ChantRant.com

Leonard's Loot: Bill from Tampa on what's behind Hamilton's raise

Was Leonard Hamilton's contract extension and raise a result of a better financial outlook for FSU? The timing might suggest that. 

Recall he was said to be receiving a raise after his team was 2012 ACC champions and went to the NCAA tournament for the fourth straight year. And then there was a report that red ink had crept into the athletic department's finances that put off that raise for Hamilton and his staff.

That situation has since changed when the ACC dispersed additional monies to league members. But also recall that was some time ago when that announcement was made, calming to some degree a vocal contingent calling for Florida State to depart the ACC for financially greener pastures.

So if that was a little settling to FSU's bottom line, why take this much time to get it done with Hamilton?

I look at Randy Spetman for that. He just dropped the ball on this one as seems to have been the case with various aspects of the job he oversaw. It could have been done much sooner. 

But for whatever reasons, Spetman was somewhat disinterested in the men's basketball program. You saw him frequently at games early on during his tenure as AD. That decreased more and more as time went on, and he was conspicuously absent at season-end banquets the last few years. There were rumors as well that Spetman was ignoring various requests from the program.

Did the delay cause Hamilton to think about leaving FSU? Hamilton never talks about such matters and is adept at not giving subtle clues. But I highly doubt he was looking elsewhere for several reasons. 

Bobby Bowden back on FSU's payroll

(Release from FSU Media Relations)

Former Florida State University head coach Bobby Bowden and Seminole Boosters, Inc. have agreed to a marketing and promotions agreement to raise money for Florida State Athletics.

“When Coach Bowden accepted FSU President Eric Barron’s invitation to come back for two home games this fall, we saw an opportunity to formulate an agreement that will allow the Boosters to take Coach Bowden to fans across the country to promote Seminole Athletics,” said Andy Miller, President of Seminole Boosters, Inc., the fundraising arm of Florida State Athletics. “Coach Bowden has always been a great ambassador for the University and will be invaluable in our efforts to fund a highly successful Athletics program.”

The multi-year agreement will begin in January, 2014, and calls for Bowden to make public appearances during the year to promote, market and raise funds for FSU Athletics in 2014 and 2015. In addition to a Personal Services Agreement, Bowden granted Seminole Boosters the right to use his name and likeness under an exclusive licensing agreement. The Boosters portion of this partnership will support Athletics. 

Bowden is no stranger to personal speaking agreements with Seminole Boosters. For more than 35 years as head coach, Bowden was the featured speaker on the Spring Seminole Booster tour, which raised funds and promoted Seminole Athletics.

“I am delighted,” said FSU President Eric Barron. “Coach has always been a great friend-raiser, and it will be an emotional time for his legions of fans to see him back on Bobby Bowden Field this fall. This new agreement will allow us to bring Coach Bowden to our supporters around the country and allow them to share in this positive spirit.”

“I can’t think of a better ambassador than Bobby Bowden to serve in this very important roll,” says Allan Bense, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “I applaud Seminole Boosters for seizing the opportunity.”

Bowden will receive compensation of $250,000 per year and half of the net royalty income from licensing.

One Of The Good Guys: Leon Washington giving back to his hometown

Ever heard a bad word about former Nole RB Leon Washington? We doubt you ever will. Besides giving us so many great memories while in Garnet and Gold, Leon has been a quiet model of professionalism in a league whose players are making bad headlines almost daily. And now Washington is giving back to his hometown of Jacksonville through his own foundation. Over the weekend it hosted its first celebrity event with all proceeds going to his inner city high school's athletic department. Here's Leon promoting it and talking about his quick switch from defense to offense at FSU.