In the world of roundabout compliments, attempted theft is always going to be king. Few things say, "hey you've got something really fantastic that I hope you're fully appreciating" more than someone trying to snatch said item for themselves.
Louisville fans are all too familiar with the phenomenon, especially when it comes to their most prized possession. There hasn't been one high-profile athletic director position opening in the last five years which hasn't resulted in the name Tom Jurich being tossed around as a potential replacement. It's flattering in one light, but terrifying in another, as the resulting rumors (regardless of how baseless they are) force UofL supporters to at least briefly imagine life without someone who has become as directly identifiable with Louisville athletics as the Cardinal bird mascot.