Ready? Dog Pile!It seems everyone in Lincoln has had an opinion on the Husker football situation in the last few weeks. For some reason, everyone's a bit more critical when we're losing than when we're winning. Perhaps I will never understand this phenomenon.
So after weeks of pissing and moaning, Husker fans

were satiated today by the news that Harvey "The fightin' Pearl" Perlman has fired Steve "Kill me now" Pederson. By cutting this beast off at the head, Perlman hopes that the remaining tentacles (read: Callahan, Cosgrove, etc.) will soon wither and die, falling off to be eaten alive and decried in hindsight by the same Husker fans who praised them months ago. But enough of that.
It's amazing how the rumor mill works in this little town. I first heard that SP was gone at about 10am today from a buddy of mine who goes to UNL. Then more and more tips started pouring in, and finally my inbox was flooded with confirmed reports within 2 minutes of the official report. Two hours later, the Perlman press conference wrapped up and the town turned its attention from speculation to analysis.
But the shit people come up with is amazing. Ridiculous rumors, over-zealous anticipations and wishful thinking we're combined into the greatest bowl of overreaction stew I've ever tasted. Can you imagine if the press conference had been attended by fans and not media types? I can.
The Average Joe's Press ConferenceHarvey: I'm announcing today the (air quotes) resignation (air quotes) of Steve Pederson as our athletic director. Questions?
Fan 1: Yes! Yes! See, I told you that slick bastard was out. I knew it, I knew he was gone. My friend works with a guy who's cousin's son delivers newspapers to some of the houses on Steve Pederson's block, and he said there was a brown cardboard box outside of Pederson's house that may or may not have been a moving box. God, it's all so clear now.
Harvey: That wasn't really a question. Anyone else?
Fan 2: Yes, any truth to the rumors about Tom Osborne as Pederson's replacement?
Harvey: We'll see about that, for now we're goi--
Fan 3: Osborne rules!
Harvey: Yes, Tom's a great guy.
Fan 3: Any truth to the rumor that scientists in Scotland have found a way to clone Frank Solich's respect for Husker tradition with Turner Gill's natural, youthful enthusiasm and combined them into a super-coach? Follow-up question, will we hire this, "Franker Gillich?"
Harvey: You're an idiot.
Fan 3: You are. Fire Perlman! Dot com!
Fan 2: What about the popular idea reported by some, i.e. my barber, that Tom Osborne was able to breathe life into Bob Devaney's lifeless corpse, reviving him to a slightly-above-vegetated state in which he is expected to be able to come back and coach the team?
Harvey: Seriously?
Fan 2: My barber knows a guy. Just sayin'.
Harvey: Okay.
Fan 1: Yes, I've heard that Volleyball coach John Cook will be taking over the defense if he is able to defeat Kevin Cosgrove in a steel cage match this Sunday.
Harvey: Ummm
Fan 1: Confirmed! Great.
Harvey: This conference is over.
Fan 3: Tom Osborne for life!
But SeriouslyThe thing that upsets me is this: traditionally, Husker fans are known as the classy, mature, voices of reason in the college sports fan world. And here people are, celebrating a man getting fired. Before someone calls me on it, yes I did have a glass of champagne at work today when we watched the press conference. But not because I was happy that a guy got fired. Just because I likes my booze. But who do these people think they are cheering a man losing his job? Be happy for the program if you think this was the right direction for it, but let's remember that this "villain" we so contagiously hate is a person.
The main reason people hate him is because he soiled the reputation of our program. The other side of that reputation is the classiness of our fans. Let's not ruin that one, too.
Here's to the resurrection of this amazing program, I do hope (and in my heart of hearts, honestly believe) that this was the right thing to do for Husker Nation.
cheers.
.charlie