kbrks

Respectfully, I disagree. Wrapping up the package with a pretty bow on it (change can be good for all) shouldn’t be enough to reconcile the two. Change is not the issue, how the change was done is the issue. Follow stated philosophy and practice the golden rule during the process and make any change you want. Until that happens that is what really needs changing. Without it you fall into the trap somehow thinking it was OK for the brothers to throw Joseph into the pit. Sure God was in control, but doesn’t negate the responsibility of the brothers to do what is right. Just glad God had the final say and not the brothers. And yes there is no doubt Jay will be a blessing, because that is the type of man he is. Best wishes to he and his family during their transition.

When the posts stop needing a response, does that help answer any ?????????

I understand, I get that, but let’s see if we can open our mind to the realm of possibilities because a school’s actions should line up with what it stands for, shouldn’t they? Otherwise, it becomes a perfect set-up for a SNL Weekend Update segment of Really? Point – School stays DI to be and have a testimony. Do you think that is being accomplished under the current set-up, Really? If a coach wants to earn a little extra coin and influence kids in the sport of basketball by being involved in AAU and private lessons great, but IF TESTIMONY IS REALLY IMPORTANT, you’d better have the system/policies in place that those kids don’t end up at your school. It is impossible to maintain the testimony even if it was possible to do it in a way that no rules were technically violated. Are there those, particularly within a school’s leadership structure, that don’t get that, Really? If that system was in place then it would never be a question of exalting self or your program at the EXPENSE of others, which is another important principle to keep in mind. Reality check – you can’t have it both ways, just look at the sentiments expressed all year long. Point – You can’t have credibility if you are an outsider because you are an outsider and you don’t really know. You can’t have credibility as a former insider, because you are now an outsider and especially to express disagreement or use past issues to state a point you’re only bitter and of course bitter people are incapable of speaking truth and have any credibility because they are bitter. You do have credibility if you are an insider and you are loyal to the school even though you don’t really know what goes on behind the scenes anymore than an outsider does, you only know what the school says it stands for and what your experience tells you. And of course your experience takes eminence over anyone else who might not have that experience. Really? Point – Is it ethical when school leadership tells you that people support you to your face, but not behind your back and won’t let you face your accusers or deal with the issues? Is it ethical when school leadership lies or promotes lies to you and about you and when it is pointed out the response is to not get into a “He Said – She Said.†Is it ethical when it is brought to the attention of a school leader that if a certain process is one of those stories that God had chose to put in the Bible for all to see for all time that leadership would not come off very good and the only response was “Not saying the process did not include sin or the flesh,†which is nothing more than acknowledgement and yet proceed in a way where the ends justifies the means, Really? (Should I continue?) And if you ever speak to that issue or bring it up to relate it to other current issues, the only possibility is that you are a bitter person, Really? I would think those kinds of things would make us all very uncomfortable based on what a school states it stands for. Point – Saying there is “no perfect place†or “we are all just sinners in need of grace†is only the first, elementary step in dealing with issues along Biblical principles. Too many view it as the one and only step. Do people not understand that, Really? Do I feel embarrassment or shame, and just like the accusation of bitterness, the answer is no. I actually see a bigger picture in all of this. If anything I feel a little embarrassed (or maybe awkward is a better word) for those who post as such because all it does is support what I know – how too many respond when they get upset. You see, coacht and my experience are too similar for my comfort level. People get upset, willing to say just about anything whether it is true or not and are willing to try to influence in secrecy (e.g. behind the scenes, behind a screen name) as opposed to face to face in a genuine attempt to work through the issues. This is why, IMO, a different voice to promote a different approach is needed. Do people not get that, Really?

Like you, I am amazed how many don't know the rules and the difference between the two divisions. The real difference is that DII schools can give need based financial aid to athletes where DI can not, that's it. Granted, it does take care of a part of the $ aspect, but only a part even when it comes to $, let alone the other aspects involved in recruiting violations.

matt610, I have always appreciated and respected your approach to this forum, a willingness to understand another person's view point even when it doesn't line up with yours. You have always shown a level headedness and maturity beyond your years.

Not that I would know since I haven't even seen a 9 AA team play this year, but 10-AA does send a very strong group of teams to the tournament. If they really are that much stronger as some think, then it may be to an advantage for a team like Maplewood to have lost the district tourney championship since it keeps them opposite of both CPA and East Literature. That is why seedings play a role with two teams moving forward and why having the better seed going into the region tournament is not always an advantage. Though from what you read, 9 AA teams have played very well at times during the year and sounds like they have some strengths, so who really knows, it is tournament time.

Isn't that why coachrus started a Region 5-AA thread?

Only proves a previous point – not related to the topic issues, doesn’t prove or disprove anything stated, and disagreement becomes a personal attack. Now there are those who want to make me the issue, hmmm, I wonder why???? It’s actually funny there are those who want to believe I created the issues. I’m only speaking to them. On the one hand there are those who say move on, but doesn’t seem like you really want me to since the posts continue that beg a response. Though I don’t see it lasting much longer, I decided to get involved, but didn’t want to hide behind a screen name, willing to be accountable to my words. IMO there are too many statements that have needed to be challenged or points clarified. Why? Because there are too many posts that simply attack and name call someone for disagreeing, talk about areas they really know nothing about or defend out of some type of blind loyalty when they obviously don’t know the whole story. Yet they are willing to make their personal, bold comments. It is simple as that, but can’t do a thing for those who want to make more of it.

What’s funny is those who just don’t get it, who believe the only reason I post on certain topics is because I am bitter or have an axe to grind. And that somehow my personal experience should actually disqualify me from having an opinion because to express it is only sour grapes. Totally absurd! Is it possible since there are those who don’t like what I say, but can’t disprove it, can only resort to accusations of my motives in an attempt to discredit? The reality is that I have certain beliefs related to these areas, always have and always will. And it just so happens because of my past association, certain information comes to me and I choose not to stick my head in the sand because people will question my motives. The actual premise of healthy discussion or debate is to bring all the information to light so there can be a genuine pursuit of truth. Perhaps if there were more of a “righteous†outrage related to these areas in places where you’d think you could expect it, there wouldn’t be such a casual acceptance due to life just not being fair. I am glad that approach wasn’t always taken by great and courageous men and women of history. (Not to say that we all don’t appreciate sympathy.) And the main reason for repetitiveness is so as not to let certain thoughts that are not true go unchallenged or to offer explanation. And even though the odds are people are going to believe what they want to believe regardless, doesn’t mean it is not worth the effort.

Yes, but the issues are current to this year and the principles involved in the discussion/debate are timeless. And yes, I will agree, now is the time for me to move away from this one.

1. Again, you can express an opinion and enter into a discussion without being bitter. Course anytime you disagree with certain CPA folk, you have to deal with it being made personal. No worry, I am use to unfounded accusations. 2. Fair? That is an interesting concept, once again selective truth, apply it only when it serves the purpose. Do you really want to speak to the issue of fairness? Fairness also includes posting opinions along with supporting information, not random, personal opinions/accusations that lead people into wrong thinking. Whether you want to agree or accept it, I have and can back up my posts. 3. You are correct. No perfect place, but if something is wrong, don’t defend, excuse, justify, make it personal, etc. deal with it appropriately. 4. I know what I know, can’t help that and if what I know leads to a more balanced perspective and discussion of the issues facing high school athletics, then so be it. If you and others knew what I knew, you wouldn’t think any differently. 5. Players needing to be anywhere can only be justified if they got there 100% within the rules, in line with school’s philosophy and in CPA’s case not even creating a perception of anything but 100% being totally above board. If all 3 of those not in place, then it is a problem, in need of a solution. I did not make up their philosophy or their rules. Don’t shoot the messenger. 6. If you and others truly want me to move on and not reveal what is behind the “wizard’s curtain,†then be more careful what you post. I had 9 years of involvement, if you have a right to your comments, why don’t you think I have a right to mine?

Hadn’t seen you around for awhile, still not a big fan, huh? That’s OK. I must admit it was/is posters like you, divepix, others, and now even sportsqueen who inspire me to get involved in this forum and not let random opinions without unsubstantiated information go unchallenged.

That’s not changing the system, now you are off to another topic. Don’t forget one can have knowledge, facts and even truth not based on any of the categories you mentioned, but even that kind of knowledge or information won’t change the system unless paired with complete honesty. Of all the scenarios I could share in regards to this issue, one of them happened recently that only confirms that very fact. The list you mentioned is one of the realistic results of an imperfect system, though certainly not a valid reason for anyone to spread rumors or falsely accuse.

Of course what can be proved is different than what is actually true. For those of you who may have missed it, coachrus on the CPA? football thread issued the challenge of working to change the system of any illegal recruiting. Now that is a good point, a great ideal, but unfortunately unrealistic. Why? One reason is because the TSSAA is not as investigative as an organization such as the NCAA and people should not confuse the two. But the main reason is because for the system to change, those involved have to be totally honest and that is not going to happen. Why? Because there is too much to risk. Coaches involved aren’t going to admit it for obvious reasons and learn easily to minimize and/or rationalize. Parents are ignorant of the rules and/or are flattered by their son or daughter being recruited. Why would they be honest and say anything? For the sake of doing what is right? Not hardly. In fact, when confronted, parents will backpedal, because being honest, in their mind, could ultimately hurt their child in some form or fashion and that is way too much to risk. Plus as I said, they like being recruited, who doesn’t like to feel wanted. And maybe that will be my last post on the subject, we’ll see.

Now that is a good point, a great ideal, but unfortunately unrealistic. Why? One reason is because the TSSAA is not as investigative as an organization such as the NCAA and people should not confuse the two. But the main reason is because for the system to change, those involved have to be totally honest and that is not going to happen. Why? Because there is too much to risk. Coaches involved aren’t going to admit it for obvious reasons and learn easily to minimize and/or rationalize. Parents are ignorant of the rules and/or are flattered by their son or daughter being recruited. Why would they be honest and say anything? For the sake of doing what is right? Not hardly. In fact, when confronted, parents will backpedal, because being honest, in their mind, could ultimately hurt their child in some form or fashion and that is way too much to risk. Plus as I said, they like being recruited, who doesn’t like to feel wanted.

And I was so hoping my analogy was going to be viewed as clever and humorous.

Ahhh, the good ol' days (Ingle probably can't wait that long) and not really that way any longer. If you did the same with the current boys basketball roster, you could pretty much use their most recent school photo.

Still think it is odd to play tonight when Saturday night appeared to be open for both teams. Does playing an extra game during the week the tournament begins become a disadvantage for two of the top teams as the tourney wears on? Course CPA may not mind since Lindsey was out for Friday's game and gives him more time for recovery. If Maplewood wins it is easy, CPA drops to 3rd since East Lit who finished 13-3 would have a win over Maplewood and Lipscomb would be 4th, since DL has a win over Maplewood. If CPA wins they are #1, but becomes more complicated the rest of the way and may be dependent on who finishes 4th which may not be easy since DL and Whites Creek could both end up at 9-7 if WC beats Pearl Cohn tonight. East Lit has a loss vs. Whites Creek while Maplewood has a loss vs. Lipscomb. Lipscomb and Whites Creek split during the year.

Nothing in today's Sunday's paper, have the seedings for the district tournament been decided? Didn't Maplewood play at CPA last night to decide who would be the regular season champ and top seed?

And you’d be thinking wrong. I didn’t create any of this, that was done all on its own and not by me. If you do have any truth to share, please do, since I am not trying to hide anything or make bold statements hiding behind my screen name, unlike some of us. Characterizing as bitterness or resentment usually only a ploy to discredit and distract from the real issues, which in this case is not me. I am just willing to look at both sides based on the current facts and circumstances presented, since it is an important basketball and sports topic. Because of my background I do think I have something to add for the sake of truth.

After coaching 22 years ranging from high school to college, college included being an associate head coach at NCAA Division I and small college head coaching, have not coached since CPA.

I appreciate the sentiment. When there was so much more to it including the dishonesty that entered into the process, rising above it is the only good option available.

When I heard early on about a point guard lost to injury, I assumed it was last season’s starting point guard Tyler Akers (correct?), who I thought was a sophomore last year. What happened to him?

Your assumption is correct, should have said Whites Creek

If that happens it would most likely set up a 3 way tie for first and since those 3 teams split with each other it all depends on how 4,5, and 6 finish. If Lipscomb finishes 4, East Lit has the advantage, if White House finishes 4 it moves East Lit to 3rd seed. It starts with head to head then how top teams fared against those related to their order of finish. I don't think that has changed. After that if still doesn't break ties, then coin flips may come into play. Looks like staying away from 3rd seed could be important for district tourney and winning district tournament could really help in relation to 1st round region game.