Billy Donovan Has Not Left His Home Since Friday

Andy Katz reported on ESPN that Billy Donovan, who left Florida to coach the Orlando Magic last week and is now apparently heading back to Florida, has been on "self-imposed house arrest" since Friday and has not even left his home since he first started having second thoughts about taking the Magic job.

I feel a little sorry for Donovan, envisioning him bunkered down, feeling like a prisoner in his own home. But only a little sorry. After all, he got himself into this mess by signing the contract with the Magic without being sure it was what he wanted to do.

I'm guessing Donovan's lawyer is telling him not to say anything publicly that could be used against him as he tries to negotiate his way out of the Magic contract. That's probably the right legal advice, but Donovan could also use some PR advice. If this drags out much longer without Donovan addressing Florida's fans, he might find that they're nowhere near as enthusiastic about his presence as the Gators' coach as they were a week ago.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-05-2007 @ 6:23PM

Gail said...

Why does he need to address Florida fans? We know he wants back, that really is all that matters.

6-05-2007 @ 6:25PM

Priscilla said...

I am a Magic fan & personally I think the Magic should let him out of hs contract. Afterall who wants a coach who really does not want to be here. We need to get someone who wants to coach the Magic.

6-05-2007 @ 7:19PM

Brian said...

Your column is good generally but the last sentence shows a lack of understanding about Gator Nation. Billy is loved and respected in Gainesville and in Orlando which is heavily Gator Nation. The last commentator is absolutely correct. Maybe Priscilla and I should have written this article.

6-05-2007 @ 9:01PM

Ryan Ferguson said...

The Gator fans will be just as enthusiastic in one week, two weeks, three weeks... Billy is a god in Gainesville. Gator Nation loves him. The longer this drags out, the more it will affect the at-large college basketball institution's perception of Donovan and the Magic, though.

6-05-2007 @ 9:07PM

C ALVAREZ said...

While this is probalby an uncomfortable time for Billy, I feel very sure he will ALWAYS be loved by the Gator Nation. I think it would be really strange if he HADN'T seriously teetered towards the big bucks. Only the most unreasonable would hold that against him. I'm just glad for all concerned that he balked before making a life-altering decision that wasn't right for him. You should work where your heart is. Money comes and goes. As for prestige and fame, he's already well-known as a first-rate coach!! Nothing will change that regardless of whether he's an NBA coach or a college coach.

It sounds like the Magic is going to be classy about giving him his out without too many hard feelings. It seems fair to me to ask for a noncompete. In the end they'll get a coach that's right for them.

6-05-2007 @ 10:22PM

D White said...

Dope. What do you expect him to do at this point? Commence a sympathy tour.

6-05-2007 @ 11:46PM

richard wilcox said...

Saw Billy and Christine out walking today (6/5/70 at 1PM so not really under house arrest. Glad Billy is staying but Anthony Grant is a class guy and he did not deserve this.

6-06-2007 @ 12:41AM

WaffleHead said...

Billy Donovan is like a little boy that can't decide on which toy he wants. What a floozy. The Magic should have drug him through the mud a little like he did them. POS.

6-06-2007 @ 9:57AM

angie said...

i am glad to see at least more florida fan think about how this has effective anthony grant, he is a true victim in all of this

6-06-2007 @ 4:14PM

Bo Thorpe said...

I have to chuckle anytime anyone says "Gator Nation" when referring to Florida basketball fans.

6-06-2007 @ 4:16PM

I have to laugh anytime anyone uses the term "Gator Nation" when referring to Florida's basketball fans.

6-07-2007 @ 12:11AM

carl said...

I have to laugh that florida fans get pissed on and think its raining but as long as you win

6-08-2007 @ 7:18AM

rogerg591 said...

What do Donnovan and Bill Clinton have in common??? they both have a HARD Time Remembering the FACTS! Long live Bobby Knight the alltime winnest Coach/Jerk. Billy boy you have a long way to go before you become public enemy #1 like Knight is. Billy your a great coach just dont order waffles for breakfast next time your out with your family or in Disney Land.