Tony Bennett retires

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I find myself coming around to the Pat Forde perspective on Bennett's exit. From a WPo article:

Bennett considered retiring after last season, but his concerns quickly turned to excitement as the coaching staff recruited well during the offseason. The competitor in him took over again. But during a recent trip over Virginia’s fall break, Bennett spent time alone with his wife, Laurel. At the Tides Inn, Bennett gained clarity. He wanted more time with his loved ones. He wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother and friend. He could keep fighting change in college basketball, but he was most passionate about investing in his personal life. He remembered a quote from the late Christian missionary Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Honestly sounds like he decided his personal life needed to be worked on. If so, that is not in my opinion a justifiable reason for leaving when he did. Personally I don't think anything other than family emergency justifies jumping ship like this. But certainly not an epiphany that he's been neglecting his personal life.
 
Well now you’ve touched a nerve to the point that I’m almost tempted to type this in all caps!! Idk about ketchup on a dog but Tx Pete, or any reasonable facsimile thereof, is the universal condiment and should absolutely accompany mustard on a chili-slaw-dog, otherwise known as a Carolina dog. Duh, I thought everyone knew that!!??
 
bluedevilwildcats said:
I find myself coming around to the Pat Forde perspective on Bennett's exit. From a WPo article:

Bennett considered retiring after last season, but his concerns quickly turned to excitement as the coaching staff recruited well during the offseason. The competitor in him took over again. But during a recent trip over Virginia’s fall break, Bennett spent time alone with his wife, Laurel. At the Tides Inn, Bennett gained clarity. He wanted more time with his loved ones. He wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother and friend. He could keep fighting change in college basketball, but he was most passionate about investing in his personal life. He remembered a quote from the late Christian missionary Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Honestly sounds like he decided his personal life needed to be worked on. If so, that is not in my opinion a justifiable reason for leaving went thbt. when he did. Personally I don't think anything other than family emergency justifies jumping ship like this. But certainly not an epiphany that he's been neglecting his personal life.
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I find the quoted to be the most plausible explanation of the basis for Tony's decision. In addition,, I admire his courage to be true to himself and his family. He went the other way last year and realized it was a mistake. This also clarifies the timeline. He was following his 23-24 path, but as he got into the practice and prep for the 24-25 season, jt became clear to him what he had to do. And he did it. I mO, he deserves admiration not condemnation. If I don't take care of
me first, I cannot take care of others.
 
Indoor66 said:
I find the quoted to be the most plausible explanation of the basis for Tony's decision. In addition,, I admire his courage to be true to himself and his family. He went the other way last year and realized it was a mistake. This also clarifies the timeline. He was following his 23-24 path, but as he got into the practice and prep for the 24-25 season, jt became clear to him what he had to do. And he did it. I mO, he deserves admiration not condemnation. If I don't take care of
me first, I cannot take care of others.
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It's really no difference than Simone Biles in the 2020 Olympics. The opinions and arguments are the same.

For me, life goes on. Hopefully this means I won't be trying to claw my eyes out when I watch UVA play.
 
PackMan97 said:
It's really no difference than Simone Biles in the 2020 Olympics. The opinions and arguments are the same.

For me, life goes on. Hopefully this means I won't be trying to claw my eyes out when I watch UVA play.
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Oh, come on. We're now rewriting his press conference to say that this was necessary for Tony Bennett's mental health? That's not what he said. At all. To be a better husband, father, son. Not the best coach. Not the right guy. There wasn't even a hint of mental-health concerns.

Also, while pacing the sidelines isn't sitting on the couch, it also isn't flying through the air while struggling with his sense of space and direction.
 
Wow. There are some folks here with really strong opinions about the retirement of a college basketball coach.

I tend to side with the players in most situations (just call me mini-Bilas) but in this case I'm with Tony.

He doesn't want to do it anymore.

It reminds me of when my store I owned was next door to a REALLY GOOD chicken and waffle joint. Exceptional people. Great employer. Always busy.

They decided after 17 years of running restaurants that they wanted out. Their kids had gone off to college, they needed some downtime.

Most people were incredibly understanding and supportive. But some people were wildly angry and acted as though these people were intentionally crapping on their employees and our local "scene." I mean, waffles are important to some people.

From my perspective, the waffle people and Tony Bennett don't owe anyone anything - be it tasty crispy fried chicken or a soul-crushing defense.

If you're upset on behalf of the players - well, I totally understand that. I'd be very upset if Jon left Cooper Flagg at the altar. But I'm not going to rake the man over the coals either.

My UVa booster aunt confirmed that she heard last winter he was considering retiring. The version she heard was veey similar to the press conference - Bennett loves coaching, loves working with young men for four years, loves seeing guys develop. That isn't the reality anymore.

So he clearly was thinking that way six months ago. But gave it a good try to go another year. But as it got closer, his heart wasn't in it.

Is that a super great story that makes you swoon over the coach? No. But it's pretty damn relatable.

The conference will be lesser for his absence. The 18 year old kids will probably feel wronged. That's all okay - it isn't life and death. It's just basketball.
 
AustinDevil said:
Oh, come on. We're now rewriting his press conference to say that this was necessary for Tony Bennett's mental health? That's not what he said. At all. To be a better husband, father, son. Not the best coach. Not the right guy. There wasn't even a hint of mental-health concerns.

Also, while pacing the sidelines isn't sitting on the couch, it also isn't flying through the air while struggling with his sense of space and direction.
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Like I said, the opinions and arguments are the same. I don't pretend to know what anyone else is thinking. They can make their choices, I'll make mine. Whether someone performs, plays or coaches really doesn't matter to me. They can do them. I'll do me. You do you.
 
bluedevilwildcats said:
I find myself coming around to the Pat Forde perspective on Bennett's exit. From a WPo article:

Bennett considered retiring after last season, but his concerns quickly turned to excitement as the coaching staff recruited well during the offseason. The competitor in him took over again. But during a recent trip over Virginia’s fall break, Bennett spent time alone with his wife, Laurel. At the Tides Inn, Bennett gained clarity. He wanted more time with his loved ones. He wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother and friend. He could keep fighting change in college basketball, but he was most passionate about investing in his personal life. He remembered a quote from the late Christian missionary Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Honestly sounds like he decided his personal life needed to be worked on. If so, that is not in my opinion a justifiable reason for leaving when he did. Personally I don't think anything other than family emergency justifies jumping ship like this. But certainly not an epiphany that he's been neglecting his personal life.
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While my speculation is no more reliable than anyone else's, I'm inclined to believe that the "time out" with his wife is likely to have been the inflection point and the element that most influenced his decision. In my experience, it's not uncommon for people who have become so invested and immersed in the business of tending to the daily demands of their professional life that they are, often gradually, drawn away from the direction of a desired work-life balance. If at that point a loved one holds up a mirror that enables them to see how their interactions with family members and personal friends are being affected, it can help to restore their focus and proper perspective -- which includes remembering that the clock on the wall is always moving in one direction and never slows down.

Maybe something like that prompted Bennett's decision. If so, I believe the reasons for his choice to retire are sound, and are justifiable despite the fact that the timing of his announcement creates an awkward situation for his players and colleagues. Bennett is a smart guy, so he must have realized that stepping down on the eve of the season would subject him to a lot of criticism, and perhaps even resentment from some who are, as a result of his action, suddenly left facing difficult choices of their own -- undeservedly so.

But if he has concluded that family comes first, I cannot fault him. Because for most of us, family is the one constant in life. Family members are the ones who remain with us on the sometimes-fragile raft as the flow of the river takes us on this journey past an ever-changing landscape of colleagues, locations, and life experiences. There are no failures that cannot be forgiven; but when we fail our family members, such lapses can never really be forgotten. Speaking only for myself, I admire Bennett's willingness to make the tough decision, knowing that he would face criticism for doing so. I wish him well.
 
Stray Gator said:
While my speculation is no more reliable than anyone else's, I'm inclined to believe that the "time out" with his wife is likely to have been the inflection point and the element that most influenced his decision. In my experience, it's not uncommon for people who have become so invested and immersed in the business of tending to the daily demands of their professional life that they are, often gradually, drawn away from the direction of a desired work-life balance. If at that point a loved one holds up a mirror that enables them to see how their interactions with family members and personal friends are being affected, it can help to restore their focus and proper perspective -- which includes remembering that the clock on the wall is always moving in one direction and never slows down.

Maybe something like that prompted Bennett's decision. If so, I believe the reasons for his choice to retire are sound, and are justifiable despite the fact that the timing of his announcement creates an awkward situation for his players and colleagues. Bennett is a smart guy, so he must have realized that stepping down on the eve of the season would subject him to a lot of criticism, and perhaps even resentment from some who are, as a result of his action, suddenly left facing difficult choices of their own -- undeservedly so.

But if he has concluded that family comes first, I cannot fault him. Because for most of us, family is the one constant in life. Family members are the ones who remain with us on the sometimes-fragile raft as the flow of the river takes us on this journey past an ever-changing landscape of colleagues, locations, and life experiences. There are no failures that cannot be forgiven; but when we fail our family members, such lapses can never really be forgotten. Speaking only for myself, I admire Bennett's willingness to make the tough decision, knowing that he would face criticism for doing so. I wish him well.
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Well said, Stray.
God, Family and Country.
 
Stray Gator said:
While my speculation is no more reliable than anyone else's, I'm inclined to believe that the "time out" with his wife is likely to have been the inflection point and the element that most influenced his decision. In my experience, it's not uncommon for people who have become so invested and immersed in the business of tending to the daily demands of their professional life that they are, often gradually, drawn away from the direction of a desired work-life balance. If at that point a loved one holds up a mirror that enables them to see how their interactions with family members and personal friends are being affected, it can help to restore their focus and proper perspective -- which includes remembering that the clock on the wall is always moving in one direction and never slows down.
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Stray Gator said:
Speaking only for myself, I admire Bennett's willingness to make the tough decision, knowing that he would face criticism for doing so. I wish him well.
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Thanks. You articulated what I was circling for the last few days. Making a decision for yourself and your family that might not be popular is a very strong thing in my book qnd evidence of good character.

I can certainly see how other perspectives would call it selfish, but I see self-care and family protection as a very positive trait.

If Bennett's career was littered with similar moves, you could criticize and be cynical. But for me, this one feels pretty sincere.
 
PackMan97 said:
Like I said, the opinions and arguments are the same. I don't pretend to know what anyone else is thinking. They can make their choices, I'll make mine. Whether someone performs, plays or coaches really doesn't matter to me. They can do them. I'll do me. You do you.
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The *facts* aren't the same. So, yeah. No.

All these subsequent paeans to his noble decision to put family first are great; I'd agree with them if he hadn't, apparently blithely, done this in late October.
 
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