Maryland Donor Steve Bisciotti: "My Loyalty is to Gary"
by Ben Broman on May 6, 2011 9:20 AM EDT
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PrintMy biggest fear about the day when Gary would retire (or, God forbid, be forced out) was losing the powerful, rich group known as the FOG: Friends of Gary. These guys, led by Ravens owner and Maryland super-fan Steve Bisciotti, gave money to Maryland (and a lot) almost solely because of Gary.
Gary leaving of his own volition had me hoping that at least some of these guys would stay around. But now, via Jeff Barker, we have our first indication that that money stream might be drying up:
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on Gary Williams: "My loyalty is to him, not to the (Maryland) program."
That's not exactly a strong statement of continuing support. For what Bisciotti - a self-described Maryland lifer - brings to the table, check out this Baltimore Sun article from a few years ago. He's given upwards of a million dollars to the University despite attending Salisbury State, and has been one of Maryland's most visible fans. I guess all that's ending now that Gary's gone.
When Under Armour got big, Kevin Plank undoubtedly became Maryland's most important donor. But he's not yet Phil Knight-level - he can't fund everything by himself. Keeping Bisciotti around - or at least some of the FOG - would've made finding the money for the next guy a little easier.
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just make sure Gary likes the hire and will vouch for him to donors
shouldnt be too hard… i hope….
by bloodwatermission on May 6, 2011 9:38 AM EDT reply actions
Why would GW want to make sure?
He’s done his part, let the AD make the necessary coaching hire? As you see KA grabbed Edsall and the loyalist felt slighted b/c he let go of Ralph, and in this case let him make the decision, it shouldn’t be GW’s called to give the thumbs up/thumbs down on the hire.
Seriously
How is this comment helpful to your loyalty to Gary? He has been the class act in college hoops and having friends make comments that are ill timed and ill conceived like this takes away from the send off Gary deserves. Does he also go to funerals and tell the widow I was really friends with your spouse so see ya?
by Righty Driesell on May 6, 2011 9:55 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
They made him an Asssitant AD
Gary’s going to be involved in this decision and a lot of others when it comes to Maryland basketball. Showing that kind of love should help maintain some kind of relationship with Bisciotti. Hopefully Gary will be sitting next to him in one of the suites.
by GoTerrapins on May 6, 2011 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Assistant AD
means he’ll replace the AD during vacation times, nothing more, nothing less, besides KA will pretty much have the final say so, even though GW would provide some input!
Don't read too much into this.
Steve is just a guy. A rich guy, a powerful guy and as a result we pay too much attention to what he says. He is just saying Gary is his friend and he supports him. The new coach will bring in and develop his own close circle of friends who will support him, and indirectly the MD basketball program.
I think we should all give Steve a great big thank you for all he has done for MD and not fret over whether it will continue forever.
Thanks Steve! (not that he will ever read this)
I cant weight for the press conference
Today’s, its going to be redonk. I might just cry.
Also when they hold the press conference to introduce the new coach (which will be nationally covered) I hope its KA on one side and GW on the other with the new HC. Kinda rooting for Miller.
Dont' worry. In Gary we trust.
That’s the whole purpose of his “Assistant AD” job. You notice he’s also going to be UMD’s “ambassador”. Ambassador to whom? Kuwait? Hell, no! Ambassador to guys like Bisciotti. His job is going to be the care and feeding and recruitment of fat cat donors. You’ll see him sitting next to Bisciotti and Plank and whoever at Comcast. He’ll be playing golf with these guys at Congressional and schmoozing them. Guys like Bisciotti are going to be able to wallow in Gary if they want.
That quote
Was originally published in the 2009 three part series that the Post did on Gary. (Some called it a smear job but a think the third part of the series portrayed GW as one of the last honorable men in college basketball.) Remember this is when Yow was trying to push Gary out. I would imagine that Bisciotti and other friends of Gary love the program as well. And Gary is very proud of what he has built. The Maryland Program is his coaching masterpiece which I think he and his friends will want to see flourish in the future.
by TL77 on May 6, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It's been Salisbury University for quite a while now
Dropped the “State” part more than a decade ago.
"Complacency is your demise." - Kerry King
Did they really?
Perhaps Biscotti may want to redirect some more money there to get the word out. I had no idea.
Is Jerry Angelo fired yet?
I actually looked up to Steve
A self made man who became a billionaire who never forgot his roots. Now my heart is broken.
by Maryland Pride on May 6, 2011 1:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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