Mizzou Cuts Losses With Cuonzo Martin As Mayor Q Sends Condolences

A recent b-ball firing has sparked low-key angst across the basketball world even if it was expected.

Here's the best insight into the political context of the decision . . .

The firing may prove to be popular among Missouri fans that have pined for a winning program for years. But it was met with widespread scorn from the basketball community, and not just for what transpired on the court . . .

Martin led the program through widespread social unrest on campus, including protests during the Black Lives Matter movement that came to be defined by the football and basketball programs.

"Cuonzo is a stand-up guy, one of the best in our business. ... Whether it's on the court or away from the court, he is about social justice, making sure that he has a big voice, not only as a college basketball coach, but just as a Black man in America,'' Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse said. "He steps into the forefront a number of times when we're dealing with a lot of stuff with George Floyd and everything that happened over the past couple of years. He has been one of those guys that is always leading the charge.''

Our own Mayor Q weighs in . . .

"Cuonzo Martin had a great impact on the young men in his program and all of us who witnessed his resilience and leadership. I know his path ahead is bright and wish him and his family well. #MIZ"

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

Missouri fires Martin; rival coaches critical of move

7:09 PM ET Jeff BorzelloESPN Staff Writer Close Basketball recruiting insider. Joined ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware. Missouri fired men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin after five seasons, the school announced Friday, in a move that drew criticism from several of his colleagues throughout college basketball.

Former Cal Coach Cuonzo Martin Fired by Missouri After 12-21 Season

Cuonzo Martin, who guided Cal to its most recent NCAA tournament appearance in 2016, has been fired after five seasons as coach at Missouri. Martin, 50, was 62-39 in three years at Berkeley, twice won at least 20 games and had three winning seasons.

PowerMizzou - Commentary: It's time for Mizzou to play the way everyone else is playing

When Mun Choi announced Desiree Reed-Francois as Missouri's newest Director of Athletics in August, he boldly claimed "business as usual goes out the window." Missouri has a chance to prove that was something more than empty press conference bravado now. Hire Sean Miller. Or at least try to.

Developing . . .