In another installment in its "Gary's Quest" series, Washington Times reporter Mike Jones writes that there are issues between Gary Russell, Jr. and the Olympic way of doing things.
Jones reports that Russell has dealt with homesickness as well as some nagging injuries as Russell and the rest of the US Olympic Team get ready for the AIBA World Championships that start today in Chicago.
Please read this article carefully. This, in my opinion, is a very fair article that gives both sides of this story. However, there are some things mentioned that could rub some people the wrong way. The story can be found here:
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071023/SPORTS/110230083/1005"
Gary,
ReplyDeleteI read this article. I've dealt with Dan Campbell a few times on the pro side of the ledger. I knew he was involved heavily in the amateur game but I didn't know he was the Head Coach of the Olympic Team. I can tell you from first hand experience that he is rude, arrogant, and didn't know what he was doing with the pros he had at the time. William Bailey, the cruiserweight, was one of those pros. As far as his ability as a trainer goes, just like Russell, Sr. said, he doesn't have a long list of champs that he's trained, how can he even qualify to be the Olympic Coach? That's a good question. Based on my first hand knowledge and experiences of dealing with Dan Campbell, I would side with the Russells on this one. Quite honestly, every time I dealt with Campbell, I would always hang the phone up and think to myself, "What a jerk!" Stay strong Gary, remember what you're there for, and with Campbell my advice would be to act like you're listening to him but in your head just think about what your dad taught you all of those years. Good luck!
If Dan Campell does not what he is doing? Then why was he elected? I think he is there because he is the best. Furthermore, why does Gary Jr. have problems there, but everyone else is doing just fine?
ReplyDeleteI spoke with James Campbell and he says flat out that Gary Jr. is a baby and he acts like he 12 and away from home the very first time.
Mike Remar also said the same thing and that he would be surprised if Gary hangs in there. He thinks he will give up soon.
Gary may be homesick, that could be his issue. But Dan Campbell is a rude, arrogant, swarthy individual. Everyone is different and perhaps those two styles don't mesh. Think about when you were younger (and perhaps even now) - if you had a coach that was negative, imposing, and just out to prove that he is the boss - how well did you get along with him? How about now in your full time job? Most people that have bosses like this think they are jerks. I've dealt with Dan Campbell first hand and I can tell you that Gary, Sr. said it right when he said it's a "power thing" in the article. Dan Campbell is the coach and he's going to prove he's the head coach by making everyone do it his way. Anyone will tell you a great leader (coach, boss, etc.) has some give and take in their relationship with their team, office members, etc. Gary Russell, Jr. isn't a problem kid, he's not going to cause problems. Dan Campbell needs to lighten up and quit trying to hammer a square peg through a round hole.
ReplyDeleteI just read the Richmond paper and I too think that Gary Jr. will quit at any given moment.
ReplyDeleteDan is the best coach the USA has right now. Wake up Gary! Get yourself together before its too late.
I happen to know Dan, big Gary and little Gary well enough to call them all friends, I just hope that none of this affects Gary's performance. I do know a lot of preasure has been put one Dan to deliver medals from the Olympics. Obvously it would be good for Dan, but it would be better for Amateur boxing and evenutally pro boxing. As far as the differences between Little Gary and Dan, good or bad if you can learn to deal with it, it will make you mentally tougher in the end and that will always help. I didn't agree with making the boxer live in Co. for a year when I heard it. I won't know if was good or bad till it's over. In the 96 Olympics in Atlanta, Ga. many on the team broke cufew and didn't watch thier weight and just weren't as serious as they needed to be. They were at odds with David Ried because he was following the program and was acused of being a "cheese-eater". But in the end Tarver who was favored to win gold didn't deliver and only Reid came through. At least try to put yourself in Dan's postion to make sure that we don't give anything away from lack of focus. I do agree with the advice for Gary to just deal with it on a personal level, then go get a medal.
ReplyDeleteSnow u r 1 crazy MF.
ReplyDelete