East Valley running back Talley quits football
East Valley senior running back Adam Talley, arguably the top player in the Great Northern League, quit Thursday, saying he had to choose a job over football.
Since the start of the season, Talley had missed about two hours of practice each week because of a job.
“Coach (Adam) Fisher told me that if I changed my schedule to Mondays and Thursdays that would be fine,” Talley said. “Then he said that wouldn’t work, so I quit.”
Fisher confirmed that Talley quit Thursday.
“We would have liked to have him on the team, but he chose to not be part of the football program any longer today before practice,” Fisher said.
Talley’s mother, Teresa Moses, contacted the newspaper Thursday afternoon to make it clear why her son quit.
“He was forced to make this decision,” Moses said. “I didn’t want people to think he was off the team because he broke a rule. It’s head-scratching amazing.”
Talley rushed for 243 yards in EV’s 2-0 start. The Knights travel to Post Falls tonight.
“I did everything I could,” Talley said. “I’m pretty frustrated. Now I’ll just work and play soccer on the weekends with my club team.”
Fisher said that the players and parents have known since February the practice times and should have been able to work out any conflicts.
“It was detailed in our Aug. 14 player/parent meeting,” Fisher said. “All players have to abide by the rules. The other 53 players are following the rules. He’s a great kid. He’s very talented. But this is a team sport. This was his choice to do. We tried several avenues to lend a hand. I wish the outcome had been different.”
12:16 a.m. Sep 14
There has to be more to this…
9:15 a.m. Sep 14
If coach Fisher had a real job (not coaching or teaching) you don’t make your work schedule you work when they want you too. The other choice is for him not to have a job and help support his family. Sorry teachers sure I just made you mad but my in-laws are retired teachers and two of my siblings are teachers. The economy today is so bad you take what you can get.
9:24 a.m. Sep 14
I am Adam Talley’s Aunt and for those of you who are writing the negative remarks…First you should really know the whole story prior to…My nephew did everything he could to try to abide by the rules, but it came down to an ultimatum from his Coach …FOOTBALL OR A JOB….Don’t believe everything you read in print….NO SPECIAL TREATMENT WAS EVER EXPECTED FOR HIM….As far as news worthy I think it is very news worthy that a kid any kid has to make a decision between earning a living and playing a sport for their high school…We teach our kids the responsibility of earning a living, then give them mixed messages like this…Tell me where is the sense in that!!!!
9:28 a.m. Sep 14
There is a reason why the popular stereotype of a HS football coach is a big dumb oaf. That is unfortunate since most are not that way nowadays. I thought the “Woody Hayes” coaches were all dead and buried.
Look, maybe the coach is dedicated to his profession, but the world does not revolve around football. You can’t tell me that some compromises could not have been made so the kid could go longer in practice on his non-work days.
Not all kids have rich parents.
PS the club soccer is an option since they play on weekends.
9:36 a.m. Sep 14
I’m with hoopster…
12:44 p.m. Sep 14
Its common sense and football 101 that when your playing on high school football team that you dont miss practices or be late for meetings. What it says here about him is that hes not a lover of the game of football, but rather in love with being a sports hero and this exposes that in his heart. Theres kids that play all 4 years in high school to just maybe get a handful plays by the time there a senior. And these players wouldnt even think about missing a practice. Coach Fisher did the right thing for his team and didnt sell out to Adams talent, which would cause his players to lose respect for him. His decision makes his players want to follow him into battle. East Valley is still a heck of a football team without him.
2:37 p.m. Sep 14
I’m going to miss watching Adam play. You don’t often get to see that kind of talent from a high school kid. Him and his parents have worked hard to get where he’s at and Adam has stayed humble and respectful to his teammates and fans the whole time. Good luck Adam; and don’t listen to these jerks posting negative comments, they don’t know you.
2:51 p.m. Sep 14
If he stayed humble and respectful to his teammates and the fans he would have showed up to practice. He would of let nothing get in the way of football during football season. Actions speak louder than words. He lives in la la land and not reality. All the kids risk there bodies on Friday Knights. The bottom line is its about him 1st and the team second. The teams more than ready to move on without him,
3:02 p.m. Sep 14
Too bad for everyone but both sides made their decisions and everyone will learn to live with it. There will be only one person regretting this in the long run. Jobs come and go but you don’t get to go back and play high school sports ever again.
4:55 p.m. Sep 14
Adam is not just the best running back in the region, he is also the team’s punter and place kicker - performing well in both duties. East Valley just went from a state title contender to the third best team in their own league. I have to support the coach relative to setting consistent rules for all players. So, it is now in Adam’s hands and also his family. If the goals of the team and it’s other players are important to him/them, then I hope a job schedule change can be worked out. If not, I’ll root for the soccer team too. Best wishes, Adam.
5:24 p.m. Sep 14
I find it sad that the Talley family decided to put their busines in the street. Now by contacting the media they have opened up themselves and Adam to all kinds of ridicule and scrutiny. Poor choice.
9:27 p.m. Sep 14
I sit here stunned by “LionRoars” who obviously has no insights into the struggles this child has endured. It is a very sad testament to this individual who feels at liberty to comment with little understanding of the situation or the child.
I have worked/mentored with Adam since he was very young. He comes from a humble family with very limited resources but complete dedication. He helps to financially support himself and his family. He works to survive, not to earn extra spending money. He is a model for all youth.
In reading this review it seems to me LionRoars thinks Adam has chosen to quit football. The reality is he was forced. He chose family over this sport. He chose responsibility over this sport. He chose to quit a sport he loves, to support a higher cause.
Adam is a fighter. That is what makes him such a great competitor and that is why he will be successful in life.
No child is perfect, but I have always known him to be humble, respectful and hard working.
The choice for Adam to quit falls squarely on the coach. I cannot blame him, as I too have rules regarding players and commitment to a program. I am sure it was a difficult decision for Coach Fisher.
However, to have an outlier taking pot shots at this kid is unjustified. Instead of hiding behind some obscure surname - show yourself. My name is Jim Wilson and I am proudly Adam Talley’s biggest supporter. And you are?
11:17 a.m. Sep 15
Lionroar, are you kidding me? Let’s keep this in perspective shall we?
This unfortunate situation is about principle; this is about a coach failing a student athlete. This is about a coach giving a student an ultimatum; choose football or choose work.
After reading the news story and seeing the news segment It is mind boggling that a school representative failed to see the lesson in all of this. This young man had to make the hardest choice of his adolescent life. Play football his senior year or help ease the financial burden on his family. Perhaps it is you that lives in “La- La land” and believes that jobs are plentiful and money grows on trees.
What are these coaches trying to teach our kids? East Valley Administration should have been proud that a teenager of today is trying to have balance in his life. That he was trying to be a responsible and productive part of a world outside high school. Give him some credit. There is more to life than high school sports.
This administration said that the guidelines for missed practices is a school policy, this is a false statement. There have been concessions made, but only where the coaches see fit. They have scheduled “special” practices to make players eligible. Did this information get publicized? NO, it did not.
You write like a bitter parent whose son will now get playing time without, the top player in the Great Northern League. Quoting the headline… just saying.
PS
Next time you want to write into the paper and be taken seriously, you should probably use grammar and spell check.
11:25 a.m. Sep 15
Jim Wilson you can remain his best supporter, but your sympathy campaign for him doesnt pass the reality test. Theres 53 other young men that have made the committment on the team, that make zero excuses and are accountable to each other. Nobodies saying hes a bad kid, but his committment has ever right to be questioned. Especially when he and his family are trying to justify his decision to quit through the media. So deep down football isnt a big priority in his life. So be it thats okay, but dont blame fisher or anyone else for his decision. So if your still mentoring him tell him to stand and be accountable to himself and not blame others.
12:57 p.m. Sep 15
Thank you for those valuable insights “LionRoars”. It would sure be interesting to know who you are.
I have stated my opinion, appreciate your advice and am done posting.
Kind regards to all for your thoughts.
3:05 p.m. Sep 15
adam was not forced to quit football. he made his choice to quit. if the issue was money, which i can assure you it is not, coach fisher offered talley the same pay as his weekly check to film the teams jv games, and adam still declined. he was mad because the coach actually was making talley work like every other member of the team. he felt as if since he was a large aspect of the knights offensive threat, he didnt have to work for it. football is a team sport. to win as a team you have to practice as a team. Fischer runs a great football program at east valley. he prepares his players for the world by teaching them values like hard work and dedication. He asks one thing from his players. commitment. if you are not committed to the team, you dont play. talley didnt commit to football. he only played to be under the lights. not for his team. for him. east valley proved that football doesnt revolve around one star player friday night beating there biggest compitition so far in there schedule , post falls, 35 14, without the help of adam. this is just another player who thought he was too good to be a part of a team
10:23 p.m. Sep 15
Hey haters dont get it, why you dissing on this kid he whatever you think fought to stay a part of his team. You act like he owes you something, you gave him a choice and now sounds like you didnt like it so you are all winning! I can see why this kid made the alternate choice. Football is a awesome sport ,and yes he is a very talented athlete whether you like it or not and he played to help all you win because he was on the team, did he get more attention then you yes, because he worked to be acceptional, he won beside you, lost beside you and I bet he didnt point the fingure at any of you and say you let this team down and we dont need you on this team. You all need to be ashamed truth is football will be over in a few months and your hateful ignorant words that you choose to spout out will be yours to live with the rest of your life. I hate the thought that I could be friends with any of you type people! Didnt your mothers teach YOU better. Usually the people pointing the figure are the ones that should point it back at themselfs. As a former high school athlete Adam I wish you the best in whatever makes you happy and know who your true friends are there the ones that have your back and support you in your choices! Best wishes to you Adam Sincerely!!!
11:29 p.m. Sep 15
What a load of crap. Like the kids should feel like it was a honor that he played for them. The bottom line is if he was a team player and loved the game of football hed be there everyday for his teammates. Thats all his teammates asked of him. Maybe his parents made him quit and he really didnt want too, but who knows. But to call the newspaper and try to and act like he was mistreated by Fisher and try to get sympathy from the public for his lack of commitment shows exactly how much it is about him. The people around the situation know the truth. They all wish he was committed to the team and was still playing, but are also glad the prima donna attitude is gone and the distraction of him is gone so they can move on as a team.
11:58 p.m. Sep 16
Hey LION MEOWS…..You were probably some 4th string player who was too bad to put into the game until mop up time weren’t you? I’ve been around the game for almost 40 years now. Kids with this type of talent should not have to be put in this position but when it happens this is the way it should be handled. LION YOUR AN IDIOT…Let’s see what’s more important. Showing up to practice or making 10 bucks so that your little sister can have some milk? What’s more important, showing up to a film meeting, or going to work so that your parents can pay the electricity bill? Want more little kitten, what’s more important, an extra hour running the same play over and over and over, or going to work so that he can save a few more bucks to have when he go’s to college???? Are you one of those guys who think he’s entitled to everything? Do you live up on Snob Hill, and don’t have a clue as to the reality of some of these kids using sports as a way to have some sort of escape from the everyday BS they have to go through just to survive….I have an idea Purring Lion, how bout you pay him 200 bucks a week, so that he can have the money and go to practice..Put your money where your drool resides…..
10:02 a.m. Sep 17
Colt 44 I dont think youve been around the game for 40 years. I think you have been drinking beer for 40 years. Did you read what you wrote, or did you just spout off before you had pulled your head out. Did you read what those who know the situation said. Money had nothing to do with it. It was his committment and his ego that thought he was special. You talk about being a snob saying a kid with this kind of talent shouldnt have to do what the rest of the team should. Everybody on the team is following the rules, but he shouldnt have to because of his talent. To be honest I think he couldnt handle the grind of football and needs to find someone else to blame. I think his family was also worried he might get seriously injured and lose a possible soccer scholarship. Thats all fine except when you blame others so you wont be rediculed for throwing away his senior year of football. I didnt think he should be rediculed for quitting the team, but to blame the coach showed its all about him. We wont miss his mom yelling at the offensive lineman to block for her son. We
wont miss her yelling at them to pick him up after he gets tackled. We wont miss her yelling his name out and not the teams name. So colt 44 sober up a bit and get your facts straight before you bury yourself in a litter box. Good luck to Adam, but the team is better without him.
11:50 a.m. Sep 17
Its starting to all make more sense now. “LionRoars” is an embattled parent of another player, jealous of the abilities of another player. Even if the Mom did cheer for her son only, if you are a reflection of the rest of the teams family members I can see why. Cheering for only your own kid is huge pet-peeve of mine and I know nothing about this team or the players of this team but I can read between the lines when comments are made like, “We wont miss his mom yelling at the offensive lineman to block for her son. We wont miss her yelling at them to pick him up after he gets tackled. We wont miss her yelling his name out and not the teams name.” I also think you need to keep in mind the age of the parties we are talking about. These are 16, 17 year old kids who need to learn lessons and a lot of times they seem to be more mature than the so called “adults” who they are surrounded by. Lion Roars hope you and your child never make a mistake or have a tough decision come up in your life and have anyone who can sit behind a computer screen play the guessing game “To be honest I think he couldnt handle the grind of football and needs to find someone else to blame. I think his family was also worried he might get seriously injured and lose a possible soccer scholarship.”, on why they are right and everyone else is wrong.
12:42 p.m. Sep 17
Cougarman11 you said one right thing you know nothing of the team or players, therefore you need to step back and maybe get more information or better yet read a little closer. This has nothing to do with jealousy or revenge. This has to do with the truth. The Tally family is trying to blame the coach and high school for the decision that was made. Im here to defend the truth that he was treated fairly by the coach and to act like he wasnt is disingenious to the coach, the school and most of all to himself and thats the lesson he needs to learn. For you to assume that because the team and parents are glad not to be around that attitude makes them jealous of him. Tells me you dont got a clue. And being a cougarman and not being a huskyman disqualifies your opinion too lol.
11:17 a.m. Sep 18
Like I said, my knowledge of this situation is subject only to what I have read. The main points of my post was not about the situation. It was directly talking about how you, and adult would come out and publicly critize a kid. BE AN ADULT. Was that easy enough to understand the second time around?
1:46 p.m. Sep 18
Like I said you have no incite to the issue, and if you did youd realize the criticism being leveled here is fair. The coach didnt try throw Adam under the bus, but it was his mother who called the newspaper and tried to spin her son quitting as unfair, because of the coach not letting him out of practice, so he could work. It wasnt about money everybody who knows the situation knows that. There criticism of the coach is unfair. Adam says he did all he could do. If Adam was truly allowed to make the choice and was allowed to give up everything going on to put football first during the season then he is lying that he did everything he could. Because if he did all he could do he would have gone to practice. Now if the decision wasnt his and his family decided for him then why was the newspaper called. His mom called the paper because she didnt want anyone to think he broke the rules. He quit because he couldnt follow the rules of the team. So there story dont line up and them trying to make it look he was wronged by the coach is a lie. Adams an athlete, but not a football player and thats okay, but just be honest.