The search ended a little earlier than some expected, but John Cohen is going to be the new head baseball coach at Mississippi State. He was a favorite candidate of lots of fans. But one who did not want to see him get the job was newly retired Ron Polk. He had made it clear months ago that he wanted current assistant coach Tommy Raffo to get the job. And when that didn’t happen he got pissed.
Polk threw a fit like that guy telling people to leave Britney Spears alone. Here are some of his words taken from Gregg Ellis’ blog:
Unfortunately, our new athletic director slapped me in face and punched me in the stomach. He also slapped Tommy Raffo in the face and punched him in the stomach after 15 years of loyalty to Mississippi State.
I want my name taken off the stadium and in the concourse until Greg Byrne is fired. And if they don’t do it, I will. And as soon as I get back to Starkville, I’m going to make sure the MSU Foundation is taken out of my will. And that’s a lot of money. I’m going to ask former players who give to quit.
Greg Byrne [new athletics director] doesn’t know anything. Well, he’s about to find out what my name means.
I love John, he’s a former player, but he knew how I felt. And when he walks into his new office, there will only be a desk and chair. No papers on the players or anything.
With this hire, Greg Byrne has thrown 15 years away of Tommy’s coaching life and the four years he has played here. Is he the best candidate, I don’t know. I say give him four years. If he doesn’t get the job done, then fire him.
Wow, does that not sound like someone with some major anger issues? Ron Polk has done tons for MSU Baseball and College Baseball in general. But I’m afraid of what this is going to do to his legacy.
But on the other hand, I’m excited about Cohan. Are you? Is it a good hire?
Polk sounds like someone who is too accustomed to having his way. “And when he walks into his new office, there will only be a desk and chair. No papers on the players or anything.” — Oh yeah, Ron, that’s a great way to help the program.
John Cohen is the best choice. He has a sucessful career as head coach. Poor Tommy Raffo was held back by god only knows what Ron Polk had promised him. Too bad, tommy should have went to Florida when he had a chance. Sounds like Ron Polk need a major health check-up, maybe theres not enuf blood getting to his brain!!
Raph, I’m looking forward to seeing what Cohen puts on the field and how they perform. You gotta be pleased with how Polk has coached us for the majority of his career. The last week has been shocking.