http://www.okstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=200&ATCLID=224384 His remarks make no sense. “My passion for OSU has only intensified over the years as I recognize the link between my education and my success. I believe that developing teams that are competitive in all sports requires the best facilities possible." It is his money, and he has given other large amounts to other causes, but aren't there are a lot of causes out there much more important than college athletics?
To answer your title question. No. Pickens is running a lot more at OSU than is made public. I think that he is responsible for the previous AD leaving, because his "favorites" in the department would go over the AD's head straight to daddy Boone. I cringed at the choice of the new AD.... one of Boone's "chosen". And Gundy (the new football HC) is one of daddy's favorites, which I don't think would have been good for Miles if he had stayed. I expect any day now that the name of OSU will be changed to T. Boone U. (ok, so the last part is sarcasm.) I grew up an OSU fan, but I am actually getting disgusted with the ass-kissing. I know that the man is giving a lot of money, but he is going to micro-manage and dictate every little thing, IMO. I personally don't like Pickens, so that may cloud my judgement. Just a little.
OSU will need every dime of that to catch up with LSU. I doubt this affects Les' feelings about it at all. He is already competing for championships here at LSU & that's what he came here for.
Sounds like he is trying to be the Bobby Lowder (Auburn booster) of OK State - the "kingmaker" behind the scenes. :dis:
Yes, I bet Les is really pissed off he left OSU for LSU. What a mistake. Had much more talent at OSU and a better fan base and stadium
I can see why someone would want to go to OSU if you were from OKLA. and wanted a downhome atmosphere . But if you are good athlete and want to be on a team that has a chance at championships year in and out that would not be an ideal choice. Stillwater is in the middle of nowhere and it is a college town with not much else. It reminds me of Northwestern in Natchitoches. But they definately have some money to play with. Build that 60000 seat stadium but i doubt they fill it very much.
University of Oklahoma is in Norman. There ain't much there either, but that doesn't stop some high quality athletes from going there. With a great coach & good facilities, any program can achieve championships. Looks like one alum is trying to get atleast half of the equation.
I agree. Miles did not come here because of the stadium. He came because LSU is a national power and can win championships. Nor does he have to compete with other state universities for the pick of the recruiting litter.
The underground word is that he is the guy who was going to run Miles off if he didn't take the LSU job anyway. He wanted Gundy to be HC, and if Miles hadn't left, he would have been fired due to this booster.
