Wesley to Kentucky

[snowcraig2.0]

Originally Posted by ISUclones33

They should be owned to some extent, they are here on scholarship. However, they should be treated with respect and from what ive heard from the players i know, this hasnt always been the case. Its too bad that this happened. Hopefully McDermott sees that his way of doing things possibly needs change. Otherwise, I forsee Jamie Pollard showing him the door in the near future.

I am glad someone else said it first. You know JP is starting to refine the 'coach list'.

[mwitt]

Originally Posted by Cyfan13

Exactly my thoughts. They get every decision made for them. I don't think people understand that ISU bball practically owns these guys.

I bet Kentucky basketball is similar to a job, too.

I guess I don't understand the point that you're trying to make. I can't speak for everyone here, but I acknowledge that I can't fathom how hard it would be to be a student and fulfill all of the athletic obligations that these players have. I have a ton of respect for them because I don't think I would be able to handle it.

But you previously stated that you don't condone how he left, which is what Wesley is taking the most heat for. So why are we talking about how it's like a job? I imagine it was like a job for Jiri, Rahshon, Jessan, etc. too.

If Wesley went about this the right way, the fanbase would still be in a state of shock, but I don't think the anger would be directed at him.

[jberryma]

Originally Posted by Cyfan13

Exactly my thoughts. They get every decision made for them. I don't think people understand that ISU bball practically owns these guys.

Then why do it? Don't! I would rather watch someone that loved the game, that had a smile like Rashson had when he was playing. I would much rather have a team filled with people that I knew loved the school, his teammates, his coaches, his fans, and most importantly the game that he was playing than someone that was just there going through the motions. I'm sorry but you have a choice, you don't have to accept this so called JOB and be a normal student if you choose to.

If Wes wasn't happy and wanted to leave, so be it, we've had players defect before and lived through it. We've even had players with the immense talent that Wes has leave and lived through it. But there's a right way and a wrong to go about it. I've seen Wes with that smile and happiness before and if he'd lost it fine, I'd rather see and root for someone that really wants to be here and playing for and having fun playing for Iowa State.

[ISUFan22]

Originally Posted by mwitt

I bet Kentucky basketball is similar to a job, too.

I guess I don't understand the point that you're trying to make. I can't speak for everyone here, but I acknowledge that I can't fathom how hard it would be to be a student and fulfill all of the athletic obligations that these players have. I have a ton of respect for them because I don't think I would be able to handle it.

But you previously stated that you don't condone how he left, which is what Wesley is taking the most heat for. So why are we talking about how it's like a job? I imagine it was like a job for Jiri, Rahshon, Jessan, etc. too.

If Wesley went about this the right way, the fanbase would still be in a state of shock, but I don't think the anger would be directed at him.

Excellent post.

I just don't get the "sports is rough" justification for him leaving. And as noted, most of the heat Wes is taking was for how he left and short of finding out Greg literally beat the tar out of Wes - there is no reason for him to just pack up and go without some sort of backbone to it. None.

As far as him being unhappy - no I don't expect anyone to just be unhappy for a long period of time. However, people make their own happiness - it just doesn't fall into one's lap.

For Wes to leave in the middle of the night tells me one thing (among others, but this is the big one) - he felt very guilty about what he was doing and didn't want to face said guilt.

[Cyfan13]

Originally Posted by mwitt

I bet Kentucky basketball is similar to a job, too.

I guess I don't understand the point that you're trying to make. I can't speak for everyone here, but I acknowledge that I can't fathom how hard it would be to be a student and fulfill all of the athletic obligations that these players have. I have a ton of respect for them because I don't think I would be able to handle it.

But you previously stated that you don't condone how he left, which is what Wesley is taking the most heat for. So why are we talking about how it's like a job? I imagine it was like a job for Jiri, Rahshon, Jessan, etc. too.

If Wesley went about this the right way, the fanbase would still be in a state of shock, but I don't think the anger would be directed at him.

I was referring to the fact that people said these athletes are here for FREE. It is not free. Live a day in their lives and you will see that this is a job for them.

[mrfreddyx]

Originally Posted by jberryma

No offense, but if you felt that way then why do it? You got to make your decision. I didn't! And I'm telling you I would give anything for the opportunity! If you're hoping for me to feel sorry for you, forget it. Do you know what I do to relax and have fun? I go out and shoot hoops or I go and watch some type of sports event. Why because I find it fun and relaxing.

The world is full of people aspiring to the lives of others and those that don't understand why one would ever complain to be in a position like student/professional athletes.

Personally, I would hate having a 25+ page thread on the internet criticizing (sometimes harshly) my personal decision. How come no one ever starts an internet message board to discuss the comings and goings of doctors or lawyers? You never see anyone publicly say, "I have no respect for Dr. Johnson for leaving his job because he was unhappy and he is possibly improving his opportunities at his new hospital. He should have just worked it out even though he clashed with his supervisor and the hospital he worked for was going downhill..."

These kids don't owe anything to anyone but themselves. If they are going to sacrifice their anonymity and social LIFE for intercollegiate athletics, the least we can do is not restrain their desires on where to attend school.

[mwitt]

Originally Posted by Cyfan13

I was referring to the fact that people said these athletes are here for FREE. It is not free. Live a day in their lives and you will see that this is a job for them.

That's fine. I agree that "free" is not the correct word. But there's no denying that they're rewarded handsomely for their efforts, it is the best "paying" job they could probably have in college, and thousands of fans pay their hard earned money to cheer and support them. I acknowledge that it's not all fun and games, but there are some fun and games that a lot of kids dream of experiencing.

[ISUFan22]

Originally Posted by mrfreddyx

These kids don't owe anything to anyone but themselves.

I call bullcrap. They do owe something to the guys that shed blood, sweat and tears on the court along side them. They do owe something to the staff that discovered them and gave 'em a chance to play with the big boys.

I don't think they owe so much to them that they should blindly follow a coach if they don't believe in that person. However, they do own the staff/teammates enough to have at least a shred of decency to inform them of what's going on.

That much, I do know.

[Cyfan13]

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Excellent post.

I just don't get the "sports is rough" justification for him leaving. And as noted, most of the heat Wes is taking was for how he left and short of finding out Greg literally beat the tar out of Wes - there is no reason for him to just pack up and go without some sort of backbone to it. None.

As far as him being unhappy - no I don't expect anyone to just be unhappy for a long period of time. However, people make their own happiness - it just doesn't fall into one's lap.

For Wes to leave in the middle of the night tells me one thing (among others, but this is the big one) - he felt very guilty about what he was doing and didn't want to face said guilt.

As I've stated numerous times...I don't agree with how Wes handled the situation. He should have been a man and just told the coaches he was leaving. I'm not arguing that at all. I am arguing the people that feel Wes committed to this school and should stay here no matter what. There are many people on this board who have said that. That's what I'm disagreeing with.

[BryceC]

Originally Posted by jberryma

If Wes wasn't happy and wanted to leave, so be it, we've had players defect before and lived through it. We've even had players with the immense talent that Wes has leave and lived through it. But there's a right way and a wrong to go about it. I've seen Wes with that smile and happiness before and if he'd lost it fine, I'd rather see and root for someone that really wants to be here and playing for and having fun playing for Iowa State.

This is the biggest lie being perpetuated on this board right now. If Boozer left tomorrow and didn't tell a soul, nobody would give a crap because they don't think he'll play a lot in the future and there certainly wouldn't be a 400 post thread on it. People care a lot about this and they are so pissed off because he's a great player. PERIOD.

[cybsball20]

And I love how people think scholarships are just 'handed' to people. MAYBE, just MAYBE these guys were working their butts off for them??? I knew alot of guys in High School that thought they deserved a scholarship, but would rather spend weekends out getting drunk instead of working to get one...

[tigershoops31]

Originally Posted by mrfreddyx

The world is full of people aspiring to the lives of others and those that don't understand why one would ever complain to be in a position like student/professional athletes.

Personally, I would hate having a 25+ page thread on the internet criticizing (sometimes harshly) my personal decision. How come no one ever starts an internet message board to discuss the comings and goings of doctors or lawyers? You never see anyone publicly say, "I have no respect for Dr. Johnson for leaving his job because he was unhappy and he is possibly improving his opportunities at his new hospital. He should have just worked it out even though he clashed with his supervisor and the hospital he worked for was going downhill..."

These kids don't owe anything to anyone but themselves. If they are going to sacrifice their anonymity and social LIFE for intercollegiate athletics, the least we can do is not restrain their desires on where to attend school.

If Doc Johnson signed a contract to work at the hospital for 4 years and then one day didn't show up for work and a few weeks later the hospital director got a call from his brother that he wouldn't be back, I think he would be disbarred and ripped on pretty good too.

[snowcraig2.0]

Originally Posted by mrfreddyx

How come no one ever starts an internet message board to discuss the comings and goings of doctors or lawyers?

Duh, because most doctors and lawyers don't have 42" verticals with a sweet jump shot.

[Flag Guy]

Originally Posted by Cyfan13

As I've stated numerous times...

I think that sums up this thread. Regarding all discusions. Que dead horse animation...

[Flag Guy]

Wow... I predicted meltdown yesterday just after this hit the fan but this is getting downright ugly this morning