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After three plus seasons as FIU head coach, Ron Turner was fired today. The announcement of Turner’s dismissal is shocking. Not because Turner was some great head coach, after all he only went 10-30 in the most football rich region in America.
But because FIU, always in the shadow of Miami’s other sports teams, tried to steal headlines while the city is mourning.
Earlier today, one of baseball’s youngest stars Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was pronounced dead after a boating accident early this morning in Florida. The city of Miami has been in a state of grief and shock all day since the news hit the wire.
The Miami Marlins announced today’s game against the Atlanta Braves would be cancelled. Miami’s sports teams decided today that would given their condolences to the Fernandez family and Marlins organization.
Statement from the Miami Marlins organization: pic.twitter.com/6A4Rv6m2g9
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 25, 2016
A lot of tears at Marlins press conference for Jose Fernandez pic.twitter.com/Tw5WsbJ0fU
— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) September 25, 2016
We send our our deepest condolences to Jose Fernandez's family and to the Miami Marlins. Rest In Peace.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Jose Fernandez and the entire @Marlins organization. pic.twitter.com/UUVi9kV7Fj
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 25, 2016
Statement from the Florida Panthers on José Fernández:https://t.co/f3KAAHL2zz
— Florida Panthers PR (@FlaPanthersPR) September 25, 2016
We, like everyone in our community, are devastated to hear about José Fernández.
— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) September 25, 2016
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/dgJyv9OYUd
Rather than grieve with the city, FIU decided that this was their moment to shine and steal some headlines and the decision was an incompetent one filled with callous, insensitivity, and desperation.
Pete Garcia’s decision to fire Ron Turner today was a calculated move and it showed just how out of touch FIU administration is with the Miami community.
Since Pete Garcia has been the AD FIU has been a laughing stock on the field and off the field with countless blunders. You can always count on FIU administration to do the wrong thing and today they did it again.