Wally Hall took his turn Sunday at the ‘Barrett vs. Inman’ debate and ended up firing his usual scattershot.
Among other things nonsensical, the column included this:
Which brings up a question. Who was Frank Broyles listening to that would let him start the divorce after a 40-year happy marriage with Channel 7?
If it is Matt Shanklin, who is the athletic department marketing guy and has been there only since 1990, then Broyles is making one of the biggest mistakes of his career as athletic director.
As Broyles takes this victory lap on a winning career, he might have been better served by asking advice from people who actually grew up in Arkansas. [...] Shanklin, who is supposed to be the driving force behind Barrett’s appointment, knows about as much about Razorbacks tradition as any North Carolina native.
Shanklin, who coordinates and sells the football and basketball coaches shows, is known to be abrupt, abrasive and downright rude. [...] He has about as much Arkansas charm as a Texas Longhorn.
Never mind trying to make a logical argument…let’s just blame Shanklin! (Wally must have recently watched the “South Park” movie again.)
Don’t get me wrong…we’ve taken our fair shots at Matt Shanklin in this forum for his part in the current Bud Walton Arena malaise. Earlier this year, Shanklin also took some of the heat for banning ‘unapproved’ signs at Razorback games. And at the Swatter’s Club meeting in May, he got raked over the coals by some in attendance for issues at Baum Stadium, most notably the post-game traffic jams.
Some may also remember Shanklin as the guy who had to tell our very own commenter 10KHog a few years ago that the $10,000 shot he nailed from mid-court during a halftime promotion at Bud Walton Arena was nullified because he stepped one foot over the halfcourt line.
After the ruling, Shanklin’s boss — Frank Broyles — who was down near the court, began waving his arms at him and yelling, “Boo!” Certainly not the kind of public ‘vote of no confidence’ that you want to receive from your CEO. (It’s still the only time I’ve ever seen Frank boo at a Razorback game. Well…except for when he yelled at that basketball referee.)
The halfcourt shot promotion was sponsored by Fuji Film and when the crowd realized what was happening, they started yelling, “Fuji Sucks!” I’m guessing if they would’ve known Shanklin’s name that night, they probably would’ve modified their chant a little.
Eventually it was decided to give 10KHog the money — although, because of the ‘rules violation,’ it wasn’t paid out by Fuji. They also made a point to announce the reversal over the public address system just to keep any plans for a student riot from being hatched during the second half.
Oh well…if nothing else, you’ve gotta give Wally credit for creating a new battle line in the ongoing debate. I mean…I can’t say I went to many message boards before Sunday where someone said, “Looks like they’re going to hire Chuck Barrett” and a poster replied back, “Damn That Shanklin!”
Not that Wally thinks we should be arguing amongst ourselves anymore.
Gee I had never even heard of this guy Shankin and I already know I don't like him…………..I guess I won't add him to my Christmas card list
I vote to run Shankin and little wally out of town!!!!
My guess is that Wally would not have opened the “Shanklin Can of Worms” unless he had heard it from an insider that the never popular Marketing Director was right in the middle of this thing. And he used this to throw a couple of zingers Matt’s way. Shanklin deserves what he gets…I have seen his demeanor (arrogant, rude) first hand.
Reading between the lines, you can see that KATV’s relationship with ARSN is coming to an end. The UofA is taking these productions “in-house” and keeping 100% of the money. Had Inman been named, he would have likely been replaced (by Chuck) in a couple of years when the current deal is up.
BTW, 10KHog was definitely over the line. You can see it clearly in the YouTube video link.
I was, but Mr. Frank Broyles and Mr. John White were kind enough to give me the money anyways. This is why if Frank wants to run for President I'll vote for him.
Well, we know 10KHog can be bought for $10K.
Most of you know I would be considered a darksider. I haven't listened to Chuck's show in sometime now. I don't like his strong statements and treatment of some callers who he disagreed with. I would have liked for Scott Inman to get the job because I like his voice. That being said, I think Chuck will do a good job as the "Voice". I do want people doing our broadcasts who are pro-Razorback. Chuck does a great job with Baseball and while they are different, I suspect he can handle the job. With his baseball broadcasts, he has been positive towards the team and coaches but not overly optimistic like Rick.
I refuse to read Wally even if he is right. I think the picking of the "voice" has more to do with ownership for the future than who is chosen. From that standpoint, I feel for Scott and Chuck.
Don't be suprised that Wally is doing his best to keep the BS going full force, weather it be Shanklin, Broyles, Houston, Gus, Mitch, or whoever, as long as there is a story-line to report in the Democrat-Gazzett. He is a reporter, and typically will stir the pot of any possible story link. As far as Barrett is concerned, my opinion, like many others, is that Inman was the best choice, but still believe that Barrett will do a fine job. He is perfect for the baseball team. We shall see just how good he handles football. 10KHog, I didn't get to see your halfcourt shot, but by the story I got, I would have had to put a foot up Shanklin's @55 if he just told me he was reversing the decision to pay the money.
I am not a Shanklin fan and never have been. It doesn't suprise me at all to think that he would have been right in the middle of this decision. I have also witnessed some of his antics and I just came away thinking he was an idiot that wanted to be seen and heard and be in the spotlight.
As far as Chuck goes, I am not sure how he will do. He won't be any worse than Mike Nail, I do know that. But him getting this job brings up questions in my mind.
1. Did he get this job because he was loyal during all of the email-gate?
2. Will he continue with the baseball job also?
3. Will he continue with SportsRap?
My answers are: 1 Yes. 2 I hope so and while we are making changes let's just get rid of Rick, he is terrible. 3 He shouldn't continue with his show.
I agree with #2 & #3. You might be right on #1 as well. I do think only a person who has shown loyalty would be considered which disqualifies lots of folks. I still think this is more about ownership of ARSN than who is picked.
If Shanklin is such a bad guy, how did he survive for 17 years, moving from an intern to and Associate AD? He has to do something right and must do a pretty good job in someone's eyes to have made it that long.
From going to Swatter's Club meetings, it is pretty apparent that Shanklin is responsible for much of the things we love about Baum Stadium.
Frank made it for 50 years, and 99% of the people will tell you he is not a very nice guy. What's nice got to do with it anyway? As long as a person's ego doesn't clash with his own, and blends in with Frank's way, then everything is kosher with Frank.