"A man is about as big as the things that make him angry”

It is a common sight in sports to see a coach or manager yelling, getting red faced, getting sweaty, and generally making themselves look like idiots. This spectacle can be seen at almost any level of athletics and is all part of today's game. What is an uncommon sight however is to see a university's athletic director getting in on the act. I am talking about Ron Guenther, Athletic Director for the Illini.

Gregg Doyel reported on cbssportsline.com that Guenther sat two chairs away from him at the Illinois-Virginia Tech game and let's just say Guenther acted a less than responsibly. Guenther was calling Illini players idiots, trying to tell coach Bruce Weber how to run the game, and he even found the time to try and stare down some of referees during his shouting fits. I know that Guenther has always been one of these "fire in his belly" types, but this most recent act brings up a few issues for me.

First, it is not professional in any way, shape, or form to be screaming at the players. An athletic director, especially at a school the size of U of I, should be a professional. They are dealing with multiple sports, lots of money, and they have to be the face of the program. Ranting from the stands wont do anything to make the Illinois athletic program more popular. Plus, these kids can get yelled at by the coach. You (the athletic director) hired a coach to...well...coach. Anything you shout from the stands will only serve to distract the players. On top of that, is it really smart to call the players "idiots"? It is not the place of the athletic director to belittle the kids he is supposedly trying to help get a full, and rewarding college experience?

The name calling aside, it really does come back to Guenther's yelling in the first place. He cannot micro-manage the team from the stands. Bruce Weber is the guy paid to coach basketball, not Ron Guenther. It also shows that the Illini AD must not have too much faith in the coach if he feels the need to shout advice and coaching tips. What type of message does that send to the fans and the team?

Guenther has a lot bigger things to worry about then the Illini's first round loss to VA-Tech. A lot bigger. What is going on with the Jamar Smith situation? For those who might not know, Jamar Smith was charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Smith was in an accident with fellow teammate Brian Carlwell and left the injured Carlwell, returning to his apartment, and never calling 911. Carlwell could have died and yet no word has come from the AD about what will happen to Smith! This is the type of thing that Guenther needs to be dealing with, not the Illilni's poor tournament performance.

The last, and very obvious, mistake made by Guenther is where he was sitting at the game. You don't sit in the press row and then act surprised that someone wrote about your outlandish actions! Unless you happen to be in a private box, you should be watching your actions because you represent an organization every time you attend any sort of sporting event.

I know Illini fans might find this criticism a bit harsh but you are wrong. Just like the issue of Chief of Illinwek, you are most likely blinded by your loyalty and passion for Illini athletics. Trust me, Ron Guenther messed up.