Ray Anderson steps down: Arizona State fans, media react to news of AD departure
Ray Anderson stepped down, effective immediately, from his role as Arizona State athletic director on Monday.
“We have entered an unprecedented era where the number and magnitude of changes in the college sports landscape are astounding,” he said in a statement. “As I approach my seventh decade of life, these are not matters that my leadership would be able to corral during my tenure.”
That news was met with thunderous applause from Arizona State fans online. Those on hand at the Rose Bowl on Saturday broke out in a “Ray, you suck” chant as Arizona State beat UCLA 17-7. No doubt those fans were overjoyed on Monday.
Anderson’s tenure was a strenuous one, at best. He hired Kenny Dillingham to coach the football program and that is looking like a shrewd move.
But his leadership has also threatened to extend the runway for Dillingham to get things off the ground. ASU self-imposed a bowl ban in Dillingham’s first year to get out ahead of likely sanctions from the NCAA stemming from an investigation into alleged recruiting violations under Herm Edwards.
NIL efforts have been slowed by fans and boosters reluctant to show support for Anderson.
Attention turned to them once news of Anderson’s departure became public. Here’s some of the reaction:
Michael Crow will have no shortage of good candidates. The question is whether he hires any of them. MUST pick someone with extensive background in college sports and resist the temptation to be "innovative" with the selection. https://t.co/80nSPthSIs
— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) November 13, 2023
Now we go! #ActivateTheValley
— Jordan Simone (@JordanSimone38) November 13, 2023
I can’t stress enough how important this Anderson news is. He did the right thing.
A lot must happen in a hurry to help ASU’s football roster in particular. People who have been on the fence about supporting, especially in NIL, must jump now if they want a successful program.
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) November 13, 2023
Ray Anderson stepping down before the NCAA could implicate him for direct knowledge of Herm Edwards and Antonio Pierce's actions is the only thing that makes the news of his resignation anything other than the best day of his entire tenure at Arizona State.
Won't be missed.
— Ralph Amsden (@ralphamsden) November 13, 2023
He wasn't bad, he was disastrous.
No need for platitudes and "thank you for your service" pats on the back.
His "service" was a term of employment for which he (and his friends) were paid handsomely.
ASU athletics will continue to pay for his "leadership" for years to come.
— Ralph Amsden (@ralphamsden) November 13, 2023
Ray Anderson was Top 3 highest-paid AD in NCAA. Some Achievements:
-0 FB top 25 finishes
-0 Sweet 16's
-Said NIL "did not matter"
-Didn't rebuild old asbestos filled basketball arena
-Sided with a booster who sexually harassed the MBB coaching staff's wives. https://t.co/RXHLJsloST— Zach Schwartz (@zachzachzach) November 13, 2023
The firing of Ray Anderson needed to happen when ASU got the bowl ban.
Better late than never, though pic.twitter.com/v3UHBHi7iN
— Barstool ASU (@tempebarstool) November 13, 2023
RAY ANDERSON IS GONE. pic.twitter.com/USR95ELXXZ
— Drunk Devil Fan (@sirwinsk) November 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/SpencerJarvis42/status/1724135582501343344
Ray Anderson has finally activated the valley today https://t.co/qD4uBhIYNx
— Johnathon Poppe (@JPopppppppp) November 13, 2023
Quick thoughts on Ray Anderson stepping down as ASU Athletic Director.
It’s about time. He created a massive divide among the fan base… pushed many away and his leadership set the program back years. Should’ve been fired years ago — and we all know why.
ASU gets a much needed… pic.twitter.com/05Z95SOhZL
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) November 13, 2023
Today is Christmas for ASU fans. Ray Anderson is stepping down as AD! “Ray you suck” chants were among the loudest at the Rose Bowl Saturday pic.twitter.com/dQfpkWsksk
— Chas Messman (@ChasMessmanKYMA) November 13, 2023
“Ray Anderson Resigned” pic.twitter.com/cBKJctLSai
— Nick Granillo (@nickgranillo) November 13, 2023
To the ASU boosters who weren’t going to donate to NIL with Ray Anderson in the fold,
Open up those checkbooks 💸💸💸
— Mark Harris (@Harris_Mark7) November 13, 2023
This ends one of the most painful, inept periods in the history of college athletics. Ray Anderson has been an embarrassment to ASU during his tenure as AD, and his ability to survive the nuclear winter over the last decade is amazing. https://t.co/JjbyEIFNPa
— YouTube: The Monty Show (@TheMontyShow) November 13, 2023