It's been a quieter time in Memphis, where the Tigers have been in the news in recent days. First came the news that four members of the team, Rick Stansbury, Faragi Phillips, Jamie Rosser and Demetrius Dyson, were being let go.
Then, in the process, the university declared that it had become aware of a anonymous letter reporting suspicions of irregularities and violations of NCAA regulations in recent years, particularly concerning several players on the 2023-2024 roster.
Under fire from critics
The context is delicate to say the least since the Tigers failed to qualify for “March Madness” last season. The coach, who is none other than Penny Hardaway since 2018, was therefore led to speak out to clarify the situation, after having received the support of his sporting director the day before, assuring him that he would remain the coach of Memphis this season.
In his defense, Penny Hardaway first felt that he was judged more harshly than his peers because of his status as a former NBA great, which made him more focused on. The Tigers would be scrutinized above all to try to bring him down.
“I am not above criticism, but I know that I am judged more harshly,” he declared. “I’m my own harshest critic. I know how things work because I’ve been in the NBA. I know how it goes when you get these jobs, whatever comes out of it, good or bad. I figured it out as a player first. I came here to take the team and help them at a time when attendance was really low, and I’m still new to this business. I work and I improve every year, because I know who I am.”
An intact determination
He once again pleaded good faith, recalling that he had come to help the university where he spent two years as a player, from 1991 to 1993, in his hometown, and to do everything to help it return to the top. He was even surprised to have to justify himself.
“For me, it's just weird to be in this situation”he added. “I came back to do something. I don’t need money. I came back to school to teach young adults and try to help my city and my university. It’s like I’m being watched, and it’s incredible.”
His interlocutor gave him one last opportunity to speak for Tigers fans while they wait for light to be shed on the suspicions of irregularities.
“Why would I have anything to say to Memphis fans? I’m my own harshest critic. I don’t hold grudges against anybody. I know what needs to be done. I want to win, that’s why I’m always working. I don’t need a job. I’m always here because I really want to do something good.”
