Former Notre Dame and current Ball State defensive linemen, Brandon Newman, did an interview with the Fort Wayne based News-Sentinel. In it, he gave his perspective on the Notre Dame battle at quarterback. While it is always great and refreshing to get an inside perspective, Newman went a bit too far and made some comments he shouldn’t have.
First, he starts off with a conversation that former Irish and current Kansas QB, Dayne Crist, had with Tommy Rees:
“Dayne was telling Tommy that even if they are saying that you are the No. 1 guy,” Newman said, “that’s what they told me. It’s not good for your program if you can’t put stock into what the coaches say.”
…
“The coaches having faith in you to go out there and get the job done goes a long, long, long way,” Newman said. “Even when you are making mistakes it goes a long way. Because every mistake you make on a Notre Dame football field, people think that it is (the quarterback’s) last play.”
Now, while I definitely believe in the “whatever happens here stays here” rule of the locker room, I do see times when it can be broken. We wouldn’t get some great stories and humorous moments that would go untold otherwise (Lou Holtz wanting a piece of Jimmy Johnson for instance).
However, Newman’s recounting of this conversation (I don’t care whether it happened or not) takes a shot at not only the coaching staff, but Dayne Crist as well. Crist handled last season so incredibly well and with so much class–now Newman sees it fit to undo that?
Plus, there’s no telling what context this conversation was in. For instance, we know from Grantland-X that several of the players on the Notre Dame squad were and still are firmly in Tommy’s corner. Knowing this, perhaps Crist felt bad for Tommy when he was named starter despite the locker room support. So, being the good guy that he is, goes and comforts him and makes sure that the young QB doesn’t have his confidence drop.
Instead though, Newman jumps to the conclusion that Kelly and his staff simply didn’t have any real faith in Crist. Add on fan reaction to failures on the field and apparently Crist was doomed before he took a snap. While we all know that the ND fanbase is vocal and critical, implying that Kelly started the dogpile before it began is an absurd conclusion to jump to.
Newman’s criticism doesn’t stop there:
“Tommy has made mistakes,” Newman said. “They were stupid mistakes and he should be punished for those. But I’ve got to go to bat for Tommy. Interceptions are going to be thrown no matter who the quarterback is. Those are going to happen, and honestly, they happen a lot more when the coaches are chewing you out for throwing that first one.”
Yes, interceptions happen and they happened a lot with Tommy (by the way Brandon, fumbles and penalties happened a lot too). According to Newman though, Tommy couldn’t learn from his mistakes because Kelly yelled at him.
I find this hilarious because Newman’s first coach was Charlie Weis.
Want to know how “kind” Charlie was to his players? In fall camp of 2005, Weis, in an open practice with press and fans around, berated Quinn for a terrible pass, proclaiming passes like that would be the reason Quinn would never be better than a 50% completion QB.
I’ve lost could of the times that Charlie gave his eloquent speech of (and excuse my French) “you have only one fucking job to do.” He stopped down one of the last practices of his first fall camp to have the entire team run sprints because he was so pissed at the entire team, himself, and his staff for having such a crappy product in the field.
Here’s a newsflash: coaches yell and tear their players down; however, they will build them back up again. Weis was no different and if you watch any ICONN with a Kelly speech, it is clear he operates in a similar manner.
The fact that Newman considers this newsworthy, much less points to it as the reason Tommy had issues last season, is absurd.
More absurd though, is his final shot at…well…everyone:
“The pressure is magnified through the coaches,” Newman said. “Even through the administration, it’s from everyone. It’s magnified.”
So now it’s everyone’s fault. The coaches, the administration, the fans, and probably even bloggers like myself.
Spare me.
In hindsight, this shouldn’t have surprised me. Yesterday, the News-Sentinel had another piece centered around Newman. In it, he made sure everyone knew why he didn’t play at ND:
Newman said his career – or lack thereof – was due to conditioning (freshman season), problems mastering new techniques (sophomore season), injury (junior season) and, well, he’s not sure about the final season in which he played for his third defensive line coach in four seasons (Ball State’s Chad Wilt will be his fourth in five years).
“I have been capable of playing for years,” Newman said. “You could ask any of the (Notre Dame offensive linemen). It got to the point that when I talked with the coaches, they’d honestly come up with excuses.”
The only “excuses” actually occurring here are the ones from Newman’s own mouth.
Look, I honestly understand the frustration that comes with not getting the playing time you think you deserve. I struggled with it personally through my baseball “career” and I can only imagine how much more amplified it is being a scholarship athlete at a school like Notre Dame.
More often than not though, my playtime was determined by my execution (or rather lack there off…there was also that whole “talent” thing). I suspect much is the same of Newman. In fact, his final quote confirms it:
“There is a difference between playing in the game and playing in practice,” Newman said. “One of my biggest problems is that I am a gamer. As well as I do in practice, a game is where I can turn it up to the umpteenth degree.”
Newman’s admission of a special “game gear” drives the final nail into his own coffin.
Not only does he throw Kelly and his staff under the bus, but his former teammates as well. It was because of coaches that Newman didn’t see game time and, by extension, his former teammates earned unjustified playing time in his eyes. Thanks to that, he had to take his talent to Ball State to show off his amazing game time skills.
Let me be clear, I don’t wish ill on Newman and hope he finds success at Ball State. After all he is a fellow alum and monogram winner. But in the past couple of days, Newman has failed to take on any blame for his own playing time and has extended his personal frustrations and excuses publicly to matters that no longer directly involve him. This approach comes of as nothing more than sour grapes.
If Newman really wishes to make a statement to Kelly and his staff, make it on the field. Actions always speak louder than words.
- Epilogue - January 3, 2022
- HLS Podcast Finale - January 2, 2022
- The Final Fiesta: Notre Dame vs Oklahoma State NCAA ’14 Sim - December 31, 2021
Brian
This is really disappointing. …and NDN bait for more Kelly bashing.
NDtex
What disappointed me more was him throwing his former teammates under the bus–and likely didn’t realize it.
Coaches can take the abuse, comes with the territory.
kriles
The truth needs no defense. This is not disappointing but rather a view of the actual reality of the current Irish football program. The lack of success is mental not physical with this program. Your off base to call this disappointing. I call it refreshing. GO IRISH!!!
denverirish
The most disappointing part of this is the “overheard” conversation between Rees and Crist. He clearly has a chip on his shoulder and blames the coaches for his lack of playing time – I get he’s upset. This isn’t the classy way to handle, but it is about him. Inserting himself into other controversies and throwing Crist under the bus, intentional or not, is really crossing the line. It’s too bad this is how he chose to air his frustration.
beyeg
I find it very ironic that Brandon as a “gamer,” could have gotten himself on the field if he was a better practice player. Conditioning and technique issues are items that resolve themselves through practice and a strong work ethic. Many students are stars in high school off of natural talent and then get into the college world and realize the hard way that their “game” is a multi-million dollar business.
I wish Brandon the best, but his interview shows that he still has a lot of growing to do as an athlete and a young man. I wish him the best, but am curious to see the interview if things don’t end up in a breakout season at Ball State.
Brian
I’m not sure where he throws Crist under the bus here. Maybe I’m reading it wrong, but it seems like all he’s saying is that Crist and Rees were both told by the coaches that they were QB1, and they were uncertain which of them it really was. That seems like more of another attack on the coaches and not an attack on Crist.
Do you read it as Newman accusing Crist of talking shit to Rees?
NDtex
No. The implication is that Crist was named the starting QB, yet he then turned around and told Rees “yeah, I’m the starter, but they think you’re the best QB anyways.”
Newman’s implication is that Crist was openly questioning Kelly’s decision and stating that Kelly had more faith in Rees.
Crist handled everything with so much class, Newman implies he was already sowing seeds of discord form the start.
Grantland-X
I actually disagree that that is the implication. What happened is that Dayne told Tommy (AFTER Dayne hung it up) that Kelly may tell you that you are #1, and it’s true, but that is essentially just a fragile title with empty meaning, because Kelly will pull you at the slightest screwup.
NDtex
Reading it again you might be right on the timing. I still have a hard time believing the way Newman frames it though. If Kelly really had that little faith in Tommy, he could’ve gone to Hendrix or back to Crist many different times.
To me, Dayne is telling Tommy not to take the role for granted, which sounds more plausible to me.
tjak
It seems to me that either Kelly had great faith in Rees or felt he had no other options as Rees played a lot and in spite of many mistakes. I can remember thinking many times, about why Rees was not pulled. Crist was pulled after a half, yet Rees stayed in after making arguably more egregious errors. Either way, Newman probably should have kept this to himself.
HerringBoneSports
I also agree that the QB1 comments were something more recent. As in Kelly told Tommy at some point in 2012 after Dayne was long gone that he was the guy for the upcoming season and Dayne is in his ear NOW saying “same shit he told me – don’t trust it for nothing.”
I think Newman is really throwing both guys under the bus on top of the “can’t trust the coaches” comment.
NDtex
No doubt and that’s my biggest issue with the comments. I understand Newman being frustrated and wanting to take shots at Kelly (even though he would be wise not to), but he is doing it at the expense of former teammates.
Take the Crist/Tommy part of the story and the article isn’t so bad. Hold off on the stupid assertion that coaches yelling makes life harder and it’s even better. For Newman’s issues of playtime, say he feels the coaches made a mistake and he’s excited to prove it at Ball State.
So many different ways he could’ve handled this.
IrishDog
I agree with your assessment about Dayne’s interpretation of Kelly; unfortunately, he did not believe in them with good reason. Crist and Rees both have skill sets that are better suited to a traditional pro-style offense rather than a spread offense that requires quick reads, running ability and a little bit of swagger. Crist and Rees both lacked those abilities to varying degrees that I do not need to go into… Golson has it and Gunner and Hendrix could still develop it. And you could argue further that Crist, in particular, was outside of his comfort zone in the spread and thus his lack of confidence and swagger. Rees lacks swagger because he does not have the athletic abilities to run Kelly’s offense properly despite his “scientific” acumen.
As Kelly himself said… Golson has the art side down but not the science. I believe sometimes you have to let the “artist” do his work and you might be surprised at the “science” that he discovers. Let Golson go to work, make a few mistakes, and we will finally have a quarterback that can run the spread.
denverirish
This is what makes the spotlight at ND more difficult and makes it such a difficult decision for Kelly. Look at what RGIII did at Baylor. He was very good prior years and always very athletic, but he really developed into an incredible QB his senior year because of all that game experience. When you have to win today, you sacrifice the ability to be even greater next year. That is the point of rebuilding years, but we aren’t allowed to have those at ND — unfortunately, for lots of reasons.
denverirish
This is how I read it. And I think Newman was going after the coaches, not intending to go after Crist. But that’s the problem with drawing other players into your beef with the coaches. This puts Crist in a bad light; it makes Crist look bitter and like he doesn’t trust the coaches either — who knows what Crist really thinks, but Newman shouldn’t be using other player’s comments in the locker room for his own purpose of trashing the coaches after he leaves.
denverirish
trying to reply to two different posts — fail.
irishfanatic
Just imagine if Jonas Gray was able to get in his ear a bit. One needs only to look at the challenges and trials that Jonas went through, and came out a winner to understand that less talk and more training is a good prescription for success. Of course, I still think he sits behind all the talent that we have at this juncture, but the attitude adjustment may have set him up for future success. As it is, Newman’s attitude and “sour grapes” will, in all likelihood, keep him from ever realizing his true potential. Whatever that may be.
Physical Ed
I think everyone is making too much of it. Newman is still a young man, not used to having a microphone put in front of him, feeling pressure to say something coherent and not sound dumb. It’s really hard to think on your feet when you are faced with a question and no time to think through your answer. Give him a break.
NDtex
He spent four years at one of the highest profile football programs in the nation. Believe me, he had some form of media training even if he wasn’t a common interview during his time here.
Brian
That’s bologna. Newman was not only part of one of the most high-profile programs in the country, he also has a media degree and has spent tons of time working in front of a camera. He knew what he was saying would make waves.
HerringBoneSports
I posted this article on a board claiming Newman had bashed Kelly, specifically with the “can’t trust what the coaches say” integrity questions. Everyone said I was crazy or discounted his comments because he never played. Felt like I was taking crazy pills because he sounded way out of line.
Glad somebody else thought so. Really great piece Tex.
Mike C
I think you guys are being overly critical on Brandon Newman. I had to re read the quotes several times to see what got you so fired up. I can see how SOME of the quotes might stir the pot a little but if you read the whole http://www.news-sentinel.com/ article it’s not too bad. He actually is quite clear that he is very find of ND and the players and een including Crist
Twibby
“One of my biggest problems is that I am a gamer. As well as I do in practice, a game is where I can turn it up to the umpteenth degree.”
Rephrased:
“Not a game. Not, not … Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game, but we’re talking about practice, man. I mean, how silly is that?”
Twibby
Despite the interview he gave here, I’ll always appreciate the videos he and Golic put together last season. I think the kid has the potential to be a commentator once he is done playing.
patjlynch
I think Brandon did a very good interview and honestly answered the questions asked. I believe what he said was truthful. The ND season last year went as the QB position went. I really believe had Brain coached Dayne for his mistake the first game and instilled confidence that he was their QB for the season we would have made a run as one of the top teams in the country. I think Brian and his staff are doing an excellent job at recruiting and developing players at every position, the only issue I see is getting their QB core confident and develop them all into gamers should their number be called. Right now I believe they are playing with fear instead of confidence. The fear they will be yanked and benched if they commit a mistake. No one can play to their potential with that hanging over their heads. I think if Brian can fix this one issue ND will become a contender this year and every year he remains the head coach at ND. I am positive that the ND program is in good hands and we will have a great season and surprise everyone how good we are against the number 1 toughest schedule.
John F. Ganey
I’ve wasted too much time reading all this conjecture—-Why not drop it ?? He’s a goner no t a gamer !
HURLS
Ever hear of RANDY Newman? “Short people got – no reason – short people got – no reason…”? This turkey has no reason to open his tail-pipe. (or it could be his pie-hole > hard to distinguish) Sit-down and shut-up.
Mr. Kalc
Wow! Very confusing, I think Mr. Newman’s comments were meant to criticize Kelly for having a quick hook, but if he was on the same team that I saw last year, and he noticed how Rees was treated, he obviously can’t believe what he is saying. Newman even contradicts himself because he first implies that a quick hook is detrimental, and then he seems to admit that Kelly’s hook was too slow because Rees should have been “punished”. Doesn’t a coach “punish” a player by applying the hook and reducing playing time?
Coaches have a tough job, and there job is made that much more difficult when their players are not mentally tough. Newman is accusing Notre Dame’s players of not being mentally tough. I am of the opinion that no coach should guarantee a starting position to any player, especially when a player hasn’t established himself at a particular position. Sometimes it’s good for players to fear for their starting spots. If you ask me, last year’s team was screaming out for a little more of the Spurrier treatment, not less, especially as it relates to Rees. If Crist, or Rees, was firmly established after a year of stellar play my opinion would be different, but jeez this is football. I actually feel much better now about Kelly after reading the article. No wonder Kelly is always harping on the fact that this team first needs to learn how to practice. Now I have better insight into what he’s been harping on. I refuse to believe there are many more Newmans on this team. Let’s hope Kelly’s now getting to where he needs to be, and weeding out those with this overwhelming need to be coddled. Winning a championship is not for the weak-minded; it is an enormous challenge. Things will get tough. At the end of the day you have to earn it. And for the great ones, they wake up the next day and realize they have to earn it again. That’s football. Let’s see with the absence of Mr. Newman if this team might be headed in the right direction, which includes practicing hard enough to prepare your own teammates even if you yourself—or Allen Iverson—don’t need practice for your own stellar game performances.
Loticicio
NDTex, his comments are true, restrained and fair enough across the board. On the other hand, I find your reactions to those comments a bit over-the-top (to put it kindly). You start by affirming the notion of athletes giving honest answers to honest questions, then proceed to severely over-dissect and tear the guy apart for the implications of his comments.
Tempted as I am to go through your every indictment of this guy (and tear your reactionary extrapolations apart in the process), I’ve wasted enough time reading your tripe and typing this response.
Since we’re criticizing people’s public speech right now, however, I’ll take this opportunity to express that I’ve lost some respect for HLS after reading this article (as well as some of your other postings) [and even for Subway Domer for taking on a HerringBone (who apparently agrees with your statements).
Make no mistake, your post represents the lowest level of unnecessary hating and bashing — a scourge on the possibilities for productive discourse on the Inter-webs.
My name is inigo montoya
Wow. Loticicio- your quasi-intellectual comment (you might own a thesaurus but that doesn’t mean you’re smart) is one of the most self-righteous things I’ve ever read on the Internet. Get a grip and stop hiding behind a cloak of anonymity. It is immature and transparent.
NDtex
Yeah, I’m clearly at the lowest level of hating and bashing.
I disagree with his comments, but I don’t hate the kid. That’s an absurd conclusion. There’s a reason why I entitled this post “Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid” rather than “Seriously, Just Shut Up” or something similar. Hell, I mentioned that I can relate to his frustration in the post.
The affirmation I gave was for an inside perspective, but that isn’t what Newman gave. The rest of his answers were great, but his trying to detail a private conversation between Crist and Rees was completely unneeded out of context or not.
Do I think he was doing it on purpose? No. Do I think he made a huge mistake? Yes.
However, you’ve come into this post with the mindset of “his comments are true”, which, no matter how much you think that to be the case, that isn’t fact, it’s his (and your) opinion.
You seem to have lost “respect” for HLS more so for the fact you disagree with my opinion than anything else. That as well is “a scourge on the possibilities for productive discourse on the Inter-webs.”
Feel free to attack my work and debate me–my feelings won’t be hurt.