Charlie and the alumni clubs
It's a catch-22 for him.
On one hand, he feels the need (or was ordered) to rehabilitate his public persona, and that entails reaching out to local clubs and doing meet and greets, giving talks, etc.
On the other hand, he has to know that everyone at these things is going to run to the internet immediately afterwards and post their "interpretations" of what he said, whether he was gruff or cordial, how many servings of lasagna did he have, etc.
I don't envy him.
Pretty much.
He got nailed last year for saying too much ("to hell with Michigan"), and he might get nailed this year for not saying enough. I don't think it's out of bounds for him to expect largely softballs when he does these types of events; he's there to schmooze and gladhand, not throw himself on the mercy of the alumni.
Of course, Charlie's done plenty in his time at Notre Dame to invite a bit of a target when it comes to his comments.
Part of the nice thing about winning a NC in the 3rd year
by domer.mq 
, Friday, April 24, 2009, 09:50 (6242 days ago) @ Pete
Is that the first 2 or 3 years of these functions, everyone's willing to be patient anyway. Then you win a NC, become a god, and very few would dare put you on the spot even 8 years later.
--
Sometimes I rhyme slow sometimes I rhyme quick.
I keep thinking
that part of the reason for the trips is a loophole on the "head coaches can't go on the road to recruit" rule.
But if that were the case, he would probably be hitting a lot more clubs and/or ones in strategic recruit-rich areas.
I agree that at this point, fans are going to criticize his actions no matter what he does until he's either fired or starts to win big on a regular basis.
He should speak at the Alumni Club of Nashville.
by Kevin , Friday, April 24, 2009, 11:07 (6242 days ago) @ Pat
Followed by trips to St. Paul, Fort Lauderdale, and Jeff Luc's backyard.