Full article:
https://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/ar ... 670501.php
Some excerpts:
As one current player told SFGATE, “A lot of players want him fired, especially the starters.”
Graham is a known disciplinarian, including at his previous head coaching stints with Rice, Tulsa, Pittsburgh and Arizona State. Several Hawaii players said they believe Graham’s approach has consistently crossed the line in terms of decency and respect. One player told SFGATE, “I would go as far to say it’s verbal abuse the way he talks to guys. … It’s personal. It’s not like, ‘Oh, you need to be faster.’ He’s calling guys useless, jackass and a sack of s—t.”
Another player reiterated to SFGATE that Graham insults his players constantly, reportedly calling players “dogs—t,” among other demeaning terms. Multiple players also said Graham constantly threatens to take away playing time from anyone who questions him. One player recalled Graham telling a teammate to “stop talking back or I’m going to take away your senior year.”
Players who spoke to SFGATE said Graham does not care about their well-being unless they are regular contributors. Some of his slights are reportedly subtle: only having scholarship and first-team players over to his house, several players allege, as well as only acknowledging first-team players in the locker room.
Meanwhile, according to multiple players, Graham’s own future aspirations are abundantly clear. They recall different instances when Graham had openly discussed his aspirations to leave Hawaii for the NFL. “He basically kept telling us he’s using us as a stepping stone,” as one player put it.
Said another player, “I see why he wants the bowl game so bad. It ain’t for the seniors. It ain’t for Hawaii. It’s for his reputation and the extra bowl game check.” (Graham will receive a $20,000 bonus for participating in the Hawaii Bowl. If Hawaii wins the game, he will receive an additional $40,000.)
One player who has not entered the transfer portal told SFGATE, “I’m probably not coming back this year because [Graham] has three more years. … It’s not like we have the money to buy him out.” Another player said, “Most of the freshmen are either quitting or trying to transfer.”
