Cohen gets in his jabs at Polk

[woodrowmarsh]

John Cohen spoke to the Philadelphia Rotary Club on Monday. Here is an excerpt from the Neshoba Democrat.

Cohen began his speech by informing those in attendance what he was told not to do or say at functions such as the Rotary Club.
"I was told not to talk about the NCAA, light a cigar after my meal, lobby for lottery-based scholarship programs or discuss the namesake sign removal policy at Mississippi State," Cohen said with a laugh.

 

[woodrowmarsh]

John Cohen spoke to the Philadelphia Rotary Club on Monday. Here is an excerpt from the Neshoba Democrat.

Cohen began his speech by informing those in attendance what he was told not to do or say at functions such as the Rotary Club.
"I was told not to talk about the NCAA, light a cigar after my meal, lobby for lottery-based scholarship programs or discuss the namesake sign removal policy at Mississippi State," Cohen said with a laugh.

 

[Shmuley]

Polk's crazy uncle status to keep the situation defused. I think it sets the tone for how everybody ought to react to Polk. "Don't pay him no mind, he's crazy as bat ****."

 

[ArrowDawg]

nm</p>

 

[woodrowmarsh]

Here's the whole story.

Mississippi State new skipper Cohen talks to crowd of over 50 at Rotary Club

By CARVER RAYBURN
Associate Editor/Publisher

A weekly meeting of the Philadelphia Rotary Club became a temporary 'talking stump' for Mississippi State University's new head baseball coach Coach John Cohen on Monday.

Cohen, a former member of the Bulldog baseball squad, was introduced as the program's head skipper after Ron Polk retired at the end of the 2008 season.

A crowd of about 50 people attended the weekly Rotary meeting. Cohen said that becoming the head coach at Mississippi State was something that he just couldn't pass up.

"Before I was selected as head coach, the University of Kentucky offered me a 10 year, $6.2 million contract," he said. "I was floored. But the environment, fan support, facilities and tradition we have at MSU can't compare to any amount of money offered to me."

MSU baseball players will report to campus next week and Cohen says that evaluation will be stressed immediately. He said Mississippi State is a high profile program and the players will represent that when they are out in public.

"Whatever they are doing off the field, they are being evaluated," Cohen said. "We will stress the importance of character. Shaking hands the right way, looking a person in the eye, saying yes sir and no sir."

The first year coach also talked about appreciation, stressing that his players will be well aware of the meaning of the word very soon. According to Cohen, players will be required to write a letter every Friday for 12 consecutive weeks thanking someone for helping them get to where they are.

Cohen is known for bringing much more than character and appreciation to baseball programs. At Kentucky, his squads broke and set many SEC and NCAA offensive records. This past season, Kentucky produced top 25 finishes in batters hit by a pitch and runs produced in the NCAA.

"We are not going to back off the plate," Cohen said. "That ground underneath our feet is our real estate. We own it. We are not moving out of the way for a pitch."

Kentucky ranked 18th in the nation last year for batters hit by a pitch. In total, 88 Wildcats were beamed by an opposing pitcher. Those runners translated into runs as the Wildcats scored an average of 8.1 per game, good enough for the 25th best offense in the NCAA.

Cohen began his speech by informing those in attendance what he was told not to do or say at functions such as Rotary Club.

"I was told not talk about the NCAA, light a cigar after my meal, lobby for lottery-based scholarship programs or discuss the namesake sign removal policy at Mississippi State," Cohen said with a laugh.

All of the points mentioned were highlights of former coach Ron Polk's platform with the latter stemming from Polk's demand that his name be taken off the stadium in Starkville after Cohen was hired over his recommended choice.

"Ron and I talk everyday, including this morning at 6:50 a.m.," Cohen said. "I think he regrets saying some of the stuff he did, but he was sticking up for one of his players and coaches. He is that loyal."

 

[Todd4State]

I like the part about getting "beamed" by a pitch.

I have a feeling that Travis Chapman's records gor getting HBP are about to be shattered, along some other records.

 

[basedog]

How refreshing! I just think they ought to take Ron Polk's name off the centerfield wall. They can always put it back up after he retires for good. Just think about UAB playing us at the Dudy, who do you think RP will be pulling for?

 

[Todd4State]

How refreshing! I just think they ought to take Ron Polk's name off the centerfield wall. They can always put it back up after he retires for good. Just
think about UAB playing us at the Dudy, who do you think RP will be pulling for?

</p>

If someone did paint over his name before UAB came to town?

As far as who Ron Polk will be pulling for in that game, I'd have to say UAB because that's who he's with right now, but if we beat them, he probably won't be too upset. He may even do some recruiting if/when Cohen kicks some of his boys off of State's team.

That said, I do think that Polk will at least try to come back as a volunteer coach at MSU in the future. That was part of his reasoning for pushing Raffo and I have a feeling that he is already kissing Cohen's *** for the future.

 

[basedog]

again. I'm all for forgiving the man, but he did alot of damage to the fan base and mostly our new AD. I think he will be around Msu baseball one day but not as a voluntary coach. I wonder if he will dress for UAB games?
John Cohen has alot of heart for Msu and Ron Polk, I admire how he has handled this messy situation. I'm anixous to see who goes and who starts next year. I saw where the players report in a few weeks. It will get interesting, but I think it will take him more than this next year. But again how refreshing.
One thing I think RP miss judged was the fan base, I think he thought we as fans would cow down to his demands and I believe he went into denial when he saw he wasn't loved like he was in the 70's and 80's by the Msu alumni.

 

[KurtRambis4]

Todd4State wrote:

but if we beat them, he probably won't be too upset.

what makes you think losing would upset him...</p>

 

[Todd4State]

Todd4State wrote:



but if we beat them, he probably won't be too upset.

what makes you think losing would upset him...</p>

</p>

I remember in 2007 we were playing South Carolina on TV and they panned a shot of the dugout and Polk was sitting in his chair asleep. That didn't sit to well with me.

 

[Todd4State]

again. I'm all for forgiving the man, but he did alot of damage to the fan base and mostly our new AD. I think he will be around Msu baseball one day but
not as a voluntary coach. I wonder if he will dress for UAB games?

John Cohen has alot of heart for Msu and Ron Polk, I admire how he has handled this messy situation. I'm anixous to see who goes and who starts next year.
I saw where the players report in a few weeks. It will get interesting, but I think it will take him more than this next year. But again how refreshing.

One thing I think RP miss judged was the fan base, I think he thought we as fans would cow down to his demands and I believe he went into denial when he saw he
wasn't loved like he was in the 70's and 80's by the Msu alumni.

</p>

for UAB games, although I'm not 100% on that. I'm pretty sure the only reason he is doing that is to get his baseball fix in, since we won't let him back.

I do agree with you, though. It's not a question of if he will want to come back, it's if Cohen will let him. I think for that to happen, he has to apologize to Byrne at least in private. Despite how he has acted towards the NCAA, I do believe that Polk will apologize to Byrne in time.

He misjudged our fanbase because the only people he hung out with were his players and his croonies, who all told him how he was a legend. I will say this second tenure he was A LOT more arrogant than when he left the first time.

 

[patdog]

I remember in 2007 we were playing South Carolina on TV and they panned a shot of the dugout and Polk was sitting in his chair asleep. That didn't sit to well with me.

He'd been out late the night before chasing women. <I know, that was tasteless and uncalled for. But I just couldn't help it.> </p>

 

[ShineOnYouCrazyBulldog]

I do agree with you, though. It's not a question of if he will want to come back, it's if Cohen will let him. I think for that to happen, he has to apologize to Byrne at least in private. Despite how he has acted towards the NCAA, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I do believe that Polk will apologize to Byrne in time.</span>

He misjudged our fanbase because the only people he hung out with were his players and his croonies, who all told him how he was a legend. I will say this second tenure he was A LOT more arrogant than when he left the first time.

what in the world makes you think this is the case? I was happy to have Polk back in '01. I guess I thought he re-gained his fire after he led UGA to a SEC title and CWS. Dear God was I wrong.</p>I thought he would back off his initial outburst and come back down to Earth. He proved he wouldn't in interviews months later. I grew idolizing Polk, but I have completely turned my back on the man. And much like LT, it was all reactive, not proactive.

Screw him.

But yes, I'd still like to hear your opinion. You are obviously someone that keeps up with baseball and is knowledgeable on the subject. Not trying to get all Saddawg on you or anything.

 

[Todd4State]

and I will say that I certainly could be wrong- is because MSU baseball is in a sense his family. Sadly for him, we're about all he's got. Plus, he just isn't going to get the attention that his ego craves at UAB. They're never going to have a program like MSU's at UAB, even though I think Brian Shoop is a great coach.

He's already apologized to Cohen and has been seen hanging out with him from time to time, and apparently they talk some. Plus, Cohen respects Polk big time. While Cohen has made fun of Polk from time to time, he also has defended him a little bit as well. And for all of Polk's faults, he does treat his players very well. I think he loved Tommy Raffo more than some of the others for whatever reason, and just totally went overboard when he wasn't hired. And I will say that part of the reason Polk wanted Raffo was selfish- so that he could still be a volunteer assistant at State, Polk admitted as much. I think Polk's plan all along was to groom Raffo for the job, but it didn't work out and he blames Byrne for that. So, while Polk has forgiven Cohen, he still hasn't forgiven Byrne. I just think it's going to take him time to do that, because the fact of the matter is he needs us more than we need him. The NCAA is totally different, he has no emotional connection to them, and they keep hurting college baseball, so it's easy for him to keep bitching, especially with MSU giving him a platform in the form as our HC.

This is going to be Cohen's and Byrne's call if he wants to come back. I have no problem with Polk coming back because I know that Cohen will keep him on a leash and isn't going to let Polk affect his coaching in any way. Cohen has his own ideas, his own style, and if he wants Polk around as a dugout ornament, so be it. Like I said, he does need to apologize to Byrne, no doubt about it, in order to come back. I actually think Cohen wants him back in the program in some form, which is wise because he was a big part of MSU baseball. I do think that Polk leaving right now is what's best for MSU baseball because I think Cohen is going to need at least two years to clean this program up, and he doesn't need to babysit Polk on top of everything else that needs to be done.

So, for Polk to get what he wants, he's going to have to apologize to Byrne. I have no doubt that the events that took place hurt him personally, and he needs time to get over that. I think he will once UAB plays a game and there are 50 people in the stands and none of them know or care who he is.

 

[ShineOnYouCrazyBulldog]

with everything you said save one clarification. Polk apologizing to Byrne doesn't mean a damn thing to me unless it is public. I mean that I want him to say that he was flat out wrong and that Byrne has his undivided support. I just don't think Polk is going to do that, I don't think his ego will allow it. Granted, he doesn't have to. If a private apology works for Cohen, that's all that really matters.

IF he did apologize publicly I wouldn't have a problem with him being a part of the program, practice and promotions and such. His name alone could help us.I hate to see him leave like he did, I just wanted him to leave (that is probably uncalled for, but true).

You may be right in that time heals all wounds and that he'll come around. I just don't see it personally. I could be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time...

 

[Todd4State]

the things that Polk said certainly didn't sit well with most of the MSU fanbase. It didn't sit well with me either, but personally I don't need a public apology. However, Byrne and Cohen might demand that he issue some sort of public statement saying that he was apologizing, because if he is allowed to come back there are going to be a LOT of people saying "why is Cohen doing this and how can Byrne allow this"? If nothing else, our fans do deserve an explanation after the things that he said. A statement also would need to outline his "duties". So, I do understand how you feel, and I'm 100% sure that you're not alone. Believe it or not, I think I feel the way I do because I've said stupid things before and had to apologize, and it really didn't do anything other than to serve to humiliate me. I think being banished to UAB baseball for a few years is a pretty good punishment, but like I said he MUST apologize to come back to MSU.

At any rate, I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of Coach Polk.

Edit to say that I also have a lot of faith in John Cohen and how he would handle Polk, which is another reason I'm not worried about Polk should he come back. I have heard him speak twice, and he is one of the most driven people that I have EVER met. I really think that he will lead MSU to a NC in baseball. He is hellbent on it, which is refreshing. It looks like he is recruiting some really good players. I also like how he is recruiting players that want to come to MSU- that's where the advantage of our facilities and tradition really come in. I was talking to a woman who knows Jarrod Parks family and all she could talk about was how happy he was to come to State and how is was a dream come true for him. You can't tell me that a guy like that isn't going to give 100% to us on the field.

 

[basedog]

First of all I doubt very seriously RP will go public on saying he is sorry for what he said about Byrne. Second, I think RP has some jealously with John Cohen or something. If you go back to earlier comments about Cohen when he was at Ky I got the feeling there was more to it involving Polk's feelings on Cohen. I do think Polk cares more about his past and present players than most coaches. But again, he took a shot at not only Byrne but Cohen as well as the fan base when he said he deserved to choose the coach. Ron Polk has been my favorite Msu coach for any sport up until his retirement. I admire him but I realize Msu is a lot more important than Ron Polk or any other coach.
I just don't see Ron Polk being accepted back with open arms in the next few years, maybe one day but not as long as he is a voluntary coach for another team.

 

[Shmuley]

that energize the little piece of **** to make repeated public statements of hatred toward Byrne make him incapable of manning up and saying he was wrong. If it happens at all, he'll make peace with Byrne through surrogates like Cohen or LT. This is what chicken ***** do.

 

[patdog]

I do believe that Polk will apologize to Byrne in time.

Polk has been given several chances over the past 2+ months to take back his comments about Byrne. Each time he has strongly reiterated that he meant every word and stands firmly behind what he said. Polk has given no indication at all that he will ever apologize to Byrne. None. Yet so many people just refuse to see the obvious and continue to make these kind of statements like "Polk didn't really mean what he said" or "Polk will apologize to Byrne" or "Polk was just being emotional." I wish those statements were true too, but they're just not. The simple fact is, Polk's statements were premeditated (dawgstudent had been tipped off beforehand what Polk would say) and he meant every word he said. Period.

 

[HammerOfTheDogs]

 

[Todd4State]

of Cohen to. I know that Polk doesn't like his style, and I think he hates the fact that most MSU fans like Cohen's style. Polk probably saw that we might potentially hire Cohen after the LFL begged Cohen to "come home"- and that was after State BEAT UK two out of three. I think that Polk might view Cohen as a little bit of an outsider because he began his playing career at Birmingham-Southern. I also know that Polk doesn't like a lot of emotion, and Cohen has always played and coached with emotion.

One HUGE problem between Polk and our fans was the expectations that both had for MSU baseball. I think that Polk was satisfied with putting a "nice team of nice boys together" that will "make MSU proud." He wants a team of "boys" that he can teach baseball to. If they make the postseason, they've done good- even if they go two and bar-b-que in a regional. The fans of course, crave a NC- and I think that Polk kind of resents that. Cohen is all about winning moreso than just having a team of "nice" kids, although I do think that he wants our players to act good and all that, it's just not everything to Cohen.

Also, I really think that Polk has a fear that Cohen IS going to do the one thing that he couldn't at MSU- and that's win a NC. He has a fear that people are going to forget what he did and that Cohen is going to get all the glory. I think if Cohen actually does win one, I think that Polk would have actually been revered more- just like Boo Ferris at DSU, because Cohen would and will give Polk some of the credit. Now, I don't know. The way I see it Polk is going to have to make a choice at some point- apologize and be a part of the ride whether that be as someone in the stands or as a volunteer coach, or not apologize and stay banished at UAB or Arkansas State. The ball is in his court.

 

[RobertF50]

are underrating Polks ego. Also I don't care if he ever forgives Mr. Byrne. I think you have that backwards as well. People like Polk do not apologize. That being the case maybe we are finally rid of that cancer to our program.

 

[Todd4State]

are underrating Polks ego. Also I don't care if he ever forgives Mr. Byrne. I think you have that backwards as well. People like Polk do not apologize.
That being the case maybe we are finally rid of that cancer to our program.

</p>

I was surprised that he apologized to Cohen as soon as he did.

Polk is just like a child, he will say the right thing to get what he wants.