Truth & Rumors > NCAAF

Weis alienates Irish supporters, recruits

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The guy who once boasted he "could get hoodlums and thugs and win tomorrow" strolled into Jeannette High School in the spring of 2007 to recruit superstar quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Jeannette coach Ray Reitz knew a bit about Charlie Weis and his reputation. Still, he was stunned by what he describes as a level of conceit he never had seen from the dozens of college coaches he had visited with over the years. Weis certainly made a lasting impression. "Arrogant as hell," Reitz said. When Reitz told Weis that Pryor might attend a USC quarterbacks camp, he remembers Weis replying: "Why send him there? If he's with me for one day he'll be good, two days he'll be great and three days he'll be incredible." Later, unprompted, Weis asked the Jeannette coaches if they wanted to take a picture of his Super Bowl ring. "I did it, just to be polite, and then gave [the picture] to one of the kids," Reitz recalled. Everyone who comes into contact with Weis, it seems, has a story -- and they're rarely complimentary. Many former players and alums are down on him for what they perceive as his arrogance, but they're reluctant to speak for the record. Why? As one prominent alum explained it, "A lot of things at Notre Dame hinge on your being a friend of the university." Alumni are fearful that if they speak out against Weis, they might lose their football tickets or their parking spots, or hinder their kids' chances for admission to the school. Yet they paint a picture consistent with a coach who referred to himself as "an obnoxious, sarcastic guy from New Jersey" in a "60 Minutes" profile that aired in 2006.

Chicago Tribune

Charlie Weis, Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images Charlie Weis, Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

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November 14, 2008  06:46 AM ET
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Time for the daily Weis article.

November 14, 2008  06:56 AM ET
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For those of you fortunate enough to NOT be from New Jersey, have never been to New Jersey, or today do not live in New Jersey, have to understand this is the typical attitude and demeanor of New Jerseyans. Weis has essentially "Jerseyed" Notre Dame with his attitude in recent years. As a self-loathing Jersey native, this is why I'll never have sympathy for this fellow "Garden" Stater. This state sucks and its natives spread the word nation-wide everyday, as HS coaches nation wide have learned dealing with him.

November 14, 2008  07:04 AM ET
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Who cares about how arrogant Weis is! The fact is he is one of the best coaches in college football. Just look at what he's accomplished at Notre Dame. Heck, they are on track to get to the BCS NC by next year. All this bashing of Weis is unfair. He brings "HOPE AND CHANGE" to Notre Dame. And that's all that matters. GO IRISH! GO WEIS! GO CLAUSEN!

November 14, 2008  07:33 AM ET
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QUOTE(#3):
Originally posted 07:04 AM ET  11.14 by The Warden

Who cares about how arrogant Weis is! The fact is he is one of the best coaches in college football. Just look at what he's accomplished at Notre Dame. Heck, they are on track to get to the BCS NC by next year. All this bashing of Weis is unfair. He brings "HOPE AND CHANGE" to Notre Dame. And that's all that matters. GO IRISH! GO WEIS! GO CLAUSEN!

This is a joke, right? Clausen is dam near Ron Paulas status for starters. You're not on track for anything when you barely beat San Diego State.

November 14, 2008  07:54 AM ET
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At least he backs it all up on the field...

Articles like this prove the troops are getting restless!

November 14, 2008  08:03 AM ET
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QUOTE(#4):
Originally posted 07:33 AM ET  11.14 by EastCoastKeith

This is a joke, right? Clausen is dam near Ron Paulas status for starters. You're not on track for anything when you get handed a win over San Diego State.

I fixed that for you.

November 14, 2008  08:05 AM ET
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Sounds like Charlie is the perfect match for Notre Dame.

November 14, 2008  08:05 AM ET
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QUOTE(#3):
Originally posted 07:04 AM ET  11.14 by The Warden

Who cares about how arrogant Weis is! The fact is he is one of the best coaches in college football. Just look at what he's accomplished at Notre Dame. Heck, they are on track to get to the BCS NC by next year. All this bashing of Weis is unfair. He brings "HOPE AND CHANGE" to Notre Dame. And that's all that matters. GO IRISH! GO WEIS! GO CLAUSEN!

Warden, You are spot on! A couple or more seasons like the last two and they will be replacing touchdown Jesus with bypass Charlie. The rest of the college world better get ready cause Charlie's bringing the pain!!!!

November 14, 2008  08:08 AM ET
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QUOTE(#7):
Originally posted 08:05 AM ET  11.14 by there it is

Sounds like Charlie is the perfect match for Notre Dame.

Yep.

November 14, 2008  08:14 AM ET
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Tony Soprano was from Jersey and I wouldn't characterize him as obnoxious. Maybe he should coach Notre Dame.

November 14, 2008  09:02 AM ET
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Yeah Weis is Gods Gift to the Football world. He was an NFL Coordinator, that obviously makes him one of the best NCAA Football Coaches. He is doin amazing things, Bringing the offense from Dead Last a year ago, to the incredible ranking of 50th this season. (I hope you're picking up on the Sarcasm because I'm layin it on pretty thick).

The only way Charlie Weis will ever be "Bringing the Pain" is if anyone on the field is trying to hide a doughnut from him.

November 14, 2008  09:15 AM ET
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QUOTE(#11):
Originally posted 09:02 AM ET  11.14 by Bourbon:TheAnswer

Yeah Weis is Gods Gift to the Football world. He was an NFL Coordinator, that obviously makes him one of the best NCAA Football Coaches. He is doin amazing things, Bringing the offense from Dead Last a year ago, to the incredible ranking of 50th this season. (I hope you're picking up on the Sarcasm because I'm layin it on pretty thick).The only way Charlie Weis will ever be "Bringing the Pain" is if anyone on the field is trying to hide a doughnut from him.

You obviously did not catch my sarcasm, I will try to spread thicker next time.

November 14, 2008  09:17 AM ET
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I went to Michigan State in the 70's. MSU has played Notre Dame since the 1890's. We always respected ND and their coaches. ND fans were partiers and always wanted to win in the worst way but they were not obnoxious. They would not rub your nose in it if you lost. They had class. Michigan fans and coaches were haughty and obnoxious. If you beat them they called it a fluke. It looks to me like Notre Dame has become Michigan!

November 14, 2008  09:20 AM ET
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Sorry GatorBaitor, It's early. I think when I read through them all I put your "Bringing the Pain" in with Moron that commented first. Looking back I appreciate your sarcasm, and welcome it.

November 14, 2008  09:37 AM ET
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The one person Charlie doesn't alienate is the cafeteria lady... she's his best friend

November 14, 2008  09:53 AM ET
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I'm old school and way back when.....you were good before you were cocky. Being good doesn't seem to be a requirement at ND! Let's see, Clausen has been with Weis for almost 2 years....he should be off the hook in performance by now.

November 14, 2008  09:54 AM ET
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I have a bright idea....

Lets sign him to a 10 year $20+ million deal. Notre Dame academia at its finest!!!

November 14, 2008  09:54 AM ET
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You would think all of those intelligent, high standard, Notre Dame administrators would know better than to sign a 10 year deal!!

November 14, 2008  09:54 AM ET
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Wow, just got an awful image in my head of A woman the same size as Charlie, with a hairy chin and Hairnet.

 
November 14, 2008  10:13 AM ET
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QUOTE(#19):
Originally posted 09:54 AM ET  11.14 by Bourbon:TheAnswer

Wow, just got an awful image in my head of A woman the same size as Charlie, with a hairy chin and Hairnet.

Where you looking at ND cheerleader pics again?

I just puked a little in my mouth...moment...please!

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