Ad Disclosure
Former Cougar OL Justin Murphy blasts Houston, coach Dana Holgorsen through 27-post tweet
Published:
Over the past week, Houston lost an offensive lineman in Justin Murphy. He chose to move on from the team due to injuries (among other reasons we’ll soon explain) as a graduate transfer.
A few days after Murphy reportedly left the program, he sent out a 27-post tweet about why he left. One of which is due to injuries. But the main reason seems to come from the fact that Houston is “tanking” after starting the season 1-3 overall.
Dana Holgorsen, the coach at Houston — according to Murphy — wanted some seniors to redshirt due to the team’s poor start. That way, those seniors could preserve eligibility and come back to school next season to give the 2020 team a chance at being successful.
Murphy clearly isn’t about it, and below is his entire thread:
My name is Justin Murphy. And according to sources I am no longer apart of the 2019 Houston Cougar Football Senior Class. A senior class that is the first group to experience a head coach and administration to actively tank a football season. (THREAD)
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
(1/2) To give a little chronological context as to why I am no longer with the team, I want to take it back to how the season began. We started off the season on a primetime Sunday night vs. Oklahoma University.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
(2/2) After receiving a tick in the loss column, we would go on to play 4 games in 19 days. A schedule unprecedented.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
The motivating speech to get the labor force (players) through the gauntlet of the University of Houston’s attempt at capitalism? “Nobody watching is gonna care so we can’t care either!” One harsh truth of the nature of football. We would go on to hold a record of 1-3.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Despite the record, we can all hope that the TV revenue produced in those four games was worth it. As for me at the age of 23 and 3 prior knee surgeries, it was the hardest thing as an athlete I’ve ever done.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
I at least hope my time as a 4 game starter warrants the only guaranteed compensation I have, a single semester full athletic scholarship valuing at $14,686.71. pic.twitter.com/WalXheX3Or
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
The only other things I have left guaranteed as a result of my time in college football; a 4th and 5th knee surgery and undoubtedly a case of CTE.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Following the fourth game on 9/19/19 I would be advised to receive an MRI in order to proceed with further injections into my right knee, an injury ridden joint starting back to my first year starting at Texas Tech.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
The MRI would reveal yet another torn medial meniscus and a torn and presumed “dead” ACL. An injury that if self-preservation is in mind, I would be advised by a doctor to medically retire.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
That Monday I learned that the Head Coach of the Houston Cougars football team had personally contacted several seniors and asked them if they would redshirt for the 2019 football season, in order to “develop” and come back in 2020.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
All seniors which greatly contributed to the little success we had done up to that point. Two of the seniors would go on to accept this invitation, including the preseason Heisman dark horse QB.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
My reaction can be summed up by a quote I said earlier in the season, “I call bullshit when I see it.” As a second time graduate transfer that was recruited to Houston on verbal confirmation that we intended to win now, Coach’s actions in a lot of way’s proved otherwise.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
But it’s like corporate tax evasion, it’s all within the rules and with the long-term success of the program in mind.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
I would continue to go to work that week, participating in the full speed contact practices in preparation of the game. However, that Friday I was told to remain off the plane and stay in Houston in order to “heal up mentally and physically.”
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Forcibly taking away one of the reasons why I came to this University in the first place. A suspension that came based on the logic that I was a distraction and not committed to the team.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Coach left practice that day stating, “If you’re not 100% committed to the team then don’t get on the bus.” Ironic in light of recent events.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
As anyone who’s participated in sports knows, playing through an injury that can progressively get worse takes a certain level of motivation within himself/herself, and a level of commitment from the team in which he/she plays for.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
In my circumstances I could no longer meet that criteria. I decided to focus on self-preservation rather than the win and losses. A common theme in the history of the 2019-20 Houston Cougar Football season.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Safe to say there was no love lost between myself and the ole’ head coach. Only reason I say this is because when I went to say my piece on the matter and to swallow my pride and thank him for this opportunity, I was met with a reaction I did not expect.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Holgorsen sat at a desk, eyes glued to a monitor and replied with 13 words. “I don’t have time to talk, I only have time to coach.” and “O.K.” As if I didn’t deserve an eye to eye farewell or a proper handshake.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
As a person that is guaranteed a non-salary compensation of S3.4 million to go along with a $300,000 base salary for the 2019 year, one might think you’d have a better outlook on the players that contribute to your compensation. I mean this is a team sport, right?
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
As officially only a student, I plan to complete my goal of earning a Master’s in Global Retailing. A goal that I’m positive the administration and the coaches here at the University of Houston share with me.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
To my teammates that I played with up to this point. Thank you. It’s the people in the locker room that makes the shit not seem so shitty.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
As a letterman and soon to be alumni of this University, I honestly wish this program the best of luck moving forward. And thank you to the fan base, which are the pillars in which athletic programs stand on.
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
One might look at my collegiate athletic career as a series of unfortunate events, but if a long football career has taught me one thing it’s you can only control the things you can control. So what? Now what?
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Thank you Houston and God bless. #GoCoogs
— Justin Murphy (@JMurphy_73) October 11, 2019
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.