"Maybe ever" was in reference to what I assumed was the underlying point of BC's post - that coaches TODAY have more difficulty motivating players.
I was just saying, I'm sure coaches have always had difficulty motivating some players.
It may not work for all players today, but my high school coach had a pretty simple method he used to get the best out of us. If he didn't think you were going as hard he thought you should/could, he sit your *** down and put in someone that would. If you had any pride that wouldn't happen to you but once. If it occurred too often you might as well turn in your pads.