Did Mike Bohn, Santa Ono Move Crosstown Shootout On Campus Without Mick Cronin’s Consent?

Dec 19, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Xavier Musketeers head coach Chris Mack (right) and Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin (right) shake hands at the end of the game at U.S. Bank Arena. The Bearcats defeated the Musketeers 60-45. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

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When the news of the Crosstown Shootout moving back on Cincinnati and Xavier’s respective campuses got out, the UC fanbase was divided on the decision. Some favored the change while others were vehemently against it. One party on that side of the fence may have been Mick Cronin.

The Bearcats head coach has been adamant in his position against playing games at the Cintas Center. Given his last experience there, I don’t really blame him. So it’s somewhat peculiar to me why he’d do an about face so suddenly. In reality, it may be that Cronin wasn’t even consulted on the process or at the very least his voice wasn’t acknowledged by those above him (Athletic Director Mike Bohn and President Santa Ono). Early indications suggest that he’s dejected about the decision and certainly not aligned with whatever is his bosses’ vision for the series.

Following the press conference Mike Bohn and Xavier athletic director Greg Christopher held to announce the 10-year deal, Musketeers head coach Chris Mack was immediately available for comment. Mick, however, was not and his brother weighed in on the situation.

Cincinnati and Xavier had probably planned this announcement weeks if not months ahead of time. Had the UC head coach been front and center to provide his input on the series, you would think that would indicate he was gung ho about the move. The fact that he didn’t carve out time to speak to the media following the presser tells me Mick was less than pleased with the decision. At least his own brother seems to suggest that was the case.

The Cincinnati Enquirer did eventually catch up with Mick later that day and he was able to provide a few thoughts.

"“As far as where we play any game, it is my opinion that we should do what is best for our program and our fans,” Cronin said. “Season ticket holders and students are our biggest supporters and playing on campus is clearly in the best interest of both parties. Therefore, I believe we owe them to try to play on campus.“I do have many concerns about fan behavior and basic decorum in this rivalry. I have and will continue to voice them to our administrators. I believe we have to be honest about the severity of some stuff that has gone on and eventually permeates to the teams. To me, this is more important than where the game is played. That said, I am in support of the move to campus and thank my administration for the time they have dedicated to getting this game back on track.”"

I don’t know about you but those quotes alone tell me that Mick is putting on his “good lil soldier” cap once again and following in the footsteps of the school’s administrators. This despite being fairly vocal about his distaste for the Cintas Center.

Now, under normal circumstances, a coach’s opinion shouldn’t drive the direction of the basketball program or the athletic department. And it seems this move was made out of the need to generate more revenue biannually at Fifth Third Arena than every year downtown. Financially this seems like a smart move for the cash strapped Cincinnati athletic department. However I agree that moving the game back on campus is a potentially explosive proposition for both programs.

On a more macro level I’m concerned if this creates or widens any rifts between the ultra-loyal Mick Cronin and his bosses Mike Bohn, Santa Ono, and the Board of Trustees. There is the contract extension and raise that is very much up in the air with little evidence that it will ever truly come to fruition. Will this difference in vision scrap the deal itself and future extensions/raises down the road, bursting down the wall around UC that has barricaded their head coach from being snatched up by richer programs?

Who knows but that’s certainly not the narrative I want to read in a few years.