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    Posts made by HighEliteMajor

    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      @Crimsonorblue22 Just shows you for the extreme hypocrite you are. I don’t care what you say about the players. I’m cool with it. You’re the hypocrite.

      @approxinfinity Look at how discussions start … then the anger and B.S. that follows. Quite frankly, I just don’t take it anymore. I respond and refute the repeated lies, mischaracterizations, and accusations.

      Anger? Hmm. Hitler, racist, klan member, white supremacist, hater, asshole, sicko, etc. That’s a sampling what is directed at me by folks that quite frankly can’t hold my jock.

      I’ve been much more aggressive over the last few years because I’m sick of turning the other cheek.

      I abandoned the real BB analysis because it inspired so much anger and garbage. It just wasn’t worth it any longer.

      I want to leave some of you leftists with this thought -

      Imagine if I chose to protest by taking a piss on MLK’s grave? Just to protest his immorality, womanizing and sexism.

      Well that’s how many, many Americans feel about dishonoring American during the national anthem.

      Folks want to attack America? I’ll always be their enemy. Always.

      They may have the “right”, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. Just like my sample protest isn’t right.

      It’s all hypocritical. Can you imagine if folks on the right did anything near this? Or like Seattle? It would be the end of the world.

      What Seattle needs is a few real Americans, just a few of us, and the Chaz zone would be done and over.

      I’m done here.

      This site has gone to hell. And it will never recover.

      As for our country, until folks realize that what matters is prioritizing and preserving life, nothing will get better. An amoral society is a trigger for decay. We see it now. The slippery slope is as true as it’s ever been.

      And the left is more concerned about racism than life itself.

      We bow down to < 13% of the population that refuses to focus on their nightly assassinations born from a sick culture of extreme violence, lack of personal responsibility, and disrespect for women. A culture that refuses to help itself. Where the leaders is the culture — the athletes — glorify the “thug life.” Great leaders.

      Black Lives only matter when it’s convenient— convenient for blacks and for enabling white leftists. The same white leftists that have run inner cities for decades.

      Anger? A little. More so just sick to see the shit hole into which this country is descending.

      No matter how many monuments you tear down, how many ways you try to erase history, blacks were always slaves. Can’t change it.

      And the cold, hard, bottom line fact is that is blacks, as a group, had the same work ethic and morality as the Hispanics that risk everything to come the US, much of this would be moot.

      Racist? Whatever. Fuck off to all of you.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      @Crimsonorblue22 From the hypocrite. The one that makes a federal case out of Ashley Juggs and then makes multiple comments on the appearance of teenage KU basketball players. Birds of feather …

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      The reality is that most don’t want to have a discussion on this topic. I’ve said it before, but the “he’s a racist” claim shields one from having to face facts. It’s easy for small minded among us (like @BShark) to avoid his lack of intellect with the accusation. But as I’ve said before, ok, now what?

      I provided a link from a fellow far from a conservative that largely echos my positions (Orlando Patterson). Yet, it’s easier for many of you to be dishonest or to again cry racism.

      But ok, let’s say certain positions are racist? Ok. So what? Talk to the blacks the live the horror of inner city violence. Intellectually, the claim that it is racist doesn’t matter. Intellectually, what matters are facts and logic. And the truth is, I have a lot of facts. Significant facts that can’t be refuted. They are facts that make leftists and white apologists uncomfortable. Thus, there positions are just dismissed as racist because they can’t be refuted.

      One of the posts I remember is when I pointed out the issue of black out of wedlock births. Resident skinny jeans leftist @benshawks08 was caught off guard. He really didn’t even know what I was talking about. He further was attacking and dismissive of the role of faith in being part of the solution But of course, @benshawks08 - being an atheist homosexual - has a clear bias against those items having relevance. Why? Because it personally offends his existence. But we can certain exist together. He can be a gay atheist in America. Fine. But he lets that personal bias interfere with discussing realities.

      Nevermind the former (leftist) mayor of Chicago, after eight years on the job, identified the out of wedlock births and faith as key components to attacking inner city violence.

      And see, that’s it - the dishonest left, many here, won’t consider that this analysis is a pie graph. Lots of slices.

      You can see many folks that want to have a discussion, like @approxinfinity. He doesn’t agree. But he works to address facts and logic. And there is a large difference. I throw @FarmerJayhawk in that group. I made the mistake of throwing the leftist label his way. My mistake. But he tends to attack the argument, and the issue intelligently, like @approxinfinity.

      Perhaps the worst of this forum is @mayay. I’ll tell you why.

      First, @mayay is a lawyer. That’s fine. I’m a lawyer. Ah, you didn’t know that. But with @mayjay, look back on his posts, when he’d get boxed it, he’d pull out the I’m an lawyer thing to throw in folks faces. As if he then had the higher ground. Well it’s pathetic. I’ve been posting for over 15 years and never once did I pull that out. Why? Because that wasn’t part of the discussion.

      Second, @mayjay is full sh**. Go back and look. There was a discussion on NCAA rules and a rules interpretation. @mayjay pulled out the, well, unless you’re a lawyer thing, to support his argument. But worse, he threw out legal terms that had no applicability. That’s the b.s. lawyers use to shut down discussion. For example, he cited a principle called “res judicata.” That is a legal principal that relates to “claim preclusion.” You can’t re-litigate the same claim. @mayjay cited the term in a our discussion in response to his incorrect interpretation of the rule – WHICH HAS NO APPLICABILITY AND WAS COMPLETE BULLSH**.

      Just so you know, you non-lawyers, he’s full of it. I’m a litigator, regularly deal with that issue (together will collateral estopple, which is issue preclusion).

      Again, I just didn’t feel the need to throw that in folks’ face like @mayjay does.

      BUT WORSE, @mayjay IS A LIAR. He does this regularly. He’s suggest someone said something, but that’s not what they said. Then he’ll used the incorrect citation to make a point.

      Above, @mayjay, used a Hitler analogy. @mayjay is a complete idiot.

      BUT HERE’S A RECENT AND SIMPLE EXAMPLE OF @mayjay’s DISHONESTY. BLATANT.

      @mayjay said, referring to me, A dialog with someone who spews the “blacks should be happy they were enslaved because Africans are worse off” line is repeating almost word for word what Robert E. Lee said 164 years ago, around the time he was breaking up his slaves’ families through selling the parents separately and their children, too. And of course, idiot @BShark quoted his material.

      He used quotes, but I never said that. He made it up. Further, assuming the use of quotes was loose, it’s still not what I said. Here’s what I said,

      It seems quite a bit better to be an African-American vs. just an African. But perhaps my opinion there is off …

      And more foolishness – true or untrue, blacks in America are better off than blacks in Africa? Undeniable. Turn that however you want. The point is sometimes that your reach a place in history, and most times through tragedy, that places the next generation in a better position that the prior generation. The Japanese and Germans, through tragedy, propelled America and our nation to a place that would not have been achieved without such tragedy. Do we wish it wouldn’t have occurred? Sure. Of course. But are we, our generation, in a better position because of it? Definitely.

      And then @Kcmatt7 says, oh, I guess the Jews should be “happy” for holocaust because they now have Israel.

      It truly the simple minded that cannot differentiate.

      The point is that once tragic events happen, sometimes, the end result is better for those that follow. I’m sure the lives lost in the Revolutionary war were tragic. But the result was better for future generations. Simple concept.

      But you can see (if you truly try) the significant difference. Now one is saying ANYONE should be thankful for slavery, or WWII, or the Holocaust, or any tragedy. But it is undeniable that a tragedy can place the future generation in a better position than they otherwise would be.

      THE CHALLENGE IS TO FREE YOUR MIND TO DISCUSS TOPICS THAT ARE CONTROVERSIAL, THAT CHALLENGE YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS, THAT MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE. WE’RE SEEING THAT NOW. BUT IT’S A TWO WAY STREET. BLACKS HAVE TO FACE THE REALITY THAT GREAT MANY OF THEIR PROBLEMS ARE A RESULT OF THEIR BEHAVIORS – PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. IF FOLKS HERE CAN’T EVEN GRASP THAT, WELL, THEN YOU ARE LOST.

      I’m just not going to quietly be beat over the head for being “white” if someone is not going to have the discussion about “blacks.”

      It seems ok to group all of us “whites” together, but the minute it’s a discussion of “blacks”, then we can only use the term “blacks” when it comes to discussing them as victims or their positive characteristic – but we sure as he** better not discuss their failings.

      And, of course, my discussion on blacks has only been on the warped and depraved black inner city culture. That’s all. And that’s all I’m concerned about. Inner city loss of life is horrific and that’s the drum I’ve been beating.

      Perhaps, if you don’t want to find a solution to that (leftists) then perhaps you are the true racists – I mean, if inner city black deaths at the hands of other blacks is acceptable.

      HERE’S WHAT’S EVEN MORE FUNNY. I’VE DESTROYED THE LEFTISTS HERE ON THIS TOPIC. UTTERLY DESTROYED YOU. YOU ALL SIT BACK AND SHAKE YOUR HEAD AND MUTTER “RACIST”, BUT YOUR PATHETIC ASS** HAVE BEEN HANDED TO YOU ON A PLATTER.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @jtmoney I agree. It is pathetic to point out being right. I’ve trended that way too much. But I will tell you why – go look at the absolute hateful responses and attacks when I’ve expressed opinions on this topic. I’m telling you, not proudly, that is why I’m jamming it back in folks’ faces a bit. Again, not the best look.

      Bill Self was stupid to make those comments in October 2018 - infamously, “When recruiting prospective student athletes, my staff and I have not and do not offer improper inducements to them or their families to influence their college decisions nor are we aware of any third-party involvement to do so.” Stupidity. I know it’s fashionable to caste Self as some genius. Basketball wise, yes. This was not the moment he showed brilliance.

      Lawyers make mistakes and misjudgments. If he relied on lawyers, this was a poor advice.

      “We know that shoe companies are highly involved with basketball recruiting. It’s common place in the sport. We associate with the shoe companies and communicate, but we make no mistake, we recruit our athletes. The shoe companies obviously have a private and distinct interest in where a player may attend school. Those interests may align with our interests. But that doesn’t mean that we solicit them to engage in activities contrary to the NCAA rules. We don’t do that. The shoe companies are independent entities that have a specific business interest. My coaches and staff have never provided illegal benefits to players. We are committed to working the NCAA related to the involvement of shoe companies, the issues that the NCAA has raised regarding our program, and to address those same issues across the breadth of college basketball. We understand the NCAA’s concerns and look forward to addressing them moving forward.”

      I just threw that together in a few minutes. I posted something similar just after Self’s statement. I’m a little partial to my approach …

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @RockkChalkk I love your post. My view early was simply to take a much different approach to the allegations. Honesty, contrition, transparency, etc. That did not mean you couldn’t engage in a good faith disagreement on the rules interpretation. And of course, there is no guarantee that my approach would have rendered a better result.

      “In this day and age where we live in the United States of Apology i’m glad Self is not bending over and apologizing to the NCAA bully. He is standing up to them and is being a fighter. I like that.” As @jaybate-1-0 used to say, “PHOF.” Man, I miss that guy.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      @approxinfinity I eat lunch from 11:30 - 12:30 most days, and usually I eat out. Before all this started, ESPN was constantly regurgitating their hero Kaepernick. It was constant on the TV during this time … Bob Ley or some other host. Constant. They got stupid stuff like the “Undefeated” where all they do is talk about racial B.S. constantly. ESPN is garbage.

      @Texas-Hawk-10 You don’t know much about the Supreme Court. And it’s just foolish to talk about Lincoln like that. Really idiocy. Lincoln’s actions preserved the nation. Get that? You hear that? PRESERVED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I don’t care whether he really thought this, or something was a political ploy, etc. It all pales in comparison to perhaps the greatest achievement a president has accomplished.

      Most overrated? Perhaps the most stupid thing I’ve seen posted in while. Please take it back.

      It’s like saying Franklin Roosevelt was overrated. Heck, folks say he was racist. Didn’t invite Jesse Owens to the White House, while inviting others. But guess what … the guy won WW II. Lincoln saved the country as well.

      http://new.wymaninstitute.org/2019/07/facing-up-to-fdrs-racism/

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      It’s a move of complete desperation. Discovery goes both ways and as I have did before, Self, Townsend, et. al., don’t want to be under oath.

      While @Texas-Hawk-10 is late to the party on the scorched earth (I pointed this out a while back) … I was the one that said just after Self’s infamous denial (lies) in October of 2018. That we should make it clear before the NCAA made findings that we’d go scorched earth. Now? Good luck. The NCAA can’t give in at this stage.

      I also said after Self’s infamous denials (lies), the risk was very high that this ends Self’s tenure at KU. Largely scoffed at by most everyone here. Folks guaranteeing that was wrong.

      So now when Self references doing what everyone else did - cheating - makes you really wonder about those denials (lies). As I have said repeatedly, if you say everyone else does it, you are admitting the impropriety.

      Why would the NCAA, an entity run by and supported by the colleges, be scared of this silly and baseless lawsuit threat?

      Absolute desperation with the walls closing in. Good grief, look at OSU’s penalties. Those are much worse than the consensus “slap on the wrist” we routinely heard here.

      The hammer is coming.

      I’m sorry, but I have called this from the start. I’ve listened to folks attack, call names, make accusations, and say utterly senseless things related to this issue in response.

      Yet many folks here have persisted with the opinion to attack the NCAA, to sue, all this complete baloney. Look where we are now.

      There was one posting flurry where challenging Self’s honesty, when we all know he’s a liar, led to outrageous attacks and name calling from many here. And utterly stupid analogies to speeding. Just the worst of this site.

      Now look at your hero. He’s pathetic.

      This is horrible. Self has put us here.

      We now see our coach do what no other coach has really done. Desperate and again, embarrassing.

      Bill Self, the liar, needs to resign. Now. Please. It’s time. He is causing further damage to the program and university. A complete embarrassment.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      @FarmerJayhawk I like your limited thinking there. I think your reply defines the difference between rational debate and idiocy.

      We can debate General Lee. And monuments. But I ain’t debating George Washington.

      And I ain’t cancelling Dukes of Hazard because blacks or leftist are offended by a flag on a car.

      Idiocy vs. reasonable discussion.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      @approxinfinity True … this is insanity. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29328113/oklahoma-state-mike-gundy-accused-using-racial-slur-1989-game

      Heck, 31 years ago? This is the lead story at ESPN.com. The lead story.

      And we see the further movements to tearing down monuments to HISTORY? I mean the NEGRO league hall of fame remains open. No name change. Why? It’s HISTORY. We can’t change history. Doesn’t mean certain things are celebrated. They are remembered, good, bad, indifferent.

      Should we hold a long stranding grudge against the Japanese because they thought they were superior to us, bombed and killed thousands of Americans, and started the pacific war?

      Well, if we hold that grudge or an old World War II vet might still call them Japs, well he’s an old racist that can’t let things go. I heard a discussion on that a while back.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      Sad, but also sad that other races suffer the same fate.

      Obviously … except to the leftist … if police were not forced to have high numbers of police in inner city black areas, then the contact between blacks and the police would be less, per capita.

      But the leftist sees only racism and not a broader view of cause and effect.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      Those mobs of roaming white kids … oh wait, 13% of the population but nearly every time this happens, well, BLM. Yet so we’re not racist, we should act as if groups of black kids aren’t threats. Even though we see repeated incidents of this.

      “I don’t know what else I could do," he told KTRK-TV. “The fifth one at the end came out of the store after purchasing goods, and came up to me and kicked me in the face and said, ‘Black Lives Matter, [expletive].’”

      https://www.foxnews.com/ I us/group-brutally-attacks-customer-outside-texas-convenience-store-video-shows

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1231189

      Warped and ridiculous.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      https://www.foxnews.com/us/nyc-shoving-suspect-woman-92

      I’m sure racism caused this.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      For a look at the left, just go look at Seattle. That’s the left.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      More distracting from facts. It’s really pathetic. It’s the leftist playbook … take actions that amount to a tremor and compare them to an earthquake, just so you can say, “see, you they do it too.” SF is in ruins from a 8.5 earthquake and you’d be in OK saying, hey, but we had an earthquake too.

      Is debating this stuff really this easy?

      A&E cancels Live PD. Why? Too many black criminals – er, people of color. Never mind truth. Never mind facts. Never mind that it’s REALITY show.

      And guess what, Live PD is pretty damn boring in Johnson County.

      Truth and facts.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      Of course, I didn’t say that. So lol as much as makes you happy – just don’t let facts get in your way.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      You know how I feel about black people. I want to preserve their lives. I don’t want them killed. This is the ultimate statement of whether black lives matter, or if they do not. This quote from above, from a black councilman in KC summarizes my thoughts perfectly:

      “When you talk about the totality of preserving black lives in the community, we have to find our lives more valuable than the lives of those who are willing to destroy what we’re seeking to do,” 3rd District At-Large Councilman Brandon Ellington said.

      Yet small, shallow minds like yours – ones that have an agenda to align with one monolithic thought process – purposefully, dishonestly, and viciously distort to fit your narrative. I don’t know how much more clear I can be. Try being honest. Try having some character. But, that’s not the left, is it?

      We are America. We have freedom. We have nothing to do with a country like Germany, that has plunged the world into two horrific world wars. We should invite dissenting opinions, uncomfortable symbols, and all that is freedom.

      From a freedom perspective, we should allow horrible and offensive speech. We ain’t Germany.

      Whether it be Nazis, Communists, BLM, or whatever group on spectrum, we should draw the line when they attack and hurt people and property. Quite simple. My view. And I think the Constitution’s view, as well.

      Stupid question, by the way. About as stupid as they come. You ask the question as if you are making some point. Yet it’s comical and ironic that leftists like you simply ignore facts. As if they don’t exist. Because they make you feel comfortable and good about yourself.

      I have told you what I think about the black folks that are consumed by the violent inner city culture that robs, kills, and maims, thousands upon thousands every year. Heck, every WEEK.

      Yet, interestingly, a MAJORITY of black folks in the inner city don’t take that path.

      And the sick leftists attack the police when the police are the only ones stopping the inner city mobs from overwhelming the MAJORITY that is the good black folks that reside there.

      I would offer that the leftists really don’t care one bit about the MAJORITY that is the good black folks that reside in the inner city.

      As mentioned, the left has been in control of all facets of the inner cities for decades.

      And more foolishness – true or untrue, blacks in America are better off than blacks in Africa? Undeniable. Turn that however you want. The point is sometimes that your reach a place in history, and most times through tragedy, that places the next generation in a better position that the prior generation. The Japanese and Germans, through tragedy, propelled America and our nation to a place that would not have been achieved without such tragedy. Do we wish it wouldn’t have occurred? Sure. Of course. But are we, our generation, in a better position because of it? Definitely.

      But it’s easier to react with faux shock and not think about it a little bit. Allows for one to sleep better, you know, scolding others for their insensitivity.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      More from the insane –

      https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2017/08/18/cnns_angela_rye_washington_jefferson_statues_need_to_come_down.html

      Are these people really that insecure? That illogically focused on things that have no impact on their lives?

      Perhaps they should simply say THANK YOU to Washington and Jefferson for helping fight and establish the greatest nation on the face of the planet that they are PRIVILEGED to reside in.

      It seems quite a bit better to be an African-American vs. just an African. But perhaps my opinion there is off …

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      Interesting. Anyone guess why Walmart locked up these multicultural hair products to begin with? Is it racism if the actions are a reaction to damage to your business, i.e., theft? Right, “Like other retailers, the cases were put in place to deter shoplifters from some products such as electronics, automotive, cosmetics and other personal care products,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement.

      If multicultural hair products are stolen at a much higher rate than “white” products, it’s asinine to suggest that it is systemic racism. But par for the course for leftist fools.

      IT MUST BE WHITE PRIVILEGE THAT THE STORES AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOODS DON’T HAVE BARS ON THE WINDOWS AND THOSE IN INNER CITY BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS DO, RIGHT?

      https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/walmart-multicultural-hair-products-cases

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      @kjayhawks Right, the obvious common denominator. And before we get the normal leftist chime in, no, it’s not all. It’s just that in single parent households, risks factors increase - lack of supervision, lack of money, lack of family structure, etc. I saw where children in single parent households that result from death vs. out of wedlock birth or divorce, do better than the latter group. It is undeniable.

      And jackass Richard Sherman, burned of course by Sammy Watkins in SB LIV, invokes the “everyone must line up with our thought process” in targeting another team’s owner.

      https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29292299/dez-bryant-defends-jerry-jones-richard-sherman-questions-cowboys-owner-silence-racial-injustice

      The left is fascism. Don’t agree? We’ll destroy you. We’ll threaten. We’ll intimidate. That’s the m.o. Just a tiny sampling.

      https://nypost.com/2020/06/10/ucla-suspends-professor-for-refusing-leniency-for-black-students/

      And if you check a bit deeper, the guy has received threats and is under police protection.

      Of course, a Sacramento Kings announcer tweets, “All Lives Matter … Every Single One” and he’s fired. “Tone deaf” is what I heard a few black folks and liberal media types say – right, not in lockstep with the delusion cult.

      https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/02/kings-announcer-grant-napear-fired-after-black-lives-matter-backlash/

      But murder a terrific man? Oh, collateral damage, right. David Dorn was murdered. Murdered. No different that George Floyd.

      This man’s life is just as valuable as George Floyd. And I’m guessing this man didn’t have fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system as the upstanding Mr. Floyd did. In fact, this man (Mr. Dorn) by all accounts was an incredible man.

      But do you hear sh** head athletes stand up for him? The media cry over his death? The celebrities condemn the (black) animals and thugs that do this stuff regularly? Of course not.

      MR. DORN WAS SHOT AND KILLED BY LOOTERS, we hear. I heard this. But odd, when I heard the reports for a few days I didn’t hear he was killed by “black looters.”

      No, they want folks fired for saying “all lives matter.”

      https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hundreds-gather-at-st-louis-church-to-honor-ex-police-captain-killed-in-looting/article_358d9a6d-f9c7-511f-9821-8eb3a48787b1.html

      Look at the lovely “victim” of oppression that of course can’t be a perpetrator because he “has a foot on his neck” or whatever bullsh** I’ve seen here and from others. This is the nightly perp walk around this county.

      https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/08/us/st-louis-man-arrested-shooting-retired-police-officer-david-dorn/index.html

      Oh, and we can’t get the inner cities under control because of who? Conservatives? Every major inner city has been run by democrats and largely black city councils for decades. Heck, even the this nasty leftist understands that.

      http://www.tampadispatch.com/black-lives-matters-shaun-king-democrats-control-major-cities-where-racism-police-brutality-is-the-worse/

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      Hmmm. Nearly on queue. https://fox4kc.com/news/after-5-shot-18th-and-vine-business-owners-want-to-see-change-to-help-stop-crime/

      KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the community rallies behind the Black Lives Matter movement, some city leaders are hoping this momentum carries over to other issues.

      “When you talk about the totality of preserving black lives in the community, we have to find our lives more valuable than the lives of those who are willing to destroy what we’re seeking to do,” 3rd District At-Large Councilman Brandon Ellington said.

      Ellington is responding to a shooting that happened over the weekend in the 18th & Vine District that left one person dead and four people injured.

      Business owners like Anita Moore are upset that police don’t have a big presence in the area.

      “It would be nice to know that we have presence in the district. I mean, it’s an entertainment district. It’s historical. We just need support,” said Moore, the owner of Soiree Steak & Oyster House.

      As protesters take to the streets, nearly two weeks after the death of George Floyd, many are demanding police reform. Community leaders are hoping to find some common ground.

      “I think it’s more emotional for everybody because of the heightened of the racial tension and the racism and the things that are happening and the conversations that a lot of our leaders should be having,” Black Excellence KC Founder Kiona Sinks said.

      Ellington said work is already being done to curb violence. He’s launched the “No More Excuses Coalition,” focusing on eliminating crime.

      “We have to get to a point where if you’re not here to enjoy yourself and you’re here to cause harm, we can’t consider you family or a brother,” Ellington said.


      This is absolutely incredible. Read it.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • BLM? Read this opinion piece from 2015

      What we see now is the real issue of police brutality being used to overwhelm the real, core problems in the inner city black communities. Athletes. Media. Celebrities. All demand change - on the terms the leftists demand.

      It’s a delusional cult of leftist blame and guilt, one that coerces compliance by intimidation.

      Of course, those real, core problems lead to what we saw in Chicago a couple of weekends ago. Black deaths. 18 murders in Chicago in 24 hours. You’ll see the color of the victims’ skin. And one of course knows the color of the perpetrators’ skin. But that isn’t comfortable. It goes against the grain of everything the leftist believes.

      But this link is just a small, small sample.

      https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2020/6/8/21281998/chicago-violence-murder-history-homicide-police-crime

      The opinion piece by Orlando Patterson below should be read by all. But, as we know, the leftists can’t handle the truth.

      https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/opinion/sunday/the-real-problem-with-americas-inner-cities.html

      Cut and paste below for review -

      CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The recent unrest in Baltimore raises complex and confounding questions, and in response many people have attempted to define the problem solely in terms of insurgent American racism and violent police behavior.

      But that is a gross oversimplification. America is not reverting to earlier racist patterns, and calling for a national conversation on race is a cliché that evades the real problem we now face: on one hand, a vicious tangle of concentrated poverty, disconnected youth and a culture of violence among a small but destructive minority in the inner cities; and, on the other hand, of out-of-control law-enforcement practices abetted by a police culture that prioritizes racial profiling and violent constraint.

      First, we need a more realistic understanding of America’s inner cities. They are socially and culturally heterogeneous, and a great majority of residents are law-abiding, God-fearing and often socially conservative.

      According to recent surveys, between 20 and 25 percent of their permanent residents are middle class; roughly 60 percent are solidly working class or working poor who labor incredibly hard, advocate fundamental American values and aspire to the American dream for their children. Their youth share their parents’ values, expend considerable social energy avoiding the violence around them and consume far fewer drugs than their white working- and middle-class counterparts, despite their disproportionate arrest and incarceration rates.

      In all inner-city neighborhoods, however, there is a problem minority that varies between about 12.1 percent (in San Diego, for example) and 28 percent (in Phoenix) that comes largely from the disconnected youth between ages 16 and 24. Most are not in school and are chronically out of work, though their numbers are supplemented by working- and middle-class dropouts. With few skills and a contempt for low-wage jobs, they subsist through the underground economy of illicit trading and crime. Many belong to gangs.

      Their street or thug culture is real, with a configuration of norms, values and habits that are, disturbingly, rooted in a ghetto brand of core American mainstream values: hypermasculinity, the aggressive assertion and defense of respect, extreme individualism, materialism and a reverence for the gun, all inflected with a threatening vision of blackness openly embraced as the thug life.

      Such street culture is simply the black urban version of one of America’s most iconic traditions: the Wild West. America’s first gangsta thugs were Billy the Kid and Jesse James. In the youth thug cultures of both the Wild West and the inner cities, America sees inverted images of its own most iconic values, one through rose-tinted glass, the other through a glass, darkly.

      While there is some continuity between the old Western and thug cultures learned through extensive exposure to the media, that of the urban streets originated more in reaction to the long centuries of institutionalized violence against blacks during slavery and Jim Crow. The historian Roger Lane has traced the roots of Philadelphia’s black “criminal subculture” all the way back to the mid-1800s; W. E. B. Du Bois found it thoroughly entrenched in his own study of Philadelphia in the 1890s.

      This culture is reinforced by contemporary conditions like poverty, racial discrimination, chronic unemployment, single parenting and a chemically toxic, neurologically injurious environment, like the lead paint that poisoned Freddie Gray.

      Its intersection with overly aggressive law enforcement was not random or inevitable, but rooted in a historical irony. As the political scientist Michael Javen Fortner documents in his forthcoming work “Black Silent Majority,” when Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York introduced draconian new drug laws in the early 1970s to combat the increasingly violent street life of New York City, he did so with the full support of black leaders, who felt they had no choice — their lives and communities were being destroyed by the minority street gangs and drug addicts.

      But it was not long before the dark side of this intervention emerged: Soon all black youth, not just the delinquent minority, were being profiled as criminals, all ghetto residents were being viewed and treated with disrespect and, increasingly, police tactics relied on the use of violence as a first resort. And yet it didn’t work, at least in one important respect: Although the black homicide rate has declined substantially, it still remains catastrophic, with blacks being murdered at eight times the national rate — and, among teens, it has been rising again since 2002.

      In tackling the present crisis, it is thus a clear mistake to focus only on police brutality, and it is fatuous to attribute it all to white racism. Black policemen were involved in both the South Carolina and Baltimore killings. Coming from the inner-city majority terrorized by the thug culture minority, they are, sadly, as likely to be brutal in their policing as white officers.

      We see this in stark detail in the chronic violence of New York’s Rikers Island correction officers, the leadership and majority of whom are black. We see it also in the maternal rage of Toya Graham, the Baltimore single mom whose abusive reprimand of her son, a video of which quickly went viral, reflects both her fear of losing him to the street and her desperate, though counterproductive, mode of rearing her fatherless son.

      WHAT is to be done? On the police side of the crisis, there should be immediate implementation of the sensible recommendations of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, including more community policing; making the use of violence a last resort; greater transparency and independent investigation of all police killings; an end to racial profiling; the use of body cameras; reduced use of the police in school disputes; and fundamental changes in officer training aimed at greater knowledge of, and respect for, inner-city neighborhoods.

      Accompanying this should be a drastic reduction in the youth incarceration rate, which President Obama can make a dent in immediately by pardoning the many thousands of nonviolent youths who have been unfairly imprisoned and whose incarceration merely increases their likelihood of becoming violent.

      In regard to black youth, the government must begin the chemical detoxification of ghetto neighborhoods in light of the now well-documented relation between toxic exposure and youth criminality. Further, there should be an immediate scaling up of the many federal and state programs for children and youth that have been shown to work: child care from the prenatal to pre-K stages, such as Head Start and the nurse-family partnership program; after-school programs to keep boys from the lure of the street and to provide educational enrichment as well as badly needed male role models; community-based programs that focus on enhancing life skills and providing short-term, entry-level employment; and continued expansion of successful charter school systems.

      The president’s My Brother’s Keeper program, now a year old, is an excellent and timely initiative that has already begun the coordination and upscaling of such successful programs, as well as the integration of the private sector in their development.

      And finally, there is one long-term, fundamental change that can come only from within the black community: a reduction in the number of kids born to single, usually poor, women, which now stands at 72 percent. Its consequences are grim: greatly increased risk of prolonged poverty, child abuse, educational failure and youth delinquency and violence, especially among boys, whose main reason for joining gangs is to find a family and male role models.

      As one gang member told an interviewer working for the sociologist Deanna Wilkinson: “I grew up as looking for somebody to love me in the streets. You know, my mother was always working, my father used to be doing his thing. So I was by myself. I’m here looking for some love. I ain’t got nobody to give me love, so I went to the streets to find love.”

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      @benshawks08 Cool. The turnoff, of course, has never been the disagreeing part.

      Remember, people are and should be considered enemies from a personal/family preservation standpoint. The inner city thug that wants to kill me is my enemy. The cop that is a murderous thug is my enemy. If you want to destroy America and overthrow the government – enemy. If he wants to talk then it’s different. But let’s be clear. People are the ones that cause harm. People are who we defend against.

      1. On Trump, I voted for him. Trump is disgusting to me. His policies are what I strongly support. But the man is repugnant. If I could have either Obama or Trump to my house for dinner, I’d go with Obama without thinking about it. Hillary was nearly as personally repugnant and worse because she was such a part of the system. My vote was defensive, as well, to oppose what I see from the left.

      2. Trump is truly incapable of doing anything here. He is so hated by the left that no matter what he does, it’s mocked. Anything. But I don’t find him capable at all of being one that could unite. I do think Biden could do that. But I revert my defensive vote … the more he embraces left, left, left, the less I can really even consider that. Where is Joe Lieberman when you need him, or John Kasich for that matter?

      3. On point 7, if my area was high crime, out of control, I’m good with it. Further, if I travel to those areas (as I am tomorrow), I’d be good with being searched. I find it interesting that the left is very quick to ok the removal of personal liberties when there is a virus with a 3% death rate but won’t consider it in war zones. To stop the bloodshed and violence, I’ll sacrifice a bit to get that under control.

      4. I’d moderate on the extra prison stuff. Perhaps that wasn’t my best idea. I’m not a fan of hate crime stuff anyway. But … my motivation is to protect those that are victimized. The six year old shot on his porch because his uncle angered a drug dealer.

      5. Of course, being a single parent and an atheist does not make one bad. But the dynamic in the inner city is striking. Rahm Emanuel, who is very much “left” and was the mayor of Chicago for 8 years, said, near the end of his tenure -

      “This may not be politically correct," he said, "but I know the power of what faith and family can do. … Our kids need that structure. … I am asking … that we also don’t shy away from a full discussion about the importance of family and faith helping to develop and nurture character, self-respect, a value system and a moral compass that allows kids to know good from bad and right from wrong.”

      It is a critical element in the discussion and should not be ignored just because some folks are anti-religion and have find it threatening when the nuclear family is valued. We know the left hates that.

      The Chicago Sun-Times noted the correctness of Emanuel’s the message.

      https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/8/10/18315582/rahm-emanuel-gave-right-message-on-violence-even-if-he-was-the-wrong-messenger

      But then there are those that don’t want to discuss ALL of the issues. Countless articles. Interestingly, now, when you search, you can barely find anything reporting the comments. Rather, just the attacks. It’s all about being a victim.

      https://chicago.suntimes.com/2018/8/8/18405768/emanuel-accused-of-victim-shaming-for-talking-values-and-character-after-crime

      An example of the anger - Shari Runner, former president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, deemed the remarks insensitive. "I cannot see the victims of racist policies and bigoted practices shamed by anyone who says they need to do better or be better in their circumstance. I won’t accept it,” Runner said

      This is a huge part of the problem. Victim. Victim. It’s a mindset.

      Part of the mindset is blaming guns. Anything BUT the individual.

      Further, the left says you can’t be a perpetrator if you are also a victim. It’s what we see now. All the ridiculous fawning over the proteste … er, rioters. It’s the “in” thing for all public figures to have to comment on. And if you say something that doesn’t fit the message, like Tiger Woods today, it’s attack – Woods said, correctly, that it makes no sense to burn your own neighborhoods. Can you imagine that?

      But I’m sure he’s not “black” enough – at least according Biden, right? To the left, you “ain’t black” if you don’t fall in line with the left’s message.

      Also, Chicago is very much an interesting case study. I encourage everyone to spend time and review the volatility during Emmanuel’s tenure. What you will find is constant complaining about over policing, under policing. About stopping crime. About harassment and brutality. I wasn’t able to find it but there was one councilman that complained one time about too many police and then a year later about not enough police to stop the crime. It’s really a sick comedy.

      But it is encapsulated in the quote from the Ms. Runner above. The leftist inner city leadership takes zero responsibility, by and large. The quote is gold. They have been in charge. They claim things have gotten worse. Makes you think, if you want to think.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      I hear folks all over saying there needs to be an “honest” conversation. I’ve tried that. I tried it here. But whenever the conversation gets uncomfortable, or it strays into territories that leftists see as off limits, the conversation ends.

      Remember, police have to have a high presence in high crime areas or the good citizens will be the victims. If there is not high crime, then there is not a high police presence. That’s how it works. When police see, day after day, black men committing horrible crimes, which is a fact in the inner city. It’s an undeniable fact. The lesser of those cops take the brutality route. Day after day, the same thing.

      Policing in high crime areas is not nice. Policing attracts man folks that are on power trips and that have violent tempers. The worst sort of personality one might think for the job. In some situations, their aggressiveness may save lives.

      But it’s why you have police brutality. Because you have many of the wrong personalities in police work. And they can’t control themselves based on what they see day to day.

      There are many pieces to this puzzle. One is that the inner city black culture, the same stuff I have railed against, has to change. That’s one piece. And until there is some sort of moral foundation, that piece will never end.

      A small sampling from Minneapolis, this one from the last September. And right, you see crap like this regularly.

      https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/09/16/20-arrested-18-charged-in-brutal-downtown-minneapolis-robberies/

      Of course, my thread that pretty much devolved into anything but a discussion. There is no discussion when you challenge a leftist, even if the purpose and concern is to protect the lives and safety of the good inner city folks. It doesn’t matter. You say “race”, the leftist convulses.

      Folks act in cultures. Many sub-cultures are grouped by race. This is one. The destructive inner city black culture.

      But guess which else is one – the cop culture. This is a huge issue that is part of the problem. But see the leftists will only acknowledge “culture” when it works for them. An important distinction when it comes to rationality.

      Until the the self-inflicted issues are address in the inner city, all the money thrown that way won’t do any good. The way people think and approach life is the only thing that keeps folks from killing and maiming.

      https://kubuckets.com/topic/9118/inner-city-culture/24

      Here’s a post I made in this topic when asked what I’d do in the inner city -


      @Kcmatt7 At the core, this starts with acknowledging the problem. That’s the impasse. Until the problem is ID’d and acknowledged, you can’t attack it. The fact is it is an inner city culture of violence. Changing culture takes a long time.

      First identify “inner city safety zones.”

      1. Public steps to involve the churches and faiths. Get people to church in these zones. The church is a huge factor in turning this around.

      2. Public steps to encourage and foster marriage. Inner city safety zones that reward folks for marriage and self sufficiency. But more, public efforts to discuss and call out the “baby mama” culture. This is the real enemy. 75% single mother births among blacks. Worse among inner city blacks. Much higher than other races or cultures.

      3. The president has to take the lead. I felt Obama missed an historic opportunity. Trump obviously can’t do it. We need another president to make this job one. The first domestic priority. The one where the most lives are lost/destroyed.

      4. Have special inner city safety zone courts that expedite prosecutions, warrants, and labeling of threats.

      5. We have hate crime legislation that leads to outrageous results. Use that logic. Huge sentences for crimes in inner city zones were the real violence is occurring. Drive by and shoot a little black child on a porch, life in prison regardless of whether there is a death. Wear a mask in a crime, 5 more years. Robbery, any kind, 40 years. Develop a ridiculously strict sentencing structure for inner city safety zones.

      6. Inner city gang affiliation prosecuted as RICO crimes. Increase sentences for inner city safety zones. You go to jail for being in a criminal gang. Just for affiliation.

      7. Stop and frisk permitted in inner city zones of all males. Horrible? Discriminatory? Yes on both counts. Too bad. Males are 95% of the problem.

      8. If you have a felony conviction for anything violent, or you are an ID’d gang member by the safety zone courts, inner city zone warrants automatically issued for random searches of home and auto. Inner city courts can order drug treatment without a trial. 90 day commitments.

      9. In inner city safety zones, curfews strictly enforced. Cars pulled over after 10:00. People off the streets. Only to and from work and a few other exceptions. Businesses close at 9:00.

      10. Posting of army style officers that walk a beat in these areas. In pairs. No female cops in these areas. No male cops under 200 pounds. Much higher pay. Elite training. Federal involvement in supporting/training.

      11. Air surveillance, like a war zone.

      12. Massive use of food kitchens. Free meals in all inner city safety zones. No one starves. No one steals for food. Involvement of churches is a must.

      13. Partnership program for schools with suburban districts. Vouchers (money) for “tuition” and transport. Partnership programs include working families so inner city kids can live with suburban families during the week and attend school there. Work with the suburban private schools too.

      These are tax dollars I’m willing to pay.

      Of course, this is all discriminatory. I want to discriminate IN FAVOR of protecting good inner city folks. I noticed that over 70% of Baltimore residents were in favor of police air surveillance while the ACLU says it’s discriminatory. That should tell everyone something. The majority of inner city folks aren’t part of the culture. They want safety, security, and the ability to succeed.

      These thugs are the enemy. Try to change their hearts and minds, but attack the criminals is they won’t change. Culture change takes time.

      This isn’t perfect. It’s a discussion point. I am just sickened by the violence and the loss of lives that no one values.

      Just off the top of my head. I know, impossible. But you asked.


      I’ve also posted this before. I want a high quality police force. Pay officers $120,000 year or whatever is high for an area. Attract better people. It seems simple, but better people make better decisions. The “cop” mentality – I’m the boss, I’m in control, I have power – is a high contributor. The cop culture. Personally, I think non-cops should be in charge of cops. Folks that understand the law. Folks that aren’t part of the culture.

      To change certain elements of the police requires non-police to be in charge. And when the shroud of the cop culture is lifted, the many, many excellent officers will be able to change that culture.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Racial Truths and Untruths and the Search for Justice while Doing Justice (previously titled To Infinity and Beyond)

      Rough few days for America.

      If you support folks that murder people, you are disgusting. If you rationalize it, if you make excuses, if you try to explain it, you are disgusting.

      If you support folks that loot, burn and destroy others property, you are disgusting. If you rationalize it, if you make excuses, if you try to explain it, you are disgusting.

      I support police. I support the right to protest. But I support neither disgusting position outlined above. Supporting police and supporting protest have nothing to do with this week’s events.

      Of course, the murderous thugs are worse. But murder is murder and one must look to blame the folks that do it and hold them accountable. But this is what I’ve said all along. It’s what I said when the OP cop murdered an innocent teenager. It’s what I say now. It’s what I said when inner city carnage claims the life of innocent inner-city citizens nightly. It’s what I say now.

      I value life. I want murder to stop.

      There is not one solution. There is not one point of blame.

      But one thing is undeniable - murderers make the choice to pull the trigger, thrust a knife, or stuff their knee into a person’s throat. Looters, arsonists, and those that cause carnage, make the same choice.

      Personal responsibility. Not excuses. Value life. This is really the only true answer.

      posted in Politics and World Affairs
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Do We Need N95 Masks For Everyone?

      Dateline, May 6, 2020: https://www.investmentwatchblog.com/cnbc-cuomo-says-its-shocking-most-new-coronavirus-hospitalizations-are-people-who-had-been-staying-home/

      The “idiot” proclamation has become very fashionable among those that think that they know it all, even if it could be based on ignorance.

      https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/11/us/florida-spring-break-coronavirus.html

      https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/map-shows-impact-florida-spring-break-goers-had-in-spreading-coronavirus-across-us.html

      https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/spring-breakers-may-have-taken-coronavirus-from-south-florida-across-u-s-data-firm/2213356/

      Folks then, thought they knew too. But as we see, the world has not ended.

      https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/us/new-york-city-coronavirus-outbreak.html

      Right, the NY outbreak seeded, for example, 78% of the cases in the Midwest. Different strain.

      All I suggest is we be cautious about what we “think” we know. The experts have made major errors and miscalculations.

      posted in General Discussion
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Random KU Basketball stuff

      Jordan was amazing. You’re right, fed off of anything he could conjure up - real or imagined. Rarely do we see the incredible combination of competitiveness, leadership, and skill, if ever, other than Jordan. Jordan was just real. Magic and Bird fall near that category, in my mind, but still a step below to total package that was Michael Jordan. Oddly, I’ve always felt Magic was the best overall player of all time. This documentary has swayed me a bit.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @mayjay Interesting position. Consider, though, the following -

      1. Very importantly, the two sections in dispute say two entirely different things. The first sentence portion that is qualified by the “not under appeal” language relates solely to “Facts established by a decision or judgment of a court …” That is completely different than what the final sentence refers to, which is “Evidence submitted and positions taken in such a matter …” Two totally different things. The first one are findings – the conclusion of the fact-finder. Thus it makes sense that such a determination would not be something to be relied upon because it is a non-final judgment of another fact-finder. The second sentence is simply the information or evidence that was presented, without the conclusion. That is, the NCAA uses it to reach its own conclusion. The NCAA being the fact-finder. There is no doubt under NCAA rules that the NCAA can use information from nearly any source it chooses and give it the weight it chooses.

      2. And thus to your correct suggestion to read all of the rule together. In the preceding section, which is the main section (the one we’re discussing is a sub-paragraph), it reads, “19.7.8.3 Basis of Decision. The hearing panel shall base its decision on information presented to it that it determines to be credible, persuasive and of a kind on which reasonably prudent persons rely in the conduct of serious affairs. The information upon which the panel bases its decision may be information that directly or circumstantially supports the alleged violation.” This is very broad. This is clearly the intent.

      3. Regarding other proceedings, then, the only qualifier is that the NCAA can’t use the “Facts established by a decision or judgment of a court, agency, accrediting body, or other administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction …” only when those facts established by such a decision/judgment are under appeal. That’s the only qualifier from the language in the rule.

      4. The final sentence of the subparagraph is plainly one that provides clarification so that it is clear that the NCAA can take the evidence that was presented to make their own decision/judgment.

      5. Back to our subparagraph. You seem to be ignoring (or at least not give credence to) the “or” … meaning, you seek to apply the “not under appeal” standard to the final sentence when the portion after the “or” is not qualified by appeal. This would indicate clearly to me that the final sentence is not qualified by the “not under appeal” portion.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @Marco Here’s more what concerns me. USC really was a target for the NCAA. I see some similarities in the NCAA’s approach. I hope you are right.

      https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/ncf/news/story?id=5272615

      https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1498955-what-the-ncaas-improper-conduct-means-for-usc-and-its-sanctions

      https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/la-sp-usc-ncaa-sanctions-20140608-story.html

      https://www.si.com/college/2018/05/22/todd-mcnair-usc-loses-ncaa-defamation-lawsuit

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @Texas-Hawk-10 All of the info in the Gatto trial is available for use by the NCAA except the “Facts established by the decision or judgment” of the court.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @BeddieKU23 said in NOA response from KU discussion:

      @HighEliteMajor

      In 19.7.8.3.1 Importation of Facts.

      Facts established by a decision or judgment of a court, agency, accrediting body, or other administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction, which is not under appeal. Doesn’t this clearly state only facts can be used which are not under appeal? I’ll look over this again to see which rule the NCAA used against KU.

      Yes, you are correct. but that qualification … “which is under appeal”, only applies to “a decision or judgment” of the court case.

      This does not apply to what is listed after that in the paragraph. Specifically, for what’s important to this case, the last sentence - “Evidence submitted and positions taken in such a matter may be considered in the infractions process.”

      So the “evidence submitted” can be considered even if the case is under appeal.

      It’s tedious, to be sure.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @BeddieKU23 This is helpful for review, but if I’m reading what you have suggested, it’s not supportive of what you seem to be concluding. You said, “The NCAA violated its own by laws using evidence in the FBI trial against KU in its NOA.” The Rule you sited, see the last sentence, actually says the opposite.

      Bill Self’s argument here is very flawed. The “under appeal” qualification only relates to the first clause of the rule … the “Facts established by a decision or judgment of a court, agency, accrediting body, or other administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction, which is not under appeal …” The balance of the paragraph is not qualified by that. In fact, the rule says clearly in a completely separate sentence, again, not qualified by the "under appeal thing, “Evidence submitted and positions taken in such a matter may be considered in the infractions process.”

      Below is the full rule. This permits the NCAA to use all evidence and information. But as I mentioned above, the NCAA is not bound by any conclusions. See the operative word “may.”

      We all had a discussion a while back where folks were suggesting “conclusive proof.” I made mention how circumstantial evidence is used even in criminal trial. This specifically references “circumstantial” evidence.

      19.7.8.3 Basis of Decision. The hearing panel shall base its decision on information presented to it that it determines to be credible, persuasive and of a kind on which reasonably prudent persons rely in the conduct of serious affairs. The information upon which the panel bases its decision may be information that directly or circumstantially supports the alleged violation. (Adopted: 10/30/12 effective 8/1/13, Revised: 8/8/18)

      19.7.8.3.1 Importation of Facts. Facts established by a decision or judgment of a court, agency, accrediting body, or other administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction, which is not under appeal, or by a commission, or similar review of comparable independence, authorized by a member institution or the institution’s university system’s board of trustees and regardless of whether the facts are accepted by the institution or the institution’s university system’s board of trustees, may be accepted as true in the infractions process in concluding whether an institution or individual participating in the previous matter violated NCAA legislation. Evidence submitted and positions taken in such a matter may be considered in the infractions process. (Adopted: 8/8/18)

      19.7.8.3.2 Materials Not Produced. The hearing panel may infer that materials requested during an investigation by the enforcement staff but not produced by an institution or individual would support an alleged violation for which the party may be subject to penalty pursuant to Bylaw 19.9. (Adopted: 8/8/18)

      19.7.8.3.3 Failure or Refusal to Participate in Interview. The hearing panel may view the failure or refusal to participate in an interview requested by the enforcement staff as an admission that an alleged violation, for which the individual may be subject to penalty pursuant to Bylaw 19.9, occurred. (Adopted: 8/8/18)

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @Marco A realistic question - if folks are tired of the NCAA’s “dictatorial” ways, why do the colleges allow it? I understand the sentiment. We all hate the NCAA I guess. But the schools don’t. The schools make the rules. The schools could upend all of their authority.

      To everyone on this topic - The facts aren’t in our favor. All the nit-picking about who knew what, or told someone, or whatever, is irrelevant. Here’s why - the NCAA, with all of that, already leveled its opinion by sending us the NOA. Then, after our Response, they came back with their Reply and said our violations were “severe and egregious.” The NCAA knows these facts and with that, they doubled-down and did not moderate.

      @hawkfan01 I don’t think Bray’s comment does anything for KU. The issue for Bray would be if their shoeco paid athletes to go to ND. Then they’d be in the same hot water IF the NCAA had that info. Correct? If details on Zion come out, I think we’ll still look bad … but Duke may look just as bad. And, of course, that is good.

      @BeddieKU23 I’m interested in the rule section you’re referring to on using trial or third party evidence. Do you have a reference to that?

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @drgnslayr I understand the desire to sue the NCAA. They are a rules enforcer. No one likes them.

      But let’s focus our anger at the ones that are to blame. The colleges. They run the NCAA. Own it. Direct it. Fund it (or under fund it). The colleges make the rules.

      The colleges approved the language about boosters. A first year law student could have advised regarding the breadth of that rule.

      This is their monster. In part, it is KU’s monster.

      Again, I appreciate your passion and the desire for fairness.

      It sounds like you’ll get your wish as some have said KU is in this until the bitter end. We will all root for a KU victory if that happens, and if that happened, a celebration on Mass might be fitting. Not holding my breath, though.

      @mayjay And I was only kind of kidding about forgetting what I’d typed by the time I get to the end of a long post. That senility is spreading.

      I truly think our best, realistic option is one that @Texas-Hawk-10 mentioned (and was the basis of my “burn it down” suggested threat many months ago) – that the NCAA sees that to hammer Kansas would be to create such a wide net among its top programs that it would not make sense business wise.

      I just don’t like that the NCAA (it seems) is cornered by our aggressiveness. I would rather more solutions be available.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @mayjay I don’t think the NCAA would ignore some evidence but rely upon other evidence. I hope I didn’t say that. I think they assess all of it. They considered KU’s voluminous response.

      First, I believe the NCAA is the fact-finder (and other fact-finders in other proceedings are irrelevant to their mission). Thus they can take all the “evidence” and make their conclusion. That is, violation or not. For example, judges/juries take in all sorts of evidence. Then they make credibility determinations to make a finding. The NCAA can do that. That means they can give more weight to certain evidence. In fact, they are empowered to make exactly that sort of finding. I mentioned this a long time ago it seems – when has a school beaten the NCAA in court over it’s penalties?

      Second, and I think this is really important – whether or not Self knew of specifics is somewhat irrelevant when treating Adidas as a booster. That is, because of the booster status, the school is held accountable. We relied upon them to help in recruiting. They were our agent, so to speak. When we placed our reliance on Adidas to get us “a couple of real guys” or whatever, we’re in bed with them.

      I did not intend to suggest that the NCAA would ignore (or dismiss out of hand) some evidence in favor of only reviewing other evidence. But given that my post was of the TLDR variety (as @bskeet mentioned), I might have forgotten what the heck I said by the time I got done. I don’t think that conclusions … rulings by a judge or a jury, or theories by a prosecutor … are conclusive for the NCAA. Meaning, I think they can ignore that stuff.

      @bskeet And thanks … and I would say generally, yes.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @hawkfan01 You are right. You’re being logical. The prosecution was not logical. The NCAA, though, unfortunately, is being logical.

      I’m not saying it’s right or should have been done, but that’s how the government made their case.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @drgnslayr I like the idea of searching for a way out. But we’re in quite a box. Remember, the DOJ conclusion is based on the “institution”, not the program. The program could be rogue. It’s just a part of the university. It’s not the university.

      When this all started I said that under the DOJ theory, they could/should prosecute coaches, players, family members, guardians – all those that were part of the theoretical conspiracy to defraud institution. I mentioned my concern that the apparently “pristine” coach could be in the DOJ’s crosshairs. Under the DOJ theory, they could have filed charges against all those categories. But they chose the shoeco folks. Selective prosecution. A show is all it was. The HBO special on the Scheme about Christian Dawkins showed the frame job. This was an abusive prosecution. We suspected that early on. For show.

      This is very important because I think it could influence your view on this: The DOJ “conclusion” – meaning the fiction created to support prosecution that KU is a “victim” – does not create a legal basis for a civil lawsuit. That is really not even evidence in a civil case. The judge might even exclude evidence of the third party’s convictions (Gassnola) as it would be prejudicial and irrelevant to the civil claims. A prosecutor’s opinions or theory of prosecution is not the basis for a civil claim.

      But, again, KU (the institution) can be the victim while it’s employees (Self, KT, etc) violate NCAA rules subjecting the institution’s athletic programs to punishment.

      The burden of proof in a civil matter would not fall on the NCAA to “substantiate their charges.” They are a private organization following their rule, with authority given by their member institutions. The burden in a civil suit would be on KU – the one filing the suit.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: Do We Need N95 Masks For Everyone?

      @approxinfinity You’re not saying that we should have 300,000,000 N95 masks, right? The use of those is recommended to rotate 5 every five days. So over 1.5 billion?

      posted in General Discussion
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @Marco … sick to my stomach about all of this.

      One hope is that more info starts coming out against others, the NCAA considers that slaying multiple blue bloods (or big fish) with this is not a wise business decision, they have a roundtable, and make an announcement about how widespread it is, that they are moving forward, everyone on notice, limited punishment, etc.

      An initial approach that highlighted the widespread nature in CBB by KU with some sort of regret, transparency, commitment to fix the issue at KU, could have lent itself to that possible (albeit remote) type of conclusion – not backing the NCAA into a corner with little room for compromise.

      But we get Duke in this, maybe another, you never know.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @Texas-Hawk-10 said in NOA response from KU discussion:

      @HighEliteMajor said in NOA response from KU discussion:

      @Texas-Hawk-10 said in NOA response from KU discussion:

      The hammer might be about to drop on Duke.

      Released a little under 2 hours ago from ESPN.

      “Attorneys representing Zion Williamson’s former marketing representative and her company have asked the New Orleans Pelicans star to admit that his mother and stepfather demanded and received gifts, money and other benefits from persons acting on behalf of Adidas and Nike and also from people associated with Duke to influence him to sign with the Blue Devils and to wear Nike or Adidas products.”

      The rest of the article goes into the background of the pending lawsuit that’s about to come Zion’s way.

      This is about to get real ugly for the NCAA since they cleared Zion after Duke’s “investigation” of Zion’s recruit.

      Good grief. I see Adidas mentioned. That, coupled with the KT statement could add more to our misery. If Adidas gave gifts, etc., who else would it be on behalf of?

      @wissox It would make us feel a bit better. Actually quite a bit better. We wouldn’t feel as singled out. But we’re still in the same spot.

      Adidas offering $200,000 to Zion coming to KU isn’t a new revelation. This doesn’t change anything for KU.

      You are correct . What if it’s probed further (more info)? That’s what I was referring to (in part). The more info that comes out could connect dots or provide more info, that is, coaches that were part of that process (KT, for example). But I had never heard of the gifts being given.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @drgnslayr Remember, the DOJ does not govern the NCAA.

      The NCAA did not say we were the victim. They have never said or signed off on the concept that we are a victim. That seems to be a point that many are confused on. It’s very important.

      The DOJ created a fiction to support their prosecution. Of course, the schools were not the victims. I think we all know that. But again, the NCAA is not party to that definition anyway.

      It should also highlight why filing a lawsuit has its limits in scope. In the criminal case (the KU case would be civil), the judge would not let the defense attorneys really probe that “victim” identification. The DOJ used the “schools” as the institution and not the individuals that were acting on its behalf – such as the coaches. Just pointing out what can be a limited scope of a court proceeding.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      @Texas-Hawk-10 said in NOA response from KU discussion:

      The hammer might be about to drop on Duke.

      Released a little under 2 hours ago from ESPN.

      “Attorneys representing Zion Williamson’s former marketing representative and her company have asked the New Orleans Pelicans star to admit that his mother and stepfather demanded and received gifts, money and other benefits from persons acting on behalf of Adidas and Nike and also from people associated with Duke to influence him to sign with the Blue Devils and to wear Nike or Adidas products.”

      The rest of the article goes into the background of the pending lawsuit that’s about to come Zion’s way.

      This is about to get real ugly for the NCAA since they cleared Zion after Duke’s “investigation” of Zion’s recruit.

      Good grief. I see Adidas mentioned. That, coupled with the KT statement could add more to our misery. If Adidas gave gifts, etc., who else would it be on behalf of?

      @wissox It would make us feel a bit better. Actually quite a bit better. We wouldn’t feel as singled out. But we’re still in the same spot.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • RE: NOA response from KU discussion

      Good evening. Hope everyone is well. This is a horrible topic for Kansas basketball fans. Truth is important. Not what we want or hope. But “red pill” stuff. Reality. We are staring into the abyss - some thoughts:

      1. It is important to remember that “going to Court” is not a wild shoot-out. It’s been suggested by many here. It just isn’t that easy to make a reasonable case here. We should all understand that any court “solution” is a long shot at best. Just remember that - a long shot.
      2. Think about this - remember in the Adidas trial when the judge excluded certain evidence? Remember when the judge wouldn’t even let the defense call coaches to the stand? Heck, the judge wouldn’t even let the wiretapped call with Townsend into evidence, as the defense wanted. Why? It wasn’t relevant to Gatto’s actions. Gatto’s actions. Just like KU’s actions will be the focus in any lawsuit. It’s just not as simple as saying, “look, all of the top schools operate this way” and calling whatever witnesses you want to call. The fact is, the judge won’t let us subpoena Zion. Or coach K. That sounds nice. But those suggesting it just have no clue.
      3. Very importantly, going to court is also not one-sided. I’m quite sure the NCAA might choose to place Bill Self under oath in a deposition. Think about that. Federal court may not be quite as attractive as you might think, and it certainly may not be that attractive to Bill Self. Think of every question that the NCAA might want to pose to Bill Self to defend their actions. Right, that wouldn’t be pretty - I mean, since “everyone does it.” This “let’s go to court” thing is not as simple as attacking the NCAA. The NCAA will defend with a vengeance. And they would get what they can’t get now, folks under oath. Bill Self under oath.
      4. And in a court proceeding, the NCAA could then use subpoenas to defend against KU’s attacks. Think about that.
      5. Even if the NCAA’s perceived selective enforcement was really an issue, the NCAA can easily simply respond and state that they would certainly act if there was proof against other schools that was similar to the proof against Kansas. That the DOJ investigation uncovered information that they wouldn’t have been able to develop. That they have limited resources. And that the supposed acts of other schools is irrelevant as to whether Kansas violated rules. KU would have still violated the rules.
      6. It would be quite obvious to any judge that this circumstance has not arisen before, meaning this extensive a criminal prosecution, and thus there is no precedent to suggest it has handled others similarly situated, differently.
      7. Further, and I said this very early on – just because others have committed a crime and didn’t get caught, or the police can’t develop the evidence, doesn’t mean that the one guy that gets caught isn’t going to jail. We hear that a lot now.
      8. In any court action, the NCAA will correctly say that they have the right to administer “justice” under its governing authority. The NCAA is the representative of the schools. The schools are the shareholders, so to speak, and they make the rules. KU is a shareholder. This is not a debatable item.
      9. I’m just saying that’s the way it is. This is classic “red pill” stuff.
      10. I’ve read the “scorched earth” suggestion. It is really not a practical nor advisable solution to go “scorched earth” now, in my opinion. That is, it won’t help. Again, I think some think that this “going to court” thing is just a wide open forum to level accusations. Lawyers can’t do that in court. Lawyers get sanctioned. It’s why during proceedings lawyers are smart and offer “no comment” or a vague discussion of having trust in the process. “Scorched earth” is much better as a persuasive tool to coerce a more reasonable approach from the NCAA. “Scorched earth” as vengeance does us no good. We still lose.
      11. Early on I think many of you will recall that I suggested that we threaten to “burn it down” when confronted by the NCAA’s approach to punishing us while they know that others are doing the same thing. I suggested that we surely know where the bodies are buried - e.g., what others have been paid, by whom, and how much. This was not a popular suggestion. My thought was to very aggressively persuade the NCAA not to drop the hammer, because if they did, we would spill all the dirty laundry. Zion. Ayton. Everything we know. Call it an open letter to NCAA members that gets leaked. Whatever. But to coerce us out of this mess. It seems like that ship has passed. And out of court, call it “scorched earth” or “burn it down”, it should be in play.
      12. A point of concern - How can the NCAA back down now? “Egregious” and “severe.” Have you ever heard that before from the NCAA? We chose to attack. We chose this path. How can they NOT hammer us now?
      13. Our strategy is and has been a complete disaster. Unmitigated disaster – as it appears right now. This reply by the NCAA was the worst possible news we could have gotten. As a KU basketball fan, I’m disgusted by the incompetence of our leadership. And this isn’t Monday morning quarterbacking. I’ve said this all along.
      14. Do I believe Bill Self is ultimately the boss? I do. The Godfather in a positive sense. A guy whose ring we all should kiss – for his BB contributions. But I also believe that if the AD told Bill Self before that October/2018 disastrous press conference that we needed to be less confrontational, and that others advised the same thing, Bill Self is smart enough to listen. I also believe that if the AD was forceful about being conciliatory, that would have been heeded.
      15. You might recall that I suggested at the time that we be contrite, that we acknowledge issues, be supportive of the NCAA and its goals, and cooperate. Not roll over. But pledge to address the issues, be transparent, and not deny Adidas’ role. Show that we were working within the process. Again, I’m not sure I had one person that agreed with me. And I acknowledge that cooperation doesn’t always mean you skate.
      16. But many followed Bill Self’s unfortunate lead from October/2018. They took comfort in the fact that if Bill Self was defiant, there must be good cause. The middle finger to the NCAA so many crowed about. Well, Bill Self is not as brilliant as many seem to think. He should really stick to coaching basketball.
      17. Then, this “brilliant” man, together with our AD, think this whole Snoop Dog thing is a good idea with the money guns and ill-conceived announcement will Self in the big gold chain. Bill Self then feigned ignorance after Late Night. Again, how many here cheered all of that? Use your brain.
      18. The fact is, this reply from the NCAA shows that there are petty folks in the enforcement division that get personally offended. The exact thing I was concerned about. You don’t attack the folks that decide your punishment. You don’t use inflammatory language. You massage your denial. The language used by the NCAA was strong and intended to shove it back in our faces. You’d hope that folks in positions of enforcing rules (or laws) would not be like that, but they are. Same with prosecutors in criminal cases. Offend them and they can and will make your life hell. Why? They really answer to no one. They have a monolithic client and they have unfettered authority. They have power and they get satisfaction in exerting it. It’s that simple.
      19. Yet we chose in all of our responses to attack. What’s worse, Bill Self in the October/2018 press conference lied. And the NCAA knows it. Self was indignant. And those enforcing the rules know that he was untruthful in his statement of indignation. We also chose … uh, only for the purpose of trying to get Silvio exonerated … to ADMIT (again, for the purposes of the reinstatement) that Adidas was in fact a booster. Just stupidity. Never make that sort of a specific admission. Long, of course, the one of the brilliant decision to fight David Beatty on his contractual payments.
      20. Ladies and gentlemen, Jeff Long should be fired. He’s the AD. He guides everything the athletic department does. He’s where the buck should stop. Right?
      21. Ah, but there’s the rub. We hired Jeff Long and guess what? You know what’s coming – He gets more guaranteed money if we go on probation. Unreal. That’s the guy in charge of keeping us off probation. You motivate your AD. You enable your AD to take a destructive path.
      22. Of course, Bill Self could be the actual leader here and the Long the follower. What happens then if we get hammered and Self was really that leader? His October/2018 statement set the tone. The wrong tone. If he was the leader, the decision maker, and we get hammered, Bill Self must go.
      23. I said when all of this started that there is a very high risk that this whole deal ends with Bill Self not coaching at Kansas. Anyone feel better now than in October/2018 when pretty much everyone told me that was foolish? If you do feel better, you are (again) ignoring all objective evidence. This is serious. And his job is in jeopardy. Don’t tell me some insider says, oh, he’s good, or that the donors support him. This is deadly serious.
      24. As mentioned above, how can the NCAA back down now? To back down now would be the ultimate disgrace to the NCAA. We don’t want the group that decides our punishment pissed off and doubling down. But we’ve managed to create that situation. The opposite of brilliant.
      25. On another note, the quote from the NCAA in the reply has been wildly misinterpreted. The quote - “There is no cause for concern among member institutions as most of their relationships with corporate entities comply with NCAA legislation.” See the word most? That just means 51% or more. That doesn’t mean all. Despite Mike Decoursey saying it’s “preposterous”, it’s really reasonable. So of all the schools that have shoe contracts, all of them, 51% or more did what KU did with Adidas, or close to it? Of course not. Adidas and Nike don’t do the dirty work for Colorado, or Washington, or other nondescript programs. They aren’t answering to those coaches. Bruce Weber isn’t getting that treatment at K-State. I heard an NCAA hoops insider, a recruiting guy, talking about how the shoecos focus their resources on their biggest names. That makes complete sense. We’ve all heard that.
      26. I saw this mentioned above, referencing DeCoursey, “Mike Decourcy asks the most important question here: How do you claim that adidas is a representative of kansas’ athletic interests but also claim that shoe/apparel companies like nike are not acting in the interest of other universities?” Here’s the answer - The NCAA is not saying that Nike ISN’T acting for other universities. Where have they said they aren’t?
      27. The booster thing with Adidas should not be minimized. KU was well aware of this interpretation before this transpired. KU sent a memo to businesses related to that exact issues (as is referenced in many kusports.com articles). The rules clearly cover Adidas. I’ve posted the rules. It’s quite easy to see, unless you’re purposefully trying to ignore it. We admitted that Adidas was a booster, as mentioned above. Did Duke, or UK, or another school make that admission? One man goes to jail because he admitted something. Another walks free because he kept his mouth shut. Right?
      28. We clearly relied upon and requested Adidas to help in recruiting. This is uncontroverted. Again, we go back to what seems to be the bail-out argument many suggest – “well, others do it.” Or, “why aren’t they going after Duke?” That simply won’t cut. Or claiming it’s a “crock.” Or complaining about how unfair all this is? Or really making up a narrative that minimizes everything? Don’t we all know that now?
      29. I saw the comment about KU and its boosters being in this until the “bitter end.” Remember, that means the end is “bitter.” This should never have been the stance. Ever. Suicide isn’t honorable, not in a cave on Iwo Jima, and certainly not with OUR basketball program. We are clearly THE example. This is the worst case scenario we all feared. And as I said immediately after Bill Self’s misguided response in October/2018, the path we have chosen is a disaster. Now we are facing what could be irreparable harm to our basketball program.
      30. We have created a situation where the NCAA has nowhere to go but to hammer us. We did that to ourselves. Not saying it’s right, but we did nothing to give the NCAA an out or room to wiggle. We attacked, starting with Self’s foolishness. We claimed the whole thing was frivolous, and that the NCAA’s charges were “misguided, unprecedented, and meritless.” The NCAA now says, after all the briefing, that the violations are “egregious and severe” and that “few facts are not in dispute.” Prepare yourselves.

      Or, choose the blue pill.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • MOSS SHOOTS DOWN MSU, AZUBUIKE CLUTCH AS KANSAS WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

      Atlanta - Two of the most unlikely players on the Jayhawks roster provided spectacular performances, leading Kansas to its fourth national championship and a 78-76 victory over the Michigan St. Spartans Monday night in Atlanta. Isaiah Moss was an unlikely hero as he struggled much of the tournament to even gain time on the floor, finding Bill Self’s doghouse, and Udoka Azubuike because he was doubtful to even play.

      It was Moss, a grad transfer from Iowa, who provided the spectacular late game heroics, drilling a pressure-packed three pointer over MSU forward Aaron Henry with 2.2 seconds remaining to give Kansas the lead and the victory. KU trailed the Spartans 76-75, taking possession of the ball with 12 seconds left after an errant MSU shot.

      After a Kansas timeout with 9 seconds to go, KU sophomore Devon Dotson took the ball quickly up court finding forward Ochai Agbaji at the free throw line. Coming off of picture-perfect screen by Marcus Garrett, Agbaji hit Moss on the left wing. Henry switched to Moss, but Moss jabbed left and got off the shot of his life, winning it for Kansas. Michigan State’s attempted to inbound following Moss’ heroics was deflected by Garrett and the game was over.

      “Man, I don’t know what to say. I’m … it’s unreal. To hit the game-winning shot is why I came to Kansas,” exclaimed Moss, “This was a hard tournament. But coach Self just showed amazing confidence in me tonight. I felt invincible.”

      That confidence resulted in Moss’ surprise insertion into the starting line by Self. “I just had a hunch, I guess. I told Norm (Roberts) that he needed a boost. I also thought that as a senior, with this moment, he could come up big.”

      And boy did he ever. Moss was electric, hitting on six of eight three point attempts and leading the Jayhawks with 25 points. Moss seemed to capitalize as Michigan St. overplayed his outside shot late, scoring on two critical drives to the hoop late in the game. Kansas trailed 74-68 with 2:10 to go. Moss converted a lay-up to cut the lead to four. The Spartans came away empty when junior Xavier Tillman couldn’t convert near the rim at the 1:48 mark. Kansas used most of the shot clock, when Moss scored again at the basket, after looking like he was trapped.

      Winston then scored with 58 seconds left, giving the Spartans 76-72 advantage. KU sophomore Devon Dotson, who finished with 16 points, then rocketed down the court, fed Agbaji, who cut the lead to one with a three from the corner at the :52 mark. MSU then got down the court quickly themselves, but Henry missed a five footer. After a Winston rebound, KU then put the clamps on the Spartans and a rebound by Garrett with 12 seconds to play set up Moss’ heroics.

      But Moss wasn’t the only star. Udoka Azubuike, who was assumed to be out for the game, was inserted by coach Self with 9:24 left in the second half and KU down 59-55. Azubuike immediately scored on post entry pass from freshman Christian Braun, and a possession later, threw down a thunderous one handed dunk, avoiding his injured left hand, to tie the game. Kansas would later feed their big man for three consecutive baskets, which included a key three point play to tie the game again at the 3:30 mark. Azubuike would finish with 11 points on five of five shooting from the field, and two blocks.

      “Willis”, yelled coach Self after the game, directing the comment to senior Udoka Azubuike. It is unlikely that many in the KU locker room outside of the coaches caught the reference to New York Knicks legend, Willis Reed, who famously played on torn thigh muscle, besting former KU legend Wilt Chamberlain in game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals for the world championship.

      “What a stud,” said Braun, “He was begging coach to play but the trainer said he really couldn’t use that left hand. But we needed him.” Azubuike entered the game with McCormack in foul trouble, getting called for his fourth foul just before Azubuike entered. The star of the national semifinals, Silvio DeSousa, was ineffective in his 12 minutes of action to that point.

      It was revealed after the game that Azuibuike, in fact, had a partially torn ligament in his left wrist. Earlier reports did not indicate a tear. “The training staff felt he really could injure it further, that’s why I didn’t put him in before. But they said he’d probably have fall on it or hit on something,” Self said, “Doke’s a big boy and said he’d be careful. This is a once in a life-time chance. Sometimes it’s worth the risk.”

      Michigan St. will lament a lost opportunity. In the first 38 minutes of the game, the Spartans led for 35, and KU’s largest lead was just two. “We really played well early,” said Michigan St. coach Tom Izzo, who watched his team methodically stretch the lead to eight at halftime, 35-27. A that point, the Spartans seemed in control. “But we just couldn’t pull away. They always fought back. Their big guy (Azubuike) got some big baskets there.”

      Spartans star Cassius Winston scored 20 first half points as KU’s defense struggled for an answer. But it was another Bill Self decision that helped change the game. “When Garrett took him (Winston) we really slowed down”, said Izzo, “but we have a lot of good players and we should be able to adjust. That changed the momentum.”

      Self switched the defensive alignment, moving Garrett to Winston in place Agbaji. “Och didn’t do a bad job, it just wasn’t working,” said Self. “Marcus can guard anyone.” Garrett seemed to feel the same way. “Hey, I just stick. The dude (Winston) is incredible, but I just stick and harass,” said Garrett.

      Michigan St. guard Rocket Watts added 13 for the Spartans and Tillman finished with 12.

      For Bill Self, the national title answers many critics who have praised his regular season efforts but questioned KU’s tournament results. With a second national title, Self moves into elite company and becomes only fourth active coach with two championships (Williams, Wright, and Krzyzewski).

      The Kansas Jayhawks finish 37-3 on the season and will head back to Lawrence tonight. A rally is set a Memorial Stadium at 2:00 pm on Wednesday with a parade in downtown Lawrence beginning at 4:30 pm.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
      HighEliteMajor
      HighEliteMajor
    • REPORT: SELF TO TAKE SPURS JOB AFTER FINAL FOUR; COACH REFUTES STORY

      Atlanta - On the day before the biggest game for Kansas in nearly a decade, Bill Self was faced with a report that he is set to accept the San Antonio Spurs job after the Final Four. The distraction in reminiscent of the issues Self dealt with at the 2008 Final Four related to the open Oklahoma St. job and with what former KU coach Roy Williams faced at the 2003 Final Four.

      Yahoo Sports basketball writer Pat Forde, citing two unnamed sources, reported that Self and the San Antonio Spurs have in place an “agreement in principle” for Self to replace Gregg Popovich following the current NBA season. Forde stated that the sources report that Self has grown tired of repeated issues with the NCAA, from initial player eligibility issues that have dogged many top recruits to the current issue surrounding the FBI investigation and prosecutions by the Department of Justice. KU is waiting on the NCAA’s penalty determination.

      Forde reported that there was a “secret meeting” between Self and Spurs brass, including Popovich, in late February. Part the of the alleged agreement is that former Spur Tim Duncan will be Self’s lead assistant. It’s reported that Self would bring at least one of his current assistant’s with him to San Antonio.

      Self reacted angrily, “This is total (baloney). Is this Groundhog day? I have no idea where this stuff comes from. As I’ve said, I’m the Kansas coach and plan to be the coach for many more seasons. Forde is a clown. He’s an Missouri alum, which speaks for itself … just trying to stir up issues before tomorrow night. I’d be interested in his sources if he has the courage to name them. Did you ask him? That’s right, no one ever asks those questions. I have not plans to leave.”

      Yahoo Sports issued a statement standing by the story and the reporting. Forde followed up by saying that his sources were “reliable” and the “answer will come when there is a new KU coach on the sidelines for next season.” Forde added, “But of course, deals fall through or there are other negotiations. That doesn’t mean my story is wrong.”

      Kansas City Star reporter Jesse Newell followed up on Forde’s report. Newell confirmed the February meeting but that there was no agreement or plan put in place. “My sources tell me Self left and there has been no further discussion.”

      In other Final Four news, Michigan St. coach Tom Izzo put his team through a workout this afternoon in Atlanta, which was closed to the press and spectators. Izzo said that his squad is “healthy and ready to roll” Monday night. “I think our guys know the job ahead of them. We went over the game plan late last night and our practice today was laser-focused. We’ll give it our best tomorrow.”

      Coach Self expressed confidence in his squad, “We’ve been playing with a target on our backs all season. Nothing has changed. We’ve got to avoid let downs during the game. We’ve escaped a few of those in the tourney. But no one has a cake walk. Michigan St. almost lost to San Diego (State). How we got here doesn’t matter. It’s that we are here. One game decides it.”

      Self said that his star center, Udoka Azubuike, is still “doubtful.” Azubuike, as he did last night, will suit up and go through warm-ups. “I just need a two handed basketball player. He can’t control the ball at all with his left hand, at least last night. That’s our guide. Look, we’ve done pretty well with the guys that have subbed in.”

      Sophomore David McCormack will be the starter, said Self, despite Silvio DeSousa’s monster game against Villanova. “David had one of those last week (vs. Kentucky in the Elite Eight). I think we’re covered.”

      Izzo said that he’s noticed that some teams have had “good luck” against Kansas with zone looks. “We have a lot of options.” The Spartans defense has been an issue at times this season. The opposite is the case for Kansas. “Their defense has carried them at times,” said Izzo, “but we can defend a bit too.”

      Three media members picked the title game correctly, Jason King, Eamonn Brennan, and Garry Parish. King and Brennan picked MSU to win the title while Parrish chose KU. Vegas pegged Kansas a favorite at (-3). The game tips at 8:22 CDT on CBS Monday night.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
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    • DOMINANT DESOUSA DELIVERS FOR KANSAS, SENDS JAYHAWKS TO TITLE GAME

      Atlanta – Kansas got a surprise boost from a player that has seen very little action, and that boost has propelled the Jayhawks to a title game match-up against Michigan St. Monday night in Atlanta.

      Silvio DeSousa, who has averaged just 5.5 minutes a game in the tournament and who has been the subject of NCAA eligibility issues, delivered a career best performance Saturday night. DeSousa, coming off the bench with David McCormack in foul trouble, dropped 22 points on 10 of 11 shooting, and grabbed 12 rebounds, leading KU to a 72-64 win over Villanova.

      “Just amazing,” said Kansas coach Bill Self of DeSousa. “The kid has had rough year, but he has practiced hard and is always ready when I calI his number. What game he had tonight. He couldn’t miss and he was all over the boards. We’re all just so happy for him.”

      DeSousa was emotional after the game. The Jayhawks junior faced a long suspension after scuffle in a January game against Kansas State, that coming after being suspended the entire season of 2018-19 for NCAA rules violations.

      “It has been tough. Real tough. I try to stay positive but it’s been hard,” said DeSousa, choking up after the game, “This just means so much to me. I can’t explain. I can play. I can contribute. It’s been a weird year, but I feel like I stepped up for the team and the coaches who have supported me – and the fans.”

      And boy did he step up. DeSousa scored 7 points in the final four minutes of the game, two of which came at the line with 30 seconds left to make it a three possession game, 70-62, and ice the game. His contributions in the first half, though, seemed to save the game for Kansas.

      Things did not start well for KU as it dug itself a deep hole early. McCormack was whistled for foul on the opening tip. Just after the ball was tossed McCormack swiped at the ball, missed, then after landing swiped again and struck Villanova freshman Jeremiah Robinson-Earl in the face. After a review, the call remained standard foul.

      But then, on Villanova’s second possession, McCormack fouled Robinson-Earl on a shot attempt. The foul situation seemed devastating for KU, who was without second team All-American center Udoka Azubuike. The 6’11” senior suited up and warmed up with the team, wearing a thick wrap on his left wrist, but did not play.

      Self then replaced McCormack with senior Isaiah Moss, instead of DeSousa. Earlier in the week, there had been speculation that KU might try a five guard line, as used by the NBA’s Houston Rockets. That five guard line up didn’t work out so well for Kansas.

      “It was a disaster. And that might be kind,” said Self. “We were just messed up defensively. I thought we could use that to play a little matchup zone on the perimeter, but we got eaten alive down low. Bad rotation. We had some guys who just could get it together. I thought we were ready, but obviously not.”

      Down 3-0 when McCormack was removed with two fouls, Villanova then went on an 12-2 run. Villanova forward Saddiq Bay had two dunks during the stretch, junior Connor Gillespie had a three pointer and a pair of two point buckets as well.

      Self then inserted freshman Tristan Enaruna for Moss, bypassing DeSousa, but it was more of the same. KU called timeout at the 13:42 mark, down 20-6. Enter DeSousa – the coach’s third choice to support McCormack.

      “Yea, it took me a while to get it right. But give me enough chances …”, Self joked.

      Coming out of the timeout, Kansas’ play was no joke and the Jayhawks started to click. DeSousa scored 11 of KU’s next 16 points, blocked two shots inside, including sending a Gillespie layup attempt into the stands. Just like that, Kansas was back in it, down only two at 24-22 with 4:52 left in the half.

      Self understood the dire nature of the circumstances. “The game wouldn’t have been over in the first half but we really needed to get going. A team like Villanova can put their foot on your neck and it’s hard to recover. We’ve been there before with these guys.”

      McCormack subbed in for DeSousa at the 3:50 mark of the first half, and picked up his third foul almost immediately. He sat the rest of the half.

      “I can tell you, we knew DeSousa could play. But he wasn’t a big part of our game-plan to be honest,” Villanova coach Jay Wright lamented. “I wish we would have given that more focus. They have so many weapons. The bottom line is he (DeSousa) played a nearly perfect game. I’m happy for the kid. But I’m very disappointed for our guys.”

      Marcus Garrett was a Kansas star as well, snagging 6 steals, 9 rebounds to go with 10 points and a handful of assists. Self gushed about Garrett, the national defensive player of the year. “The absolute best (defensive player) I’ve ever coached. Period. And he does so many other things.” Self said. But Self brushed off the idea that Garrett was the proverbial glue guy. “He’s a player,” Self said.

      The Wildcats had their chances. The 2016 and 2018 title winners tied the game twice in the last 4 minutes. But it was DeSousa that answered each time with baskets near the rim. Villanova was led by Saddiq Bey, who scored 16 points. Gillespie was next with 14, and Robinson-Earl added 11.

      “We beat them earlier in the year and I thought we were in a better spot this time around,” said guard Gillespie. “We were in a great place this weekend it seemed. Really, our three point shooting let us down. They (Kansas) really got after us at the line.”

      McCormack, though in foul trouble, helped out with that defense in the first 10 minutes of the second half, blocking three Wildcats’ shots and scoring five, all while staying out of further foul trouble. But Self went back to DeSousa after Villanova took a 52-51 lead with 9:53 to play. And DeSousa didn’t disappoint.

      “The guy came out and dominated. Just was flat out dominated,” said KU sophomore Devon Dotson, “He’s been a little off this year. I mean, in practice, he’s great. But in the games, it just hasn’t clicked. Tonight it did.”

      Dotson backed up DeSousa’s performance with 15 points and 6 assists. KU freshman Christian Braun was three of five from behind the arc, for 10 points. Kansas held Villanova to five of 20 shooting from three point range.

      Bill Self and his Kansas Jayhawks will appear in the title game for the third time in Self’s tenure, winning in OT vs. Memphis in 2008, and falling to Kentucky in 2012. Kansas’ opponent, Michigan St., beat Dayton earlier in the evening behind 23 points and 8 rebounds from Cassius Winston. The game will tip-off at 8:22 pm CDT on CBS Monday night.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
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    • MICHIGAN ST. TOPS DAYTON AS WINSTON "FINISHES THE GAME"

      Atlanta – The Dayton Flyers came into its first Final Four since 1967 on 27 game winning streak.Michigan St. took care of that streak with an impressive late game performance, landing the Spartans in their fourth NCAA title game in school history. MSU beat Dayton Saturday evening, 75-72.

      Michigan St. senior Cassius Winston led all scorers with 23 points, adding 8 rebounds. But it was Winston critical baskets and a block of recently crowned Naismith player of the year, Obi Tobbin, in the final 1:30 that shut the door on the Flyers,.

      With the Spartans leading 67-66, and the shot clock about to expire, Winston threw down an emphatic dunk to move the lead to 69-66. Winston was fouled on the play by Dayton guard Ibi Watson, and after converting the free throw, MSU led 70-66 with 1:27 to play.

      Dayton didn’t give in. Flyers guard Jalen Crutcher drilled a three pointer from the wing to cut the lead back to one. Michigan St., though turned the ball over at the 1:02 mark. A pass by Michigan St. guard Rocket Watts was deflected by Crutcher. Dayton senior Trey Landers fed Toppin with a perfect outlet pass, but Toppin’s attempted dunk at the rim was blocked by Winston.

      The Spartans took the ball the other way and after some nifty ball reversal, Winston converted a reverse lay-up at the :47 mark, giving MSU a 73-70 lead.

      Dayton coach Anthony Grant took a timeout. Grant said his plan was to get a two for one with a scripted play out of the time out. MSU’s defense, though, thwarted a lob dunk opportunity. Toppin recovered the ball and fed Crutcher for an open 15 footer, but the shot attempt was wide. Spartans forward Xavier Tillman, playing on an injured ankle, got the rebound and was fouled.

      Tillman, who finished with 13 points, missed the front end of a one-and-one and Dayton pushed the ball to the rim for an easy basket with 22 seconds left in the game, leaving a 73-72 lead for Michigan St.

      After inbounding the ball, Dayton failed to foul MSU until the :09 mark, attempting to avoid fouling Spartans sophomore Gabe Brown, a 94% free throw shooter. Unfortunately for the Flyers, they couldn’t force the ball from Brown’s hands. Brown hit both shots from the line for the final margin.

      MSU coach Tom Izzo directed his troops to foul Dayton, up three. Winston fouled Landers with 5 seconds on the clock. The Dayton senior, just a 60% foul shooter, missed the first attempt. Then, after purposefully missing the second attempt, the ball was tipped down court and the clock ran out.

      Toppin led Dayton with 20 points and 10 boards. Landers was next with 14 points. MSU’s Xavier Henry backed up Winston 23 point game with 17 of his own.

      “We really needed that first one (free throw), Grant emphasized, “If we get that, we have a chance. But we lost the game after the TV timeout. We were in a perfect position, hitting on all cylinders.”

      With Dayton leading by 7, the Spartans went on a 9-0 run following the last TV time out and never trailed again. Three pointers by Winston and Henry got MSU to within one, and then Tillman got his own three point play, nailing a 10 footer, and hitting the free throw after being fouled by Toppin.

      But as much as key shots helped MSU, Izzo felt the defense led the way. “I really think our defense stepped up,” said Izzo. “They are an explosive offensive team, probably the most dynamic we’ve seen this season. But our guys dug in, and our stud (Wintson) came through. He’s the guy that finishes the game."

      Winston explained that this was all part of the plan. “When I came back, this is what I dreamed about. Atlanta. The Final Four. Now here we are. One more to go.”

      That “one more” will be Monday against the winner of the Kansas/Villanova contest that is now underway.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
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    • WRIGHT GETS A "BUM" GIFT, MICHIGAN ST. THE BETTING FAVORITE

      Atlanta - The teams arrived yesterday for the Final Four here in Atlanta and met the press today. All teams were able to conduct workouts today, which were open the public.

      The main story of this Final Four has become Villanova’s quest for a third national title in five seasons and the attempt at validation that a second national title would provide Michigan St.'s Tom Izzon and Kansas coach Bill Self. Meanwhile, Dayton and coach Anthony Grant seem to be along for the ride.

      “I know I’m the odd one here. But that’s fine with me,” said Grant, “Our guys a very confident and have played well all season. I don’t think we’ve ever had a let down. We have a tough task ahead of us on Saturday. But I think we’re up to it.”

      If Dayton is to win its first National Title, it will sure be in large part related to the play of sophomore Obi Toppin, The Flyers’ All-American has already been named the AP player of the year. “It’s new season right now. I’ve had a good year but it’s a team game,” Toppin explained, “We play well together. We know what each other is thinking. We want to bring that first banner back to Dayton.”

      Dayton is the underdog of the Final Four sitting at 6/1 odds. Michigan St. is the betting favorite at 3/1. Kansas and Villanova are at 7/2 and 4/1 respectively. It’s reported that significant money has come in on the Spartans in Las Vegas earlier this week, including a large wager by Golden St. forward Draymond Green. The Michigan St. alum was said to have placed a $3 million bet on his former team, getting 4/1 odds. MSU displaced KU as the betting favorite in this week leading up to the games Saturday. Dayton’s odds haven’t budged, but no one is sleeping on the Flyers.

      “They might be the best team we played all season,” Kansas coach Bill Self said of Dayton. The Jayhawks beat Dayton in the Maui classic in an overtime thriller. “They’re a handful. But then again, I don’t see a team here that isn’t. Villanova is our biggest worry right now.”

      Michigan St. senior Cassius Winston, a second team All-American, agrees with coach Self. “There’s not a team here where you’d say, ‘I’d rather play them’. Everyone is elite.”

      The term “elite” can easily used to describe Villanova. With national titles in 2016 and 2018, the Wildcats have put themselves in a great position to get at third. And Villanova coach Jay Wright knows the significance. “This would be a pretty historical deal if we can pull it off. Since UCLA finished their run, I can’t really think of a team that would have had such a successful five season run – if we could do it,” Wright said.

      One unlikely Villanova supporter is San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Wright received a package from Bumgarner bearing a plaque with a special message – “The Drive For Three Of Five.” Bumgarner, of course, was a member of the Giants’ three World Series title winning squads, won in a five year time frame – 2010, 2012, and 2014. The pitcher was quite a basketball player as well, committing to play basketball at North Carolina while in high school. Baseball, obviously, was the right choice for Bumgarner.

      Reached by phone, Bumgarner explained, “I bleed Carolina blue. Nova tore our hearts out in 2016 (beating NC in the national title game). I’ve got a great deal of respect for coach Wright and how he handles his program. It would be pretty cool for them to match our three of five.” Wright and Bumgarner met at a golf outing following that 2016 championship game but hadn’t had any real communication since. “Pretty cool of him to do that,” Wright said, “But I don’t think any of our guys really know who he is.”

      Coach Bill Self, though, doesn’t care for the entire discussion. “Nova beat us in the Elite Eight in '16. I thought we had a real good chance that year. A real good chance. And of course, as Royals fan, Bum isn’t my favorite fellow.” The Giants and Bumgarner beat the Kansas City Royals in the 2014 World Series, with Bumgarner finishing off the Royals in relief in game 7.

      Self, however, said the past is not his focus. Winning now is all that matters. “That’s all we can control is the here and now. This is our moment if we make it our moment,” Self said. That moment though is likely without his star center Udoka Azubuike, who remains sidelined with and injured wrist. “I’ll never say never. We’ll suit the big fella up and put him on the lineup card, but that darned thing is still swollen. We can’t seem to figure out why it’s not loosening up a bit for him.”

      Some in the media speculated that Self was considering a five guard line-up against Villanova to include either senior Isaiah Moss or freshman Tristan Enaruna. When asked, Self replied, “Get real. I have a hard enough time playing four guards. I like my big guys.” For his part, KU’s David McCormack said he was the starter. “Yea, coach T (Kurtis Townsend) said it’s my job.” But the speculation centers around KU’s inability to guard Villanova’s three point shooters in past match-ups. Self said, though, “We play our game. We have to worry about ourselves.”

      Another injured player, MSU’s Xavier Tillman practiced today, recovering from an injured ankle. “Our trainer got me taped up and I’ve been getting treatment. It felt ok today. I’m playing,” Tillman said. Spartans sophomore Aaron Henry missed practice Thursday with a migraine. It is unknowns as to how the condition might impact his availability for Saturday. Henry battled migraines much of his freshman season.

      Spartan’s head coach Tom Izzo agreed and said Tillman would start. Izzo, though, was dealing with a story released today that he “sought out” a potential witness in a 2017 rape allegation involving a former MSU player. Izzo would not comment, saying “Can we just focus on basketball, for the weekend at least? Folks can print whatever they want and all of a sudden, because they chose to write a story, the world stops. I’m not biting.”

      Izzo, instead, focused on his team. “We’re tough. We’re playing our best basketball of the season. I think we have a complete team. But once you get here, anything can happen. There are a lot of variables, a lot of things you can’t control. And in the end, the ball has to go in the hoop. We just need to play relaxed and play with confidence.”

      Playing relaxed seems to be the goal of Villanova coach Wright, as well. Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie, who was a member of the 2018 title winning team, playing 16 minutes in the championship game, said that coach Wright does a good job of relaxing the team, “Yea, he brought in some ping-pong tables last night and we didn’t even talk about the games. It was all ping-pong.” When asked who won, Gillespie joked, “Don’t you know, we’re all winners.”

      All winners here in Atlanta, to be sure, but there will be only one champion.

      #2 Villanova Wildcats will tip off against #1 Kansas Jayhawks at 7:48 pm (CDT) Saturday on CBS in Atlanta. In the first game, the #4 Michigan St. Spartans will play the #1 Dayton Flyers (5:12 pm/CBS). Jim Nance, Grant Hill, and Bill Raftery will be on the call for both games Saturday.

      National basketball writers have offered predictions on the Final Four. Andy Katz hit on all four teams in his pre-Sweet 16 prediction. Katz predicts Villanova to take home the title. Here are the predictions with the title winner is in CAPS -

      -Jay Bilas - KANSAS (Dayton)

      -Jay Williams - VILLANOVA (Michigan St.)

      -Doug Gottlieb - DAYTON (Villanova)

      -Jeff Goodman - DAYTON (Kansas)

      -Pat Forde - VILLANOVA (Dayton)

      -Gary Parrish - KANSAS (Michigan St.)

      -Rob Dauster - DAYTON (Kansas)

      -Eamonn Brennan - MICHIGAN ST. (Kansas)

      -Seth Davis - MICHIGAN ST. (Villanova)

      -Andy Katz - VILLANOVA (Dayton)

      -Mike DeCoursey - KANSAS (Dayton)

      -Jason King - MICHIGAN ST. (Kansas)

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
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    • MSU'S TILLMAN, KU'S AZUBUIKE BOTH IN DOUBT AS FINAL FOUR TEAMS HEAD TO ATLANTA

      Atlanta - The Final Four participants will arrive in Atlanta on Wednesday. Michigan St. and Dayton are set to arrive tomorrow afternoon while Kansas and Villanova will arrive later in the evening. The #4 Spartans will take on the #1 Dayton Flyers (5:12 Saturday/CBS) in the first game in Atlanta, followed by the #1 Kansas/#2 Dayton tilt at 7:48 pm.

      Two big injuries, though, are gathering much of the news. KU’s Udoka Azubuike is “very doubtful”, according to head coach Bill Self, for Saturday’s game against Michigan St. Self said Azubuike’s wrist is still “stiff and painful.” For his part, Azubuike thinks he can play. “I will find a way”, the Kansas senior said Tuesday in Lawrence. Azubuike did not practice Tuesday. Sophomore center David McCormack has filled in admirably, leading Kansas to its Elite Eight win against Kentucky on Sunday. Self said McCormack will start again Saturday vs. Villanova.

      In Lansing, Michigan, the big news is forward Xavier Tillman’s right ankle. The 6’8" junior came down awkwardly midway through the second half in the Spartans overtime victory over San Diego State. Tillman came back and played two minutes in overtime but left prior to the game’s conclusion. MSU head coach Tom Izzo said that Tillman was on crutches as a precaution. “It’s not broken and there is no structural damage. We’ll see (if he can play). He rolled it pretty good,” Izzo said.

      Villanova and Dayton will arrive in good health. The Flyers’ point guard, junior Jalen Crutcher, made headlines Monday guaranteeing a victory of Michigan St and perhaps a national championship. “We’re the best team in the country. I’m telling you that right now,” Crutcher said Monday, “We’ll be playing for the trophy next Monday, guaranteed, and there’s no way we’ll be denied.”

      The Final Four has three coaching titans and one newcomer. Villanova is led by head coach Jay Wright, who directed his program to two national titles (2016 and 2018). Tom Izzo has a national title at Michigan St (2000). The same with Bill Self at Kansas (2008). Izzo and Self have been dogged by alleged tournament underachievement from fan bases each hungry for another another national title. For Izzo, that title seems ancient history. “We want it bad,” said Izzo, “We’ve been close, but haven’t finished the deal. We have to focus on Dayton and not worry about Monday night.”

      Wright, for his part, was as at ease as one might suspect for a man with two recent rings gracing is fingers. “We’ve reached this point playing our game and playing relaxed. There’s no pressure. It’s just basketball. That’s what I tell the guys,” said Wright.

      Self was bit more to the point. “Win. As Magic (Johnson) used to say, it’s ‘winning time.’ You play the entire season for this moment, for this stage. I want our guys to soak it in. Feel the gravity of the moment.”

      Dayton’s head coach Anthony Grant is making his first Final Four appearance as a head coach, but will fall back on his experience on the bench of the Florida Gators as an assistant in 2006 during that team’s national title run – a job that he parlayed into a head coaching job at VCU. “That taught me a lot,” Grant said of his stint as a Florida assistant under Billy Donavan. “I saw how Billy prepared the team, how he prepared the coaching staff. I know the formula. But then again, the other three guys here definitely know the formula. Lots of rings out there.”

      Three players from each team will be made available to the media on Thursday, as will the head coaches. All teams will have workouts on Thursday and Friday, with the Thursday practices being open to the public.

      posted in KU Basketball / Other NCAAM
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    • KANSAS OUTLASTS KENTUCKY, RETURNS TO FINAL FOUR; MCCORMACK RECORDS DOUBLE-DOUBLE IN PLACE OF AZUBUIKE

      The Kansas Jayhawks outlasted Kentucky in Houston Sunday evening to advance to their second Final Four in three seasons. Kansas will face tournament nemesis #2 Villanova (7:48 Saturday/CBS), who won the West region in Los Angeles, 59-58 over #4 Oregon. Villanova eliminated Kansas in the 2018 Final Four and the 2016 Elite Eight. The Wildcats won the NCAA championship both seasons.

      In a game that saw 14 lead changes, and some late game drama, Jayhawks’ sophomore David McCormack had the best game of his career, leading Kansas to a hard-fought 68-65 win over the SEC champ Kentucky.

      McCormack, filling in for injured KU senior center Udoka Azubuike, scored 21 points on 9-11 shooting and had 11 rebounds for his second career double-double.

      But it was a big time steal by senior Devon Dotson that sealed the game in the last 10 seconds. With KU leading 66-65, Dotson, who finished with 14 points, intercepted a UK pass from Ashton Hagans intended for big man Nick Richards. Dotson was then fouled by Hagans. Dotson made both free throws, stretching the KU lead to three. Kentucky inbounded the ball with four seconds left, but Hagans mishandled the ball and was not able recover in time to attempt a shot.

      Kansas appeared to be in a favorable position with 1:10 left. KU freshman Christian Braun drilled his fourth three pointer of the game to give Kansas a 66-59 lead. Kentucky’s Immanuel Quickley, who led the Wildcats with 22 points, then hit a three pointer over senior transfer Isaiah Moss at the :50 second mark. With a three point lead, Kentucky fouled McCormack, who missed the front end of a one and one, after making all three of his prior attempts on the night.

      With time running out on the possession, Richards hit his first three pointer of the season, a desperation heave as the shot clock expired, that banked in from the wing, cutting the KU lead to a single point. The ball was then inbounded to junior Marcus Garrett, who was called for traveling after getting tangled up with UK freshman Tyrese Maxey.

      But Kentucky couldn’t convert as Dotson stopped UK with his timely theft and resulting free throws.

      Kentucky coach John Calipari thought Dotson had traveled after the late game steal. “It sure looked like it to me, that his feet shuffled before dribbling,” said Calipari, “but we seemed to be in a fight on two fronts all night (referring to the officiating).”

      For his part, KU coach Bill Self was unmoved. “Is that what he said? Well, I’m glad we focused on our jobs and took care of business. What was the foul differential? We weren’t even in the bonus until late. It seemed like they were in the double-bonus the entire second half,” Self said.

      KU was whistled for five fouls in the first five minutes of the second half. Kentucky had 12 free throw attempts in the second half to KU’s five. Richards added 14 points for UK and was six of seven from the line.

      It was Kansas’ tenacity on the defensive end, though, that seemed to turn the game. In a critical stretch in the first half, when Kansas trailed by six and seemed lethargic, McCormack recorded a block on Richards, which Kansas converted to points. On the next two possessions, Kansas for Kentucky in to attempts late in the shot clock. Following both possessions, McCormack scored near that basket, one on at thunderous dunk, and the game was tied at the 4:40 mark of the first half, 22-22. After a UK free throw by Hagans, Kansas scored on a dunk by sophomore Ochai Agbaji. The teams then traded the lead six more times before arriving at half in a 35-35 tie.

      Despite the win, Coach Self was less than pleased with Moss. “I’m not sure what he’s thinking out there (defending Quickley). We’re out of position then barely contest the shot. We really need more.” Moss played sparingly, in favor of freshman Braun, after late game errors early in the tournament. Self inserted Moss at the 2:10 mark of the second half after Agbagi fouled out. Moss played eight minutes in the game.

      The second half was marked by a similar game flow with no team having a lead of more than three points until Kansas stretched to six inside 1:30.

      In other Elite Eight action, #4 Michigan St. won the Midwest region Saturday in overtime, besting #2 San Diego St., 71-66. Michigan St. tied the game late on a three point by Cassius Winston. Up three with eight seconds left, SDSU chose not to foul and Winston hit a corner three sending the game into overtime.

      The Spartans will play the #1 Dayton Flyers (5:12 Saturday/CBS) in the first Final Four game in Atlanta. Dayton cruised to an easy 77-58 win over outmatched Virginia. Obi Toppin, the likely national player of the year, scored a tournament high 37 points. Dayton will be making their second Final Four appearance.

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