UCLA’s First Reponse

Posted on by

UCLA just sent out an email that informed us of a midday teleconference, and with reactions from several involved:

From Chancellor Gene Block:

“It is disheartening for our Bruin community to be confronted with the type of assertions contained in the Sports Illustrated story. We take seriously any challenge to who we are and what we are about, and I am confident that any issues in our men’s basketball program will be rectified.”

From Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero:

“I have discussed the Sports Illustrated story with Coach Howland and Chancellor Block and we will continue to address any issues and concerns. Like many in the Bruin family, I am disappointed. That said, I know that we have, and will continue to provide, the necessary resources, education and support for all of our coaches, staff and student-athletes.”

From Head Men’s Basketball Coach Ben Howland:

“Like everyone else, I am always looking forward to improving as both a person and as a coach. I am proud of the coaches, staff and student-athletes in our program, and I look forward to our future.”

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email
  • MoeBruins

    As a Bruin alumni and basketball season ticket holder I was glad to see the article in SI.com. For 3 years, I have wondered what the heck happened to Ben Howland who I was so happy to see become our coach and who lived up to my high expectations his first 7 years.

    Someone had to answer give a reason why all the players were leaving, and why the ones who were staying in many cases were inferior. Why this team this year is so non-Ben Howland like.

    After reading the article, I hope that the AD and Coach Howland become more forethright. It does appear that changes have already been made at least to some degree to address the situation. I do believe Howland deserves the opportunity to show that changes are being made and that he can turn the program around again.

    I hope that Chancellor’s Blocks comment above are not typical of what UCLA’s response will be. Disappointed at allegations instead of worrying about the solution to problems that nobody needed an article to see existed.

  • gayley and strathmore

    This is the result of an AD who is not paying attention, a Chancellor who is just learning that there is an athletic department but still is not sure where it is in relation to the medical center, and a coach with people skill issues big time. Showing yourself as the article suggests around the assistants, manager(s), and players the way BH has apparently done is inexcusable. He is being paid way too much to lack basic skills in respect, leadership, interest and involvement in the student’s well being on and off the court…. Very disappointing.

  • Reasonable Bruin

    What about the responses from Blur, Droog, Seattle, Rockies, and the rest of the Howland apologists?

  • BSKB

    I’m with Gold when asking They hired a crisis management firm for this crap? Guys, call me, I’ll do a better job for free.

  • anonymous

    It’s alum, alumna, or alumnus if it’s singular. Alumni is used if it’s plural.

    Sorry, a pet peeve.

  • Bruin Brian

    How you treat the members of the program that are lowest on the totem pole truly reveals your character. Ben Howland is a huge disappointment in this area. Those with great power must act with great responsibility and Howland needs to change now or be fired.

  • The Monopoly Is Over Here

    Looks like a bunch of baby bears got their heads in the sand. Just another day in the life of a guttie I guess. Nothing to see here…..

  • bibs

    Coach Howland is capable of learning from his mistakes if he is willing to realize that he has made them.He needs to read Coach’s pyramid more carefully.

  • bruinbiochem06

    I cannot believe what a read about Nelson. What a scumbag!

  • Reformed Droog

    When did I become a Howland apologist? I thought I was a Neuheisel apologist. Someone has to let me know when I’ve been relabeled, dammit!

  • The Blur

    Hey reasonable bruin, aka bellepheron,

    Here I am. I’m sorry you had to learn the horrifying news that college students drink and smoke weed. I know, it’s shocking that high profile basketball players in LA can go to clubs and get VIP treatment. And who could believe they’d party on New Years? Yes, we’re all shocked and appalled. And this rate, we’ll learn something even more outlandish, like hazing goes on at fraternities. Somebody please stop the madness.

    But you’re right: I’m just an apologist. If I were a true fan, I’d recognize “a former player,” since obviously that was the main source of the article. What number did he wear? I don’t recall reading that on the back of any jersey.

    As usual, you ignore my initial sentiment that I’m not a Howland supporter, simply because I don’t lambaste him at every turn. Go on with your smear campaign. You and the rest of bruinsnation have no credibility.