The Times-Union: Dark cloud is cast over UCF, coach

[CyberBull]

Dark cloud is cast over UCF, coach

Click-2-Listen 

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/042408/spf_271621791.shtml

By GENE FRENETTE, The Times-Union

Under normal circumstances, coach George O'Leary would still be basking in the afterglow of his Central Florida football program's first Conference USA championship.

He'd be hailed for the Knights' 10-win season and accepting all kinds of compliments on UCF's new knockout venue, Bright House Networks Stadium. The story lines for 2008 should be about sustaining momentum, finding a new quarterback or replacing star running back Kevin Smith.

Instead, all that positive energy has been overshadowed by the darkest of clouds, the March 18 death of redshirt freshman wide receiver Ereck Plancher. He collapsed after an offseason workout of weightlifting and team agility drills and never regained consciousness.

Since then, an Orlando Sentinel report, in which four UCF players anonymously disputed O'Leary's version that the workouts weren't taxing, has triggered a big controversy. The players claimed the workouts were far more intense, that Plancher struggled to get through them and that O'Leary cursed at him for "lack of effort" following one drill.

While everyone awaits the official autopsy results, O'Leary, who's speaking to UCF boosters today (6 p.m.) at the Sneakers Sports Grill off Baymeadows Road, is in the awkward position of trying to handle a public-relations conundrum.

How does he properly address a he said-they said nightmare without appearing insensitive about a tragic event? O'Leary is by no means tap-dancing. He denies culpability for his coaching staff, implying either that the four players were wrong in their assessment or that the messenger (the Sentinel) is sensationalizing.

"There's been an incredible lack of credibility and accuracy in the statements that have been made," O'Leary said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "There's been no real determining factor in what happened to the young man. Anytime there's an unknown, that leads to questions until it's resolved.

"You have your ups and downs in coaching, and losing a player is probably the biggest downer you can have."

Message-board posters and bloggers weighing in on this controversy already have stirred the pot with enough uninformed hot air.

Without being there, it's impossible to know whether this was an unpreventable tragedy or if it was triggered by an excessive workout. Coaches never want to put a player in harm's way. That's a stain on a reputation not easily washed off.

Which is why O'Leary might face the greatest challenge of his career. More so than the resume flap that led to his resignation at Notre Dame. More than a winless 2004 season at UCF.

Depending on how this plays out, Plancher's death could unify the Knights like never before or send them into a downward spiral.

UCF safety Sha'reff Rashad, an Episcopal High School graduate who had a locker next to Plancher's, has the right perspective about the entire aftershock.

"It's a sad situation, but the best way to move on is to get back on the field," Rashard said. "There was a lot of emotion surrounding [Plancher's death]. We're just trying to make sure we stay together and not get pulled apart."

UCF wants to win more championships and build on last year's success. It'll be easier when the cloud over Plancher's death is lifted.

[DawgPound]

I read that earlier.  It can go either way.

[Gridiron God]

Message-board posters and bloggers weighing in on this controversy already have stirred the pot with enough uninformed hot air.

Without being there, it's impossible to know whether this was an unpreventable tragedy or if it was triggered by an excessive workout. Coaches never want to put a player in harm's way. That's a stain on a reputation not easily washed off.

This from the writer of the article. 

This is a none story now, it will be hard for the team to deal with, but the worst is behind them.  I hope that they remember Erick and celebrate his life instead of listening to fools that try to tear them apart.

[Triple B]

Message-board posters and bloggers weighing in on this controversy already have stirred the pot with enough uninformed hot air.

Without being there, it's impossible to know whether this was an unpreventable tragedy or if it was triggered by an excessive workout. Coaches never want to put a player in harm's way. That's a stain on a reputation not easily washed off.

This from the writer of the article. 

This is a none story now, it will be hard for the team to deal with, but the worst is behind them.  I hope that they remember Erick and celebrate his life instead of listening to fools that try to tear them apart.

What would be a coach's definition of "harm's way"?