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A couple ex-Kansas basketball players who went astray got off reasonably cheap - if you're rich enough to consider a $20,000 fine cheap. They may think they've escaped the woodshed of public displeasure since they got no NBA suspensions. But the jury is still out for Darrell Arthur and Mario Chalmers with members of a very special fraternity of which they're a part: Former players who are justifiably covetous of the prestige of the program and their school.
I could reel off 10 or so names of Jayhawks who think Darrell and Mario have more dues to pay in the deportment department before they're fully reinstated in the chapter house. Such jurors remain perturbed at what they consider "arrogance" by guys who were wined, dined and celebrated, then got kicked out of an NBA good-behavior camp.
"We who've been fortunate enough to be in the KU program are ambassadors who have an obligation," commented one Jayhawk loyalist with letter-winning pedigree. "These fellows not only got innumerable benefits, but also were lucky enough to play on a national championship team. Then they go out and reflect discredit on KU. They've got fences to mend before they'll be embraced too warmly by some of us."
Privileges, honors, favorable attention and other perks are heaped upon young men in the KU basketball family. They owe that family the best they can muster, ever mindful of their rich heritage.
Loyalty-blind fans who think Jayhawk jocks can do no wrong want us to brush aside the female roomies, possible marijuana indulgence - "just a couple kids making the same mistakes so many others do."
These aren't a couple underprivileged kids. Arthur is age 20-plus and Chalmers is 22-plus. They've been exposed to countless good behavior examples at KU where there's a conscious effort to educate young men about citizenship - what's right, what's not, what pitfalls loom. That old dog "they didn't know better" won't hunt.
These guys apparently felt they had been sufficiently vaccinated with fame to flaunt or ignore the system mere civilians must accept. Repeat the term "arrogance."
Kansas State's loopy Michael Beasley coughed up $50,000 for his role in the Arthur-Chalmers scenario: A classic case of three fools meeting.
Time will pass and this will fade unless the KU-KSU trio gets arrogantly illegal again. The Kansas duo will have ample chances to repair their status. They could work back into the good graces of former Kansas players they represent. KU and its program deserve that.
Assistant Dick Harp told the KU team on that 1955 night it beat K-State while dedicating Allen Fieldhouse: "Few are privileged to wear the colors of Kansas and you are blessed with a special privilege tonight." Arthur and Chalmers also wore those colors under glorious circumstances. Their media pictures in KU attire after the Big Bungle were demeaning. They owe amends to the proud KU people who set the stage.
Paraphrasing Luke 12:48: From those to whom much is given, much is expected.
Much was given to Arthur and Chalmers. Disappointed former KU players who contributed to their success have every right to resent the tarnish of KU's image via the Kiddie Kamp Kaper.
Kansas women's basketball to play St. Louis November 21, 2008
Tolefree signs to play volleyball at KU November 21, 2008
Kansas regroups, preps for Missouri November 21, 2008
Jayhawks look for help from hometown KC crowd November 20, 2008
KU's Smith plays through pain November 20, 2008
Comments
JNHawks (anonymous) says...
spare me the biblical quotes please, I don't think it was that big of deal, they did not break any laws, a strange scent? Give me a break, the did break a NBA rule and they politely apologized and payed a fine. Get over it.
October 2, 2008 at 4:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mojayhawk (anonymous) says...
Thank you, Mr. Mayer! It's nice to see a journalist quote Jesus' as the Authority for how to live responsibly. What Mario and Darrel did is NOT unforgivable, but it IS a Big Deal! Following the rules may not seem a big deal to those who don't follow them, but those who live under a higher standard know it is the only way to live a life of integrity. These young men are capable of better, and I pray they can keep their heads in the years ahead. I believe they will. They did not get this far without accepting responsibility and the discipline that comes with it. Thanks again for the good article.
October 2, 2008 at 5:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
njjayhawk (anonymous) says...
Bill, you hit the home run with your article. You're spot on. Agree completley. But I expect Chalmers and Arthur will move on and re-capture their rightful places in Jayhawk lore.
October 2, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amatxjayhawk (anonymous) says...
Well said Bill.
October 2, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ajs10 (anonymous) says...
Can we move on already?
October 2, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HawkSC (anonymous) says...
Kudos, Bill, kudos
October 2, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halogenlamps (anonymous) says...
The only reason this is still an issue is cause ya'all keep writing about it. Although you make good points, GET OVER IT ALREADY!
October 2, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hawklin (anonymous) says...
Chiming in 30 days later with lies and religion. Awesome.
October 2, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KU (anonymous) says...
Nice work.
October 2, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NotWiller (anonymous) says...
Hawklin, don't be so surprised. It takes time to work up such a masterpiece with gems like:
*That dog won't hunt....
*The woodshed of public displeasure....
*An anonymous contemporary quote, and some cherry picked historical passages from 1955 and circa 312 AD.....
It probably takes even longer to get it in the sports section and off the op/ed page.
The difference between the privilege that Chalmers/Arthur enjoy and the position that Mayer and the rest of us are in is this: HOURS OF WORK, EVERY DAY, AT AN INTENSITY LEVEL THAT MAKES EVEN THE BEST ATHLETES IN THE COUNTRY THROW UP BUT ISN'T EVEN CONCEIVABLE TO THE ARMCHAIR MORALITY POLICE.
They owe you nothing, and you have no idea what it means to be on the court, wearing the jersey, instead of sitting next to it. They were rewarded this spring with something they worked incredibly hard for over many, many years. YOU disrespect THEM by forgetting it so quickly. If you think they've done wrong then offer your support so they can do better, rather than your scorn for not being perfect. Does the Good Book teach you to turn your back so quickly on those that stray? My guess is the Wayne Simeon didn't call and yell at them, but probably sent a text or two offering his help.
You talk of the KU family, but a healthy family sticks together in tough times, offering support to right the wrongs. This does NOT mean condoning bad behavior, but it DOES mean not turning your back as soon as they displease you.
I've learned more about the fickle nature of many KU fans since this story broke than I have about any athlete.
October 2, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bryan123456789 (anonymous) says...
i personally doubt that any former KU basketball players are mad or embarrassed by what those 2 did, how come we didnt kick Scott Pollard out of the jayhawks family for telling kids to do drugs....might as well kick sherron and markeiff off the team for what they have done, because both of those two incidents seem worse to me that what shady and rio did...Maybe the articles written for the LJW should embrace and praise players not trash them for stupid stuff...I know there is not a lot to write about as far as b-ball goes right now, but they could have told us how boot camp went yesterday instead of this.
October 2, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Yahweh (anonymous) says...
The above post is spot on. I couldn't agree more with it.
October 2, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...
I agree completely with halogenlamps & NotWiller. What exactly was the point of this article? There was nothing new that you had to report about this incident.
Mayer, here's a suggestion for next time, if you don't have anything to write about don't write anything. Either that or just copy & paste the real news from rivals or the slant, like usual.
As long as you keep writing articles about this, yes, it's not over & they will keep hearing about this. These kids make mistakes, they're human. How about showing some support instead of bashing them?? You may be disappointed in them but I'm far from it. I couldn't be more proud to have players like Chalmers and Arthur on our team!
October 2, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railer1122 (anonymous) says...
IT'S OVER WITH!!! PLEASE DROP IT!
October 2, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dmail42 (anonymous) says...
Seriously????? They had a couple of girls in their room. Get over it.
October 2, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d_prowess (anonymous) says...
I think it is very weak for a former "letterman" to make those comments about these two players and not be quoted by name. If you have feelings that strong, you should be strong enough to be quoted by name.
October 2, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Trobs (anonymous) says...
Not forgivable? Really?
October 2, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
milehighhawk (anonymous) says...
This is pitiful.
Mario and Darrell don't owe any of us anything. They gave their all when they wore a KU jersey, and any true Jayhawk would treat them with respect.
They were never caught with any drugs whatsoever.
They were never charged with any crime.
Don't hide behind cherry-picked quotes from anonymous sources - it's very, very weak.
And why is this article coming out now?
Baffling. Maybe Mayer got a touch of what Beasley was holding.
October 2, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
billselfistheman (anonymous) says...
Good article Bill, these guys need to realize that they are role models.
October 2, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jaybate (anonymous) says...
See?
I told you all this thing would not just go away.
Not even here.
October 2, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Mayer is right as usual.
And wouldnt you know it? Right on cue, here come the very people he was talking about when he said,
"Loyalty-blind fans who think Jayhawk jocks can do no wrong want us to brush aside the female roomies, possible marijuana indulgence - "just a couple kids making the same mistakes so many others do.' "
But it's not only this defense they offer. They'll throw everyone INCLUDING the kitchen sink at you for taking the correct point-of-view on this situation, the same as they did when Keegan demanded that Collins' accuser deserved respect. Look for it in coming comments and I guarantee you wont be disappointed (because some people cant help themselves).
Ladies and Gentleman, the cost for standing up on the side of right has just gone up and few people are willing to pay it. Now along comes Mayer who attaches his name to an opinion which may be here unpopular, but it is principled nonetheless. What his opinion comes down to in a nutshell is that what these young men did was unquestionably wrong, that the avenue for their redemption is ahead of them to walk if they so choose, and that this University has an interest in that outcome.
He's right.
October 2, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mike_blur (Mike Blur) says...
I'm mildly surprised Mayer didn't spell it "marihuana."
October 2, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WilburNether (anonymous) says...
Mayer is exactly right, particularly about the idiot "KU fans" who make excuses for, or simply dismiss, conduct that was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. We don't need jerks like that in the KU family.
October 2, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Royaljayhwk (anonymous) says...
Good article....I'll toke to that! Lol....
October 2, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JNHawks (anonymous) says...
mojohawk, you make me laugh, you think you live a higher standard than me. I am intelligent enough to make up my own decisions. Christianity is a relatively new religion, Christian morals might help keep us alive with such huge population densities, they might not, but the religion itself is really ridiculous. I won't go further on this basketball site, but spare me your arrogance. WilburNether, I have watched Mario's clutch shot about 50 times over the summer, he and Darrel brought me endless viewing pleasure. Those "jerks" brought us a national championship! What have you done for our KU family?
October 2, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JNHawks (anonymous) says...
Christians are always good at hating people
October 2, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
THAT'S lucid!
October 2, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gutter (anonymous) says...
Maybe it's a shame Mario and Darrell ever played basketball for KU. One day they are Gods and the next they are Satan. Let me ask this, what did they ever do wrong while representing the University of Kansas? NOTHING. They were fine representatives of KU while enrolled at KU. They were in no way representing KU at the Rookie program even though many believe they always do and will represent KU. These two young men are now professional Basketball players and have started a new chapter in their books. I am a bit tired of people believing that FORMER KU athletes still "represent" the University of Kansas. Mario now represents the Miami Heat and Darrell represents the Memphis Grizzlies. People need to wake up and realize many former KU athletes care less about KU and KU fans than you do about them. Meyer mentions the word loyalty in his column. How were Mario and Darrell not "loyal" to KU?
Mario and Darrell made a mistake. What they did was stupid. No one was harmed. They paid a fine and apologized. Now I choose to move on and wish them well but others choose to STILL put them under a bus. To each their own.
October 2, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Gutter, your assertion is that these young men no longer represent KU. The easy answer to that--which is a plain as the nose on your face--is this: ONCE A JAYHAWK, ALWAYS A JAYHAWK.
Heck, why in the NBA do they do the player intros while noting which college these kids went to if it no longer matters? Unless, of course, you are of the mind that once your kids leave home they are no longer a part of your family. The fact of the matter is that this is more smoke and mirrors from would-be detractors from the truth of this article.
October 2, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
minnehawk (anonymous) says...
the implication that mj is used primarily by underprivileged kids is ridiculous. and speaking of ridiculous, the stigma against mj use is even less defensible. this doesn't get chalmers, arthur, and beasely off the hook-- they should have shown a little maturity and held off for a few days-- but this is one of the most innocuous "scandals" i've seen in a while. it might be time to just let it go.
October 2, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
robot (Robin Smith) says...
this article is a self-righteous inflamatory overreaction based on allegations and speculation w/r/t the circumstances of the situation.
they've paid their dues and issued their apologies
the correlating responsible adult thing for us to do is to recognize their contrition, accept their apologies, forgive their transgression, and grant them our support.
and inspite of all potential future failings, we should be inviolably appreciative of what they've achieved as Jayhawks, even if we find fault with them.
October 2, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...
"it might be time to just let it go."
Understatement of the century
October 2, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
10point8 (anonymous) says...
I agree with gutter.
And JNHawks really has it all figured out. Wow! How insightful! Please, JNHawks, enlighten us with more of your adolescent brand of ignorant axiom.
October 2, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lebowski (anonymous) says...
"Gutter, your assertion is that these young men no longer represent KU. The easy answer to that--which is a plain as the nose on your face--is this: ONCE A JAYHAWK, ALWAYS A JAYHAWK."
Let me add to this....
Before Beasley came forward and confessed he was involved... what was the correllation between the two rookies that were kicked out of the camp? They weren't on the same NBA team. What jumps out at people is that they were both reigning national champs from Kansas.
I AM however, in complete agreement that too much has been made of this, and no matter what you made of it when it happened, it's time to let it go now... It is time for the LJW to stop beating this bloody heap of a horse. It's dead already.
October 2, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jbrownjib (anonymous) says...
Mayer: You sound like a nagging old wife. Biblically, Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. As a Christian, you forgive and move on. Legalistic talk does more harm than good because it makes you an extremist. Remember also the story of the prodical son where the father welcomed his son back with open arms? I hope that Kansas will always welcome back Arthur and Chalmers with open arms and rememberance of a great year in college basketball. They are not bad people, just men living out their youth.
October 2, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
txrockchalk (anonymous) says...
Speaking of nagging wives, and since we are quoting scriptures, here are a few fun ones:
"A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping." Proverbs 19:13
"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 21:9
"Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife." Proverbs 21:19
October 2, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
finestack (anonymous) says...
I agree with gutter and robot - who also have wonderful usernames. We all recognize Mario and Darrell still represented the National Champion team from Kansas at the time of their guilty-upon-ESPN-newsflash felony offenses. What some of us still fail to realize is that ESPN newsflashes come and go faster than Comments from a Mayer article reach 20 posts. Go outside of Kansas City's 100 mile radius and this item is so forgotten that the governor of Alaska would remember a recent Supreme Court ruling (um, Exxon settlement for Alaskans in June?) before it ever came up again.
October 2, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KU (anonymous) says...
The way I read the opinion piece, Mayer says it's the former players with whom Cheech and Chong...er.....Mario and Darrell.......need to make amends. He's not saying these two owe the fans anything. He simply says that some of the fraternity of KU players are not real thrilled with the way these guys tarnished the fraternity's reputation and they believe the two young men need to work a little to make it back in the good graces of basketball alums.
October 2, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
63Jayhawk (anonymous) says...
Bill,
I appreciate the article. Thank you. Mario and Darrell may not care about the feelings of other Jayhawk players and fans, but I think that they do. I took note of the fact that Mario included the University of kansas in his apology for his behavior which is clear evidence that he understood that he had embarrassed KU and its fans. The incident was an emabarrassment to KU fans. I do not like to give KU critics (Tigers, Long Horns, Wildcats etc) ANY excuse to say that our University, its atheletes and fans are less than stellar.
October 2, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AverageCitizen (anonymous) says...
OK, so let me get this straight. If my employers caught me at a seminar with guests I shouldn't have had in my room and disciplined me through my employment, this reflects HOW on my university? This was not a felony. Heck, it wasn't even a misdemeanor or even unlawful. Is it because it was so public? Does that make it a reflection on you? Does that mean they need to check with you every time they do something?
This article seems more like fodder for a message board than a newspaper. That's where judgment belongs.
October 2, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prairie_rattler (anonymous) says...
Who cares... besides Mayer and an overly holy former player (read Simien)...
October 2, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jwliddell (anonymous) says...
JNhawks,
I completely agree with you. The fact that religion was brought into a minor digression is appalling. The only thing I got out of this article is:
Chalmers, Arthur and Beasley aren't Christian
Chalmers and Arthur owe KU more than they have given.
Mayer can't forgive and forget.
Regardless if rules were broken or not, the damn kids had girls in their room. Mayer just sounds like a bitter, jealous old man in this article. Perhaps all KU athletes should have a regulated sex life - preventing them from having premarital sex. Maybe then they will be more of a christian - sparing the KU alum the black mark on it's reputation. The positive in these kids and their actions far outweigh the negatives, i.e. they won the National Championship.
By the way, we should probably kick Sherron off the team now. He has a kid and is not married. That's not very christian of him.
They broke the rules of the NBA, the company they work for. The only difference is it's in the public eye. Why not sh*t all over a former student from any school at KU because of they don't act like a chiristian? Paul Rudd (a former KU student) smokes pot, eats mushrooms and has sex in his movies. What a disgrace, right Mr. Mayer?
Bottom line is, these two "non-christians" did nothing to earn the title of a disgrace to the university.
I expect an article like this from MU, not our own. Today, I feel sad being a jayhawk.
LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 2, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rockchalkAZ (anonymous) says...
get the f*ck over it!!!! it's over, move on
October 2, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
What happened?!? Did Chalmers and Arthur do something?
Gee... I hope I don't miss anymore relevant and pertinent information about the transgressions of these two horrible people that I refuse to acknowledge now as a result of their insubordination. Thank god for biblical judgment.
*dripping sarcasm aside...* yawn~
October 2, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kirbonzi (anonymous) says...
I will now smoke a blunt and hit some nappy dugout in honor of this article . . .
October 2, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...
All you other morons that keep telling Mayer what a great article he wrote aren't helping anything. There's nothing new that he mentioned in this article that we don't already know.
I don't see this incident as a big deal but if you disagree with me, fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The point is it's over, OVER!!! Drop it, let it go.
I'm sure most of you, that have so much to say, weren't exactly the beaver cleaver boyscout type when you were 18-20 years old attending KU. They made a mistake & were disciplined for it. All they can do now is make sure they learn from it & make smarter decisions in the future.
If you have something new to report then fine, you can write an article about it but don't keep bringing up negative stuff about the past just because you're bored & have nothing else to write about in the off season, and feel like bashing these players that you're a so called "fan" of!!
October 2, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JNHawks (anonymous) says...
There is a nice article about Cole on rivals.com
October 2, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
klineisanazi (anonymous) says...
Mayer is entitled to his opinion. What he is not entitled to do is to state,
"I could reel off 10 or so names of Jayhawks who think Darrell and Mario have more dues to pay in the deportment department before they're fully reinstated in the chapter house."
The old anonymous source raises its ugly, bald, wrinkly head. Name names or keep it to yourself Mayer.
October 2, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
Dude (JNHawks)! Nice find... an article about KU basketball (and not some tired retread of a mish-mash holier-than-thou diatribe). Way to go!
October 2, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
husbus (anonymous) says...
dumb article
October 2, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kranny (anonymous) says...
Although I totally don't disagree with Mr. Mayer, I don't think we need to place these guys on a pedestal any higher than say my own son. Everybody makes mistakes but just because these guys played basketball at KU doesn't make their mistake any worse or less than if an average joe does the same thing. What's wrong is wrong no matter who does it. But everybody deserves a second chance and this KU fan will welcome these guys back anytime, anywhere without prejudice(if they keep their noses clean, literally and figuratively).
October 2, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...
Here's a real article about KU basketball, since kusports obviously has nothing important to talk about:
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/c...
We'll probably see this article in the next couple days, maybe a week from now, on kusports.com.
October 2, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
livedeadhead (anonymous) says...
"I could reel off 10 or so names of Jayhawks who think Bill Mayer has more dues to pay to all the poor unfortunate b*stards who read this article before he's fully reinstated in the chapter house."
October 2, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
I'll be the voice of one crying in the wilderness, I suppose, but I will not be a coward even in the face of a tidal wave of contrary opinions.
I wrote an opining a while ago suggesting two things that I hold true to now. The points I set forth were that what these young men did was wrong, but that they should be allowed to move on from their mistakes. Mayer says the same thing but adds the statement that their actions reflect on this University.
Now here's a question: why is your reaction to Mayer's piece about these players so visceral? Think, now! What is the root cause of the strength of the objections?
What it comes down to is that your reactions are so strong because you care about these young men. Nothing wrong with that. Its completely understandable given what they represented us well while here and that a championship was won. But now turns the question: why do you care about them now if they no longer represent this University? Are you still with me?
It's clear that there MUST BE some residue of an emotional connection between these players and the University family. It remains, even after they've left campus. THERE IS STILL A CONNECTION!!! Think for ten seconds and you will agree this is the case. So here comes along Mayer--blueblood Jayhawk that he is--who is concerned about how former players' actions reflect on this University in the face of that connection.
Now look at yourself in the mirror and ask this question (honestly): How did YOU feel when the news broke about Arthur and Chalmers? Like any family member would be, I was concerned for them and embarrassed for KU. Most of you were too.
October 3, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
I imagine that many of you agree but are anxious for a time when our collective conscience can be cleansed of this embarrassing incident, and so we employ pyschological defenses of repression. "Let it go," and so on. I understand that. I feel it too to some extent. But as we move forward there are lessons for other players to learn that remain relevant even as time goes on; namely, that we should remember our mistakes so as not to repeat them again. Look at the number of incidents having involved KU players in recent years. Giddens and the stabbing incident. Giles beating up his girlfriend. An unnamed incident with Jeff Hawkins that saw him benched (only Self knows what that is). Rush had an incident with abdication of his responsibilities with respect to traffic court. Collins had a brush with the law for which I can tell you he is thankful the incident is tabled for now. Markieff Morris has found his way into trouble with an air rifle of all things. And then Chalmers and Arthur are implicated in this situation. Is there no one else concerned about the string of incidents involving legal troubles for KU players? Is there no one else who thinks that maybe we should place MORE time and emphasis on creating a culture of citizenship among our players? Or have we abandoned the kind of concern that is good for the moral development of these young men individually and good for the reputation of this institution as a whole?
I agree that the last incident may perhaps be the most benign in the hearts and minds of Jayhawk fans. Perhaps this is due to the fact that we esteem them so highly because they helped to bring us a championship and they were part of a team that has received more love and adoration than most others in recent history. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that the incident occurred off campus and after the players had moved on to different chapters in their lives.
Regardless of these things, what Mayer says is true. When people around the nation see this they THINK OF KANSAS! The connection is made reflexively, and if you dont feel that palpable sense of onus there is something wrong. These players "belong" to us and when they do something displaying moral turpitude it reflects on this school. It has nothing to do with being judgemental. We all make mistakes. I think Mayer would just like to see their actions be remarkable for something virtuous. Im quite sure he'd say his interest is in both them personally and for this University's reputation.
October 3, 2008 at 1:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
"I didn't know what happened. When I found out I was kind of disappointed. I've been through a lot with those guys. But they made that choice. A lot of people make mistakes. They have to take their medicine and move on."
-recent quote by Darnell Jackson
At the risk of appearing argumentative, both Mayer and Darnell Jackson have commented recently on the Chalmers/Arthur situation. Im interested in hearing from all of those in the above comments who nearly crucified Mayer, is your response to Jackson the same as far as "letting this go"?
October 3, 2008 at 3:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayCeph (anonymous) says...
How recent was this article? Did Jackson just spot off or was he reacting to a question thrust upon him?
His response was one of 'take their medicine and move on.'
I think it would do us a lot of good if the propagators of 'news' ponied up to this idea as well.
Like it has been said before, they broke no laws (just a couple of their employer's rules), paid the price, were contrite and have proceeded to move on.
How often do we want to challenge this path to reconciliation?
October 3, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChicagoJHawk (anonymous) says...
jross,
You're missing the point completely. I don't think this incident was a big deal but if you disagree that's fine. We're not upset because he's saying it's a big deal. Mayer is entitled to his own opinion like everyone else. What everyone is pissed about is the fact that he brought it up again for no reason. He didn't report anything new. What was the point of this, really?? We've already had other articles talking about this incident. These guys made a mistake, faced the consequences & can only try to learn from it. It's in the past, they can't go back in time & fix it.
We may disagree as to whether or not this was a big deal, but big deal or not, don't you think it's time to move on?
October 3, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jwliddell (anonymous) says...
Breaking NEWS:
Arthur and Chalmers got caught with women in their room during the rookie camp.
I hope my sarcasm font works.
October 3, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Chicago...
I dont know if the timing on this article is right or wrong. Im not a judge or jury to decide. But frankly, I would think that if events can be used as learning tools to instruct others, we do well not to dismiss those so soon. If you are unaware of history you are doomed to repeat it. Secondly, scandals elsewhere in the news stay IN the news for years sometimes, and yet we are just a few scant weeks removed from the first whispers of any culpability on the part of these players. Third, Darnell Jackson just addressed this in the media yesterday. Mayer should not be muzzled any more so than anyone else. Fourth, and most importantly, I DO want to move on from this. But I would RATHER it never have happened in the first place. That, to me, is the best investment of any wishes I could confer upon this situation.
You are right. I would like to put this whole situation in the past where it belongs. No doubt about it. I agree with you there. I just think that in our haste to expedite that happening, we may miss an opportunity to impress something very important on our players...current and former.
October 3, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansas22 (anonymous) says...
Let's say that mario, darrell and beasley got caught with weed (which they didn't). It's three college aged kids smoking pot. Nothing more, nothing less. Stop making it out to be some huge deal. They didn't shoot your dog, or burn down a building or do any harm whatsoever to anybody. What they did was perfectly harmless. Yes, they shouldn't have done it and they did screw up, but to say what they did is unforgivable is borderline retarded.
October 3, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...
Who's saying it's unforgivable?
October 3, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ohioburg (anonymous) says...
Like it or not, this story will have legs and re-surface when they have to attend the league symposium again next summer.
October 3, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ohioburg (anonymous) says...
I agree, jross, I am concerned about the number of incidents involving KU athletes. I'd hate for Kansas to get the thug label. This story would go away sooner if it were an isolated incident.
For those who don't think this reflects badly on KU, all you have to do is listen to the national talk shows on FSN radio or ESPN radio. It's still brought up and Kansas is always mentioned even though they're in the NBA now. Heck, I heard reference to our chalupa eating football player a few weeks ago. How long ago was that?
October 3, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
livedeadhead (anonymous) says...
There is nothing wrong with smoking weed.
There is nothing wrong with having sex.
If someone thinks these things are wrong and tries to stop you from doing them you are not wrong for lying about them or covering up your actions as that may be necessary to avoid unjust scorn.
If you want to learn stuff from PhD's who require that you pay them but who will wave the fee if you play basketball and you like basketball then of course you will take their offer and play basketball.
If those people who paid your tuition (or salary) tell you its wrong to smoke pot or have sex then you are not wrong for ignoring them and doing it behind their back while continuing to learn and play basketball.
Bottom line: weed and sex are not wrong so anyone or any institution who says you cannot or should not do these things is not justified in their stance and you are thus not obligated (morally) to comply or to respect or acknowledge their opinion.
October 3, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dagger108 (anonymous) says...
A little clarification for those that think there were no laws broken: possession and use of marijuana is illegal. Obviously, many people break this law and are not convicted or even charged. That doesn't change that it is a law, and there is at least a perception that it was broken. Mario and DA need to mend the damage, and most will give them time.
As for the reaction, the article would have been relavent weeks ago, but it would be nice to move on now. How are the guys doing on their statements/pledges/plans to be nobel examples.
The other point to Mayer is - keep the quote, but leave out the reference, unless of course you're intending to generate some anti-Christian resentment. Most people wouldn't know something like the quote you used was scripture unless you posted it. It definitely wouldn't have produced the hate.
October 4, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
libertarianjim (anonymous) says...
Mean spirited old men casting stones are much more shameful than the behavior of these young men. God will forgive their self indulgence. I hope he doesn't look at Mr. Mayer with as much forgiveness.
October 4, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Strikewso (anonymous) says...
You guys who use the ALL CAPS to make your point are complete morons and you lose credibility instantly when you do that.
October 4, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lhohman3 (anonymous) says...
how can having having sex be a bad thing for the sport or basketball or ku when Wilt Chamberlin (ku alum) had sex with over twenty thousand women during his life...?
Michael Jordan probably was most likely getting into the thosands in his hey-day when crunching sex numbers & both men are arguably the two greatest players ever....where's the problem..?....i humbly suggest, keep having as much sex if possible, maybe even try some orgies, as it could arguably help your jumpshot...
October 5, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lhohman3 (anonymous) says...
Isn't Wilt's no. retired in the rafters of A.F? If certain fans and writers care so deeply about KU athlete's sexual habits, why not set an example and petition Chamberline's jersey to cease from hanging, hmm..? - While your at it, why not go and and elect Sara Palin as VP, just to squeeze the wound a little bit more... -
I think the bigger question should possibly be, why we spend so much time caring about these athletes who are not remotely connected to us or the outside world whatsoever...(BTW I can't say I blame them, given the state of the world today.)-- But hypothetically, if I knew any professional athletes on a personal level, I'd probably hate everything about them, and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be particularly fond of my Woody Allen film collection either....so why we spend so much time caring? Is it maybe because without KU basketball, we'd be forced to speak to our families and maybe even vote occasionally...?
October 5, 2008 at 3:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lhohman3 (anonymous) says...
Charlie Sheen is jealous of Wilt's sexual and drug induced exploits and yet, many years ago, when old Wilt finally came back to A.F, put on that KU Jacket and yelled, "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" we all went nuts and thanked him for his contributions to the "Legacy" (right Jbate?)
When Scott Pollard looked into the camera two years ago and said, "Do drugs kids." did we spend 200 articles on the damaging affects this may have on our youths of today?...Was there even a single article on this subject on this website? - This is stupid......If you value your team, if you love your players, you stick with them through the bad times too, and you certainly don't mock them with veiled threats about responsibility...blah, blah, please...If you want to blame someone, maybe start with the NBA player's union, who still will not authorize testing playters for maryjane...
October 5, 2008 at 4:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lhohman3 (anonymous) says...
I'm sorry to be hogging this particular blog site with my 4th random and consecutive thought, but I am stoned and watching the film, Galaxy Quest (pretty good flick, fyi) at 4am with a functioning sleeping dosorder, so appologys all around: But I have 2 questions...
1) Can you wrap you head around imagining the post-party Jordan and Sheen must've had after wrapping up their Hanes ads? -- (BTW even the Cuba Gooding Jr. and Jordan post-party most certainly wasn't un-interesting in it's own defense, but nothing like the sinister and glorious schemes of MJ and "Wild Thing", Ricky Vaughn must've been cooking up when the cameras stopped rolling..."MJ, you bring the laundered cash and I'll bring the Cognac and the dirty ho's", ad lib..)...Did anyone else find this phenomenon at all weird? The backdrop for these ads was a golf course-resort, and the producers cast only 25 yr.old female extras...
2) Does anyone else think Bill Mayer looks exactly like Orin Hatch?
October 5, 2008 at 5:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Gee (anonymous) says...
It's articles like this that remind me that KU, regardless of its general open-mindedness, is still the bible belt. The scripture quote is just ridiculous for this situation.
Stupid, stupid article.
October 9, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )