The real reasons John L. Smith should be fired

by Guy Larcom

The road has been rocky for John L. Smith and his failing football team.
The Spartans lost four games in a row and have to do some serious work if they want to salvage the season. And from the looks of it, Smith’s job.

But the losses alone are no reason to fire Smith.

The reason why John L Smith should be fired is the loss to Illinois and more importantly the fact that he has had to suspend or remove six players due to their involvement in assaults.

Students, fans and sports writers alike have unanimously decided that John L. Smith is a lost cause.  Many students have created “Fire John L. Smith” groups on Facebook.  But is it really such a crime to lose games to Michigan (7-0), Ohio State (7-0) and Notre Dame (5-1)?  The answer is no.   The team should compete with these teams but it is absurd to think that it is possible to beat the most revered teams in the nation on a yearly basis.

Michigan State was lucky to have an explosive first half against Notre game.  They were playing a team who was more talented than them.  It just so happened that Notre Dame didn’t show up until the second half.      

As for the games against Ohio State and Michigan, there was never a reason for the Spartans to win.  They were up against teams who had more talent and most importantly had more discipline. Any coach would have lost three of those four games.

Smith shouldn’t be fired for the losses.  If Smith is to be fired, it should be on the grounds that the players no longer feel accountable to their coach.

Now, Michigan State has not been involved in any nationally embarrassing brawls like the Miami Hurricanes football team.  But there have been major problems off the field and some in game skirmishes with opposing players.

Bobby Williams, Smith’s predecessor, was fired for the same reason that Smith should.  He had no control over his players.  Williams was asked in an interview in his final season if he had lost team.  Williams said he didn’t know.  It was the final straw for Williams and now it looks like it is for Smith, save a miraculous turn around in which the Spartans win their last five games and show some seriously unexpected maturity.        

There isn’t much of a choice at this point.  The team seems disheartened and uninspired. They are finding outlets for their disappointment in all the wrong places and a bowl game looks to be out of the picture.  I personally think that John L. Smith is a good coach.  It’s just that sometimes you have to change.  The players lose faith or get tired of the “same old thing” and then need a new spark.  With the position the team is in and judging by the undisciplined actions, Smith can no longer provide that spark.

Whether Smith is fired or not, Michigan State must solve one problem.  They need to find a way to recruit the top-notch Junior College athletes they have been relying on that are also good citizens. A successful program requires players who feel accountable to their coaches and teammates and realize that their actions reflect the program as whole.