Seth Greenberg's personality cost him, but will pay off in next endeavor

It was March of 2008 and Seth Greenberg just wouldn't let it go. I had called out Virginia Tech's outspoken head coach, among other ACC guys, for passing on Stephen Curry. You see, Curry's dad, Dell, was a Hokie and his son wanted to play for Virginia Tech -- among other high-major schools.

Greenberg was relentless in his pursuit to give me a piece of his mind, calling me over and over throughout March and finally leaving me a voice mail laced with obscenities.

Personally, I respected Greenberg for his inability to sugarcoat. He was a New Yorker and we went at it -- but I always knew where I stood with him.

Greenberg was fired by athletic director Jim Weaver on Monday afternoon -- and it wasn't handled in the proper manner. When the news conference was called for 4 p.m., Greenberg was blindsided. He hadn't yet been notified by the brass and when I called him, he thought that the topic may have been Weaver's future in Blacksburg.

Personally, I couldn't have worked for Greenberg. I wouldn't have lasted. He's stubborn and the word from many who had worked for him was that he didn't treat them with enough respect.

All three of his assistants and the director of basketball operations bolted from this past season. One took a lateral spot at Clemson, two more fled for UAB (also for similar positions) and another was returning to Old Dominion. This had become a pattern of sorts in recent years with staff changes becoming the norm instead of the exception.

Greenberg pissed off too many people, but he could coach.

He was 170-123 in his nine seasons in Blacksburg and went to the postseason on six occasions. Sure, there was just one NCAA tournament appearance -- but a handful of close calls that had many joking that "The Bubble" should be renamed "The Greenberg." Winning at Virginia Tech isn't easy -- especially for someone who was widely regarded to stay within the rules.

Now Greenberg will likely slide over to his "other" career, the one he's been talking about for a few years now. Television.

Greenberg should be snapped up by ESPN or CBS in a heartbeat. He's been doing TV and radio for years, is a natural -- and will be a home run for whatever network snatches him up.

He's fearless and speaks his mind. While that may have ultimately gotten Greenberg fired in coaching, it's exactly what will make him terrific on television.