Ask your questions to me here for live UM Canes Q & A. Susan Miller Degnan

 

I'm here for the next hour for a live Q & A session. Go for it. I'm ready.

(THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE QUESTIONS. HOPE TO DO THIS AGAIN SOON!)

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

********************************************************************************

Q: Thank you Susan for always taking the time to bring us the latest from our beloved U. Are there any updates on the Highsmith/Uncle Luke Stadium in Tropical Park? I have sources that along with the petition we are on track for something as opposed to nothing!

GO CANES ALL DAY EVERYDAY

A: Well, Go Canes All Day everday, I haven't heard anything like that. I talked to UM Interim AD Blake James a couple weeks ago and he made it pretty clear that for now, and for the immediate future at least, Miami is concentrating on trying to make Sun Life Stadium a better atmosphere. UM has a long-term lease there. It would be nice if people showed up for most home games. This Saturday is the last home game for the seniors. I sure hope people show, but I have, frankly, given up on being optimistic in that area this season.

Q:  Posted by: CANETILIDIE...DH | November 14, 2012 at 02:28 PM

Prediction on game this weekend. How is USF's QB situation, do you think that coupled with Eddie Johnson and Perryman being back will be enough for us to win?

A: UM wins this game, but I don't want to predict a score. Just a win would be pretty nice for Miami right around now, though it would certainly be refreshing for UM to win in a rout. Al Golden said Denzel Perryman will be back, and Eddie Johnson has been practicing as well. Those two will make a big difference, but Deon Bush likely won't play, and the Canes are in sad shape receiver-wise. USF is without B.J., a very talented player who suffered a broken leg in the UConn game. If Miami doesn't win this game, with or without receivers, it's in a bad state, indeed.

Q: DisFan82 said:

Know there was alot of whispers about NOA going out last weekend (that turned out to be false) Any insight on when this may actually happen? Will the NCAA say when it goes out, so we know, or will it depend on "sources" to leak the info?

A: Re: NOA, should be soon. The NCAA will not say when it is going out, unless someone leaks something.

Q: SMD, What can UM do better to stop (or slow) the top talent from leaving So. FLA. I'm tired of seeing guys like Teddy Bridgewater, Geno Smith, Amari Cooper, and Giovani Bernard tearing it elsewhere.

A: It's tough, because of media the way it is today, including social media, everyone knows about every program. There are a lot more from which to choose, and we've seen talented kids get lots of pub no matter how high-profile (or low-profile) the program. When UM starts doing better, and does it consistently, more kids will be attracted to the program.

Q: raymond roy said:

Is the Marlins, stadium adaptable for use as a football field? If so, could/would the Hurricanes play there?

A: I just talked to Marlins expert Manny Navarro and he said he was told the Marlins Stadium is, indeed, adaptable for use as a football field, and that it was hoped that eventually a bowl game could be played there. But it has not been done yet. Hurricanes? I don't know the answer. Not for now, that's for sure.

Q: Montreal-Cane said:

Is Gabe Terry still on campus?

A: (PART I) Rashawn Scott is on campus, and I happen to know because I just saw him a couple hours ago picking up another player and driving away. I don't know the specifics of his situation, however, other than he is suspended indefinitely. I've heard rumors, but not going to disseminate rumors unless I know if they're correct.

A: (PART II) Oops, you were talking about Gabe Terry being on campus. I am not sure, but the way Al Golden talks, I am thinking yes. Al makes it seem like it's up to Gabe Terry to get his life in order and do the right things, and then he'll be allowed back. We had heard Gabe was involved in a fight within the team, but Golden said he didn't know anything about that a couple weeks ago when we asked. I know he's been suspended before this, as well.

Q: CaneRock said:

"Rashawn Scott is on campus, and I happen to know because I just saw him a couple hours ago picking up another player and driving away. I don't know the specifics of his situation, however, other than he is suspended indefinitely. I've heard rumors, but not going to disseminate rumors unless I know if they're correct." Susan, I respect your journalism, but the sentiments in the above post, are waaaay different than what you tweeted earlier: "smillerdegnan just saw suspended WR Rashawn Scott... He was driving away from campus." You gave the impression that He was driving away for good.

A: That's your impression. I didn't mean it that way, although in hindsight I should have worded it differently. So my apologies. He was driving away from campus. For all I know he could have been driving to Starbucks. But I think you are right about the wording. I'll try to be more careful. Twitter can be tricky.

Q: Montreal_Cane said:

Susan i don't remember UM athletics to be so much on the down slope. Do you think UM needs an experienced AD who has had a lot of success elsewhere or you think James is up to the task to restore UM athletics?

A: What UM needs is someone who truly cares about the university and knows the South Florida culture and the distinctions of the UM fan base, and someone who wants to be here. It has to be someone who is smart and savvy and knows about business and marketing and shmoozing and economics and student-athletes. It would be nice to have someone who reaches out to the community and is accessible, and is open-minded. I think experience is vital, though there are people who haven't been ADs per se, that could still fit the bill. Blake James seems like a great guy. I don't know him well, but everyone who does says he'd be great.

Q: rchy said: So when does Mark D's (UM Def Coord) get his head chopped OFF?

A: Not while Al Golden is here.

Q: John said: Could D. Crawford get more playing time at WR?

A: At this point, he could if they needed him. But I don't know how much he has practiced there and how well he knows the routes. So, that depends.

THANKS FOR THE QUESTIONS, EVERYONE. I HAVE TO RUN NOW AND GET SOME OTHER WORK DONE. HOPE TO DO THIS AGAIN SOON. :)

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN

A: I think UM needs someone who wants to be here and who already understands the South Florida culture and market (in particular the University of Miami fanbase and culture) and  is a smart, savvy person who knows about business and economics and the art of schmoozing and raising money and attention (in a good way). I think that person does need experience for sure, but not necessarily at a big-time program. I think that person should be open-minded and try to
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Comments

[Confused Face]

SMD, What can UM do better to stop (or slow) the top talent from leaving So. FLA. I'm tired of seeing guys like Teddy Bridgewater, Geno Smith, Amari Cooper, and Giovani Bernard tearing it elsewhere.

[Montreal-Cane]

Is Rashawn Scott done at UM?

[raymond roy]

Is the Marlins, stadium adaptable for use as a football field? If so, could/would the Hurricanes play there?

[Montreal-Cane]

Is Gabe Terry still on campus?

[Montreal-Cane]

SMD trivia question: Who is the only person still at UM related to the Shapiro-UM scandal??? Who is responsible for this mess???

[Susan Miller Degnan]

Rashawn Scott is on campus, and I happen to know because I just saw him a couple hours ago picking up another player and driving away. I don't know the specifics of his situation, however, other than he is suspended indefinitely. I've heard rumors, but not going to disseminate rumors unless I know if they're correct.

[CaneRock]

"Rashawn Scott is on campus, and I happen to know because I just saw him a couple hours ago picking up another player and driving away. I don't know the specifics of his situation, however, other than he is suspended indefinitely. I've heard rumors, but not going to disseminate rumors unless I know if they're correct."

Susan, I respect your journalism, but the sentiments in the above post, are waaaay different than what you tweeted earlier:

"smillerdegnan just saw suspended WR Rashawn Scott... He was driving away from campus."

You gave the impression that He was driving away for good.

[John]

Could D. Crawford get more playing time at WR?

[Susan Miller Degnan]

Oops, you were talking about Gabe Terry being on campus. I am not sure, but the way Al Golden talks, I am thinking yes. Al makes it seem like it's up to Gabe Terry to get his life in order and do the right things, and then he'll be allowed back. We had heard Gabe was involved in a fight within the team, but Golden said he didn't know anything about that a couple weeks ago when we asked. I know he's been suspended before this, as well.

[rchy]

So when does Mark D's (UM Def Coord) get his head chopped OFF?

[Montreal_Cane]

Susan i don't remember UM athletics to be so much on the down slope. Do you think UM needs an experienced AD who has had a lot of success elsewhere or you think James is up to the task to restore UM athletics?

[rchy]

So is donating to the school only limited to former Alumni? Financial this, Financial that LOL

[Montreal_Cane]

It's good we need fighters on this team.

[rchy]

Seriously, what are the chances that Donna S. is forced to step down? I don't think she gives a U know what about Athletics, especially the football team. Does she have a boss to answer to?

[Montreal_Cane]

You have seen Malcolm Lewis watching practices...is he expected to have a full recovery? Is he walking?

[rchy]

Susan, I believe the University of Miami does a poor job of putting $$$ back into the football program and only uses the money it makes, what do you think?

[Tony]

Presumably Miami's lease agreement with Pro Player stadium contains a provision allowing it to opt out of its lease agreement after a certain number of years or if certain conditions are not satisfied. Can you inquire with the University about the terms and conditions of the lease agreement, specifically whether the agreement contains any "out" provisions?

[DisFan82]

Yesterday it sounded like Golden made it seem like he wants to start scheduling cupcakes, If so this would make me sad, one of the things that I always loved about UM was that they welcomed the challenge.

[Montreal_Cane]

Susan thanks for the infos.

[Susan Miller Degnan]

Tony, will try to find that out. Thanks.

[Susan Miller Degnan]

Montreal_Cane: You are quite welcome! :)

[UGoCane]

Considering all the pressure and hassles laid on him by circumstances how many of these fans that are irate about the "state of our Canes" would still be in a job as Coach of the Canes like Al Golden has, if they were thrown into this sanke pit, or TMZ?..

I have to be honest the guy has guts, he is tenacious, he answers the hard ones, and he leads this team on principles that do not bend, or twist, and that are cast in stone...
If you buy in, tow the line, or pay the price..you WILL sit..

This is part of the PROCESS.

I have to admire someone like that because it takes a special personality to put up with all the politics, suprises, and bull thrown around and still keep going.

TMZ yup but he was still there with his guys at the game on Saturday, high fiving, embracing, kidding around, and shaking hands with members of the team at the end of warmups..Smiling all the way.. You could see the true Al Golden.. I was impressed, because I did not see that side of him on television..

I take my hat off to this guy.. He is real, he means it, but we need to give him a break and stop busting his B**** for stupid mistakes made by immature players that are selfish and still don't know what team is all about.

In evaluating where we are, and where we need to go, we are very lucky to have a guy like Al Golden leading our 'Canes.

Think about it, are we just hanging on wins and loses, or are we enjoying very talented athletes whom Coach and his staff want to be rounded individuals when they graduate, and know that success comes with hard work?..

My hat is off to Al Golden and we are lucky to have him.
Hang in their Coach the payoff is seeing a re-emergence of our 'Canes under your leadership.
Go'Canes Always

[Susan Miller Degnan]

I like your post UGo Cane. I think Al Golden is the right man for this program. I hope he continues to think so.

[frostdog0819]

Just want to see improvement lets when these last two games and get recognition next year.

[5>3>2]

UM lost to USF to a freshman wakon QB 2 yrs ago, who drove it downfield, burning Brandon Harris over and over.

I dk what i would think if UM loses to Duke. I know they almost lost 4 yrs ago, until Jacorry saved them from 17 pts down in the 3rd q. It could happen. I think we will have to outscore them.

Recall 1998,1999 UM lost to East Carolina 2 yrs in a row.

Please guys dont do this to us. Please.

[Canesjunkie]

This program needs yo tecruit some attitude, we are too nice out there. We wont be back until this gets done.

[not Golden's fault]

Q: when will shalalalala stop hurting our football team with her policies?

[Terry King]

HEY GUYS THE SAD PART ABOUT EVERYTHING IS THE SEASON IS ALL MOST OVER AND REGARDLESS OF THE FINAL RECORD I HAVE ENJOYED THE DEBATES WE'VE HAD AND SOME OF THE KNOWLEDGE I'VE LEARN FROM SOME OF YOU TRUE CANE FANS! I REALLY HOPE WE WIN THESE NEXT 2 GAMES AND THE SENIORS WHO PUT UP WITH ALL THE CRAP THE LAST COUPLE YEARS WILL GO OUT CHAMPIONS OF THE COASTAL DIVISION! A GUY LIKE KENDAL THOMPKINS WHO STAYED IN SCHOOL, WORKED HARD AND NEVER REALLY GOT A LOT OF GLORY WILL BE A CHAMPION! MIKE JAMES,A CHAMPION! ALL THE SENIORS! THANKS GUYS! YOU ARE ALREADY CHAMPIONS IN MY BOOK AND CANES FOR LIFE! NOW GO OUT AND MAKE YOUR FAMILIES PROUD AND REMEMBER YOU ARE A ASSET TO THIS UNIVERSITY AND THIS TOWN FOREVER! I LIVE IN ATLANTA AND WE LOVE THE CANES UP HERE AND WE SUPPORT YOU GUYS WIN/LOSE. HELL YEAH WE'RE TIRED OF US LOSING BUT WHEN YOU GUYS BECOME FUTURE GOOD AMERICAN CITIZENS WE NEVER LOSE! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WORK YOU PUT IN GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS THE MIAMI HURRICANES!

[championships is all that matters]

Great statement Terry, I concure 100% with you about the players. Go out and take what you want guys.

[behindenemylines]

well put ugo and terry!

[Cane11]

These seniors need to go out with wins, and a great attendance at their last home game as a Hurricane. Let's put all out differences aside and support the home town Canes and have a great crowd for Senior Day, it will mean a lot to the seniors and will help in recruiting. Go Canes

[nodcanes]

well then Fire DNO and Golden with him!!! We need DNO GONE!!!

[nodcanes]

hope we loose next two games and coaches get fired!!! Cheap spending yield poor results almost always...Shalala

[johnny]

susan has made it clear, as long as al golden is around, d'onofrio will be there

[nimitz]

Susan, I enjoy your factual reporting on Miami. I certainly hope that they can finish out this season with wins, forego a bowl, and move on to next year.

If there is not a large improvement next year, especially with the defense, then I would think that D'Onofrio should be replaced, even in mid season. I hope that Golden is not so adamant in his support of his friend that he goes down with the ship too.