Support for Royce

[GopherRicky]

I can't believe the fools who want to kick Royce off the team for being charged with two misdemeanors. Nobody is happy with Royce about what went down, but a bunch of posters are overreacting to a couple misdemeanor charges. Suspension of a few games and getting some counseling should suffice.

Meanwhile Trevor is charged with a FELONY and 80% of this board think he was jobbed. I agreed that Maturi did the right thing based on the seriousness of the charges.

I truly am puzzled with all the support posts for Trevor and at the same time the attacks on Royce. Quit trying to make a mountain out of a moehill. He'll serve his punishment and will be welcome back. Lets back our guy Royce.

[In Tubby We Trust]

I can't believe the fools who want to kick Royce off the team for being charged with two misdemeanors. Nobody is happy with Royce about what went down, but a bunch of posters are overreacting to a couple misdemeanor charges. Suspension of a few games and getting some counseling should suffice.

Meanwhile Trevor is charged with a FELONY and 80% of this board think he was jobbed. I agreed that Maturi did the right thing based on the seriousness of the charges.

I truly am puzzled with all the support posts for Trevor and at the same time the attacks on Royce. Quit trying to make a mountain out of a moehill. He'll serve his punishment and will be welcome back. Lets back our guy Royce.

Agreed! Royce is still a gopher and I will still cheer for him. Kids make mistakes, I too have been convicted of a misdemeanor and I turned out just fine. Am I proud of what I did? No. But I learned from it and I am a better person for it. Lets hope this is the eye opener he needed in his Freshman year and is a kick start to a great Gopher career!

[The-Real-Truth]

I can't believe the fools who want to kick Royce off the team for being charged with two misdemeanors. Nobody is happy with Royce about what went down, but a bunch of posters are overreacting to a couple misdemeanor charges. Suspension of a few games and getting some counseling should suffice.

Meanwhile Trevor is charged with a FELONY and 80% of this board think he was jobbed. I agreed that Maturi did the right thing based on the seriousness of the charges.

I truly am puzzled with all the support posts for Trevor and at the same time the attacks on Royce. Quit trying to make a mountain out of a moehill. He'll serve his punishment and will be welcome back. Lets back our guy Royce.

It is easy to be emotional either way. This kid has problem. I am positive that Tubby thought that he could help him. That's why he got him. I remmeber about one year ago, he had an interview with somebody?? Unlike other people in his class, he gave Tubby no credit. He said that he was planning on playing at U of M no mather who the coach was. To me, this kid has attitude problem. It seems like Tubby has failed to help him and that's why he is very angry. The only people who can help him now are himself and his family. No mather how much support we provide for him, he cannot change unless he wants to be a better person.

[dbuton]

I can't believe the fools who want to kick Royce off the team for being charged with two misdemeanors. Nobody is happy with Royce about what went down, but a bunch of posters are overreacting to a couple misdemeanor charges. Suspension of a few games and getting some counseling should suffice.

Meanwhile Trevor is charged with a FELONY and 80% of this board think he was jobbed. I agreed that Maturi did the right thing based on the seriousness of the charges.

I truly am puzzled with all the support posts for Trevor and at the same time the attacks on Royce. Quit trying to make a mountain out of a moehill. He'll serve his punishment and will be welcome back. Lets back our guy Royce.

"Couple of Misdemeanors" so how many do we need to "overreact" 3, 4, 5 or more???? Maybe i have been misreading alot of posts on here the last few days but i would say hardly anyone said kick Royce off now-a few did say they would support that decision though if Tubby did so choose. And where did you get that 80% think Trevor has been jobbed. It is 50:50 at worse i think, but more likely 65:35 or higher in favor of what Maturi had to do.

I was not a big Royce fan to begin with, i hope he gets his head screwed on straight, but i will not welcome him back. Trouble follows him around....

[burton34]

Certainly, if this were a first time offense, it would not be nearly as big of a deal. This is more than an isolated incident with Royce; he's had a track record of mistakes over the past two years. He's been expelled from a school, kicked out of the dorms, and has a history of violent outbursts. Not to mention, he's just plain stupid. Anyone that is willing to potentially throw away their basketball career for $100 worth of apparel is beyond me. If Royce is allowed to stay, he better be under extreme scrutiny. This kid has used up 8 of his lives...

[Art Vandelay]

Yes, kids do make mistakes. However, Royce is an 18 or 19 year old adult and has a pattern for this type of behavior. He will earn my "support" when he starts showing his "support" for the University and it's basketball program. So far, he's off to a poor start.

[The Truth]

I'd be more concerned about White's life (and I assure you Tubby Smith is) than what he can do for the University of Minnesota's basketball team. If this is an isolated incident I think he deserves a second chance with some serious strings attached.

I'm loathe to give up on young people. I've worked in basketball these past couple of years with some kids from very bad backgrounds (extreme poverty, parents in jail or on drugs, single mothers) and it has broken my heart knowing that despite everything I've done and how much I care some of the kids aren't going to make it. There's just so much people can do for a young person. They have to make the correct choices for themselves and sometimes they need to fall and face the extreme consequences of those bad choices before they can become better people.

[GopherRicky]

<<he's had a track record of mistakes over the past two years>>

Burton34, Quit hating on Royce. What he did before he was a gopher is irrelevant. You said Trevor should play despite his much more serious charges and now you want Royce off the team for misdemeanors (petty theft and a couple pushes on some gungho mall cop). You are a HYPOCRITE. Royce stays and Tubby won't overreact because of what fools like you think.

[BigGopherFan]

It is easy to be emotional either way. This kid has problem. I am positive that Tubby thought that he could help him. That's why he got him. I remmeber about one year ago, he had an interview with somebody?? Unlike other people in his class, he gave Tubby no credit. He said that he was planning on playing at U of M no mather who the coach was. To me, this kid has attitude problem. It seems like Tubby has failed to help him and that's why he is very angry. The only people who can help him now are himself and his family. No mather how much support we provide for him, he cannot change unless he wants to be a better person.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Royce White has the utmost respect for Tubby Smith. Until you've heard every interview from Royce White (and I'm not saying I have), please don't assume that he has no respect for Tubby. I have heard Royce say that Tubby is a coaching legend and that he is privileged to play for him. Besides, what's wrong with saying that he was going to play at the U no matter what coach??!! That's called Minnesota pride! Not arrogance!

[underground629]

I don't think you really interpreted Royce correctly on playing for the U no matter who the coach is. Why does that necessarily mean he's giving Tubby no credit? It means he didn't make his choice based on the coach, but that doesn't mean he doesn't like/respect Tubby. All it shows is his hometown pride if anything.


It is easy to be emotional either way. This kid has problem. I am positive that Tubby thought that he could help him. That's why he got him. I remmeber about one year ago, he had an interview with somebody?? Unlike other people in his class, he gave Tubby no credit. He said that he was planning on playing at U of M no mather who the coach was. To me, this kid has attitude problem. It seems like Tubby has failed to help him and that's why he is very angry. The only people who can help him now are himself and his family. No mather how much support we provide for him, he cannot change unless he wants to be a better person.

[dbuton]

<<he's had a track record of mistakes over the past two years>>

Burton34, Quit hating on Royce. What he did before he was a gopher is irrelevant. You said Trevor should play despite his much more serious charges and now you want Royce off the team for misdemeanors (petty theft and a couple pushes on some gungho mall cop). You are a HYPOCRITE. Royce stays and Tubby won't overreact because of what fools like you think.

What he did before his very relevant, and to think that it is not is foolish!! Royce has shown a pattern of behavior that is very concerning to say the least.

[thestl]

Someone should make a thread where, instead of betting on who shall win the next game, we instead gamble on how long our players' suspensions will be!

[JackiO]

<<he's had a track record of mistakes over the past two years>>

Burton34, Quit hating on Royce. What he did before he was a gopher is irrelevant. You said Trevor should play despite his much more serious charges and now you want Royce off the team for misdemeanors (petty theft and a couple pushes on some gungho mall cop). You are a HYPOCRITE. Royce stays and Tubby won't overreact because of what fools like you think.

Why should we quit hating on Royce. He hasn't given us ONE reason yet. All he does is DUMB SH.IT all the time. He is about to get kicked out of his second school if he doesn't be careful. We know you are Royce's friend but we aren't going to give him any sympathy. He deserves what he is getting and than some.

[mnballa2121]

Much love for Royce.
Stay on track!

[station19]

Someone should make a thread where, instead of betting on who shall win the next game, we instead gamble on how long our players' suspensions will be!

Either that or Gopher Hole should start a new Forum.

SUSPENSIONS/LEGAL ISSUES FORUM

[Rick Mons]

I promise I won't boo the kid when he comes on the court but right now I'm at best neutral on the kid. And, if he's convicted of this charge, I'm not going to be a supporter even if he scores and plays like the next Michael Jordan. He's made some major errors in judgement in the past that can be partially explained by youthful stupidity. If the shoplifting charge is proven, that excuse flies out the window. I expect kids to know they shouldn't steal by the age of, oh, four or five. And if he wrestled with the security guard as has been reported, I expect kids to know by 10 or 11 that it's a stupid thing to do.

So Royce is going to have to earn support from this fan and (I suspect) a lot of other fans. That's not a matter of doing well on the court as much as it is by doing well in the community. Harder to demonstrate but he's lost a lot of ground with this latest reported escapade and the burden is on him, IMO.

[station19]

Royce is getting very close to the end of the line for 'chances.'

Look for Tubby to get a huge ovation when he takes the floor against UMD.

[watertown 1987 guy n]

Bla Bla, kids make mistakes but when they make them mulitiple times they cross that line and become "freakin idiots". Hopefully someone in his family (or Tubby) can knock some sense into him but based on past behavior it doesn't look encouraging.

[Section201]

The two situations differ slightly in that Trevor denies the charge and has some witnesses to support his alibi. Royce on the other hand, committed acts in the one location in the state that probably has more security cameras than the airport. When will we see the clips on YouTube?

I have not heard anything of Royce denying the charges.

In any case if either is convicted of these crimes I dont want them on the team this season. Suspend them for 1 season and if they want to come back, fine. If not guilty they can play immediately.

Regarding Royce, he couldnt even get to Game 1 of the season without some huge bit of stupid befalling him. If he is found guilty and winds up playing this season I will be one solid boo-bird.

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Both sides are correct imo. This is not an incident which merits dismissal from the team and at the same time he is on the road to ruin with his well chronicled pattern of poor behavior, poor sportsmanship and lack of respect for others.

[Blizzard]

This is not an incident which merits dismissal from the team and at the same time he is on the road to ruin with his well chronicled pattern of poor behavior, poor sportsmanship and lack of respect for others.

I don't know why it made me think of it, but, can you imagine what the chants from the student sections are going to be like towards Royce?

[The-Real-Truth]

Both sides are correct imo. This is not an incident which merits dismissal from the team and at the same time he is on the road to ruin with his well chronicled pattern of poor behavior, poor sportsmanship and lack of respect for others.

Thank you. "Lack of respect for others" was the point of my post. I have nothing against a kid who has hometown pride. Afterall, this is University of Minnesota not University of Tubby or White. Several years ago when I was at Purdue, Joe Tiller gave a really bad reference for one of his TEs. It was during Breese era if I remember correctly. This guy did not get drafted in NFL because of that. Knowing this guy's past, do you really think that he had several options other than U of M? I am not sure if he could get so many good references.

[samthebutcher]

White has been a consistent screw up for several years. There is no place in the program for players like him. A total embarrassment for the U.

[SelectionSunday]

"I promise I won't boo the kid when he comes on the court but right now I'm at best neutral on the kid. And, if he's convicted of this charge, I'm not going to be a supporter even if he scores and plays like the next Michael Jordan. He's made some major errors in judgement in the past that can be partially explained by youthful stupidity. If the shoplifting charge is proven, that excuse flies out the window. I expect kids to know they shouldn't steal by the age of, oh, four or five. And if he wrestled with the security guard as has been reported, I expect kids to know by 10 or 11 that it's a stupid thing to do.

"So Royce is going to have to earn support from this fan and (I suspect) a lot of other fans. That's not a matter of doing well on the court as much as it is by doing well in the community. Harder to demonstrate but he's lost a lot of ground with this latest reported escapade and the burden is on him, IMO."

As Fonzie would say, "Perfectamundo." Well said, Rick. My feelings exactly.

My personal opinion is the suspension should be at absolute bare minimum 9 games (roughly 28% of the games). That would sit his butt down on the bench through at least the Miami game. However, I expect it to be longer than that and would fully support it if he's suspended for the season (and no, this isn't an over-reaction, past actions do matter to me). Truth is, I'll be disappointed if he sees the court anytime before or during the 76 Classic/Miami.

[tikited]

Yes, kids do make mistakes. However, Royce is an 18 or 19 year old adult and has a pattern for this type of behavior. He will earn my "support" when he starts showing his "support" for the University and it's basketball program. So far, he's off to a poor start.

+1

[Blizzard]

Unrelated-

I'm still wondering about the Bostick suspension. I'm going to throw out a theory for fun.

Could it be that Bostick was assigned to White as a senior/freshman mentor type of thing?

[MNCH]

I don't know why it made me think of it, but, can you imagine what the chants from the student sections are going to be like towards Royce?

Just like the Peter Warrick incident at Dillard's, expect opposing fans to show up at games with Macy's shopping bags.

[MNCH]

I promise I won't boo the kid when he comes on the court but right now I'm at best neutral on the kid. And, if he's convicted of this charge, I'm not going to be a supporter even if he scores and plays like the next Michael Jordan. He's made some major errors in judgement in the past that can be partially explained by youthful stupidity. If the shoplifting charge is proven, that excuse flies out the window. I expect kids to know they shouldn't steal by the age of, oh, four or five. And if he wrestled with the security guard as has been reported, I expect kids to know by 10 or 11 that it's a stupid thing to do.

So Royce is going to have to earn support from this fan and (I suspect) a lot of other fans. That's not a matter of doing well on the court as much as it is by doing well in the community. Harder to demonstrate but he's lost a lot of ground with this latest reported escapade and the burden is on him, IMO.


Both sides are correct imo. This is not an incident which merits dismissal from the team and at the same time he is on the road to ruin with his well chronicled pattern of poor behavior, poor sportsmanship and lack of respect for others.



Well said gentlemen!!

[SelectionSunday]

I suspect if Royce is playing by the time the Big 10 season rolls around, opposing student sections will make sure he's very familiar with 3 letters in the alphabet. ... "M" "O" "A".

[MinnesotaBoiler99]

Thank you. "Lack of respect for others" was the point of my post. I have nothing against a kid who has hometown pride. Afterall, this is University of Minnesota not University of Tubby or White. Several years ago when I was at Purdue, Joe Tiller gave a really bad reference for one of his TEs. It was during Breese era if I remember correctly. This guy did not get drafted in NFL because of that. Knowing this guy's past, do you really think that he had several options other than U of M? I am not sure if he could get so many good references.

#89 Tiiiiiiiiimmmm Stratton

[howeda7]

"I promise I won't boo the kid when he comes on the court but right now I'm at best neutral on the kid. And, if he's convicted of this charge, I'm not going to be a supporter even if he scores and plays like the next Michael Jordan. He's made some major errors in judgement in the past that can be partially explained by youthful stupidity. If the shoplifting charge is proven, that excuse flies out the window. I expect kids to know they shouldn't steal by the age of, oh, four or five. And if he wrestled with the security guard as has been reported, I expect kids to know by 10 or 11 that it's a stupid thing to do.

"So Royce is going to have to earn support from this fan and (I suspect) a lot of other fans. That's not a matter of doing well on the court as much as it is by doing well in the community. Harder to demonstrate but he's lost a lot of ground with this latest reported escapade and the burden is on him, IMO."

As Fonzie would say, "Perfectamundo." Well said, Rick. My feelings exactly.

My personal opinion is the suspension should be at absolute bare minimum 9 games (roughly 28% of the games). That would sit his butt down on the bench through at least the Miami game. However, I expect it to be longer than that and would fully support it if he's suspended for the season (and no, this isn't an over-reaction, past actions do matter to me). Truth is, I'll be disappointed if he sees the court anytime before or during the 76 Classic/Miami.

The last thing I want to see happen is for him to come back for a few cupcake games in December, then become academically ineligible after the Fall Semester and give the U more bad pub. Given his past, that seems entirely too likely. Therefore, I wouldn't let him back until he's academically cleared for second semester. Either make that the stipulation, or just make the suspension long enough that you will know his status by that point. Basically, keep your head down, don't screw up, go to class and we'll see you next semester. Otherwise, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Rotundo]

Suspending him for the entire season would be just fine by me. It sounds like he was not a very good member of the University society before this incident (expelled from 2 dorms?) and of course he came here with a lot of baggage (expulsion from high school for cheating). Joel Maturi and Tubby also need to consider the risk this toxic person posses to the team. Perhaps we should consider ourselves lucky that the only humiliation Royce White has brought to the University of Minnesota is limited to cheating, theft and assault. If we allow him to stay it could be much worse. He is who he is.

[Section201]

The last thing I want to see happen is for him to come back for a few cupcake games in December, then become academically ineligible after the Fall Semester and give the U more bad pub. Given his past, that seems entirely too likely. Therefore, I wouldn't let him back until he's academically cleared for second semester. Either make that the stipulation, or just make the suspension long enough that you will know his status by that point. Basically, keep your head down, don't screw up, go to class and we'll see you next semester. Otherwise, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

If found guilty I agree. I would also like to see community service. Royce needs to prove he wants to be on the team and at the U.

[Mikie S]

As a guy who had a small business I can tell you that shop lifting hit me personally.

And for every shoplifter caught, there were 20-50 that aren't. So was this the first time White shoplifted ... or the 20th?

A two to six game suspension would be a total joke. White has let his coach, teammates ,the university and it's fan base down. I can't wait to see the quote his grandfather will now make about him being a "good" kid.

The sad thing is that if you, deservedly, bounce White from the team, as a talented basketball player he just changes schools without too much fuss. What did he learn from being kicked out of DeLaSalle and ending up on a state championship team as punishment?

[SelectionSunday]

In response to the title of this thread, I'm more inclined to throw my "support" at the guys who'll actually be playing tomorrow night. They'll get my full support, as it appears (as far as we know) their university, coaches and teammates are important enough to them to keep their noses clean on and off the court.

[Mikie S]

Suspending him for the entire season would be just fine by me. It sounds like he was not a very good member of the University society before this incident (expelled from 2 dorms?) and of course he came here with a lot of baggage (expulsion from high school for cheating). Joel Maturi and Tubby also need to consider the risk this toxic person posses to the team. Perhaps we should consider ourselves lucky that the only humiliation Royce White has brought to the University of Minnesota is limited to cheating, theft and assault. If we allow him to stay it could be much worse. He is who he is.
Wait...what is this?

I haven't seen any other reference to his being expelled from two dorms. Please clarify.

[Dr.Don]

GopherRicky...you started this thread with these words...""I can't believe the fools who want to kick Royce off the team "". You are new here, and already calling people that express their opinions which are different from yours, "fools". Tread more carefully, Ricky Ticky Ringbone.

[figi]

As a guy who had a small business I can tell you that shop lifting hit me personally.

And for every shoplifter caught, there were 20-50 that aren't. So was this the first time White shoplifted ... or the 20th?

A two to six game suspension would be a total joke. White has let his coach, teammates ,the university and it's fan base down. I can't wait to see the quote his grandfather will now make about him being a "good" kid.

The sad thing is that if you, deservedly, bounce White from the team, as a talented basketball player he just changes schools without too much fuss. What did he learn from being kicked out of DeLaSalle and ending up on a state championship team as punishment?

Very true. DeLaSalle tried to teach Royce a lesson after repeated infractions. As you say, he is rewarded with a state championship. I might add, he is also given a scholarship to the U of M. At that time I felt the University should have sopported DeLaSalle's decision. Royce promises Tubby he will clean up his act and be a credit to the program. Instead he throws he promise back in Tubby's face and disgraces the program. Royce shows his word is no good. He shows he has no respect for others by being disruptive in his dorm. Now we find he is a arrested for theft and assault.

It seems harsh to me to oust him from the program at this time. After all, I think the U of M has excepted some responsibility for him and for trying to alter his behavior. But, he has to pay a price now. I'm sure Tubby will handle this fairly.

At some point it has to be decided if Royce's welfare can be salvaged or is it time to think about the integrity of the program.

[melbo]

I remember the day when the only court that was talked about was a basketball court. I don,t know what has happened but every school seems to have it,s share of off court trouble. I sure do miss those days.

[The-Real-Truth]

I remember the day when the only court that was talked about was a basketball court. I don,t know what has happened but every school seems to have it,s share of off court trouble. I sure do miss those days.

True. I am thinking that Tubby may go to NBA if he keeps getting screwed by these young and foolish kids. Tubby has let a few troubled kids go in the past. He also let one stay. His name was Camara (not sure about spelling). He had a DUI in his record but ended up to be a good player. I remember him being pushed by Tubby in one game out of frustration. Camera was right on him. He turned around and gave Tubby a stare and walked away. For some reason, that was it. He became a much better player after that. It could have easily gone the other way if Camara reacted differently. Lets hope that Tubby did his push on White in practice.

[royal]

Are you people kidding me, if you brought this kid into your home and provided him with everything he needed and you found out he was no more than a common thief, you would just say well don't go to the mall and try to say out of trouble and it will all blow over, everything will be fine.
It's not like this kid doesn't have history. I'm sorry hes out for a year just for the ill wind he has brought onto the U of M and the BB team. If he stays out of trouble and comes back next year, maybe I take him back on conditions.
I agree that you need to earn a chance to get a full ride, not just be good enough.

[EverTheSkeptic]

Episodes like the ones these youn men (White and Mbwake, possibly Bostic - I don't know the details on his suspension), assuming that the allegations are true, are troubling to me for two reasons. First, they are showing no appreciation or gratitude for what they have - great basketball talent, a free education, the opportunity to play with great teammates and a great coach. Second, their behavior is inexcusable. I expect my 8-year-old grandson to not steal or hurt anyone else, and he complys. Surely these young men can behave as well as an 8-year-old.
I do believe in second chances, but these players have broken a bond of trust with and must earn another chance. For what it's worth, I know young people make mistakes, but most are able to get through college without getting into the kind of trouble these young men are in. I did, and so did all of my teammates.

I would also like to recognize the other players and commend them for staying out of trouble and doing at least as much school work as is needed to stay eligible. I hope that they have a great season.

[GraniteCityGopher]

It's not as if this were an incident of innocence - I didn't know my body would react to alcohol that way. No, the charges relate to a collapse of consciousness, or a meltdown in morailty, I want that, I'll take that!

It's not a "couple of misdemeanors" its a complete lack of social orientation, or even socialization. It's me above them.

This young man doesn't have the social awareness demanded of a college freshman. Jettison this cancer before it attaches to the team.

[JohnnyGopher]

I am with Selection on this one, 10-15 games minimum. He needs to start to realize that these stupid things he does have consequences. Bostick on the other hand will be much less as his deal isn't nearly as serious and doesn't involve the law.

[Slim Tubby]

Both sides are correct imo. This is not an incident which merits dismissal from the team and at the same time he is on the road to ruin with his well chronicled pattern of poor behavior, poor sportsmanship and lack of respect for others.

Amen, brother....couldn't have stated this situation better. I want a winning program as badly as anyone but I also want players on the team that I can be proud of.

[akgopher]

It's safe to assume that Coach Smith has likely dealt with similar kids and issues during his career. It's a nice perk in having an experienced head coach. He's earned the credibility to use his gut on this one. I imagine there are going to be some serious conditions to his return to the team, and I don't know if I'd give him 50% odds of meeting them for the next four years. Too bad because he's got the skills to be the best forward since Willie Burton, and become a player we remember for a long time. I had an interaction with him this past summer that he initiated on his own with my son. It was a really nice gesture that you wouldn't expect from a marquee player that went unnoticed by everyone but the three of us. It's too bad that he's sabotaging his own career.

[Friend Of Tubby]

It's safe to assume that Coach Smith has likely dealt with similar kids and issues during his career. It's a nice perk in having an experienced head coach. He's earned the credibility to use his gut on this one. I imagine there are going to be some serious conditions to his return to the team, and I don't know if I'd give him 50% odds of meeting them for the next four years. Too bad because he's got the skills to be the best forward since Willie Burton, and become a player we remember for a long time. I had an interaction with him this past summer that he initiated on his own with my son. It was a really nice gesture that you wouldn't expect from a marquee player that went unnoticed by everyone but the three of us. It's too bad that he's sabotaging his own career.

Jason Parker. Adam Chiles. Erik Daniels. Gerald Fitch. Cory Sears. Jules Camara. Desmond Allison. Myron Anthony. All were suspended for a period of time (up to a year) by Tubby at UK.

All did really dumb things. Parker, Chiles, Sears, Anthony continued to do dumb things at their next school.

[Friend Of Tubby]

I am with Selection on this one, 10-15 games minimum. He needs to start to realize that these stupid things he does have consequences. Bostick on the other hand will be much less as his deal isn't nearly as serious and doesn't involve the law.

Tubby said (up to) 20 games. Don't be surprised if he meant it.

[Slim Tubby]

One year for Royce....period. Some players need a redshirt to develop physically. Apparently Royce could use that year to develop socially and emotionally. He is in dire need of a serious intervention and I do truly care about him as a person - not basketball player - to get his life on track even if he never plays a game in a Gopher uniform.

[GopherHomer]

I think some people are being a little harsh here...this could very well be the only year Royce plays college basketball. If you're going to suspend him for 20 games, you might as well kick him off the team. If the NCAA is not going to step in and bar him from playing, just give him a token slap on the wrist of 3-5 games and move on. Tubby's got to worry about winning basketball games and White needs to be ready for the big ten season. This is basketball not a morality contest...the season will be defined by wins and losses not by the quality of men we put on the court. Youth sports and high school are the place for symbolism not the big business of division one basketball. I wonder if the incident will be on the mall cops show featuring the MOA security guards...that would definitely be a must see.

[Slim Tubby]

Couldn't disagree more...if he truly is "one and done" then take the baggage elsewhere. Sorry to be harsh but why would we take the "stain" for a player that will only be here one year? (Assuming he is ACTUALLY guilty)

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Unrelated-

I'm still wondering about the Bostick suspension. I'm going to throw out a theory for fun.

Could it be that Bostick was assigned to White as a senior/freshman mentor type of thing?


If by "assigned to White" you mean 'marijuana' (?) and by "mentor" you mean a 'philly blunt' (?) then I think you nailed it. :D

[Costa Rican Gopher]

"The last thing I want to see happen is for him to come back for a few cupcake games in December, then become academically ineligible after the Fall Semester and give the U more bad pub. Given his past, that seems entirely too likely. Therefore, I wouldn't let him back until he's academically cleared for second semester."

Making sure he's going to be solid for second semester makes a lot of sense partner.

[SelectionSunday]

"If the NCAA is not going to step in and bar him from playing. ..."

Again, this has NOTHING TO DO with the NCAA. This is a university/team issue. There's nothing for the NCAA to rule on. We're not talking about NCAA violations. There's a huge difference.

[GopherHomer]

My point exactly Selection...I completely respect the point of view of yours and others of wanting to protect the 'image' of the University. I can see where you're coming from, I just happen to not care about the perceived purity. It's an imaginary construct. As long as we're are not breaking NCAA rules, I want victories and I want the most talent on the floor as possible...which includes Royce. I've known people in the real world who have gotten felonies and not lost their job, and I don't think they were as essential to the success of their business as Royce is to this business. We're not asking Royce to teach an ethics class, we're asking him to score points and rebound.

[SelectionSunday]

Fair enough.

Believe me, I'm very well aware that major college athletics and the word "purity" quite often don't go hand in hand. To some extent, anyone involved in major college athletics -- and I'm speaking most specifically about football and men's basketball -- has to sell at least a small part of their soul. As a fan I accept that and know the deal when I watch college basketball. If I don't accept it, there's no way I could enjoy what goes on on the court/field.

It is during times like the last few days where I remind myself that despite the news in the papers, there are a lot more good people (coaches, players, administrators) involved in athletics than bad. We just don't hear about them much.

But it's the knuckleheads who can't even wait until their first official practice to get in (to more) trouble for whom I have no patience. I can't fathom how a kid already on a short leash 3 days before the start of his first collegiate season wakes up, gets out of bed, and thinks to himself, "What am I going to do today? I think I'm going to go to the MOA, shoplift and then assault a mall cop. Maybe I'll get away with it."

[GopherHomer]

One thing we can all agree on is that it is frustrating...