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Julian Wright carried a brand-new Spalding basketball everywhere Monday - around his Jayhawker Towers apartment, on campus, as well as in Allen Fieldhouse.
"I've been working out with it, walking around with it, getting a feel for it," Wright, the Jayhawks' sophomore forward, said referring to the NBA ball, which is a tad different from the Wilson ball he used during his short college career.
"My hands tend to get slick. This ball seems to help with my grip," he added.
Wright - who declared for the NBA Draft on April 9 with full intention of hiring an agent - hopes fans soon come to grips with his decision to leave KU after two years.
He has been a bit depressed by the reaction of students around campus and folks who see him downtown.
"I don't read minds, but I do read vibrations pretty well," Wright said. "It seems I'm looked at as a player who has done something wrong.
"I can understand a lot of people not agreeing with it," the Chicagoan said of his decision. "But now that everybody has thought about it and now with Brandon (Rush) leaving, I sense everybody is being mad. I sense a lot of people look at you in a different way, look down on you.
"I try to be a positive influence and uplift everyone. To feel the opposite come toward me is kind of unusual. That's something I have to get used to. If I have to get used to it, I will."
Wright said "even if people come up to me and congratulate me it feels like it's half-hearted. Don't say something if it's not how you genuinely feel. I'm not saying I don't want people to come up to speak to me. I feel I'm always approachable. That's probably why they come up to me.
"People who aren't as close to you as family say things you'd rather not hear. I realize it's the world I'm about to live in."
Some are upset Wright told the media after KU's season-ending loss to UCLA that he'd definitely be back for year No. 3.
"After the last game of the season, a loss, the last thing I'm worrying about is the NBA. It's your last loss and I wasn't thinking about that," Wright said, admitting he erred when "somebody asked me if I was 100 percent sure. I said, 'Yeah I'm coming back.' It was like I'd been defending myself. I said, 'OK I'm 100 percent sure.'"
Julian Wright and Brandon Rush.
As far as saying in the preseason and in the regular season he would not be entering the 2007 draft, Wright explained: "I definitely thought I'd be back at that time. It's doing a disservice to the team to think about the NBA during the season. You don't want teammates messing with chemistry during the season to even give a hint you are thinking about the NBA.
"Nobody who plays here thinks about the NBA during the season. I think this place is so special even in the future I don't think there will be players talking about the NBA during the season. They talk about running through the (fieldhouse) tunnel, how special it is. The players that come here are thankful to be here and thinking about the games."
Wright stressed his leaving does not mean he dislikes the school, the coaches or his teammates.
On the contrary, he says he loves everything about Mt. Oread.
It's just time to take his game to the next level.
"I put a lot of thought into it. I feel I made the best decision for me and my family. It's hard to put into words," Wright said.
"I appreciate everyone's support during my two years here. I want people to know I will definitely represent KU the best way I can in the NBA. I hope they know I want to come back here all the time and show my appreciation as well."
As far as his immediate future, Wright - who expects to have an agent in place well in advance of the pre-draft camp in Orlando, Fla., (May 29-June 1), in which he will take physicals and tests, but not play in camp games - said he will finish semester classes and final exams, then be busy the month of June working out for NBA teams.
He plans on returning to Lawrence in July, however, and to continue mapping out a plan to finish his 40 hours for a college degree.
"I want to be here," said Wright, who is expected to be a lottery pick (top 14) in the June 18 draft, "but I've got to be smart. It's business now. How I play in the workouts for teams will be important for the draft. After next year I'll be back in the summer (for Bill Self's campers pick-up game) for sure."
Comments
jaybate (anonymous) says...
Julian, whether he intends to or not, makes it pretty clear. During basketball season at KU, if you're thinking about the L, you don't talk about it.
What can we learn from what Julian says?
Believe nothing an NBA caliber college player says during the season, or after the last game, about staying in school. Players understand its not diplomatic to talk about the L during the season.
Out of the mouths of babes...
May 1, 2007 at 6:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JHWKNMIZRY (anonymous) says...
It seems to me you go to school to get a better life. I think they should do what's best for them.
As long as the NBA takes 19 yr olds I hope we will always have a fresh supply for them. I wish these guys well , but I sure hate to see them go.
May 1, 2007 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sanity (anonymous) says...
Oh Julian,
Listen to yourself. You love the School. "This is where I want to be." Yet, you move on. Anything about that sound half hearted or less than the whole truth?
"It's business" you say. "Time to move on." Anything about that suggest that your love for your experience here is still the love of your life, the top of your pedestal? Anything sound half hearted?
You see Julian, you have been adorned atop fans' pedestals for two years. You deficiencies were accepted, your errors minimized, and your contributions revered. Face it, you have been worshiped. You did your part. Humble, accessible, studious, appreciative, and in every way worthy of the relationship you had with fans.
The truth, however, is that love is not what you place first. You are offered two more years here atop the same pedestal that you enjoyed. Your response is thanks, but no thanks. You'll be moving on. Yet you act surprised that when fans congratulate you, they somehow sound half hearted.
Fans move on too.
Worship is what you got for what you did for them when they gave you the opportunity. Congratulations is what you get when you say that opportunity isn't worthy of your efforts anymore. Someone else will win their hearts. Surely you cannot think that is anything but normal. The University and fan base did not rescind their offers for opportunity and adulation. Once you turn them down, they give their love to another. Half hearted? No, just friends now. Perhaps like friendly business acquaintances, exactly what you asked for.
Congratulations, Julian. I wish you well. I understand that with Rush on the team, that you were VERY unlikely to see time to develop at small forward. You made a business decision because our offer was not enough to meet your needs. If you want the adulation atop the jayhawk pedestal, ask coach Self if you can play the three next year. Rush moved on, and you can beat out Brady and Rod to be one of the top four smalls on the team. That is 30 minutes a game against opponents more beatable than those you will learn against from the million dollar pine of the NBA.
If you want total love, give love another chance. The offer is on the table and the pot was sweetened for you. Whining about life beside the pedestal from your business relationship, won't win you sympathy or understanding from business acquaintances.
Best wishes, but be real.
May 1, 2007 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doolindalton (anonymous) says...
Leave them alone. They are both gone. Look forward to Cole Aldrich and Tyrel Reed. They represent the future of KU basketball.
May 1, 2007 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kujayhawk (anonymous) says...
JW seems like a good kid. Everyone "looking down on you" would make the same decision you made if given the opportunity.
May 1, 2007 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yates33333 (anonymous) says...
Grow up, you're no longer a school boy. Take it like a man. You will have to from now on. Only you will know what is good for you. The rest are just as self-centered. They want KU to win and think you can make the team win. KU will win with or without you. So do what you think best and keep quiet.
May 1, 2007 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fljayhawk (anonymous) says...
They may not be gone. I've been saying for weeks wait until the European players start popping up and once they do watch Julian and Brandon start sliding down the draft ladder.
May 1, 2007 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jayhawkinatl (anonymous) says...
I will be the first to admit that the early departures of Julian and Brandon (not necessarily a definite one) stung a bit. But move on people!!!! I'm grateful for the things that both have done while at KU. I wish both the best of luck on the next level and hope they represent KU well!!!!!
May 1, 2007 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tis4tim (anonymous) says...
fljayhawk-
I've been waiting for an opportunity to say this and you gave me the segue...
I think the best thing that will happen for the college game is David Stern's desire to infiltrate the globe with the NBA. Making it a truly global game will, I think, cause many more kids to stay all four years. I mean, you can't add whole numbers to the draft board, unless you go with integers in the draft. (and now with the 1.5th pick in the draft the Phoenix Suns select...)
Just a thought. Sadly, there will probably also be a lot more employees at Price Chopper meat counters with a 36" vertical leap too.
May 1, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
legolas1996 (anonymous) says...
Not that I'm saying that Julian shouldn't be disappointed at the fans' negative reaction at him leaving, but he needs to give them a little slack. This is the first time in school history that an underclassman is leaving early to go to the NBA. And I can count on one how many KU players have left early to go to the NBA in school history. This type of thing just doesnt happen at KU. And for two underclassman to go early. Hell must have frozen over. Julian and Brandon should have expected this. They wandered into unchartered territory. The fans dont know how to react because they have never experienced this before. KU fans will come around guys, just give us time.
May 1, 2007 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pilot100 (anonymous) says...
Look people if you are in the top 15 of the draft you would be a damn fool to turn
down the opportunity for a guaranteed two year million plus contract.. Oh how many of you after graduation are guaranteed a
million dollar a year job?
May 1, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newsreader (anonymous) says...
When I got a job right out of college nobody came up to me and congratulated me, stop being a baby
May 1, 2007 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmyers (anonymous) says...
Listen, everybody needs to chill out. You tell me that if your options were to go make millions of dollars in a few months or to continue doing what you're doing, you wouldn't go make millions of dollars. Sure, we're all disappointed that they're leaving, but its for our own selfish reasons. It's in Julian's best interest (if maybe not Brandon's) to leave now, so why wouldn't he? Don't be so emotional about it.
May 1, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
Nobody is saying anything about making millions of dollars. Stop using that as a crutch.
Julian can't even say that the responses he's been getting are actually bad... just a vibe he's getting. Quit deriding people for offering their 'congratulations.' Just silly~
Here's the scoop. Nobody is happy that Julian is leaving early. Some people will try to be magnanimous and say 'thank you' and 'good luck' because they mean it but they aren't happy he's leaving early.
Julian is actually getting it pretty easy. People are still courteous and polite (as they should be) but don't expect much more than that. If he gets a genuine and heartfelt 'wa-hoo for you' then great. If not, don't whine about it. The fans are still being grateful... just not adoring. So?
Get over it. Julian is going to have to deal with people that aren't pleased with his decision yet still offer him kindness. Oh, the vibes are so painful. Come on!
May 1, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzifrye (anonymous) says...
You know what JuJu don't pay attention to what people say about you, you know what you are about. I'm not going to say I was happy to hear you were going pro, but it's your life and you have to live for you. I hope you become the best NBA player you can be, and remember never stop being you!
May 1, 2007 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lalawguy (anonymous) says...
I think the problem is that Julian said he was 100% sure he was staying, and then he bolts. We all thought he was sticking around. I know he's young and he meant no harm, so I forgive him for going back on his word. However, I just hope future players take this to heart. You don't have to say whether you are staying or going the second your season ends, but don't EVER promise to stay. Just say that you are going to talk about it with your family and your coach and that you will make your decision in good time.
All that being said, I will be rooting for Julian wherever he goes. Best of luck, Julian!
Also, congratulations to Kirk Hinrich and his team for sweeping the defending NBA champion!
May 1, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palewhale (anonymous) says...
Please read what JayCeph wrote and move on. He is right on!
If I have a valued employee leave for a huge promotion at another company I'm not going to be jumping up and down for joy. The "vibe" will be disappointment (in my situation) but still happy for them personally.
JW needs to get a little thicker skin, life (and especially the NBA) isn't going to go out of its way to make someone "feel good". Like you said JW, it's a business now.
I'll definitly be cheering you on at the next level, as I do all Jayhawks.
May 1, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...
Scott Novosel, a walk-on from Leawood KS in the mid-nineties, is making a movie about his experience as a Jayhawk. Take a look at this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0p69M...
Considering the general feeling these days, I thought it poignant to give you all a look at what someone long-removed from playing at KU still thinks about what it MEANS to be a jayhawk.
May 1, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
I agree with JayCeph, too. Even his teammates say Julian doesn't know when to shut up. If he wants everyone to love him, then being a man of his word would help immensly. In the end, all we have is our integrity, and if what comes out of your mouth isn't always the truth, then why talk? This is exactly what he is saying about fans that are being cordial towards him.
Julian needs to practice what he preaches. I like Julian a lot and I hope he turns into a force. But he definately needs to learn the value of silence. His whole line of thinking about "unspoken vibes" doesn't add up. Are people not gleeful enough when they wish him well? He shouldn't be dissappointed that fans are dissappointed. How on earth could someone NOT see that coming? KU is NOT the place to come if you don't want to dissappoint fans when you leave real early. You come to a school for it's tradition, the fans and the expectations, yet by leaving early (without winning it all), you know you are putting a speed-bump in that "tradition", and you don't want people to be dissappointed? It's just being very unrealistic.
Good luck Julian. I'm dissappointed for KU, but happy for you. That's honestly how I feel.
May 1, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
97jhawk (anonymous) says...
He shouldn't act so surprised. I mean c'mon, this is KU basketball we're talking about. We take hoops a heck of a lot more serious than most DI schools. He should've expected it. Not sure why he is so surprised. I mean didn't you ever hear how fans reacted when good boy Roy left? What happened to good guys like Hinrich and Collison that stick around for a while and want something from this level of game before moving on. It's all about the benjamins. Don't give me that bull about "taking the game to the next level" crap. Such BS. Just keep it real. If it don't make dollaz it don't make sense.....that should be JW and BR's quote from now on.
May 1, 2007 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fivemog (anonymous) says...
Come on people, we're not jilted lovers we are jayhawks!!! And so is Julian, I don't like him any less than, Hinrich, Pierce, LaFrentz, Gooden or Manning. Jesus we sound like a bunch of Missouri bitches. Of course we'd be better with him, but it doesn't make him any less of a Jayhawk.
If you loved him yesterday (in season), you should love him tomorrow. Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk (unless of course you transfer).
Have a great day and good luck Julian, your NBA team will be one of the few I care about.
May 1, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...
Hinrich and Collison understood what it meant to have "KANSAS" across their chest. Apparently there aren't too many elite players left out there that give a crap about loyalty and commitment to a school.
May 1, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fisheyes (anonymous) says...
for those of you who are 'mad' at Julian or Brandon (who are kids remember): get a life! (you sound bitter for having no athletic talent). If you want to be upset with someone, then take your anger out on the rich, sleazy NBA scouts, agents, presidents, etc that pluck these young kids out of school - then if they aren't worth the investment, leave them out in the cold. This probably won't happen to these two (hopefully) but for many, many others it does. Are you 'mad' at these kids who have failed? Will you still be 'hurt' by Julian and Brandon if this happens? I'm just saying, people should direct their anger toward the NBA system instead of hard working players.
May 1, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Well I'll admit this much: we Kansans fans aren't used to having underclassmen bolt.
Two in one year? Definitely new territory. I understand why some might feel spurned. Nevertheless there is no fault or blame to be placed here. More than that, these defections are a sign of the times in college basketball. While I still think both Julian and Brandon are coming out "half-baked", I can not and will not fault them for making decisions as regards their future.
When in the annals of your program you lose players the likes of which Kansas has lost, there must be something else keeping the program afloat. Kansas basketball is many times larger than Julian and Brandon, and we will go on.
Kansas will survive. Our society will continue as normal. Work will go on. You will pay your bills. There will be no hoarding. There will be no sudden profiteering. I'm freezing all wages, all prices. What a bottle of water cost you yesterday... it will cost you tomorrow. Now, I can promise you this, all of you:everyone in this room and everyone listening to my voice, that at some point over the next few months, all of us will entertain our worst fears and concerns. But I can also promise you this. Life will go on.
May 1, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mariofan11 (anonymous) says...
I don't think I will be rooting for Julian in the League. I dont understand how a guy with no jump shot and the inconsistency that JW displays is a potential top 10 NBA pick. Crazy. Oh well. See ya Julian!
May 1, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fabio (anonymous) says...
Maybe we should bake Julian some cookies to show how happy we are for him. I bet he would feel better then.
May 1, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
techa (anonymous) says...
Julian has the chance to learn a very important lesson, one that Roy Williams only learned when he was many years older:
Most decent people don't begrudge someone a great opportunity, or even the right to make a questionable decision. However, people feel jilted when someone says one thing and then does another -- and they should. It means they thought well of the person, and thought they were as good as their word.
I still believe that Julian and Roy are good guys, but how can one not think a bit less of them for not being true to their promises? Many people lie (even to themselves), but everyone, in their hearts, knows it is wrong. Once choices are made, the facts are not changeable to fit how someone wants to think of themselves.
Julian should be given room to make mistakes (and in this case the mistake was making a promise that may be unwise to keep).
I wish Julian the best.
May 1, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
techa, nice point.
May 1, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
techa, oops!
You forgot Larry Brown.
May 1, 2007 at 1:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spawn3jayhawks (anonymous) says...
Oh boo hoo!!! Get over yourselves. It's a kid who wanted to play professional basketball. Operative word here, kid. He changed his mind about playing in college for 3-4 years, so what? For those of you who say this is new territory, you really are a jaded group of whiners and why don't you start reading up on KU basketball history instead of perpetuating the uninformed "fan" and saying "we're not used to this".
Pekka, didn't come back, Ben Davis, transferred, Paul Pierce, left early, Darrin Hancock, left early, and of course who could forget the most celebrated KU Jayhawk Wilt. Good grief people, let it go and get off his back. I don't remember this much crap when Galindo and Padget transferred and what's worse, watching a kind go pro or watching a kid go to another college. "Jilted", geez. KU is storied program that will be recruiting the best players in the country. Some will leave before they finish their eligibility, it happens. You know Juju could have said simply, "I don't give a (beep) about the NBA at this time." Would you have felt any better then?
May 1, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scmitchem (anonymous) says...
Just leave the young man alone.
May 1, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
legolas1996 (anonymous) says...
Hey Spawn, Darrin Hancock was only here for one year. I believe he transferred. Its not like he was that valuable anyways. All he could was throw down some thunderous dunks. And that was before he got goggles. And then he was just worthless.
But I dont think that you should criticize us for saying that we are not used to it because we are not. So please shut it and let us fume!
May 1, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
legolas1996 (anonymous) says...
I dont see Julian going in the first round. I see him going in the early to mid second round.
May 1, 2007 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzifrye (anonymous) says...
I agree with fivemog you guys do sound like a bunch of sour puss cry baby Missouri fans.
May 1, 2007 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fabio (anonymous) says...
spawn3jayhawks-I forgot about Pekka leaving early. Do you remember what his reason was?
May 1, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
legolas1996 (anonymous) says...
I think Pekka left because of health reasons if I remember right.
May 1, 2007 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
suzifrye, be as supportive as you want, this article is about JUJU bitching and whining, not us fans. He's criticizing people for wishing him well? He said he'd definately be back because he was emotional after a loss. He's permitted to change his mind, just as people are permitted to say he's not a man of his word.
He's right, it's his decision, and he said something he was feeling, but should have probably just kept quiet, because now he can't criticize someone for thinking he's not a man of his word. They are right, too. How I was raised, you don't make promises you don't intend to keep, because you don't want to ever come across as someone who doesn't value that.
All I'm saying is, it's not his place to bitch about how other people FEEL. They are being kind enough to wish him well, he needs to stop over-thinking it and just say "thank you" and go work on his jump shot.
May 1, 2007 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
Lebowski, truer words were never spoke.
May 1, 2007 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
legolas1996 (anonymous) says...
Lebowski- Amen!! The smartest comment yet.
May 1, 2007 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
countryjayhawk (anonymous) says...
I agree with the poster that said where have the players like Hinrich and Collison gone? I belive they both stayed behind when they could have gone pro, but they got better, and improved their game, and I believe Mr. Hinrich just swept D'Wade and Shaq. This is why I dislike the NBA, all this mock draft stuff is crazy.
May 1, 2007 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RonBurgandy (anonymous) says...
Please stop saying "whiner" it is really getting old. Also, not every person would take the money, so don't say it is a given that if anyone was offered millions they would leave whatever they were doing. Not everyone is money-focused.
I don't care about the NBA all that much, it is good to hear about former KU players doing well, but I don't watch the games. Once they are done at KU, I wish them well, but I don't really enjoy watching professional basketball.
"Nobody who plays here thinks about the NBA during the season. I think this place is so special even in the future I don't think there will be players talking about the NBA during the season. They talk about running through the (fieldhouse) tunnel, how special it is. The players that come here are thankful to be here and thinking about the games."~J.W.
"He admitted his performance during his sophomore season - which included his emergence as a defensive stopper - had him leaning toward entering the draft for months." ~B.R. article on ljworld.com.
Seems somewhat contradictory.
May 1, 2007 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
logicsound04 (anonymous) says...
Well, I thought Julian's GAME was the area in which he most needed to mature and improve before beginning his NBA career. I can now see that his game AND attitude have some maturing to do.
Julian,
I am intellectually happy that you have this great opportunity and that you will be a star at the next level. However, my true feelings are that you don't see KU as anything more than a means to an end. You are insanely naive for expecting fans not to be dissappointed, and you are a bit of a jerk for getting upset at fans who are taking the time to try and wish you well even when they may not be too excited about your leaving in the first place.
May 1, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kirk (anonymous) says...
I'd be happier if Julian's attitude resembled Brandon's ("Peace out, b!tch") -- but it does not.
He is "bummed". Of course. He KNOWS he's pressured to bolt prematurely -- the money is right there -- and dis his team. And basically miss out on all the fun.
These guys face some tough decisions. Well, Rush doesn't care -- but Julian actually does, at the moment.
May 1, 2007 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nick1421J (anonymous) says...
Julian, you should be bummed. Your leaving the premire college basketball program in the nation. Your bolting out two years early. It would be no big deal but you lied. Work on that jumper Julian, you'll need it. And good luck playing against hinrich, he stayed all four years, imagine how good you could have been
May 1, 2007 at 8:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CO_JHawk (anonymous) says...
All of you so called fans that give Ju a hard time about this need to leave the kid alone. He made a choice that 99% of us, who never had that choice, would make. Choosing to leave doesn't mean Julian loves KU less, just that this is the best thing for him.
All that said, Julian you need to remember that you are well loved by KU fans. And that we will miss you, and because of that we are disappointed. Some of us disappointed in you for leaving, and some others just disappointed that we won't get to see you in a KU uniform again.
I understand why you are going, I know I would do the same thing if I were in the same situation. Good luck to you. See you on Sportscenter! :)
May 1, 2007 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ralsterKUMed95 (anonymous) says...
My thought is some of the intensity of the reaction by some KU fans is fueled by the "going back on his word" sentiment created by Ju himself by saying "100%" sure he was coming back. Among other things, people in the spotlight speaking to the media will quickly learn to NOT make absolute statements. Soundbites will kill ya'! No one likes being lied to, and that is how some will choose to take Ju's statement. Sure he was a good player for KU, but players have been coming/going for our whole storied history. He is catching some heat because he acted contrary to his statement. If he remembered some history, he could've at least made it entertaining by saying (after UCLA loss): "...Read My Lips: Im coming back 100%. I dont give a sh*t 'bout (the NBA)..." What could have been more entertaining for us tax-paying KU fans? (haha)
May 1, 2007 at 11:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jaybate (anonymous) says...
I rarely part with JRoss1972, and even here its only in a small way.
jross1972 says players leaving early is new country for KU fans. Recently perhaps, if you ignore Paul Pierce.
But in this issue of early departures, KU is once again the mothership, the well-spring of it all.
Wilt Chamberlain started all this leave early stuff.
And he did alright, as I recall.
But then he carried a team on his back to the national finals his first season of varsity ball, something Julian and Brandon could not pull off their first or second year playing together.
May 1, 2007 at 11:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcjhawk (Shawn Mansfield) says...
People stop whining! It okay for our basketball players to leave early to go to the NBA. It's not like Julian or Brandon has got an offer to drive the garbage truck back home and is quiting college. Come on, have some perspective. How many of you could realistically get a job paying the NBA minimum after two years of college? Those people could discuss the merits of staying one or two more years.
If you want basketball players who stay for 4 years, go to K-State or Misery. There's a trade-off. Think about it.
Good luck to Julian and Brandon, I wish I had your "problems".
Rock Chalk Jayhawk
May 2, 2007 at 4:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawkman1031 (anonymous) says...
If anyone has anything negative to say about Julian or Brandon, don't. That would be stupid. That would be like telling the next pro-caliber recruit that KU is not a welcome place. So give them all of the love you can. The mindset is that KU is the BEST place for pro-caliber recruits. Look how many players we have in the NBA! That is the big picture. Besides, those comeback wins against Texas were monster wins in my book and made this team special. I sure appreciate these players, whereas there are players who should have been there, contributing, and are not for various reasons. Save the negative for them. Use your grey matter and everything will still turn blue!
May 2, 2007 at 6:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
jaybate...
Maybe I should be more clear. When I say we aren't used to it, I'm not saying it's never happened before. But it has been very rare that we've had players leave early for the NBA. You're right about Pierce and Chamberlain, but it's also true of Gooden and a couple of others. Somebody give me the facts if you have them available, but I don't think we've had more than 4 or 5 players leave early to go to the NBA prior to this season. When you compare early entries from other powerhouse programs in Duke, UNC, Kentucky, etc., my statement has merit: we are reallly NOT used to this.
The "new territory" statement is in reference to TWO early entrants leaving in the same year. I don't believe that has EVER happened before at Kansas. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
May 2, 2007 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
http://www.sportsstats.com/jazzyj/gre...
History of early entrants between 76-02 is given at this site (there are four by my count--Darrin Hancock was not an early entrant by definition, though he applied for early entry he was deemed already eligible).
May 2, 2007 at 7:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:...
"General interest" article on early entry.
May 2, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
I don't compare Pierce to Rush and Wright. Pierce was a model of consistency, a playmaker, and was in Ju's "beast mode" all the time. AND he was a junior, not a sophomore. He was ready, and there was a strong argument to be made that playing another year of college does not have a major impact on his game. I'm sure the same can be said about Wilt. Drew probably could have used another year. But he did play his junior year.
The problem with the comparisons that are being made is, most other guys left as juniors. BR and JW are leaving earlier than we are used to. That's just where the game is at. So many people are staying 1 or 2 years and jumping, that I think some talented players think it makes them look bad stinking around "too long"... like it's not cool or something.
May 2, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Lebo,
I actually agree with your analysis here (though I think we part ways on the attitude we should have toward Julian). You're right about others leaving as juniors and where the game is at today with kids coming out "too soon". Some will say that if high schoolers can come in and be impact players (Lebron, Koby, Garnett...and maybe even Oden and Durant could have as well) that it's hard to make the argument that players cant develop once they get to the NBA. However, these types of statements need to be made on an individual, case-by-case basis and I agree that both Julian and Brandon would have been serviced well by staying another year. Take the case of Joakim Noah and company who decided to return. They lost a year of NBA money for what? A measley college championship and all that damned love and adoration from the fans. I do think those kids played for the love of the game and you can really see it in Noah's exuberance.
I understand all these points about Brandon and Julian not being fully developed yet. Okay, it's true.
Still, I want to see any of Julian's critics have someone wave a multimillion-dollar contract in front of their noses, smelling all that green. None of them knows how he would react in that situation. Furthermore, none of us really know what kind of financial situation Julian and his family are in. The initial statement made by Julian (and by Roy for that matter) should---let me repeat: "SHOULD"--give you a hint into the love he has for Kansas.
Then come all the people whispering in his ears.
Julian knows nothing about the NBA and he's at the mercy of prospective agents' honors (okay you can start laughing) to give him the low-down on how things REALLY work. Temporarily blind to the fact agents are just venomous snakes waiting to get a bite at your wallet, Ju listens as they talk and talk. After all, they "sound" like they know what they're talking about. And as a novice he trusts them, and they're ALL saying the same thing because they all want to represent him and get a cut of his pie.
"GO NOW! It's the best thing for YOU Julian! What if you get hurt, how will you provide for your family? Do you want to take that risk? What if you don't have a good year and your stock goes down? Draft projections have you at such-and-such and your bottom line could suffer in the future. Unfortunately, basketball is more than just a game, it's a business, Julian. It's YOUR business! There's a great crop of college talents ready to have a breakout year and you could slip, not to mention incoming freshmen Mayo, Beasley, (yadda, yadda...). Do you really want to take a chance on hurting your family?" These guys are salesmen, agents are! Julian got sold.
So you're mad at the kid for naivete?
Wrong answer.
Be thankful for what he did. Recognize he's a kid trying to make adult decisions. Wish him well on his way. That is the appropriate thing to do.
May 2, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RonBurgandy (anonymous) says...
Just think if Gooden stayed that last year. What could've been in that Syracuse game.
May 2, 2007 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bowers79 (anonymous) says...
To those of you that always have something negative to say about the players or the coaches, get over yourselves! If you haven't woken up yet & came to the realization that your nothing more than a bully with a screen name, "wake up!" You live in a town that has a very good university & an amazing basketball heritage, that doesn't mean it owes you squat. If you really love Kansas basketball you wouldn't be putting those down who are actually apart of it. Move on, direct your venom towards politics or your front lawn? Please just come to the self realization that your not special even though Kansas basketball makes you feel special. Pick up your wounded little over inflated ego's, leave these kids alone and start behaving like adults. You guys make me sick to my stomach, reading your blogs thinking your an ESPN callober sports writer? That's it, my turn to be attacked.
May 2, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nebraska_jayhawk (anonymous) says...
Bowers- do you really think that deep down that we hate Brandon and Julian? No, we are just frustrated that they left earlier than any other player in KU history, so we dont know how to react except like this. Let us fume for a bit and then we'll get over it. You know this is always how it is. We'll forget about this in a couple of weeks. But let us have our 15 hours of fuming and then we leave them alone. Remember Roy Williams?
May 2, 2007 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
nebraska...
I'll answer. Yes, I think there are those--juvenile as it is--who will have permanent ill-will toward Julian and Brandon. You mention Roy Williams as if there was a period of fuming followed by a whole-hearted embracing of the much-maligned coach. 15 minutes? That was four years ago, and for some "forgiveness" is nowhere in sight...
Such long-standing negative opinions can only mean that this is personal, deeper than the game itself. So you may not call it hatred, but the sentiments wreak of a stench very akin to it.
Now I don't have an axe to grind with anyone here (okay, well...maybe jimjones, APD, and the poster "KU") but my response to you and others of your opinion is to just call a spade a spade. Putting perfume on a skunk doesn't do much to fool anyone. A few weeks from now and for years to come people will be harking back to how Julian sold us out and what not. If you're a dedicated enough fan and your health is adequate, you'll live long enough to see it.
May 2, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heish (anonymous) says...
Hey has Julian gotten an agent yet?
May 2, 2007 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
No one is spitting venom at Julian. There is some disappointment in their eyes but everyone has been kind and courteous and done their part to wish him the best.
Just because they don't agree with his decision or how he handled it doesn't make them 'haters.' Get over it, yourselves. Quit being so damn 'pro-politik' and "get his back, yo." He doesn't need that empty love from people he'll never know.
No one is casting aspersions at JuJu. They all like him. That is why this article and his perception of peoples' pleasantries is so silly. We don't have to like his decision. We don't have to be happy for him. We can continue to wish him the best but that doesn't mean that we need to laude him up one side and down the other. If he wanted that kind of treatment, he should've stayed for another year.
May 2, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcsmith (anonymous) says...
I fully support Mr. Rush and Mr. Wright on their decisions to follow their hearts. There dreams. I will be the first to admit I will miss seeing them come out of that tunnel at the Fieldhouse, with their Kansas jersey's on, but I will also be the first to admit that I am honored to have been able to say, these two talented young men played for the University of Kansas.
People use the excuse of, "This has never happened at KU, losing anyone before their junior year........" But this is exactly that. An excuse. They just do not want to look selfish in saying that they feel we may possibly be a moderate team next year, compared to what we would have been with these two gentlemen still on our roster. Moderate team or not, we are still KU Basketball. With or without Mr. Rush and Mr. Wright, we are still KU Basketball. And we will ALWAYS be ku basketball. Two people do not make up a team. And two people should not discourage any portion of the fan base with decisions regarding advancement of a career.
If you are a true fan, you will approve and respect the decisions that these two fine gentlemen have chosen. You cannot blame them for chasing their dreams. Respect their decisions, honor the fact that they gave us the opportunity to watch them play in our cherished "KANSAS" uniforms, and most of all, stand by these fellow Jayhawks as they venture to bigger and better things. I'm sure having fans support, in a situation as such, makes playing basketball for Kansas University all the more worthwhile.
Now, to speak to Mr. Rush and Mr. Wright directly,
Gentlemen, you may never read this. But if you do. Congratulations and good luck. It has been an honor having you play for the Kansas Jayhawks. Thank you for the 2 years you have givin this University and this community. To some of us, it has been greatly appreciated. Do not let those few disappointed fans get you down, make you second guess your decision. You are only true to yourself by following your hearts. And being true to yourself is what life is all about. You can count on several fans televisions tuning into games, for which ever teams draft you, next year. I, myself, included. I am a true fan. Infact, Mr. Rush, you were my favorite, and I will honor that #25 jersey that hangs in my closet for years to come. Once again, congratulations, gentlemen, on your accomplishments. Keep your heads up. For there are more fans who are honored to have had you on our team then you know. Take this Jayhawk pride with you, and always represent the Jayhawk nation to the best of your ability.
Rock Chalk, Gentlemen. Rock Chalk.
May 2, 2007 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Jayceph,
How about some fairness in the reporting, friend? Nobody is "spitting venom"? No one is casting aspersions? Just a scroll up the posts proves that isn't the case:
"Julian, you should be bummed...Your bolting out two years early. It would be no big deal but you lied. Work on that jumper Julian, you'll need it."
"Well, I thought Julian's GAME was the area in which he most needed to mature and improve before beginning his NBA career. I can now see that his game AND attitude have some maturing to do."
"...this article is about JUJU bitching and...he needs to stop over-thinking it and just say "thank you" and go work on his jump shot."
"Hinrich and Collison understood what it meant to have "KANSAS" across their chest. Apparently there aren't too many elite players left out there that give a crap about loyalty and commitment to a school."
Just a few examples.
Now, either you can agree with these statements or not, I'm not saying they're right or wrong (in this particular post). That is a subject for another time. But for now, you simply can NOT look at these posts and say people aren't spitting venom (as you say) and casting aspersions.
Be fair...
May 2, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nebraska_jayhawk (anonymous) says...
JCsmith- dont put conditions on being a true fan. I dont have to live up to your definition. The last I saw this was a free country and I can feel however I want to feel about them. Being a fan means that you care about what your team does and circumstances that affect a team. Well, this certainly affects KU. I'm not saying that I dont wish them well, I'm just saying that people need to give people time to fume about this and then we will move on. Quit saying that we think they owe us a title or something stupid like that. Just shut it and let us have our moment.
May 2, 2007 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nebraska_jayhawk (anonymous) says...
Jross- thank you for your response. You are right, there might be some people who act like that, but I for one after going to the banquet and seeing Roy Williams apologize I forgave him. And my forgiveness to JuJu and BR will be after the NBA draft.
May 2, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
jross, my comments aren't about the small vocal minority of posters on this message board. They are in direct relation to the actual article and the things that Julian said. Nowhere in the article or in Julian's dealings has there been a record of people being openly vitriolic.
In fact, just the opposite has happened. People have shelved their own personal discontent to extend some form of gratitude and well-intended wishes. They may not be happy about him leaving but at least they are polite to him. For him to wax on about 'bad vibes, man' is just a little self-centered.
Now, to your point of some people on this board being contentious in their comments, well... I don't really pay them any heed. The comments are harmless (work on your jump shot, work on your attitude, etc.). I can think of many more mean-hearted things to say to someone that I'm not fond of. These critiques come across as back-handed suggestions but nothing more.
The Noodle was my favorite player to watch on the team for the last two seasons and I will surely miss his energy and excitement on the college hard-woods. However, I'll openly critique his attitude about 'bad vibes' at any turn. I'm not happy about him leaving but I understand it and hope that he has a brilliant career in the League. I'm just going to slobber all over myself in defense of a stupid comment he made about people not being as effusive as he'd like. Get real.
May 2, 2007 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcsmith (anonymous) says...
nebraska fan,
Your a prime example of the exact type of fan I am speaking about. You care not about the "PERSON" underneith the jersey. All you care about is what can they do for you on the team. If you let the fact of them going pro, fog your view of how they have contributed to this university, then no, you are not a true fan. You need to stand by a player in all decisions. Even ones that are, shall I say what you would probabaly call, "premature." If you respect this university and its history, then you will respect a potential NBAers choice to advance his career to the next level. No matter who thinks it may be the wrong move, or whether or not they may have proven themselves NBA worthy. The only person to make that decision is the player himself. Fortunately, for these two gentlemen, you are not making the decisions for them.
May 2, 2007 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcsmith (anonymous) says...
Jayceph,
Just to comment on one thing you said, about how these negative comments are harmless. If the reactions from fans, that Brandon and Julian state, are true. Then these comments are not just words. These comments are carrying over into peoples actions. I'm sure there have got to be some students on this blog, which in return would show that they dont just talk, they act. And to be honest, I think the players do come on here and read what people are saying about them. Nomatter what the coaching staff tell them to not read, its only natural to be curious. Therefore, comments on this board, and throuh all media at that, do affect the players. What are Brandon and Julian going to think of the Universty of Kansas and its fan base after they hear all the things that are being said about them? If you were in there position, would you respect or want to give anything back to a university that had a fan base that dropped you in the sh*t bucket after you chose to leave early and go pro?
I'm not trying to stur the pot here, but some of you people take in absolutely no considerations for the feelings of the players or what kind of affect your words may have on them.
May 2, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lhohman3 (anonymous) says...
maybe juju can hire an effective psychologist to deal with all of his emotional turmoil over harsh words from people wanting him to stay because they love him...You know, now that he's gonna be a multi- millionaire and all...Maybe the psychologist can also explain to him that he's not Magic Johnson and that he doesn't have to dribble the ball so much...Give me a break. By the way, his myspace page is ridiculous. He seriously looks like a pimp...
May 2, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nebraska_jayhawk (anonymous) says...
jcsmith- Did I EVER say I did not support them. NO! Here you go again trying to define me with your so called definition of a "True Fan". I NEVER once said I do not support them. I will try to say this one more time and see if you understand it. all i said was we are not used to this as fans. It different meaning it has never happened before. Do you understand now or do you want me to simplfy it even more?
Lets say your best friend has only drunk maybe one or two glasses of alcohol at a time in their life and had never been drunk before. But then out of the blue they decide to go get hammered. "Wow" you say. That was different. I have never seen that before. That is just like what is happening now with JuJu and Brandon going pro. We are still in the "Wow, we have never seen this before" stage. After the initial shock wares off, we'll be ok with it. That is why I have said like 10 times now to give us time to fume and we'll be ok.
So one last dont dont EVER judge me as not being a true fan. Dont EVER use your fake definition on me because you dont know me. I'm one of a handful of KU fans up here in Omaha and I show my true KU colors all of the time up here. So who is the true fan now?
You said, "You need to stand by a player in all decisions". No I dont. That is the beauty of being a fan. You dont have to stick by ever decision. If JuJu becomes a drug addict I'm not going to say, "Hey, I dont agree with this but gee wiz, some guy named jcsmith inspired me to be supportive of a player in all decisions and so I say smoke it up JuJu!!" NO!! I cant believe that you would say that. Do I agree with what Roy did about leaving KU? No, but I still like the guy and I'll always be a fan. But according to you I must be like one of these people who thinks that everyone is right in their own way. Well I'm not and I'm glad I'm not. How boring would it be if we all agreed with their decision? KU would be the most boring school ever. But guess what? This is what happens at every school and their fans. So get used to it and MOVE ON like you have been telling us to do.
And oh yeah, we STILL live in the United States where we are free to express these ideas. Thank you!!
Rock Chalk Jayhawk in your face!!
May 2, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcsmith (anonymous) says...
lol. Do all people from Omaha need as much ritalin as you do? You seriously need to lay the keyboard down, look away from the computer screen and let your brain cool down for a while. Go watch some American Idol reruns. Thats sure to take your mind off of all these, so frustraring collumns.
Good Day to you Sir.
May 2, 2007 at 11:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nebraska_jayhawk (anonymous) says...
Hey jcsmith!! This was all in good fun! This is what being a fan is all about! Its been good chatting with you!! Lets hear it for two true fans!!
May 3, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Jayceph...
Thanks for the clarification on your audience. It makes more sense in light of the proper context.
Kudos to those holding negative opinions not being openly abrasive. It should stay as such. To mention that he is getting bad vibes from those around him, however, is NOT self-centeredness unless, of course, being "self-centered" is defined as giving your impression of how those in your surroundings respond to you. If this is what self-centeredness is then we need to widen the net to accommodate all the guilty. As far as I can tell, each of us does that every single day of our lives.
Assume for the moment that it is true people receive him less warmly (big stretch, right?). Are you saying it is "self-centered" of him to simply be aware of it? Because that's what it sounds like: a very low threshold for narcissism to say the VERY least. And when you reach the popularity of Julian Wright, a change of opinion toward him is something we'd all be interested in hearing about as consumers of news, and then once we get it we crescendo with "quit crying"??? It's entirely duplicitous!
You say the comments on these boards are harmless (work on your jump shot, work on your attitude, etc.) and further that you can think of many more mean-hearted things to say to someone that you're not fond of. Implicit in this point-of-view, however, is that the comments found here ARE mean-hearted, so I'm glad we can agree on that much. Furthermore, you characterize these as "back-handed suggestions and nothing more". Jayceph, friend, do you recognize bias? A very simple argument can be made that comments supportive of Julian are good-hearted suggestions and nothing more. To really be fair, your remarks for Julian's supporters should be no more malignant than those you make in defense of Julian's detractors.
May 3, 2007 at 8:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
jross-
I am not defending Julian's detractors. If people want to be small and be mad at him and disparage him because of who he is or what he does/says, then they need no defense. They are offering themselves up to the mercy of the fanatical throng that is Jayhawk nation. Some will support them, others will decry their remarks.
I still feel a snide comment on a message board about working on one's jumpshot is harmless. (Don't think that I don't see the emotional intent...) However, it is a far cry different than someone saying that they hope he flames out early, gets cut from whichever team drafts him and then he is forced to work in bowling alleys for the rest of his life to make ends meet.
Those that are upset with him still can't bring themselves to be complete pricks and shower him with rage and disgust. They are shelving their disdain while wishing him well. If some people want to place a couple of little zingers in here and there, then that is their problem, not Julian's.
He can't have it both ways though. He came to a school with a rabid fan base that has shown him nothing but love. He has chosen to leave early right when it looks like this particular squad is on the cusp of accomplishing something it hasn't done in 20 years. That is going to upset a few people. If the worst thing they can do is wish him well while suggesting he work on his 'j' then I'd say its a pretty good day in the life of 'The Noodle.'
May 3, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Okay, so my question is why don't you take the same attitude toward Julian's supporters? I notice that you don't say their statements are harmless.
Perhaps it'll help if I juxtapose your general comments for those on both sides of the issue.
For supporters, you have this to offer:
"Quit being so damn 'pro-politik' and "get his back, yo." He doesn't need that empty love from people he'll never know."
For badmouthers, you say:
"If people want to be small and be mad at him and disparage him because of who he is or what he does/says, then they need no defense. They are offering themselves up to the mercy of the fanatical throng that is Jayhawk nation...I still feel a snide comment on a message board about working on one's jumpshot is harmless."
Now in the first instance you are very vocal, to say the least, in telling supporters to "step off", to use the vernacular. In the second instance you adopt an innocent-bystander perspective, and therein lies the disparity in the reaction, because you are much more benign when handling those who have ought against Julian.
It's just clear.
May 3, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
jross-
Good angle. I can see why my comments would appear that way. That was never the intent.
It would just seem, to me, that when there is a slight comment of derision, there is a tidal wave of 'moralists' that come screaming out of the hills in an attempt to prove some undying love or support for their team/player/what-have-you.
It just seems to be a little less than an 'equal & opposite reaction' to a small post regarding some corrective suggestions. I can't tell you how many posts I've read from people trying to 'support' Bill Self, or a player when there is one small grain of critical analysis against them or their actions.
IMO, it would seem that it is okay to support your team, coach, players but it is also okay to take them to task or to question them at certain points along the way. That doesn't mean they aren't respected or liked or supported. It just means that there is spot/blemish that people are discussing. No reason to circle to wagons: yet that is what appears to happen in those cases.
I just get a little tired of the 'over-the-top' blind adoration and the attitude of 'love me, love my dog.' It's not that simple. Respect comes in many waves and layers.
May 3, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Jayceph. Now we're getting somewhere.
To me we are at the crux of the issue after dancing around it for what seems like ever.
First of all, let me reiterate that I esteem you as a true fan. On most issues I dare say we agree almost pathologically, but when it comes to how we view those who have left our program voluntarily, we clearly have vehement disagreement. Props for keeping it respectful, as you always have.
You say it would seem that when there are adverse comments made regarding players, that "...'moralists'...come screaming out of the hills in an attempt to prove some undying love or support for their team/player/what-have-you."
First of all, this is a question of perspective. I imagine if your point-of-view was such that you disagreed with such derision, you wouldn't have a problem with the comments made. Secondly, I don't think most fans taking a view opposite yours (and others who hold your viewpoints) would consider themselves a "moralist" anymore than you would consider yourself so. I take my counterparts at face value and assume that their opinion, like mine, comes from the heart without the ulterior motive of proving I am a better person than you or anyone else. I for one am unwilling to wear that label simply because I call for a cease-fire on the snide remarks. Third, I don't think they make supportive statements to prove how much of a fan they are. To me that would be a ridiculous waste. It goes without saying that you will have fans at all levels of commitment. I personally am not vain enough to have a huge hankering for others' esteem. If anything, I've proven to be a bull in a china closet on some issues and that has certainly not won me fans. No, I don't think we are trying to prove anything about ourselves; on the contrary, I think most of us have a more unselfish motive. We want respect for our players and coaches. Even ones that have been here and gone.
This does not mean we agree with everything they do, but clearly lines are crossed (and crossed often) where they are lambasted for nonsensical, trivial, or understandable things. So to your point about supporting your team but being allowed to take them to task, fine! We do not live in a sterile-opinion environment. But recognize the difference between criticism and disrespect, and being that you frequent these posts often you have surely seen the two. Some comments have been made simply out of spite and mean-spiritedness and have NO ONE'S best interest in mind. Some are not-too-well-thought-out knee-jerk reactions designed to ejaculate venom, nothing more.
Next, speaking of what makes one tired. I get tired too. Tired of all the negativity, the troublemakers, and naysayers. But I deal with it in the only way available: I offer my opinion in return.
Finally, speaking of equal-but-opposite reactions, it is certainly fair to "circle the wagons"