DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN; PAINTER REJECTS MIZZOU

E-mailed 3/30/11

Well, that was certainly a 180 wasn't it.  Here is what happened:
(1) Painter called Alden say "we're a go" and went to travel to Purdue to tell his players.
(2) At meeting this afternoon with his players, had a change of heart, decided to stay.
(3) Accepted Purdue's 8 year contract.

Those outlets that called him going to Mizzou and the inter-office e-mails within Mizzou athletics weren't incorrect.  He made the call to come.  And then decided not to.  Don't be mad at him.  No anger here. Disappointment, but no anger. Great man. Hell of a coach.  Don't be mad at Alden either, he did his job.

This feels an awful lot like the 5th down play or the Nebraska kicked ball.  We did what we were supposed to, fate just got in our way.  For those interested, below is what I was in the process of typing out and sending before this all happened, it was under the heading "What's Next."  New e-mail coming under that heading.  Man, that one is going to be tough to write.  At any rate...I now present the e-mail that never was:

"Now What"

The day has dawned, the great news has arrived.  Now what?
Here is where we stand:
(1) Everyone running on silent mode, except for Purdue athletic donors who are ready to kill the AD for sending out a snarky communication about how if they had given more money, Painter wouldn't be looking at other jobs.
(2) Depending on who you talk to Painter is at Purdue or in transit to Purdue.  Will meet with players now, this afternoon, or evening.
(3) After that its on to BoCoMo, presumably to meet with team and hold some type of presser.
(4) Odd, but cool reports, stating he'll be on hand and introduced to crowd on Cards opening day (Thursday).

What to watch for:
(A) How does Painter say "I hate the Purdue Athletic Director and that's why I left" politely in front of media.
(B) Which players react.  If pressed they will all say "excited" but who steps forward and who doesn't will be interesting.  Under CMA everyone played b/c everyone ran their ass off.  Under Painter more emphasis on precision and execution.  That would lend to lesser playing time.  Some players have to know they are looking at some bench time.
(C) How quickly Flip Pressley withdraws from classes and heads south.  Unfortunate for us.  He could have had an outstanding career in Columbia.  I think he will leave for style of play concerns.