Dan Guerrero's Emails On Steve Alford - Part 2
Dan Guerrero's Emails On Steve Alford - Part 2
Dan Guerrero's Emails On Steve Alford - Part 2
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Ron Mori
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
The future of UCLA basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:40:56 AM
Based on the talent on the team and the fact there were no major injuries the coaching staff
didn't do the job they were hired to do. The Team does not play defense.
I have lost confidence in the current coaching staff and believe a change in the head coach is
in the best interest of the program.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Yours Truly,
Ron Mori
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Kenji Kumara
Rebholz, Joshua
Most telling stat
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:54:53 AM
Pauley Attendace
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
Capacity
8136
7711
8073
13,888
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David Goodman
Guerrero, Dan
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:29:39 AM
Please do not give in to the idiots and fire Coach Alford. I have been a season ticket holder for over 30 years (ever since I left
the student section). We have had good years and bad, including years when we did not make the tournament, and years when
we have done well. Nothing will satisfy some fans. As long as we stay competitive (consecutive sweet sixteens and great
recruiting are competitive). I know Alford is a good coach (in the top 100 all time). Why this team lost focus is an open
question, but they were taught well (the games against Kentucky, Arizona, and gonzaga proved this) and they just didn't seem
to gel once January rolled around. Please talk to the coach and give him support. We will be better if you do this
David A. Goodman
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Tommy Cornell
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Fire Alford, Fire Guerrero
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:40:48 AM
UCLA Administrators,
The fact that this movement is even necessary is shows how terribly lost this Athletic Department is. The discussion
of wether or not to retain Steve Alford can be settled within seconds. A 15-17 record, 3 blowouts to usc, zero heart
shown for most games, and a fan base that has nearly divorced the team are all completely acceptable reasons to fire
any coach. You should not require pressure from fans in order to make this obvious decision.
It should be just as obvious to Gene Block that the man who's really responsible for this mess (as well as the Dorrel
and Neuhiesel messes) should also be terminated.
Since I doubt firing Guerrero is realistic I'll suggest this to Dan - allow someone who actually knows the game of
basketball and the business of sports to hire our next coach. You do not deserve to be anywhere near this next hiring
process.
Tommy Cornell
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Jace Outlaw
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball Must be Saved
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:12:08 AM
Gentlemen Please save the UCLA Men's Basketball Program. It is time to cut ties with Steve Alford.
I recognize that most coaches get four (4) years to put their hand print on the program and
make it their own. For Alford, however, it has only taken three (3) short years. The results do
not lie and the downward trajectory is indisputable.
As we get farther away from Howland recruits, structure, and fundamentals, the product on
the floor has gotten dramatically worse. Why? Because the culture Alford has created - one
rooted in nepotism - lacks discipline, structure, chemistry, accountability and toughness. This
culture is why we arelooking at 6 league wins, 10th place, and missing the NCAA (and even
the NIT, which is astounding).
While we all should be disappointed to our core, we should not be surprised. Try to name any
sport where a team can succeed without discipline, structure, chemistry, accountability, and
toughness. Trust me, you cannot do it.
I know that you believe that our program is in crisis. I trust that you will also see that waiting
another season will only prolong the inevitable.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jace Outlaw
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Paul Amante
Jerry Amante
Charles V. Amante; Catherine Amante (amanteparalegal@
ericaamante@
; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: Coach Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:18:27 AM
Yes, Charles, well written. But the fact that you even need to point out the pathetic state of
UCLA BASKETBALL is, in and of itself, remarkable! When did THIS become acceptable
at UCLA? When did the status of the program sink so low that a losing season, and 0 and 3
against USC, are acceptable? Alford's teams are unwatchable.
Paul Amante Jr.
pamantejr@
On Mar 10, 2016 11:55 PM, "Jerry Amante" <jerry@fsbcorestrategies.com> wrote:
Powerful in its brevity, its tone and its indisputable accuracy. Very well written VB !!!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 10, 2016, at 7:57 PM, Charles Amante <charles.v.amante@
> wrote:
>
> Hello Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Rebholz,
>
> I know you are receiving tons of email from angry fans, calling for the firing of Steve
Alford, so my email is going to likely be ignored and thrown in the trash can. Thus, I'll keep
this short and sweet.
>
> I am not writing you to demand that you fire Steve Alford. His performance on the court
these past three years should be enough evidence that he is not fit for ucla basketball.
>
> Instead, I'm writing you to point something out that should alarm you and the athletic
department:
>
> I have been watching ucla basketball RELIGIOUSLY since I was ten years old. I'm thirty
years old now, meaning I have been a fan for twenty years strong. The alarming fact is this:
for the first time in my twenty years of following UCLA basketball, this is the first year I
literally, completely stopped watching games halfway through the season. I didn't even
bother checking scores after a while because I knew this team was a lost cause. And
truthfully, if Steve Alford is the coach next year, I know that it will not be worth even
watching one game because there is no future with him at the helm.
>
> Again, I'm not writing you to demand that you fire Steve Alford, because that is futile. But
I am pointing out that there are many fans to share my sentiments and UCLA basketball
deserves to be in a position of greatness again, and you know in your heart of hearts that
Steve Alford is not going to make that happen.
>
> Respectfully,
> Charles Amante
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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Jeffrey Gavenman
Guerrero, Dan
Your chance to be a hero
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:18:37 AM
My love for UCLA started with UCLA basketball. My parents attended UCLA when Wooden was coaching and they first
exposed me to the beauty, the tradition, the excellence that is UCLA basketball. I grew up watching and attending games
with them and I dreamed of going to UCLA myself one day. When I played in my driveway, I was Reggie Miller, I was Don
McLean, I was Ed O'Bannon. I was heartbroken when we lost to Tulsa. I could barely breathe as Tyus dashed down the
court in 4.8. When it came time to pick a college, my love for UCLA was too deep to consider going anywhere else. I joined
my parents a became a proud Bruin in 1997.
I loved my time at UCLA, and UCLA basketball was a big part of that experience. We didn't win championships in
basketball while I was at UCLA, we didn't even make an Elite 8. But there was still great passion in and around the
program. I only missed two Pac-10 games my entire time at UCLA and I camped out, arrived hours early, did whatever it
took to get good seats.
I moved to the east coast in 2002, but I followed the program closely. I stayed up late watching games, joined BRO, and went
to games when I was back in LA. I went to the Final Four in '07 and '08, the Villanova tournament game in '09 and saw the
Bruins at MSG twice.
Why did I give all this background? Because I want you to know that I am as passionate and dedicated a UCLA basketball
fan as you will find. I have dedicated a great deal of time, energy and money to the team that I love.
Until last year. Last year it became too painful to watch. It hurt too much to see my Bruins reduced to a laughingstock. 41-7.
71-39. Three blowouts against SC this year. Brutal losses. But it wasn't just the losing. That I can take. It was the utter
lack of hope. Steve Alford had hijacked the Bruins. He wasn't teaching good defense, he wasn't instilling a winning attitude,
he wasn't showing any signs that he could take this program back to the days of Steve Lavin, much less John Wooden. I
couldn't bear the sight of another game of Bryce Alford jacking up ill-advised shot after ill-advised shot, playing over much
more talented players, loafing on defense and still having the audacity to yell at other players after one of his jump-in-the-airand-then-try-to-pass forays into the lane became a turnover. For the first time in my life, I stopped watching. And I haven't
restarted. i know there is no point until Alford is gone. We have seen enough of him as a coach to know, he just can't do
what it takes to make UCLA basketball great again. He can't do what it takes to make the program one we can be proud of.
He can't bring the passion back to the fan base.
Mr. Guerrero, this fan base can be revitalized. UCLA basketball can once again be defined by excellence. Please, exercise
your leadership abilities and bring UCLA through this dark period. You can be the hero of this story; fire Alford and bring
hope back to Westwood.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Jeff Gavenman, class of 2001
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Chris Isham
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Sapiro, Aaron
UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:32:18 AM
> Dear Chancellor Block, Director Guerrero, and Assistant Director Rebholz,
>
> I am writing to express my deep concern for the UCLA Basketball program. I am currently a Wooden Athletic
Fund member at the "Bruin All-Conference" level. I have consistently progressed my donor level over the years
despite my level of income and while putting three children through college.
>
> As a proud UCLA Class of 1988 graduate, my whole life centers around UCLA Athletics. I have donated
thousands of dollars to UCLA Athletics. I schedule family outings, work trips (if possible) and other activities
around my ability to watch UCLA Football, Basketball, Baseball and Softball games on television. To my wife's
chagrin, my family room is stocked with UCLA footballs, helmets, batting helmets, basketballs, bobble heads,
pennants and team photos.
>
> My career as a Marine Officer kept me out of the UCLA area and I was unable to attend most athletic events.
However, I am the fan that sat in a Lawton, Oklahoma bar full of Oklahoma State Cowboys and loudly cheered our
Bruins on in the 1995 Final Four semifinals. I am the fan that sat in the Washington D.C. bar full of Maryland
Terrapins and loudly cheered on our Bruins during our dismantling of that team in the 2000 Sweet Sixteen. I am
the fan that sat in a Bangkok hotel room and listened to our Baseball team on the internet as they beat CSUF in the
2013 Super regionals, I am the fan that woke up in a Tokyo hotel at 0200 to watch UCLA beat Texas 66-3 in 1997
on Armed Forces TV. I am the fan that uses all sorts of silly superstitions for "good luck" in all our games. There
are countless other instances like these where I have done my best to cheer on my Bruins in spirit and
demonstration.
>
> I am the fan that donates money to the baseball team despite losing in the regionals, the softball team despite
losing in the World Series, and the football team when they lose their best defensive player. I do that because "next
man up" includes us alumni and we should do everything we can to help our teams. In every one of those cases, I
did so because even in losing, I was so very proud of each of those teams. All of them played with heart, passion,
and pride.
>
> I cannot say that about our current basketball program. Sadly, I am embarrassed of our team and the manner in
which they have played. We have a very talented group of players that possess poor leadership, lack team
chemistry, and most of all what appears to me as pride in being a UCLA Bruin. Despite stellar recruiting classes,
the Basketball program has digressed over the past three years. While I was unimpressed with the hiring of Coach
Steve Alford, I kept quiet and hoped that he would be successful. I even donated money to the program during his
first year. The perception of nepotism, poor team defense, and the ultimate embarrassment of badly losing to USC
three times in one year is unconscionable. I fear that continuing on this path will ultimately irreparably harm our
Basketball program.
>
> Mr. Guerrero you are "the next man up". I am asking you to step up and remove Coach Steve Alford as our coach
and hire someone who can restore our Basketball program to the elite stature it should be. While my donations are
small in comparison to many others, I cannot in good conscious donate any more money to UCLA Athletics until
this problem is fixed.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> LtCol Christian A. Isham USMC (ret)
> UCLA '88
>
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Timothy Maroney
Guerrero, Dan
Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 6:15:45 AM
His team is not prepared. Worst thing I can say about a coach
Sent from my iPad
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Susan Mills
Guerrero, Dan
20 year season ticket holder
Friday, March 11, 2016 6:40:49 AM
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Scott Duncan
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 7:26:31 AM
I have been a life long fan, starting with watching the late night channel 5 broadcasts in the 1960s. I still have the
No. 1 line priority ticket for spending three nights sleeping outside Pauley before the UCLA-USC game (No. 1 vs
No. 2) in 1971. I was in San Diego for Coach Woodens last NC and in Philadelphia when we lost to Indiana in
the Final 4. I walked on the soccer team in 1978 (after six years serving my county in the Navy) and am a member
of the Varsity Club. I was on the team/booster plane for the Thanksgiving Alaska shootout back in the 80s. Jack
Haley once joked, 30 years ago, if he could be the godfather of my son; my wife attended the Hoopster meetings
that year while pregnant. My son saw his first BB game before he was three months old. I was one of three
civilians visiting the Houston space center with the team on the 25th anniversary of the Houston-UCLA game in
1993. I followed the team to Idaho, Oakland, and Seattle as we won the national championship. Coach Jim
Harrick once said, Duncan, you attend more practices then some of the guys on my team. Coach Lavin, during
the middle of Coach Howlands reign, ran into me in an elevator at a tournament and asked, hows it going,
Scott?. I was a member of the Coaches Roundtable for many years, and prior to the new seating arrangements
with the new Pauley had the best basketball seats in the house (6th row, mid court, behind the scorers table).
This year, I could barely watch most of the games even on TV. I even turned down free tickets to attend the
games. Coach Alford has sucked the life out of my enjoyment of UCLA Basketball. This year I budgeted more
for UCLA donations then I sent to UCLA (and I contributed to the Football facility in addition to a small amount
for the Varsity Club and for Wooden Athletic Fund); the rest I couldnt send in good conscience. Next year, if we
do not have a basketball coach I can support, I will further reduce my donations to the minimum amount to keep my
Varsity Club membership. Needless to say, my family and I will not be attending any basketball games.
Please find a new coach we can be proud of, and help revive my love for UCLA basketball.
Scott Duncan
UCLA 1980
UCLA Soccer: Fall 1978
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mike dubil
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
DO IT NOW!!!
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:08:18 AM
i wish to add my voice to the chorus of fans calling for the replacement of steve alford as ucla men's
basketball coach.
for me, it comes down to the old-school notion that what counts is not whether you win or lose, but how
you play the game.
fate has a hand in success or failure, but underachievement is the hallmark of poor leadership. from a
quality of play standpoint, ucla basketball has grossly underachieved for a couple of years now -inconsistent effort, weak fundamentals, poor player development, lack of teamwork, etc. i don't think that
changes with the arrival of a top 5 recruiting class, so what's the point of waiting?
as a general rule, i consider weighing in on a matter of this sort to be "none of my business." but, in a
sense it IS my business,becauseI have been a passionate UCLA fan for over 50 years, win or lose,
andthis is the first time i have been sufficiently outraged to express my opinion to the powers that be.
like hundreds, if not thousands, of others, i literally cannot and will not follow UCLA basketball until a
coaching change is made. this is not a threat, just a statement of reality to those who administer ucla
athletics.
i salute the athletic department for responding promptly and personally to friends of mine who have
weighed in on this matter. it's great to know that you are at least listening.
in my case, there is no need to respond. i've spoken my piece, and that's all i wanted to do.
thanks for reading this, and go bruins!!
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Steve Jonker
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Regarding Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:23:07 AM
Gentlemen I understand you have been inundated with emails recently asking you terminate Steve
Alford's contract after what has been an extremely disappointing basketball season, so I
would first like to apologize for adding to the clutter in your already full inbox. It is only on
extremely rare occasion that I "complain to my representatives", but in this case, I feel it is
warranted. Like the many other Bruin supporters who have undoubtedly complained to you,
I firmly believe it is time for Coach Alford to go.
As a UCLA alum (Class of 1992), I've been a diehard (my friends would say, at times,
"obsessed") Bruin fan for the past nearly 28 years. For several years after graduation while I
remained in Southern California (San Diego), I had season tickets to UCLA football and
regularly attended UCLA basketball games. In 1994 (AFTER we had graduated), a couple of
friends and I had "UCLA" permanently tattooed on our bodies after the basketball team was
named #1 in the country going into its away game against Cal. Unfortunately, we lost that
game, but we like to think the tattoo karma paid off the next year in Seattle. Although now
living in Utah makes it more difficult to regularly attend games, I have continued my
relentless following of UCLA sports and other happenings - on gamedays (both football and
basketball), I still plan my schedule around the game, to the often displeasure of my wife.
Suffice it to say, I'm a HUGE Bruin fan. I've watched A LOT of Bruin basketball games and
seen more than a few ups and downs in the program over the years. Right now, the basketball
program is pretty much at one of the lowest points in my 28 years as a fan. Not since Steve
Lavin's last year has there been such a clear lack of team unity, dedication, and direction.
Under Coach Alford, the team has progressively gotten worse each year (not just in terms of
wins and losses, but in all facets of the game). I know a fan should support his team through
the good and the bad, but this rudderless team is so painful to watch that they are basically
unwatchable. In essence, the program has become an embarrassment. The precipitous drop
in attendance at games corroborates this sentiment.
I understand that there is a general understanding in athletic departments that a coach should
have at least four years to prove him or herself. And while such a principle seems generally
sound, blind adherence to that principle in the face of what is obvious - that Coach Alford is
not a long-term solution to bring UCLA basketball back to greatness - is beyond misguided.
By all accounts, the incoming recruiting class is a good one, so improvement in the W/L
record next year and an invitation to the NCAA tournament is, as I understand it, likely. But,
as with the several years we went to the tournament under Steve Lavin, is just making it to the
tournament enough? Shouldn't the team play with fire and obvious dedication to basketball
fundamentals? Those talented teams won in spite of Lavin, not because of him. That was
apparent to most fans from the outset, and eventually became readily apparent to recruits,
until finally the ship sank and Lavin was fired. Like so many other Bruin supporters, I think
it's clear the ship has already sunk on Coach Alford. Please don't let the potential for illusory
improvement next year delay what is an inevitability. Coach Alford is not the answer. He
never was.
For the sake of UCLA basketball, please terminate Coach Alford now and find the right
person to bring the program back to something we, as Bruin fans, can be proud of.
Sincerely yours,
Steve Jonker (Class of 1992)
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Michael Zank
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Losing donors
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:26:19 AM
>
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Andrew Marroquin
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
This is a nightmare
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:30:01 AM
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Geoff Suddleson
Guerrero, Dan
Thank you!
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:40:21 AM
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Brad DeJean
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
On the Men"s Basketball Program
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:44:03 AM
Mr. Guerrero,
You've probably received hundreds of emails from other concerned alums and donors about
the poor showing of our men's basketball team this year and presenting a litany of reasons
why you should fire Coach Alford now. To be sure, I agree with my fellow alums and donors,
signed the petition and hope that he has coached his last game at UCLA. But I won't repeat all
of those reasons, other than to say I found the utter lack of effort of this year's team to bean
abomination, a black mark on a championship brand, and a coach who can't get his players to
consistentlytry at defensewill never succeed.
Instead, I'd like to focus on you, and what might be holding you back from deciding to remove
Coach Alford. You love UCLA. You have accomplished great things as athletic director,
from the championships to the facilities, thanks to your program, UCLA has everything it
needs to continue to mint championship-level teams and players who will do great things in
the world after they graduate.
You may have a few concerns about firing Coach Alford now, after only three years. The four
most obvious reasons not to fire him are (1) potential media backlash over firing a coach after
three years, (2) a costly buyout, (3) keeping together an excellent incoming recruiting class,
and (4) a sense of fairness to him, that he should have 4 years to prove himself,
These are not good reasons to keep a coach. Here's why:
(1) Media. With the media, all will be forgotten when you hire a coach that leads the program
to success. Do you remember Billy Gillespie? It's ok if you don't, few others do. He was fired
after two years at UK, including a 22-14 record in his last season. Replaced by Coach
Calipari. Matt Doherty? Unceremoniously fired after 3 seasons. Replaced by Roy Williams.
Two of the 6 blue blood programs acted quickly and decisively and restored their programs to
greatness. The guys who were fired are long forgotten, and no one cares whether they were
fired too soon.
(2) Buyout. The buyout is a sunken cost. It was an investment that has not panned out. A smart
investor takes his loss, takes what's left and invests again. The other option is to hope for a
turnaround, but the reality is that hope is not a strategy, and can lead to a total loss. In this
case, the big loss would be the destruction of UCLA's basketball brand, one of the 6 blue
blood programs could be forgotten or irrelevant for years if not forever. But you can avoid
that by selling now and taking your lumps. You can probably also negotiate it lower.
(3) Recruiting. The recruiting argument is a red herring. First, those guys have signed NLIs
with UCLA, not with Coach Alford. If you hire a good coach, as I am confident you will do,
that coach, together with the leverage the NLI gives us, will keep them on board. Second, a
better coach will bring optimism, which will help recruiting, then he will yield better results
on the court, again aiding recruiting. Third, some of the players from this year's team could
leave because they don't like the direction of the program, which would be a setback that
incoming recruits cannot overcome. Fourth, our program recruits itself. Put the right coach in
place, and even if we lost all of the Balls and Leaf, recruits will come. But they will stop
coming to a program that is in disarray and finishing in 10th place. Fifth, we actually owe it to
the recruits to give them a coach who can help them grow as players. Kevin Love chose
UCLA in part because he knew Ben Howland would teach him how to defend. It's not clear
whether Coach Alford teaches defense. Based on results, if he does teach defense, he's not
good at it.
(4) Fairness. I appreciate your sense of fairness, but to be frank, keeping a coach on principle
that "coaches deserve a 4th year to prove their mettle" should not be part of the calculus. You
are the in charge of a great international brand, one that is synonymous with championships
and competitive greatness. Our brand -- UCLA basketball, one of 6 blue blood programs is in
peril. Its peril began under the last few years of Ben Howland (who was a great hire, by the
way) and has continued, and worsened, over the three years of Steve Alford. It is a team that
fails to compete, fails to provide anything close to maximum effort, fails to defend, night after
night. You need to protect our brand. Imagine a Fortune 500 board deciding to retain its CEO
after 3 years of mediocre results, trending downward. It's unfathomable, right? Never mind
what Soros or Icahn would do if that happened, even Warren Buffet would oust that board.
And if you disagree with my view of fairness, Coach Alford's buyout is a written agreement
as to what would be fair if you were to fire him now.
To summarize, none of the reasons to keep Coach Alford warrant his retention. A bad wine
won't get better with an extra year in the cellar. Please do the right thing for our program.
Please remove Coach Alford now and replace him with a coach that will make UCLA
basketball competitive again.
Brad DeJean
UCLA Class of 1993
Wooden Athletic Fund Donor - Bruin Bench Level
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Jeff Brown
Guerrero, Dan
Re: UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:52:23 AM
Dear Sir:
It was reported this morning that Coach Steve Alford is to be retained. This result is
unfathomable. I know many have pointed out the objective facts that our Coach allowed his
feelings for his son cloud his judgement in leading this team. It does not matter whether it is
because he sees himself (an All-American) in his son, or was consciously favoring him; for 3
years, we have facts that it was the case. Likewise, we have objective facts that his son is a
subpar player. As a result of the foregoing, the team quit on the coach and I do not blame
them.
You are demonstrating to UCLA that nepotism is fine. That is not only not acceptable, it is
illegal under California state law. You need to do something now.
On Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 6:07 AM, Jeff Brown <jeffryanbrown@
> wrote:
Mr: Guerrero:
This note is not a reaction to last night's game. This note is a reaction to three years of
subpar work culminating with a horrible season. I have been a fan since the mid-70s and
UCLA graduate. I follow UCLA passionately. I have never been more disillusioned with
the program. I desperately wanted Coach Alford to succeed, but he has shown from Day 1
that he is not a fit. Perhaps that could be overcome, but I just do not see good basketball on
the court; and it is getting worse.
As a leader, you have one primary job; i.e., to lead. Coach Alford needs to be let go today.
I am a leader in my company, and letting people go is a horrible thing to have to do. But
the problem is, allowing a mediocre performer "one more chance" never works; because
even if that one person somehow improves (rarely happens, and never happens when the
person is not a cultural fit from the beginning) the rest of organization is tainted. They see
that subpar work is acceptable, and you will always get a final chance.
Go Bruins.
Jeff Brown '91
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Bill Frank
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Need for a Basketball Coaching Change
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:52:35 AM
Good morning.
I am a double UCLA alumni undergrad 92 and Anderson School 99. Further, I have grown up a
Bruin my Dad brought my brother and I to campus throughout our childhood for basketball games
and track meets. My first memories in Pauley are of the crowd chanting MJ, MJ, MJ for Marques
Johnson. I love UCLA and I love UCLA sports. I donate to Anderson and the Athletic Department. I
bring my young children to campus several times a year get them some goodies at the Student
Store, play hide and seek in the sculpture garden, try and hit a sporting event and end it with
cookies at Diddy Reese. My wife says I am brainwashing them into being Bruins with fun, gifts and
sweets. I tell her that I am not brainwashing them at all, but trying to introduce them to a place that
is among the most unique and special in the world. A place that can inspire them to be the best
person they can be, the best global citizen they can be.
My desire for Steve Alford to be replaced is not necessarily based on win loss record. It is based on
the quality of basketball we play and the lack of development of our players and team. To me, what
makes UCLA among the most special institutions in the world is its commitment to greatness and to
achievement. Arthur Ashe, Jackie Robinson, John Wooden and countless academics and scientists
have come to define UCLA as a place where greatness is not just an inspiration but a path to be
achieved. Unfortunately, Coach Alford has not been able to demonstrate that he is leading or
building a program that is on the path to greatness. We play below our talent level. We
demonstrate no defensive commitment or sophistication. Our players do not improve, they
plateau. This does not make Coach Alford a bad person, just not a coach that symbolizes or
represents what UCLA is (and should continue to be).
We have all made hires that did not work as intended for whatever reason. Life should not be
defined by errors or mistakes it should be defined by how we address them. Coach Alford does
not need another year we have seen enough. Our team performance dropped off dramatically
at the end of the year. As former athletes and individuals so closely aligned with our athletic teams,
its must be clear to you that our basketball team quit providing its best efforts over the final
stretch of the season. Coach Alford was a fine choice for basketball coach. The results are
conclusive, it hasnt worked out. Please uphold the standards and spirit of UCLA and help us
identify a coach that will develop our players, develop our team and display a level of coaching
acumen that is something that we can feel aspires to the greatness of the men I named above and
the institution itself.
Regards,
Bill Frank
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jay Chung
Guerrero, Dan
fuck you
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:55:51 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jerry Orefice
Guerrero, Dan
status quo update
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:02:13 AM
From:
To:
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LoDuca, Paul
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:12:31 AM
Dear Sirs:
I am very disappointed that the decision was made to retain Steve Alford as coach of the
UCLA Basketball team. Bruins fans and supporters look to you to provide guidance as
caretakers of the program. I feel incredibly let down by your leadership which has
prioritized mediocrity over excellence.
The trajectory of the program is negative, the appeal of the program is waning, the support
of the coach has cratered. Alfords appropriation of the program for the benefit of his son
is abhorrent such obvious nepotism should not be allowed to continue. He has been
saved by recruits predisposed to coming to UCLA and by an Adidas supported AAU team
they are not signing on as a result of Alfords efforts. How leadership could look at
these issues, connect the dots, and then retain this head coach, who is the root of the
problem, is beyond comprehension.
Paul LoDuca
Dear Sirs:
The UCLA basketball season ended on March 9th. Another year of irrelevancy. Steve
Alford is the wrong coach for our team. The fans know it, the media knows it and you
know that to be true as well. Nothing is gained by delaying the inevitable.
Alford equates to mediocrity, nepotism and endless excuses. If you want the UCLA
program to be great, and it should be great, then make the right move and let him go.
Thank you.
Paul LoDuca
Paul LoDuca
Financial Advisor
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From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew Crytzer
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: UCLA Men"s Basketball - Change Needed
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:12:37 AM
My wife and I graduated from UCLA in 1997. While students at UCLA, we attended
many men's basketball games. We have very fond memories of these times.
After graduating, we still attended a few games each year, and I watched every other
game on TV.
We were both disappointed when Steve Alford was hired as the coach to replace Ben
Howland. We decided to give him a chance, but unfortunately, our fears have been
realized.
UCLA records for the past three years have steadily declined:
28-9
22-14
15-17
This season, we were blown out three times by bitter rival USC (in basketball...).
We have stopped attending games and sadly, I don't even watch them on TV any
Please don't look to the 2016 recruiting class as the savior. It is fool's gold. They
won't be able to overcome the eventual transfers, the bad chemistry (Coach Alford
featuring his son), and Coach Alford's lack of coaching acumen.
Please don't fear the national media backlash at replacing a coach after three
seasons. Regardless of when a coaching change is made in UCLA mens
basketball, the media will always say that it is due to UCLA's unreasonably high
expectations. No championships in 20 years and missing the tournament 5 out of
the last 14 seasons... Does that say "High Expectations" to you?
Please don't worry about the curiously high buyout clause for Steve Alford. UCLA
fans will return as soon as the coaching change is made, and the revenue from the
increased attendance will help offset the cost of the buyout.
Sincerely,
Matthew Crytzer
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Nicholas de Goede
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
State of UCLA basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:25:37 AM
Good MorningI really appreciate everything both of you do to create a lasting community around UCLA
athletics. As a student and recent alum here I've gone to three final fours from 2006-2008 and
many of my friends are brought together by UCLA Athletics. But that is changing with the
demise of our basketball program.
Steve Alford is just not working out. He must be dismissed immediately. The arrogance
exuded by him to not recruit properly for two full years to be able to showcase his son Bryce
is difficult to watch. Bryce has taken the most shots and played the most minutes of any
UCLA starting point guard in quite some time at low rates of offensive efficiency while
playing no defense for the past two years as a starter. However, it's pretty obvious Bryce
should be a great role player for a school like UCLA as an outside shooter which is his only
strength. Coach Alford doesn't seem to see the obvious. The rest of the team doesn't care
about defense either and look lost. Fundamentals are lacking all over the place. The stellar
recruiting class next year won't make a difference if he is retained and plays his son 36+
minutes per game.
Ultimately, it's time for a change. The team this year had the talent to be a top 8 seed in the
NCAA tournament and any above average coach would have done that. Steve Alford had a
terrible year with one of the worst conference records ever for UCLA. We've missed the
tournament 6 out of the past 14 years. Last year we were very fortunate to make it and get
lucky to make the sweet 16. We cannot rely on this type of luck to keep happening for Steve
Alford. UCLA deserves better.
I'm a current Anderson MBA student and small donor to the WAF. My family has season
football tickets and are separately small donors to the WAF. We love going to football games
and think our team this year will be great with Mora and Rosen but if Alford is retained we
won't renew our football tickets or make any donations to UCLA athletics.
Sincerely,
Nicholas de Goede
Class of 2007, Anderson 2017
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
tyler ormiston
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
No more of my money for UCLA...period
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:33:08 AM
All: upon hearing word leak out this morning that UCLA will inexplicably be retaining Alford as
it's basketball coach and stewardship of our wonderful basketball program, I regret to say
that UCLA will NEVER receive one more penny from me from this point on until Alford is
gone. This includes not only donations to the basketball program but for all things related
UCLA academically. It also includes attendance to all UCLA relatedathletic games. Obviously
you have no care for our program -- so why should I either. Today is the dead you killed the
UCLA basketballprogram. With heavy heart and near tears in my eyes, I reluctantly say
goodbye.
Tyler
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
the basketball fiasco
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:47:29 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jaime Goldfarb
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Please Remove Me from All Contacts Lists
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:04:13 AM
Now that it appears you have decided to retain Steve Alford I kindly request that I be removed from
all contact lists. I will not be supporting any UCLA program (in any form, be it donations to the WAF,
attendance at events, purchase of merchandise, and subscription to the PAC 12 Network) until a
change is made not only at the coaching level, but given this decision, at the Executive/Athletic
Director level. This decision is beyond comprehension and I have now lost faith in all so-called
leadership for our athletic programs.
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To:
Subject:
Date:
Jon Cohen
Guerrero, Dan
Coach
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:23:10 AM
Dan, what UCLA basketball has become is a reflection of its leadership starting at the top.
Sad day for bruin fans everywhere.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Ian Atkinson
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Turning in my UCLA Basketball Fan Card
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:30:18 AM
From:
To:
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Date:
Aron Cramer
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
If the rumors are true...
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:32:01 AM
It is virtually impossible to envision Coach Alfords being here for the long run, so why not make the
move now?
And your standard email reply thanking me and others for our passion is becoming inaccurate: the
passion for the team under this coach is running on empty.
Aron Cramer
Aron Cramer
President and CEO
BSR
88 Kearny Street, 12th floor
San Francisco, CA 94108 USA
T: +1 415 984 3214
My Tweets: https://twitter.com/aroncramer
BSR Tweets https://twitter.com/bsrnews
www.bsr.org
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Kenji Kumara
Block, Gene
OC article on hiring
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:33:57 AM
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/alford-533943-guerrero-wrote.html
From:
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R. Brink
Guerrero, Dan
Please Fire Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:42:59 AM
From:
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Ryan Wagstaff
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Fire Steve Alford now!
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:43:15 AM
I've stopped all UCLA donations and I refuse to donate until Alford is fired.
Ryan Wagstaff - Class of 1998
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Matthew Yee
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
Ruining UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:53:43 AM
Image.png
Secondly, there is clear lack of professionalism and accountability with which you have
allowed Alford to run the program. His son, Bryce, is not a leader. He is a cancer to team
chemistry. If you watch the game, as you claim to do, you will often see Bryce play with no
effort or interest on the defensive end and shoot rushed shots as if he thinks he is the Steph
Curry of college basketball. He is not. He shoots an abysmal shooting percentage and as I said
play little to no defense on every possession. And I mean every possession. He also happens
to lead the team in minutes played at over 36.2 minutes per game. That seems like a lot
minutes for a guy who doesn't play for half the game. Not only this, Steve has demonstrated
that he cannot and does not view all players equally, benching players like Prince Ali or Jonah
Bolden or Aaron Holiday for lacking defensive effort, but sticking with Bryce regardless of
how he plays. In addition, you see Bryce yelling at other players for not hustling to get loose
balls, not passing him the ball, etc. This is clear nepotism and it is not professional in any
way. It's no wonder that this team quit on Alford down the stretch. They know that there is no
way for any of them to hold Bryce accountable because the Coach Dad won't do it. You cite
future recruiting classes as a reason for optimism, I see future recruiting classes as more
wasted opportunities. The new players will come in and see that Bryce is running the show
and being actively showcased by his dad and their effort, like our current players effort will
diminish so severely that we will again see why Steve is not fit to be our coach.
Maybe it is not the on-court results that are the most concerning to you and you care about the
financial aspect, as I know you do. I will never support the team financially as long as Alford
is there. To put it this way, if someone paid me to go to the games, I would still decline the
ticket. The lost revenue in donations and ticket sales is something that will cripple the
program in the long term and you have personally overseen the downfall of our program.
Having been a recent graduate, I know of no one from my circle of friends who has season
tickets to the basketball games. The recent alumni don't care about our basketball team. You
missed capitalizing on the newest market and with the latest decision you have made, this will
probably never be fixed. Your approach to constantly ignore the current study body is not
sustainable. Who will be your big time donors once the older donors move on or pass away.
Lastly, maybe it is the legacy that you have built that you are trying to protect. You have
ruined that too. In my mind, you had the opportunity to make your wrong a right. You could
have gotten rid of this cancer of a coach, and had a chance to wipe the slate clean, and
perform a thorough search to find a new coach, a coach fit to carry on the legacy at UCLA.
Instead, you chose not to. With the mitigation clause in his contract, the buy out would seem
more manageable, you also could shave off some of your exorbitant salary to help personally
correct the mistake you made. You legacy is now forever linked with this losing coach and I
think we both know where this road ends. As an AD you've received the benefit of the doubt
for past failed coaches, like Dorrell, Neuheisel, and the end of Howland's tenure. As they say:
Once is an accident, twice is coincidence and three times is a pattern. What happens when
you make the same mistake a fourth time?
You have disgraced UCLA basketball and made it second fiddle in Los Angeles, and a
punchline throughout the country. Your whole response to the petition was full of lies and
your bureaucratic nature all only confirms to me that I made the choice when I chose football
over basketball. Hopefully the next athletic director and next coach will make it possible for
me to love UCLA again.
Matthew Yee
Class of 2013
Sent from Outlook Mobile
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Scott Revlin
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
RE: Reflections on this season
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:54:17 AM
image001.png
image002.png
First, let me express my displeasure that none of you felt the need to respond to my email
yesterday. Not even a courtesy form-letter response. Im not Casey Wasserman, but Im the guy
the Annual Fund calls in the evenings. A guy who recently attended the Spirit Squad fundraiser at
Pauley with my varsity athlete wife. A Bruin Varsity Club member, a thrower of Chancellors Club
parties. The son of two Bruins. Wassermans pockets are deeper, but theres only one of him.
There are THOUSANDS of me. And you need us to fill Pauley, to network on UCLAs behalf in our
communities, and buy your sweatshirts at Costco.
Second, the rumored decision to keep Steve Alford at UCLA is unfathomable. Our once proud
program has been reduced to a punchline. I recommend you turn on any sports radio talk show on
your way home tonight to hear how both commentators and callers alike feel about the state of the
program. Change, immediate change, is needed now to avoid the program slipping to irrelevancy.
Take action.
Regards,
Scott Revlin
Class of 1999
I think we all woke up with a little less pep in our steps this morning. Watching our storied blueblood basketball team underperform in a massive way is emotionally draining. The goal now should
be to be solution focused; what gets the program back where it should be?
Unfortunately, the key variable the last three years has been the leadership of Steve Alford. Game
planning has been poor, execution has been poor, and talent utilization has been poor. You might
point to backing in to the tournament last year, or the big wins this season, as successes. I
disagree. Steve has shown us that his teams are fundamentally incapable of sustained, quality play.
Catching a hot streak and making the sweet 16 should not validate his abilities; it should make us
question his inability to sustain that quality of play across a 30 game season.
The Alford supporters also point to his recruiting acumen as a rationale for keeping him.
Unfortunately, they are overestimating his role. UCLA has always, and will continue to, recruit
itself. We have a beautiful campus in a beautiful city. We have banners hanging from the rafters.
We have a brand recognized world-wide, and provide one of the best educational environments
anywhere. Those are what brings in recruits, not Steve Alford. My fear is that with another year of
Steve Alford, our coaches WILL have to start recruiting because of the damage Steve Alford is doing
to our brand.
A few years back, I wrote you a similar letter about Rick Neuhesiel. We all know how hard it was to
let a fellow Bruin go, but could you have imagined just a few short years ago that Jim Mora could
have completely changed the culture of our football program and brought us back to the national
conversation? Its time to make that same tough choice.
Regards,
Scott Revlin
Class of 1999
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Date:
Nolon Mavar
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
Please step down as UCLA AD
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:20:04 AM
You are the worst AD in the country and have destroyed the UCLA brand. Please do the right
thing for UCLA and step down so a real AD can step in and fix the sinking ship.
Thank you for understanding,
Nolon Mavar
Class of 2002
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Nolon Mavar
Block, Gene
Guerrero, Dan
FIRE DAN GUERRERO NOW
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:22:46 AM
Gene,
Please do the right thing and fire Dan Guerrero if he does not have the decency to step down
as UCLA AD. You are allowing him to turn UCLA athletics into a disgrace.
Thank you for understanding,
Nolon Mavar
Class of 2002
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Noe Brito
Guerrero, Dan
Keep Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:34:24 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Ryan Smiley
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Please Retain Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:53:19 AM
I am sure you have received an email or two over the last few weeks in regards to our current
basketball coach and situation but I wanted to provide an opposing point of view. PLEASE RETAIN
STEVE ALFORD. My parents attended UCLA and I got my MBA from Anderson. My parents have
been season ticket holders for many years and I have loved the Bruins for my entire life. Blue and
gold runs deep in our family.
So why would anyone ever argue to keep Steve Alford? 3 reasons resonate with me:
1. I have 2 young children. We have attended 7 games this year. I need to always buy 2 extra
tickets since my parents only have 2. Right now, this is very, very easy for me to do and
candidly I get them for free most nights. There is something priceless about seeing your
two children run up and down the aisles without interrupting the experience for other fans.
Additionally, we preach diversity in our house so seeing my 2 little boys slowly develop
strong feelings for USC is a pleasure for me. Please dont take these things away from me.
2. Growing up in LA, not surprisingly I have a good deal of friends that are also diehard UCLA
fans. Steve & Bryce Alford have brought us all back together. I havent received these many
calls, emails and texts about the state of UCLA basketball...EVER! I am truly appreciative of
how we have all grown closer over the last year.
3. Some would say that I never saw a shot that I didnt like while playing basketball as a kid --and as an adult. There are many things that I see in Bryce Alford that remind me of myself.
Steve also gives me the hope that I can teach my boys that winning isnt everything so long
as they are the featured players on the teams that I coach. Personal glory ahead of team is
an admirable trait.
So thank you for considering my plea to retain Steve Alford and this brand of basketball for UCLA.
Ryan S.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
mrtibbs44
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:53:59 AM
News has reached that Steve Alford is going to be retained as coach. I cannot think that this is
anything but an attempt to save face in the hiring of such an incompetent coach. You would
have saved face more by firing Alford, at least the community would have given you the
benefit of recognizing a mistake. Instead you have really acted out, basically telling the fan
base to screw off.
Okay, I will. No support or attendance from me until this nightmare that you have created is
over.
Very truly.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Todd Moodey
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:56:38 AM
Gentlemen-I have been a long-time supporter of UCLA athletics and a season-ticket holder in both football and
basketball until recently, as the amount of time I spend away from southern California has grown.
If, as is apparently the case, you have decided to retain Steve Alford as the men's basketball coach, it is a
dark day indeed for the UCLA athletic program. Alford has underachieved consistently, placed his son
Bryce's fortunes above that of the team, and his coaching has never exhibited any of the signs of a truly
excellent coach of the sort UCLA should have.
Excellent coaches tend to "outperform" their talent. I well remember the early days of Ben Howland's
tenure, when his teams, although not overly talented, played hard and with excellent fundamentals
(especially defensively). It was not surprising, then, that his subsequent teams had the success they
enjoyed when he was able to bring in the talent.
Alford's teams, on the other hand, show no true fundamental excellence, play really poor defense, and
frankly don't look excited and eager to play for him. These are not traits that are going to disappear with
the influx of talent next year (assuming there aren't so many departures that there is in fact a net influx).
It's absolutely clear to me that next year's team will underperform just like this year's, BECAUSE
ALFORD IS A MEDIOCRE COACH AND MEDIOCRE COACH'S DON'T ACHIEVE GREAT RESULTS.
If you're truly in doubt about this, just re-watch the games.
I'd hate to feel this is a case of taking the milk out of the refrigerator, realizing it's spoiled, but putting it
back into the refrigerator in the hope that tomorrow it will be okay. But I fear that is the situation. Please
make the wise and corect decision to fire him now rather than next year, which is the inevitable outcome.
By doing so, you will take the first step on the path to our glorious program's recovery, thereby regaining
much of the goodwill you've lost with true UCLA fans over the past few seasons.
Regards,
Robert Todd Moodey
Anderson MBA 1991
From:
To:
Date:
Mike Pniewski
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:02:24 PM
I am writing to say enough is enough, its time for Steve Alford to be let go.
Time and time again, his team is beating themselves because they cant defend anyone. There is an obvious lack of team
discipline and an unacceptable lack of fundamentals.
And the after losing to USC for THIRD time this season in the Pac-12 Tournament, Coach Alford says to the media the loss is
on him because he did a poor job preparing for the game. There is NO excuse for being unprepared for the post-season
against your arch rival. The goal for every season is to win your conference tournament and get to the big dance and make a
run for the title. After months of practice and prepping for that goal - he does a poor job????
Coach Alford may be a good man with good intentions but hes no longer qualified to coach at UCLA, which is still one of
the premier jobs in college basketball. We need a coach that can produce the high standards of play that is a tradition in
Westwood.
As an alumni and life-long fan of the program, make the change and let Steve Alford go.
Mike Pniewski
Class of 1983
-Mike Pniewski
Actor, Speaker, Author
http://www.facebook.com/MikePniewski
www.acttowin.com
www.mikepniewski.com
ph 404-863-6768
fax 678-403-2381
"We make a living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give"
--Winston Churchill
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Tony Rodriguez
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Alford is going to be retained?????
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:41:14 PM
image001.png
Dan,
Please tell us this is not true? We will lose players on the current roster to transfer if true. I
pledge to get 4 season tickets if Steve Alford is let go, if not I will have to pass.
Another year of Coach Alford will further tarnish the brand. I am afraid that with the talent
arriving, that by the way would still come to UCLA regardless, will be wasted. Also the
transfers because of the nepotism in the program and overall sub par coaching will mitigate
our success. The talent coming in and the very good players on the current roster deserve
better.
If you truly love UCLA, please reconsider. If not I will pass on UCLA basketball until this
period of mediocracy is over.
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 10, 2016, at 10:39 PM, Tony Rodriguez
<Tony.Rodriguez@blackwallinternational.com> wrote:
Please let us know what you are waiting for. The program was lose its brand even
further if he is not removed. Please act now!
Tony Rodriguez
Tony.Rodriguez@Blackwallinternational.com
<image001.png>
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I am extremely unhappy with the direction of the UCLA basketball program. Will reconsider all future donations to
UCLA for lack of accountability.
Best regards,
Van
Van Ben Chiu, PhD
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Robert Carpentier
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan
Men"s Basketball Coaching Situation
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:54:09 PM
I am confident that both of you and your staff have received more emails on the subject of Steve
Alfords continued employment than you can count and here is one more to add to that list.
I completed much of my graduate work at UCLA which was the result of my being a life-long fan. I
wanted to be able to say to people that yes, I went to UCLA.
I am truly a self-created life-long Bruin fan. I became a Bruin at the age of 7 when the Bruins ran out
of the tunnel of the Rose Bowl on NBC wearing those gorgeous blue and gold uniforms. I was
hooked and have been a fan since that day, and the Bruins have been connected to some of the
most important moments of my life; there was the run to the hospital as my wife was about to give
birth to our son as the Bruins were closing out Oklahoma State in the Final Four in 1995. Two days
later with him quietly asleep on my chest as the Bruins earned an 11th banner. There were the days
of watching UCLA basketball with my dying father, who I converted into a UCLA fan. I remember
watching the womens soccer team win the national title two seasons ago with my small children
the list is exhaustive.
However, one piece of UCLA athletics stands above all other, which, considering Bruin successes in
other sports is saying quite a lot. UCLA basketball is more than a program; it is arguably the greatest
sports institution in collegiate athletics. There is no program in any major NCAA sport that created
the legacy of excellence, grace and tradition like that of UCLA basketball. It wasnt the greatest
basketball program, it was the greatest sports program, period.
I believe I speak for thousands of loyal Bruin fans when I convey real concern at the prospect of
UCLA losing that tradition for the foreseeable future.
I have my own opinions about Coach Alfords strengths and weaknesses, but this email isnt about
those qualities.
I believe that there is a bigger issue here, one regarding the ability for any coach to succeed given
the level of negativism that he has engendered over the course of his three seasons in Westwood.
Regardless of whether the criticisms of Coach Alford were or are justified are immaterial; the real
issue is whether Coach Alford can ultimately succeed as the head coach of the most storied
program in college sports.
I offer to you that the answer has now become a resounding no.
It would be unprecedented for Coach Alford to win back a fan base that, in terms of numbers of
people, has turned decidedly against his continued employment. That will certainly hurt UCLAs
revenue in terms of lost ticket sales, but also with regard to other fungible goods like apparel.
Certainly Coach Alford could win back support through on-court success, among other things, but it
would be a difficult proposition convincing many that a coach who has seen his on-court success
wane steadily since he began his tenure will suddenly emphatically reverse that trajectory.
I may not be an athletic administrator with the level of responsibility and budget as you, sir, I am an
athletic administrator nonetheless. I believe it is our job to be recognize when one of our coaches
has an untenable position. I believe that is the situation with Coach Alford.
You are in a position to rekindle the legacy of Coach Wooden and UCLA basketball. Acting decisively
in making a coaching change will, I believe, send a firm message to the students, alumni, former
players and boosters that will ensure your legacy long after you decide to move on to a well-earned
retirement.
I know you care deeply about UCLA and the Bruin athletic program; I hope you understand that I do
as well. I may not be in a position to offer UCLA much financial assistance, but that certainly does
not mean I care any less. In fact, I believe most of the hundreds of thousands of Bruin fans around
the world are much like me; people who would give millions of dollars to an institution they adore
and simply lack the means to do so.
I can however, ask you to make a decision that would make all Bruin fans proud by changing the
direction of the mens basketball program.
We were once the most feared basketball program in the nation. You have the opportunity to make
us great again.
Sincerely,
Robert Carpentier
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Christopher Winkler
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:54:36 PM
Dear Dan,
We have been loyal supporters, season seat holders and annual donors of
Bruin football and basketball for over 55 years.
I understand losing, but they way we lost so many games and got blown out is
totally unacceptable. This was evident dating back to last season, despite
luckily getting to the sweet 16.
All season long this bruin basketball team displayed a lack of effort, teamwork,
and hustle. Very poor fundamentals, very little player development and
Nepotism. Simply put, this translates to poor leadership. Just atrocious. We
have become the laughingstock of college basketball.
Thank you,
Christopher Winkler
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
andrew koenig
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Decision to Keep Coach Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 12:59:13 PM
Your decision has broken the hearts and spirit of thousands and thousands who love this
cherished program. It will take years to recover from your decision, as when Alford is
eventually fired -- it is inevitable -- the cupboard will be bare and those who love this
program will feel even more disenfranchised and despondent. The eventualhealing of this
program has been severelydamaged by your taking the easy way out. Andrew Koenig
From: andrew koenig <andrewtkoenig@
>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 9:16 PM
To: dguerrero@athletics.ucla.edu; gblock@conet.ucla.edu; jrebholz@athletics.ucla.edu
Subject: Coach Alford
You are all distinguished and intelligent men. You must know in your heart of hearts that this
is going to happen -- you can do it now or in 2 years (next year will be a one-year uptick based
on the talent level -- but the principles will not change and if you do it now, next year will be
evenbetter and a launching point toward a great future rather than a one-year aberration
after which it will beeven more difficult to make the change). All of us in Bruin Nation are in
purgatory---PLEASE release us and give us hope. I and many of us love UCLA basketball more
than words can adequately express and it is painful to the core to see what has happened to
CoachWooden's precious program and legacy. I have NEVER been moved to write something
like his before as I know we are dealing with real people's and families' live. However, having
the rightprotector andsteward of this precious program is more important than any one
person or family's interest. It is inevitable, so please do the right thing NOW and releaseall of
us inBruin Nation from this purgatory and give us hope. Thank you, Andrew Koenig
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Mitchell Austin
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Re: Removal of Coach Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:09:52 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
I've seen the latest news reports that indicate that UCLA plans to retain Coach Alford. I hope
this is entirely false.
The UCLA Men's Basketball Program is not owned by a few of the biggest donors. Especially
those donors who were involved with the hiring of Coach Alford and may feel that their
reputation is at stake if Alford is fired.
Rather, the UCLA Men's Basketball Program is owned by all of the fans, alumni and others
who hold the Program close to our hearts.
Please perform your duties as AD and listen to the fanbase. We have spoken loudly and
clearly and will continue to do until Coach Alford is fired.
Sincerely,
Mitchell Austin (UCLA B.A. 2008, UCLA J.D. 2013)
On Mar 10, 2016, at 10:50 AM, Mitchell Austin <mitchellaustin@
> wrote:
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew Marroquin
Guerrero, Dan
FIRE THAT MAN!!!!
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:13:36 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
kkpharm@
Guerrero, Dan
Men"s Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:13:48 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Raj Patel
Guerrero, Dan
Fire Alford Now
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:22:55 PM
Regards,
Raj Patel
Talent Scout, Global G&A Recruiting
Autodesk, Inc.
111 McInnis Parkway
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.autodesk.com
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Dan Brisket
Guerrero, Dan
Re: My father loved the Bruins
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:23:01 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
There is chatter that you have decided to keep Steve Alford as your coach. Please tell us that you are not going this
direction. You will lose thousands of fans if Alford is retained. The great Pauley Pavilion will look like an empty
airplane hanger. Do not do this to a great basketball tradition and its fans. I find your decision shocking if true. If
my dad were alive he would be devastated.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Dan,
There is no other way to put it. Steve Alford needs to go IMMEDIATELY.
Please!!!!!!!
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
Please fire Coach Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:25:22 PM
It is beyond obvious that Coach Alford is killing UCLA basketball and severing the bond many, many
fans and supporters have with the athletics program. We are long time WAF donors but feel the
department is betraying us by retaining Coach Alford. Please refrain from any further solicitations of
funds for as long as Coach Alford remains at UCLA. I also wish to cancel my remaining installments
for the Wasserman Center. We are angry the department chose to ignore the pleas and concerns of
the genuine fans.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Daniel LaFrance
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:29:36 PM
Gentlemen - I am writing to you to express my extreme dissatisfaction after learning the news
about your decision to retain Steve Alford as UCLA's head coach. His hiring was a mistake
from day 1 and his unfathomable buyout is an albatross around the neck of this once proud
program. His teams play with no heart - epitomized by the 3 double digit losses to USC this
year - and his players seem to lack fundamentals and intensity. Wins against underperforming Kentucky and Gonzaga teams are simply not enough to hang your hat on.
I was strongly considering buying season tickets for football and basketball next year, but that
is no longer the case. I remember speaking almost weekly with my good friend Berky Nelson
(RIP) since I graduated in 1993. We would talk hoops and UCLA in general. Even during
down years, he and I would talk about the next season with optimism. There is no such
optimism around this program any more. With a handful of one and done recruits coming
next year, I imagine the team will perform fine and maybe make the tournament - but that
seems to be our goal now. We used to count on being in the mix for the Pac 10-12
championship every year. Now that is nothing but a distant memory.
I am disappointed in your decision and urge you to reconsider. This is a horrible decision for
UCLA basketball.
Respectfully,
Dan LaFrance
Class of 1993
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew M
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
TERMINATE ALFORD
Friday, March 11, 2016 1:44:01 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Nathaniel T. Dang
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Re: UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:01:41 PM
> wrote:
bother rehashing the many complaints that you have likely received regarding
Coach Alford, except to say that Coach Alford failed, miserably, to meet the
minimum expectations for a coach at UCLA -- not just from the standpoint of
wins and losses, but also from a moral and character standpoint. His teams do
not exhibit the effort, particularly on the defensive end of the court, that is
expected at an institution like UCLA. Accordingly, I cannot in good faith
support an athletic department that continues to allow Mr. Alford to embarrass
our university.
I wish you the best and I look forward to once again financially supporting our
Bruin athletics programs, if and when Mr. Alford is dismissed and replaced with
a head coach worthy of our great institution.
Go Bruins,
Nathaniel T. Dang, Esq.
UCLA Engineering '08
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jaime Navarro
Guerrero, Dan
Ucla Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:08:11 PM
Dear Mr Guerrero,
I am not a alumni but have been a UCLA fan my entire life. In the early Seventies, I remember
listening to UCLA Basketball on the radio then staying up to watch it on channel 5 when I
was a kid. I've seen a lot of UCLA Basketball in my years. This year was the first year that I
couldn't watch because the team got worse instead of improving. In my opinion, Steve is not
the right coach to restore the basketball program to the elite level that UCLA should be at. To
lose to USC is bad, but to do it 3 times should be unacceptable.
Thank you
Jaime Navarro
UCLA fan for life
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Ira Swartz
"Ira Swartz"; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Smith, Brian; Junker, Alicia
RE: Fire Steve Alford immediately!
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:15:37 PM
I am beside myself at the decision to retain Steve Alford!!! I guess Im not much of an
influential donor!
Sadly, I will not renew my season tickets for 2016/2017 and you can drop me from Bruin
Legends.
Ira Swartz
Dan,
I am a 1966 UCLA alumnus. Furthermore, I am a Bruin Legends WAF member and hold both
football and basketball season tickets, which I have had for well over 25 years. My wife and I
have not attended the last half-dozen basketball games as we have lost all interest in UCLA
basketball. It is both embarrassing and disgraceful to see what has happened to the UCLA
basketball program!
There is NO argument left to keep Steve Alford! You need to do the right thing by recognizing
the mistake you made in his original hire, and terminate him immediately. If you fail to do so,
your legacy, in my opinion, will be the A.D. who destroyed UCLA basketball.
If you do not immediately terminate Steve Alford, I can promise you that I will NOT renew my
basketball season tickets and furthermore substantially cut back my contributions to the
WAF. This is not intended to be a threat but simply a promise.
Sincerely,
Ira Swartz
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Isaac Matarasso
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Fwd: Please make a change - Men"s basketball head coach...
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:28:17 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brent Armitage
Guerrero, Dan
SEASON TICKET HOLDER - WAF Donor - FIRE STEVE ALFORD
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:35:17 PM
Im a 30 year season ticket holder. I love UCLA basketball. Pauley is beautiful, Westbrooks donation is amazing.
We need a coach worthy of the UCLA basketball program.
We need Steve Alford fired at once. We all deserve better.
Best,
Brent Armitage
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Casey Pratts
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:37:02 PM
Dan,
For the sake of UCLA football please fire Steve Alford. We all know he has a $10 million
buyout but we need to restore UCLA basketball. The basketball team is as inconsistent as the
football team and this is heading in the wrong direction. You are losing so many donors due
to not hiring a new coach. Also, this would help the players restore their confidence greatly
and not only help their confidence help their skill level.
If you do fire him you are doing good for UCLA basketball but for the fans, donors, graduates
and boosters.
Casey Pratts
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Marc Bretter
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
RE: Reaching Out
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:38:30 PM
Ive heard that a decision was reached to retain Steve Alford as basketball coach. Truly an appalling
decision.
You may not care, but Ive never seen so many people associated with UCLA so galvanized in one
direction. In fact, I dont think you truly understand how perilous of a possession this puts UCLA
athletics. With the LA Rams coming to town creating even more choices, a slight downturn for
football or decision by Coach Mora to leave, would be devastating. The basketball program is now
dead to more people than you truly realize. This is going to cost UCLA way more than $10 million
spread over 5 years.
Mr. Guerrero:
Im from a UCLA family. My dad graduated in 1949 and my uncle in 1951. They were fraternity
brothers and good friends of Mo Ostin. The 2 of them and 3 other friends had 8 season tickets the
opening year of Pauley and had them until the 1990s when the group fell apart due to my uncle
passing away and other factors. I went to elementary school at Warner Avenue across the street
from UCLA where my best friends were Willie Naulls and Mike Warrens kids (both still close
friends). I was a ball boy in 6th grade. I played basketball at Harvard-Westlake when my
teammates/dear friends Jason and Jarron Collins were recruited to UCLA, so I spent a lot of time
hanging out in the basketball office with Coach Harrick and Lavin. Needless to say we were a diehard UCLA family and UCLA basketball has been a big part of my life.
Now that Im in my 30s and have my own children, I want nothing more than to start the ritual of
getting season tickets. However, about a year ago when I was deciding what to do, I chose to spend
$20k annually on Clipper Season Tickets and a partial Laker Season. I do use them for business, but
living in Beverly Hills and working in Brentwood, I would much rather spend that money attending
games at UCLA. However, I could not and will not contribute to a program led by Steve Alford. A
person bereft of morals, who grossly engages in nepotism and who has proven over a 20 year
career to be an average coach. My dislike for Steve Alford is so great, it prohibits me from donating
to Athletics in general, despite how fondly I think of Coach Mora and his team (Ive had the
opportunity to spend time with Coach Mora, Josh Rosen and Jordan Payton and they represent
everything I grew up loving about UCLA). You made a brilliant hire there with Jim Mora, but keeping
Steve Alford threatens to undo all the wonderful things that you have done for UCLA.
Despite perception, UCLA fans are reasonable. We dont expect Brad Stevens to walk through the
door. Take a chance on someone young or an out of the box idea like Randy Bennett with Kerry
Keating as lead assistant. I dont care what 1 year recruits are coming next year (and trust me they
will still come because of the 4 letters not because of our Coach).
My Dad is 88 and UCLA basketball is one of the few things he looks forward to. Believe it or not, this
program means so much to people, that his disdain for Alford is actually affecting his enjoyment of
his last few years of life. Please do what needs to be done and restore our sacred program.
Best,
Marc Bretter
Principal
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Matt Rice
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
"PJS@ZiffrenLaw.com"
RE: hi gentlemen
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:40:38 PM
image002.png
Beyond disappointed.
Feels like there was never even a real discussion due to the unnecessarily super-quick timing of it,
which is even more disappointing.
Angrier now. And definitely not going to support him and his poor coaching skills and disgusting
nepotism. Oh I forgot he hired his other kid to be the video coordinator. Im sure he was the best
candidate for that job.
This is a terrible decision for the program and the school.
Josh I would like to go over a plan to reduce my donations to minimum levels when you have time.
The only reason I am not just pulling out completely from basketball, is that I know in a year he will
deserve to be fired again. So I will hold my breath for one year and hope youll be able to make a
better decision then.
I am so embarrassed that this guy is our leader. Hard to believe we have a coach worse than Steve
Lavin. But we do.
Let me start by saying I have the utmost respect for both of you as men and professionals. I feel like
my experience as a UCLA Alum, Booster and Parent of potential future Bruins has only been
enhanced by your hard work.
It is important that you remember that I am also an eternal optimist. I am a we will be so great next
year guy. A the wins arent there yet, but the process is correct and we will get there guy.
Dan and Josh, I feel worse over these last few weeks than when we lost to USC 50-0. It is not even
close. My blood is boiling I am so upset by what is happening.
Let me be clear though, is it upsetting to have the first losing record since our very worst coach,
Steve Lavin? Sure it is very upsetting, but that isnt the real problem. Having a losing year is a
SYMPTOM of the DISEASE.
UCLA Mens Basketball is diseased. We are being led by a man who is blinded by his love for his son.
We are the greatest program in the history of College Basketball, yet we have no current culture
whatsoever. Our identity is completely lost. We arent here nor there. And , being a student of the
game, I am constantly BAFFLED by the decisions being made by this coaching staff strategically. Our
players are completely lost. It is obvious. I know you can see it. Everyone I know, who actually still
cares, sees it. The fan base is definitely leaving. There is no spirit. Pauley has been dead, honestly, all
year save for two big games.
I am sure by now youve seen the statistical analysis comparing Bryce to every point guard since the
3-point line was introduced. If you havent, here it is https://medium.com/@68degreesPlz/nep-otism-3f118c43af99#.l3gkkja15 I want you to know it made me even angrier. And the worst part ? The
VERY worst part? These are only offensive analytics as to why the Coachs son plays too many
minutes. Bryce doesnt play one single lick of defense. In fact, I feel very confident saying he is by far
our worst defensive player since Nikola Dragovic.
Simply put, Bryce plays too many minutes for his talent and effort level. Everyone knows this. You
guys also know this. It has eroded our team. We have gotten WORSE EACH YEAR since the Alfords
arrived. In record, sure, but more importantly, in EFFORT.
I know I am not a very big donator to the A.D. But, I am proud of my school beyond reason, and it is
my duty and privilege to try to help whenever I can. You guys know I am always willing to help a
Bruin. So it saddens me so much to write this to you. I have no enthusiasm or hope for this program
as it stands. None whatsoever. I am finished.
I will make sure that my donation to the WAF is the absolute minimum it can be to hold my seats
until you relieve Coach Alford of his duties. I think you will also find, that I wont be someone you
see at Pauley until he is gone. Maybe Ill give them to charity, or maybe ill just burn them. I have no
interest because there is no love in my heart for his program.
Ive lost all faith and enthusiasm guys. I hope you have as well. He doesnt belong here, he isnt good
enough.
NOTE: This message contains information which may be confidential and/or privileged.
It is intended solely for the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not
use, copy, distribute, or disclose any information contained in the message. If you have
received this transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete
this message. Please note, all rights of concurrent review and comment are hereby
reserved. Thank you.
United Talent Agency
9336 Civic Center Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (TA-56599-1)
888 7th Ave 9th Floor New York, NY 10102 (DCA-2011819)
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Greg Merchant
Rebholz, Joshua
Guerrero, Dan
RE: Men"s Basketball Program
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:50:24 PM
Hi Josh,
Thanks for your response. I read this morning that the decision has been made to retain Steve
Alford. I am extremely disappointed in this decision. I think the athletic department is completely
out of touch with the fan base and doesnt realize or respect the level of anger that has built up.
UCLA basketball is very special to me. It was one of my first contacts with UCLA as an institution and
it definitely played a part in my decision to attend UCLA. I loved having season tickets and
supporting the athletic department, but I just cant support it any more. I hope you understand that
I am not someone who takes calling for a coachs firing lightly. I have never contacted you about
firing a coach before. During my time as a WAF member I supported coaches Dorrell, Neuheisel and
Howland until the end when it became obvious the situation was untenable. It was obvious to me
that each of those coaches, despite their shortcomings on the field or court loved and respected
UCLA.
What is different for me this is time is Alfords total lack of respect for the tradition of UCLA
basketball, the most egregious example of which is his insistence on showcasing his son at the
expense of the program. As an example, Bryce Alford is on pace to become the all time leader in
minutes played in UCLA history. Think about that for a second, with all the great players in the
history the program, Bryce Alford will spend more time on the court in a UCLA uniform than any of
them. It makes no sense, and under any other coach he would have nowhere close to that many
minutes. That the athletic department allows this blatant nepotism to continue frankly sickens me.
So as mentioned in my e-mail below I am reducing my donation for this year to $200 to keep my
football seat for this season. This deeply saddens me to do, but it will be the last donation I will
make to the athletic department and I will not attend any basketball games until Alford is fired.
Sincerely,
Greg Merchant
Class of 1992
Greg,
We appreciate your feedback and respect your position. Thank you for your passion and support.
JR
I have been a Wooden Athletic Fund Member since 2005/2006 and am currently at the
Bruin All Conference level. When I originally decided to join the WAF, it was in order
to buy mens basketball season tickets. It was a great decision, as I witnessed many
great games and great players over the last decade. I loved going to games with
friends and family and faithfully cheering on the Bruins. However last year everything
started to change. The games were not fun anymore, the team on the floor often
looked disinterested, they played little defense and it was just bad basketball. The
team was obviously poorly coached. I found myself going to fewer and fewer games.
At the end of the season I decided to give up my season tickets because I couldnt
stand to see the program heading in a downward direction with little hope of it turning
around. And unfortunately I was right. This year has been even worse than last year.
It is obvious to me that Steve Alford is not the right coach for UCLA and the longer he
is head coach the more the long term prospects of the program are being damaged.
It is with this in mind that I have come to the following conclusion. If Steve Alford is
retained as head basketball coach I will reduce my donation to the minimum amount
to cover my football tickets ($200). On the other hand, if he is fired, I pledge to
increase my donation to the Bruin All American level and will again become a
basketball season ticket holder.
I realize that this is a decision that you do not take lightly, but I hope that after
consideration you are able to do the right thing and help restore UCLA basketball to
where it belongs.
Sincerely,
Greg Merchant
Class of 1992
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Namir Shaba
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Disappointed
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:50:35 PM
Dear Sirs,
If what we hear is true and you are keeping Steve Alford as head coach of UCLA basketball, you have made a
tremendous mistake. I urge you to reconsider your decision. Steve Alford is a not a good leader, does not embody
Coach Wooden's pyramid of success, has sacrificed the success of the team by playing his son, had alienated the
fans and his players, does not coach defense, and his team has become worse every year.
Year 1 he took Coach Howland's players to the sweet 16 (that team severely under achieved).
Year 2 he should not even have made the tourney. That team played so inconsistent but got gifted a bid. Then got
lucky playing terrible teams into another sweet 16.
Year 3- no tourney, no NIT, no defense, losing record and loses to USC 3 times. The team gave up.
Playing inconsistent and barely making tourneys or sweet 16's isn't what UCLA is about. We should be talking
about protected top 3 seeds in the tourney, getting to elite 8's and final fours and winning championships. Alford
has no chance at this.
We have been hearing for 3 years, give Alford a chance. How long does it take? His recruiting class is good, but 1
recruiting class is not going to make this a championship team if they do not play defense or Bryce is playing 37
minutes a game and shoots under 40%. This is absurd. When next year's team finishes 3rd-4th in the Pac 12 and
barely makes a sweet 16, will you be satisfied again? What's the end game? What does giving someone a
standard 4th year do when it is inevitable that he will not succeed?
I just don't know what else to say.
I've bleed UCLA since I was a kid. I camped out for every game, graduated from UCLA, made multiple road trips
with the football and basketball teams, bought thousands of dollars of gear, pissed off my family by watching
UCLA games late at night or in the middle of a beautiful Saturday afternoon..... I'm losing my passion.
I may not have the money as the big donors do, but I will pledge $1000 to UCLA basketball if Alford is fired.
All I can tell you is that if Steve Alford is coach in 2016-2017, I'm done with UCLA basketball until he is gone. I'm
done with UCLA athletics until he is done. I will cancel my football road trip to A&M, I will not attend another UCLA
event, buy any UCLA merchandise, watch UCLA on tv, cancel the Pac 12 network, and refuse to wear any UCLA
gear.
Sincerely,
Namir Shaba Class of 2000
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Javier Perez
gblock@conet.uclaedu
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Basketball demise
Friday, March 11, 2016 2:56:24 PM
Dear Sirs,
I have been informed that despite the complete failure of the current basketball coach it has
been decided to retain his services. I am deeply saddened by this news.
I am an alum Class of 1985. I have been a fan of UCLA since I can remember. I recall the
afternoon in the summer of 1980 when I walked into Pauley and saw all the banners on
rafters. I had so much pride that I could somehow share in the accomplishments of the great
program by being a student there. After I graduated I became an even bigger fan. I attended as
many games as money and time would permit. When my son was born I would take him to
the fan appreciation days to meet the coaches and players. I have pictures of several players
and coaches, including Coach Wooden holding him as a young child. My other children have
been Bruin fans since they were able to understand their father's passion for UCLA. I was a
WAF member with season tickets to both football and basketball. I had to give up my seats in
football and basketball when my children started playing sports on the weekends. As they got
older I anticipated renewing my tickets and my WAF membership, this would actually be
feasible next year.
However I can not and will not attend any more games or donate any money to UCLA
athletics since it is clear that my passion for UCLA athleticsis not shared by any of you,
especially you Mr. Guerrero. What is clear is that your interest is self-preservation. The
decision to hire Mr. Alford was a mistake. Most people who follow basketball recognized it
from the first press conference. However after the first year when the team magically made
the Sweet Sixteen, even though it was hampered by having only 5 future NBA players, you
decided to extend his contract. The next year the team underperformed the whole year and
somehow made the sweet sixteen again. Each year the number of wins decreased and the lack
of effort by the team increased. The nepotism displayed by the coach towards his son is
obvious to all. He allows his son to shoot whenever he pleases, he allows his sonnot to play
defense or with effort. He chose not to recruit players who could present competition to his
son. The other players see this lack of accountability and have chosen to play exactly like
their leader. Our team had a terrible season, simply terrible when you look atthe results
(losing record and getting blown out by USC three times) but especially terrible when you see
the lack of effort and selflessness.
Your response to this terrible season is to reward the coach by allowing him to remain as the
coach. You encourage the continued degradation of a once proud program. You arrogantly
dismiss the pleas ofthe alums and fans of this program.
I am not alone in my frustration. Be assured that when I speak to my fellow True Bruins we
will discuss your legacy, we will encourage others to not renew their donations to the athletic
department.
Javier Perez
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Steve Havas
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 3:03:05 PM
> wrote:
I am a lifelong Bruin, a UCLA grad, and a lifetime alumni member. I am not much of a
donor to UCLA's athletic program. My major gift to UCLA will come as part of our estate
which hopefully will not occur for 40 more years, will not go to the athletic department, and
is not dependent upon what happens in basketball. So this is not about a booster leveraging
our money to put pressure on an Athletic Department that barely knows me. Instead, this
simply comes from a proud UCLA graduate.
Coach Alford is failing the student athletes in his care, the fans, and the school. Regardless
of your public protestations about Sweet Sixteen's and the like, I don't believe that you are
actually happy with ANY of the three years of his leadership of the program. Each year
worse than the prior. This decision should not be about money, optics, 'giving him a
chance', or anything other than: is Alford the right guy to return UCLA Basketball to the
elite status we are full capable of having.
Fire Alford, now. Seal your positive legacy as the caretaker of all things Bruin.
cc: Chancellor Block, and Mr Rebholz,
-Steve Havas
-Steve Havas
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jim Sanford
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
keep coach steve alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 3:10:38 PM
Dear Mr. Guerrero: For what it is worth, please keep Steve Alford as your basketball coach. He will bring
you the championship that you want. Also, I have never seen as program that has a group like Bruins
Nation that does everything to discredit the coach. Best wishes . . . . Jim Sanford, professor
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Denis Ryono
Guerrero, Dan
Men"s basketball coach
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:00:39 PM
Dear Sir,
I am a lifelong UCLA hoops fan and alumnus, having graduated in 1970 after matriculating in
every one of Lew Alcindor's years as a Bruin.
I rarely write letters such as this, but I am compelled to object to continuing Steve Alford's
contract as our head coach of men's basketball.
The evidence on Steve Alford's coaching acumen is very alarming. His year one performance
was based on inheriting a roster with a huge amount of NBA talent and experience. In year
two, he was lucky to get into the tournament. Many thought UCLA did not deserve a berth.
This year, we don't even qualify for the NIT. The performance of this year's team shows the
same negative trend, including the humiliation of losing three games to SC, all by wide
margins.
Alford's bad judgment in several areas can be considered even more problematic. In his first
UCLA press conference, his defensive posture over the Paul Pierce situation at Iowa
exhibited a serious lack of accountability. It took a second press conference and apparently a
serious amount of "coaching" on his response for him to just admit a minimal amount of
regret over what transpired. That is not the sort of moral center that we should have in the
head of our basketball program.
More directly harmful to the success of our basketball team has been the nepotism Coach
Alford has shown toward the use of his son. Despite the opinion of many, many basketball
experts that Bryce Alford is at best a mid-level Pac-12 guard, his father gives him huge
minutes per game in the face of mediocre shooting and horribly bad defense. Bryce's issues
on defense stem from average speed and quickness and very poor effort, which is by far
worse. Coach Alford calls his son one of the team's leaders. Then incredibly he wonders why
he can't get better defense out of his team! This blatant nepotism is the main reason why I
have zero confidence in continuing to put the future of UCLA basketball in the hands of Steve
Alford. We can and must do better.
It is not unprecedented to cut loose a coach after three years or less. It has happened in elite
programs such as North Carolina and Kentucky. Such decisiveness could be an important
factor in how these programs continue to be "elite" year after year. Look at our attendance
numbers trending down. Look at our team performance trending down. Consider the unprecedented level of demand for a new coach. It is time to act.
Sincerely,
Denis Ryono
1970 graduate of UCLA
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jon Cohen
Guerrero, Dan
Lost all respect
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:17:54 PM
Can't believe you are keeping this guy around. You do not bleed blue.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Mccaffrey
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Men"s Basketball & Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:29:05 PM
Mr Guerrero,
I write to you as an Alum with eight UCLA graduates over three generations in my
family
I am embarrassed and appalled at the state of UCLA Men's Basketball.
Embarrassed at the utter lack of discipline, desire and defense exhibited under Steve
Alford.
Appalled at the sheer nepotism of Steve Alford using UCLA Basketball as a
showcase for his son, Bryce.
In my 53 years of being a fan I have never been so angry and disappointed at the
UCLA Athletic Department.
Steve Alford is killing this program. Three straight years of diminishing wins. The first
year he got lucky inheriting a squad with 8 players now playing professionally in the
NBA or abroad, who were well coached by Ben Howland. It has been downhill ever
since. And, it is not just the losses - but how the games were lost. Steve Alford has
proven himself to be a mediocre coach. But you know that. I am sure that you have
been by inundated by fans furious at how BAD UCLA Basketball has been played
under Steve Alford. As an athletic department, how can you tolerate the nepotism he
exhibits for his son?
He needs to be fired today.
Please don't insult my intelligence by reciting platitudes: Two Sweet Sixteens? Steve
Lavin managed better than that and you fired him. And since when was a Sweet
Sixteen appearance been the measure of UCLA Basketball? Beating UK. Gonzaga &
AZ? It just underscores how the talent on this team has under performed. Any
success of next year's recruiting class will just mask the cancer that is Steve Alford's
tenure at UCLA.
My whole family (who have given UCLA tens of thousands of dollars) has vowed to
not watch or attend another UCLA Men's Basketball game until Steve Alford is fired.
We will not donate a single penny to UCLA until Steve Alford is fired. Personally I
have decided to cancel my UCLA men's football if Steve Alford is not fired before the
July due date.
And if you won't fire him, then I believe you should be fired. This is your legacy, Dan.
We loyal fans endured tens years of football mediocrity under Karl Dorrell and Rick
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
michael j. mccaffrey
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
UCLA Men"s Basketball & Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:41:22 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
As UCLA Alum and five decade supporter of UCLA Basketball, I can no longer
support UCLA Basketball.
I cannot support the lack of discipline, desire or defense the team plays with under
Steve Alford.
I am appalled at the sheer nepotism he has exhibited in showcasing his son Bryce.
I will not watch or attend another UCLA Men's Basketball game until Steve Alford is
removed.
I will not donate another dollar to UCLA until Steve Alford is removed.
I will not be renewing my Football tickets due in July if Steve Alford is not removed.
And please, spare us fans the platitudes: Sweet Sixteens are nor the bar for UCLA.
Beating UK, AZ and Gonzaga only underscores how under performing the talent on
this team is. Next year talent infusion will mask the cancer to UCLA that Steve Alford
has become.
Fire Steve Alford. Now.
Mick Mcbryde - Class of '81
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
michael mccaffrey
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Steve Alford is a disaster for UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:48:15 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
As UCLA Alum as a member of a family of eight UCLA graduates over three
generations, I can no longer support UCLA Basketball.
I cannot support the lack of discipline, selfish play or lack defense the team plays with
under Steve Alford.
The sheer nepotism he has exhibited in showcasing his son Bryce is disgusting and
appalling.
My family and I will not watch or attend another UCLA Men's Basketball game until
Steve Alford is removed.
My family and I will not donate another dollar to UCLA until Steve Alford is removed.
Our family I will not be renewing any of our sets of season tickets for Football tickets
due in July if Steve Alford is not removed.
And please, spare us fans the platitudes: Sweet Sixteens are nor the bar for UCLA.
Beating UK, AZ and Gonzaga only underscores how under performing the talent on
this team is. Next year talent infusion will mask the cancer to UCLA that Steve Alford
has become.
Fire Steve Alford. Now.
Or forever be known as the man who killed UCLA Basketball.
Mike McCaffrey - Class of 1955
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jake Bryan
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan
Re: Fire Alford leave Adidas
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:55:00 PM
You guys are worthless... Bringing Alford back? I'll stop at nothing now to talk about what a
joke Ucla athletics has become. You are the definition of spineless. It's the blind leading the
blind with your group. Pauley will be empty next year again, players will declare and transfer
and we will still be led by our nepotistic joke of a coach.
Oh and we all can't wait until you screw up the apparel deal. You'll do the simple thing and re
up with adidas because you guys don't work and lack vision. Adidas is shit, we look like shit
and recruits laugh at adidas.
Keep it up AD brain trust, your legacy has already been sealed. Spineless losers.
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 5, 2016, at 3:53 PM, Jake Bryan <jakebryan02@
> wrote:
Out of curiosity... Are you guys aware of what Ucla fans think of adidas? Are you
checking Bruin Report Online, Bruins Nation, Twitter and Facebook UCLA
athletic pages?
If you are in touch with those pages and outlets I'm sure you know how much the
fan base hates adidas. Everyone would rather see is with Nike, Jordan brand or
Under Armour. Everyone is scared to death because they think you won't
negotiate and will just take adidas' desperate money heave at you guys.
I'm begging you, please get something done with Nike, Jordan brand or Under
Armour. Sales will increase, it will be great publicity to reinvigorate the fan base
and recruits will love it.
I'm sending this now because all bruin fans know that you guys just stopped by
adidas hq. A big Ucla kiss up banner can't right the wrongs that adidas has done.
Terrible uniforms and no feeling at all of being a flagship school. Adidas is and
has been a joke. Please make the right move. Get the fans and recruits pumped.
This is your chance to shine!
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 3, 2016, at 1:41 PM, Jake Bryan <jakebryan02@
> wrote:
>
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Yahoo!
Guerrero, Dan
Men"s Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:56:47 PM
I just wanted to thank you for having the courage to keep Coach Alford, despite the whining of some socalled donors and boosters. We had a horrible season, and many players on the team quit or were never
willing to play hard to start with, but that isn't always the coach's fault.
I think that Coach Alford is an excellent Coach and that he has recruited the type of players that will return
UCLA to prominence next season. Too many people are forgetting what he accomplished in his first two
seasons here. I know that I am not a major booster, as a retired Public Schoolteacher, I just don't have
that kind of money, but I have been a season ticket holder for 35 years, am a lifetime member of the
alumni association, and a contributor to the Wooden Athletic Fund. I have two degrees from UCLA unlike
so many of the "sewer" alumni that keep bad rapping the program.
I thank you again for keeping Coach Alford. I am sure that next season we will all be happy that you did,
even the haters.
Lou Goodman
UCLA 76, 78
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Carrie White-Parrish
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Re: the state of the program
Friday, March 11, 2016 4:56:58 PM
Dear Dan.
I've just heard today that you will be retaining Steve Alford, the worst coach in UCLA
history. I am disgusted, appalled, and outright horrified by this announcement. I have a
few thoughts. 1. You must actually be blind to what is going on in the world around you. 2.
You must not actually care about UCLA, our lofty history, and the brand itself. 3. You
must not actually care that you are killing the basketball program through supporting a
coach who has proven that he not only cannot coach, but is also not a responsible or
respectable steward of the UCLA name, 4. You are secret members of the Worship Bryce
Alford club, and 5. You are, in fact, the worst AD team this fine university has ever seen.
I am heartbroken at this turn of events, and I believe nearly the entire UCLA fan base
stands with me on this. You made a mistake in hiring Steve Alford, who isn't fit to polish
John Wooden's shoes. You made a mistake with the buyout clause. And now you've failed
to rectify your mistake, and have instead initiated a program-killing decision. You, sir, are
not a good representation of the university that I was born and bred to attend.
I and the entirety of my family and social network will no longer be supporting UCLA,
though it crushes me to have to say that. We will not be buying UCLA gear, we will not
be attending games, we will not be supporting the teams, and we will certainly not be
donating what amounted to tens of thousands of dollars every year to the university I was
once proud to stand behind. I will not return to UCLAmy stomping grounds since I was
a childuntil the taint of Steve Alford has worn off the hallowed steps of Bruin Walk.
You have now irrevocably hitched your wagon to that of Steve Alford, a rape apologist,
nepotist, and poor coach. Good luck.
______________________________________________
Carrie White-Parrish
Dear Sirs
I grew up on UCLA lore. In fact, I was born to it. Both of my parents went to UCLA, and
were there for the Wooden years. My mother was a tutor to Walton and his gang. My father
hid from the Black Panthers in Royce when they invaded the campus. They lived and breathed
John Wooden, and taught me everything I needed to know about how to get into UCLA
myself. In fact, the common joke is that I was bred to go there.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching Bruin basketball. I remember seeing Reggie
fly. I cheered for what we called the 5 MsTracy Murray, Mitch Butler, Derrick Martin,
Gerald Madkins, Don Maclean. I was pacing outside of my house, listening to my dad and
sisters scream, when Tyus made his layup against Minnesota. And in the end, when it came
down to choosing a college, I went to UCLA for the academics, yes, but because UCLA
basketball ran through my blood like oxygen.
I got there a year after the national championship and was there during the fall into the Lavin
years. I graduated in 2000 and suffered through those embarrassing years of no basketball
identity. I was ecstatic when Howland came on board, and I supported him and his hardnosed style up until the end. I met him several times, and really liked him personally, as
well as his style and passion for UCLA. When Steve Alford arrived, I was disappointed, but
wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the AD had seen something no one else
knew. Maybe he really was the one to bring the program back up. We have all, however, seen
that this is not the case. I dont know whats going on behind the scenes, and I dont know
what the motivations or political agendas are. I dont know how we got to this point.
What I do know is that Ive never been so embarrassed to be a UCLA basketball fan. Ive
never intentionally ignored my TV when theres a game on. Ive NEVER been able to say I
dont care about any of the players on the team. Not even during the Lavin years was I so
disillusioned with our team and what it was doing to our lofty history. I can say without a
doubt that Ill be withholding any and all support financial and otherwise until this
problem within the program is fixed. I absolutely cannot condone contributing to the downfall
of our program, or the man men who are allowing our tradition to be flushed away like
this. Please, for the love of all that is UCLA, fix the problem. Fire Steve Alford and find us a
coach worthy of those four letters.
Carrie White-Parrish
Class of 2000
______________________________________________
Carrie White-Parrish
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Aaron Weinberg
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
UCLA alumni are very disturbed by direction of the UCLA basketball program
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:04:16 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Rick Gombos
Guerrero, Dan
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua; Rick Gombos
UCLA Basketball...very sad
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:13:56 PM
Mr. Guerrero:
I am truly disappointed in your decision to back and retain Coach Alford for another year.
As you are keenly aware, there are very few ways for alumni to stay attached to their Alma Mater.
There are very few ways for us to pass along our school pride to our children. The current state of
UCLA Basketball (and Football for that matter) pretty much takes away this avenue for me. I cannot
support this coach and program (donations, tickets, gear), in any way.
As a youth coach and the son of two aspiring athletes, I can only point to UCLA Basketball as to
how not to play the game. I can't believe I am saying this about John Woodens program. (truly
shameful)
I can only hope you reconsider your actions and make the tough (but correct) call to relieve Coach
Alford as our basketball head coach. Our program and university deserve better.
Unfortunately, I will not support UCLA athletics (or the university) in any way until you do the right
thing.
Sincerely,
Rick Gombos
Class of 1999
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
J Waterman
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: Please let Steve Alford go
Friday, March 11, 2016 5:14:04 PM
Can't believe you guys are letting me him stay. So terribly disappointing.
Best to admit the mistake and recoup credibility that you keep the fan base. UCLA alums love UCLA basketball
but the program is now in a ditch with Alford from which it won't get out without brining in an new regime.
Please do the right thing and get rid of Alford....NOW!
> On Mar 10, 2016, at 12:29 AM, J Waterman <jeremiechina@
> wrote:
>
> I am a UCLA grad and come from a family of UCLA grads/loyalists. We all desperately want to root for the
program, but Steve Alford has made it impossible to do so.
>
> He is an embarrassment to the fine tradition of UCLA basketball.
>
> We hope the institution will decide now to move in a different direction and protect the program from additional
damage, regardless of the incoming recruiting class.
>
> In our view, a change should be made now.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Dear sirs,
I am proud Bruin from the High School Scholars Program to Undergrad and Graduate School.
My brother and I were raised as Bruins and both attended when revenue athletics were
respectable and accomplished.
I'm writing to articulate my reasons for not renewing either my football and basketball season
tickets given the recent release about Coach Alford's retention. We have a loyal group of 16
football seats and 4 basketball seats. As of Vegas, all 4 hoops seats will not be renewed with
some football to be cut as well. It is unthinkable that this man was ever even considered let
alone hired with such a generous compensation package given his lack of on court success
and his downright immoral behavior protecting his player's sexual offenses. Abominable.
Despite this we have given the Athletic department the benefit of the doubt with both Coach
Dorrell and Coach Neuheisel (who we like as 84 Rose Bowl Champs and men but not as
UCLA head football coaches) and even understood that a change needed to be made with
Coach Howland.
These past three years in Pauley have been inexcusable. Minus the Pac 12 Tourney run in his
first year, Coach Alford's teams have been undisciplined, lax, and not "firing out." Sweet 16's
over lower seeds are not accomplishments at UCLA.
5 Sweet Sixteens for Lavin. Fired. 3 Final Fours with Howland. Fired. Banner 11 with
Coach Harrick. Fired. Alford isn't even in the same universe until he was shamefully put
there.
Please fix this abomination of nepotism, bad basketball, and embarrassment to our beloved
alma mater.
Until then, I cannot support UCLA Athletics and will instead remain active in Alumni
Association, Unicamp, and other mentorship programs with student groups where I know my
voice is heard and has a positive impact.
Derek Mateo 96 99
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brian Shaw
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
State of UCLA Men"s Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 6:06:37 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Frank Damon
Block, Gene
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
PLEASE fire Steve Alford
Friday, March 11, 2016 6:41:28 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Gilberto Limon
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block
very, very disappointIng to a lifelong Bruin fan
Friday, March 11, 2016 7:00:36 PM
In spite of his record and the half empty Pauley Pavilon this
pastseason, you guys are keeping Alfraud? His record may improve
nextyear, but that will only be because of the incoming freshman.
The dude can't coach. He can't coach. Ask other coaches. The PAC12 coaches want him tostay so UCLA will continue to underachieve.
Dan, you may know baseball, butthat's it in sports. You're more of an
administratorthan anathleticdirector. Gene, please promote Dan to
anadministrative job and get a real athletic director,someone who
knows all sports, especially the revenue-producing ones.
Gilberto Limn
UCLA Law School class of 1975
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kenji Kumara
Rebholz, Joshua
Kareen"s comment ring true now
Friday, March 11, 2016 8:58:06 PM
For those who have tried their best to forget the Lavin era, let me remind you briefly
of the state of UCLA basketball prior to the start of the 2002-03 season. In 2000-01,
Lavin guided the Bruins to a third place finish in the Pac-10 with a 14-4 conference
mark and a 23-9 record overall. The Bruins advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to
#1 Duke in the East Regional Semifinal.
A year later, Lavin had the Bruins back in the Sweet 16, though they were eliminated
from the competition at that point by Missouri. Despite another trip to the Sweet 16,
the Bruins had undeniably regressed from the previous season. In 2001-02, the
Bruins finished sixth in the Pac-10 with an 11-7 record and a 21-12 overall mark.
For those not dazzled by another Sweet 16 appearance, the warning signs were clear.
In 2002-2003, Lavin's Bruins were horrible. They finished with a 6-12 conference
record, which earned them sixth place in the Pac-10. Overall, Lavin's Bruins ended up
with a losing record and, needless to say, did not receive an invitation to play in the
NCAA Tournament.
Sound familiar?
Of course, when Eisenberg slammed Kareem in September 2015, he had no idea that
the Bruins would fail miserably this season. In fact, he apparently expected success
on the court for the Bruins because he lauded Alford's coaching (emphasis added):
[T]he strangest part of Abdul-Jabbar's comments is that he chose to
attack the third-year coach's teaching ability.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Scott Bianchi
Guerrero, Dan
It is time
Friday, March 11, 2016 9:47:50 PM
Dear Mr Guerrero,
I'm now hearing that the AD has decided to retain Coach Alford. Please tell me this isn't true. We all know that he
will never turn this program around and it's ludicrous on the Athletic Depts part to allow him to continue coaching.
Now is the time to FIRE coach Alford. Not next year or the year after but NOW! I will never attend another
basketball game as long as he is coach at Ucla. My friends who are season ticket holders have decided not to renew
next year nor donate to the WAF fund as long as he is coach. Be prepared for a mass exodus of your fanbase next
year, and an even emptier Pauley Pavillion, if this is the decision to retain Alford. The only reason I am donating to
WAF is because of my love for football and maintaining my season tickets. However, I would seriously consider
dropping all donations if it has come to the point that my beloved University has decided to destroy our once proud
basketball team by maintaining status quo with Alford at the helm. The entire athletic dept should be ashamed if
this is the decision that is being made. Keeping that man on as coach is an absolute insult to the Ucla fan base and
to the university brand. You will be alienating your most passionate fanbase with this move and it may fracture this
family beyond repair. Alford's contract needs to be terminated now. Please don't retain Alford just because it's
easy...show the country that Ucla deserves to be lead in a new direction, to its rightful place, as the top basketball
program once again.
SB
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Mallord
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
State of UCLA Basketball
Friday, March 11, 2016 10:05:08 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew Marroquin
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA BBALL DYING A SLOW DEATH
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:04:27 PM
Dan,
We are sitting at home for the NCAA tournament, had a record worst year in many categories,
the team has regressed, ZERO Excitement to attend a game at Pauley. Let that resonate.
Good Night,
Furious Fan
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Guerrero, Dan
This isn"t over
Friday, March 11, 2016 11:13:07 PM
Planes will up flying to fire you next week circling campus, you're a piece of garbage.
Re: GH: What's your reaction to the latest news?
Yesterday at 1:10 PM
McCourtStinks wrote:Always
appreciate your takes. Thanks.
I think Guerrero just secured his legacy as a really poor AD. The irony is he's dug in his heels
against the one move that could have redeemed him in the eyes of many fans. He made a
mistake in hiring Alford and an even bigger mistake with the buyout. Against that backdrop,
it would be extremely difficult to admit his mistake, fire Alford and take the blame for costing
the university/donors a ton of money. But I believe a lot of fans would have given him
immense credit if he stepped up to the plate, did the right thing and took the heat. I know it
would have changed my opinion of him dramatically.
I think it's pretty clear that this announcement is an attempt to get the fans to back off. Tell
everyone it's a done deal and hope that the fans will stop bombarding the AD/Admin with
complaints. Hopefully stop all the talk of protest and taking action. Put the fans back in their
usual mode of apathy and limiting their complaints to rants on message boards. It's not a
coincidence that the AD puts out this information hours after Tracy posts about a groundswell
of fans ready to take action.
My take is this program belongs to the fans and alums, not to Dan Guerrero or a couple big
donors. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Edwin Cheung
Guerrero, Dan
Restore the glory of UCLA basketball
Saturday, March 12, 2016 3:07:33 AM
Mr. Guerrero,
We have to fire Steve Alford to restore our basketball program. It is unacceptable and sad to
see the current state of UCLA basketball. I have been following the team since 1990 and this
season was the worst that I never seem.
-Best Regards,
Edwin Cheung
Class of 1994
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Guerrero, Dan
Seriously?
Saturday, March 12, 2016 4:26:53 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeremy West
Guerrero, Dan
Do the right thing
Saturday, March 12, 2016 7:59:22 AM
Dear Dan,
There is still time to do the right thing and save your legacy. It was an unfortunate thing to allow that silly buyout
creep into Steve Alford's contract. I assume you know that it reflects poorly on you. So does keeping a man
completely lost and uncommitted to his job. Half the time I think Steve is actually trying to get fired. But keeping a
man who swindled you at the negotiating table because you are concerned about the thing he swindled you for, only
makes you look worse. Do the right thing, admit failure, learn from it and let Steve go. Rarely does keeping a bad
employee ever work out - people don't magically change. Especially when they don't want to be here. So in light of
the news that we are supposedly retaining this Steve guy, we essentially have a guy who can't coach and doesn't
want to be here but won't be let go out of some misguided sense of self-preservation and embarrassment-saving
notion that is completely misguided. Pretending that Steve will learn how to coach and thus save your neck for a
poor negotiation job is false hope. Fall on the sword Dan. The attention is turning to you now. If you get rid of him
and admit mistake you could easily redeem your legacy. Do it. I know you want to.
Sincerely
Bruin from the womb
Jeremy West
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Fm
fmendozamd@
; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan
Re: wooden athletic donor
Saturday, March 12, 2016 8:00:43 AM
> <fmendozamd@
>
players or win us a Pac-12 title, let alone take us to a final four. He had more talent on the team
this year, then 80% of the teams in our conference, and yet we finished 10th in the conference,
with a pathetic conference record and overall losing record. Good coaches have results that
exceed the level of talent on their teams, bad coaches underperform. Coach Alford has
underperformed.
I am not an unreasonable fan but I do expect a coach to get his players to play with heart and
purpose. Coach Alford, plain and simple, has embarrassed UCLA basketball. Enough is enough.
It is time to let him go.
Thank you,
Fernando Mendoza, MD
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jaime Goldfarb
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Block, Gene
A Request for the Rationalization for Retaining Steve Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 9:50:34 AM
Mr. Guerrero,
I would kindly request an explanation for the considerations that have gone in to the decision to
retain our current basketball coach. As background, I have served as president and CEO for multiple
organizations, and see management of those organizations as a perfect parallel for management of
this program. In my positions I would annually set goals and track performance against goals. The
parallel for our program would seem to me to be factors such as annual progression of
performance (e.g., not only wins and losses, but also growth of consumer satisfactionin this case,
fans of the program, as well as employeesin this case, players on the team.) Of course financial
performance of the unit would be a consideration. Further, I would not only track annual
performance, but long term performance.
As I look at performance across such factors for our program, I can see no way to conclude positive
results against goals; and while one might argue that reaching the Sweet 16 in each of our first two
years as a positive, I would rather view that as a minimal achievement for a program given historical
precedent for our program, and in fact, much less than achievement of a stretch goal. In evaluating
growth of performance I see nothing but a three year downward trend in performance of the team
as a whole, but an evaluation of performance of individual employees is also downwardly trending,
e.g., see Tony Parker over the course of his time at UCLA, and Aaron Holiday, whose one year
performance has gotten progressively worse.) Finally, in terms of the most obvious of financial
metrics, attendance, there is a precipitous three year downward trend.
If I had kept on a Division President who oversaw such a performance trend over the course of three
years, I as CEO, who was accountable to my stakeholders, could in no way justify keeping on that
president, and if I were to so decide, my own position would be put at great peril.
So I respectfully request to hear your justification for retention of Coach Alford, to hear the metrics
that you hold him accountable to, and if you proceed with the decision to retain him, what metrics
he will be held accountable for next year.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
brian.netter@
on behalf of Brian
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
How can you not Fire Coach Alford?!
Saturday, March 12, 2016 10:39:22 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Dear Dan,
Although we have talked in the past, I am sure you don't remember me. Perhaps I can simply identify myself as
#210: my donor ranking on my most recent UCLA report.
From what I have read, it is too late to have an impact on your decision whether to retain Steve Alford as our coach.
I want to express my regret for that decision. I love our team and the program. I am a passionate fan and I have lost
hope that our coach will be able to turn the program around.
It is my sense that he has misused and inadequately developed our players. I interpret this as both character and
judgment deficiencies, and no amount of time will correct these issues.
We are on the same team. As your passionate teammate, I need to encourage you to change course now instead of
later. It is my opinion that delay will only lead to more damage.
Regretfully yours,
Randall Moler
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Travis Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Fire Steve Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 11:59:42 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Gloria Farmer
Guerrero, Dan
Coach Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 2:19:34 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
As a Bruin Athletic Club donor, Alumnus, and avid fan, Im very disillusioned at the the
trajectory of UCLA Basketball. It is disheartening to see a coach that cannot inspire his
players to play to their full potential and inspire them to be proud of the 4 letters they wear
across their chest. The team showed no heart, no drive, no grit in the last two months. The
question is why? Why couldnt their coach inspire them to perform to their potential. Why
did we have to hear, game after game after game, that "we need to get better"? Coach Alford
is not a bruin! He doesnt love the program and all the things we are known for. As an
outsider, Steve Alford, seems to me like a man only concerned about himself, his sons future,
and his future in golf! This does not sit well with me as a donor. I may not be a huge donor,
but none the less, my thoughts should count. I go to every basketball, football, and soccer
game. I go to football spring practices, and have season tickets for football as well as
basketball. I sometimes even go by myself to the Rosebowl and Pauley, when my husband
cant make it. So much of my free time is spent on UCLA sports, and to sit here feeling
March Sadness because of an under performing basketball team, just makes me sick.
I know we have some great players coming next year, but the coach is the same, and I doubt
the success of the program will rest solely on the new recruits. Look at Ben Simmons and
LSU, best player in the country, and he couldnt lead his team to a successful season. The
success lies on a motivating coach, motivating his players, to be the best that they can be. As
Coach Wooden said, Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in
knowing you made the effort to become the best you are capable of becoming.
Go Bruins!
Gloria Farmer, 1990 Alumnus
Sent from my Imac
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Alice Tsuyuki
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Steve Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 2:28:58 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Ben Esfandi
Guerrero, Dan
Steve Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 4:18:27 PM
Please fire him Dan. It is a waste of time to keep this man any longer. He is destroying our once proud program. Our
fans will show up and support! Go get us a top notch coach Dan. You are smarter than this i know you are!
Sincerely,
Benjamin Esfandi UCLA 99
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
James Krug
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Appearance of nepotism
Saturday, March 12, 2016 4:38:07 PM
Gentlemen,
With the decision to bring back Steve Alford I think you have heard loud and clear from both Bruin
fans and many in the media their displeasure.
As you are no doubt aware much of the vitriol comes from the perception, right or wrong , of
nepotism. Whether Bryce Alford deserves the playing time he receives is subject to good faith
arguments on both sides.
However, when Coach Alford hires his son Cory as the video coordinator the line is clearly crossed.
UCLA is a public institution. I am sure there are hundreds of former UCLA students who would
desperately want that job and I assume many would be much more qualified. Maybe Cory is the
next Steven Spielberg as a video coordinator. However, no one can argue that the only reason he
got the job is because his father is the coach. For a public institution to allow such a hire just fuels
the fire and to me is just wrong.
James Krug
Lifelong Bruin Fan and Co- Sports Editor, UCLA Daily Bruin, 1975
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Matt Rochlin
Guerrero, Dan
Restore UCLA Hoops
Saturday, March 12, 2016 4:48:53 PM
Matt Rochlin
UCLA '09
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Rebholz, Joshua
Guerrero, Dan
Fwd: Basketball
Saturday, March 12, 2016 5:18:38 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Travis Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Fire Steve Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 6:52:12 PM
Hello Dan,
Here is additional evidence that Steve Alford is a poor fit for UCLA:
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/31/bernstein-ucla-hired-a-scumbag/
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Travis Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Fire Steve Alford
Saturday, March 12, 2016 6:54:43 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jay Chung
Guerrero, Dan
a reminder of how badly you fucked up
Saturday, March 12, 2016 8:02:23 PM
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/31/bernstein-ucla-hired-a-scumbag/
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Rodriguez
Guerrero, Dan
Steve Alford removal
Saturday, March 12, 2016 8:49:44 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
Understand that the fan base will not stop until Coach Alford is fired. We will organize and boycott and make our
voices heard. Please stop tarnishing the UCLA brand. We are not going away.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeff Brown
Guerrero, Dan
Coach Steve Alford
Sunday, March 13, 2016 8:07:26 AM
Dear Dan:
I am writing again to express my frustration with the planned retention of Steve Alford. I am
happy to sit down with any contingent of UCLA administrators to discuss, but I see no
justification for keeping him based on performance. The only justification is that there is not
enough money to cover his buy-out - but it has been reported that it is not the case.
Perhaps you think he "deserves" another chance to demonstrate he is a good coach; after-all, at
New Mexico he won the league a number of times and was coach of the year. The issue is,
that he had a different set of assistants there, and we do not know how much of the actually
x/os was them. What we do know is that he has underachieved every year at UCLA, has
gotten worse every year and has objectively unduly favored his son over what is best for
UCLA.
I honestly feel bad for Bryce; this is not an issue of his doing. But UCLA would never have
recruited him absent his father as our coach; and we are now faced with a situation where
Bryce is going to be permanently imprinted on the UCLA record books due to playing so
much.
By the way, I trust you have looked into whether there has been any nepotism; you would be
derelict in your job if you did not. I would love to understand how you concluded that there
is not nepotism.
Regards,
Jeff
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
tedzeigler@
Guerrero, Dan
Time for a change
Sunday, March 13, 2016 9:13:40 AM
Dear Dan,
It's not easy to say this but I feel compelled to write for the first time and express my
disappointment in the state of our men's basketball program under the leadership of Coach
Steve Alford. I believe his hiring was a mistake - and I am sorry to convey that feeling because
I know the most important thing you can do as AD is hire good people. His record at Iowa on
and off the court and since coming to UCLA reflect poorly on all of us who cherish the
program.
Let me ask you to consider: Is Coach Alford with his baggage and results the leader our school
deserves?
Kind regards,
Ted Zeigler, 1989
Sent from my HTC
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Carrie White-Parrish
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Re: the state of the program
Sunday, March 13, 2016 9:15:45 AM
Denver Broncos.
4. Guerrero told reporters who he was looking for: Certainly someone who's a proven
(head) coach, a tremendous leader, a great teacher, a great role model. But he also
added, ominously, The best coach isn't necessarily the best fit.
5. Riley was also on the short list for the ALABAMA job, also open at that time. He
turned them down, asking them to wait, ostensibly because he wanted the UCLA
job.
6. Read that sentence again. A former NFL and college head coach TURNED DOWN
A POSSIBLE OFFER TO COACH THE ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
BECAUSE HE PREFERRED THE UCLA JOB.
7. Guerrero hired the other guy.
8. UCLA basketball, meanwhile, had just lost its two exhibition games in Pauley
Pavilion to entities called Branch West (by 25 points!) and EA Sports. This is not a
typo. Instead of regrouping, they opened the real season by losing to the University
of San Diego. Not San Diego State. San Diego. At this point, a sitting AD could
have decided hed seen enough, and jettisoned the unqualified, never-should-havebeen-hired Lavin and tried to salvage the season. But Guerrero, in his first season on
the job, let things play out. A couple of months later, UCLA had lost NINE games
in a row, including two to USC, and was 4-14. It had been an open secret all season
that Lavins services would not be retained, though he was forced to finish out the
grisly campaign that was nicknamed Dead Lav Walking by fans. This was the
equivalent of staying in a toxic marriage for years, for the kids, until they left for
college except whispering to the kids that this was the plan when they were in
seventh grade.
9. After Lavin was mercifully fired, Guerrero then hired Ben Howland. Lets call this
Good Decision 1.
10. The basketball program proved to be in good hands for a few years, as Howland led
the Bruins to three Final Fours, from 2006-2008.
11. Karl Dorrell, however, proved to be a very mediocre football coach. UCLA finished
3rd, 4th or 5th in each of his five seasons as head coach, in stark contrast to USCs
historic run under Pete Carroll across town.
12. Guerrero waited five years to fire Dorrell. [Following the firing, Dorrell would
return to being an NFL position coach. He has not been a public candidate for any
head coaching jobs at the college, or any other level, since then.] Guerrero embarked
on another search, engaging in pseudo-public courtships of Oregons Mike Bellotti
and Boise States Chris Peterson, but was turned down by both. Guerrero then
pivoted to another former UCLA player from the 1980s, Rick Neuheisel. Neuheisel
had been a college head coach twice before, at Colorado and Washington, but both
programs got steadily worse under his leadership, and he was dismissed for a
gambling scandal by UW. Five years later, he was an NFL position coach.
13. Neuheisels tenure quickly became a disaster. He lost his second game, 59-0, to
BYU. Over his four seasons, Neuheisel proved to be the worst coach, statistically,
in the history of the university.
14. Meanwhile, Guerrero was overseeing the long-overdue renovation of Pauley
Pavilion, which had seen much glorious history but for all its successful teams was a
utilitarian, fairly charmless concrete box; it had served its purpose but badly needed
to be brought into the modern age. In the previous decade, the Boston Celtics left
the venerable Boston Garden for a new arena, the LA Lakers did likewise and
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vacated the Forum for a new arena, and even the New York Yankees had bid adieu
to Yankee Stadium for new digs. UCLAs plan for its outdated arena: encase it in
glass for $140 million.
The project was beset by controversy. First, there was a change of architects. Then,
when one of the lead fundraisers, Richard Bergman, raised concerns about the
direction Guerrero was taking, and had famed architect Frank Gehry weigh in on the
issue, Guerrero dismissed Bergman.
During this time, another UCLA branding opportunity took place. In the Spring of
2010, UCLAs apparel deal with Adidas was expiring. As soon as an exclusive
negotiating window passed, Guerrero would be free to speak with industry leader
Nike and up-and-coming Under Armour, soliciting bids and seeing what those two
had to offer. With less than 24 hours to go until he could officially speak to Nike
and Under Armour, Guerrero announced UCLA was staying with Adidas for a new
six-year deal. There was no meaningful public explanation why he chose to stay
with the relatively unpopular Adidas brand, nor why he didnt even listen to Nike or
Under Armour.
Back to basketball, where things had started to deteriorate. Only one season
removed from its last Final Four berth, UCLA cratered to a losing season in 2010, its
third since Guerrero took over the athletic department. There was brief uptick in
2011, but Howlands Bruins only finished 23-10 and won a first-round game in the
NCAA Tournament.
Soon after that distraction, the UCLA fan committee realized that Guerrero
planned, in the renovated Pauley Pavilion, to move UCLAs student section from its
choice sideline seats to much-less-desirable seats behind one basket. He cited an
obscure online questionnaire that said students would prefer to sit together as a big
group. After an uproar ensued online, and social media campaigns blossomed in
protest, Guerrero reversed course in a carefully worded press release, apparently
needing a survey to tell him that UCLA studentsin keeping with every sports
fan in the history of timeactually wanted to keep their good seats and not be
removed to crappier ones.
However, that mild embarrassment would be easily eclipsed months later the
football team took the field. Neuheisels fourth season ended with a humiliating 50-0
loss to USC. Guerrero fired Neuheisel in the next couple of days, but strangely let
Neuheisel coach in the inaugural Pac-12 title game, which 6-6 UCLA was sent to as a
replacement for USC, which was on NCAA probation. If UCLA had upset
Oregon, it would have set up an unprecedented situation of a team having to carry
out the firing of the coach who had just gotten his team to the Rose Bowl, deserved
or not. Not to worryUCLA lost again.
Guerrero then, after inquiries again to Boise States Peterson, ultimately hired Jim
Mora. Lets call this Good Decision 2.
However, basketball was going south again. Immediately after firing Neuheisel,
Guerrero had to deal with Howlands 2011-2012 squad, which finished sixth in the
Pac-12 and missed the tournament yet again. Compounding the obvious on-court
dysfunction, Sports Illustrated published a lengthy investigative article titled, Not
The UCLA Way that probed at the roots of the ongoing malaise that had enveloped
Howlands program. This article, unparalleled in UCLA history, detailed a
troubling off-court culture that mirrored and partially explained the on-court
problems. The article was replete with details of drug use, violence amongst the
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players, with chief bully Reeves Nelson intentionally injuring teammates, and even
stomping on the chest of John Woodens great-grandson, walkon Tyler Trapani,
after he fell on the court during a practice. Many Bruin fans were understandable
aghast.
Guerreros response? No action against Howland. In fact, his public comments
were this: I like the path we're going on. We're talking about a few isolated
incidents. We're not talking about the entire program. This is a bump in the road.
It was noted that UCLA was poised to finish signing a prized basketball recruiting
class and that renovated Pauley Pavilion was opening in a matter of months, not to
mention that dismissing Howland would have marked the second time in Guerreros
tenure that hed fired his basketball and football coach in the same season.
So he did nothinguntil months later when UCLA christened New Pauley by being
taken to overtime by UC Irvine and then losing to Cal Poly Pomona. (Both UCI
and Cal Poly ended up losing 16 games that season, by the way.) Apparently, that
was enough failure for Guerrero to decide that barring a miracle Howland would be
fired at seasons end. It was an open secret all season, much like Lavins final season.
But UCLA actually beat Arizona three times and won the Pac-12 regular season
title. The Bruins were dispatched in the opening round of the NCAA tournament,
however, and Guerrero sent Howland packing.
All season, rumors of high-profile coaching candidates swirled, chiefly Brad Stevens,
Rick Pitino, and Billy Donovan. Possibly Shaka Smart. Ultimately, only Stevens
was interviewed and he said no thanks. Then, in a bizarre plot twist that precisely
zero people saw coming, Guerrero pivoted to Steve Alford, the New Mexico coach
whose third-seeded Lobos had just been upset by 14-seed Harvard (clearly, the Cal
Poly of the East!) Days earlier, Alford had actually signed a 10-year contract
extension to stay at New Mexico, but the contract didnt go into effect until April
1st. Guerrero, upon learning that technically Alfords new contract wouldnt
officially take effect for a few more days, quickly hired him. Alford said UCLAs
interest in him was out of left field and that the Bruins werent even in the
picture a few days earlier.
Rumors that the brilliant Gregg Marshall, the coach of Wichita State, would be
interested in the UCLA jobbut obviously couldnt speak yet speak to UCLA until
after the season (his team was in the midst of a historic run to the Final Four)
made the decision even more confounding to Bruin fans.
Things quickly went from confounding to concerning, when Guerrero introduced
Alford at the introductory press conference as the perfect fit for UCLA, and
describing him as a man of dignity and class. Both Guerrero and Alford were then
immediately caught off guard when reporters began questioning Alford about his
disgraceful handling of a sexual assault committed by one of his players at Iowa,
Pierre Pierce, in 2002. Guerrero appeared blindsided, despite the information being
available by anyone who knew how to type the words Steve Alford into google
and click on the many articles outlining his boorish behavior in the aftermath of that
sexual assault. Alfords stumbling defense was worse, saying he did everything he
was asked to do by Iowa officials (untrue), and that when he staunchly defended his
players innocence (implying that the victim of this rape was lying, by the way), that
nothing was proven at that point. That is also untrue, as his player was
negotiating a guilty plea deal and Alford knew this at that time.
In the aftermath, scores of UCLA faculty, fans and even former players questioned
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the hire. For example, former Wooden player Andy Hill, a member of three
national title teams under the Wizard, wrote this in an April 4 email to a UCLA vice
chancellor: If Dan asked Steve about the Pierre Pierce situation in his interview
and got the answer he gave Tuesday then why did we hire him? If Dan didnt ask
him, why is Dan still our Athletic Director?
Literally, that very day, UCLA announced that Guerrero, far from being in jeopardy
for his job performance, had his contract extended by seven years. He was already
the highest paid athletic director at a Pac-12 public school, making more than
$750,000 per year. It was probably the strangest timing and decision making I can
remember as a UCLA fan, given that many Bruin fans were questioning if Guerrero
should be retained at all, if not outright clamoring for his dismissal.
But if Guerrero hoped that questions about Alford would die down, instead they
kept surfacing. His assistant coaching staff was, charitably speaking, unremarkable.
His lead assistant was a high school coach in Indiana. And Alford, though ostensibly
recruiting three high school senior point guards from the WestJordan McLaughlin
(now at USC), Josh Perkins (Gonzaga), and Robert Cartwright (Stanford)
ultimately signed none of them, all the while saying his son Bryce Alford was going
to play point guard for UCLA and had was one of the best high school players in
the country.
That summer, it came out that UCLA had tied itself to Alford to the tune of a $10.4
million dollar buyout, which literally made no sense to anyone outside of Steve
Alford and his immediate family. Fans, commentators, were stunned, realizing that
Guerrero had painted UCLA into a corner. One national writer, CBSs Garry
Parrish, called it idiotic for UCLA, wondering like most people, Where would
Alford go anyway?
Alfords lucky streak continued, though, as he inherited a roster laden with three
first-round NBA draft picks (Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams, and Zach Lavine), but
parlayed that into an unremarkable second in the Pac-12 (three games behind
Arizona). The Bruins did win the Pac-12 conference title, and got a very fortunate
draw, facing a 13 seed and a 12 seed, to advance to the Sweet 16. Troubling, though,
was a report that Alford took offense midway through the season when the uberathletic Lavine informed Alford of his intention to turn pro after the season. This
was the norm in college basketball, but was somehow an affront to Alford. Lavines
role in the team did seem to diminish as the season wore on.
After that mixed bag of a first season, Guerrero for some reason doubled down on
Alfords buyout, extending it another year, further limiting UCLAs future options
in deciding who it wanted to coach its storied basketball team.
Alfords second season was mediocre. The Bruins frankly did not not deserve an
NCAA tournament berth, but got one anyway, squeaking by SMU on a strange
goaltending call and getting to play a 14 seed to make another Sweet 16. On the
rational side, though, I dont believe Alfords buyout was extended in the offseason.
That brings us to this year, Alfords third, which was an outright disaster. Alfords
teams have performed worse in each of his three seasons, going from 28 to 22 and
now 15 wins. The recently concluded season was maybe the most dispiriting in
memory for UCLA fans, as the Bruin players clearly quit playing hard in losing six
of their final seven games. Besides the downward arc in performance and effort,
that only consistent thing about Alfords teams is the nearly unlimited opportunities
he affords his son, Bryce. As of this writing, Bryce Alford is on pace to finish next
season as the all-time UCLA leader in minutes played, and takes more shots per
game than any guard at UCLA, ever.
35. As the season drew to a close, disgust mounted. An online petition (with 1500+
signatures attached) and social media campaign, RestoreUCLAHoops, urged
Guerrero to make a change. After a few days of silence, this was met with a bland,
form letter email response from Guerrero that explained, Progress is not a straight
line. This made most fans more upset than if hed not responded at all.
36. And then came Wednesdays surrender against USC. It appeared a tipping point for
many Bruins fans and donors was reached. Anger was palpable. BRO publisher
Tracy Pierson wrote that he had never seen a UCLA coach so reviled, nor its fan
base so united in pushing for change.
37. Four days later, nothing had changed and Pierson reported that Guerrero plans to
bring Alford back next season.
So you are a UCLA fan. It is 2016.
If you came of age in 1960s, were fortunate enough to witness the John Wooden Era, and
the football success of the 1960s, and its probably utterly unfathomable how things have
come to this point.
If you came of age in the 1980s, you probably cant believe that the era of Walt Hazzard,
Jim Harrick and Steve Lavin are officially The Good Old Days, and are hoping that Mora
can somehow recapture his first season mojo before he bolts out of Westwood in a huff.
If you came of age in the early 2000s, you dont know anything other than Dan Guerreros
UCLA. The Final Four years of Arron Afflalo, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love were
good, but at this point seem like an oasis in the desert. Football has mostly been a disaster,
though Mora beating USC was fun. But honestly, its pretty reasonable to ask, given the
above, how much emotional energy you even want to invest in UCLA.
And if youre a kid, who is coming of age now, and is in the process of forming his or her
sporting attachments, after all this, I have to ask a painful question.
Why would you even pick UCLA at all?
Dear Sirs
I grew up on UCLA lore. In fact, I was born to it. Both of my parents went to UCLA, and
were there for the Wooden years. My mother was a tutor to Walton and his gang. My father
hid from the Black Panthers in Royce when they invaded the campus. They lived and breathed
John Wooden, and taught me everything I needed to know about how to get into UCLA
myself. In fact, the common joke is that I was bred to go there.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching Bruin basketball. I remember seeing Reggie
fly. I cheered for what we called the 5 MsTracy Murray, Mitch Butler, Derrick Martin,
Gerald Madkins, Don Maclean. I was pacing outside of my house, listening to my dad and
sisters scream, when Tyus made his layup against Minnesota. And in the end, when it came
down to choosing a college, I went to UCLA for the academics, yes, but because UCLA
basketball ran through my blood like oxygen.
I got there a year after the national championship and was there during the fall into the Lavin
years. I graduated in 2000 and suffered through those embarrassing years of no basketball
identity. I was ecstatic when Howland came on board, and I supported him and his hardnosed style up until the end. I met him several times, and really liked him personally, as
well as his style and passion for UCLA. When Steve Alford arrived, I was disappointed, but
wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the AD had seen something no one else
knew. Maybe he really was the one to bring the program back up. We have all, however, seen
that this is not the case. I dont know whats going on behind the scenes, and I dont know
what the motivations or political agendas are. I dont know how we got to this point.
What I do know is that Ive never been so embarrassed to be a UCLA basketball fan. Ive
never intentionally ignored my TV when theres a game on. Ive NEVER been able to say I
dont care about any of the players on the team. Not even during the Lavin years was I so
disillusioned with our team and what it was doing to our lofty history. I can say without a
doubt that Ill be withholding any and all support financial and otherwise until this
problem within the program is fixed. I absolutely cannot condone contributing to the downfall
of our program, or the man men who are allowing our tradition to be flushed away like
this. Please, for the love of all that is UCLA, fix the problem. Fire Steve Alford and find us a
coach worthy of those four letters.
Carrie White-Parrish
Class of 2000
______________________________________________
Carrie White-Parrish
Doc doesn't believe that Dresden survived his escape. He thinks we're safe, now that Dresden
has disappeared.
ButIknow differently.Iknow whatIsaw when he escaped, and the stone made sureI
understood what it meant. NowIhave to find him. No matter how much Doc tries to convince
meotherwise, the stones don't lie. Dresden is still out there, somewhere. AndIhave to stop
him, before he does anything else to damage history.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jon Cohen
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
On this Selection Sunday
Sunday, March 13, 2016 10:27:32 AM
Let's remember this 13-15 season where our team looked lost at times and straight up uninterested in the outcome.
And let us rememberthat our crosstown rival will be in the tournament having beaten UCLA
three straight times. Clearly a shift in the city in terms of style and play. They play hard.
But sure, Steve Alford deserved another year. Looking forward to more attrition at the expense
of Bryce Alford becoming the all time leader in minutes.
It's a travesty and it's a sad state of leadership in Westwood.
Sorry Josh for having to be associated with these jokers.
Wins may improve next year, but the damage is done.
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew Marroquin
Guerrero, Dan
Chancellor Gene D. Block
UCLA GETS A #2 SEED
Sunday, March 13, 2016 2:12:01 PM
Mail on Android
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Rodriguez
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
What a sad day the NCAA selection show and Alford is still out coach
Sunday, March 13, 2016 3:22:45 PM
Dear Sirs,
Understand we are not going to stop until Alford is removed. We will boycott, hit the high waves, and social media.
Stop the nepotism and wasting of talent. The student athletes and the fans deserve better.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Rodriguez
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
What a sad day the NCAA selection show and Alford is still out coach
Sunday, March 13, 2016 3:22:45 PM
Dear Sirs,
Understand we are not going to stop until Alford is removed. We will boycott, hit the high waves, and social media.
Stop the nepotism and wasting of talent. The student athletes and the fans deserve better.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Larry Layne
Rebholz, Joshua; Swearingen, Taylor; Smith, Brian; Guerrero, Dan
Larry Layne
UCLA Men"s BB past & future
Sunday, March 13, 2016 8:48:45 PM
Gentlemen,
Josh thanks for your encouraging Text but ..............
That totally embarrassing lack of effort in the PAC 12
really put a finish to one of the most frustrating seasons ever !
Where was the pride ?
Coach Alford must have a hard time sleeping, trying to figure out
a way to get the athletes to play defense!
Unfortunately -
this years team seemed to be totallyLacking a Few KEY LEADERS
- who would not accept less then the max Effort and Commitment !
I think it was a extremely bad luck coincidence to have so many great
BB Players,
but no one or two Stand Up Leaders to take Charge ! That's a pretty rare thing ......
Don't know where that leadership will emerge from next year ?
Hopefully Football can erase the bad memories !
Larry
And am Looking Forward to Next Basketball Season !
and a LONGrun into the Big Dance !
-Larry Layne
Cell:
Mail & Office: Nova Development Co.,14800 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills, CA 91345
Home: 5111 Ocean Front Walk, #1, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew Ansoorian
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Hubris or Humility?
Monday, March 14, 2016 6:18:24 AM
According to the UCLA's own mission statement, "It is the objective of UCLA Athletics to
compete in as many sports as possible at the national level."
The basketball program has been UNRANKED 46 weeks out of 57 possible weeks under
CSA's leadership...using this metric, that's an 80%+ FAILURE rate...is that considered
alignment with the Department's stated mission?
Hubris is a toxic punchbowl that produces unbridled perilous confidence...it's time to time
shift to the healing powers of humility.
"See the genius in every student and teach to set that genius free" Adapted from Michelangelo
Andrew Ansoorian, SPHR
Executive Director of Human Resources
Harrisonburg City Public Schools
Cell #
aansoorian@harrisonburg.k12.va.us
Careers@HCPS
Check us out on LinkedIn....HCPSonLinkedIn
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jace Outlaw
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Action Required Now to Restore UCLA Men"s Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 7:03:44 AM
Gentlemen This is now the third letter that I have sent your office. Curiously, I have not received a
response from any of you.
Let's start with a few stats (thanks to BruinReportOnline):
Steve Alford, after three years, has a winning percentage of 61.9%. To put that
in context, it's the lowest total figure since Wilbur Johns (John Wooden's
predecessor in the 1940s) and also the lowest first-three-years percentage
since Johns. Even Walt Hazzard, widely regarded as the worst modern-era
UCLA coach, won 62% of his games overall and won 64.9% of his games his
first three years. Steve Lavin, for more context, won 65% of his games at
UCLA, and 72% of his games his first three years.
These numbers tell the tale of a program that is failing miserably. It is up to you to make
the change needed to save it. Your office is relied upon to make the tough decisions
necessary to preserve and promote the best interest of the program. Please do your job
and dismiss Steve Alford now, not later.
Thank you for time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Jace Outlaw
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
CM
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
Basketball Season Tickets and WAF Donation
Monday, March 14, 2016 7:38:23 AM
Dan,
Since my last email did not elicit even a form response, let me speak more plainly. I will not
be renewing my current basketball season tickets and reinstating my WAF membership at the
Bruin Legends level for 2016-17 - much less stepping up to the Director's Circle as I had been
contemplating - until I hear a logical rationale from you as to why Steve Alford will remain as
head coach next year, or Steve Alford is replaced.
This is why i am troubled:
- 28, 22, 15. We have won progressively fewer games under Steve Alford.
- UCLA has NOT been ranked in the AP Top 25 for 46 of the 57 weeks the team has been
coached by Steve Alford. Our signature basketball program has been ranked in the AP Top
25 less than 20% of the time under Steve Alford. This despite having 5 players drafted in the
NBA and having 4 McDonalds All-Americans on the roster this year. The talent cupboard
was not left bare for Steve Alford, and this year's team was largely comprised of his recruits.
- The Pac-12 is sending 8 teams to the NCAA and NIT tournaments this year. And UCLA is
not among those teams. That is horrendously embarrassing.
Please help me understand why this is acceptable, especially when you have a track record of
replacing revenue sport head coaches who have delivered better results in their final seasons.
> wrote:
Dear Dan,
I am not one of those fans/alumni that like to complain about things without also
trying to do my part. I have made "name-on-the-wall" donations for both the
Pauley renovation and the Wasserman Center and maintain Bruin Legends status
in WAF. I have picked-up my financial support of UCLA Athletics ever since I
felt bold and much-needed steps were being taken to improve our facilities, and
real efforts were being taken by the Athletic Department to bring us into modern
times to compete with the best. I urge others to do the same every chance I get,
and I will continue to do so because resources are critical for our school to be
competitive and successful in this day and age.
But, for the first time in nearly 20 years as a UCLA basketball season ticket
holder, I find myself leaning toward dropping my season tickets for next year.
This has always been an automatic for me. But this past year, I found myself
selling my tickets and perhaps missing more games than I have for the past 15
years combined. I used to rearrange my work and business travel schedules and
even my boys' sporting and extra-curricular events just to make sure I never
missed a game. Heck, I even caught all the games in the sports arena. But I now
find myself looking for excuses not to attend and failing to even set the DVR to
record games I miss. And, thankfully, I missed last night's embarrassment too.
Our basketball team just lost to USC 3 times this year, with its worst record since
John Wooden arrived in Westwood. With a roster full of McDonalds' AllAmericans, we beat teams like Kentucky, Arizona and Gonzaga, but have to take
solace in moral victories in close loses at home to teams like Monmouth and
Oregon State. We've had progressively worse records over the past three years
and are going in the wrong direction right now. I know we have a strong
recruiting class coming in, but it's not like we don't already have enough talent to
be amongst the leaders in the conference.
We can be so much better than this, Dan.
Under your leadership - and the efforts of Josh and Sarah and the Development
team - I think the Athletic Department has accomplished some remarkable things.
To run a balanced budget in these times, increase coaching salaries to very
competitive market levels, and still find ways to raise funds for the Pauley
Renovation and Wasserman & Ostin Centers, is beyond commendable.
Especially while our brethren in Berkeley saddle the State and Regents with the
Memorial Stadium disaster, and many other athletic programs around the country
rely on heavy subsidies from their parent institutions.
But if there were ever a time to cash all the chits and institutional currency you've
accumulated and go all-in for a new basketball coach to replace Steve Alford,
now is the time to do it. If it's too hard to keep going back to the donor well for
buyout funds, I hope you can consider squeezing the other sports' budgets,
negotiating a front-loaded new apparel contract...whatever it takes to bring in a
coach that can instill a foundation of fundamentals, toughness, pride,
accountability and tactical/strategic acumen. Basically, a coach that can help
make UCLA basketball great again. Unfortunately, nothing he has done at
UCLA suggests that Steve Alford is that guy.
I normally support the notion that it's the right thing to give a coach ample time to
install his players and put his own stamp on a program. I felt giving Coach
Howland, Neuheisal and even Dorrell another year was the right thing to do,
despite all the naysayers. But those coaches were engaged with the UCLA
community and fans. They cared about UCLA. It doesn't seem like Steve Alford
even wants to be here. Sympathy for Steve Alford should not play a role in this
decision. This is about UCLA, not Steve Alford.
We can do so much better.
Chris Mukai
UCLA '91
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jay Chung
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Alford, Steve
UCLA basketball rankings -- this is the Coach with the $10mm buyout
Monday, March 14, 2016 7:45:02 AM
Under Coach Steve Alford, UCLA has been unranked in the AP poll 46 of 57 weeks or 80.7%
of the time. UCLA's highest ranking under Coach Alford was 18. UCLA's longest stretch of
being ranked in the AP poll was for five consecutive weeks - Coach Alford's first five weeks.
Since then, UCLA has not once been ranked in consecutive weeks.
2013-14 season: UCLA was unranked in the AP poll 12 of 20 weeks or 60% of the time.
UCLA's highest ranking was 18. This UCLA team had three first round draft picks playing on
it.
Preseason: 22
Week 2: 24
Week 3: 22
Week 4: 19
Week 5: 18
Week 6: Not Ranked
Week 7: Not Ranked
Week 8: Not Ranked
Week 9: Not Ranked
Week 10: Not Ranked
Week 11: 25
Week 12: Not Ranked
Week 13: Not Ranked
Week 14: Not Ranked
Week 15: Not Ranked
Week 16: 23
Week 17: Not Ranked
Week 18: Not Ranked
Week 19: Not Ranked
Postseason: 20
2014-15 season: UCLA was unranked in the AP poll 18 of 19 weeks or 94.73% of the time.
UCLA's highest ranking was 22.
Preseason: Not Ranked
Week 2: Not Ranked
Week 3: 22
Week 4: Not Ranked
Week 5: Not Ranked
Week 6: Not Ranked
Week 7: Not Ranked
Week 8: Not Ranked
Week 9: Not Ranked
Week 10: Not Ranked
2015-16 season: UCLA was unranked in the AP poll 16 of 18 weeks or 88.88% of the time.
UCLA's highest ranking was 22.
Preseason: Not Ranked
Week 2: Not Ranked
Week 3: Not Ranked
Week 4: Not Ranked
Week 5: Not Ranked
Week 6: 22
Week 7: Not Ranked
Week 8: 25
Week 9: Not Ranked
Week 10: Not Ranked
Week 11: Not Ranked
Week 12: Not Ranked
Week 13: Not Ranked
Week 14: Not Ranked
Week 15: Not Ranked
Week 16: Not Ranked
Week 17: Not Ranked
Week 18: Not Ranked
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jeffrey Hoover
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
Disgraceful
Monday, March 14, 2016 7:47:27 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Alan Cox
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Where is the "02 Dan Guerrero?
Monday, March 14, 2016 7:59:40 AM
Hello Gentlemen,
Today is week 58 of the Steve Alford era.
In 46 of the previous 57 weeks of his tenure, UCLA has been unranked and irrelevant in the national picture. UCLA
fans are boiling with indignation over what it's proud program has become.
So the question is: Why is Steve Alford still the coach?
This goes beyond mere frustration, disappointment, or even anger at the humiliating loss to USC last Wednesday
where both players and coaches quit.
No, this is outrageous indignation towards the nepotistic operation that Steve Alford brought to UCLA in 2013
(which was rubber stamped without much thought) and brought steady but swift decline to the nation's premier
basketball tradition.
For my part, I will no longer purchase UCLA apparel, tickets, or or anything else UCLA-related for myself or my
wife and two young daughters unless Steve Alford is removed as head coach at UCLA.
Lest you think I'm being just a harsh, angry fan, I have a quote for you (from NY Times):
"I believe that in order to revitalize our program and move it forward, a change of leadership is required. The
circumstances over the past four years, both on and off the field, created an environment that, in my opinion,
hindered long-term success.' "
This was you, Dan, in December 2002 after you let Bob Toledo go after a 7-5 season.
THIS is the Dan Guerrero that UCLA fans need today to end this embarrassment of its basketball program.
I'm hopeful that we see the 2002 Dan Guerrero step into action when it is needed most, like it did back then.
Respectfully,
Alan Cox
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Guerrero, Dan; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Dan Guerrero"s corruption
Monday, March 14, 2016 8:11:17 AM
Intentionally signing a buyout date of April 30th with the current "coach" (what school waits 7 weeks to fire a
coach) so he doesn't have to make a coaching, was he compensated in any way by the agent or Alford? Guerrero is
a corrupt bureaucrat who needs be investigated, Mr. Block.
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Alice Tsuyuki
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 8:12:08 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Guerrero, Dan; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Dan Guerrero is an absentee AD
Monday, March 14, 2016 8:15:48 AM
Listen to the previous football coach describe Dan Guerrero....3:15 Mark of sound
https://m.soundcloud.com/siriusxmcollege/rick-neuheisel-ucla-was-last-in-penalties-when-mora-took-over
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
LoDuca, Paul
Block, Gene
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Urgent: UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 8:56:48 AM
Chancellor Block:
Yesterday was Selection Sunday a day that used to be circled on the calendars of UCLA
Basketball fans. Not so anymore. Bruin Basketball is not relevant under Steve Alford. We
were not invited to the NCAA Tournament. We were not invited to the NIT. UCLA was not
ranked among the top 100 programs in the country. The illustrate just how far the program
has fallen, look at these statistics:
If the UCLA Anderson School of Management had a similar 3 year trend under its Dean
wouldnt that individual be replaced? What if that Deans stewardship was so poor that
enrollment dropped to 50% of capacity? What if that Dean had hired his modestly qualified
son to a prominent role at the school and as a result there was clear division on the
faculty? My sense is that you would act quickly and would bring in a new Dean to correct
the situation. In other words, you would lead.
Thank you.
Paul LoDuca
Paul LoDuca
Financial Advisor
Please do not use e-mail to request, authorize or effect the purchase or sale of any security or
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The sender of this e-mail is an employee of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ("Morgan Stanley"). If you
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consent to the foregoing.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Aaron Weinberg
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball and falling fan/alumni support
Monday, March 14, 2016 8:58:00 AM
7) UCLA fans are often criticized by the media for having too high
expectations. I don't find this true. We do not expect to be #1 every
year but given our history, and the fact that we are in the heart of
LA, have a beautiful campus, big media market, and excellent academics
we should always have top recruiting classes and be competitive with
the Dukes, UNCs, Kentuckys, and Michigan states of the world, year in
and year out.
8) I don't buy the excuse that Alford has a great recruiting class
coming in so we should retain him. The man has had talent every year
he has been here and has failed to fully develop it and produce an
acceptable product on the court! We have become worse every single
year. We will always get good recruits and any future coach hired
should be able to land top players because after all this is UCLA.
Every year we wait for change is another year where we continue to
destroy Coach Wooden's legacy.
My friends and I, who are all passionate alumni and care greatly about
UCLA, are willing to help in any way we can. Maybe an alumni/fan
committee should be established to allow the athletic department to be
in touch with the pulse of the fan base on this as well as other
issues. This would reduce anger and alienation amongst the fans
because right now most fans feel as if they are not heard or
understood by the department (just see all the fan message boards
circulating on the web). This sentiment is risky and threatens to
destroy future support.
It saddens me greatly to see the state of UCLA bball. It is time to
right the wrong and make a coaching change. This hire was a risky,
costly, and failed experiment that isn't working and will not work.
The UCLA fan base is angry as evidenced by the lack of ticket sales
and petitions circulating on the web. The university will continue to
lose revenue and be a basketball embarrassment until a coaching change
is made. A coaching change will be made it is just a question about
how long we will have to wait. Why delay the inevitable any longer.
Please make a change now or else risk UCLA falling into an
irreversible and irrelevant basketball abyss.
Sincerely
Aaron S. Weinberg, MD
UCLA Alumnus, Class of 2005
aaronsweinberg@
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Galloway
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA AD not Self-Aware - Must Be Removed
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:02:19 AM
My wife and I are Wooden Athletic Fund donors. Weve been season seat holders at the
Rose Bowl since 1992. Please consider our challenge to you to expedite Dan Guerreros
removal as UCLA Athletic Director. The incompetent mishandling of our storied basketball
program recently is perhaps the last straw I and other fellow donors can take. Its
impossible to support what he has put on the table for long-time UCLA advocates.
Whatever success garnered by UCLA athletics has for the most part - been done despite
him. All one needs to do is imagine what UCLA could accomplish with a young, marketsavvy individual at the helm instead of our tired bureaucrat clocking in and out every day.
The time to act is now. The Steve Alford fiasco - of which Dan Guerrero is personally
responsible for - has produced a groundswell of detractors that will not settle until our
demands are heard and changes are made.
Regards,
John G. Galloway
Director Information Technology Services
Verbum Dei High School
11100 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 564-6651 ext. 6800
www.verbumdei.us
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jason Ames
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:31:42 AM
I'm writing to reiterate my extreme disappointment with UCLA Basketball and head coach
Steve Alford. UCLA basketball has been one of my great passions as far back as I can
remember. The college basketball season used to be a special time and the tournament was
maybe the most exciting, anticipated sporting event of the year for me. However, since the
hiring of Coach Alford my passion has continued to wain and after the blow out loss to USC
it has never been lower and not even a highly ranked recruiting class can make me excited
about the upcoming season. UCLA basketball is clearly on a downward trend and the only
logical course of action is to fire Coach Alford and bring in a coach that can place UCLA
back among the elite programs in the country.
If this change happens I can promise that I will be first in line to buy season tickets for next
season but until that point I honestly have no reason why I should continue to support a
program that is so obviously doesn't care about the quality of its product.
I hope that you will make the right decision.
thank you,
Jason Ames
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Raj Patel
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan
Not another penny for UCLA
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:36:48 AM
Until you fire that piece of garbage, Steve Alford. Disgraceful on so many levels.
-Sent from
Mobile
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Drake Hebert
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Please Relieve Steve Alford of his coaching duties
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:44:51 AM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Kvyat
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Decision to Retain Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:50:12 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Julian Mintz
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Re: UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:53:32 AM
> wrote:
I'm writing to express my displeasure and concern with the state of our basketball program
and it's current leadership.
I won't belabor the various facts and opinions about our program that lead to this concern - I
know many other fellow fans will already be doing that.
But it's important that you know that I'm among the many that won't be participating in the
UCLA Basketball experience - an experience that has meant so much to me since I was a
young kid - until big changes are made that show that you guys care half as much as we
fans do.
I started attending games when I was 7. Some of my fondest sports memories happened with
my family and friends in Pauley.
I remember in '95, I was 10 years old and had a basketball game of my own during the
Missouri game in the tournament. A large group of players, coaches, and parents had
gathered around a small TV in the corner of the gym in the games final minutes, and
exploded with joy when Tyus made his famous layup. I remember that for probably the
only time in my childhood playing days, I could have cared less about the game that I was
in, and still to this day am sad that I didn't get to experience that moment with the rest of the
UCLA community.
I was a Senior at UCLA during Coach Howland's first Final Four run. I attended all 6
tournament games with friends that year; those 3 weekends make up some of my fondest
memories as a student in Westwood.
UCLA basketball was a big part of my life as a kid, and while it's importance in my life has
decreased as I've gotten older and real priorities have set in, it still holds a special place in
my heart. I have two young kids now, and I always dreamed that they'd get to experience
the glory of a rocking Pauley Pavilion with their dad. As it stands today, I wonder when that
moment will finally come, if it ever comes.
I get that sustained excellence in college hoops is hard. I don't expect UCLA to win at the
highest levels at all times. Us UCLA fans get a bad rap for our unrealistic expectations, but
that's a fallacy. All we want is a product on the floor that we can be proud of, one that
reflects the tenets of the University that it represents: smart, tough, resilient, and honest.
It's my and many other Bruin fans opinion that the current leadership of the program, and
the subsequent product put on the floor, does not reflect those tenets. Specifically, I'm
concerned that the leadership doesn't have the best interests of the program at heart. That
alone is enough to walk away from Bruin basketball until a change is made. But combined
with the inarguably mediocre basketball coaching skills (.500 record at the high major
level), and you have a recipe for disaster (see: overall season record; Pac12 record; results
vs USC).
I'm in a great place in my life. I have two wonderful kids, a loving and supportive wife, and
an already successful career with a really promising future. I don't NEED basketball to
make me happy liked I did as a kid. But I've always dreamed of having season tickets; of
sharing them with friends; of taking my two kids and my dad to games to watch my Alma
Mater; and of my kids one day growing up to love Coach Wooden's program and the
University that it represents. I stayed at arms distance after the questionable head coaching
hire 3 years ago, and have only increased my distance after seeing the results. Until changes
are made, we'll all be staying away from Pauley and UCLA broadcasts.
Thanks for your time.
Respectfully,
Julian Mintz
Class of 2006
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeff Brown
Guerrero, Dan
Mens Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:59:46 AM
Hi Dan:
Hopefully you are receiving many notes today about the status of Coach Steve Alford. I can
honestly say the dissatisfaction has never been higher among the UCLA community; and
waiting a year will not solve anything. Yes, we have a strong class coming in, but Coach
Alford has already demonstrated he is not the right person for the job. Please, do not ruin
UCLA basketball. Please make a change.
Regards,
Jeff
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Kim-Chiu Luk
Guerrero, Dan
Re: UCLA BB
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:02:39 AM
Mr. Guerrero,
I have been basketball season tickets holder since Coach Wooden era. I am writing to you to
express my dismay with the current status of the basketball program under Coach Alford. I
understand UCLA intent to retain Alford as our basketball coach in spite of all the recent
uproar from thousands of UCLA fans and supporters. If that is true, I find myself can no longer
support the basketball program under Alford and I will not renew my season ticket as long as
Alford is the coach.
Please fire Alford before March 15, 2016, the deadline to renew my season ticket for the next
season.
Thanks. Go Bruins.
Kim Luk
> wrote:
We are season ticket holders for past 20 plus years and have 4 season tickets in
Section 216. We have decided not to renew our 4 seats if Steve Alford is retained.
Go Bruins!
Kim Luk
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Rob Krauss
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:03:33 AM
Everyone who signs this petition assuredly agrees that the state of UCLA
basketball is in a crisis. For many of us who have been Bruin fans for
decades, it is a recognition that this crisis is in many ways
unprecedented for the program. Many of us lived through the Walt
Hazzard and Larry Farmer years, and we remember those well as an
extended period of time in the 1980s where on-court success and
relevancy seemed lost. Until recently, that period of time could have
been referred to as the low-point in the basketball programs postJohn Wooden history, and yet compared to that era, this current time
with Steve Alford feels different. Yes, there are similarities in terms of
wins and losses, but the program doesnt have that same glow and spirit
to it. Even under Steve Lavin, it was still UCLA basketball and crowds
at Pauley Pavilion did not plummet like we have seen since Steve Alford
took over. Even when Ben Howlands program was on the decline, his
players could be counted on to always play with great effort, and he
loved and respected UCLA basketball.
We could spout stats to you, cite statistics showing Pauley Pavilion
setting historical records for lowest annual average attendance, but you
know all that. What we can offer you is the prevailing perspective of the
majority of the UCLA basketball fan community, articulated in a way
that only Bruin fans who have a deep and heartfelt connection to the
program can understand and feel.
You have stated that no one understands expectations at UCLA like you
do, and our hope is that you will similarly uniquely understand the
anguish that UCLA fans are experiencing as our beloved program has
been decaying before our eyes. While, of course, there are some with
unreasonable expectations of where the program should be, we believe
the vast majority of UCLA fans have a clear understanding that the days
of John Wooden are over and we all simply want a competitive program
that we can all be proud of. That is one of the main reasons the
undersigned felt that approaching you in this manner, with this voice,
was necessary to help make clear that we are not demanding national
championships and undefeated seasons every year, and to make clear
that most UCLA fans have, over the course of several years, arrived at a
balanced and fair assessment of UCLA basketball.
In unprecedented numbers this is our collective opinion:
The teams Alford has put on the court in his three years have been
talented, but they play with very little effort, and thus the variation and
inconsistency in results (e.g., beating Kentucky, losing to Washington
State). One of the great indicators for sustained and consistent success
among the most successful college coaches has been an ability to
motivate their teams to give maximum effort. It shows respect to the
coach, the fans and, for UCLA, the Four Letters on the uniform. Yet
until these last three years, we havent seen this lack of effort from a
UCLA program under a specific coach (including Steve Lavin) in our
lifetimes. As fans our obligation is to support the team, regardless of
wins and losses and ups and downs. But the one obligation of the team
in return is to play hard. Alfords teams have broken that pact with
UCLA fans, which we believe is a driving factor in the attendance
decline and the UCLA fan communitys inability to embrace Steve
Alford.
The lack of good, sound basketball. UCLA, for the most part of 60 years,
has embodied well-taught, fundamentally-sound basketball. The
basketball that is being played by Alfords program does not come close
to this ideal. Its embarrassing to listen on a nationally televised game
when TV commentators, who perpetually soft-pedal their criticism,
blatantly call out the fundamentals of a Steve Alford-coached UCLA
team. Charles Barkley, as a commentator for the recent NBA Dunk
Contest, said I only watch good [college] teams, thats why I dont
watch UCLA. The fact that this has even a slight chance of being said
the bond between the UCLA basketball program and the UCLA
basketball program fan-base.
Many people on this list will not attend another UCLA basketball game
until Steve Alford is dismissed. Many of people on this list will not
donate another dollar to the athletic department until Steve Alford is
dismissed. Obviously the fan turnout at Pauley Pavilion is reflective of
this opinion. And while we understand that the football programs
recent success has driven many donor dollars to the Wooden Fund, we
are sure you understand that there is an enormous amount of potential
donor dollars that could be tapped if the basketball program is
liberated.
We assume that you believe firing Alford after three seasons is harsh. In
your time at UCLA, youve never done that before. There are enough of
us who agreed with you when you gave Karl Dorrell and Rick Neuheisel
probably one additional year before you dismissed them. But the Alford
situation is different. If you wait one more year, after the several bad
Howland years and Alfords three seasons, were afraid you might
permanently damage UCLA basketball to the point it wont easily
bounce back. As we detailed earlier, this period of UCLA basketball
harkens back to the 1980s as a sustained low-point of UCLA basketball,
but with the unique crisis of UCLA basketball losing its identity, legacy
and fan-base in ways that differentiate it as perhaps the single greatest
crisis period of UCLA basketball since its inception.
The Pauley Pavilion re-model and construction of the basketball practice
facility will both resonate as lasting contributions to the basketball
program and UCLA as whole, for decades. But the reality is, when it
comes to your legacy as UCLAs athletic director, those
accomplishments could ultimately be overshadowed by how you handle
the Alford situation. The undersigned believe you have one last thing to
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
derrick nueman
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Fire Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:08:25 AM
Hi,
I graduated from UCLA in 1999 and lived through the Lavin years. The Alford years are far
worse as at least alumni, students and others cared and Pauley was packed. Now we have no
hope (other than the occasional sweet 16), are subjected to blatant nepotism and horrible
results that are many standard deviations off the post-Wooden norms. Until change is made, I
won't support UCLA including no ticket purchases for Bay Area sporting events and will not
donate to UCLA in any manner (ironically received a call from the UCLA Fund 1 hour after USC
embarrassed us last week). Please make a change as Steve Alford won't bring us our 12th
banner or every year he's coach, we become more like USC in basketball than Duke,
Kentucky, North Carolina or even Arizona.
Thanks.
Derrick Nueman
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Michael
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
UCLA basektball
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:12:22 AM
You are trustees of a treasure that belongs to students, alumni, staff, and generations of Bruin
fans. Coach Alford had proved himself a poor steward of our program. To retain him in the
face of irrefutable evidence of his failings and the overwhelming fan sentiment is to betray
that trust. Please give us back our program and dismiss Coach Alford.
Michael Tanaka & Jill Ishida - formerly proud contributors to the Campaign of Champions &
currently depressed and angry about the state of UCLA basketball
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Matthew
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Coach Alford redux
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:12:32 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Raber, Steve
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:14:41 AM
Gentlemen,
I have read media reports that Coach Alford will be retained for next year. I believe that doing so is a
colossal mistake; I cant support that kind of decision making. Accordingly, I will not renew my WAF
or Chancellors Circle memberships until he is replaced.
Sincerely,
Steve Raber
UCLA 1982
Varsity Club
Bruin18 Founder
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From:
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Date:
rawley valverde
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Coach Steve Alford- Not a good fit for us! Please make a change.
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:17:37 AM
As an alumna and an avid Bruin sports fan I was tremendously dismayed to read a report last
Friday that the intention was to retain Steve Alford. This was issued on the heels of one of
our worst seasons ever.
I will not list the reasons why I believe he has proven himself to be the wrong guy for the job.
No doubt others have done that for me.
I will not be attending another mens bb game as long as he is the coach.
My buddies feel the same.
Give us a reason to believe in the program again.
Go Bruins!
Rawley Valverde
Class of '83
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
vpolyakov@synergyOMS.com
Guerrero, Dan
Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:22:27 AM
As a long time UCLA fan I am writing to you to express my dissatisfaction with the state of UCLA
Basketball program. Under the so called leadership of Mr. Alford, our team chronically
underperformed and and lost to teams that lack athletic talent yet a coached a lot better than
our UCLA Bruins. During last 57 weeks of the basketball seasons our Bruins went unranked for
80.7% of the time!!! This is unacceptable for the team with our reach Basketball history!!!!
Please make a change now!!!! Please replace Steve Alford with a capable coach, the one that can
return respectability back to our Basketball Program!!!!!
Sincerely,
V. Polyakov, DDS
V. Polyakov, DDS
www.SynergyOMS.com
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Mallord
Guerrero, Dan
!
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:30:15 AM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeremy Guy
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Basketball Coaching Change
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:34:53 AM
demand excellence and be more proactive? We can sit here and try to find the positives in the
Alford era, but a closer look invalidates the majority of them. Yes, we beat #1 Kentucky this
year, but Kentucky revealed themselves to have been highly overrated at that time and
Kentucky also handed us the most embarrassing loss in UCLA history just a year ago. Yes,
we beat Gonzaga, but this is also a Gonzaga team that has revealed themselves to be a
significantly weaker team than in past years (when they beat us handily). Yes, we have been
to the Sweet 16 but the first year was with Howland's star players and last year required
miracles to get even into the tournament, to get a questionable 3 pointer goal tending call in
the first round of the tournament, and to then face the weakest team left in the tournament in
the second round.
I worry that if Alford is kept on next year just because he has his first good recruiting class
coming in that the talent on the team will mask the real underlying lack of high quality
coaching on this team. We should get good to elite recruiting classes every year at UCLA,
particularly when there's so many elite recruits around LA, so this should not be viewed as a
reason to keep a struggling coach around. We need a team that will show a high level of
consistent effort and defensive intensity, which we have lacked, and not just talented recruits.
We have had a worse record every year under Alford. Please make a change. I will not support
the team next year if Alford is still the coach. I love the UCLA basketball team, but I feel like
there's no other way to try to get some positive changes made to the program than by joining
together with so many others who are also demanding change. Not supporting the team may
not mean much to you since I am not a major donor and honestly this will probably hurt me
more than you. I just want this team to be better and I think we all know that that would
require the proactive decision to find a new coach now. If changes are made then I will gladly
attend as many games as I can next year and going forward.
Thank you,
Jeremy Guy
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
DM
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
RE: Alford is driving alumni away
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:38:12 AM
Please end this charade now. I was a season-ticket holder for six years until Alfords second
season. When I returned to California in early 2000s, I intended to steadily up my donation
levels and enjoy UCLA sports for years. I understood when it was time for Howland to go,
but I still supported UCLA basketball strongly through the transition. But honestly I am now
disgusted with this program. UCLA is embarrassing itself with this terrible coach and the
stigma of nepotism, which now everyone can see. A great incoming class wont change
anything. I will cease all donations and support to UCLA until Alford is gone. There are
plenty of other worthy organizations.
Respectfully,
David Madeo
BA, 1992
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeremy Stein
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Time for a change
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:39:07 AM
Jeremy Stein
Broken Road Productions
1608 Pacific Ave., Suite 204
Venice, CA 90291
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
DM
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene; Chancellor Gene D. Block
RE: Please do the right thing and fire Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:39:08 AM
I am emailing you yet again to express my deep frustration with Alford as coach. This goes
far beyond simply wins and losses. For reasons already stated many times, he has made the
UCLA basketball program a national embarrassment. Keeping Alford will damage
everything that you and so many other great Bruins have worked so hard to achieve.
This is the program of John Wooden and Jackie Robinson. But in the minds of many people,
it is becoming the program of Steve Alford - incompetence and nepotism.
Ive never before made donations conditioned on coaching choice. But I make this pledge: I
will not make ANY donations to UCLA for many years if Alford is retained.
I know you are busy at the moment. Hopefully, for the sake of our proud program, you are
crafting a negotiated settlement that allows us to move forward without Coach Alford.
Respectfully,
David Madeo
WAF member (for now)
Former multiple-year Season Ticket Holder
Class of 1992
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
John Lam
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Suspension of UCLA Basketball Support
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:43:36 AM
This email is to inform you that I will be suspending my support for UCLA Basketball until such time
that Coach Steve Alford is no longer the head basketball coach at UCLA. I have watched Coach
Alford manage the team in a manner that has undermined point guard recruiting over the past
three seasons as well as undermined team morale. I will no longer attend games or contribute to
the Wooden Athletic Fund.
Sincerely,
John W. Lam
Class of 2001
Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin represents Cities, Counties, Special Districts Airport, College, School,
Transit, Water and other Public Agencies, Private Corporations and Business Entities
www.agclawfirm.com
Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly
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From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Aditya Gangopadhyay
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
thank you
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:44:24 AM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jaime Goldfarb
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Block, Gene
Re: A Request for the Rationalization for Retaining Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:45:42 AM
To continue on this thread, one other metric that's recently been noted is our placement in the
top 25. The percent we've been there during Coach Alford's tenure is abysmal, and the trend
over the course of three years equally as bad. When set side by side against the average star
ratings of our players, as well as number of players making it to the NBA, it is impossible to
reconcile. Again, I'd appreciate hearing how such metrics are being factored in our decision
to either retain or dismiss Coach Alford.
Regards. Jaime Goldfarb
Jaime Goldfarb, Ph.D.
CEO
Goldfarb Educational Consulting
On Mar 12, 2016, at 9:50 AM, Jaime Goldfarb <jaimegoldfarb1@
> wrote:
Mr. Guerrero,
I would kindly request an explanation for the considerations that have gone in to the
decision to retain our current basketball coach. As background, I have served as
president and CEO for multiple organizations, and see management of those
organizations as a perfect parallel for management of this program. In my positions I
would annually set goals and track performance against goals. The parallel for our
program would seem to me to be factors such as annual progression of performance
(e.g., not only wins and losses, but also growth of consumer satisfactionin this case,
fans of the program, as well as employeesin this case, players on the team.) Of
course financial performance of the unit would be a consideration. Further, I would
not only track annual performance, but long term performance.
As I look at performance across such factors for our program, I can see no way to
conclude positive results against goals; and while one might argue that reaching the
Sweet 16 in each of our first two years as a positive, I would rather view that as a
minimal achievement for a program given historical precedent for our program, and in
fact, much less than achievement of a stretch goal. In evaluating growth of
performance I see nothing but a three year downward trend in performance of the
team as a whole, but an evaluation of performance of individual employees is also
downwardly trending, e.g., see Tony Parker over the course of his time at UCLA, and
Aaron Holiday, whose one year performance has gotten progressively worse.) Finally,
in terms of the most obvious of financial metrics, attendance, there is a precipitous
three year downward trend.
If I had kept on a Division President who oversaw such a performance trend over the
course of three years, I as CEO, who was accountable to my stakeholders, could in no
way justify keeping on that president, and if I were to so decide, my own position
would be put at great peril.
So I respectfully request to hear your justification for retention of Coach Alford, to hear
the metrics that you hold him accountable to, and if you proceed with the decision to
retain him, what metrics he will be held accountable for next year.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jeff Gavenman
Guerrero, Dan
Re: Your chance to be a hero
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:46:02 AM
You failed to even respond to my email about my love of UCLA basketball and why I favored
firing Alford. Based on that, and the apparent decision to retain Alford, it is clear the athletic
department isn't listening to, and doesn't care about, its supporters, alumni and fans. It's
disheartening and upsetting. If you think the fans will be dismissed so easily this time, you're
wrong.
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 11, 2016, at 8:18 AM, Jeffrey Gavenman <gavenman@
> wrote:
My love for UCLA started with UCLA basketball. My parents attended UCLA when Wooden was coaching
and they first exposed me to the beauty, the tradition, the excellence that is UCLA basketball. I grew up
watching and attending games with them and I dreamed of going to UCLA myself one day. When I played
in my driveway, I was Reggie Miller, I was Don McLean, I was Ed O'Bannon. I was heartbroken when we
lost to Tulsa. I could barely breathe as Tyus dashed down the court in 4.8. When it came time to pick a
college, my love for UCLA was too deep to consider going anywhere else. I joined my parents a became a
proud Bruin in 1997.
I loved my time at UCLA, and UCLA basketball was a big part of that experience. We didn't win
championships in basketball while I was at UCLA, we didn't even make an Elite 8. But there was still great
passion in and around the program. I only missed two Pac-10 games my entire time at UCLA and I camped
out, arrived hours early, did whatever it took to get good seats.
I moved to the east coast in 2002, but I followed the program closely. I stayed up late watching games,
joined BRO, and went to games when I was back in LA. I went to the Final Four in '07 and '08, the
Villanova tournament game in '09 and saw the Bruins at MSG twice.
Why did I give all this background? Because I want you to know that I am as passionate and dedicated a
UCLA basketball fan as you will find. I have dedicated a great deal of time, energy and money to the team
that I love.
Until last year. Last year it became too painful to watch. It hurt too much to see my Bruins reduced to a
laughingstock. 41-7. 71-39. Three blowouts against SC this year. Brutal losses. But it wasn't just the
losing. That I can take. It was the utter lack of hope. Steve Alford had hijacked the Bruins. He wasn't
teaching good defense, he wasn't instilling a winning attitude, he wasn't showing any signs that he could take
this program back to the days of Steve Lavin, much less John Wooden. I couldn't bear the sight of another
game of Bryce Alford jacking up ill-advised shot after ill-advised shot, playing over much more talented
players, loafing on defense and still having the audacity to yell at other players after one of his jump-in-theair-and-then-try-to-pass forays into the lane became a turnover. For the first time in my life, I stopped
watching. And I haven't restarted. i know there is no point until Alford is gone. We have seen enough of
him as a coach to know, he just can't do what it takes to make UCLA basketball great again. He can't do
what it takes to make the program one we can be proud of. He can't bring the passion back to the fan base.
Mr. Guerrero, this fan base can be revitalized. UCLA basketball can once again be defined by excellence.
Please, exercise your leadership abilities and bring UCLA through this dark period. You can be the hero of
this story; fire Alford and bring hope back to Westwood.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Jeff Gavenman, class of 2001
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
patoooo@
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:46:43 AM
Sir,
I have been a die-hard Bruin fan for almost 50 years. What I've seen lately of the basketball program just
sickens me.
Seriously, is this acceptable? Has this even been noticed?
Under Coach Steve Alford, UCLA has been unranked inthe AP poll 46 of 57 weeks or 80.7% of the
time.UCLA's highest ranking under Coach Alford was 18. UCLA's longest stretch of being ranked in the
AP poll was for five consecutive weeks - Coach Alford's first five weeks. Since then, UCLA has not once
been ranked in consecutive weeks.
2013-14 season: UCLA wasunrankedin the AP poll 12 of 20 weeks or 60% of the time. UCLA's highest
ranking was 18.This UCLA team had three first round draft picks playing on it.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Preseason: 22
Week 2: 24
Week 3: 22
Week 4: 19
Week 5: 18
Week 6: Not Ranked
Week 7: Not Ranked
Week 8: Not Ranked
Week 9: Not Ranked
Week 10: Not Ranked
Week 11: 25
Week 12: Not Ranked
Week 13: Not Ranked
Week 14: Not Ranked
Week 15: Not Ranked
Week 16: 23
Week 17: Not Ranked
Week 18: Not Ranked
Week 19: Not Ranked
Postseason: 20
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
2015-16 season: UCLA wasunrankedin the AP poll 16 of 18 weeks or 88.88% of the time.UCLA's
highest ranking was 22.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Another word: Nepotism. One son on course to lead UCLA in career minutes played (when he gives
zero effort on defense) and another hired as an assistant.
Seriously?
As long as Steve Alford is coaching UCLA basketball I will never attend another game or give any money
to the UCLA athletic program.
Thank you for your time.
Pat Thompson
if you wish to chat.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Presser
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
New basketball coach needed
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:49:15 AM
I am a two time UCLA graduate having received my undergraduate degree in 1995 and my MBA from
Anderson in 2003. I have also been a college basketball fan for 35 years. During that 35 years I
have attended many games, which coincidentally includes having attended the final four in 1987,
the year Steve Alford and Indiana won the championship. As a result of this amazing experience in
1987, I was predisposed to wanted Coach Alford to succeed here at UCLA.
Unfortunately the product that he puts on the floor is unwatchable and has gotten worse in each of
the three years that he has been our coach. I used to look forward to hoop season and all of the
excitement of watching our team play. I turned the game on the TV last night for the last 5 minutes
and watched our team let yet another game slip through their fingers. I wasnt even upset because
there is no longer anything to get excited about with this team. The one ray of sunshine I took from
the game is that it possibly put us one step closer to letting coach Alford go at the end of this season
and finding a more qualified and talented steward to guide this historic program and its players.
We have an amazing recruiting class coming in next year to go along with some talented players on
the current roster and to allow coach Alford to squander this abundance of talent would be an even
bigger disappointment than the product he put on the floor this year.
MIKE PRESSER
PRINCIpAL
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Spencer Diller
Guerrero, Dan
How do you let this continue?
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:50:52 AM
Add another to the list of alumni/loyal fans who are disappointed with the decision to not fire Coach Steve Alford
immediately.
Spencer Diller
Class of 1992
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
albert sae
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
"You can spell unwatchable without UCLA"
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:51:03 AM
Mr. Guerrero:
I am sure that at this point you are probably not reading these emails. However I am going to take
a little time and send you another one. I will also be sending the same email to the Wooden
Athletic Fund.
I graduated in 1995 the last year we won a national championship. The best day of my college life
was storming the court after beating Oregon at home for the Pac 12 championship. I am sure
that you have received many emails about how UCLA basketball was a significantly influenced
and has shaped many of our lives. In my case, I wouldn't take it that far. I do love UCLA
basketball! It is depressing how far it has fallen since my last days there. Now I am haunted and
taunted by the Jon Gold quote that titles this email; truly embarrassing!
I am currently not a donor since it has taken some time to dig myself out of debt for my school
loans. But in the last few years I have been looking for an opportunity but cannot in good
conscience support this fiasco. I am from New Mexico and went to medical school at UNM.
When I heard that Steve Alford was going to be the coach of UCLA basketball; it was obvious to
me this was not going to end well. During medical school there was an occasion that UCLA
played UNM. UNM at the time was higher ranked. I told all my classmates that UCLA basketball
was just in another league as are all the Blue Blood programs. Obvious that day I was proven
correct.
Today I would certainly not make such a bold prediction. Though UNM basketball has also fallen
significantly because of the same nepotism that plagues our team, they still seem to give an effort
that is completely lacking with the guidance of Steve Alford.
So today it is apparent that the time has come. I know it is not much in the grand scheme of
UCLA sports but I will pledge $2000 dollars to the WAF if Steve Alford is fired before the 2016-17
season.
Thank you for your time
Albert Sae
UCLA class of 1995
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jonathan Lee
Guerrero, Dan
jrebolz@athletics.ucla.edu; Block, Gene
Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:51:23 AM
Dear Dan,
Since graduating in 2005, I haven't been able to attend many UCLA games in person. Instead
I rely on the two times a year when the football and basketball team take their annual trip to
the Bay Area. Despite the record, through good and bad, I came to these games, I was loud,
and I was proud.
I haven't attended a UCLA basketball game in person since Coach Alford was hired. I'm sure
the reasons should be abundantly clear at this point. Ultimately your legacy as AD will be
defined by your choice in care taker for the basketball program, and it's clear that Coach
Alford is not that person.
Therefore I respectfully urge you to do the right thing and move on from Coach Alford.
In the interim, I will withhold all future donations to the program, until you announce Coach
Alford's dismissal.
Kind Regards,
Jonathan Lee Esq.
-Law Offices of Jonathan Lee
90 New Montgomery St., Suite 1250
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA
t: (415) 685-0813
f: (415) 738-0492
recipient, or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient,
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From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
larry baca
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:53:20 AM
Mr. Guerrero,
Like you I am a UCLA Alum. I am also a football season seat holder and a Wooden Club donor.
Distance does not allow me to purchase basketball season seats but I get on campus for a
game at least 3 to 4 times a season.
I am disappointed in the direction of the men's basketball program. I understand that college
basketball has changed and we will never again see the success that Coach Wooden brought
to Westwood. No school, including UCLA, will ever win 7 straight NCAA titles or the countless
successive Pac-8 (10 or 12) titles that Coach Wooden led our teams to. However, our teams
should always display the principles that Coach Wooden believed in. Our teams should
always out work our competitors, we should always be prepared and ready to play. We
should master the fundamentals of basketball such as shooting free throws, limiting unforced
errors and playing hard tough defense. Out players should progress from season to season
getting better the longer they are in the program. The greatest ever have all been Bruins and
that tradition carries on today with men like Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love and Kyle
Anderson representing UCLA in the NBA. These three and many others represent what UCLA
stands for. They worked hard to improve their skills, played hard and set the standard that
other should strive for. Unfortunately, currently I do not see the traits that have made many
others great at UCLA in this years team. Leadership seems to be lacking and that is the
responsibility of the head coach. Our current Head Coach seems to lead based on his
authority as Head Coach. Coach Wooden led by example. He set standards, worked hard and
prepared his player to in his words 'be your best when your best is required'.
Understanding as a public university we must carefully spend each dollar whether it's money
from the State of California or dollars donated by alums and friends of the University, I would
request that you as Athletic Director make the difficult decision to replace the current Head
Coach. It is my opinion while the current coach may produce more wins next season than this
year and perhaps next years team may achieve many of the goals that define success in the
college basketball world, I do not believe he will not have the impact on the players that we
expect from the head coach at UCLA in any sport. Our players must become better people for
having played at UCLA and I don't believe this is currently a priority with this head coach.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
GO Bruins
Larry Baca
UCLA '85
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Steve Otera
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Coach Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:54:12 AM
Gentlemen,
This follows up on the email I sent all of you last week, and the earlier email I had sent to Dan
and Josh, and renews my request that Coach Alford be terminated.
For the 57 weeks Coach Alford has served as head coach, his teams have spent 46 of them
unranked in the AP. In other words, for 80.7% of Coach Alford's tenure, UCLA has remained
outside of the top 25 teams in the country. For that same period, Coach Alford's winning
percentage is 61.9% (for comparison, Coach Lavin won 65% of his games and 72% his first
three years). UCLA finished 10th in the Pac-12 this year, the lowest it's ever finished. This
was our fourth losing season (15-17) since 1948.
These are the objective numbers, and they are irrefutable.
What is more subjective is how one views Coach Alford's performance, the team's
performance, and the future prospects of both. You gentlemen are the stewards of the UCLA
basketball program and act on behalf of all UCLA alums and fans with stakes in the program,
and I would respectfully ask you to ask yourselves the following questions to assess what
Coach Alford has built over the last three years.
What is the culture of his program? Has Coach Alford insisted on teamwork, on selflessness
and accountability, and on the notion that the whole must be, and is, greater than the sum of
its parts?
What is the program's identity? Does the team's play invoke the spirit of Jackie Robinson, the
UCLA icon Dan identified in his email last week, with supreme effort on offense and on
defense, with bloodthirsty competitiveness and toughness?
What does player development and performance tell you? Has the team been well-prepared
and equipped heading into games? Have individual players improved their skill level or
added new facets to their games? Have they gotten stronger and better conditioned? Do they
play for and sacrifice for each other? Does their play on the court evidence love for the game
and their teammates, and pride in representing the program and the school?
If your answers to these questions indicate deficiencies, then please ask yourself whether
Coach Alford has the ability to fix what needs to be fixed. In my estimation, he does not, and
the risk of finding out whether he does is not a reasonable risk to take.
Thank you, again, for all you do for UCLA.
Steve Otera
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Michael Burnam
Guerrero, Dan
Don"t do it! Don"t retain Alford.
Monday, March 14, 2016 10:59:15 AM
It was a mistake to hire him. Everybody knows that, and so do you. Now do the right thing
and save the program that pays your salary and you love. Fire Alfrod. UCLA hoops is not
only irrelevant now, it's a laughing stock. It's on you to fix it!
Mike Burnam, MD
UCLA Class of 1968 and 1972
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John Vanover
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:03:15 AM
Mr. Guerrero,
I am writing this email to encourage you to publicly address the current state of UCLA Basketball. I
have been a fan of UCLA sports since the late 1960's and this is the first time that I felt a coach was
doing such a poor job that I feel he should be immediately fired. I know you will agree that this
season was an absolute embarrassment to all UCLA fans. The next step is yours and you need to act
and terminate Steve Alford NOW. I know there is a huge buyout of his contract if terminated now
and if that is the reason for not firing him, then please have the courage to publicly state that is the
reason. The issue with Coach Alford is not just this season or his bias towards his son but the overall
lack of development, discipline and player progression. Even with an excellent recruiting class
promised for next year, the abysmal coaching will not let our team realize its full potential. As a
longtime UCLA fan and student of the game of basketball it is apparent to everyone that Coach
Alford is not the right man for this job.
Thank You,
John Vanover
Mortgage Specialist
(714) 990-1033 Office
Cell
(714) 364-0404 E-Fax
www.johnvanover.net
NMLS #235016
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Mike Jackson
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Just When I Thought It Couldn"t Get Any Worse
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:04:07 AM
I sent you an email a couple weeks ago, before our third trouncing of the season at the hands of the
hated ones across town. To review, here are this seasons accomplishments:
In my previous email (below), I discussed the state of the basketball program and how convinced I
was that there needs to be a coaching change. Today, I write to you with much more urgency. I see
no way that Coach Steve Alford can turn this ship around. His poor player management, extreme
nepotism and general lack of coaching acumen, will keep me from attending any games until a
change is made as well as making any further donations to the athletic program that has given me
so much. (You can review my donations through the Harriet Pfleger Foundation, if you would like.)
I am a former volleyball player at UCLA (saying I was second string would be generous) and as a
diehard Bruin sports fan and annual contributor to the Wooden Athletic Fund, I wanted to voice my
displeasure with our basketball program. Up until recently, UCLAs basketball program has been
something all of us Bruins could be proud of. Now, our program is in shambles. The players dont
play with any enthusiasm, Pauley Pavilion is empty, even Bill Walton is embarrassed by our play.
UCLA deserves a better product than what coach Alford is capable of putting on the floor. And, until
a coaching change is made, I just cant force myself to attend any basketball games nor will I
contribute financially (not much, around $2500 annually) to the university and athletic program I am
so proud to be a part of.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
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Matthew Martinelli
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Fire Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:04:09 AM
Please reconsider your decision to to retain Steve Alford as UCLA coach. He has not lived up
to the high standards UCLA requires from its coach in all aspects of the job. The team has
gotten worse each year and the team makeup has become toxic. The last coaches to have a
three year span as bad as this were Howland and Farmer. Both were fired and Coach Howland
had 3 final fours under his belt, not just 2 sweet 16 berths.
My Father and I have been going to games at Pauley, away games at Oregon and Washington
and to all the holiday tournaments for years now. We used to watch every game, we were not
at, on tv. Now we do not go to any games and do not watch any of them on TV due to the sad
state of the team. We will not give another dollar via donations or ticket purchases until Steve
Alford is removed and someone else is put in place to lead UCLA back to where it belongs.
Thousands of UCLA fans have pledged to do the same. Do not ignore them and risk losing
them for years to come.
Mr. Guerrero you sighted back to back Sweet 16 appearances as proof that things are moving I
the right direction. You ignore the fact that last years team was very lucky to get into the
tournament and one lucky goaltending call from losing its first game. So those sweet 16
appreances are not a good arguement to base your case on. Plus has UCLA standards fallen so
far that sweet 16 appreances are applauded not expected?
Please do the right thing and move on from this mistake. Please hire a coach the the UCLA
community can rally behind and one you can be proud of as you make your way into
retirement.
Martinelli family
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Derrick Skinner
Guerrero, Dan
Sunday Selection show
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:04:38 AM
Dan,
Selection Sunday was so bad without our Bruins in it.
I really hope you & Gene can see the writing on the wall about where our program is headed. Coach
Alford just cannot lead our boys to a National Championship and most everyone seems to know
this.
Please do the right thing, the Bruin thing, and dismiss Coach Alford now.
Sincerely,
Derrick Skinner
Derrick Skinner
Operations Services Director
egis Living
17602 NE Union Hill Road
Redmond, WA 98052
O: 425.861.9993
D: 425.284.1632
C:
http://www.aegisliving.com
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Tom Braun
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Dan, please do the right thing for UCLA basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:11:21 AM
Dan:
Alford was a mistake. The majority of the remaining fan base sees it. It is a great man that can admit a mistake
and make the changes that need to be made. To do so will result in your earning the respect of UCLA basketball
fans everywhere. Your legacy as Athletic Director is at stake.
I have been a lifelong fan of UCLA basketball but there is nothing left to follow at this point. Nepotism and a weak
and selfish culture is all that remains. Once the culture of a program has been damaged you don't regain control.
It makes no difference that a highly ranked class is coming in next year. The environment is toxic. Perhaps you
can talk to some of the players themselves (if they don't come to you first).
I will not follow UCLA basketball until Alford is let go. I am a 56 year old alumnus and am appalled by the thought
UCLA basketball will be irrelevant for the rest of my life.
The buy out is steep. But is it higher then the lost revenue resulting from declining attendance at Pauley and the
loss of donations to the WAF???
Tom Braun
UCLA '82
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Brian Jacobsen
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:11:47 AM
I am a 1987 graduate of the school and have closely followed UCLA Basketball and Football my entire
life. I remember many days while on campus and having the luxury of being able to see a great
team in either sport. I have watched the team the last three years under the stewardship of Coach
Steve Alford. I can say that I do not see any way to continue supporting UCLA Basketball until a new
coach is hired.
I do realize that Steve Alford has a highly ranked group of players coming to Westwood next year,
but this will not mask the deficiencies in the team. I belive they will still be inconsistent with their
efforts and play little to no defense.
Sincerely
Brian S. Jacobsen
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Dan,
If you care about UCLA basketball, season ticket holders dropping their tickets like hot potatoes,
GETTING A SPOT IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT, and being the brunt of jokes by TV sportcasters,
you will get rid of Alford. He blames the players for "not getting it" and then praises his son in the same
breath. He has built the offensearound his son, and of course, there is no defense to be found. What a
cruel injustice to the basketball program. He is our worst nightmare. I stopped going to the games and
won't return until he is gone. He was never the right coach for UCLA.
Please do the program a big favor and help to restore the UCLA basketball program by firing Alford
ASAP!
Elaine Kroger
Class of 1981
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Christian Mejia
Guerrero, Dan
FIRE ALFORD!!!!
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:20:18 AM
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Sean Corson
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Fire Steve Alford Now!
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:22:30 AM
Three years is enough. Steve Alford has cratered the once proud UCLA men's basketball
program in the interest of featuring his son. He has shown an inability to build a team that
competes in the Pac-12, let alone on the national stage. He produced one of the worst seasons
in UCLA basketball history this year. He has fractured the team to the point that multiple
transfers are expected this offseason. Don't let this continue!
I will not make any donations to UCLA, athletic or academic, until Steve Alford is fired.
Thank you for your time,
Sean Corson
B.A., Economics, Class of 2000
UCLA Anderson School of Management, Class of 2006
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Jeremy West
Block, Gene
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA March Sadness
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:23:07 AM
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Lisa Kochakji
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Men"s Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:27:13 AM
My husband and I met in Dykstra Hall in the fall of 1993. We attended many UCLA
basketball games while we were students at UCLA. We have returned to Pauley
Pavilion many times over the years.
When my husband told me that you intend to retain Coach Steve Alford for another
season, I was shocked. I just dont understand how you can make that decision.
The way he handled the Pierre Pierce situation in Iowa was deplorable. We have a
young daughter and we will not be taking her to any UCLA mens basketball games
until Steve Alford is dismissed. He does not represent UCLA the way we expect it to
be represented.
I dont agree with it, but I understand that athletic directors might look beyond past
transgressions if the coach is a true winner, but Steve Alfords record this year was
15-17. During his first three years, he has the lowest winning percentage of any
UCLA mens basketball coach since the 1940s.
It seems obvious that Steve Alford is not a winner, he is a poor leader, and he doesnt
come anywhere close to representing UCLA in the John Wooden mold.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kochakji
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H. James Hnatyszyn
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Men"s Basketball and Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:27:33 AM
Dear Gentlemen,
As you are the leadership of my beloved University and the athletic program that provides
high visibility to UCLA, I felt it necessary to contact you with regards to Steve Alford, UCLA
Basketball and the effect of the former on UCLA.
I have a Ph.D. from UCLA (95) in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. My education at
UCLA has opened doors for me that I never thought possible. My education and network
have provided me with opportunities to be successful and reach the executive level of the
largest pharma-biotech on earth. I am grateful for my education, experiences and knowledge
acquired in Westwood and use them daily in both my profession and personal lives.
As mentioned, experiences at UCLA help mold who I have become. I met my wife at UCLA,
she is also a Bruin, and we have two beautiful children who I hope will dream of heading to
Westwood when their time comes for college. During my 4 years at UCLA, I went to every
UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl and proposed to my future wife at Homecoming in
1992. We were fortunate to experience the ultimate success of the Bruin basketball program
with a NC in 1995 under Jim Harrick. The 90's were a great time to be a Bruin with Rose
Bowl appearances and competitive basketball as well as numerous non-revenue sports. UCLA
had it all - academics, networks and athletics held up with the hands of a diverse student body
supported by alumni. Despite comments by Mr. Block, academics, athletics and experiences
all matter when you are building your life. UCLA athletics mattered then and they matter
now.
I am a lifetime alumni member. We contribute every year to UCLA fundraising efforts. We
look for every opportunity to give back either through funds or effort to UCLA. We love our
school and the people that make up the Bruin community and fabric. Recent years have made
these support efforts significantly more challenging.
Three years ago, Dan Guerrero hired Steve Alford to replace Ben Howland as the had of the
UCLA Men's Basketball program. At the time, it was surprising hire as the vetting process
was not clear and Steve Alford had no great measure of success to take over a "blue blood:
basketball program. Further, Coach Alford mishandled the sexual assault of a female student
athlete at Iowa because the attacker was his best player. This alone should have flagged
Alford as an unsuitable candidate - especially for UCLA. If any of you have daughters or
wives - I don't understand how you can look at that situation and not be disgusted. Regardless
- you decided to hire Steve Alford. As an alumni - although I was upset at both the hire and
the lack of transparency for the vetting process including other candidates, I was willing to
continue to back the UCLA Athletic Department and continue contributing to the WAF.
Since that time, on the court, Steve Alford went to two Sweet Sixteen's with Ben Howland's
players. He has used UCLA to showcase his son's limited ability - pushing away other
talented recruits who wouldn't play behind the coaches' son and to the detriment of the team.
The quality of basketball and the team members have regressed over the past three years,
culminating in the season of disgrace that just finished where both the coach and players quit
on the 4 letters across their chest. It was awful to see and a first at UCLA. No heart. Just
simply gave up. To some degree - that is on the players but it is definitely on the coach. Steve
Alford is accountable for the program and the product on the floor.
Alford has NEVER embraced the alumni unless it is someone that is offering UCLA several
million dollars. He has never explained himself or his previous actions. Has never taken
accountability for his poor judgement. Has blamed players for poor performances. Has stated
that he'd rather be playing golf 24/7 but basketball gets in the way. In summary - he is not a
Bruin and doesn't even try to portray UCLA Bruin values. He is not a Bruin. He will never be
a Bruin. He doesn't have the class or presence to be worthy of being at the helm of a Bruin
program - especially one built by Coach Wooden. Yet - you all agreed to extend his contract
which was poorly constructed from the beginning. You extended it? Why? Based on what
performance?
Steve Alford needs to be relieved of his duties as Head Coach at UCLA. This promise of a top
recruiting class coming in 2016 to save the day is a fallacy. Depending on young kids to bring
a program back to its elite status without a top caliber coach is unfair to them and not their
role. even if the won a NC - they will eventually leave and we'd be left with Steve Alford the coach who cannot coach defense and cannot teach through adversity. Back right where we
are now which is the lowest point for this program - ever. Steve Alford is now standing in the
way of rebuilding our program.
I am on schedule to give $6000 to the WAF in a week. I know that is nothing to the three of
you. You concern yourself with the Casey Wasserman's of the world - not the alumni like
myself. Regardless - I am seriously reconsidering this decision. I was supposed to renew my
football season tickets and buy basketball season tickets this year for 2016. The latter - why?
The former - I love Coach Mora as he has embraced what it is to be a Bruin and is committed
to moving our program forward with dignity and excellence. It hurts to think that I have to
consider my support over something that has nothing to do with is efforts or the efforts of
Coach Close, Coach Savage, etc. Regretfully, the non-revenue programs will be hurt by your
decisions around Steve Alford. I know this may not bother you at all. Further - why should I
donate to the academic programs at UCLA? If you do not care about all facets that make up
the UCLA experience and what it mean to be a Bruin - then why should academic programs
be shielded from this black eye?
I would ask that you re-consider the employment status of Steve Alford. Thank you for your
time and consideration.
Sincerely,
james
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Matthew Crytzer
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Men"s Basketball - Change Needed
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:40:24 AM
My wife and I graduated from UCLA in 1997. While students at UCLA, we attended
many men's basketball games. We have very fond memories of these times.
After graduating, we still attended a few games each year, and I watched every other
game on TV.
We were both disappointed when Steve Alford was hired as the coach to replace Ben
Howland. We decided to give him a chance, but unfortunately, our fears have been
realized.
UCLA records for the past three years have steadily declined:
28-9
22-14
15-17
This season, we were blown out three times by bitter rival USC (in basketball...).
We have stopped attending games and sadly, I don't even watch them on TV any
longer. We won't be attending games or watching them on TV until a new head
coach is hired.
Please don't look to the 2016 recruiting class as the savior. It is fool's gold. They
won't be able to overcome the eventual transfers, the bad chemistry (Coach Alford
featuring his son), and Coach Alford's lack of coaching acumen.
Please don't fear the national media backlash at replacing a coach after three
seasons. Regardless of when a coaching change is made in UCLA mens
basketball, the media will always say that it is due to UCLA's unreasonably high
expectations. No championships in 20 years and missing the tournament 5 out of
the last 14 seasons... Does that say "High Expectations" to you?
Please don't worry about the curiously high buyout clause for Steve Alford. UCLA
fans will return as soon as the coaching change is made, and the revenue from the
increased attendance will help offset the cost of the buyout.
Sincerely,
Matthew Crytzer
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Bryan Bergman
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
UCLA Mens Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:42:24 AM
Dear Sirs:
It is my understanding that despite UCLA not being ranked in the top 25 for over 80% of
Coach Alfords tenure, a consistent decrease in number of wins at an alarming rate, and clear
lack of leadership and player development (not to mention nepotism), you are considering
keeping Coach Alford as coach of the Bruin Basketball team.
I wrote previously indicating I was a die-hard fan who lived and breathed UCLA
basketball.until you hired Coach Alford that is. At this stage, and despite the clear and
unequivocal evidence that he is NOT the right person to lead our program, should you
continue to retain Steve Alford as the coach, I will not support the program any further. I will
also encourage my family members who donate substantially to the athletic department and
school not to donate another dime for any purpose for as long as Coach Alford remains the
head coach. This means not attending games as well.
Please, I know it is hard to let someone go after three years and admit a mistake was made, but
more damage will be done to the UCLA brand if it is allowed to continue, even with the
fools gold of the upcoming class (and Im positive that team will still underachieve with
Coach Alford given the talent available.thats also assuming all current players stay which
is doubtful). Please be decisive and please take our pleas for a change seriously.
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Shoulee Wang
Guerrero, Dan
For the Sake of Bruin basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:46:02 AM
Mr. Guerrero: For the love of Bruin basketball it is time to fire Steve Alford now. I am sure as a
person that is the CEO of UCLA sports you wouldnt want to see the revenue continue going down.
Get a good coach. The school will get the money back from the cost of terminating him when the
brand is elite again. Do it now please.
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Curt Frieden
Guerrero, Dan
Hi Dan
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:47:31 AM
Dear Dan,
As a recent UCLA alumnus (2008), Im absolutely floored and disgusted at the report that
Steve Alford is going to be retained as UCLAs basketball coach.
Im a die hard.
Well, I was at least...
I'm a former UCLA Yell leader and was lucky enough to be at UCLA all 3 years during Coach
Howlands Final Four runs.
Both of my parents, also UCLA Alumni, were in school during the glory years of Coach
Wooden.
What has transpired since coach Alford was hired has been nothing less than disgusting.
Under Alfords tenure, weve progressively gotten worse and are seemingly continuing that
downward trend. Hes mismanaged personnel, has completely lost the fan base and has made
UCLA basketball unwatchable.
In fact, Ive only watched 3 games since hes been hired.
Coming from someone that was a fanatic, checking online sites and message boards
constantly, traveling with the team during the tournament and being extremely engaged with
the program to complete apathy, I think, is simply a shame and telling of where we are as a
program.
My father, who has watched nearly every UCLA basketball game since he was a kid has
reached the same point.
My friends that would normally come over to watch games couldnt care less.
And I know we're not alone.
Pauley Pavilion looks more like a morgue on game day than a hostile arena. Pointing to the
Kentucky and Arizona games as examples of a full arena would be extremely short sighted.
We're UCLA.
Pauley should always be full.
The students dont fill the stands, they dont care.
They know nothing about UCLA basketball and its great tradition.
And these are the ones that you will be counting on later to fund the program.
As a young alumnus thats hitting my stride in the real world and beginning to donate to the
WAF and athletic department, Im feeling little motivation to continue donating to a program
in such shambles.
Weve truly hit rock bottom and to think that a good recruiting class next year will somehow
right the ship is simply ignorant at best.
The captain of this ship has no idea what hes doing.
He should have never been hired in the first place and to have him continue to would be a
complete disservice to the UCLA alumni that support the school and program.
It would be a complete disservice to the students that attend UCLA and should be supporting
the program.
And its a complete disservice to the student athletes that come to ourgreat university to
compete and be coached at the highest level.
I urge you to get rid of this cancer to our program and bring UCLA back to its rightful place in
college basketball.
You owe it to the student athletes, the students, the fans, the alumni and the donors to do the
right thing.
Sincerely,
-Curt Frieden
UCLA Alumnus 2008
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David Bartman
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball - need a change
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:55:17 AM
Dear Gentlemen,
I have grown up a UCLA Bruins Basketball fan. Since 1975, I have been attending games when I was just 4 years old. I
remember vividly the terrible Hazzard years, the fool's gold of Steve Lavin and now the vast underachievement and lack of
foundation being built under Steve Alford. The current team doesn' t have a foundation and certainlydoesn't play hard. The
lack of fundamentals seen minute to minute in each and every game is truly outstanding. This past year might have been the
worst season I have every witnessed, this team was preseason ranked #22 and ended up with a losing record, the lowest
finish EVER in the Pac-12 and losing three times, in games that were not competitive, to USC. That same USC team that is
lead by players that wanted to come to UCLA but were overlooked by Coach Alford. What more does a coach have to do to
get fired? This cannot be about the buyout that would be way too short sided for $2.6 Million dollars now instead of in
2020. As a decent sized donorand a lifelong Bruin Basketball fan, I urge you to make UCLA basketball relevant again. It
will be a shame to waste next year's recruiting class with a coach who has proven over 20 years of coaching to be mediocre.
David Bartman
-David Bartman
(C)
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Paul Lin
Guerrero, Dan
Please change our basketball coach
Monday, March 14, 2016 11:59:56 AM
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Josh Burnam
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
It"s not too late to turn back
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:00:55 PM
Accept your error. You are thumbing your nose at the entire fan base. Your legacies will be sealed with this failure.
There is a banner flying over the school for gods sake.
Fire the fraud.
Joshua Burnam
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Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Zank
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Please Fix it (Men"s Basketball, obviously)
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:02:48 PM
As I said before, we want to give more, not less. Please give us a reason to consider Ucla
worthy of support, because on the current course there won't be any Wassermans or Ostins to
support the next Athletic Director.
Best Regards,
Michael Zank
PS - If you perceive thatthis crisis to be too problematic for the current athletics organization
to successfully resolve, I promise there are many capable, professional people who are happy
to volunteer to help out. Please call me if there is anything I can do with my time or expertise
to help fix Ucla Basketball, or assist the Athletics organization in general.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Bill Elkins
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
FW: Fire Steve Alford IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:09:08 PM
Gentlemen,
Im not a season ticket holder but for the past 40 years, three friends and I have attended six mens
basketball games at Pauley each year. This year we attended only one game because the product
on the court was so poor and difficult to watch. Im emailing you to urge the immediate
termination of Steve Alford as head basketball coach at UCLA.
His first year, Coach Alford inherited three first round NBA draft picks. That level of talent, not his
coaching acumen, was largely responsible for the 28 wins. Beginning with his second year it was
crystal clear Alford was at best a mediocre coach. His record of 22 wins last year, 15 wins this year
witnessed by a half full Pauley Pavilion clearly demonstrates a lack of support from the UCLA
basketball community. John Wooden taught us what high quality basketball looks like. In good
conscience, I know you cant believe the product Coach Alford is giving us is anything close to high
quality. The team is fundamentally unsound. The players do not play hard. The games are no fun
to watch. The sinking attendance speaks volumes. I also trust that the disgusting nepotism Coach
Alford consistently shows with his son bothers you just as much as it bothers the UCLA fan base.
Bryce possesses marginal basketball skills. In addition to never being held accountable on the court,
he is on pace to play more minutes than any player in UCLA basketball history and to attempt more
shots per game than any Guard in the storied history of UCLA basketball. This is coaching
malpractice! Is there any real question why there is such a chemistry problem with the team. To
any knowledgeable UCLA basketball fan, it appears that Coach Alfords number one priority is to
showcase his son.
I challenge you to not forget to remember the lesson we painfully learned from the Steve Lavin.
That lesson was not even the most superior recruiting can compensate for mediocre coaching. I
know Coach Alford signed a top recruiting class last November. I know he has verbal commitments
from two highly regarding players for 2017. Steve Alford just like Steve Lavin is at best a mediocre
basketball coach. His record of over two decades speaks for itself. He has never coached a team
past the Sweet 16. At most universities the Sweet 16 is a reasonable goal. The Sweet 16 is Steve
Alfords ceiling. If and when he gets UCLA back to the Sweet 16, the elite coaches he will meet there
will coach circles around him. The basketball program at UCLA is special! Im counting mon you!! I
miss coming to Pauley with my friends, sitting behind to bench and basking in the high quality
basketball being played by the team wearing Blue & Gold. Fire Steve Alford
immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Carrie White
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Re: the state of the program
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:16:18 PM
UCLA petitionv2.pdf
Dear sirs, we have 1500 signatures and counting on our petition at this point, and these are
die-hard Bruin fans. Not people who get paid to glad-hand the program. Not people who
hide behind their desks when times get rough. Not people who use the program only to
showcase their sons.
These are people who bleed blue and gold, and it looks like we're getting some of the bigger
donors, as well. As Athletic Department, it is your job to listen to the fansand alumni,
and donorsand do what's best for the university. Not what's best for your personal
reputation.
And I can promise you one thing: We're only getting started. The fans as a group are
outraged by your actions, and those of Steve Alford. We deserve better, the school
deserves better, and the team itself deserves better. Never in the history of UCLA sports
has the fan base called so strongly for the ousting of a coach. Never has there been such an
outright rebellion. Even when Lavin was at his lowest, we were still cheering for the team.
Those days of quiet acquiescence and misery are finished. We're not going away, and
we're not letting this die a silent death. Don't you think it's time you gave us the respect
we've given you, and listen to our voices?
Dear Sirs
I grew up on UCLA lore. In fact, I was born to it. Both of my parents went to UCLA, and
were there for the Wooden years. My mother was a tutor to Walton and his gang. My father
hid from the Black Panthers in Royce when they invaded the campus. They lived and breathed
John Wooden, and taught me everything I needed to know about how to get into UCLA
myself. In fact, the common joke is that I was bred to go there.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching Bruin basketball. I remember seeing Reggie
fly. I cheered for what we called the 5 MsTracy Murray, Mitch Butler, Derrick Martin,
Gerald Madkins, Don Maclean. I was pacing outside of my house, listening to my dad and
sisters scream, when Tyus made his layup against Minnesota. And in the end, when it came
down to choosing a college, I went to UCLA for the academics, yes, but because UCLA
basketball ran through my blood like oxygen.
I got there a year after the national championship and was there during the fall into the Lavin
years. I graduated in 2000 and suffered through those embarrassing years of no basketball
identity. I was ecstatic when Howland came on board, and I supported him and his hardnosed style up until the end. I met him several times, and really liked him personally, as
well as his style and passion for UCLA. When Steve Alford arrived, I was disappointed, but
wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the AD had seen something no one else
knew. Maybe he really was the one to bring the program back up. We have all, however, seen
that this is not the case. I dont know whats going on behind the scenes, and I dont know
what the motivations or political agendas are. I dont know how we got to this point.
What I do know is that Ive never been so embarrassed to be a UCLA basketball fan. Ive
never intentionally ignored my TV when theres a game on. Ive NEVER been able to say I
dont care about any of the players on the team. Not even during the Lavin years was I so
disillusioned with our team and what it was doing to our lofty history. I can say without a
doubt that Ill be withholding any and all support financial and otherwise until this
problem within the program is fixed. I absolutely cannot condone contributing to the downfall
of our program, or the man men who are allowing our tradition to be flushed away like
this. Please, for the love of all that is UCLA, fix the problem. Fire Steve Alford and find us a
coach worthy of those four letters.
Carrie White-Parrish
Class of 2000
______________________________________________
Carrie White-Parrish
Doc doesn't believe that Dresden survived his escape. He thinks we're safe, now that Dresden
has disappeared.
ButIknow differently.Iknow whatIsaw when he escaped, and the stone made sureI
understood what it meant. NowIhave to find him. No matter how much Doc tries to convince
meotherwise, the stones don't lie. Dresden is still out there, somewhere. AndIhave to stop
him, before he does anything else to damage history.
Because the world won't be safe untilIdo.
Follow Jason Evans and his friends on their newest quest to save
the world in A Rebel's Stone by bestselling author PT McHugh,
coming in spring, 2016. This time, they're not all coming home.
to it.Even under Steve Lavin, it was still UCLA basketball and crowds at Pauley Pavilion did not
plummet like we have seen since Steve Alford took over. Even when Ben Howlands program
was on the decline, his players could be counted on to always play with great effort, and he loved
and respected UCLA basketball.
We could spout stats to you, cite statistics showing Pauley Pavilion setting historical records for
lowest annual average attendance, but you know all that. What we can offer you is the prevailing
perspective of the majority of the UCLA basketball fan community, articulated in a way that only
Bruin fans who have a deep and heartfelt connection to the program can understand and feel.
You have stated that no one understands expectations at UCLA like you do, and our hope is that
you will similarly uniquely understand the anguish that UCLA fans are experiencing as our
beloved program has been decaying before our eyes. While, of course, there are some with
unreasonable expectations of where the program should be, we believe the vast majority of
UCLA fans have a clear understanding that the days of John Wooden are over and we all simply
want a competitive program that we can all be proud of. That is one of the main reasons the
undersigned felt that approaching you in this manner, with this voice, was necessaryto help
make clear that we are not demanding national championships and undefeated seasons every
year, and to make clear that most UCLA fans have, over the course of several years, arrived at a
balanced and fair assessment of UCLA basketball.
In unprecedented numbers this is our collective opinion:
1.
2.
The teams Alford has put on the court in his three years have been talented, but they play
with very little effort, and thus the variation and inconsistency in results (e.g., beating
Kentucky, losing to Washington State). One of the great indicators for sustained and
consistent success among the most successful college coaches has been an ability to
motivate their teams to give maximum effort. It shows respect to the coach, the fans and,
for UCLA, the Four Letters on the uniform. Yet until these last three years, we havent
seen this lack of effort from a UCLA program under a specific coach (including Steve
Lavin) in our lifetimes. As fans our obligation is to support the team, regardless of wins
and losses and ups and downs. But the one obligation of the team in return is to play hard.
Alfords teams have broken that pact with UCLA fans, which we believe is a driving
factor in the attendance decline and the UCLA fan communitys inability to embrace
Steve Alford.
The lack of good, sound basketball.UCLA, for the most part of 60 years, has embodied
well-taught, fundamentally-sound basketball. The basketball that is being played by
Alfords program does not come close to this ideal. Its embarrassing to listen on a
nationally televised game when TV commentators, who perpetually soft-pedal their
criticism, blatantly call out the fundamentals of a Steve Alford-coached UCLA team.
Charles Barkley, as a commentator for the recent NBA Dunk Contest, said I only watch
good [college] teams, thats why I dont watch UCLA. The fact that this has even a
slight chance of being said about UCLA basketball cuts at the core of everything we hold
dear about the ideals of UCLA basketball and the legacy that John Wooden built. We
believe that in addition to Steve Alfords inability to motivate his players to consistently
play hard, he has failed to instill sound fundamentals into his players, the combination of
3.
which has led to what has now essentially become a .500 basketball program and why
there is so little hope among the undersigned for significant improvement in the future no
matter how much talent is eventually recruited into the program.
Even if you feel its not true, you have to be aware that the perception among UCLA fans
is that Alford is using UCLA basketball as a platform and showcase for his son, Bryce, at
the expense of the team, the program, the fans, and the legacy of UCLA basketball. This
isnt something a few crazy fringe fans believe, but the overwhelming majority of
rational, fair-minded UCLA fans who have watched the team consistently since Steve and
Bryce Alford arrived. Its important for you to know what this perception is, and that
UCLA fans believe their beloved UCLA program has been hijacked to a degree by a
coach who has put his family interest ahead of those of the UCLA program, and just how
anathema that is to the undersigned who cherish the program as something greater than a
mere basketball team. If you talk candidly with UCLA fans, theyll cite this favoritism as
one of the biggest reason theyve abandoned the program, that it violates standards and
ideals they need to support a program and coach.
There are more issues, but we wont laundry list all of them.
This all has made us collectively feel that what were watching isnt UCLA basketball. The
product on the court is surreal, bringing about a foreign, strange feeling, literally like the UCLA
basketball program has been stolen from us.
This is an amazing turn of events, something we could never envision in our lifetime.UCLA
basketball was sacred and its now being denigrated in a way we thought wed never live to see.
Its heartbreaking for us.
Just so you know, its changed the state of the UCLA basketball fan in a way weve never
witnessed. It used to be that UCLA basketball fans, regardless of the wins and losses in any
given year, still cared about UCLA basketball. The record-low attendance obviously reflects this,
but beyond the empty seats at Pauley Pavilion, interest in UCLA basketball among even the
formerly most-ardent UCLA fans is at an all-time low. For the first time ever, UCLA basketball
fans are sitting out their UCLA basketball fandom, with so many expressing that they no longer
plan their social schedules around UCLA basketball games, that they no longer even bother to
watch games on TV, and that they simply cannot bring themselves to follow the program again
until Steve Alford is no longer the head coach and the program and its integrity can begin the
process of being rebuilt. Certainly the last few poor years under Howland contributed, but these
three deeply disappointing and disorienting years under Alford has made it too overwhelming for
fans to continue to endure. It is simply too painful to watch. Weve lost UCLA basketball and
dont see the light of it coming back soon.
Many of us are older fans, and we feel there is an increasingly less likelihood of seeing another
successful era of UCLA basketball in our lifetimes. And again, its not just about success on the
court and wins and losses; its about restoring the integrity of UCLA basketball, so its players
have reverence for the Four Letters and firing out with maximum effort every time they take the
court in respect of John Wooden. Its about restoring the basic dignity of UCLA basketball so
were no longer a punch line for TV commentators. Its about restoring the bond between the
UCLA basketball program and the UCLA basketball program fan-base.
Many people on this list will not attend another UCLA basketball game until Steve Alford is
dismissed. Many of people on this list will not donate another dollar to the athletic department
until Steve Alford is dismissed. Obviously the fan turnout at Pauley Pavilion is reflective of this
opinion. And while we understand that the football programs recent success has driven many
donor dollars to the Wooden Fund, we are sure you understand that there is an enormous amount
of potential donor dollars that could be tapped if the basketball program is liberated.
We assume that you believe firing Alford after three seasons is harsh. In your time at UCLA,
youve never done that before. There are enough of us who agreed with you when you gave Karl
Dorrell and Rick Neuheisel probably one additional year before you dismissed them. But the
Alford situation is different.If you wait one more year, after the several bad Howland years and
Alfords three seasons, were afraid you might permanently damage UCLA basketball to the
point it wont easily bounce back. As we detailed earlier, this period of UCLA basketball harkens
back to the 1980s as a sustained low-point of UCLA basketball, but with the unique crisis of
UCLA basketball losing its identity, legacy and fan-base in ways that differentiate it as perhaps
the single greatest crisis period of UCLA basketball since its inception.
The Pauley Pavilion re-model and construction of the basketball practice facility will both
resonate as lasting contributions to the basketball program and UCLA as whole, for decades. But
the reality is, when it comes to your legacy as UCLAs athletic director, those accomplishments
could ultimately be overshadowed by how you handle the Alford situation. The undersigned
believe you have one last thing to do to ensure your legacy at UCLA, and thats restore UCLA
basketball to its rightful place as one of the most respected and honorable college basketball
programs in the country. Taking action at the end of this season rather than waiting one more
year could be what it would take for the UCLA fan community to forgive the unsuccessful hiring
of Alford, since you swiftly took the action necessary to correct it.Send a decisive message to
the UCLA community that youre willing to do what it takes to get this done. We want so much
to support you; give us the final reason to do it.
As a gesture of our sincere desire to send our message to the athletic department in a constructive
manner as partners, we opted not to start an offensive website, or storm the Morgan Center with
protests. We chose to voice our opinion to you this civil way, so youd appreciate that we are not
the lunatic fringe, but the deeply frustrated core of reasonable UCLA basketball fans. We hope it
inspires you to provide us the courtesy of your attention and motivates you to take action.
With sincere respect and regards,
The UCLA Basketball Fan Community
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Wilkie
2. Jim Hatton
3. Greg Moore
This is certainly a low point of UCLA basketball. Please listen and take action.
4. Mark K
This program is an embarrassment to all UCLA fans. Ive been a fan since Alcindor days and this
program is disappointing to watch, empty seats in Pauley is unacceptable. Bruin bb is irrelevant
now thanks to the coaching effort of Steve Alford.
5. Sung C
Stop the bleeding now. Changes needed.
6. John F
Mr. Guerrero Please replace Coach Alford now!
7. Earle Vaughan
Never should a UCLA Team be this poor I will no longer buy tickets
8. Scott
Class of 2001/Anderson 2006 and lifelong UCLA fan
9. James G
Its over, time for leadership change. The program has failed under Alford.
10. Michael K
UCLA Basketball should be ashamed and embarrassed for their performance this season.
11. Justin
12. David
13. Steve Olson
Very disappointed in our basketball program. For the first time ever last night, I forgot we were
playing. Looked up at a TV in a restaurant and saw my bruins and barely cared. Thats how
apathetic I have become.
14. Darryl Wooten
I agree that a change is desperately needed. I can no longer support Alford being coach.
15. Oleg S.
16. Adam S
The Alford era has been a true disappointment. The spirit of UCLA basketball has been damaged
significantly and I am not sure how long it will take to restore the UCLA brand. I do know,
however, that every game Steve Alford coaches from here on out will only dig the hole deeper
and deeper. My parents have held season tickets for basketball for FOUR decades. It only took
three years of the Alford era for my parents to decide NOT to renew their tickets. Forty years of
love for UCLA basketball, sucked dry in just three, unwatchable years.
Mr. Guerrero, you have accomplished many great things during your tenure here at UCLA.
Most notably is the revival and rebirth of UCLA football, helped by the commitment to improve
the fan and player experience. In addition, the renovation of Pauley was a huge achievement and
set the stage for UCLA basketball to return to prominence. Unfortunately, all of this effort may
be wasted. As unfair as it may seem, your legacy is tied most to UCLA basketball, as the history
of this program is second to none. Now might be your last chance to bring in a basketball coach
who can match the high level of success you have created for the other UCLA sports. That
person is not Steve Alford. You have the power to do what is right for the fans, right for the
players, right for the John Wooden legacy, right for UCLA basketball. But it starts right now.
17. John Powell
John Powell
Class of 2011
Like
18. Hugh Bardston
Aside from the poor coaching, and the terrible position to place the team in with the whole
father/son thing, I dont think Ive seen a coach less engaged with the fan base and the UCLA
community.
20. Jeremy R. Regal
There is a simple benchmark for this program: Cal. If we are losing a five-star recruit not from
the Bay Area to them and finishing behind the benchmark of mediocrity in the standings, the
coaching performance must be unsatisfactory.
21. Chris McWatt
22. Eric Olson
I miss the days of having a team to root for that improves as the season progresses and embodies
the characteristics of this great university. Instead, the team lacks direction, focus and it has
gotten worse each year under Coach Alford. After having received both my Bachelors and
Masters at UCLA, I long for the day when the once beloved program has a coach that is worthy
of consistently keeping UCLA in the top 10 and doing so with purpose and a work ethic that
would make Coach Wooden proud. We clearly do not have that in the current coach who has
barely made himself available to students and the media.
23. Ed K
The program should not be regressing in the 3rd year of Coach Alfords tenure. Coach Alfords
use of Bruins Basketball to showcase his son to the detriment of the rest of the team has created a
lack of chemistry that is apparent to anyone following the program. Most coaches are harder on
their son/daughter Coach Alford has gone the other way and allowed Bryce to dominate play,
chuck shots, chastise teammates, and worst of all, play no defense. This team is unwatchable and
for the first time in nearly 30 years, I have stopped watching UCLA basketball games. Goimg
forward, no matter who is on the team, I will only be a casual fan until a new coach reinvigorates
the program.
24. Doug Johnston
Agree it is past time.
25. Doug Johnston
26. Mark Gerard, M.D.
I have been a UCLA fan since 1969 (age 9), attended virtually every home game while in school
78-82, then most games during my training at UCLA 86-90, followed by the last 26 years as
season ticket holder and WAF donor. I have never before felt so uninterested in our basketball
program due to the pathetic lack of discipline, defensive effort, and commitment to team play. It
is often unwatchable. The program deserves a coach who will command respect and who will
insist on accountability. Steve Alford is not that person.
I implore you to relieve him of his duties now before this epic low point in our history
becomes even worse. Please do not wait any longer. The diagnosis is clearly evident. Intervene
now to save the patient: our dying basketball program!
27. Brian G
Amen brother
28. Sean Adams
29. Rich Alvari
UCLA is world class institution of higher learning. UCLA has always been revered for having a
world class Collegiate Athletic Program. UCLA should never be average at anything.
UCLA now has an average basketball program.
Please help restore this storied program to its rightful place as one of the preeminent
basketball programs in the country by replacing Mr. Alford at the end of this season.
30. Greg Taylor
31. A.D. Cox
UCLA fans have had 3 years to witness the Steve Alford era. The result has been a program that
now has a reputation of being soft, underachieving, and nepotistic, and is now an embarrassment
to both its current and former players, and faithful fans and supporters. The rift between Coach
Alford & son vs. the other players on this team, is now public and undeniable. Anyone paying
attention could see it clearly in both the LA Times and OC Register this past weekend.
UCLA is better than this, sir.
Hoping you, Mr. Guerrero, can engineer a mutual parting of ways that lets Coach Alford go to
find a school which better suits his abilities, and for UCLA players and faithful supporters, ends
the national embarrassment of being perceived as a soft, underachieving, nepotistic program.
Then it can focus on reclaiming itself as an elite Final Four program with a new leader, just as it
anyone to watch a basketball viewing party when we average around 100 for football games.
44. Jackie Luk
I will not renew my season ticket if Steve Alford is not fired after the end of this season. I just
stand his coaching anymore.
45. Bryan Hardwick
46. Jay Barrera
The program is declining, rather than improving. Even with a large buyout, it is better to right the
ship now, than to wait until things get worse. With renewed support, we can minimize our losses.
Time for Change!
47. Gavin Ross
Perfectly stated. Couldnt agree more with the contents of this letter.
48. Karl F
Lifelong UCLA fan and alumni. Never been so disheartened. Not during Hazard years. Not even
during the Lavin fiasco. Shook my head during the end of the Howland era. Darrell, Neuheisel. I
hung in there. This is so completely on a different level. From the obvious nepotism to the
obvious fact that Steve Alford cares for nothing about the tradition of UCLA basketball. This is
also hurting UCLA Athletics in general. I was a 25K a year Wooden donor until recently. Small
potatoes, but multiply by 100 and here is some effect. Act now before the indifference becomes
an affliction that may take decades to overcome.
49. Chris Collins
The lack of fans showing up tells you everything you need to know.
50. B. Suruki
The students deserve a total great school experience.
51. Mark Tsuie
52. Steve W
Alford is not the right coach for UCLA. Giving him another year or two to further prove it would
do too much harm to an already damaged program. And a good coach could turn it all around in
one year. The time is now.
53. Nick Henriks
Class of 2010
54. Steve Zabielskis
Definitely time for a change.
55. J. Chang
Class of 2008
56. Chuck Bricker
Never mind about the wins and losses, this product is so bad, its unwatchable. Dan, its time for
you to FIRE OUT and do the right thing. The coach is bringing down the program in order to
showcase his son. Another year of this and you wont have anybody in the seats.
57. Jeremy Harrell
How long will be allowed to continue?
58. Matthew Sher
We as fans deserve better basketball. Change is needed.
59. Ryan Gallagher
Please make the hard, but correct decision: let Steve Alford go.
Class of 1996
60. Jesus Gutierrez Jr.
Overdue!
61. Paul Klein
I agree
62. B. Massa
Watching UCLA basketball during my childhood definitely influenced my decision to attend
UCLA versus the other school. Under Coach Alfords leadership, I have never been more
disinterested in UCLA basketball. And its evident the players are disinterested as well. I hate to
say this but Im numb to the losses now. Coach Alford needs to be dismissedimmediately.
63. Brian Hamilton
64. Rajan Toprani
65. Walter
Its time.
66. John Gonzales
Time to go.
67. Steve H
68. John
Time to go, Alford.
96. bwadsworth
UCLA should demand not only wins from its coaches but character. Coach Alford does not come
close to the standard set by John Wooden in that regard.
97. Jesse Cope
Probably not a stretch to say that most of the fanbase is beyond upset. Theres still hope but
Alford needs to go.
98. DNam
.500 bball is not acceptable at UCLA
99. Nolan Hoffman
Terrible and heartbreaking to watch.
100. Kirk Crawford
Agree 100%.
101. Harry
Alford has to go.
102. Clayton
100% agree.
103. Sun Choi
I could not agree more with the lack of sound basketball fundamentals in Alfords teams.
104. Matt R.
105. Ronald Cox
Id like to see some defense, but we wont as long as CSA and Bryce are here. Bite the bullet
Dan and do the right thing.
106. Ken Teysko
As a graduate and older lifelong follower, I cannot watch this years team in person or on
television. I believe a new coaching staff will have a greater positive impact than the football
program made when Mora was hired.
107. Gil Miranda
Ive been a fan for over 50 years I feel like I lost a child. Waiting for the prodigal son to return.
For a coach to consistently say we were flat is heartbreaking. How can you not get up for
U.C.L.A. Please come back, my son.
108. Joseph A. Sclafani
Suboptimal player development and inconsistent results. The players and fans deserve better.
109. James
Dont give him another year! Cmon Dan, this is UCLA.
110. Cornelius Fong
It has been a very difficult 3 years. Time to turn the program around and give us new hope.
111. Syd Elliotto
I agree with Evan. Both my parents were graduates over 75 years ago and I grew up attending
both basketball and football since I was a toddler (Im well into my Medicare years.) My kids
and grandkids are die-heart fans even though they never attended UCLA. However, it is a sad
day in our household these days to walk around wearing blue and gold.
112. Joe Saldana
Im not attending any Ucla basketball games until we have a new coach. Showcasing your son at
the expense of winning games is shameful! Hes an average player at best.
113. Curtis
Do something dramatic to restore the UCLA tradition. The students cannot put together the
UCLA chant due to lack of enthusiasm for the program.
114. Raza Khan
I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I can no longer do so in good faith.
115. Jason Krasnow
116. Bruin Rocs
Come on Dan, do the right thing. From a lifetime Bruin.
117. Evan Berman
My father is one of the original Pauley season ticket holders who was recognized earlier this
season. I have been going to games since I was 4 years old. This is an all time low, almost
unwatchable.
118. Ryan Andreaz
Well said Aaron and eloquently I might add.Theres no pathology whatsoeverJust real Bruin
pride of wanting what is right and getting back to the tradition that is UCLA Basketball.
119. Larry Weng (class of 94)
120. Brian
Want to be engaged again.
121. Eric Chyo
Restore Bruin Basketball pride. Ive never been so discouraged and disinterested in UCLA
Basketball in all my life.
until last years Kentucky game. I have not watched a full game since that horrible loss. For me it
is not as simple as wins and losses. It is about pride and respect. Pride in being a student athlete
for one of the finest Universities in the world and respect for the history that is UCLA basketball.
Steve Alfords team plays with little effort and plays little to no defense. To me, Steve Alford and
his teams demonstrate no pride and show no respect for the history of Bruin basketball.
150. John Lam
Agreed.
151. Jason Rubel
I like Bryce. I like his hustle and his passion. I like Coach Alford. However, I do not see players
improving nor do I see a desire to win instilled in them. These are coaching problems. Alfords
contract is such that there is a huge financial incentive for both sides to do nothing, and the status
quo is bad for the program in both the long and short terms.
152. Sam Fox
Signed. Go Bruins.
153. Rob Mattel
154. Donald Smith
I used to support CSA and defend his son, but his blatant refusal to sit his son while Bryce makes
a mockery of defensive effort is inexcusable.
155. Zaid Qureshi
156. J. Kelley
Well said.
157. Ryan
We have fallen way too far. I know Alford has a good recruiting class coming in next year, but I
have zero confidence he can turn these kids into champions. I just dont see the development. I
dont see the heart. I dont see the camaraderie and team chemistry, and I certainly dont see any
evidence of a decent offensive scheme. Our guys dribble around for 20 seconds into the shot
clock, looking confused, and then wait for Bryce, Issac, or Aaron to drive one one one into the
lane and jack up a wild shot. We dont move the ball, stand around a lot, and our players show
very little understanding of how to get open shots. Its excruciating to watch. Its just totally
discouraging to see this current team. I never watch a game expecting to see good basketball or a
win, and thats a shame. Its time for a change.
158. Keith
159. Jovan
My father played football for UCLA in the late 70s early 80s and I have been a fan all my life.
For years I have not missed a football or basketball game on tv or in person until this year. It
honestly hit me a couple of weeks ago when I said oh yeah there is a game on tonight but didnt
and a foundation for growth and success very clearly was being built.
2. Dijon turning into a team guy.
3. That run from 06-09 when we were routinely punking Lute.
4. Those battles against Monty, Hernandez, Haryasz, the Lopi.
5. Those battles against our hopefully future head coach, Kyle Weaver and Derek Low.
6. K Love beats Oregon, the Lukes, Leunen, Ernie, Aaron, etc.
7. Screaming at Ryan Crappleby
9. Screaming at Shantay Legans.
10. Lo Mata. What a stud. Ill never forget his senior night and hearing that he was the first of his
family to graduate from college.
11. Aboya and Luc.
12. Afflalo.
13. Ced finally getting his, and turning into the key guy on that first FF team.
14. Ryan fing Hollins?! turning into the best version of himself as a player right when we
needed him to.
15. Watching our post doubles, hedges, on-ball pressure and shot contests systematically
extinguish the other teams will to compete. It was so much fun bullying teams into submission
with our defense and it was so much more stark in person as opposed to on TV.
Between the increasing infeasibility of making many games due to a the rising tide of family
commitments and the steep price hike after the Pauley reno, we reluctantly gave up our tix. Still
caught every game on TV, though, and made the games appointment viewing. All the hooha that
afflicted Bens last few years (Drago, recruiting, etc.) were tough, but hope spiked with the news
of Bens impending termination and what looked like good prospects to land a stud HC.
The quick process that led to Coach Alfords hire and finding out about the buyout was a quick
and hard 1-2 to the crotch, both because of Coach Alfords background/qualifications in and of
themselves, and because of the way expectations had been guided. That said, Coach Alfords first
year was OK. I liked the offense. Hated the defense. With. A. Passion. For me, it was a tough
team to really embrace, because they didnt play hard or with much toughness, didnt play
defense, and there wasnt any discernible accountability. But, the results were OK. I did find
myself forgetting to Tivo games here and there, and kind of surprisingly, not caring too much
about that. In retrospect, Ive got to think this was a manifestation of, from a cost-benefit
perspective, the costs associated with following the team (angst/anger over Daddy ball, no D,
lukewarm effort, Zach being misused, the bad losses, nutty recruiting) being very close and at
times more significant than the benefits associated with following the team.
Last year, yeah, the cost-benefit was way more skewed. Didnt follow the team really at all.
Didnt DVR the games. Watched maybe 120 minutes total game minutes, 30 of which were
Kentucky when I had to watch because I was at a family event where I couldnt change the
channel. What little I saw indicated that the Daddy ball, lack of effort, little to no D or toughness,
and no accountability had ramped up. Beyond that, what I knew about what was going on, I got
from the web and frankly, those sporadic forays provided even more supporting evidence (nuttier
recruiting) of why it was best to just stay away.
This year, other than taking my son to Kentucky, Ive not watched or DVRd a single game.
End of the day, Coach Alford is a steward of the University and, more specifically, the mens
basketball program. The product on the court is a reflection of the culture in his program. Three
years in, what that product indicates is that toughness, pride, accountability, competitiveness and
effort are not priorities. You cant, as present circumstances show, build a program under these
183. uclafan2727
He shouldnt have been hired in the first place.
184. Josh Hamilton
I was born into a UCLA family (both parents are alums from the 70s), I graduated from UCLA
in 2001. My parents had season tickets my entire life, Ive probably attended 200+ games at
Pauley in my lifetime. I have never been this embarrassed by our program. I hate to admit, but I
no longer watch games, and no longer care if we win. Its sad. Just extremely sad.
185. Mat Panagiotis
186. Jeff Chung
187. Brian Duncan
I really cannot think of anything I am more passionate about than U.C.L.A. basketball. I grew up
in the Wooden era and later graduated from U.C.L.A. I have tried to give Coach Alford the
benefit of the doubt. But this has become too painful. We need to make a change at the end of
this season.
188. Aditya G.
Please remove him; I have never been so apathetic to my beloved Bruin team as I have been in
the past few years. Class of 2000
189. Steven Suiter
Sons playing for dad doesnt usually work because dad cant possibly be objective. It has worked
in the past but ONLY if son is clearly the best player and the hardest worker on the team ala
Doug McDermott at Creighton
190. Allison Braun
191. Sean Henry
192. Steve
I have watched UCLA basketball since Alcindor played Elvin Hayes when I was 10 years old.
UCLA basketball was how I first really grew to care about UCLA and is one of the primary
reasons I elected to attend UCLA for college. I cant stand the brand of basketball the current
team plays so I dont even bother to follow the team or watch their games. Please replace Alford.
193. Alan L. Shabo, M.D.
I knew Coach Wooden. He would have been sad and disappointed with how our program has
been allowed to deteriorate. Excellence requires that a coach motivates and teaches sound
fundamentals to his players.
Mr. Alford is sadly lacking in both of these essential skills. It is time to face this reality and to
make a change to avoid further embarrassment of our players and our University.
I cried when that team lost to DePaul in the West Regional Final. I loved David Greenwood, Roy
Hamilton, and Brad Holland.
A good friend of mine played for the Bruins in the late 1980s. Ive spent a lot of time in
Pauley.
I didnt attend UCLA because I was able to walk on to the basketball team at UCSD, where I
was also admitted as an Earl Warren Scholar. But Im a Bruin at heart, and I always will be.
From where I type I can see my copy of They Call Me Coach. So much about John Wooden
informs they way I live, including how I coach my daughters 7th/8th grade basketball team.
My team, now riding a nine-game winning streak over two seasons and about to run the table in
defense of a title we won with all 7th graders a year ago, plays harder and smarter than any of
Coach Alfords UCLA teams.
208. Tom Braun
Please hire a coach that demands fundamentally sound basketball and 100% effort. I have
watched only parts of a couple of games this year as the style of play does not stress teamwork,
but rather selfish individualistic accomplishment. My interest in UCLA basketball at this point
revolves around how quickly CSA will be gone and I do not intend to see a game at Pauley
Pavilion until CSA is gone
209. Rolando Abagat
Change is needed. Bring back a program that we can all be proud of once again.
210. gingerbruinblog
My freshman year (2007-2008, Love & Westbrook) was the last time our team was up to the
UCLA standard. Please bring it back.
211. Scott Wening
Its time to end this calamity. For a variety of reasons, this experiment has failed.
212. Tristan Acob
Class of 2011
213. Ron Yee
I, like Patricia Robitaille, am an alumnus. I became a season ticket holder when UCLA recruited
Ed OBannon. Ive supported the team through thick and thin. I have stopped going to games this
year. Ive come to expect losses because I know the other team will work harder and well make
the same stupid turnovers every game. Where I differ is that I still care. I want UCLA to find a
coach who will insist that every player plays hard, fundamentally sound basketball throughout
the game or he sits on the bench.
214. Dylan Dewey
Please restore integrity and the pursuit of excellence to match Woodens definition of success as
this clearly is not UCLAs best!
271. G. Maze
272. Brett Bartman
You know it is time when my five year old son asks why they dont play defense!!
273. James A. Woronow
UCLA basketball was the Crown Jewel of UCLA sports, it is now badly tarnished.
274. James Cain - 1990
I have only watched a hand full of games this season if you knew me youd know the
significance of that statement. I have enjoyed UCLA basketball for the athleticism, the effort, the
legacy and the fun. The only thing still remaining on that list is the legacy.
275. Diana Mendoza
276. therahestate
Richard Hofman class of 80.
277. James DIMartino
278. Jonathan Chase
Jonathan Chase, Class of 2007
Have gone from a donor to the Athletic Program, to having not watched a single basketball game
this season. I will not contribute again until the issues in the basketball program are resolved.
279. Aron Cramer
I have been watching UCLA basketball for 46 of my 53 years, and the current regime has
thoroughly undermined this great program. It is time for a change.
280. Brian Murphy
Civil disobedience is the Bruin Way.
281. Richard Rees
Richard Rees
UCLA Soccer
Class of 78
I agree with many other comments above. I cant understand the lack of Heart and the lack of
Defense. I cant watch it. It hurts too much And it feels like it disrespects all the teams that
understood what it meant to play for this amazing University.
282. lee
I see players constantly out of position, we have a great class coming next year and they deserve
better teaching.
283. Zoe Hoover
My grandpa and dad have been big UCLA fans for a long time. And now my three sibs and me
are as well. Im sad to see my Dad so depressed with UCLA basketball. Its been so important to
him but now hes numb to it all. His UCLA shirts dont seem to be worn as often and his
excitement has fallen hard. Fire Steve Alfordbring back UCLA dominance with a great
coach!
284. Veronica Duguayo
Dear Dan Guerrero,
I am a UCLA alumna (Class of 2014) and my boyfriend is a graduate of the Class of 2005. We
are deeply saddened by the current state of UCLA Basketball and by the leadership of our head
coach Steve Alford. We implore you to remove Coach Alford before he does further damage to
our program. Missing the NCAA tournament in his third year is something that is completely
unacceptable at UCLA, the premier basketball institution in the country. We used to go on road
trips to tournaments, attend Bruin Bashes and hold season tickets at Pauley but we have lost all
confidence in a UCLA Basketball team that plays with no effort, tunes each other and the
coaches out, and do not seemingly appreciate what the four letters on their chest represent.
I am also bothered by the blatant showcasing of Alfords son who is on track to be the all-time
minutes leader at UCLA. Playing and coaching basketball at UCLA is a privilege and not a right.
Please listen to the UCLA community and remove Coach Alford so that we can start building
UCLA back into the program that it once was.
285. Chris Dornbush
Class of 1992. Actually will not watch or attend because of the demise. I would love to make the
30 minute trip to Pauley to see a game, but I cant because the program is adrift.
286. Anthony J.
287. Jonathan Weiss
Jonathan Weiss
93
288. WoddinvilleBruin
Time for a change.
289. Joe Stoma
Restore the glory.
290. Josh Smaler
291. Michael Geller
292. Bonnie Akashian
Sadly UCLA basketball has become an embarrassment.
293. Carlos Perez 76
325. Ed Flickinger
While I do not personally agree with everything written in this letter, I do agree with the
numbered bullet points. For those reasons, please fire Steve Alford and restore UCLA basketball.
326. Levon Akashian
I recognize the uniforms, but not the team. This is not UCLA basketball. We need a new coach,
and we need to make the change now.
327. David Fortner
Nothing to add he needs to go and not 1-2 years from now
328. Ron Duarte
329. Matt Morris
Apathetic I never thought thats how Id describe my feeling towards UCLA basketball.
330. Mohan Nott
Stop the madness. We need a new coach now.
331. Mike Romero
Please take action now.
332. Jarod Ikeda
333. PJ Irvin
334. Vicki Hecht
Seriously disappointed.
335. Ron Sakurai
Alford basketball is an embarassment plain and simple.
336. Jim Miller
337. Brian Zirbel
338. Mike
It is time to return this basketball program to its rightful place at the top. I am very tired, and
quite saddened, by watching other basketball programs displace UCLA. Until there is a
significant improvement in overall leadership, coaching, and player recruitment, there will not be
any more NCAA Championship banners for Mens Basketball at UCLA. Pauley Pavilion is well
on its way to being Pauley Mausoleum.
339. David W
We need change.
352. jggallow01
There are leaders in the classrooms at UCLA one of the greatest learning institutes on the
planet. Why isnt there a leader on the basketball court? Someones failing mightily here.
353. Paul Han
Class of 2005
354. Abraham Schlossberg
Knowing that UCLA is no longer in the national conversation of basketball programs that matter
is painful. Please bring back that feeling of pre game anticipation.
A. Schlossberg. BA 77 MD 81
355. Stephen Nelson
I agree. Graduated in 1968 with a BS from Graduate School of Business. Former season
ticketholder (live in Arizona now). The difference between the teams under Coash Wooden and
the current teams are night and ay as far as effort and leadership.
356. Craig
Careless, boring, unwatchable team
357. Arnie Carrillo
Class of 1997
Lets bring back the Basketball team to its rightful place in the NCAA pantheon.
It begins with letting Steve Alford go.
358. Mike Larson
359. Greg Powell
Please take action. This is an embarrassment to UCLAs proud basketball heritage. Renewed fan
interest will help mitigate the financial impact of replacing Alford. It will be worth every penny!
360. Dave Carder
Dan, please make the program something we can be proud of again!
361. Sam F
362. Tony Tseng
94 alum and a fan that USED to never miss a game
Please do what needs to be done asap.
363. James
364. Scott Bishoff
376. Ed Strong
Agreed. Please view this as an opportunity to make a significant upgrade, not just remove a bad
coach.
377. Dudley
Please save the program.
378. Jim Holben
379. Lawrence Hershkowitz
Alford has disgraced a once great basketball program. Time to let him go.
380. George Ishkanian
381. Brian
Complete failure of a program. Not even watchable.
382. Allen Wang
Please restore UCLA basketball and rebuild my interest in the program.
383. Dan Nguyen
384. Jason Greenberg
385. Walter Berry
Go BRUINS
386. Tim Turner
As an alum of 1964 this is first time in 52 years i no longer see games live or on tape. i cant
understand how many players on team show zero improvement. The double standard on young
Alfords defense and ball hogging is killing the morale of the team.
387. Ronnie Delgado
I agree wholeheartedly!!
388. Tim
The basketball program is in a state of emergency. The effort is not there; the urgency is missing;
the coaching is not apparent; and as a result, my interest, and the interest of many Bruin fans I
speak to, is waning if not gone. I dont even know when games are anymore and I used to plan
activities around them. That is a sad state of affairs.
389. Barry Beck
Alford needs to go now.
390. Vincent Graves
Alcindor, Walton, Marques Johnson, Wicks, Rowe, Valley, Patterson, Wilkes, Bibby, Goodrich,
Hazzard, Lucius Allen, Lynn Shackelford, Keith Erickson, Ed OBannon, the high standards
attained by these players seems like an afterthought
391. Steve
Im so disinterested in UCLA basketball that I debated even signing this. I just dont care
anymore, at all.
392. Jason Baim
Im nearly 47, and a second generation UCLA alum, and die-hard Bruin fan (like my Dad) since
I was born. My Dad went to UCLA at the same time as Alcindor. We would watch every game
religiously, live and die with the Bruins fortunes. I became such an intense fan of Bruin bball
growing up that some friends would not want to watch games with me. Those same friends
would now be astonished to learn that I have virtually no interest anymore I dont watch the
games, dont record them, and often dont even know when the Bruins are playing. The current
hire was a horrific fit from the get-go a coach from a rural upbringing, with questionable
morality, a mediocre track record, and a disciple of one of the biggest jerks in the history of
college sports who was the antithesis of Coach Wooden. This has ruined the program for me, and
done so in just a few short years. There is a complete lack of leadership, fundamentals,
chemistry, and effort, not to mention blatant nepotism. What I have found most interesting in
reading other entries here and on BRO is that I am far from alone in this sudden transformation
from die-hard fan to near-complete apathy. It is a huge problem for UCLA when youve lost this
sector of your most rabid lifelong fans. I have small children and really want to show them the
same love of UCLA sports that my Dad showed me growing up, but this isnt happening unless a
change is made to prevent this program from further cratering into depths of irrelevancy. We
need a true leader and teacher of young men to revive this program to elite status where it
belongs. You are losing generations of UCLA fans. Please act now.
393. David G. Balter
394. Matt Kovach
395. Alfred Lopez
Go Bruins
396. K. Thomas Smith Jr.
397. Tommy Park
Tommy Park UCLA Football and (wavering) UCLA Basketball season ticket holder.
398. Jacob R
399. Richard Wu
400. Tony
Change is needed immediately to save this program.
401. artpineda2013
402. Mark
Class of 98
I dont want to take my 2 sons to games or watch them on TV I have lost all interest over a
program i lived and breathed for almost 40 years.
403. Carly Mansour
404. Cameron Gloege
405. Brock Faubus
406. Leslie Esqueda
We need to change coaches that reflect all UCLAs values. We need someone to motivate our
team. We need to become Bru-wins again!
407. Barry Schutz
As an Indiana U. BA and a UCLA Ph.D (1972), I believe that as a double alum, I can speak
objectively to the situation. I have been on the fence about Coach Steve Alford since his hiring.
But having attended both these past two games against California and Stanford, I can say,
without question, that Steve Alfords coaching and his relationship to his sons playing and
apparent leading the team has been disastrously detrimental to UCLA and its great basketball
tradition. I believe it is imperative that Steve Alford be replaced as quickly as possible with
consideration for all parties involved.
408. Eric Bain
409. OR
I love UCLA basketball and have since I was 2 years old. And yet, I currently have very little
interest to watch games.
410. Jared
411. alexgodding4
Alfords time at UCLA needs to end now.
412. Jeffrey S. Phillips
Class of 1986
No current interest in watching/supporting the team until a change occurs.
413. Todd Nist '00
412. Mike Kane
End the Alford era NOW.
see on the court is acceptable. It is not and until it is rectified, my enthusiasm will mirror the
players minimal pride displayed on the court. Never did I think this program would stoop the
NIT status.
456. Alfred Estrada
This is not Bruin basketball.
457. Andrew MacMillan
458. Warren Fahmy
459. Scott Duncan
UCLA needs and deserves a better coach.
460. Joshua Paris
Can not support a coach who gave his son playing time over Zach Lavine and who continues to
run an offense through him instead of taking advantage of the talented big men down low. It will
be a travesty next year if Ball, Bryce, and Isaac start and Holiday comes off the bench.
461. Joe Jung
Class of 2002
Restore UCLA Basketball
462. Richard Desotell
463. Paul Jimenez
464. Rodney Scott
The winner of the last two NBA slam dunk contest left early because he came off the bench after
Bryce. I became a Bruin fan when a family member traveled here in the early 70s from Florida,
to play for Wooden. I stayed a fan even though I was never accepted to the school until I was 40.
Now, at 55 with a UCLA degree, this Bruin fan is done with basketball until Alford is gone.
465. Anthony Martinez
Please restore greatness!!
466. Kurtis
I attended UCLA amidst the three straight Final Four runs and saw the electricity that UCLA
basketball brought to our campus. Camping out on a Wednesday night for den tickets for
Thursday night games became a formality a true Bruin experience. Its a real shame that this is
no longer enriching the UCLA experience for our current students and fan base.
467. Al Maden
I have followed Bruin basketball as far as I can remember, which is back to the Alcindor days.
Growing up, Wicks an Rowe were my favorite forwards. I cannot bear to watch now. When they
are on TV, I dont even bother to record. Never have I not watched any UCLA sports team, until
now
468. John Trevgoda
30-plus year season ticket holder who cant stomach this any more. I never thought Id say this,
but rather than watch the final (I hope) game of the season on March 5, Ill go watch the CIF
playoffs. It will be a much better brand of basketball, and more importantly Ill see kids playing
with heart and desire! Something that his been missing since Alford became coach!
469. Bill Frank
470. Richard Castillo
This was well put together and definitely voices our thoughts-Richard Castillo
471. Michael Tommasi
472. Alex Mohr
473. Kyle
Time to fix a terrible mistake in hiring Alford.
474. Ray Gonzalez
475. Jeff Bessa
Its not just the results or the comments above but the lack of passion and accountability from the
coach. With a new coach, the existing core and the new class coming in we can bounce back
quickly. Im convinced next year will be a disappointment if we dont act now.
476. Adam Kipnis
Nothing to say that hasnt already been said.
477. Rob Conn
I grew up watching UCLA Basketball every Wednesday and Friday Nights during the Bruins
unprecedented run during the Wooden Years. I cringe when I watch a Game now, to the point
Ive stopped watching. Please restore UCLA Basketball to an elite level. Thank you.
478. John Eisele
Regardless of the reasons, Steves abilities as a coach are mediocre at best. Since this is patently
obvious, it is, I believe, your obligation to replace him. Not for the fans primarily but for the
players; present and future.
479. Benjamin Esfandi
Lets put UCLA basketball back on top where it belongs!
480. Ricardo Johnson
This is killing the UCLA basketball brand. It was already weakened but it is now in danger of
being killed.
We must have a coaching change immediately.
495. Dr. Scott Tamura
An off shooting night is forgivable. Lack of effort on defense with no repercussions from the
head coach is inexcusable.
496. Tony Kim
Steve Alford should not put his son ahead of the greatest college basketball program in the
nation. What a shameful representative of the legacy created by Coach Wooden.
497. Jeff G.
My love for UCLA started with UCLA basketball. My parents attended UCLA when Wooden
was coaching and they first exposed me to the beauty, the tradition, the excellence that is UCLA
basketball. I grew up watching and attending games with them and I dreamed of going to UCLA
myself one day. When I played in my driveway, I was Reggie Miller, I was Don McLean, I was
Ed OBannon. I was heartbroken when we lost to Tulsa. I could barely breathe as Tyus dashed
down the court in 4.8. When it came time to pick a college, my love for UCLA was too deep to
consider going anywhere else. I joined my parents a became a proud Bruin in 1997.
I loved my time at UCLA, and UCLA basketball was a big part of that experience. We didnt
win championships in basketball while I was at UCLA, we didnt even make an Elite 8. But
there was still great passion in and around the program. I only missed two Pac-10 games my
entire time at UCLA and I camped out, arrived hours early, did whatever it took to get good
seats.
I moved to the east coast in 2002, but I followed the program closely. I stayed up late watching
games, and went to games when I was back in LA. I went to the Final Four in 07 and 08, the
Villanova tournament game in 09 and saw the Bruins at MSG twice.
Why did I give all this background? Because I want you to know that I am as passionate and
dedicated a UCLA basketball fan as you will find. I have dedicated a great deal of time, energy
and money to the team that I love.
Until last year. Last year it became too painful to watch. It hurt too much to see my Bruins
reduced to a laughingstock. 41-7. 71-39. Brutal losses. But it wasnt just the losing. That I can
take. It was the utter lack of hope. Steve Alford had hijacked the Bruins. He wasnt teaching
good defense, he wasnt instilling a winning attitude, he wasnt showing any signs that he could
take this program back to the days of Steve Lavin, much less John Wooden. I couldnt bear the
sight of another game of Bryce Alford jacking up ill-advised shot after ill-advised shot, playing
over much more talented players, loafing on defense and still having the audacity to yell at other
players after one of his jump-in-the-air-and-then-try-to-pass forays into the lane became a
turnover. For the first time in my life, I stopped watching. And I havent restarted. i know there is
no point until Alford is gone. We have seen enough of him as a coach to know, he just cant do
what it takes to make UCLA basketball great again. He cant do what it takes to make the
program one we can be proud of. He cant bring the passion back to the fan base.
Mr. Guerrero, this fan base can be revitalized. UCLA basketball can once again be defined by
excellence. Please, exercise your leadership abilities and bring UCLA through this dark period.
You can be the hero of this story; fire Alford and bring hope back to Westwood.
498. Andy Garrett
I genuinely find the current state of the UCLA basketball program as being deplorable,
uninspiring, and feckless and I absolutely attribute this unfortunate and lugubrious condition to
the irresponsible and capricious leadership of the Bruin basketball program. I will always love
UCLA basketball but I will not financially or emotionally invest in the Bruin basketball
program when it is so abundantly clear that the program is being egregiously mismanaged.
499. Chung Shao
I agree with the above bullet points. Im an alumnus.
500. Carly
As a current UCLA student coming from a long lineage of UCLA alumni, I am so extremely
distraught that I am not getting the same UCLA basketball experience as my family members.
There is honestly no spirit or desire to go to games anymore. No one even knows when the
games are. When we lost to USC for the second time this year, nobody even talked about it. I
didnt even know they were playing USC that night. Its disappointing, and I know the program
cannot make a miraculous recovery within the next two years I have here at UCLA, but
something needs to happen to make UCLA basketball great again. Its a huge part of the UCLA
experience that I have missed out on, but hopefully, not many more after me will, if we make
changes now.
501. Jeremy West
Sad day.
502. Tommy Cornell
Ive completely stopped following. This letter made me realize how much I miss my Bruins.
503. Jake
504. Robert Hannon
505. Robert Lee
I was a WAF donor, but will stop donating now until Steve Alford is fired. I also will not be
buying basketball tickets until then.
506. Kirk Friedman
507. Tyler Woodburn
508. Martin Aguilar, Class of '62
509. Sam Dores
Mike Palmer
554. Jeff Surdilla
Please restore respectability to the program. GO BRUINS!
555. Jay Steren
Its time to replace Steve Alford.
556. John
557. BTL
Time for a new direction.
558. Craig H Johnson, DDS
Craig H Johnson DDS, UCLA BS 1981
559. Dave Zhamilton, UCLA MSW 1989
Very well stated and overdue.
560. Chris T
561. Nick Tolle
562. Paul Mohme, 90, MBA, 98
563. Justin Hill
564. Andrew de Sosa
565. Robert La Farge
Steve Alford has destroyed our once storied basketball program and as a UCLA alum and donor,
I demand change.
566. Matt T.
Lifelong UCLA basketball fan, former season ticket holder. Watched every game under Harrick/
Lavin/Howlandcant watch/wont watch Alford crater our program.
Any coach who plays favorites, rather than playing the best players and demanding
accountability from all, is tarnishing the UCLA brand and should be immediately dismissed.
567. Tommy L.
Watching Ucla basketball used to be a highlight of my day. I would look forward to game day,
and make sure I was either at Pauley for home games, or in front of my television for away
games. I now find myself completely indifferent towards Ucla basketball. I may or may not DVR
the games. Even if we win the game, I probably wont watch it.
matters to me because of the way the program has been handled. Please fix it, before it is too late.
582. Marc C
583. Mauricio Nunez
584. Pete Lee
Lets act like who we are, the premier basketball program in the history of basketball.
585. Adam Werner
As a life long fan who grew up never missing a game, the team I love has become unwatchable.
At this point, missing a game is routine. Sadly, my seven year old who loves everything UCLA
told me he was routing for Stanford yesterday. I could hardly blame him.
The joke around my household is that my son can go anywhere for college except USC. Sadly,
were he lucky enough to obtain a basketball scholarship to UCLA, there is no way I would allow
him to play at UCLA for Coach Alford. Nor could I blame any recruits parents for spurning an
offer to play basketball at UCLA under Coach Alford.
Scouts used to talk about how players under Coach Howland were coached up meaning
they were schooled in basketball fundamentals when they left UCLA. The same cannot be said
about our players who have left the program under Coach Alford. In fact, the players who have
recently left the program and had any professional success have done so in spite of Coach
Alford.
Do the current and future players at UCLA a favor and give them a basketball educator that will
match the world class academic educators they find in their classrooms. To do otherwise is a
shame.
586. Don Dilaura
587. Catcher
I have held out for a long time on voicing such opinion for exodus, but YES, I too agree that the
time has come for CSA to leave.
588. Rafael Gomez
I am deeply saddened by the state of the basketball program. I am a longtime fan and supporter
and it pains me to watch this great program settle for mediocrity. It is time for a change to restore
this once-great program.
589. Jim Wright
I support this 100%
590. Raul A
591. Ray Holguin
Restore Bruin Basketball!
alumni, I sincerely hope for a program and coach that we can look at with pride and excitement.
The issues here have nothing to do with wins and losses or false narratives about unrealistic
expectations, it has everything to do with how the game should be played at UCLAsomething
this coach has never embraced.
603. Steven Chew, '10
Fully in support of this as a life long fan brought up in a Bruin household. Please do not delay
action any further.
604. Andrea Grossman
We need to restore the basketball program at UCLA that was once the envy of the nation. It is
time to devote thoughtful consideration to hiring a coach who can out us back on our feet. If we
believe in the legacy of great UCLA basketball, we need someone new to make that happen.
605. Chris Brenier
Dont mistake activity for achievement.
JRW
606. Tony P.
Lets get the right coach!
607. carlos
It is clear UCLA Mens BB is on the decline as it has been for the last three seasons.
608. Krista Starros
Please save our program.
Krista Starros, 01
609. Mike
No doubt Steve Alford must go.
610. HBBruinGus
In his first interview as coach, Steve Alford embarrassed UCLA. He continues to embarrass
UCLA basketball.
611. Barbara Parr
I have friends life long fans with season tickets who arent interested. Sad sad.
612. Shawn
Go Bruins!! Restore our proud tradition.
613. Jason MacNamera
614. M.V.Martinez
615. Charlie W
Go Bruins
616. Clarence
Steve Alford is not a leader of young men and therefore cannot inspire them. The future will not
be the any different.
617. Brian Bisol
Dan,
When Steve Alford was hired, I was extremely disappointed. Not necessarily with his record, but
with his actions in Iowa and the lack of remorse he displayed at his press conference.
Nonetheless, as a lifelong fan of UCLA basketball, I was determined to support my school and
its student athletes. Accordingly, I have continued to go to the home games and follow the team
on the road. However, among other things, the lack of effort and fundamentals that Mr. Alfords
teams have displayed have made it impossible to continue to support UCLA basketball. Mr.
Alfords teams play absolutely no defense. Simply stated, I get no enjoyment from going to the
games any longer, and the drive from Orange County, which used to be no big deal to see my
Bruins play, is now a burden.
For the California game I attended a viewing party in Orange County of UCLA alums,
including a former UCLA basketball player. Initially, the attendance at this annual event was half
of that in previous years, which demonstrates the apathy of fans to Mr. Alfords coaching.
Moreover, there was not a single person there that wanted Mr. Alford to be retained. Also, the
topics of discussion were not about hope for the future of UCLA basketball, but rather the huge
buy-out and whether UCLA has the donor base willing to address it; it was understood that USC
would never allow this to happen to their football program, but would we act accordingly for our
storied basketball program?
I understand it will take great efforts by you to rally the UCLA donor base to address the buyout, but Im afraid that this is necessary to preserve the legacy of UCLA basketball.
Brian Bisol, 91
Wooden Athletic Fund Member
618. Glenn Angeles
It breaks my heart to see our once proud basketball program now in the depths of mediocrity. I
wholeheartedly agree with this petition.
619. Greg Padgett
In the name of my favorite Bruins growing up, Lew Alcindor, Sydney Wicks, Curtis Rowe, Bill
Walton, Lynn Shackelford, et al. Please fire Steve Alford. Please.
620. Devin Long
Make UCLA Basketball great again.
621. whitaker7
Enough is enough. #GOBruins
Nolan Hack
622. Steve
623. gregor1971
UCLA deserves better than this. Player development is non-existent, and there seems to be little
strategy in either side of the ball. Fewer people are interested in UCLA basketball than I have
witnessed in a long time
624. Eric de Quiroz
The diminishing product on the court speaks for itself. There is just no life in the basketball
program. No one seems to care and it starts with the head coach. When you start blaming the
players instead of yourself, youve let the team go. And his management of his sons play is just
a sheer embarrassment. Any discernible eye could see that the program is in extreme crisis.
Please act swiftly, remedy this dire situation. We all want to feel about our basketball program as
the football program, where even though last season might have been a bit of a disappointment,
one feels hopeful that under Coach Mora there is hope. The program under Alford just feels
hopeless.
-Class of 1990
625. Michael
It breaks my heart to see our team play so bad in recent years. Time for Alford to go.
626. Greg
Greg B, 09
627. Ross
Nepotism is never a good idea. Hes had respectable players, but has not used them properly, a la
La Vine. I wish hed have the class to resign.
628. Dylan McGinty
With my full support.
629. Ben B
UCLA basketball is a disgrace I run a Seattle-based AAU organization and would never in a
million years recommend anyone play for Alford, and everyone knows that I am a huge UCLA
fan.
630. Jeff
Go Bruins.
631. Chester Adams
632. Eric N, 84
I agree with the numbered points and the conclusion to fire Steve Alford, but disagree with other
points in the letter. I am embarrassed by the current state of UCLA basketball because it makes
the institution and all associated with it look stupid and accepting of less than mediocrity, which
to go.
641. Richard Shapiro
Mr. Guerrero,
Something must be done. How many more embarrassing games must be played? Its time to step
up and hire someone who cares about UCLA and not just making sure there is a stage to
showcase his son.
642. Mike Stringer
643. Arthur Hu
Well put.
644. Vicken Kabakian
Sadly but wholeheartedly agree!
645. John Glucksman
I have been a passionate supporter of UCLA Basketball ever since my years at UCLA during the
Wooden Era. No matter who the coach was I supported the program and the team. I would never
have said I was embarrassed by the program even though the quality of the product wasnt
always there.
Now things have changed. The team isnt well coached, and I have yet, this season, to trust
that the team can win a game. For the first time in over 20 years of purchasing season tickets, I
have decided to forgo the purchase of tickets for basketball. I, as many other loyal basketball
supporters, dont even watch the games when UCLA is on TV.
Pauley Pavilion is half empty now. Keep Alford and watch what happens next year.
646. Robert Trop
Dan,
In this changing landscape that is college basketball, it is time you realize that Steve Alford is not
the answer. It has been very painful to try to watch the Bruins play with little effort, poor
fundamentals, and a lack of the passion that the good teams show. Effort should never take a day
off, yet our players and coaches seldom show enough. It is time to make changes at the top (head
coach) to restore our storied program to its rightful place among the elite.
Please know that I appreciate all the hard work that you and you associates have done to raise
the level of the facilities. It is now time to hire a coach worthy of these changes.
Respectfully,
Robert Trop- UCLA class of 1973
647. Nick Weintraub
Please make a change and return our beloved Bruin basketball program to its rightful place.
Nick Weintraub
648. John Greiner
To better days!
continued. Alford is not the person to lead the program in the right direction.
658. Bob Barman
Its time. Do the right thing. Alford needs to move on.
Bob Barman, class of 79
659. Eddie Esquivel
Lets restart UCLA basketball and make it great once again.
660. Phil De Aguero
I am a former season ticket holder, 208A row 9 seats 3 and 4. I am totally disappointed in the
condition of our program. Please, Mr. Guerrero, help us rectify this sad downward spiral of
one of the greatest college basketball programs ever.
661. teacherpatknits
UCLA BB is an embarrassment to this great institution. Mr. Alford has demonstrated that he is
not capable of coaching at a championship level. The players, students, fans, and community
deserve better.
662. Kelly Lowry
Alford was the wrong person for UCLA when he was first hired. Hes proven to be wrong for
UCLA now. Please let him go!
663. George Alcala
It is time to make a change.
664. seven2k
Steve Alford needs to be removed of his duties.
665. Jose Hdz
Yes
666. John Catalfio, 91
Unwatchable.
667. bigflem55
9-year football season ticket holder and a double bruin. No way am I getting Bball season tix
under Steve Alford. Look at how empty PP is game after game. UCLA deserves better.
Think about your legacy, Dan
668. EJ
Totally agree, Alford must go.
669. Karen Magee
Steve Alford never had the character to sit in Coachs seat. He has now shown he is not good
enough to coach a UCLA team. Please do not allow the continued destruction of UCLA
basketball. We all make mistakes. It takes courage to admit to a mistake and to fix it.
670. Jeff Gordon
671. Andre Mason
Finally someone has put in a letter what I have been thinking. Time for change!
672. Tim Miller
UCLA basketball has become so depressing go watch that I barely pay attention anymore. As a
former diehard fan it saddens me to think it has come to this.
673. Brad Gilbert, 90
An empty arena, lethargic and negative alums, national criticism, poor effort, lack of hustle, no
grit, no guts, and turning on each other after bad loses is not the legacy of Coach Wooden, or Jim
Harrick, or even Ben Howland. Please hear our plea. Go Bruins! We love our Bruins.
674. Russ
Agreed
675. Vasken Guiragossian
Dan, all Bruin fans can see that this program needs to be saved. Act now instead of waiting
another year and you might have a chance to salvage your legacy.
676. Spencer Pendergraft
While I do not personally agree with everything written in this letter, I do agree with the
numbered bullet points. For those reasons, please fire Steve Alford and restore UCLA basketball.
677. Frank Banuelos
678. Robert Cohen
I have been a supporter of Steve Alford for most of the last 3 years but find the inconsistent effort
and lack of defensive effort a direct reflection of the coach. I also think that by year three there
should be a team identity that should be apparent but that is sadly lacking. Finally, overall, I do
not think that Coach Alford is a good judge of talent and does not coach up his talent.
678. Sean Patterson
Dear Mr. Guerrero:
As the keeper of the legacy of UCLA Basketball, it is my heartfelt desire that your examine the
record. It is time that Mr. Alford be let go as the coach of UCLA basketball coach.
679. Jeff King
You cant turn back the clock and un-do this awful hire it would be wonderful if you could
but you can do the right thing now. Even ignoring the obvious shortcomings in many facets of
the current team and its performance, Alfords interference in an active sexual assault
investigation involving one of his players at the University of Iowa should disqualify him from
serving one more minute as the coach of a team at a university as renowned as UCLA. Fire
losses and tough seasons in the past. Its about effort, integrity, and culture. Its about respect and
love for the university and the program philosophy Wooden built. Our previous coaches had that,
despite whatever level of on-court success. These last few years have not, and even when we
win, we do not see that in the team as a whole-the camaraderie, team work, school spirit, honor
of representing our university. Instead it all feels like selfish goals, using our history and high
profile as an ends for personally advancement and glory. I still support our player athletes on an
emotional level, but the basketball program headed by Alford is a disgrace and Im disgusted to
watch what he has done and is doing to it.
694. Tony Scaduto
695. Damon White
Sorry, Steve Alford. You are just not right to be the Head Coach of this UCLA Bruin Basketball
Team. All season you have proved to be way in over your head in terms of leading this program
to success.
696. Andrew Aquino
Im 29 years old and a big-time UCLA fan. I would never miss a game on tv. I stopped watching
cause I am tired of seeing a talented UCLA team lose day after day due to lack of effort and poor
coaching.
697. Brian
Go Bruins!
698. Dustin Sandoval
Its time for change. UCLA basketball is no longer elite and we need a culture-changing coach
put in place.
699. Paul Mukai
When SUC beats up on our basketball program, we have a real problem. Something needs to
change urgently.
700. Oz Waheed
This travesty cannot continue any longer.
-UCLA c/o 2010
701. Christopher Go
UCLA Basketball is destroying the UCLA Brand under this coach. Please stop the madness
702. Gregory Cravens
Firing Alford now will cost UCLA a lot of money but retaining Alford will cost UCLA much
more in the long run. Now is the time to pull the plug.
703. Jeff Wolf
716. Anthony
Lack of effort, no defense intensity.
717. Pete Casillas, 97
Time for a change. Lets Go Bruins!
718. Terry Bailey
Its been sad to see UCLA basketball run into the ground by Steve Alford.
719. Samuel Yoon
Class of 2001.
720. Richard Costello, 92
This is UCLA. We deserve to be proud of the four letters.
721. Terry D. Kathan
Time for a change.
722. Floyd Russ
It should have never gotten this far. Please try to fix this mistake instead of ignoring it.
723. Harry Pfaltzgraff
724. Joseph Gallo
UCLA beating Kentucky and Arizona and then losing to schools that should have been beaten
easily falls on the coach preparing the team to play and having a game plan and motivating the
players. Bill Walton going into the Cal locker room and motivating THEM speaks volumes about
the state of UCLA basketball.
725. Dan Doyle, 89
This is not Bruin basketball in any way. An affront to legacy of Wooden.
726. Simon Ha
727. S Hoover
Im canceling my season-tickets.
728. Mitch Austin
729. Dick Thornton
What else is there to say?
730. Vic Norris
Steve Alfords inability to prepare his team for an opponent or adapt in game are an
embarrassment. Moreover, too many players are regressing under his coaching. He must go.
731. Michael P
Please do whats best for the incoming class and the integrity of the program. Please dismiss
coach Alford.
732. Max Seaman
I just want to see players play hard within a team concept. I havent seen that during Alfords
tenure.
733. Allison Skuthorpe
Talented players are not being developed properly, played in their natural positions, or being
encouraged to realize their full potential. All for what appears to be the coachs own personal
agenda.
734. Tristen Sotomayor
Its time to correct this mistake.
735. Shaun Turner
This team, program, university, and Bruins everywhere deserve better. Dismiss Alford and
restore Bruin hoops.
736. Jay Stearns
Its time for a change.
737. Marvin Lopez
Simply put, Alford has to go. Thank you.
738. Thomas Sullivan
A follower of 50 years and a proud alum. Sad, that future generations of prospective fans may
never exist.
739. Michael Burnam, MD
Michael Burnam, MD, UCLA Class of 72
740. Don Man
741. Mike Mendoza
We need to fix this now before it gets any worse.
742. Edward Soong
Its time to let Steve Alford go.
743. Rick Gombos
I have stopped donating, attending games and now even watching them. Very sad to see
something I cherished reduced to such an afterthought.
Rick Gombos, 1999
744. Jose C.
Much like the student section, my heart and soul feels empty! Bruin Pride! Bring It Back!
745. Darwin R.R.
We are the mighty Bruins, we hail from Westwood. I understand we will lose and win throughout
the season but you dont see the respect of our past championships in Steve Alfords body
language or in his players. Truly discouraging. Make the right decision and fire Steve.
746. M
Enough is enough. He should be let go.
747. Stan Arledge
UCLA teams should always leave everything on the playing field. UCLA coaches should always
coach fundamentals and a commitment to all of the previous players and teams that helped
develop the legacy of UCLA sports.
748. Hux Mulia
749. Karim El-Sherief
Please restore our legacy of greatness.
750. AC, 98
Id like to have a basketball program worth watching, worth rooting forOne which epitomizes
quality play. Longing for the days UCLA basketball dictated my social schedule. Make us
relevant again. Make us proud.
751. Adam Berg
Please fire Alford.
752. mhtwins113
As a lifelong Bruin, UCLA basketball had been appointment viewing for me for as long as I can
remember. In high school, I used to make sure my parents recorded any games I had to miss live
on our old VCR just so I wouldnt lose out on my bi-weekly Bruin basketball fix. That dedication
endured despite years of mediocrity under Steve Lavin and the tail end of Ben Howlands time at
the helm.
However, the team wearing UCLA across its chest under Steve Alford has only
intermittently resembled a UCLA team worthy of the name. From Coach Alfords almost total
refusal to recruit California in his first two years in charge to the noticable lack of emphasis on
the foundational elements of the game like defense and effort, the current iteration of UCLAs
signature program has depressed my fandom to a depth Id never previously experienced. While
I most certainly want the Bruins to win every time they step out on the floor, I have gotten to the
point where I dont know when UCLA is playing half the time. Even today, when UCLA had a
crucial game to its NCAA tournament hopes at Stanford, I genuinely had no clue it was going on
until I got a score alert on my phone at halftime.
Theres an old saying that goes love me or hate me; just dont ignore me. However, after I
followed the team religious for nearly three decades, Ive now essentially checked out because
putting myself through the wringer of sloppy, inconsistent play that UCLA basketball currently
offers would infuriate me to no end and that the rot begins with the coaching staff because the
players have shown they can beat brand name teams like Kentucky and Arizona when
sufficiently enthused. In the end, while Ill always care about UCLA basketball, I cant see
myself re-committing myself fully to it until I get the sense that the program is exhibiting a
similar level of dedication. That process would start with the removal of Steve Alford as head
coach and continue with an organized, patient, and thorough search for a successor worthy of
leading John Woodens program. Go Bruins.
753. Jeremy Shabo
As a second generation UCLA alumnus, I was raised on UCLA basketball. Going to the games or
watching them on TV is a ritual that my dad and I have enjoyed together for more than 35 years.
In that time, I have never seen my dad so despondent about disengaged from the program. Please
cut our losses and hire a competent coach who really cares and has the ability to teach our
student athletes how to succeed.
754. Joe Bruin Bear
755. Hugo Ramirez
Dan Guerrero, please, do not ruin part of the beauty of the UCLA experience for the current and
new students coming into UCLA.
756. Verona Fuller
We left the game early and that is something we have NEVER done beforeespecially after
traveling to an away game. Its painfully obvious Mr. Alford was not the right candidate for a job
we hold sacred. Weve chatted and he is a nice man, but there is a reason why he has lost this
team.
757. Geoff Suddleson
Unfortunately, this is what needs to happen.
758. Brian Tanada
Its disheartening to watch.
759. John Hegarty
760. Paul Miller
Please make the move now! We are no where near where the program should be! Go Bruins!!
761. Max P.
There is no excuse for a basketball program as storied as UCLAs to regress and perform as
poorly as it has. The problem has nothing to do with a lack of talent or recruiting powerwe are
underperforming. UCLA is becoming the running joke of Pac-12 basketball. It is my senior year
at UCLA and it is a shame that it should have to end on such a low note in terms of where this
program is.
For those reasons, please fire Steve Alford and restore UCLA basketball.
773. William Girod
774. Robert A. Weissman
Robert A. Weissman 1972.
As an almost 40 year season ticket holder, A top 500 donor and Bruin fan for much longer, this is
absolutely unacceptable.
You cant fire the team. You must fire the coach and start the process of restoring UCLA
basketball to the top 10 program it should always be. Your job is athletic director is to be the
boss. Be the boss and take action before further damage is done.
775. Richard Mooney
Nepotism has destroyed whatever attempts Coach Alford has made to create a winning culture
here at UCLA. That is reason enough that he should be dismissed.
776. Greg Bakay
Have been a ucla fan for over 45 years. This team has no desire to play hard and win. We need a
coach who can motivate the players.
777. Joao Campos
778. Vu Duong
Please restore UCLA basketball not with new buildings but with the restoration of effort and
pride. We need a coach that can do that.
778. Justin Weiss
779. Chris Stockton
Please get us on the right track.
780. Matthew Berg
781. Max Ravnos
782. Melinda
Seriously my heart is breaking watching this we deserve betterDont you see how there isnt
anyone in the seats? We were once an elite program. Please bring the joy back!
783. Brian Kramer
My family and/or I were season ticket holders since Pauley opened. We all gave up our tickets
this season. My kids and I miss going to the games! A lot! But Steve Alford has brought apathy
to the UCLA program. The Student Section is now nonexistent, the pageantry has gone away.
The product on the floor does not play hard or with discipline Basically, the games are not fun
anymore. I will not comment on Alfords coaching skills, or lack there of, but it is equally
frustrating when Alford, the head coach, does not embrace UCLA (like Howland and Lavin did)
and makes no effort whatsoever to mingle/engage with the Bruin alumni/fans (like Coach Mora
does). My kids and I cant wait for the day when the Student Section is full again, the band
strikes up Sons of Westwood, and a packed Pauley Pavilion rocks again!
784. Javier Piraino
785. Stephanie Hillman
Im done, its time to move forward. The players deserve better then this.
786. Dan Ardis
787. Matt Rice
I am sickened by what is happening.
788. Sean McDonell
789. Mark Rogers
I am a proud alum, and the current status of our basketball program is pathetic. Please make a
change.
790. Wayne Gro
Agreed, 100%.
791. Chad
This has got to end. Please lets get this done.
792. Kirk McConchie
Coach and his legacy deserve more than this. The Alfords have done nothing but disrespect
everything Coach built and stood for. Please bring someone in that has integrity and cares for and
cultivates people, the way Coach did. Please make this right.
793. Kevin Rynearson
While I do not personally agree with everything written in this letter, I do agree with the
numbered bullet points. For those reasons, please fire Steve Alford and restore UCLA basketball.
794. RJ
795. Char Nathanson
UCLA, North Carolina, Kansas, Duke, Kentucky, Indiana.these are historically the greatest
basketball programs in the nation. These 6 basketball teams should always be held in the highest
regard, always relevant and always respected. Sadly UCLA has become an embarrassment. You
dishonor Coach John Robert Wooden each and every minute the current coach is under your
employment. We regret to inform you that our family (that bleeds UCLA blue & gold) will not
attend another UCLA Basketball game or make a monetary donation to this university until a
coaching change takes place. Please do the right thing and fire Steve Alford. Thank you. Go
Bruins!
796. Jonathan Matthew, MD 74, 78
Same year as Walton. I spent 13 years on campus. BB was my favorite sport. I catered John
Woodens birthday party at Pauley when I was in college. The program is now, clearly, a joke.
That, also clearly, is on the head coach.
797. Craig Minami
798. John Glucksman
799. Andrew
Never been less excited for UCLA BB.
800. Sara Henryson
801. Joe S.
Enough is enough.
802. Tom Martinelli
I have followed UCLA MBB for 50 years and have planned my life around the basketball
schedule, never to miss a game either on TV, radio or now computer. Now I have lost all interest
in the brand of basketball that Steve Alford is putting on the court, and I never attend or watch
games on TV.
803. Ralph
Please The sacred four letters are becoming a mockery.
804. Ryan
The team looks so out of sync and is awful on defense. This falls squarely on Alford. Ucla
deserves better and can do better.
805. Wallcheeks
806. Tom Martinelli
I have planned my life around UCLA Basketball for almost 50 years, at times traveling 4 hrs by
car to catch a game. I now do not even watch the games on TV. Steve Alford has ruined Bruin
basketball for me.
807. Stephen Nathanson
I was a season ticket holder. But no longer. I will not attend another UCLA basketball game
while Steve Alford is the coach.
808. Andrew
Dan,
I have not attended a game this year and did not renew my season tix. I will not until our bball
839. Russ
840. Shekib Jami
Class of 2003, staff, PhD 2017
841. Tony Rodriguez
842. Alster
I was disappointed with Alfords hire initially and my opinion has never changed.
843. David Garcia
844. Paul
UCLA deserves better and should be better. Alford must go now.
845. Jay P
I love UCLA basketball. It is time to move on.
846. Bryan Hovley
Time for a change!
847. Jeremy
848. Frank
849. kyan2000
850. Jim Ontiveros
I cant even watch the games anymore. It is so disappointing.
851. Jeffrey Little
I initially was open to the Alford hire and had a very open mind to it and was rooting for him to
hopefully guide our program back to national prominence. Unfortunately, his tenure has been
defined by underachievement and I dont see UCLA moving in the right direction. This has sadly
zapped by enthusiasm to support UCLA basketball!
852. Gary Freed
853. Hans Kaneda
854. My Tea Brewin
I never thought Id see the day when both USC hoops and UCLA football were better than the
UCLA mens basketball team.
855. Fo Hill
Alford is truly a poor coach, and his sons presence complicates matters significantly.
856. jarrodmartin
857. K. Simon
Never shouldve been hired.
858. Graeme Sun Tsai
My father went to UCLA, so I have watched Alford wreck the program that was once great. If
John Wooden saw this program he would be ashamed.
859. Kevin Klingbeil
No more Alford. It was a very poor hire and we need to make a change sooner rather than later.
860. Mike
861. Mike Kelley
862. Bob Harper
My father (UCLA 34) and I (UCLA 72) loved UCLA BB. Season tickets and after my
fathers passing and my move to NorCal, I continued to be passionate about UCLA BB. Finally
this season I resist even reading about the games, let alone watching them. Its astonishing that
this had happened, after 50 years of fanatic support of the team. Its critical that we thank Mr.
Alford, fire him, and move on. The current status is unacceptable. YOU MUST CHANGE the
coach.
862. Casey Pratts
863. Elaine
It is time to move on.
864. Hong Wang
865. Bruin98
Go Bruins!
866. UCLAbruin88
Its time for change. Hes had three years and regressed every year as a coach. Our players
deserve much better
867. Karyn Johnson-Dorsey
As a UCLA alumni, it is painful to watch our storied program play game after game with the
same pitiful results. As a fan, I have to watch, attend the games to show support. We have had
not so great seasons before but nothing like the past three years. All the air is being let out of
Pauley Pavillion. We used to be the program who ruled the NCAA; now we are a laughing stock
not the right person for the job. Do the honorable thing here.
917. gregtis
918. Todd Moodey
919. Jeremy Gruber - Season Ticket Holder
The program has regressed each year under Alfords control. He has used the platform afforded
by our beloved program as a personal showcase for his son, who should either be a 6th or 7th
man/3-point specialist on our team or a starter on a WCC team. The defensive effort (and
defending the 3-point line) has been inexcusable, and Alford has failed to meaningfully develop
our young players (and some have seemingly regressed under his watch).
Our mid-2000s resurgence was driven by defensive effort and intensity along with
opportunistic, timely offense. Alford cannot make this team play with pride on defense. Its time
to see if someone else can.
Go Bruins! Fire Alford.
920. Ken Passon
Went more than 4 decades and never missed a game. Cant watch such poor effort. Dont care
anymore until change in leadership. Embarrassing.
921. Clayton G. Carver
Snuck into a local eatery with a sports bar to watch the S game. Prior to HCSA I use to burst in
with a BOOMnow my UCLA cap is on backward and in-side-out.
922. Paul Pfaffenberger
I agree with all 3 bullet points. The program is in bad shape and needs change now.
923. Van Ben Chiu
We need to get this done!
924. Scott Levine
Alumni 2013. Havent missed a football or basketball game since 2008. The program has
become painful to watch and support . Alford has been given a fair amount of time to prove
himself.
925. UCLA Alumni
Fire Steve please.
Like
926. Martin Holguin
927. Andrew DeGGruccio
928. Andrew
No accountability.
929. Chris Fischahs
930. Chris Malloy
Bruin fan for 40 years. To the point. This hurts.
931. Doug Schulman
A Ucla victory used to make my day.
A Ucla loss used to ruin my week.
Now, I am completely ambivalent. Just watched us lose to a mediocre Stanford team, and didnt
feel one shred of disappointment.
Please bring the importance back to game day.
932. Adam Zutler
Steve is not good for UCLA. Time to go.
933. Steve Wang
We cant to lose to$C twice in a season. Ever!!!
934. Blaise Jackson
Mr. Guerrero, this was an abysmally poor decision, that must be reversed, lest this once-storied
program fade into obscurity.
935. Martin Holguin
It hurts to watch my boys play anymore.
936. Timothy Walker
937. Dan
Its time for the Alfords to move along.
938. Milan Shah
Unfortunately the Steve Alford hire has been a disaster. But I think its time to acknowledge the
mistake and move on.
Milan Shah, Class of 2001
939. Dan LaFrance
I watched the win over Colorado last week and could not believe how many empty seats were
there. Having watched dozens of games over the years since I graduated, it is truly depressing to
see this malaise. I cannot even bear to watch any more. Dan LaFrance, class of 1993
940. Jaime Lopez
941. Allan
Ive been a ucla basketball fan since 1964, following games from Canada and Australia. The last
three years Ive lost heart and interest. These teams are talented and badly coached. Screens
arent set, cuts are sloppy, defences are late, box outs missed, zone defences unrecognised, and
the point guard is a volume shooter who averages less than .350 while better players sit. In
crunch games we get Hail Marys and hero ball from the point guard. Sad. Wont dial back in
until youve got a new coach and culture.
942. P Janesh
The UCLA mens basketball players MUST have some recognition about the abysmal
performances and what they mean to the UCLA student body, faculty, other UCLA sports teams,
alumni and other fans throughout the world. I would imagine that many of them plus the rest of
the coaching staff have a pretty clear idea of what needs to be done. Another year of discrediting
this world acclaimed University and its past basketball warriors cannot happen. The time to act
cannot be delayed any longer. A new, competent coach with the recognition of team, teaching,
work ethic and basketball fundamentals is necessary, NOW.
943. Greg Babikian
Gregory Babikian, M.D.
Class of 1987
944. Randy Lucio
945. Steve Pendergraft
946. Tim
I love UCLA basketball. Alford made it a joke. We have to replace him before it is too late and
the program cannot recover.
947. Jim Snider
Year 3 is when you are supposed to see growth and the team has taken a number of steps back
this year. The fact Bryce gets more minutes than Holiday is reminiscent of Bryce getting more
minutes than LaVine. I always found Alford to be an average coach at his previous stops and
coaching his kid has set him back even further. UCLA basketball should be an elite program and
it is not there with Alford and it will not get there with him at the helm. Even worse, they have
become nearly unwatchable. I will always be a fan and support the program both financially and
with my time, but change is needed and tradition needs to be restored. Go Bruins.
Jim Snider
948. Jae Shin
Please remove Alford.
949. Ryan Young
I will always be a proud Bruin but it wears on the soul to have a basketball program that is not
respected or feared, only pitied for its irrelevance.
getting worse and worse with little or no attention to detail and frequent low effort games.
UCLA has not been competitive for the Pac-12 title and that should be the Litmus test each and
every year. Please make the move to someone who has proven they can win at a high major
program, our recruiting class is coming no matter the coach so please dont let that be a
consideration. My suggestion is to take the process slowly, wait until NCAA tournament is over
to make the most informed decision you can.
960. Linda
Its just that the team seems unmotivated and the coach has been wholly unresponsive to the
clear problems.
961. Ryan Reijerse
UCLA basketball has become unwatchable for all of the reasons above. Very well stated, now
please fix it Dan!
962. Tyl
963. Tony Mallord
We have lost a treasure. UCLA Basketball. Dan you have the ability to restore it. Please replace
Steve Alford with somebody who knows how to coach UCLA back to where it should always be,
at the Top. UCLA needs a top notch Head Coach, and currently does not have.
Please do the right thing for our storied program.
964. Dr S
I was patient but this season was unwatchable. Act now and put the program back on track.
965. Jeremy
Time for a change. Lets not wait until it gets even worse. We can do better.
966. Nicholas Compton
Bruins forever. GO BRUINS!
967. Sanjay D.
I have been a long time UCLA fan, and this is the first time I can ever remember being so
ambivalent towards the program.
968. Dr. T
A bad hire to begin with. He needs to go.
969. Pat H.
UCLA Basketball deserves the best.Go Bruins
970. Tim Liggett
I never thought Id stop watching Bruin basketball games but I have only so much free time and
they are so hard to watch. It is time for a fundamental change in the direction of our program.
history, tradition, and program for the benefit of showcasing the abilities of his son to the
detriment of UCLA. This is something that I cannot forgive him for. Were Steve Alford just a bad
coach (which he is), I can at least refrain from detesting the man personally. Unfortunately, this is
not so.
984. Alice Tsuyuki
I fell in love with UCLA basketball in high school during the Bill Walton years. As a proud
UCLA alumna, I have been a passionate fan throughout the past nearly 40 years since
graduating. As a longtime season ticket holder, my passion impelled me to drive the 150 miles
from Santa Maria to Pauley to watch my beloved Bruins.
That passion is now gone. Last year, I gave up my season tickets because I no longer cared to
watch a team that plays without pride or effort. I can barely even watch on TV anymore.
Something that was such a huge part of my life for so many years has been taken from me, and I
truly miss it.
Please, Mr. Guerrero, fire Steve Alford so that so many of us who used to love UCLA
basketball can return to Pauley Pavilion where we belong.
985. Larry Lisenbee
Ive been a rabid Bruin fan since I went to UCLA during the Wooden years. What Alford is
doing to the great legacy of this program brings me to tears. Enough! Please get a real coach in
here now.
986. Steve Kawashima
987. Ron Parker
988. Justin
989. Steve Hwang
I would like to watch UCLA basketball again.
990. Travis Fuller
Class of 2012
991. NE
992. Don Schock
993. Bill Flores
Please take immediate action.
994. Will Girod
995. jrvdell
I have loved UCLA basketball since my arrival at UCLA in 1989. This is the first year that I
dont even care when I cant watch a game on tv. Alford was a terrible hire and remains a terrible
coach. The sooner we find someone else, the better off we will be.
996. xingster
Class of 2005
997. Tim Tenney
Its only going to get worse until the Alfords have left UCLA.
998. Quinn Callanan
Class 2007
999. J Li
Alford needs to go.
1000. Rich Brooks
Class of 2006
1001. Johnny G
When I see the current state of UCLA Basketball it pains me to see the under- and poorly
coached talent stumble on floor, leaderless and listless. One looks for development in senior
players like Tony Parker and see declines in their skills. The purported leaders of the team Bryce
Alford and Parker are fundamentally lost and zoned-out at times during games. The one common
factor one comes back to for the backstepping in UCLA Basketball is coaching. Please get
UCLA Basketball back to the national conversation, the NCAA Tourney and not the NIT.
1002. Robert
Fire Alford and bring back respectability to UCLA Basketball! Robert Campos
1003. Adam
Never been this disinterested in UCLA basketball. Adam Yassaman, Class of 06
1004. J Hernandez
1005. Ted Cocoles
Class of 1998
1006. Jeremy Shabo
As a second-generation UCLA alumnus, I was raised on UCLA Basketball. My dad has
religiously watched games since before I was born, either in person or on television. And this is
the first time, Ive ever seen him so disappointed and uninterested in the season. Every
conversation we have about UCLA Basketball now revolves around getting a new coach, who
teaches fundamentals and motivates his players.
1007. Vincent Brown
Steve Alford must go!
1008. Melissa
1009. Chris Lagerlof
Im usually the guy who trust the process and believes things will get better. Well todayIve
decided for the first time since I can remember not to attend, watch or DVR the game. Im taking
a break and its hard because I love our players and support our team. The problem is I cant
watch our coach anymore, its not good for my health or mind. I dont need to state the reasons,
theyre obvious.
The reason I decided to comment on RestoreUCLAHoopsNow.com is because as long as CSA
is our head coach our beloved program will fall further from its roots and foundation. I dont
usually do these things, but Im extremely concerned about the direction our basketball program
is heading. Its not just coaching, its culture and brand. So yes, I had to comment on this because
Im concerned and today for the first time in well over 10 years Im doing something that I never
imagined doing because if a new coach and leader doesnt step in soon, then we will be at the
bottom of the PAC for many more years to come.
1010. Ben Cordeiro
Its been hard as a high school coach to watch a ucla basketball team play with no passion or
effort on defense these last three years.
1011. ADS, 97
Go Bruins!
1012. John Powers
While I do not personally agree with everything written in this letter, I do agree with the
numbered bullet points. For those reasons, please fire Steve Alford and restore UCLA basketball.
1013. Jason K
I used to love UCLA basketball with a passion. I am finding it somewhat liberating to no longer
care about the program or watching games live or on TV.
Honestly, I am not even sure if my level of interest will ever be the same again. We lost the
chance of a lifetime by not going all out to hire Brad Stevens.
1014. Jack Henson
Have been a fan since 1960. But it gets harder every year.
1015. Peter Vu
We deserve better.
1016. Ira Swartz
As a 1966 UCLA alumnus, it is a disgrace wherein lies our basketball program. I no longer have
a desire to attend basketball games and am seriously considering whether or not to continue my
involvement in the WAF (Bruin Legends). Dan, I urge you to own up to the mistake you made in
hiring Steve Alford and make the necessary changes to reinstill our once storied program!
1017. RW
I have never been so embarrassed to be a bruinfire this guy and dont just hire the next one on
a whim.
1018. Chris
I am a die hard ucla alumni and fan. I have given up watching or attending our basketball games.
The team is inconsistent and plays minimal defense. We have shown this year we have the talent
to compete but you never know what team is going to show up. The product on the court is not
representative of a well coached team.
1019. Brett Friedman
1020. Ty Paul
1021. Andy Chen
If youve watching the games, youd know what this letter is talking about.
1022. Geem McDonald
Steve Alfords guidance of the program has caused me to lose all interest in UCLA basketball. I
will continue to avoid games until he is replaced.
1023. Daniel Ross
1024. Lance Erie
I have enjoyed UCLA basketball since 1963, watching virtually every game since in person or on
TV until this year. This coachs failures have driven me to the point of despair. You need to act if
you truly care as much as so many of us do about UCLA and its storied basketball program.
1025. Nathaniel Montes
I have not been following UCLA basketball because I was so disappointed in the Alford hire in
the first place. I do still care for UCLA basketball but wont be back until some fresh life and a
better coach are breathed into the program.
1026. Johnny
Alford needs to go.
1027. Robert Bastron
Robert Bastron, Class of 2006
1028. Jeanne Kelly
1029. Jeffrey Hoover
I miss the excitement, passion, and enjoyment that used to be in place with our program. It is
time to make changes for the good of the program and give everyone reason to be happy once
again!
1030. L Vasquez
2031. Jeff
My father graduated from UCLA in the 60s. I followed in 90s. Between then we always shared a
love of playing basketball and watching UCLA. I went to Woodens camps my whole life. Like
most in UCLA families, we had the Pyramid on the wall. I was lucky enough to be there for the
Harrick title. But prior to that, it seemed like UCLA wasnt really trying to compete and living
off of Woodens legacy. Ben Howland was the first coach that seemed like he had a real shot
those first years were great basketball as far as we were concerned. Hiring Alford was awful a
Knight disciple and known, ethically challenged individual. Someone like that should never have
been considered. We have become uninvolved with basketball as a result sadly, because UCLA
hoops is a family tradition one that Alford has damaged. The on-the-court display looks like
any undisciplined NCAA program disorganized, lacking passion, teamwork, desire, and
purpose. Instead of living life with UCLA basketball as a meaningful cornerstone, it has become
only a passing interest and if Alford is still around, I suspect it will become a footnote.
1032. V. Nicholas Batra, MD
Please take a look at this letter and take it to heart. I look forward to the return of UCLA
basketball.
1033. Daniel Magy
For three generations my family has attended UCLA and rooted hard for our team.
Unfortunately, we have had a tough time watching UCLA basketball during the past few years
after so many wonderful seasons.
Its time for a change
1034. Luis Q
Make UCLA basketball great again.
1035. Eugene Fong
Time for a change.
1036. Michael Kaplan
Lets get us back to where we should always be.
1037. Leotha Thurman
Lets restore UCLA Basketball back to greatness; I am ashamed as a UCLA Alumni who saw
great basketball under John Wooden and Ben Howland to witness what I am seeing today.
1038. Carey Melcher
Please save UCLA basketball.
1039. Bill Shipley
The team under Coach Alford is unwatchable. During the Howland years I planned my
Thursdays and Saturdays around the UCLA game time so I would not miss a game live. I have
not sat through an entire UCLA game in either of the last two seasons, and I have missed most
altogether. Frankly, I dont care anymore. The players dont play hard, and they pout and sulk
when faced with adversity. These are coaching issues in dealing with 18 and 19 year olds. And
Bryce Alford should not even be starting at UCLA, much less be on pace to play more minutes
than any player in the programs history. The fact that he may be one of the best guards on the
team is an indictment of his father/coachs recruiting. Coincidence?
1040. Cliff
1041. Jeff Weber
I have been a loyal diehard bruin fan for 40 years. Never before have I witnessed so much
animosity for a coach and his obvious nepotism for his son than here with Alford. He needs to
go.
1042. Jim Lewis
1043. Michael Krause
1044. Hank Vasquez
It may be expensive to buyout Alfords contract but I believe he is the wrong coach for UCLA
basketball.
1045. Rick Watson
Please do the right thing and correct your mistake and let go of Steve Alford at seasons end!
1046. Stephen Torres
We at least expect effortand someone that can develop young talent.
1047. Brian
Replace Alford now.
1048. MKJ
89 alum and have never seen the team so poorly coached. That is saying a lot as I have seen the
other Steves product as well. Please fire the guy currently in charge and find a true leader who
can live up to the standard of Coach and the 4 letters.
1049. rsk
If youve watched most our games, its painfully obvious Alford(s) needs to be gone.
1050. David Anthony Paul Therrattil
This was an unacceptable hire from the beginning. A coach with barely any NCAA tournament
experience, a proven track record of mediocrity, and an outrageous buyout clause added to his
contract.
1051. Robert Tsai
I am a 1993 graduate of UCLA and die-hard college basketball fan. I remember fondly sleeping
out in front of Pauley Pavilion before home basketball games in order to obtain good seats in the
student section. I rarely sign petitions but have had enough watching Steve Alfords poorly
recruited and coached teams. I made the trip to NYC in Alfords first year and came away
appalled by poor defense and inconsistent effort. It has not gotten better; quite the contraryit has
gotten worse each year. If an Alford-led team ever wins a Pac-12 Conference Championship or
even 3 wins in the NCAA Tournament, it will be because the student-athletes will have done so
in spite of their coach. As for me, I wont be donating to UCLA or spending money to view a
UCLA basketball game live until the Athletic Director rectifies this situation and closes the book
on the Alford chapter at UCLA. As a product, UCLA basketball is simply unwatchable.
1052. Calvin Ye
Lets make UCLA Basketball great again.
1053. Martin Voisine
Fire him.
1054. Aaron Samuel
UCLA basketball used to be more than an activity for me. It was one of the greatest joys. I used
to plan my schedule around the games. I owned season tickets, traveled to away games, and
would never ever ever miss a tipoff. But it has been heartbreaking and devastating to watch the
complete and utter collapse of a program that was so cherished and respected. I can no longer
stomach watching games so I have canceled my season tickets and cant even tolerate turning
them on TV. I desperately want to support our young student athletes yet the administration and
university have let them down considerably. UCLA will always recruit talent but it is up to the
coaching staff to put a consistent product on the court and coach these young men toward
success and prepare them for the future. Usually the third year of a new coaches program is one
of consistency and success as he or she has had the opportunity to bring in their players and
implement their own coaching philosophy. However this coach has somehow turned his 3rd
season into one of the worst in school history. There is talent on this team as well as the past 2
years (one might argue that we should have advanced past the sweet 16 during Alfords first year
with the amount of talent we had.) but the failure is clearly the coaching. At UCLA one should
not have to lock an unproven coach to a 10 year contract with a huge buyout. there are very few
coaches in the world that deserve such a deal. An unproven coach should have to first prove
themselves to get a longer and larger contract. Its time now for the UCLA administration to
realize their failed hire and correct the mistake because if they wait longer the once storied Ucla
basketball program will fall further into an irreversible irrelevant abyss.
1055. Michael Tanaka and Jill Ishida
SOS/WAF members for 38 years. Please fire Coach Alford and restore the joy and pride to Bruin
basketball.
1056. Ray
Gotta go!
1057. Gary Gleckman
Having graduated in 1972 and having attended games even at the old Sports Arena, I regret that I
will never attend another home game until Mr. Alford is dismissed and someone whose primary
staff since its their job to motivate the players. I personally feel Alford took the job to showcase
his son. We have 2 home games remaining. I plan on going to the Oregon game but not the
Oregon State game. Im a Kings season ticket holder and would rather go to the Kings game
than the final UCLA home game. Who would have ever thought the Kings would be more fun to
watch than UCLA basketball!
By the way, Im also a season ticket holder and WAF donor for UCLA football and have
missed less than 10 home games since my freshman year in 1965 and have attended every USCUCLA game in the last 51 years.
Ted Cole
BA 1969
1066. Matt Hagen
Steve Alford was the wrong hire from the outset. His poor performance as coach of the UCLA
basketball team merely provides substantiation that he does not belong in this job.
1067. Matthew Henderson
As a third generation Bruin and member of a proud UCLA family (grandparents, father, sister,
and brother are all alums), I can safely say that I have loved and cherished Bruin basketball for
decades. As my wife and friends would tell you, it ordered my schedule throughout the fall and
winter, and I looked forward to March Madness like no other sporting event.
Sadly, the spectacle that the UCLA mens basketball program has become under the tenure of
Coach Alford has nearly completely squelched my interest in Bruin hoops. I almost never watch
the basketball team play, and when I do, I am perplexed and frustrated at the lack of intensity,
fundamentals, and defense. Rather than belabor the point, I will simply observe that the team
does not play well and the program is mired in ennui and a lack of passion or interest. Coach
Alfords failings have been more than adequately touched upon in the language of this petition,
but I will add for emphasis the lack of any semblance of defensive effort is utterly nauseating to
any fan of Coach Woodens program.
Coach Alfords tenure has become untenable, and the longer it endures, the greater will be the
damage to UCLA basketballs identity, brand, and legacy. While not an easy course to take, the
only solution is certain: UCLA must terminate Coach Alfords employment as soon as the season
is over. I urge you to act in the best interest of UCLA, the basketball program, and the
increasingly uninterested and ambivalent fan base.
1068. Frederik Arroyave
Go Bruins
1069. Glenn Hruska
Until the Alford era, attended most all BB games since 1992, but this season Ive largely stopped
using my tickets. Dont want to re-new, if Alford stays. FB season ticket holder since 92. Many
years, Bruin All-conference donor. UCLA BB recovered from Lavin, it can recover from this too.
Please, please make the change necessary now, thank You. Class of 77, lifetime UCLA fan.
1070. Rick Tiberio
point guard position when in fact he at best is a mediocre 2 guard. The team has no true leader
and lacks the defense prowess that it needs to become an elite team again. Coach Alford has
completely lost the locker room and its a disgrace that with all of the talent on the team we are at
the bottom of the conference.
1081. R Donald Brink
I graduated from UCLA in 68 (engineering) and again in 92 (MBA). I have been an avid
supporter of UCLA athletics for over forty years. As Jim Mora has demonstrated, UCLA sports
teams can be lead by men worthy of our respect and admiration while producing competitive
teams. Unfortunately, due to Steve Alfords past, and his current incredible arrogance in
showcasing his rather mediocre sons talents to the obvious detriment of the team, the same
cannot be said for our basketball coach. He has completely lost my respect (and I suspect a good
portion of UCLAs once strong fan base). Additionally, he does not even seem to be a good coach
as we have been repeatedly beat all year by teams with inferior talent. Mr. Alford has reduced the
once great UCLA basketball brand to an all time low.
Please replace Steve Alford ASAP.
1082. Stephen Gilbert
1083. Todd Cera
Make UCLA Basketball great again!
1084. Scott
1085. Chris Davis
I chose to attend UCLA based on the spirit and vibrance of the campus and the athletic programs.
In high school I was excited by the 95 run to the national championship. I was fortunate enough
to attend UCLA through the Cade McNown years in football and even when things got lean in
football we always had basketball to look forward to. My boys are being raised Bruins and love
to 8-clap, however with the current state of our basketball team there is no 8-clapping happening
once winter ends. How UCLA, a school with such a rich traditional of excellence, inspired by the
paradigm of coaching, has slipped to its current state is a disappointment to former Bruins, future
Bruins, UCLA fans, and athletic fans in general.
1086. Eric Carr
The poor coaching and blatant nepotism is unacceptable. The coach is not able to hold other
players accountable because he doesnt hold his son accountable. The teams inconsistent play is
difficult to watch as an alum and fan of Bruin basketball.
1087. Brian Greenberg
I have been a season ticket holder for twenty years and have donated generously to the
renovation of Pauley Pavilion. I also have been driving from Thousand Oaks, an hour each way,
to attend games and have been watching almost every away game on TV.
I was surprised when Steve Alford was hired because I thought he was a mediocre coach and
that UCLA could have hired a more successful, more established coach. That being said, I know
that I am not an expert on these issues and am respectful of the job done by professionals who do
phone would blow up with everyone commenting on our group messaging threads. The phone
messages have stopped completely, none of us seem to care anymore. If there is a message, its
usually about a ridiculously low scoring half or how terrible we look.
Traveling to roadies @ Cal and @ Stanford (now that I live in Norcal) or anywhere else for
that matter have stopped.
Wearing UCLA gear during basketball season has slowed if not stopped almost too
embarrassing.
I used to plan my days around the games, Thursdays and Saturdays were special. Now I
literally get a notice on my phone from ESPN or CBS Sports that our game has started, and think
Oh yeah, I forgot we had a game today. That was unthinkable even nearing the end of
Howlands tenure.
1091. Agustin Gonzalez
1092. Brian Carpenter
Please fire Alford.
1093. Adrian Almeida
1094. Anthony Simone
Something is clearly ailing this basketball program. There are serious underlying issues. Only
strong and decisive steps can correct the path that we are currently on.
UCLA Alum 2010
1094. Kathleen McGary
Kathleen McGary, Class of 1988
1095. Mike McCain
1096. Hector Cabral
I could not be more disappointed in the job Steve Alford has done. It is time for him to go.
1097. Melissa C
Bring back the UCLA basketball that I know and love.
1098. Pat Gillan
Alfords insistence on featuring his non athletic son as the primary offensive focus has
demoralized the players, and ultimately destroyed this program. While I feel sad for every true
Bruin basketball fan who must endure Steve Alford, I feel far worse for his players.
1099. Kurt
Ive been done with Alford for a while now, and these losses are of the head of the fish variety.
Every year since Alford took over has gotten worse. A recruiting class like next years will only
underachieve with our current coach, and delay his inevitable firing. Lets start our new future
now.
that can instill pride, teach fundamentals, reward effort and consistency, and respect the program
by not allowing nepotism to interfere with common sense.
1129. Kennedy Cosgrove
Absolutely agree!
1130. Jonathan Shintaku
UCLA class of 2006
1131. Paul Presburger
I will not be renewing my season tickets if Alford is coaching next season. Its hard to believe I
have lost my passion for UCLA Basketball, something that had always been a major part of my
life.
1132. Ron Mendoza
UCLA basketball is one of the most elite programs in basketball history. Please hire a coach that
will ensure that legacy lives on.
1133. Scott Revlin
Me: Class of 99, Wife class of 01 and 09 (Anderson), both parents Bruins, sister in law a Bruin,
both cousins and my aunt are Bruins. All my groomsmen were Bruins. My wife is a member of
the Bruin Varsity Club. My mother in law host Chancellors Club events in her home. Were the
people you call at night asking for donations, and we give every time. Alford at the helm is
burning ALL our bridges. Time to cut bait.
1134. Kenji Iida
Class of 1994. Former season ticket holder. Big time fan. Heartbroken and missing seeing the
Bruins playing with a purpose.
1135. Orit Michiel
Please bring back respect to Pauley Pavilion.
1136. Allen McDonnell
Dear Dan Guerrero,
Please fire Steve Alford immediately. Not next month. Not next year. Not in two years. Now. He
is not fit to lead the historic UCLA Basketball program, the crown jewel of the UCLA
community. Three years is proper time to evaluate a coach and his teams have played
progressively worse each year. His teams are inconsistent, mentally soft, undisciplined,
lackadaisical, selfish and unaccountable all qualities that are antithetical to what the UCLA
Basketball program and UCLA in general stand for.
To not make the NCAA Tournament in his third year with such highly recruited players (this
should actually be his second straight year not making the tournament) is frankly an
embarrassment. Something is fundamentally wrong with the leadership and direction of this
UCLA Basketball program and change must happen now.
The UCLA community sincerely thank you for everything that you have done for our school.
Please stop the bleeding and do what needs to be done and fire Steve Alford now. Bring back the
put that into perspective; Steve Alford would not have my support for being the head basketball
coach at UCLA even should he win numerous national championships. There are things more
important than winning games.
There may be some questioning as to why I feel that way, sort of a what do you know? or
what have you heard? kind of reaction. Any questions asked about what I may know or what I
may have heard will not be answered. Just know I have my reasons for feeling as strongly as I
do.
With that out of the way, here are the reasons why Alford should be terminated soon;
RECRUITING:
Legendary coach John Wooden once said/wrote that essentially talent trumps everything else.
Recruiting brings in the talent needed to compete. Alford has essentially failed at that because;
1. His inability or refusal in his first two-plus years on the job to effectively recruit his local
area. The current roster has 3 players, Thomas Welsh, Isaac Hamilton and Aaron Holiday, who
are considered local. Contrast that with USC, who has 6 local rotation players on its roster.
There really isnt another situation in the country where two major programs are located in the
same major city which is also very fertile basketball recruiting ground. However, the fact
remains that Alford has been outpaced in local recruiting by USC. Next years freshmen class is
certainly a step in the right direction, but USC loses no one to graduation.
The reason for the recruiting issues stems from
2. An apparent lack of high-level ability to evaluate talent. While there is no smoking gun
regarding Alford ever stating that certain players were not good enough, there is enough
circumstantial information floating around that Alford believed that to be true for some of the
players who now populate the USC roster. The lack of ability to evaluate at a high level is not
simply an Alford thing but also a problem for the staff because either they are also mediocre at
evaluating talent or they cant get the head coach to listen to them. Either one is very
problematic, the latter because of the trust issues that can be implied from it. Anyway, some will
point to next years freshmen class as Alfords ability to grow as an evaluator. That might be true,
but it is more likely that players like Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf were easy evaluations, and that the
real way to look at Alfords evaluation skills is when evaluating Kobe Paras.
3. The apparent nepotism. The idea that Alford is motivated by nepotism is really an emotional
argument because short of Alford coming out and saying that he didnt recruit certain players in
order to allow his son an unimpeded path to the starting guard spot, its really just conjecture. It
happens to be something I believe to be a strong motivating factor for Alford, if not THE
motivating factor, but there is certainly an argument that can be made that evidence points to
nepotism being a problem with recruiting. If nothing else, the argument is being used against him
when he is on the recruiting trail.
RETENTION OF PLAYERS:
Alford has lost four players in two years to early entry into the NBA draft. Those are the kinds
of attrition numbers that John Calipari sees at Kentucky. However, Calipari recruits at a much
higher level than Alford and even then, the Kentucky program is not the model of stability
(national title one year, lose in the first round of the NIT the next, etc.). No matter how one wants
to rationalize why the players are leaving, the bottom line is players arent staying. Now, without
having specific information, there is the very realistic/reasonable possibility that up to three
players may leave the program at the end of the current season who are not seniors. That kind of
attrition destroys any semblance of depth and continuity. The depth issue is important because
for all the Bruin fans who talk about next years team being loaded, it wont be if players like
Aaron Holiday, Prince Ali and Jonah Bolden leave for greener pastures. That will leave next
years squad even more lacking in athleticism than this years. Some will argue that the ones who
left did so because they were NBA-level players. Assuming thats true (and it is at a certain
level), then cant an argument be made that Alfords teams have underachieved in every season
hes been in charge in Westwood? Keep in mind that on top of losing the early entry players that
there are three other players that are currently on or have been on an NBA roster who graduated
as seniors. Which leads me to
COACHING:
Alford has had 7 former UCLA players reach the NBA in his first two seasons and probably
has at least 2 players on the current squad who will eventually get there, if not more. Thats 9
NBA-level players (minimum) in less than three seasons and the net result has been 2 Sweet 16s
and one probable NCAA miss. There are reasons for this;
1. Alford has never been known as an expert tactical coach. There is more wrong with the
program than the effort and focus issues. It can be argued that Alford doesnt run the best offense
for his personnel. For example, the Bob Knight-disciple, who grew up in a true motion (pass then
screen away) offense utilizes an ball-screen heavy offense when most of his players dont shoot
well off the dribble but do when they can set their feet, like say they can when coming off a
weakside screen. Thats the kind of screen that comes from a true motion offense.
2. Alford has struggled with in-game adjustments, which was a common concern about him
since he was coaching at (SW) Missouri State, Iowa and New Mexico. These concerns have been
echoed by fans, former players and fellow coaches (privately) since his move to NCAA D-I
coaching. Again, this is a common refrain from multiple groups and certainly some groups that
have no vested interest in Alfords success or failure. Now, other coaches struggle tactically,
including successful ones (Calipari comes to mind as does Jim Harrick, who won his own
national title while at UCLA), and taken in a vacuum, some tactical naivety isnt necessarily a
problem. However, it appears to be a problem when taken into context with everything else
perceived wrong with the program.
3. Allocation of minutes/Nepotism (again) is an issue, especially when youve shown a
tendency to bench players who will one day be in the NBA for other, less obvious talents. There
really is no arguing this point other than to say that Alford feels hes playing the best players on
the roster. Granted, we on the outside dont really know whats going on behind the scenes or
from one practice to another, but based on the evidence we can see, there are many, including
coaches, who question Alfords rotational selection of players and, simply based on talent alone,
his rotations indicate the same evaluation issues Alford has shown on the recruiting trail.
4. Motivating his players is something that, quite frankly, Alford does have a reputation for
doing very well. Since coming to UCLA, however, Alfords teams have shown inconsistent
effort. These athletes are essentially still kids so they are bound to have bad days and do so
collectively. It can be argued, though, that the past three versions of the UCLA mens basketball
team show a lack of effort far more than just the occasional bad day. The concern, especially
with this years squad, is that Alford is losing or has already lost the team. If thats the case, then
forget every other thing Ive written; his position is untenable. There is very little likelihood that
Alford will get next years team to respond to him if this years team has checked out. If that is
indeed the case, then Dan Guerrero needs to figure out why the players have checked out and
address it immediately and decisively. If the team has quit then Alford probably needs to go
within days of Guerreo figuring that out. Thats because
This team does have talent and there is every reason to believe that a competent motivator and
game tactician would have the team sitting with a better record than 13-10. Perhaps Ed Schilling
is that man, perhaps not. But if Guerrero has determined that Alford is not then he needs to be
relieved of his duties immediately or you are arguably risking further transfers and defections at
the conclusion of the season.
MISSION:
Assuming that a schools and programs identity is focused on the mission, then the question
is how Alford has fared completing that mission. Is the mission one of winning and on-court
success? If thats the case then an argument can be made for Alford. He has gotten to the second
weekend of the NCAA Tournament twice. I dont agree with that argument, but it isnt an
unreasonable one.
However, if the mission is about the growth and education of the young men in the program
and the school, Alford seems to have been less successful. Keep in mind that I am not suggesting
that competitive success isnt a factor, but what if we did look deeper. The specter of Alfords
character as a leader of young men has been raised at every coaching stop hes been at; to find
that out is as easy as a web-based search of his previous coaching stops. While most everything
is just opinion there is an argument to be made that where theres smoke, theres fire, at least a
small one. This isnt a rehashing of the Pierre Pierce problem, but former players and families
whove used terms that are synonyms for dishonest when describing Alford. Im not writing
about his cheating to get recruits or to win games, but what he says to players and families, when
he says them and how he says them. I would think that UCLA would want a leader whos
personal integrity is never or at least rarely in this electronic age, called into question.
I could obviously write a much more lengthy post about the relatively concrete reasons that
Alford and UCLA are a very poor fit for each other. However, I believe that when looking at the
recruiting failures, the mediocre coaching of skills and tactics, the lack of tactical acumen, the
struggle to retain players, the debatable playing time allocation and, most importantly, that
Alford is not in line with the schools or the athletic departments mission, the action required is
clear.
1145. David J Gilmore
UCLA Class Of 1975
1146. Andrew Bauchman
1147. Ian Stewart
UCLA Class of 2015
1148. James Mansour
Class of 2006
1149. Ty Miller
My family has held season seats at Pauley since it opened. I grew up with UCLA basketball. I
attended Coach Woodens Basketball camp. I fell in love with UCLA as so many do, in a deeply
personal way with such strength that I chose UCLA over opportunities to attend other schools
such as Stanford and Yale. Basketball was my first loveyet I found my path in athletics in
soccer. I was a walk-on in 1989 who earned a scholarship and a national championship in 1990. I
was voted the most-inspirational player on the 1992 team, one of the most incredible honors I
have ever received. The love and passion I have for UCLA athletics is as strong as can be
imagined. And, despite this connection to UCLA and UCLA basketball, the fire for our program
has been reduced to a flickering flame by Coach Alfords failure and nepotism. Im still a WAF
and BVC memberbut I am embarrassed and deeply, deeply saddened by the state of our
beloved mens basketball program. Please, please, please take action Dan.
Thank you for considering my comments and our collective plea.
1150. Anthony Rossi
1151. Aaron Peters
1152. Jeffrey Ropp
If UCLA basketball is sacred to you, the only correct and inescapable conclusion is that Steve
Alford must be relieved of his duties. Delay only exacerbates the situation. Begin our restoration
immediately.
1153. Edward Lin
Please restore UCLA basketball and hire a new coach.
1154. Steve Raber
Class of 1982
1155. David Chavez
I would like to reiterate that I have been a long time season ticket holder who will not pay for
another game until Alford is gone. His teams play only half basketball with little attention to
defense or fundamentals. I used to live for Ucla bball gamesnow I can barely watch.
1156. Eric Orland
1157. Roz Etedali
The biggest issue for me is the aura of apathy that Steve Alford has created around the UCLA
Basketball program.
1158. Fred Kuester
This letter accurately reflects my opinions regarding Steve Alfords performance. Since, Coach
Alford has arrived the teams performance has steadily declined.
1159. Jeremy
When the lifelong supporters are rendered apathetic, you know you have a major problem. And
thats what has happened to UCLA basketball.
1160. Greg Patterson
Im a UCLA alum (2002) with an entire family (Grandparents, Mom, Dad, Sister) that are also
alums. As i type this email, im sitting in my office literally looking at a pair of Pauley Pavilion
seats that I bought, and a framed collage of taking my dad to the re-opening of Pauley in 2012
against Indiana State. He was a student when Pauley orginaly opened (he was at the famous
Freshman v. Varsity game in 1965). Needless to say, UCLA basketball has been a passion of
mine for as long as I have lived.
I dont know that I have the words to describe what I have watched under Alfords tenure.
Apathetic and disinterested would be easy adjectives to use, but really more than anything I just
feel sad. I feel sad watching our coach showcase his son at the expense of the team, and I feel sad
that I never know if Coach Alfords team is going to give maximum effort.
As an (also) long time season ticket holder in football, I tell my friends that I sit with, and my
parents that still go to every game, that I couldnt be prouder of the football program. I realize we
will never be Alabama or LSU I dont want that. I am proud of the product that Jim Mora puts
on the field every week not in wins and losses, but how HARD those kids play week in and
week out. I can confidently wear my UCLA gear now wherever I go during football season.
Its very obvious to me that the kids on the football team love their coach, and love playing for
UCLA. I would like to be able to say them same about the basketball team. I fear this will never
happen under our current coach.
1161. Michael McCaffrey
I have only watched one game all year ( and that is because I was snowed in) such is my disdain
for Coach Alfords performance as the coach at UCLA. And, frankly, I dont plan on watching
another game or donated another dollar until Steve Alford is removed as the Basketball coach at
UCLA. Mike McCaffrey class of 1985
1162. Michael Steren
My family has been a long-time season ticket holder of UCLA Mens Basketball, with significant
contributions to the program and UCLA Athletics in general. We have come to the conclusion
that Steve Alford is not the right coach for UCLA mens basketball.
1163. Paul Nishida
Saddened, embarrassed, and angry about the state of the UCLA basketball program. Class of
1986.
1164. Nicholas Reynolds
Truth
1165. kimclukkimluk
Please fire Steve Alford at the end of 2016 season and restore UCLA Hoops.
1166. Tim, UCLA, 89
Go Bruins!!!
1167. Nickos Rovello
1168. Tom Scopazzi, B.S. 2003
I endorse this petition.
is by far the lowest I ever remember seeing UCLA. While this Bruins team certainly has the
requisite talent to be competitive in games, the lack of inconsistent effort, spirit, and competitive
greatness is very puzzling and disappointing for me to watch, when I do watch. This problem all
starts with an extreme lack of accountability. Coach Alford is incredibly blind to the limitations
on his own son. Bryce, while admittedly not the best defender exhibits no desire to try on
defense, and offensively shoots without passing far too often. This selfish mentality to only play
hard on one end of the court in addition to ignore open teammates is toxic to the team. Alford has
done nothing to curtail this disease from festering into the situation that we presently see where
most players shoot when they get the ball and most players are simply satisfied with letting their
opponent score of them.
I know that the pressure of being a head coach at this level can be very taxing. Realistically,
turning around any program does not simply happen overnight. Most realistic fans, including
myself, understand this. We are not asking for deep final four tournament runs or championships
(although wouldnt that be nice too), but instead I think we are all looking for hope. I am looking
for clues to show me that the Head Coach and the players who represent our great university
exhibit the same love for each other and UCLA that I feel when I am at UCLA. As a lifelong
Bruin fan, its very tough to reconcile what I am seeing on the floor with what my mental picture
of playing at UCLA should be. I would love to be able to be more forgiving, but I truly feel in
my heart, that Alford has squandered away far too many chances and his teams have shown me
nothing that would give me any sort of this hope that he can turn things around.
Go Bruins and thank you for listening,
1179. Gabe Rothman
I echo the sentiments of this letter in its entirety. What Alford has done to UCLA basketball is
unconscionable.
1180. Namir Shaba
I have always been a UCLA fan and most importantly a UCLA basketball fan. When I was
accepted to UCLA in 1996 I was ecstatic. I knew I was going to get an education from a top
ranked program and get to see the greatest college basketball team in the country. Coming off the
national championship 1 year removed, I was psyched for the start of the season. I remember the
depression that set in when Harrick got fired. I camped out for every game every year1996-2000. Always in the first 2 rows, helped lead cheers, and supported the team during good
times and bad. We had some really good teams, but by the end of my time, we figured out that
Lavin wasnt the coach we needed. My post graduate studies sent me all over the country. I
would never miss a game.. staying up until 12am on a thursday night to watch a blowout
victory against Oregon St whether or not I had work or an exam the next day. I remember
screaming so loud I woke up my neighbors in an apartment complex in Long Island, NY after the
Gonzaga victory at 1am.
I was so excited to move to Phoenix so I could be close enough to drive to games a few times a
year and watch games in the same time zone. I moved right at the time we were looking for a
new coach. The possibilities were endless and tantalizing. Unfortunately the decision was not the
correct one. The program is as bad as I ever remember it. The team lacks discipline, the defense
non existent, no fundamentals, poor recruiting early on and then poor development of players
even when we land a good recruit, no energy in a new arena, and most importantly not enough
wins. The current regime has taken a proud program and sent it into the toilet.
lead us. Zero defense, zero effort, zero effort, zero pride for those four letters. A casual observer
can spot it. We lost games with Ben, but we still had those. We lost with Lavin, but even he
somehow mustered some magic and had us believing (at times). Alford? I feel nothing. We are a
museum that used to house greatness.
Im here, so I would be lying if I said I signed off long ago, but consider this my resignation as
a UCLA Mens Basketball fan, until we decide to get serious again. I suppose the seats are
cheaper for Womens Gymnastics anyway.
Respectfully,
Dustin Thornburgh
Class of 2000
1185. Jaime Goldfarb
Dear Mr. Guerrero,
It is with grave sadness that Im signing this petition. I am a long standing Bruin, having
received each of my BA, MA, and Ph.D. From UCLA. My passion for all things Bruin runs
deep. Unfortunately, the current leadership and direction of our storied basketball program have
robbed me of that passion. It isnt only the on court performance that is so distressingthe issues
run deep, and for me, include: 1) very questionable character decisions displayed by coach
Alford in past positions; 2) lack of leadership characteristics to be passed to his teamthe lack of
fundamentals, effort and pride in the program is not something I would have allowed in my
daughters AYSO team; 3) lack of engagement of the fan baseI understand it might be difficult
but I believe it is an inherent responsibility of our coach to engage us fans, and foster our
attachment to the program; 4) blatant nepotismdemonstrates that coach Alfords primary
consideration is not the well being of our program; and 5) questionable recruiting focus and
effortignoring local talent to focus on recruits based upon past relations solely, then focus on
recruits based upon shoe affiliation does not speak well to our strategic recruiting efforts.
So I kindly encourage a re-evaluation of our direction, and in turn, immediate shift in the
leadership of this beloved program. We as fans, but more importantly, the legacy of the program
deserve better.
Regards. Jaime Goldfarb, Ph.D. (class of 1989)
1186. Jake Bryan
I, Jake Bryan, will not attend another UCLA Basketball game until Steve Alford is fired.
1187. Russ Strickler
1188. David Madeo
I returned to California in the early 2000s and immediately became a UCLA Basketball season
ticket holder, through the Howland years and up to Alfords second year. Alfords tenure has
killed my interest and passion for UCLA Basketball, and I wont resume as a season ticket
holder, or go to any games, until he is gone. Thank you for your consideration.
1189. Dan Calvo
Steve Alford is not the answer, never was. Time for a change ASAP.
to not miss a game. For all of the reasons listed above I hope that you listen to the fans. Thank
you!
1219. Jim S. Wang
Class of 1996
1220. Fred Llamas
I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments stated here.
1221. Jeffrey Dintzer
I am very disappointed in the current state of affairs with UCLA basketball. While I dont
necessarily agree with everything stated in the above letter, and I plan to continue my support for
UCLA athletics regardless of your decision on Steve Alford, I honestly believe a change now is
necessary. We have a tremendous group of athletes coming into the program next year. In my
view we will be wasting their respective talent if Coach Alford continues on with UCLA.
Further, as UCLA basketball continues to degrade, our chances of brining in top recruits who are
growing up watching our program fail year after year is diminished. Dan, I am sure you will do
the right thing for the athletics program and the University as a whole . Go Bruins!
1222. Anthony Lai
The concerns being brought up are from real fans with real experience of the games in a regular
basis. As a contributing alumni, I found no reason to come to Pauley to watch a team with poor
defense mentally in the critical times to pull out victories on a regular basis the womens team
is a much tougher team to cheer these days! MS EE graduated in 1995!
The team is not a good example for me to show to my family of what UCLA basketball is about
from what I know and missing of applying concepts of the Woodens pyramid of success not
heard once from the Coachs interview since he joined so I assume no buy-in to the values of our
successful program that keeps getting embarrassed in the national scene.
1223. Patrick Kirby
With the incredible talent that hes wasted, and the obvious lack of any over-arching strategy to
put the pieces together for great teams, it is time for Steve Alford to go. Decisive action needs to
be taken to bring back UCLA basketball as a basketball powerhouse. That is simply not going to
happen under Steve Alford.
1224. Greg Saunders
UCLA 1974
1225. Jeff W
As one of the last remaining supporters of Alford I must now declare that Im done and agree
that a change needs to be made ASAP
1226. Daniel R.
Any excitement people had for UCLA basketball has been replaced by apathy. No one believes
that Alford is the right coach for this program, or that the program will ever excel under him.
Most of the alumni/fans Ive discussed this think it is a matter of when, but not if, he is let go.
1227. Daves
Alford really needs to go. He was the wrong hire and UCLA deserves so much better !!!
1228. Mike Rosen
I am a hardcore fan who has lived and died with my Bruins since 1967. The basketball coaching
situation has become very troubling to me. I typically support our AD and our school across most
hires, but at this point I now find myself in support of a coaching change. This is a sad day for
me, and even more so for UCLA basketball. Please bring back the fun of attending games. Thank
you very much.
1229. Paul Gale BA 72; JD 75
Coach Alfords repeated public comments about the team not being motivated are a reflection on
his own coaching shortcomings
1230. Mike Ramirez
1231. Me
The most disappointing part of what has happened to UCLA basketball is that I am not even
angry anymore. I am simply apathetic. The empty seats and even lack of protests underscore that
apathy and I think we all know apathy is the true antithesis of fandom. I realize it is not an ideal
time and there is a large financial hinderance, but this is a time where dignity should outweigh
finances. The first two points on this letter are correct. This program was once proud and
heralded as everything that was right about basketball. Not just college basketball, but basketball.
Sports in general. As the letter writer mentioned, at least with Howland you had to respect the
passion. You had to respect the fundamentals. That he cared about doing things the right way.
Towards the end, his vision of winning above all may have clouded what Wooden once believed
which was that if you coach to play the right way, wins will come. But coaching simply to win is
not something to respect. Howland lost that vision but he still held on to the fundamentals and
made us proud to watch a team that was well-prepared and valued doing the things that didnt
show up on the highlights. Alford has done the opposite of this. He has produced a team with
talent to play and win with anyone. But one that doesnt seem to care unless they feel personally
motivated. The team concept has been lost. The preparedness and fundamentals are nowhere to
be find. And most sad of all, the pride that UCLA on the front of a jersey once stood for is
completely missing.
Mr. Guerrero, its easy to do what the right thing when its easy. When everything lines up and
there are no obstacles. But it is a true testament of character to do the right thing when it is hard.
When it makes your life hell and the road is full of strife. Show that character that will restore the
pride in UCLA and all who stand for UCLA. Do what is hard. Do what takes admitting a
mistake. End this era of UCLA basketball before we lose what little faith we still have left
1232. Michael Grant
Truly a sad time in UCLA Basketball. I have been a fan since 1970, and I am taken back by the
lack of effort, and hustle. No defense and no team work. Nobody helping their team mate. And
the awful offense with Bryce trying to play point guard. I would rather they lose playing hard,
and hustling than the lack of effort this team displays. That all is attributed to the Head Coach. I
have been watching all the coaches over the years and this is the worstHarrick, Lavin, Ben
Howland. They played hard make a change.
1233. John Brizendine
1234. Jeff T.
Utter disappointment to see how far the once great UCLA basketball program has fallen. We
need change.
1235. Stephanie Zaffos
I never thought I would see UCLA Basketball in this state. Something needs to be done, and it
needs to be now!
1236. Gabe D
This isnt working. Need to recalibrate ASAP.
1237. Richard Chew
I am a 30 year basketball and football season ticket holder and rarely missed games. Last week
was the first time ever I forgot there was a game. Please, for the future of the basketball program,
the change must be made now!
1238. Matt Kishiyama
Its time for the Alford experiment to end.
1239. Jules Kates
Yes to all the comments.
1240. Mark Schenkman
Time for a change before we all stop attending games. Alford has failed miserably.
1241. Manny Kim
This is not UCLA standard.
1242. Stan Hale
AMEN! AMEN!
1243. Julia Murray Class of 1983
#GOBRUINS
1244. Greg Nielsen
If we dont change coaches now, Ball/Leaf will mask Alfords leadership/coaching shortcomings
much like taking antibiotics can mask more serious health issues. Well look and feel better
temporarily, and then get hideously sick soon after.
1245. David Fujiiura
Please fire Steve Alford and hire a coach who can get the team to play hard and play good
defense all the time.
1246. Dtalker
Supported Coach Alford as part of the UCLA family, but a new coach is needed immediately.
1247. camwordplay
Enough is enough. Fire Alford now!
1248. Pete
Kinda hard to believe that Alford spent 4 years in Indiana under Bob Knight and didnt learn
defense.
1249. Waseem Hasnain
Just watched brackets being announced. Painful to see UCLA missing from the bracket :( Alford
has steered this proud program in the wrong direction. Pathetic showing. Alford needs to go
NOW!
1250. Jordan
We deserve better.
1251. Ross Heman
Keeping Alford because of the recruits is a cowardly way out. Perhaps he can lose another NBA
player like La Vine by stubbornly playing his son. Bryce never saw a shot he didnt love and
doesnt know the meaning of defense.
1252. Christian Schirmer
I have never before signed any such petition until now ,because I strongly believe that Steve
Alford should not be coaching the UCLA Bruins.
1253. Jordan Camarillo
Please make changes to the basketball program.
1254. Rawley Valverde
No more Coach Alford!!!!! Pauley will be a morgue next year if hes retained. Mr. Guerrero
please heed our call- this is your legacy were talking about. Do the right thing, listen to the loyal
fan base, make the change NOW!!!
1255. John Bogdano
The fact that Alford wasnt gone the minute UCLA walked off the court after Wednesdays loss
to USC is a pretty clear indicator that money, power, and, well, money are far more important
that a winning basketball team. I cant even bear to watch now.
1256. Jerry Ames
The time is now, make the change and fire Alford!
1257. Bill Locey
Bruin fan since 64. Three losses to Boo-SC? And the last game, they gave up completely
unacceptable we shoulda kept Harrick whatever Alford is not the guy, sad to say next! Go
Bruins Die USC Bill Locey, UCLA 1978.
I am a lifelong UCLA hoops fan and alumnus, having graduated in 1970 after
matriculating in every one of Lew Alcindors years as a Bruin.
I rarely write letters such as this, but I am compelled to object to continuing Steve
Alfords contract as our head coach of mens basketball.
The evidence on Steve Alfords coaching acumen is very alarming. His year one
performance was based on inheriting a roster with a huge amount of NBA talent and experience.
In year two, he was lucky to get into the tournament. Many thought UCLA did not deserve a
berth. This year, we dont even qualify for the NIT. The performance of this years team shows
the same negative trend, including the humiliation of losing three games to SC, all by wide
margins.
Alfords bad judgment in several areas can be considered even more problematic. In his
first UCLA press conference, his defensive posture over the Paul Pierce situation at Iowa
exhibited a serious lack of accountability. It took a second press conference and apparently a
serious amount of coaching on his response for him to just admit a minimal amount of regret
over what transpired. That is not the sort of moral center that we should have in the head of our
basketball program.
More directly harmful to the success of our basketball team has been the nepotism Coach
Alford has shown toward the use of his son. Despite the opinion of many, many basketball
experts that Bryce Alford is at best a mid-level Pac-12 guard, his father gives him huge minutes
per game in the face of mediocre shooting and horribly bad defense. Bryces issues on defense
stem from average speed and quickness and very poor effort, which is by far worse. Coach
Alford calls his son one of the teams leaders. Then incredibly he wonders why he cant get
better defense out of his team! This blatant nepotism is the main reason why I have zero
confidence in continuing to put the future of UCLA basketball in the hands of Steve Alford. We
can and must do better.
It is not unprecedented to cut loose a coach after three years or less. It has happened in
elite programs such as North Carolina and Kentucky. Such decisiveness could be an important
factor in how these programs continue to be elite year after year. Look at our attendance
numbers trending down. Look at our team performance trending down. Consider the unprecedented level of demand for a new coach. It is time to act.
Sincerely,
Denis Ryono
1970 graduate of UCLA
1270. msemilyure
Steve Alford is not the coach to restore the programs prestigious reputation. He doesnt seem
eager to improve as a coach and doesnt acknowledge that he led the program to its lowest point
ever. As a devoted Bruin fan, I vote to replace Alford now!
1271. Nathan
Steve Alford destroyed Iowas program, stabbed New Mexico in the back, and is currently hardat-work at dismantling Bruin basketball. No way should UCLA post this kind of record with the
talent they have access to. John Wooden is rolling in his grave. Please do what is best for UCLA
and kindly show Alford the door.
1272. Mark Paskowitz
What a major disappointment to the four letters and lack of leadership within the program.
Compromising our cultural standards and expectations to a new low.
1273. Mike Brennan
Im a 78 graduate and have not donated to UCLA in the past 3 years and will NOT donate
another dollar to the University until both you and Alford are gone. Period. You each have
disgraced the UCLA brand name.
1274. Gene Boyarsky '03
Mr. Guerrero, this one is no-brainer.
1275. Peters Suh
Peters, BA 86 MBA 94
1276. Duane Frigate
no pride, no desire, no more
1277. Tim Petrarca
Tim Petrarca 72. An embarrassing situation for a once-proud basketball program.
1278. Joe Balabis
Class of 1999. Fire Alford, and while youre at it, please resign, Dan.
1279. Richard Trogman
No accountability exists on the team. This is clear to anyone who knows basketball. This is on
the coach. Program is at an all time low. Is Guerrero going to be the accountable AD and replace
the coach? Thats what we, as alumni, want now.
1280. Rolando Yanes
Its a disgrace to have Steve Alford as the basketball coach. We need to restore UCLAs legacy in
college basketball.
1281. Tmar
Steve Alford must be relieved of his duties immediately. Go Bruins!
1282. Michael Ringold
I havent watched a game all year. Class of 91.
1283. Michael Pearson
I agree with the letter.
1284. Javier Blanco
This is an all-time low for UCLA basketball and Alfords track record so far does not spark any
glimmer of hope that things will change next year with him at the helm.
Greg Vaughn
Class of 95 (last year we won the National Championship), 98, and 05
1318. Gerald Saputra
I agree that even with Steve Lavin as coach I would still watch the games. This year, no way. I
cant believe what this program has become. Fire Alford!
1319. Karen J. Roberts
Karen J. Roberts, 07
1320. Ralph Hesse Jr.
1321. Michael Torres
Its simply time for a change.
1322. Jung Kim
I used to find such great joy in watching Bruin basketball, but it has become so painful I find
myself no longer able to watch. I cant think of many instances where giving a coach another
year leads to success when there has been no improvement in any aspect which could give
reasonable confidence of turnaround. If you give the guy another year out of only fairness I
believe you are kidding yourself as delaying the inevitable is actually not fair to Alford or to our
program. Bruin basketball deserves far betterPLEASE act now!
1323. Jason Gim
1324. Ed L.
Please make it stop. Never should have been hired in the fiat place.
1325. David Duran
If youre unwilling to fire Alford, as UCLAs AD, then I think you should resign and let a new
UCLA AD fire Alford.
1326. Steve Langa
As was mentioned in the letter, I stopped caring about the team that I love this season. I never
imagined that could happen. I want that feeling back! Youve got to make a change.
1327. John Riordan
Losing to SC once in a year is unacceptable ! Losing 3 times is criminal!
My thoughts exactly.
1328. Kevin Osbourne
We need a new coach Asap!
1329. Sean Camarella, 2007
Alford should never have been hired for the job. His son being on the team is a conflict of
interest at best but might be more appropriately called nepotism.
we played poorly: That was the worst exhibition of basketball I have ever seen. Last night I
can truly say I witnessed the worst exhibition of basketball I have ever seen. Time to go, Dan,
and if you wont fire coach Alford MAYBE WE NEED TO LOOK AT REPLACING YOU AS
WELL!! Restore UCLAs pride--it is time to cut your losses and replace the coach. One more
year will not change things.
1348. Ira Fierberg
The SC game was a disgrace. The season was a disgrace. Alford must go immediately.
1349. John Lim
I have been following UCLA mens basketball since 1964, the beginning of John Woodens great
run of NCAA championships. Through all of the subsequent changes, I remained a fan. But the
last year and a half of Alford has been fraught with frustration. In fact, I have become totally
apathetic about UCLA MBB. Unfortunately, I am sure this is true of many Bruin fans. Alford has
to go and the sooner the better.
1350. Ricardo P
It is absolutely embarrassing to consider what has happened to the basketball program under
Steve Alford. From nepotism, to undisciplined play and utterly selfish basketball, a change at the
top is absolutely necessary. Steve Alford cannot be allowed to completely crater the program.
1351. Mike G
WE WANT THE REAL UCLA BBALL PROGRAM BACK #firealford
1352. Mark Soberman
With or without passion and emotions there is clearly only one decision to be made here. Make
the change and do not look back.
1353. Brian I
Former WAF member and long time basketball first fan and alumnus. Dan G, I was extremely
shocked by the response to this petition. The numbers are clear: decreased attendance, decreased
wins, 3 losses to SC. Waiting till next year ruins the teams chances with the great recruits coming
in that any UCLA coach would have been able to sign. It is time for a change. I will not return to
Pauley for Alford coached teams.
1354. Josh Zumkehr
1355. Jerry Macy
By far the most disappointing team of the 50 years I have followed Bruin basketball. The letter
says it all. Alford is destroying the soul of UCLA basketball. Hiring Alford was suspect from the
beginning, so this really shouldnt come as a surprise.
Jerry Macy
Class of 1972
1356. Edwin Harte
UCLA basketball is unwatchable. I will not waste time supporting my alma mater if my
university will not support me and other UCLA sports fans.
Steve Alford needs to be FIRED. Even though he has got a good recruiting class for the next year
he does not have any knowledge of handling of a college program like UCLA.
1370. Keith T Fujii
Embarrassed by the product you are putting on the floor
1371. Frederick G.
Whether the roster is full of talent or devoid of it, a poor coach can only make the team less than
it can and should be. Less than it is capable of being under the guidance of a talented coach.
Steve Alford is a poor coach. Period.
1372. Tyler Polson
Simply unacceptable. This is UCLA.
1373. Joe Olivarez
As a long time UCLA fan, I can only imagine the astronomical pressure, coach Alford is under,
to continue the winning tradition. Coach Alford was well aware, of the tradition and
expectations, of UCLA basketball, when he was hired. It is quit evident, this team had the talent
and potential to compete with the rest of the country. Unfortunately the players lost confidence in
coach Alford, and is now time for him to move on. Lets restore our winning tradition. GO
BRUINS!!!!!!!!!!!!
1374. Jordan
We need positive change. Fire Alford!
1375. Christopher R Meister
1376. Alan Tseng
We need new direction now!
1377. Alan S. Berman
I dont take firing anyone lightly. And, I think coaches need time to lay their foundation. I dont
care about one bad season. But, third year in, and there is no foundation being laid. Instead, the
team has regressed each year without establishing an identity that is positive. Alfords contract
isnt for a guy who is expected to learn on the job. His contract is for a guy who is supposed to
know already. Ive added my name because I think its time to move on and find a suitable
replacement. Thank you.
1378. Verte Field
Americans culture fosters nepotism and politics. No wonder incompetent people are hired in the
wrong jobs/positions. Any organization/institution must not be stupid to provide huge salaries to
incompetent employees with no agreements who that organization/institution can fire those
incompetent employees when they horribly do such poor jobs. As a person who loves dearly
UCLA, it is such a huge disappointment to see too many losses in basketball games. What are
wrong with Guerrero and Alford?
1379. Robert Downs
coaching staff and theres no indication that any level of talent will overcome that. I feel bad for
the players that are stuck in this quagmire of a program.
1389. David Huffman
A disgrace. The level of nepotism that is on display is sickening. Got to go.
1390. Ryan
Funny that we need to go this route for one of the most obvious decisions in the history of
college sports.
1391. Jimmy H.
CHANGE MUST HAPPEN Alfords use of UCLA to prop up his son has destroyed the
UCLA brand. What other team in the nation has as many 5 star players as we do and still doesnt
have a winning record?
1392. Seth
Yeah this guy isnt good. Teams should get better not worse. Fire him and take the money out of
Dans pay check.
1393. Keino
I was never a fan of the hire in the first place of Steve Alford.
Losing three times to SC, in the same season, is not acceptable for the Bruins.
1394. Mike Stamper
This has been a tragic waste of 3 years under Alford. What was a national power for years has
become the door mat of the PAC 12. This is an embarrassment to the UCLA community.
Changes need to take place NOW.
1395. Aidan
Fire him
1396. Carl Luckroth
1397. Curtis McReynolds
Fire him.
1398. David Gompert
This is a disgrace and must end now. David Gompert
1399. Eric Acker, Class of 1997
Being out-classed by the competition is disappointing but palatable as long as there is a vision in
place to turn things around. However, being consistently out-worked and out-schemed is
unacceptable and a reflection of the staff. I understand we are committed big to Alford
financially, but I have seen nothing from him other than recruiting that leads me to believe he is a
good coach. Time for him to go. Please bring in someone that will instill some effort, pride and
accountability to the progra.
Alford was able to retain Howland class so it shouldnt be a problem for the next coach either.
No more upcoming coach. Hire a proven winner
1420. Ryan
Unable to watch another game.
1421. Johnny Cheng
Using our program to showcase your son is disgusting.
Fire Alford!!!!!!!!!!!!
1422. Allison Alvarado
Really? This is craziness. The basketball program is completely in the toilet. Lets make a
positive change. We can and must do better.
1423. Evan
Enough is enough.
1424. Scott F.
Enough is enough.
1425. Martin Tsai
Fire Alford.
Go Bruins!
1426. S.E. Perry
Coaching change must be made now. Steve Alford has gutted the program. he is not the man to
lead the UCLA basketball program.
1427. Walter
It falls on me, Alford said. This is where the buck stops and starts. Ive just done a really poor
job of getting to these guys over the last two and a half months. http://www.latimes.com/sports/
ucla/la-sp-sn-usc-earns-third-straight-win-over-ucla-96-71-in-pac-12-tournament-20160309story.html
Actually, no. The buck stops with Dan Guerrero.
1428. Kent Sayma
I stopped watching this seasonas the basketball they play is almost as if every player is playing
for themselves.
Too hard to watch
1429. Nick Gutierrez
It has to be apparent now more than ever that a coaching change needs to be made. This is an
embarrassment. There is no way any ucla basketball team should ever be this bad and play this
horribly. Fire Alford now.
Having been a true Bruin since 1963, a football season ticket holder since moving to the
RoseBowl and a Wooden Fund donor! I find the Basketball team as a disgrace to our programs.
a departure from our sports values of winning by offering the best; not the worst the worst in
Administration (AD) the worst in Coaching and a coach which only sees value in a less than D1
athlete in his son!
1449. Casey Park
Never did I think I would no longer care about ucla basketball. The time has come.
1450. Vic Ghazar
Its time to end this nightmare.
1451. Lisa Moskowitz
Bruin fan for 40 years and now the parent of a UCLA student. What I am seeing on the court is
disgusting and embarrassing. No effort, no pride. The letters on their jerseys dont mean a thing
to anyone. Steve Alford should be ashamed of what he has done to the UCLA basketball
program. I will not spend another dime on UCLA basketball until a coaching change has been
made.
1452. Jean L.
For the good of the program and the school, relieve Coach Alford of his coaching position now.
1453. Jenny F
Pls make it stop!
1454. Ryan S
Enough already.
1455. Robert Bennett, UCLA class of 76
Please terminate this coach.
1456. Troy Carson
1457. Xavier Rosas
What an embarrassment. They should hand out paper bags to the fans to hide some of the shame
of the true fans.
1458. Ryan
Seriously, does anyone in the Athletic Department Care. UCLA is about Championships. Not this
mess.
1459. Casey Scarpati
1460. Ian A
Yep, seen enough.
1461. Larry J. Simon
Ive been a fan since the Bill Walton era. I have my Ph.D. and M.A. From UCLA; my
wife has her BA, MA, and PhD all from UCLA. I tutored hoop players during the Larry Brown
era, and seldom missed a home game throughout the 1980s. I used to fly across the country once
or twice a year to watch the Bruins; I was there when they named the court for Nell and John
Wooden; I was in Indianapolis when Ben Howlands team went to the Final 4.
I thought it was a mistake to fire Ben Howland, a great teacher of fundamentals and a
great basketball mind.
I do not agree with the nepotism charge. But the team is terrible in all aspects save talent.
It is time for Alford to go. The lack of effort and fundamentals is embarrassing.
1462. Howard Chou
This has to be the worst-coached team since i have been a bBruin.
1463. Markus
Been a UCLA basketball fan since 1974. Worst team in 42 years. Steve Alford is not a good
basketball coach. A mistake was made. Time to cut ties and start over. Again. Please!!!
1464. Scott Jones
Scott Jones 97
1465. Jeremy Stein
Third double-digit loss to USC seals it for me. Alford needs to go immediately. With a good hire
we could be back as soon as next year, otherwise we are looking at a mediocre team next year
and a dismal team the following before an inevitable firing when Ucla basketball is completely
cratered.
1464. Dan Griffith
Im willing to renew my bruin bench membership if we fire Alford on Monday!
Dan
Class of 87
1465. Easter Yee
1466. Jae Shin
Please save UCLA basketball and fire Alford.
1467. Derrick Nueman
1468. Andrew B
His hiring was a mistake and keeping him around only compounds the error.
1469. Kyle Matsuo
1470. Justin Thomas
The current UCLA basketball product on the floor is unwatchable. The nepotism displayed by
Coach Alford towards his son is unacceptable. I will not watch another game or donate money to
the program until Coach Alford is gone.
Fire Alford.
1484. Loudog96
Enough.
1485. Michael Dolan
My stepfather has been a season ticket holder since 1949!!!! He was one of Coach Woodens best
friends. The entire family has supported Bruin Basketball for decades. We have reduced our
support dramatically since Coach Alford has arrived. It is time for you to stand up as a Bruin and
do the right thing. Waiting another year will only further tarnish our great tradition.
1486. Adrian Jessop
Bite the bullet, make the change. The stellar recruiting class coming in next year will just be a
waste of talent with a coach who doesnt coach at the helm. This is UCLA and John Woodens
legacy deserves better.
1487. P Janesh
I would like my pride back.
1488. Dave Giguere
We have been basketball fans at UCLA since the 60s and are season ticket holders now. Steve
Alford must go!
1489. Connie Giguere
We have been UCLA basketball fans since the 60s and have season tickets with another couple.
Coach Alford does not motivate his players. His offensive sets are haphazard. Moreover, he does
not coach a consistent level of defense. Watching UCLA basketball has become excruciatingly
painful, and we will probably not renew our season tickets if Alford is retained.
1490. Andrew
We can do better than Alford. We deserve better coaching.
1491. Adam G
1492. Adam Corleto
Please fire him.
1493. Clayton and Maria Kazan
Our basketball team is embarrassing and has not been further from prominence in the 24 years
we have been fans.
1494. C Louie
C. Louie. 93
1495. srackis
1496. westladentist
Im tired of being embarrassed to say Im a Bruin.
1497. Phillip Redpath
Time for an urgent change.
1498. Yama
I was an undergrad at UCLA from 1992-1996 and was there again from 2007-2010 for advanced
post-graduate training. Those were golden years and representative of UCLAs elite status in
sports, especially basketball (championship in 1995, and Final Four appearances in 2007 &
2008). What Steve Alford has brought is an embarrassment to the UCLA brand. Horrible play
calling, atrocious defense, little class. Seats are empty, pride has been lost. We all feel sorry for
what has happened to UCLA basketball. Still cannot understand why he was hired instead of
attempting to recruit Shaka Smart, Greg Marshall or other elite coaches (okay, maybe we never
had a shot at Brad Stevens at the time). What the heck was Dan Guerrero thinking hiring Steve
Alford? Please fire him and get a classy coach who can bring back UCLA basketball pride. I
refuse to go to any games until a coaching change happens.
1499. Linda
I went to UCLAgraduated law school over 30 years ago and have had BB tickets the whole
time. This season was ridiculous. Bad strategy in every game; bad choice of players; and horrible
coaching. Enough is enough.
1500. M Hutchinson
The letter says it all.
1501. Vilos Cohaagen
1502. Evan Schlossberg
1503. George Pappas
1504. Calvin Wu
1505. F. R. Villatuya
Its best if we part ways with Coach Alford. Our student athletes deserve better.
1506. Tony Neece
Waitll next year way, way too many times. Time to put my money into academic rather than
athletic programs.
1507. Raymon Pettibon
Indeed.
1508. Jason Askins
disgustingly displayed to us thus far. Not making a change now will only be delaying the
inevitable. For the sake of all past, present and future Bruins: end the suffering now.
1522. Andrew Oshrin
It is sad to see the lack of stewardship for this once-proud program. Steve Lavin overstayed his
welcome. Ben Howland ditched a winning philosophy to be less boring and would up cratering
the program again. An apparent snap decision to hire Steve Alford and then give him an
undeserved contract extension hamstrung the program yet again. UCLA has the potential to
contend for the P12 title every year, be invited to the NCAA tournament every year, bring in
great recruiting classes of primarily local players and generate enthusiasm among fans. The
analogy is UCLA football-with the right coach in place, the potential is more thoroughly
realized.
1523. Ryan Ferreira
Time for change. #bruinsmaul
1524. Ravi Sahae
#1 matters the most to me. The team just does not play hard consistently. Thats the telltale sign
of bad coaching.
1525. Ryan
UCLA represents more than 10th out of 12 teams and losing twice to $UCboycotting Pauley
until changes are made
1526. Joe Mesimer, Class of 71
Time for a change.
1527. Michael Sedillo
Time for Alford to exit stage right!
1528. Pete Stong
No consistent effort game after game especially middle of 2nd half every game. Very
disappointing. He has definitely lost this team. Change needed! Long time season ticket and
WAF member. We are no longer feared by anyone.
1529. Jesse Garcia
This is the first year in 59 years that I have been totally not interested in the second half of the
season of bruin basketball.
1530. Jason
Alford needs to go.
1531. Dean S.
1532. Paul Stine
1533. Perry Westbrook, D.M.D., M.S.D.
sports that have proudly worn UCLA, well the sun dont shine there. If CSA lasts 1 minute
longer than 24 hours after the last game of the season, Im done.
1553. Tim Jones
Worst season ever, and Ive been a fan for 30 years. Its not just the losing part, its just awful
basketball to watch. Ive been scratching my head since the decision to start Bryce over Zach
Lavine, an NBA superstar in the making. How was that even possible??
1554. cope413
3 seasons and not a single 2-0 Pac-12 road trip = pathetic coaching.
1555. drscrubs
Please fire Steve Alford.
1556. Doug K.
Alford has overstayed his welcome in Westwood. Bring in Pitino!
1557. Johnny Kim
SAVE UCLA BASKETBALL
1558. Charles Favela
Please replace Coach Alford now!
1559. David Fujiiura
Please fire Steve Alford and hire a coach who can get the team to play hard all the time.
1560. Jordan Challgren
Need change.
1561. Ron Lumley
1562. Manny Kim
This is not UCLA standard.
1563. Stan Hale
AMEN! AMEN!
1564. Julia Murray, Class of 1983
#GOBRUINS
1565. Greg Nielsen
If we dont change coaches now, Ball/Leaf will mask Alfords leadership/coaching shortcomings
much like taking antibiotics can mask more serious health issues. Well look and feel better
temporarily, and then get hideously sick soon after.
1566. David Fujiiura
Please fire Steve Alford and hire a coach who can get the team to play hard and play good
defense all the time.
1567. Dtalker
Supported Coach Alford as part of the UCLA family, but a new coach is needed immediately.
1568. Jeffrey Dintzer
I am very disappointed in the current state of affairs with UCLA basketball. While I dont
necessarily agree with everything stated in the above letter, and I plan to continue my support for
UCLA athletics regardless of your decision on Steve Alford, I honestly believe a change now is
necessary. We have a tremendous group of athletes coming into the program next year. In my
view we will be wasting their respective talent if Coach Alford continues on with UCLA.
Further, as UCLA basketball continues to degrade, our chances of brining in top recruits who are
growing up watching our program fail year after year is diminished. Dan, I am sure you will do
the right thing for the athletics program and the University as a whole . Go Bruins!
1569. Anthony Lai
The concerns being brought up are from real fans with real experience of the games in a regular
basis. As a contributing alumni, I found no reason to come to Pauley to watch a team with poor
defense mentally in the critical times to pull out victories on a regular basis the womens team
is a much tougher team to cheer these days! MS EE graduated in 1995!
The team is not a good example for me to show to my family of what UCLA basketball is about
from what I know and missing of applying concepts of the Woodens pyramid of success not
heard once from the Coachs interview since he joined so I assume no buy-in to the values of our
successful program that keeps getting embarrassed in the national scene.
1570. Patrick Kirby
With the incredible talent that hes wasted, and the obvious lack of any over-arching strategy to
put the pieces together for great teams, it is time for Steve Alford to go. Decisive action needs to
be taken to bring back UCLA basketball as a basketball powerhouse. That is simply not going to
happen under Steve Alford.
1571. Greg Saunders
UCLA 1974
1572. Jeff W
As one of the last remaining supporters of Alford I must now declare that Im done and agree
that a change needs to be made ASAP
1573. Daniel R.
Any excitement people had for UCLA basketball has been replaced by apathy. No one believes
that Alford is the right coach for this program, or that the program will ever excel under him.
Most of the alumni/fans Ive discussed this think it is a matter of when, but not if, he is let go.
1574. Daves
Alford really needs to go. He was the wrong hire and UCLA deserves so much better !!!
1575. Mike Rosen
I am a hardcore fan who has lived and died with my Bruins since 1967. The basketball coaching
situation has become very troubling to me. I typically support our AD and our school across most
hires, but at this point I now find myself in support of a coaching change. This is a sad day for
me, and even more so for UCLA basketball. Please bring back the fun of attending games. Thank
you very much.
1576. Paul Gale, BA '72, JD '75
Coach Alfords repeated public comments about the team not being motivated are a reflection on
his own coaching shortcomings
1577. Mike Ramirez
1578. Me
The most disappointing part of what has happened to UCLA basketball is that I am not even
angry anymore. I am simply apathetic. The empty seats and even lack of protests underscore that
apathy and I think we all know apathy is the true antithesis of fandom. I realize it is not an ideal
time and there is a large financial hinderance, but this is a time where dignity should outweigh
finances. The first two points on this letter are correct. This program was once proud and
heralded as everything that was right about basketball. Not just college basketball, but basketball.
Sports in general. As the letter writer mentioned, at least with Howland you had to respect the
passion. You had to respect the fundamentals. That he cared about doing things the right way.
Towards the end, his vision of winning above all may have clouded what Wooden once believed
which was that if you coach to play the right way, wins will come. But coaching simply to win is
not something to respect. Howland lost that vision but he still held on to the fundamentals and
made us proud to watch a team that was well-prepared and valued doing the things that didnt
show up on the highlights. Alford has done the opposite of this. He has produced a team with
talent to play and win with anyone. But one that doesnt seem to care unless they feel personally
motivated. The team concept has been lost. The preparedness and fundamentals are nowhere to
be find. And most sad of all, the pride that UCLA on the front of a jersey once stood for is
completely missing.
Mr. Guerrero, its easy to do what the right thing when its easy. When everything lines up and
there are no obstacles. But it is a true testament of character to do the right thing when it is hard.
When it makes your life hell and the road is full of strife. Show that character that will restore the
pride in UCLA and all who stand for UCLA. Do what is hard. Do what takes admitting a
mistake. End this era of UCLA basketball before we lose what little faith we still have left
1579. Michael Grant
Truly a sad time in UCLA Basketball. I have been a fan since 1970, and I am taken back by the
lack of effort, and hustle. No defense and no team work. Nobody helping their team mate. And
the awful offense with Bryce trying to play point guard. I would rather they lose playing hard,
and hustling than the lack of effort this team displays. That all is attributed to the Head Coach. I
have been watching all the coaches over the years and this is the worstHarrick, Lavin, Ben
Howland. They played hard make a change.
1580. John Brizendine
1581. Jeff T.
Utter disappointment to see how far the once great UCLA basketball program has fallen. We
need change.
1582. Stephanie Zaffos
I never thought I would see UCLA Basketball in this state. Something needs to be done, and it
needs to be now!
1583. Gabe D
This isnt working. Need to recalibrate ASAP.
1584. Richard Chew
I am a 30 year basketball and football season ticket holder and rarely missed games. Last week
was the first time ever I forgot there was a game. Please, for the future of the basketball program,
the change must be made now!
1585. Matt Kishiyama
Its time for the Alford experiment to end.
1586. Jules Kates
Yes to all the comments. Thanx for keeping me informed.
1587. Mark Schenkman
Time for a change before we all stop attending games. Alford has failed miserably.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
James Zhou
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Terminate Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:17:34 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Macdonald
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball Coaching Change
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:18:14 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
After watching UCLA's season end in disappointing fashion, it has become
obvious that a change needs to be made at the head coaching position.
Historically we have been the most elite program in the state of California
and have proudly represented the west coast as a true blue blood of college
basketball. After the post-season tournament seeding was announced
yesterday, it has become more apparent just how far the UCLA program has
fallen. Here is a breakdown of the California college basketball programs
with their respective records and postseason position:
Fresno State 13-5 conf (2nd place) 25-9 overall NCAA's 14
seed MW tourney champs
Cal State Bakersfield 11-3 conf (3rd place) 24-8 overall NCAA's 15
seed WAC tourney champs
Cal 12-6 conf (4th place) 23-10 overall NCAA's 4
seed
USC 9-9 conf (6th place) 21-12 overall NCAA's 8
seed
San Diego State 16-2 conf (1st place) 25-9 overall NIT 2 seed
MW Reg Season champs
St. Mary's 15-3 conf (1st place) 27-5 overall NIT 2 seed
WCC Reg season champs
Long Beach State 12-4 conf (3rd Place) 20-14 overall NIT 6 seed
UC Irvine 13-3 conf (2nd place) 25-9 overall CIT tourney
All of these programs in California had a better conference record and
overall record than UCLA and all of them will be playing in the postseason.
UCLA 6-12 conf (10th place) 15-17 overall No
Postseason
It is glaringly obvious that our program is in crisis. Not only are we no
longer a nationally relevant program (which should be the minimum standard),
we aren't relevant in our home state. Our head coach has had 3 years to
build the program. The recruiting is 100% his players and the he has had 3
years to teach his offensive and defensive system. The results speak for
themselves. UCLA stands on its academic and athletic excellence. We need
an immediate head coaching change to restore UCLA basketball to its
potential.
Respectfully,
Michael Macdonald
UCLA, class of 2003
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
betobruin@
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Banner flying over UCLA this morning
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:19:55 PM
http://twitter.com/ewcorpuz/status/709437478705307652/photo
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jon Cohen
Guerrero, Dan
Officially a joke
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:21:26 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
betobruin@
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan
28, 22, 15
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:29:14 PM
Alfraud's wins for his three years at UCLA. Rather than improving, his record is getting worse.
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
kenji iida
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:30:52 PM
Dear Dan,
I am a proud UCLA graduate, class of 1994, and a previous basketball season ticket holder (I
now live in the Bay Area). As a student, I recall driving from Westwood to Tempe with 3
other Bruins to see the first two rounds of the 1992 NCAA tournament. Three days after
returning to Westwood, we drove all the way to Albuquerque for the Sweet Sixteen and Elite
Eight games. This is just one example of how Bruin basketball shaped my UCLA experience
and friendships.
It is beyond obvious that Steve Alford just doesnt have it. Nevermind his steep downward
trend at UCLA and the spectacular implosion this year, simply look at his mediocre 25 year
coaching record. And do not be fooled by the great recruiting class. UCLA basketball recruits
itself- Steven Lavin continued to recruit top 5 classes deep into his tenure. Ben Howland got
the number 1 recruiting class his final year. Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf are coming DESPITE
Steve Alford.
When you are managing the basketball program with the greatest tradition, it is your
responsibility to hire the best coach possible. Clearly, that did not happen with Steve Alford.
We all make mistakes. It's the mistakes that we do not fix quickly that are the most
problematic.
Kenji Iida
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Hamed Jones
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: UCLA Basketball and Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:32:12 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
Again, my name is Hamed Jones and I am a proud UCLA alumnus, football season ticket holder, and WAF donor. I
recently increased my WAF donation, but can assure you that I will be canceling my donation altogether and
possibly canceling my football season tickets if Steve Alford is retained. I am tired of accepting mediocrity in
basketball. Actually, this season was far below mediocrity. It was flat out embarrassing and has driven interest to an
all-time low among myself and other once proud fans.
If you decide to retain Steve Alford, I strongly believe you will alienate fans to the point that attendance will be at
all-time lows, current donations will be cancelled, and future donations will be lost. It could potentially affect the
football program as well. Please listen to the widespread pleas from UCLA fans, fire Steve Alford, and get us back
to being the greatest basketball program of all-time.
Thank You,
Hamed Jones
Class of 04
WAF member
Otherwise, you risk the alienation of thousands of devoted UCLA fans, potential season ticket holders, and future
donors. Please take action and save UCLA basketball.
>
> Thank You,
>
> Hamed Jones
> UCLA class of 04
> Wooden Athletic Fund Donor
>
>
>
>
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Josh Kaplan
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Fire Alford Banner flying over Westwood this morning
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:35:46 PM
Gentlemen,
Please see the link below. Whether you think it is time to let Steve go or not, this can't be a
good thing for UCLA sports.
https://twitter.com/ewcorpuz/status/709434171995717632
-Josh Kaplan
UCLA Undergraduate Class of 2000
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brett Threlkeld
Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:36:26 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Attachments:
Scott Revlin
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
RE: Reflections on this season
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:37:24 PM
image001.png
image002.png
Gentlemen,
Since none of you have cared enough to respond to my more than civil emails, I am assuming that
my concerns arent being heard or are being dismissed. Let me change the tenor of these emails; I
will not be spending a single cent supporting UCLA basketball until Steve Alford is fired. No WAF
donations, no Bruin Varsity donations, no tickets for my family. This will be difficult for me, as a
second generation Bruin and lifetime fan, but so be it. The current regime is destroying UCLA
basketball and I will not be a part of that process.
Regards,
Scott Revlin
Class of 1999
First, let me express my displeasure that none of you felt the need to respond to my email
yesterday. Not even a courtesy form-letter response. Im not Casey Wasserman, but Im the guy
the Annual Fund calls in the evenings. A guy who recently attended the Spirit Squad fundraiser at
Pauley with my varsity athlete wife. A Bruin Varsity Club member, a thrower of Chancellors Club
parties. The son of two Bruins. Wassermans pockets are deeper, but theres only one of him.
There are THOUSANDS of me. And you need us to fill Pauley, to network on UCLAs behalf in our
communities, and buy your sweatshirts at Costco.
Second, the rumored decision to keep Steve Alford at UCLA is unfathomable. Our once proud
program has been reduced to a punchline. I recommend you turn on any sports radio talk show on
your way home tonight to hear how both commentators and callers alike feel about the state of the
program. Change, immediate change, is needed now to avoid the program slipping to irrelevancy.
Take action.
Regards,
Scott Revlin
Class of 1999
I think we all woke up with a little less pep in our steps this morning. Watching our storied blueblood basketball team underperform in a massive way is emotionally draining. The goal now should
be to be solution focused; what gets the program back where it should be?
Unfortunately, the key variable the last three years has been the leadership of Steve Alford. Game
planning has been poor, execution has been poor, and talent utilization has been poor. You might
point to backing in to the tournament last year, or the big wins this season, as successes. I
disagree. Steve has shown us that his teams are fundamentally incapable of sustained, quality play.
Catching a hot streak and making the sweet 16 should not validate his abilities; it should make us
question his inability to sustain that quality of play across a 30 game season.
The Alford supporters also point to his recruiting acumen as a rationale for keeping him.
Unfortunately, they are overestimating his role. UCLA has always, and will continue to, recruit
itself. We have a beautiful campus in a beautiful city. We have banners hanging from the rafters.
We have a brand recognized world-wide, and provide one of the best educational environments
anywhere. Those are what brings in recruits, not Steve Alford. My fear is that with another year of
Steve Alford, our coaches WILL have to start recruiting because of the damage Steve Alford is doing
to our brand.
A few years back, I wrote you a similar letter about Rick Neuhesiel. We all know how hard it was to
let a fellow Bruin go, but could you have imagined just a few short years ago that Jim Mora could
have completely changed the culture of our football program and brought us back to the national
conversation? Its time to make that same tough choice.
Regards,
Scott Revlin
Class of 1999
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Erk Man
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan
KEEP Basketball Coach Steve Alford - here"s why.
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:41:53 PM
Hello,
As you may already be aware there is vocal minority who wish another coaching
change and are stopping at nothing to embarrass/damage UCLA in the process.
It seems to originate from BRO and primarily from a poster named Aaron1050 who
has taken on that crusade.
The backstory is that the folks who run BRO do not have extended access to the
program ie inside information and it is bad for their business model.
Both Tracy Pierson (and especially Greg Hicks) are also indirectly behind this by the
encouragement and comments they have made.
This all started day one when Steve Alford was hired because the coaching search
did not net one of the elite coaches they insisted were going to be hired.
While the Basketball most certainly was disappointing it is premature to make another
coaching change. This is part of the rebuilding process.
The staff has made excellent inroads in terms of recruiting. Landing elite SoCal
recruits EARLY in the process and even flipping a kid from Arizona.
My take is that UCLA lost 7 of its top players during what normally is a transition
period for a coach and it simply takes time to reload the roster in order to manage it.
Next year will finally have the talent and depth needed to compete at the National
level. This year was the price we are paying for letting Ben Howland go. The
unbalanced roster that Coach Howland had finally caught up with UCLA.
When you hire a new coach there is a process that plays out. Coach Alford has only
2 full recruiting classes on the floor. I've always said that when you hire a new coach
you need to have a little patience for them to mold their program. Get their players in
the system and developed. That's also the reason for the buyout. Trusting that
process will play out.
Expectations and entitlements are off the chart at UCLA. We all know why. John
Wooden. A blessing and a curse. I think Steve Alford is up for the challenge. In his
own words ... "It's UCLA". I think he gets it and I think he will do what it takes to
position UCLA to be where we all would like it to be.
That being said. I don't know know how to address the "mob mentality" that BRO and
Aaron are inciting. I'm open to suggestions.
Otherwise. Winning cures most woes and UCLA should do just that with the
deep/talented roster the staff has put together. That is if the "mob mentality" will
allow it instead of sabotaging the process ie not seeing the forest through the trees.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Larry Byers
Guerrero, Dan
R.I.P. UCLA Men"s Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:43:52 PM
I have been a loyal fan and supporter of UCLA basketball since 1963. I was fortunate enough to watch
almost every game during the Wooden years, either live or on late TV replay, as I still do to this day.
Throughout the past 53 years, I have both celebrated and suffered through the high and lows of UCLA
basketball. Time has taught me to temper unrealistic expectations, but to also appreciate that sustained
success can be achieved with proper coaching and support.
Observing programs that are successful year after year, certain aspects are obvious, starting with good
coaching and talent evaluation. Recruiting the right players is important, but what you do with them
determines success or failure. Teaching and practicing fundamentals are essential. However, without a
foundation that is based on accountability, trust and teamwork you end up with a group of individuals
doing their own thing and not a TEAM working toward a unified goal.
Although I was disappointed when I heard of the Alford hire, I felt he deserved our support.
Unfortunately, after three years of his guidance, I have yet to see a foundation that breeds success and
that can assure it in the future
What is the identity of this team, of the program? Has the program grown and improved in three years?
Have the players grown and developed as players and as individuals?
As much as I love UCLA, I now find myself becoming increasingly indifferent and uninterested. Sadly, I
dont enjoy watching UCLA basketball any more.
I will continue to proudly wear the four letters, but can no longer support the basketball program until a
coaching change is made.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Jonathan Howard
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; AD; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Save UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:44:53 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
r--perez@
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:46:10 PM
Like many others, I've heard that the plan is to keep Steve Alford on as Head Coach of UCLA
basketball. I hope that this is incorrect, as I think that he has no business continuing to stay on in
that position, and that program is an embarrassing state under Alford. I like many others cannot
support the program, in any way, so long as he continues to remain on as Head Coach. Along
with many other members of the UCLA community, I pledge to continue to be very active and
demonstrative in as many ways as possible, to continue to push for change. I hope that you will
consider all of the outpouring of calls for change and do the right thing, which is to have UCLA
move on past Steve Alford. Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Perez
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Shahram Shayesteh
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 12:59:45 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
ptnishida@
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
THE LEGACY OF DAN GUERRERO
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:05:13 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew M
Guerrero, Dan
Will donate if Alford is fired.
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:11:51 PM
Dan,
Make the move and fire Alford please. It will be much appreciated by ALL BRUINS.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Travis Fuller
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Fire Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:12:38 PM
Dear Dan,
Please fire Steve Alford.
I've listed in previous emails details confirming his inadequacy for the position of Head Men's
Basketball Coach at UCLA.
His position is now untenable. One successful, or more likely marginally successful season,
will not recapture the faith of Bruins Nation.
So, again, please fire Steve Alford. Restore UCLA Hoops.
Respectfully,
Travis Fuller
Class of 2012
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Andrew Chai
Rebholz, Joshua; Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene
state of ucla bb
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:21:43 PM
UCLA BB not ranked 46/57 weeks that Steve Alford has been the coach. Thats not progress by any geometric
measurement. No more donations until he is gone. We have had the worst decade of UCLA FB and BB in the last
15 years. FB is turning around and its time to turn the tide in BB now.
Andrew Chai, MD
Class of 85
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Vu Duong
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
State of UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:27:06 PM
Dear Sirs.
I would like to say that if you do read this, I thank you for your time in advance. I and many
other UCLA Alums/fans believe that Coach Alford does not have the ability to take UCLA
Basketball where we need to be and deserve to be. I am sure that you have inundated with
other emails and facts that were presented. I would like each of you to set what your
expectations for the program and University is and truly believe on whether Coach Alford can
get us there.
I believe that his deficiencies are
1. Inability to evaluate talent: Look at the players that were interested in UCLA and how
they are performing against us and look at the players he brought in instead? He is very weak
there.
2. Game planning: The game plan is terrible. How is it that USC just blows us out when
Stanford beats them? This is part of his inability to game plan. BTW, Stanford fired their
coach and they did better than us!
3. Poor Culture/Leadership: He is not getting the best out of his players because there is a
double standard. Players still play even when they lack effort or results, especially on the
defensive side.
You can look at some positives such as a good recruiting class coming in next year but
basketball is a team sport. A couple of extra chess pieces doesnt make a difference except that
we should make the tournament next year. The recruits are drawn to UCLA and its history,
not to Coach Alford. To give him full credit for them is being dishonest. Also, can you
imagine what kind of recruits we would get if we actually had an outstanding Coach? We
would return to the Blue Bloods we once were.
If Coach Alford is fired soon, I pledge to be a WAF member at the All Conference level as
long as we have appropriate Coaching standards that UCLA deserves. I am not unrealistic
about needing Championships every couple of years as others might be, but unless there were
injuries, in basketball, we should NEVER have a losing season and miss the tournament.
Considering how much effort has been placed on UCLA Football with #BruinRevolution, it is
absolutely devastating how UCLA Basketball is being branded and played. Maybe we should
create #BruinLegacy or #BruinTradition or #PyramidofSuccess.
Thanks again for your time. I would be willing to donate 5k towards the buyout of Coach
Alford in addition the WAF annual membership.
Vu Duong MD
bruinsduongvt@
UCLA Alumnus 1997
School of Engineering
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Tony Rossi
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA deserves better
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:31:43 PM
Dear sirs,
Steve Alford has lost his team. The players quit on him this season.
Steve Alford has lost the support of the fans (if he ever had it). Fans are paying money that they
used to donate to UCLA to organize efforts calling for Steve Alford's firing.
The intense dislike for Steve Alford within the fan base should not be underestimated and the calls
for his dismissal will continue.
Steve Alford has taken advantage of UCLA. He has used the program as a showcase for his son
and not shown good judgment. He no longer deserves to serve as the head coach of our
program.
UCLA deserves better.
Sincerely,
Tony Ross
UCLA Class of 1993
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Gubala
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Retaining Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:35:21 PM
Dear Dan,
I think retaining Alford to coach our team is a mistake. You fired Coach Howland after he won the P-12 and yet the
team has regressed ever since. I will not be renewing season tickets for next year, nor I will contribute to the WAF.
Thanks,
Michael Gubala
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Peter Hochschild
Guerrero, Dan
Fire Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:36:35 PM
Please do the right thing. I have never seen UCLA basketball like this before. Stop the
bleeding.
Peter F. Hochschild
Cal Pine Distributors, LP
760 Paseo Camarillo
Suite 100
Camarillo, Ca. 93010
805-484-0730
peter@calpinedistributors.com
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
rdsahae@
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Alumnus Request to Fire Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:37:47 PM
rdsahae@
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Peter Wu
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Coach Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:38:39 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
I am writing to express my extreme frustration with our basketball coach, Steve
Alford, and to request you take immediate action by terminating him. I have been
following the program closely since 1980 when we went to the NCAA finals under
Coach Larry Brown with some of my all-time favorite Bruins: Rod Foster, Kiki
Vandeweghe, Darren Daye, and Michael Holton . I have been bleeding Blue and
Gold my entire life and received both my undergraduate and MBA at UCLA.
I have never been so disappointed and disgusted with any of our programs as I am
with our current basketball program. I understand progress take time, but there is
also a point when it is time to cut your losses. To me, the facts speak for
themselves. We've been on a consistent downward trajectory as supported by our
record and attendance. Coach Alford has failed to give us any hope that the future
will be any better. The team plays with a lack of urgency on defense and Coach
Alford has a large blind spot with his son, Bryce. Out of all the Bruin greats, including
many NBA Hall of Famers, Bryce is on pace to be on the all-time list for many
categories. This is just shocking given he won't even get drafted at the end of next
year and not likely to play a minute in the NBA.
It's obvious to me that given a do over, Coach Alford would not be selected. It's time
to correct the mistake that's been made. Delaying only delays when we can bring
our once proud program back to where it belongs.
Please, please do something now and remove Coach Alford now. Doing so will begin
the healing process and allow Bruin Nation to once again hang their heads high!
Sincerely,
Peter Wu
Class of 1992 and 1998
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Allison Alvarado
Guerrero, Dan
Please fire Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:40:03 PM
Please fire Steve Alford. I am a UCLA 1989 alumni of a once proud basketball tradition. I can't even watch them
now the play is so lousy. You should quit too.
Allison Alvarado
WLG
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
William
Guerrero, Dan
NOW!
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:40:45 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Taylor Ganz
Guerrero, Dan
ALFORD
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:41:53 PM
Taylor
J.Taylor Ganz
jt_ganz@
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Rusty Austin
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:44:40 PM
I am a football season ticket holder of 20+ years, and a 1988 graduate. I go to 2-3 Basketball
games a year. It's time to admit that hiring Steve Alford was a mistake, ESPECIALLY with a
$10M buyout! How does anyone over there even approve of something so ridiculous! He was
unproven at best when we hired him, and it's going to end badly sooner rather than later, now
is the time to let him go. Recruiting is the lifeblood of college athletics, and the recruits need
to know UCLA has their back. It is unacceptable that for example Fresno State makes the
NCAA and UCLA is left out. Even more unforgivable, 3 losses against USC!
-Rusty Austin
end_transmission
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brian Iriye
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:45:00 PM
I respectfully ask that it be considered that Coach Alford be relieved of his position as the
coach of UCLA basketball. In the past I have been a WAF supporter from the Las Vegas
areaand currently go to several football games per year. It has broken my heart not to step
into the new Pauley Pavilion since Coach Alford was hired. I did not support the stand he
took at Iowa on the incident of the sexual assault as I have strong feelings on this matter due
to having a young daughter and practice in women's health as a maternal fetal medicine sub
specialist. This is the most important matter to me. The performance of the basketball team
quitting on their coach and the product I have seen on TV is additive.
I ask that you act quickly to restore UCLA hoops to a respected program. The reputation of
the program with an excellent principledcoach will restore the prominence of the program.
Sincerely,
Brian K. Iriye, MD
UCLA class of 85
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the
sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information
or information otherwise protected by law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or
distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by
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From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Mike
Guerrero, Dan
Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:45:10 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
dp.david.present@
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene
Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:47:01 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Martin Holguin
Guerrero, Dan
Very disappointed
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:47:50 PM
Hi Dan,
It's too bad that you're still the AD of our Bruins. I wish for brighter for my days to
come.
Martin Holguin
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
officemail
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:49:20 PM
Dear Sirs,
I have been a loyal UCLA fan since 1964. I am very upset with the currant Head Basketball Coach situation.
I believe that Steve Alford must be let go. He has failed to improve the program, has not developed players,
has shown favortism(his son Bryce. to the detrement of the team) and has failed to compete at the level we as
UCLA fans require.
After all the years of attending and watching UCLA Basketball andf can honestly say it is now unsupportable and
unwatchable.
Please find us a Coach that can make us relevant and once again watchable.
Thank you,
Nicholas Compton
Class of '71
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Ron Mendoza
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Coach
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:50:16 PM
Hi Mr. Guerrero,
As a life long of UCLA basketball for over 30 years, please do the right thing and let Coach
Alford go. He is just not the right Coach for the great program that Coach Wooden and
former players have built. This is one of the most historic program in history - it deserves to
be Coach that will restore it back.
Sincerely
Ron Mendoza
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Peter Blowitz
Guerrero, Dan
Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:51:48 PM
I may be old (UCLA 1965), but I can still see. Steve Alford's tenure as UCLA
basketball coach has to end now.
1. He puts his son above the team
2. Players don't learn nor improve. It is hard to believe that they have maximized
their talent in high school.
3. No defense
I have been a UCLA Football season ticket holder since 1967 and am seriously
thinking of not renewing for next year (including the WAF donation).
Please consider action.
Peter Blowitz
UCLA 1965
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Travis Fuller
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Fwd:
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:52:03 PM
>
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Pamela Torrance
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Please fire Alford and restore UCLA Hoops reputation
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:52:19 PM
Dear Gentlemen,
As an alumnus and long-time supporter of UCLA athletics, I implore you to fire Steve Alford and restore the legacy
and reputation of UCLA basketball. It was an abysmal season, and painful to watch as nepotism trumped common
sense and true sportsmanship. I fear we will have trouble attracting top talent to UCLA and retaining our would-be
stars for future seasons if we dont get rid of Alford and his horrible coaching decisions.
Its embarrassing to call myself a Bruin these days, and I will be heartbroken to watch the March Madness games
knowing that my Bruins are not included. I truly want to feel proud of my Bruins next year, and that can only
happen with a change in coaching staff
Thanks for your consideration,
Pamela Torrance, Class of 94
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Travis Fuller
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Fire Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:52:36 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Adam
Guerrero, Dan
Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:53:18 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
Please let Steve Alford go. He is not an elite coach. We are no longer an elite program.
Adam Yassaman, Class of 06
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Drew Palmer
Guerrero, Dan
Questions about UCLA Basketball?
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:53:33 PM
I have been a UCLA sports fan for well over 3 decades now. Extremely happy with the direction of
the football team and the top 15 recruiting class for 2016 that Coach Mora put together. Now, onto
Basketball. UCLA basketball needs to get back to the glory days of John Wooden. I know it's tough
with kids leaving after one year, etc. The same situation was happening at Texas. Rick Barnes was
out and then they brought in Shaka and look at their record now. How do you finish 10 in the Pac-12
and have 15-17 record ? And get blown out 3 times by USC. I know it's one year, but this is
unacceptable. It seemed the whole offense we run around Bryce Alford all year. The last question I
have is how do we beat Kentucky with all their talent but we can't beat Stanford or Utah or even
USC? I'm scratching my head right now trying to figure this out. Steve Alford might not be the right
guy for this job. A coach has to be a great Salesman/Motivator to bring kids to UCLA and get them
motivated for each and every game. Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky and even Texas all have great
salesmen who sell a program and a tradition and gets there squads ready to play each and every
game. What is going on with UCLA Basketball?
Drew Palmer
President/Owner
Synergy Components LLC.
T:(512)266-5759
F:(888)506-2570
C:
drew@synergy-comp.com
www.synergy-comp.com
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Matt Panagiotis
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Restore UCLA Hoops Now
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:53:35 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jay Glick
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
passion for ucla basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:56:52 PM
Dear Dan,
I am a passionate and loyal Bruin. I graduated from the Anderson School in 1975. I attended Coach
Woodens last game in San Diego against Kentucky in 1975.
I am a season ticketholder in both football and basketball and Coaches Roundtable member.
I have to tell you that I am thoroughly frustrated and disappointed in the progress or lack thereof in
the basketball program. Coach Alford and his assistants have done an awful job of teaching,
communicating and coaching our esteemed program. The fact that we had a terrible record is the
least of the problems. The players seem lost on the court. There is no passion. There is no
communication. They clearly quit with a month left in the season.
I have never seen this happen in all my years watching UCLA basketball. I know you feel that Coach
Alford deserves another year, but I think this is a huge mistake.
We are at a crucial juncture in our program. We risk mass transfers in this off season and even
though we seemingly have a great incoming class, without good coaching we will squander the
opportunity to maximize the potential for greatness. Our inactivity is allowing other Pac 12
programs to leapfrog us and make us a laughingstock around the country.
Please swallow your pride and do the right thing!! UCLA deserves better!!!
Sincerely,
Jay Glick
Jay Glick
Montgomery, Glick & Company
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From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
lafarge56
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 1:59:33 PM
As a UCLA graduate, Wooden Fund donor and avid fan of UCLA basketball, I hope that you
will take the appropriate action needed to restore our basketball program to its previous state
of excellence by replacing Steve Alford.
Sincerely,
R La Farge, MSW, 1995
Sent from my Galaxy SIII
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
jbrizendine@passporttele.com
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 2:04:59 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
Im neither a donor nor a season ticket holder. Im not even an alum. I left the LA area for
Purdue, finished grad school there and went to work with IBM.
I remained an avid UCLA fan since I began attending games as far back at 1954 when I was 9.
Ive lived all over the country, and all over the world, but have always followed UCLA
basketball very closely and passionately. I live now in Solana Beach and watch every game
during the year, attending at least a couple of times each year.
I was in attendance in Seattle at the Final Four. I was at the first game at Pauley. I watched
Walt Torrance and Willie Naulls at the Old Gym and the Pan Pacific Auditorium.
I watched many games at the Sports Arena in the days when UCLA and USC played
doubleheaders, then later when the freshman team was the opener.
The teams under Howland were a Godsend after some miserable years under Lavin. But he
apparently lost his way in some personal relationships.
Steve Alford seems to also have some personal relationship issues, but without Howlands
coaching acumen.
Im not completely sure about the nepotism argument since Bryce does have some real ability,
and this team doesnt have that many good options.
It is, however, clear that Bryce is a very bad defender. It is also clear to me that this team does
not play with the tenacity, enthusiasm and purpose that we saw from most of Howlands
teams, and that we expect from UCLA basketball.
I think its also clear that Alford will never be accepted by the UCLA fan base, and to continue
any longer with him will be detrimental to the future of the team and to the UCLA brand.
Im aware that there is a buyout clause, but I think that this change needs to happen now.
John Brizendine
President Passport Telecom, Inc.
Solana Beach, CA
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Chris Isham
Chancellor Gene D. Block; Block, Gene; Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua
Re: UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 2:09:15 PM
Gentlemen,
Per below, I want to reiterate my strong recommendation to remove Steve Alford from his current position as Head
Coach of the UCLA Bruins Basketball team. We are the most storied basketball program in NCAA history. By
missing this year's NCAA tournament, losing to USC 3 times in one season, and not even being ranked for the
majority of the time he has been in charge, it is clearly time to make a change. As a long-time Bruin, I cannot
support anything that continues to damage our brand and reputation as the standard of college athletics.
Please make the change NOW!
Sincerely,
Christian A. Isham
UCLA '88
Sent from my iPad
> On Mar 11, 2016, at 8:32 AM, Chris Isham <christian.isham@
> wrote:
>
>
>> Dear Chancellor Block, Director Guerrero, and Assistant Director Rebholz,
>>
>> I am writing to express my deep concern for the UCLA Basketball program. I am currently a Wooden Athletic
Fund member at the "Bruin All-Conference" level. I have consistently progressed my donor level over the years
despite my level of income and while putting three children through college.
>>
>> As a proud UCLA Class of 1988 graduate, my whole life centers around UCLA Athletics. I have donated
thousands of dollars to UCLA Athletics. I schedule family outings, work trips (if possible) and other activities
around my ability to watch UCLA Football, Basketball, Baseball and Softball games on television. To my wife's
chagrin, my family room is stocked with UCLA footballs, helmets, batting helmets, basketballs, bobble heads,
pennants and team photos.
>>
>> My career as a Marine Officer kept me out of the UCLA area and I was unable to attend most athletic events.
However, I am the fan that sat in a Lawton, Oklahoma bar full of Oklahoma State Cowboys and loudly cheered our
Bruins on in the 1995 Final Four semifinals. I am the fan that sat in the Washington D.C. bar full of Maryland
Terrapins and loudly cheered on our Bruins during our dismantling of that team in the 2000 Sweet Sixteen. I am
the fan that sat in a Bangkok hotel room and listened to our Baseball team on the internet as they beat CSUF in the
2013 Super regionals, I am the fan that woke up in a Tokyo hotel at 0200 to watch UCLA beat Texas 66-3 in 1997
on Armed Forces TV. I am the fan that uses all sorts of silly superstitions for "good luck" in all our games. There
are countless other instances like these where I have done my best to cheer on my Bruins in spirit and
demonstration.
>>
>> I am the fan that donates money to the baseball team despite losing in the regionals, the softball team despite
losing in the World Series, and the football team when they lose their best defensive player. I do that because "next
man up" includes us alumni and we should do everything we can to help our teams. In every one of those cases, I
did so because even in losing, I was so very proud of each of those teams. All of them played with heart, passion,
and pride.
>>
>> I cannot say that about our current basketball program. Sadly, I am embarrassed of our team and the manner in
which they have played. We have a very talented group of players that possess poor leadership, lack team
chemistry, and most of all what appears to me as pride in being a UCLA Bruin. Despite stellar recruiting classes,
the Basketball program has digressed over the past three years. While I was unimpressed with the hiring of Coach
Steve Alford, I kept quiet and hoped that he would be successful. I even donated money to the program during his
first year. The perception of nepotism, poor team defense, and the ultimate embarrassment of badly losing to USC
three times in one year is unconscionable. I fear that continuing on this path will ultimately irreparably harm our
Basketball program.
>>
>> Mr. Guerrero you are "the next man up". I am asking you to step up and remove Coach Steve Alford as our
coach and hire someone who can restore our Basketball program to the elite stature it should be. While my
donations are small in comparison to many others, I cannot in good conscious donate any more money to UCLA
Athletics until this problem is fixed.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> LtCol Christian A. Isham USMC (ret)
>> UCLA '88
>>
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Todd Moodey
Guerrero, Dan; Rebholz, Joshua; Chancellor Gene D. Block
Mens Head Basketball Coach Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 2:47:21 PM
Gentlemen--
I have been a long-time supporter of UCLA athletics and a season-ticket holder in both football and
basketball until recently, as the amount of time I spend away from southern California has grown.
If, as is apparently the case, you have decided to retain Steve Alford as the men's basketball coach, it is a
dark day indeed for the UCLA athletic program. Alford has underachieved consistently, placed his son
Bryce's fortunes above that of the team, and his coaching has never exhibited any of the signs of a truly
excellent coach of the sort UCLA should have.
Excellent coaches tend to "outperform" their talent. I well remember the early days of Ben Howland's
tenure, when his teams, although not overly talented, played hard and with excellent fundamentals
(especially defensively). It was not surprising, then, that his subsequent teams had the success they
enjoyed when he was able to bring in the talent.
Alford's teams, on the other hand, show no true fundamental excellence, play really poor defense, and
frankly don't look excited and eager to play for him. These are not traits that are going to disappear with
the influx of talent next year (assuming there aren't so many departures that there is in fact a net influx).
It's absolutely clear to me that next year's team will underperform just like this year's, BECAUSE
ALFORD IS A MEDIOCRE COACH AND MEDIOCRE COACH'S DON'T ACHIEVE GREAT RESULTS.
If you're truly in doubt about this, just re-watch the games.
I'd hate to feel this is a case of taking the milk out of the refrigerator, realizing it's spoiled, but putting it
back into the refrigerator in the hope that tomorrow it will be okay. But I fear that is the situation. Please
make the wise and corect decision to fire him now rather than next year, which is the inevitable outcome.
By doing so, you will take the first step on the path to our glorious program's recovery, thereby regaining
much of the goodwill you've lost with true UCLA fans over the past few seasons.
Regards,
Robert Todd Moodey
Anderson MBA 1991
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Paulette Lee
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA basketball head coach
Monday, March 14, 2016 2:55:51 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Scott J. Tepper
Guerrero, Dan
Public Records Act Request - Kory Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:20:08 PM
SCOTT J. TEPPER
GARFIELD & TEPPER
1801 Century Park East, Suite 2400
Los Angeles, CA 90067-2326
Tel: 310-277-1981
Fax: 310-277-1980
Cell:
scottjtepper@
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Michael Vasquez
Guerrero, Dan
Please remove Coach Steve Alford as the Head of our Basketball Program
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:24:25 PM
I am sure at this point you are not reading any emails. However I have decide to take a
few minutes of my time and send you another one.
I am a lifelong UCLA basketball fan and I am writing to you to express my
disappointment with the current status of the UCLA Basketball program. The direction
of the program under Coach Steve Alford is going in the wrong direction and its
absolutely embarrassing.
After the last few games its been pretty evident that the players quit, it is a sign that
Steve Alford is no longer the correct person to be in charge of UCLA Basketball and
that a move to make a change must be made immediately.
Until such a move is made, I have made the harsh decision to refuse to watch or support
UCLA Basketball in any way. I cant believe that the day would come where I had zero
passion for the basketball program. Since I was a young boy I watched every UCLA
basketball game, look forward to go to Pauley and watch games, I knew the teams
schedule and start times by heart. Since Coach Steve Alford has become the leader of
this program, Ive found myself to be so detached that there were days I didnt even
know the team was playing or even on TV. I can no longer bear to watch the lackluster,
unmotivated, and selfish style of basketball that Coach Alford has implemented at
UCLA. It is outright humiliating!
I love UCLA and always will. Unfortunately my passion of UCLA basketball has
dissipated and vanished. Please do all you can do to fire Steve Alford so we can, once
again, feel pride in our rich basketball program and history.
Sincerely,
Mike Vasquez
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
bryan cano
Guerrero, Dan
UCLA Basketball Program
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:25:37 PM
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Elliott, Matt
Guerrero, Dan; Iacoi, Christopher
RE: Public Records Act Request - Kory Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:43:08 PM
Thank you.
SCOTT J. TEPPER
GARFIELD & TEPPER
1801 Century Park East, Suite 2400
Los Angeles, CA 90067-2326
Tel: 310-277-1981
Fax: 310-277-1980
Cell:
scottjtepper@
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Brad Onomura
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:50:18 PM
I have been a consistent season ticket holder to UCLA basketball for many years
and it truly disheartens me to watch our team this year. I have always and
always will be a proud supporter of UCLA athletics as it is my alma matter, but
when you see a team that has the potential to do so much better just basically
fold for a good portion of the season, it is not only frustrating to watch, but
aggravating as well. Was the Pac-12 a tough conference this year? Yes, it
was. Did UCLA have enough material present to make a decent run for the
NCAA tournament. Yes, I believe so as well. What I saw for about the last 10
games or more of the season was a team without heart. That is not a prime
example of what UCLA Athletics is. If in fact, UCLA did not have the material to
compete with many teams in the Pac-12, then I can honestly say we were
outmatched, but this was not the case. UCLA potentially could play well with
any team in the conference when they put their mind to it and each player
gave 100%. Lack of effort.
I do not blame it entirely on the coach as the young men must be motivated to
come to play, but if they are not ready then who does that job rely on. It relies
on the head coach as he is getting paid a hefty salary. If he cannot bring it
together through trial and error or other means, then it is time for him to be
let go. Let me reiterate, he is not cheaply paid. Is it right for him to put under
this scrutiny? It comes with the territory. I am not in the locker room so I am
unsure what is said, but we need a coach that isnt afraid to confront those
players when they are not giving 100% effort and teach them what they are
not doing correctly so they dont remain at about the same level as they were
when the season started. In my mind, the only player that showed the vast
improvement was Isaac Hamilton. He became UCLAs most consistent player.
Analyze the fact that there are no consequences for lack of effort on defense.
Bryces defense is by far the worst of all the UCLA players this year that got
playing time. He continued to play lousy defense and yet he probably got the
most or close to the most minutes on the court. I dont want to say it is
nepotism, but did he ever yell at Bryce and take him out of the game and say if
you are not going to play defense you dont play. It never happened. It tends
to trickle down further to others. If the coachs son cannot expend energy to
play hard-nosed defense, what is my motivation to do so. Granted, when
Bryce is hot shooting, he is a valuable player, but as many teams did later in
the season, they shut him down for the majority of the game. Did Bryce or his
dad happen to think in their mind that I can still help my team in other ways if I
dont score as much? No.
We are getting a pretty good recruiting bunch of guys next year. If we retain
Coach Alford and he coaches in the same fashion he does this year, please
dont be surprised if you get players like Alonzo Ball or TJ Leaf jumping ship.
They may decide to go pro early, but if they have any intentions of staying, it
will highly be unlikely under Alfords coaching. They may even decide to
transfer. The most logical decision after Coach Alfords poor showing this year
is to let the guy go. I have nothing personally against him, but he is not taking
his players to another level. We cannot expect to retain a mid-Major coach
who is getting paid a high penny for his services and intend to keep up the
UCLA tradition of basketball. I understand it is always a work in progress, but if
you are no better or maybe slightly better than when the season started, the
Coach has not accomplished his task.
Please release Coach Alford from UCLA and lets actually look for a coach that
can help UCLA regain the status that we know we can achieve.
Sincerely,
Brad Onomura
1991 Bruin Alumni
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any) is privileged and confidential and is intended only for the recipient(s) listed above. Any
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From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Thomas Martinelli
Guerrero, Dan; Block, Gene; jrebhotz@athletics.ucla.edu
UCLA Basketball
Monday, March 14, 2016 3:54:42 PM
Dear Gentleman,
I have been an avid UCLA Basketball fan since the mid 1960s. My social life over the last 25
years has revolved about UCLA Basketball. For many years we lived away from Southern
California, but nether the less, my children were raised UCLA fans. We would make the trip by
car with numerous friends every Winter, to stay in Eugene and watch UCLA play the Ducks and
Beavers. I have considered myself a friend to Coach Wooden and numerous of your past
coaches and staff.
Now, I refuse to follow the team closely and I do not even watch the games on TV. My son, also
an avid fan, has done the same. I have never seen such a poor representation of UCLA
Basketball in the last 50 years of following the Bruins. The team is terribly coached, and the
majority of the team put minimal effort into the many of games, and lack any ability to play
winning defense. If this team played hard and looked like they had a game plan for offense and
played defense, the losses and poor record could be understood.
The apparent nepotism that is being displayed is a slap in the face to all of us who care about
UCLA Basketball. When you play your son more minutes than any other player, allow him to to
get away with poor or little effort on both ends of the court, and then discipline others for the
same problem, players will not be happy. By doing so, Coach Alford has ruined the team. I have
not even gotten into the players who wanted to play a similar position as the coach's son, but
have not been recruited, and then have gone on to star at other universities in the PAC12 !
Please make a change in the coaching position for the good of UCLA Basketball.
Sincerely,
Thomas Martinelli, MD
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Trevor Fuller
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua; Block, Gene
Fire Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 4:31:29 PM
and Kevon Looney, probably would have missed the NCAA Tourney. Thankfully (or not,
actually, since some in the Athletic Department now consider that season somewhat of a
success due to our miraculous NCAA Tournament bid and run to the Sweet Sixteen, where
along the way we beat a mediocre and offensively challenged SMU team and a 14-seed we
had smashed earlier in the year by twenty points), we didn't. Regardless, the season was
beyond frustrating (and disappointing) and portended even worse things to come.
Which brings us to this season, to now. I won't go into details. If you want even more
statistical evidence for how grossly Bryce has been favored by his father, Steve, you can go
here: https://medium.com/@68degreesPlz/nep-o-tism-3f118c43af99#.jllzmmnqa.
While it's true we have a nice recruiting class coming in this year, it would be foolish to think
the basketball programs would be solved by a couple of freshman. Steve will continue to
favor Bryce at the expense of the team and the school. Because Bryce does not play defense,
Steve has no way of holding anyone accountable on that side of the ball. This accounts for the
atrocious defense the team has been playing this year (and played last year, for that matter).
Steve did try to "teach" the team about the necessity of playing defense this season by sitting
Prince Ali as an example, but seeing as how Bryce was still out on the court receiving starter's
minutes and letting opposing players blow by him, I'm sure this lesson had little effect on the
other players. Prince was not, and has never been, the problem. In other words, next year's
team, despite the injection of talent, will continue to play undisciplined basketball, because of
Steve's nepotism, and will continue to have its potential retarded, because of Steve's nepotism.
Even if we win nine more games next year, progress will not have been made, and we will
likely find ourselves in this exact same position the year after next, when Lonzo Ball and T.J.
Leaf (the aforementioned injection of talent) depart for the NBA.
Because of the abhorrent nepotism Steve Alford has displayed during the course of his tenure
as UCLA's men's basketball coach, I plead with you to dismiss him. I don't care about wins
and losses at this point. My voice probably counts for very little to you: I have never donated
money (I can't; I'm a grad student and make only $8,000/year), nor have I been able to attend
games these last few years (I live in Wichita, KS, where I am a part of the English department
at Wichita State University); nevertheless, if you honestly love UCLA--which, under the
application of the transitive property, means you in part also loveme, which I take to mean
you care about what I have to say and how I feel--you will dismiss Steve Alford from his
post.
Sincerely,
Trevor Fuller
Class of 2012
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
GARY GLECKMAN
Guerrero, Dan
Coach Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 4:32:36 PM
As an alum of UCLA (class of 1972), I supported and indeed followed UCLA basketball since the
early 60's (prior to the first championship). I brought my son to games (from San Diego
County) from the time he could walk. Now, I am embarrassed to even be associated with a
program where the players play with no passion, no interest in teamwork, and worst of all,
quit. A coach who was gifted with five future NBA players in his first year and two future NBA
players in his second, has a career in which his team has been out of the top 25 for 80% of the
weeks he has been head coach. Indeed, his highest ranking has been 18! This year the
trajectory continued with a 10th place finish in the Pac 12, losing to SC three times for the
first time since World War II (and was not even competitive in any of the games).
Please restore our faith in UCLA basketball and remove Mr. Alford as head coach. Failure to
do so will certainly end the programs in the eyes of most of its most loyal supporters.
Sincerely,
Gary Gleckman, '72
garygleck@
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Clynn Giguere
Guerrero, Dan
Block, Gene; Rebholz, Joshua
It is time for Steve Alford to go
Monday, March 14, 2016 4:46:08 PM
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Chancellor Block
Mr. Guerrero
Mr. Rebholz
Dear Sirs:
Having been a season ticket holder all those years, I went through many bad
years (e.g. Hazzard, Farmer, some Lavin and some Howland) and was a
faithful ticket holder because I love UCLA basketball. Never bitched or
moaned during the bad times. When Coach Alford was hired I was not one of
those who condemned the hiring. I didnt think it was the greatest choice,
thought we could do better, but hey, lets give him a chance. Ive seen three
years of his coaching now and I just dont think he is up to the job, at least by
UCLA standards.
There are four main reasons he needs to go.
2. Recruiting. While he has a top 5 class coming in next year, it doesnt make
up for the fact that he has a disjointed team in terms of the parts fitting. We
havent had a true point
guard in his three years, weve been using shooting guards and even wings to
play point guard. The last two years we havent had a true small forward in
the classic sense. And
depth has been an issue as well.
3. Nepotism. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that Bryce is not a point
guard, hes a shooting guard. Second, he isnt a starting level (at least not on
UCLA) player. Maybe a
good bench or role player. The amount of minutes vs. his talent level is
ridiculous. He is probably averaging 35 minutes a game. Not even some of
the best players to play at
UCLA got that much time per game. Finally, he may be the worst defensive
player I have ever seen (and I played and coached). Not because of skills but
because he doesnt
even put out the effort. Coach Alford calls him the leader of the team yet
by skill level and effort, he is a poor example for the others.
4. Motivation This year, it is quite apparent that Coach Alford has lost the
team. The lack of effort in all but a few games was highly noticeable. The
team wasnt putting out.
Thats on the coach. Either he doesnt properly prepare them, doesnt
inspire them or doesnt demand accountability for the slackers. Basically, the
players mailed in several
games and he allowed them to do it.
There are many more reasons I could give (e.g. in game coaching, lack of the
PR aspects of the job) but I wont bother. The bottom line is this. We
have to stop the bleeding before
the program hemorrhages to the point you cant save the patient so-to-speak.
Sure there is a top 5 class coming in but why waste it with because of items 1,
3 and 4 above. Dont wait until Rome burns before starting to put out the fire.
I realize that the $10 million buyout is a big chuck of change but you need to
bite the bullet in that respect. The loss of revenue from ticket sales and
concessions, parking, etc. (let alone prestige and public image) make it a good
investment to pay it.
I trust you will consider this action very carefully and make a wise long-term
and correct decision. He really needs to go.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Fisher
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Importance:
Robert A. Weissman
Guerrero Dan; Block Gene; Rebholz Joshua
A Call to Action!
Monday, March 14, 2016 6:31:22 PM
High
Gentlemen:
Im adding my voice to the unprecedented (in my over 50 years of supporting UCLA basketball of which Ive been a season
ticket holder for approximately 35 years) effort to have Steve Alford terminated as basketball coach.
Im also a UCLA grad and have been active over the years in various support activities starting with the UCLA Sports Auction in
the 1980s. Im a Wooden Athletic Fund top 500 donor and I havent yet renewed my tickets. Attending UCLA Basketball
games is a chore. I work long hours, typically until 8:00 p.m. and to make it to games (from Westlake Village) which are
scheduled at 6:00 p.m. or even 7:00 p.m. I have to leave very early and fight the traffic. This year, I intentionally missed more
games in one season than I have missed in at least the last 10 years combined! The product weve put on the floor is not
befitting the UCLA name, tradition or school.
Having been a student and then a season ticket holder for these many years, I have lived through bad seasons and the dog
days of UCLA Basketball yet Ive remained an ardent supporter and ticket holder (I have 4 basketball seats) because I love
UCLA and UCLA basketball. During all of those years with the exceptions being the last year of Steve Lavin and the last year
of Ben Howland, when the teams quit on the coach, Ive still been there. When Steve Alford was hired, I wasnt impressed
and felt we could have done better but I kept an open mind and gave him a chance. After three years of watching, its
painfully clear that he neither belongs at UCLA and that no amount of time will make him successful here.
My close friend Robert Fisher, who also wrote to you today, who by the way, along with me, is such a die-hard Bruin fan that
we have attended countless summer league games together just to see our incoming recruits play and watch for
improvement in our returning team members. We are as serious Bruin fans as it gets. Robert highlighted four main reasons
why Steve Alford should be terminated. I agree.
l. Defense. Steve Alford is the worst defensive coach I can ever remember at UCLA. From his first year, it has been bad. We
had so much talent (e.g. three first round NBA draftees) that defense wasnt crucial to our having a winning season. Last
year, with less talent, the defensive deficiencies were much more exposed and regardless of the sweet 16 appearance, our
defense was horrendous. This year it was unwatchable and virtually every commentator has pointed this out repeatedly.
Whats worse is that when interviewed, Steve Alford emphasized on multiple occasions how important defense is yet he
doesnt teach it or at least teach a system which works with the recruits hes brought in.
2. Recruiting and player evaluation. While we may have a top 5 class coming in next year, it doesnt make up for the fact that
we have a disjointed team in terms in which the parts just dont fit together. He hasnt recruited a true point guard or small
forward in his three years, have been using shooting guards and even wings to play point guard. The last two years we
havent had a true small forward in the classic sense. Weve lost at least 4 recruits to USC who could have helped us and
who were UCLAs to lose. (McLaughlin, Metu, Boatright, Stewart) and now USC not only beats us an unbelievable 3 times in
one season, but blows us out. Even Arizona, at its best didnt do that to us. This alone is cause for termination. We also
have no quality depth due to bringing in at least 5 players who are not UCLA level while passing on many local much better
and more athletic prospects who would have loved to be at UCLA.
3. Nepotism. As my friend Robert said, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that Bryce is not a point guard, hes a shooting
guard. Second, he isnt a starting level (at least not on UCLA) player. Maybe a bench or role player. The amount of minutes
vs. his talent level is ridiculous and its been that way since his FR year. He is averaging around 35 minutes a game. Not
even some of the best players to play at UCLA got that much time per game (at least since the Wooden years). Finally, he
may be the single worst defensive player ever to have played at UCLA. Much of the time he simply doesnt try. Likely, due to
trying to conserve his energy to play those 35 minutes a game. Lack of talent is understandable but lack of effort is
unacceptable on any team in any sport. Yet there are no consequences. More importantly, his lack of effort on defense sets
a horrible example for the rest of the team and recruits.
4. Motivation At the end of the season, it became patently obvious that Steve Alford has lost this team. Their lack of
passion and effort was unmistakable. This is coaching at its worst. Either Steve Alford and his assistants have failed to
properly prepare the team, failed to inspire the, failed to demand accountability or just allowed them to be slackers.
Whatever the reason, the result is unacceptable. There have been no consequences therefor the behavior was allowed to
be implicitly reinforced and impliedly validated.
The bottom line is this. Stop the bleeding before the program becomes terminal. A top 5 class is not something to waste.
If you fail to take action this is destined to only get worse.
Please understand that I write to you sincerely, with no agenda except for wanting the very best for UCLA and that is clearly
not Steve Alford. We deserve better.
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Importance:
Robert A. Weissman
Guerrero Dan; Block Gene; Rebholz Joshua
A Call to Action!
Monday, March 14, 2016 6:31:22 PM
High
Gentlemen:
Im adding my voice to the unprecedented (in my over 50 years of supporting UCLA basketball of which Ive been a season
ticket holder for approximately 35 years) effort to have Steve Alford terminated as basketball coach.
Im also a UCLA grad and have been active over the years in various support activities starting with the UCLA Sports Auction in
the 1980s. Im a Wooden Athletic Fund top 500 donor and I havent yet renewed my tickets. Attending UCLA Basketball
games is a chore. I work long hours, typically until 8:00 p.m. and to make it to games (from Westlake Village) which are
scheduled at 6:00 p.m. or even 7:00 p.m. I have to leave very early and fight the traffic. This year, I intentionally missed more
games in one season than I have missed in at least the last 10 years combined! The product weve put on the floor is not
befitting the UCLA name, tradition or school.
Having been a student and then a season ticket holder for these many years, I have lived through bad seasons and the dog
days of UCLA Basketball yet Ive remained an ardent supporter and ticket holder (I have 4 basketball seats) because I love
UCLA and UCLA basketball. During all of those years with the exceptions being the last year of Steve Lavin and the last year
of Ben Howland, when the teams quit on the coach, Ive still been there. When Steve Alford was hired, I wasnt impressed
and felt we could have done better but I kept an open mind and gave him a chance. After three years of watching, its
painfully clear that he neither belongs at UCLA and that no amount of time will make him successful here.
My close friend Robert Fisher, who also wrote to you today, who by the way, along with me, is such a die-hard Bruin fan that
we have attended countless summer league games together just to see our incoming recruits play and watch for
improvement in our returning team members. We are as serious Bruin fans as it gets. Robert highlighted four main reasons
why Steve Alford should be terminated. I agree.
l. Defense. Steve Alford is the worst defensive coach I can ever remember at UCLA. From his first year, it has been bad. We
had so much talent (e.g. three first round NBA draftees) that defense wasnt crucial to our having a winning season. Last
year, with less talent, the defensive deficiencies were much more exposed and regardless of the sweet 16 appearance, our
defense was horrendous. This year it was unwatchable and virtually every commentator has pointed this out repeatedly.
Whats worse is that when interviewed, Steve Alford emphasized on multiple occasions how important defense is yet he
doesnt teach it or at least teach a system which works with the recruits hes brought in.
2. Recruiting and player evaluation. While we may have a top 5 class coming in next year, it doesnt make up for the fact that
we have a disjointed team in terms in which the parts just dont fit together. He hasnt recruited a true point guard or small
forward in his three years, have been using shooting guards and even wings to play point guard. The last two years we
havent had a true small forward in the classic sense. Weve lost at least 4 recruits to USC who could have helped us and
who were UCLAs to lose. (McLaughlin, Metu, Boatright, Stewart) and now USC not only beats us an unbelievable 3 times in
one season, but blows us out. Even Arizona, at its best didnt do that to us. This alone is cause for termination. We also
have no quality depth due to bringing in at least 5 players who are not UCLA level while passing on many local much better
and more athletic prospects who would have loved to be at UCLA.
3. Nepotism. As my friend Robert said, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that Bryce is not a point guard, hes a shooting
guard. Second, he isnt a starting level (at least not on UCLA) player. Maybe a bench or role player. The amount of minutes
vs. his talent level is ridiculous and its been that way since his FR year. He is averaging around 35 minutes a game. Not
even some of the best players to play at UCLA got that much time per game (at least since the Wooden years). Finally, he
may be the single worst defensive player ever to have played at UCLA. Much of the time he simply doesnt try. Likely, due to
trying to conserve his energy to play those 35 minutes a game. Lack of talent is understandable but lack of effort is
unacceptable on any team in any sport. Yet there are no consequences. More importantly, his lack of effort on defense sets
a horrible example for the rest of the team and recruits.
4. Motivation At the end of the season, it became patently obvious that Steve Alford has lost this team. Their lack of
passion and effort was unmistakable. This is coaching at its worst. Either Steve Alford and his assistants have failed to
properly prepare the team, failed to inspire the, failed to demand accountability or just allowed them to be slackers.
Whatever the reason, the result is unacceptable. There have been no consequences therefor the behavior was allowed to
be implicitly reinforced and impliedly validated.
The bottom line is this. Stop the bleeding before the program becomes terminal. A top 5 class is not something to waste.
If you fail to take action this is destined to only get worse.
Please understand that I write to you sincerely, with no agenda except for wanting the very best for UCLA and that is clearly
not Steve Alford. We deserve better.
From:
To:
Cc:
Date:
Jeff Severa
Guerrero, Dan
Rebholz, Joshua
Monday, March 14, 2016 8:31:56 PM
Mr. Guerrero,
My wife and I are UCLA alums. I have taught in the public schools for 31 years and my wife has worked
as a RN at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center on the Liver Transplant floor for 35 years. Despite our
moderate incomes, we have given generously over $50,000 to the Wooden Athletic Fund over the past 9
years. We love to do so as we love to support our beloved alma mater.
Our giving ceased in 2015 due to our displeasure with the tenure of Coach Steve Alford. We attended his
first Basketball Banquet in 2014. At the Banquet, he made Jordan Adams remove earrings in front of the
entire audience, belittled Nick Kamemi's rose tattoo, and joked about not knowing which of the Wear
brothers had an appendectomy. He also made fun of the most "bowlegged" player ever in his view,
Norman Powell. My wife and I were frankly shocked at this attitude. We didn't think it appropriate to
embarrass our student-athletes in front of alums. This was in stark contrast with the manner Coach Mora
speaks about his seniors during the preseason football banquet. Coach Mora clearly loves his
players....we don't get the same feeling with Coach Alford.
We were also very disappointed with the promotion of his son's minutes to the detriment of Zack Lavine.
This undoubtedly figured in Zack's unhappiness at UCLA. Not to mention playing Bryce at point guard in
place of Kyle Anderson. This season, it is difficult to see Prince Ali benched for not playing defense
when Bryce's defense is abysmal. This all indicate a coach out of place at an elite university such as
UCLA.
The rank-and-file fans are infuriated that Coach Alford may be brought back. The banner flying over
Westwood is just the first sign of this discontent. It is going to get worse. Empty seats at Pauley, a
severe downturn in WAF giving. These folks may not be "whales" in terms of giving, but collectively they
are going to make a big dent in the program.
Please do the right thing. Find a coach who is truly an ideal fit for UCLA. We deserve the best....not
leftovers.
Jeff and Elaine Severa (classes of 1984 and 1981)
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Randy Tewell
Guerrero, Dan
Regarding Coach Steve Alford
Monday, March 14, 2016 9:47:15 PM
DearMr. Guerrero,
I am writing to voice my extreme displeasure with the direction of the men's basketball
program. Coach Alford is simply not suited to coach the Bruins.
I request that you immediately address this by dismissing him and hiring a coach that has
character and integrity, leadership skills, passion, vision, and is a true master of the game.
Coach Alford is none of the above, and he is taking the program deeper into insignificance
each day he is at UCLA.
I am not a UCLA graduate, but my son is (2015). From the moment he began at UCLA, the
entire family has poured their hearts, minds, and pocketbooks (tuition, athletics support, and
merchandise) into supporting the school.
We have been football season ticket holders since his freshman year, and have thoroughly
enjoyed supporting the team, traveling to places like San Antonio and Santa Clara to cheer
them on. My son played snare drum in the UCLA Marching Band and we spent many a day
and night following the band. We are WAF donors ($1,700 /yr.)
We have been "all in" on UCLA. A significant portion of our wardrobe is UCLA gear. "38-28":
check. "Back to Back": check. "Three in a Row": check. Long sleeve, short sleeve, sweatshirt,
polo shirt, sweat pants, license plate frames, decals, flags, banners, dog dishes.... we have
traveled the world in our UCLA gear with pride. It is a great brand and a great conversation
starter anywhere in the world. A day hardly goes by when we don't talk UCLA athletics. We
plan our vacation around home games at the Rose Bowl, even when it means paying higher
airline ticket fees.
But now, I am willing to give it ALL up. The manner in which Coach Alford has run the program
into insignificance is remarkable in its expediency and completeness. As a coach, he cannot
game plan for his opponent. He cannot motivate the team. He favors playing his son over
other qualified students. He is not a good representative of the university. I cannot see any
redeeming qualities.
Yet, we appear content to keep him, and stay the course. A course to nowhere. Three
blowout losses to USC in hoops... losing to a Washington St. team that had exactly one
conference win. How can this be acceptable, and what does it take to spur some action?
For the past week I have come close many times to cancelling my commitment to UCLA
football and the WAF. I have not made that decision yet, but I am close. Every time I hear or
see the name Steve Alford I want to disassociate myself from the program.
Why are we in this position? Why did we hire someone who is absolutely not qualified for this
position? And why would we "double down" on another year with him? How many data
points do we need?
Please take action to replace Coach Alford immediately. Myself and countless others have
gone from extreme passion to extreme apathy in record time. It should not be like that.
Respectfully,
Randy Tewell