The CheckerBoard

• Reply
• Quote
• Rate Up Rate Down

Lucky said...

One other point ... there are so many people involved in the organization that come from all different regions and at one time in their live have been fans of so many different teams, it would be extremely difficult to have bias throughout the organization. Of all of our employees and investors, I think I am the only "bama fan" in the bunch. I'm trying to think of another one in our company and can't at this time -- certainly not any of our investors.

Ironically, two of our largest and most vocal investors are "significant" donors at the University of Tennessee. I mean significant.

• Reply
• Quote
• Rate Up Rate Down

UTFPMD said...

A-ha! So you are biased -- to Tennessee!

• Reply
• Quote
• Rate Up Rate Down

abkelley74 said...

Wow, I started something.

Thanks for the replies but, I was really just having fun with it. Like I said, I like it here OK.

I have conspiricy theories but, it would be hard to be completely unbiased when one grew up rooting for a school. That's really my only point.

• Reply
• Quote
• Rate Up Rate Down

Lucky said...

Since I am the subject of this conversation, let me chime in for a seconds.

I am the CEO of 247Sports but have zero input into the rankings. I help shape the methodology of the rankings philosophy but I do not provide scouting reports or ranking suggestions. I don't speak to recruits and have not scouted a football prospect in more than a decade. My time is spent building the 247Sports network -- recruiting reporters, cash flow statements, technology, etc.

We have more than 20 investors in 247Sports and it is my fiduciary responsibility to grow and protect their investment. In order to do that, I hire people that are experts in their fields and get out of their way. There's no possible way I have time to get involved in "who should be ranked where."

From the start of my time leading Rivals and now with 247Sports, I have been transparent. I grew up in North Alabama. Most of my family are Auburn fans, including my uncle who is one of Auburn's most celebrated Vets -- he's the reason I moved to Nashville in 1987. I grew up a fan of Alabama but never considered going to school there. I am still an Alabama fan today and try to go to a game every 4-5 years. My family on my mother's side are very close to Coach Fulmer and I also grew up watching Tennessee. While I am an Alabama fan, I have deep respect for all the teams and consider myself a college sports junkie.

I am also the publisher of the Alabama site -- BamaOnLine. I have maintained that role because my day-to-day interaction is what gives me the knowledge to run this business. If I wasn't involved in the local/team site level I don't think I would have the knowledge to run the overall business.

Our rankings are managed by JC Shurburtt, Gerry Hamilton and Barton Simmons. These 3 are responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day rankings. They scout, talk to college coaches and gather intel from network reporters like Ryan, Kevin and everyone else. I consider all three to be ultra professional and I believe they value their career way above any team favoritism. The bottom line is that we all take this profession and our careers very serious and there's not any chicanery that goes on behind the scenes with rankings are anything else.

Additionally, 247Sports created the industry-generated 247Composite which equally aggregates rankings from the entire recruiting industry. This also is built to give users the broadest and most unbiased ranking. In fact, it is the primary team ranking used by our company and I believe the very best measurement available today.

I'm accustomed to cry that "this company is run by a bunch of 'Bama homers" ... but it is so far from the truth and sells short the integrity and professionalism of more than 100 people that take their careers serious. I hope this answers some of your questions. We are 100% open book and committed to providing you with the very best service, ever! We might not ever get there, but we are going to try.

Thanks, Shannon