AppSt94]

Speaking of Petrino, is there a good Harley-Davidson dealer in Harrisburg.

Concord

Seems disrespectful to associate Concord with them.

[bcoach]

Compare the Clark from his beginning presser to the Clark we saw in most pressers the last two seasons. He didn't seem like a guy working at his dream job. I know he wanted to succeed, and I wanted him to as well. However, while today probably sucks for him, I bet at least a part of him is pretty pumped about what he can do for Christmas with $500k in his pocket.

I asure you he is not pumped about anything.

I assure you, he is, or will be soon. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon. Any one of us would take a firing if it meant we got $500k and got to spend the rest of the holiday season with family instead of working.

You have no clue.

I do actually! I have been a high school basketball coach for numerous years and been fired from that position. It's not a great feeling at first, but when you realize how much time you get back, it feels better and better. And I didn't get any kind of buyout. Literally nothing more than a "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Every year, around the beginning of October, I miss the whistle and the squeak of shoes. Then, at Thanksgiving break I see the coaches and players headed to the gym while I'm headed home to be with my family and friends, and I don't miss it anymore.

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

[MrCraig]

I asure you he is not pumped about anything.

I assure you, he is, or will be soon. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon. Any one of us would take a firing if it meant we got $500k and got to spend the rest of the holiday season with family instead of working.

You have no clue.

I do actually! I have been a high school basketball coach for numerous years and been fired from that position. It's not a great feeling at first, but when you realize how much time you get back, it feels better and better. And I didn't get any kind of buyout. Literally nothing more than a "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Every year, around the beginning of October, I miss the whistle and the squeak of shoes. Then, at Thanksgiving break I see the coaches and players headed to the gym while I'm headed home to be with my family and friends, and I don't miss it anymore.

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

[APPdiesel]

Does paying admission price for game tickets count as “paying the price of admission”? Asking for a friend.

[mike87]

People don't have to give to YC to have opinion. That's about as dumb as saying people aren't fans if they don't xyz.....

No you don't have to give but your opinion is meaningless to me. If someone complains about the outcome of an election but doesn't vote then they have no right to complain. Same thing with the YC. What really disappoints me is the number of Mountaineer fans who on social media openly cheer (loudly with all CAPS) that he's finally fired and out on the street. Forget the fact his family is affected and the team is affected. Show some grace and class like a true Mountaineer. Some of the stuff I read was identical to a lot of stuff on the stink's pages and JMU. Mountaineers should be way above that.

How's the view up on that high horse?

Joining the YC isn't really a high horse. You can get in on donkey pay. I agree with the put up or shut up attitude. More opinion for more money isn't right but dang, pay the minimum admission price and don't just freeload.

If we accept this line of thinking.... can any of us really be NFL team fans then?

Yeah, good point. But I still think joining the YC for anyone with enough interest to spend the amount of time we spend on the message boards is a prerequisite. I'll accept being old fashion if that's what that type of thinking is.

[mike87]

Does paying admission price for game tickets count as “paying the price of admission”? Asking for a friend.

It doesn't to me. Join the YC. A big time radio host can afford $100.

[ASUTodd]

Does paying admission price for game tickets count as “paying the price of admission”? Asking for a friend.

It doesn't to me. Join the YC. A big time radio host can afford $100.

Some folks like to give to other entities. I give any extra money I have to my church and to religious missions. That's just me. While I'm passionate about football and App State..... I know it's just a business/game and people's eternal life far exceeds the outcome of sports. Not everyone does that and that's all well and good. What I dont say is that it makes them less of a Christian because they don't give nor does it make anyone less of a person of they don't do what I do.

[APPdiesel]

Does paying admission price for game tickets count as “paying the price of admission”? Asking for a friend.

It doesn't to me. Join the YC. A big time radio host can afford $100.

Hahahaha, I think you have an over-inflated supposition about radio salaries.

[appsfan]

People don't have to give to YC to have opinion. That's about as dumb as saying people aren't fans if they don't xyz.....

No you don't have to give but your opinion is meaningless to me. If someone complains about the outcome of an election but doesn't vote then they have no right to complain. Same thing with the YC. What really disappoints me is the number of Mountaineer fans who on social media openly cheer (loudly with all CAPS) that he's finally fired and out on the street. Forget the fact his family is affected and the team is affected. Show some grace and class like a true Mountaineer. Some of the stuff I read was identical to a lot of stuff on the stink's pages and JMU. Mountaineers should be way above that.

How's the view up on that high horse?

Joining the YC isn't really a high horse. You can get in on donkey pay. I agree with the put up or shut up attitude. More opinion for more money isn't right but dang, pay the minimum admission price and don't just freeload.

If we accept this line of thinking.... can any of us really be NFL team fans then?

As a Carolina Panthers PSL Owner, the answer to your question is yes. I took Scatman's post as saying it is time to put one's money where their mouth is (or has been...)

[APP93]

I'll take it under advisement.


a lot of schools would be thrilled with that. Including some in North Carolina

You are right, there are a lot of schools that would be thrilled with that but we are not a lot of schools when it comes to football. We are App State and we expect more.

You also have to go back and look at Satterfield’s record and then Drinkwitz to compare. You’ll see the slippage.

I would argue that the conference got much better under SC's tenure...which, if I am not mistaken, many on this board argued in favor of during App's initial entry and subsequent reign. I for one was happy when the conference re-aligned and got much better knowing full well that meant ASU would not be in the SBC championship game every year.

I agree that he did not necessarily set the world on fire (especially lately) but I have argued that his record and how he ran the program did not warrant termination. A staff shakeup for sure, but not termination.

Anyway, what's done is done....I wish him well in the future and look forward to supporting the new coach and staff during this transition.

The well wishes are great and warranted. The defense of the results (or lack there of) should cease as we move on to the next era of Mountaineer football.

I will be sure to take that under advisement....

[bcoach]

I assure you, he is, or will be soon. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon. Any one of us would take a firing if it meant we got $500k and got to spend the rest of the holiday season with family instead of working.

You have no clue.

I do actually! I have been a high school basketball coach for numerous years and been fired from that position. It's not a great feeling at first, but when you realize how much time you get back, it feels better and better. And I didn't get any kind of buyout. Literally nothing more than a "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Every year, around the beginning of October, I miss the whistle and the squeak of shoes. Then, at Thanksgiving break I see the coaches and players headed to the gym while I'm headed home to be with my family and friends, and I don't miss it anymore.

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

[Pikapp79]

You have no clue.

I do actually! I have been a high school basketball coach for numerous years and been fired from that position. It's not a great feeling at first, but when you realize how much time you get back, it feels better and better. And I didn't get any kind of buyout. Literally nothing more than a "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Every year, around the beginning of October, I miss the whistle and the squeak of shoes. Then, at Thanksgiving break I see the coaches and players headed to the gym while I'm headed home to be with my family and friends, and I don't miss it anymore.

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

Never been fired but also never made over $500m per year for multiple years. He will land a nice gig and be fine. It has to feel bad now but time heals especially when you chase the big check.

[BallantyneApp]

Now that the deed is done and all the anti-Shawn Clark folks are tickled pink I have a few comments. First, I hope that we somehow find the $$$ to pay the next HC a 7 figure salary like some of our SB brethren are doing. Second, all YC members need to make sure that they back-track on the threats to withhold contributions and/or season ticket. Third to all the anti-Shawn Clark people who are not YC members and were equally if not more vocal than the YC club donors I say pony up or shut up. Join the YC club and let your pocket book back up your desire to fire him.

To Shawn Clark I say: the overall results were not what we or you wanted but we couldn't ask for a better Mountaineer ambassador. Thank you Coach.

1. No one on this board was "anti-Shawn Clark". People were advocating for change after reviewing the past 4-5 seasons. I assure you I would much rather Shawn was more successful and we wouldn't be in this position.
2. We already found the $$$ to pay SC $950,000 in 2023, so a $50k/year bump doesn't seem to be too much of a stretch.
3. This would be like saying "maybe if you "pro-Shawn Clark" people had donated more, we wouldn't have to fire him" its kind of stupid and doesn't accomplish anything.
4. agreed HC SC was and is a great ambassador

[bcoach]

I do actually! I have been a high school basketball coach for numerous years and been fired from that position. It's not a great feeling at first, but when you realize how much time you get back, it feels better and better. And I didn't get any kind of buyout. Literally nothing more than a "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Every year, around the beginning of October, I miss the whistle and the squeak of shoes. Then, at Thanksgiving break I see the coaches and players headed to the gym while I'm headed home to be with my family and friends, and I don't miss it anymore.

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

Never been fired but also never made over $500m per year for multiple years. He will land a nice gig and be fine. It has to feel bad now but time heals especially when you chase the big check.

You are right, he will land a nice gig, but this hurt is not about money. This hurt will never go away. Ok I am done. This is just obviously something that some will not understand. Please, that is not a slam. There are many things I don't understand either. That is just life.

[Pikapp79]

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

Never been fired but also never made over $500m per year for multiple years. He will land a nice gig and be fine. It has to feel bad now but time heals especially when you chase the big check.

You are right, he will land a nice gig, but this hurt is not about money. This hurt will never go away. Ok I am done. This is just obviously something that some will not understand. Please, that is not a slam. There are many things I don't understand either. That is just life.

I get it. Losing a job you love is difficult. It’s part of the coaching gig which is another reason they are overly compensated.

[PhillyApp1]

Actually you don't. I don't dispute how you feel as you know you. You are not Shawn, and Shawn will never be pumped over this. The money is fine ( although 500 dosen't go in his pocket) but no amount of money would ever get him pumped over this. Your situations are very different.

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

Never been fired but also never made over $500m per year for multiple years. He will land a nice gig and be fine. It has to feel bad now but time heals especially when you chase the big check.

You are right, he will land a nice gig, but this hurt is not about money. This hurt will never go away. Ok I am done. This is just obviously something that some will not understand. Please, that is not a slam. There are many things I don't understand either. That is just life.

Bcoach, I get what you are saying it's like any of US App State football fans being banned from being an App State fan.... it would hurt to our bones... and for a long, long time.
I pray the coach Clark truely knows we love him for his dedication to App State and we will always remember his fight and he " gave his all for Appalachian State "

[mike87]

Does paying admission price for game tickets count as “paying the price of admission”? Asking for a friend.

It doesn't to me. Join the YC. A big time radio host can afford $100.

Some folks like to give to other entities. I give any extra money I have to my church and to religious missions. That's just me. While I'm passionate about football and App State..... I know it's just a business/game and people's eternal life far exceeds the outcome of sports. Not everyone does that and that's all well and good. What I dont say is that it makes them less of a Christian because they don't give nor does it make anyone less of a person of they don't do what I do.

Being a Christian has far greater implications in life than being a fan. Hard to even relate the two although that was a noble attempt.

It's still an excuse. I think if you support the program, which you do, you should join the YC. I really don't accept any excuses. But that's just me, I'm a pay to play guy.

[AppSt94]

OH YOU'RE RIGHT. NEVERMIND. SORRY. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

Never been fired but also never made over $500m per year for multiple years. He will land a nice gig and be fine. It has to feel bad now but time heals especially when you chase the big check.

You are right, he will land a nice gig, but this hurt is not about money. This hurt will never go away. Ok I am done. This is just obviously something that some will not understand. Please, that is not a slam. There are many things I don't understand either. That is just life.

Bcoach, I get what you are saying it's like any of US App State football fans being banned from being an App State fan.... it would hurt to our bones... and for a long, long time.
I pray the coach Clark truely knows we love him for his dedication to App State and we will always remember his fight and he " gave his all for Appalachian State "

I don’t want to speak for bcoach but it sounded like he took umbrage with the comparison to losing a high school coaching position, which is akin to a second job, to a professional coach. This is Shawn’s source of providing for his family. He can’t just go down the road and find a coaching job that allows his family to stay where they are. He will have to uproot two teenage kids from their lives, which anyone will tell you isn’t easy, pack a house and find somewhere else to live.

[MrCraig]

No need to shout. I never said you don't know anything. I specificaly said you know you. You just don't know Shawn.

Never been fired but also never made over $500m per year for multiple years. He will land a nice gig and be fine. It has to feel bad now but time heals especially when you chase the big check.

You are right, he will land a nice gig, but this hurt is not about money. This hurt will never go away. Ok I am done. This is just obviously something that some will not understand. Please, that is not a slam. There are many things I don't understand either. That is just life.

Bcoach, I get what you are saying it's like any of US App State football fans being banned from being an App State fan.... it would hurt to our bones... and for a long, long time.
I pray the coach Clark truely knows we love him for his dedication to App State and we will always remember his fight and he " gave his all for Appalachian State "

I don’t want to speak for bcoach but it sounded like he took umbrage with the comparison to losing a high school coaching position, which is akin to a second job, to a professional coach. This is Shawn’s source of providing for his family. He can’t just go down the road and find a coaching job that allows his family to stay where they are. He will have to uproot two teenage kids from their lives, which anyone will tell you isn’t easy, pack a house and find somewhere else to live.

The man made over $750k a year since 2020 and he's getting a $500k buyout. If he doesn't have enough money socked away to take a lower paying job and provide a comfortable life for his family, then he's worse at managing his money than managing the game clock.