There comes a time when a coach and/or GM becomes so strongly associated with repeated losses and humiliations that the players simply give up and give up listening. Yes, they are supposed to be pros and play their hardest, but how do you get yourself up for a game when you know without a doubt that your team doesn't match up to any other team in the league and hasn't for years? This team doesn't seem to have any leadership from the players or the coaches, and there has to be a loss of respect for the coaches and the organization.