Commentary
Pederson’s departure should come as no surprise Steve Pederson’s departure as University of Pittsburgh athletic director should come as no surprise, especially to anyone who has followed Pitt for some time.
This isn’t the first time Pitt lost a major figure in its athletic department because the success he had with the Panthers led to an opportunity for his dream job.
It happened in 1977 when Johnny Majors left as head football coach because his alma mater, Tennessee, came calling.
There was no way Majors could turn down that job, just as there was no way Pederson was going to say no to Nebraska, which hired him away from Pitt last week.
Timing is everything and Pederson can’t get much hotter than he is now. A football program that was in ruins when he arrived now regularly appears in bowl games.
Sure, football could be even more successful but the progress has been significant. Basketball has been even better with a Top 10 team playing before sellout crowds in a new facility.
Both programs are being run by coaches whom Pederson hired.
Pitt’s success became Pederson’s calling card and the time was right for his move to Nebraska.
It’s potentially disruptive but it’s also a compliment to the program.
Just like Majors 25 years ago, Pederson is leaving because he wants to, not because Pitt is telling him to go.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have turned back the clock.
Unfortunately they skipped over the Stanley Cup years and went back to the days of the old Penguins – a team with a limited budget just trying to get into the playoffs for the extra revenue that can help the franchise stay solvent.
You never would have thought the Penguins could have a prolonged winless streak with Mario Lemieux playing well and enjoying good health.
But it’s happened, a harsh reminder of Lemieux’s early days with the Penguins. One player, no matter how great, can’t be surrounded by mediocrity and make a difference.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates were honored as the minor league organization of the year.
The honor reflects the number of quality prospects the Pirates had in the lower levels of their organization last year.
Sometimes those prospects fade along the way and offer very little help at the major league level.
Case in point is former No. 1 draft pick Chad Hermansen. When he reported to the Pirates’ Rookie League team in Bradenton, one of manager Woody Huyke’s early reports to the home office said, “He can walk on water.”
Turned out Hermansen sank in the majors, leaving Pittsburgh last summer with a .199 career average.
The Chicago Cubs have since traded him to Los Angeles, where reports say he’ll be given a chance to compete for the Dodgers’ fifth outfield spot.
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When you take the pledge to be part of the media conspiracy, you promise never to knock a guy who runs his mouth.
In a world where most players are taking them one at a time and most coaches have to look at the tape before making any comment, a guy who talks a lot is a treasure.
That said, some of the Lee Flowers vs. Tampa Bay stuff (and the trash talk that came back from the Buccaneers) was just dumb.
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There is still time for Christmas shopping so here’s another reminder:
Myron Cope’s autobiography, “Double Yoi,” makes a fine gift for the $25 friend on your list.
If you give the book, do so with a promise that the recipient will let you read it.
If nothing else, take a five-minute break from wrapping duties and read the Sam Nover story. You can find it in the index.
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Now that Pederson’s watch has ended, is it OK to call the school “Pitt” again?
Sports correspondent John Mehno can be reached online at: johnmehno@lycos.com