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July 20, 2009
Hawk-thusiaists,
Have you ever read an Artcile, that was so uninformed, that it quite literally made you feel that you were dumber for reading it ? Everyone has there Opinions, and that's fair. However, Read this and tell me it has relevance:
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2009/jul/17/collins-better-get-shape/
We have a brilliant history of College Basketball. We have an Up and Coming Football Program. Can we at least have decent writers supporting them ???? I suggest we protest this lunacy and start looking for a replacement, it's still the off season. We can still find someone who bleeds Red and Blue.
your thoughts are always appreciated.
J
Comments
chrishauser20 (anonymous) says…
The problem I had with the article is that it was posted about a month or two after everyone knew about it. I am not going to jump on the band wagon and say that he should be fired due to the article or even others he has written but you are right it was not my favorite article on this website. Retirement will come soon enough for him.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Seriously though Chris.... If he wrote that a month earlier... FINE... Send it in before vacation, don't let it mildew in your desk drawer..... the problm is he DIDN'T write it then otherwise he couldn't have called Tyshawn the leader of the Team USA effort overseas.... he wrote that recently....and then dovetailed at the end and bashed X .... It's fine to trash talk sherron's weight.... Sherron's proven 3 times already that he can overcome that hurdle, but you would think Mayer might have gotten that memo.....
Perhaps, he didn't get that TPS report.... Perhaps, LJW should send him a few more copies....
People Retire when they can no longer DO what their job entails, If we continue to allow him to spew dementia, feasibly he can type until he croaks.... I can see it now 2020 he will randomly tell us Macinstoch Apples are the Key to our Offensive Line Problems, and Harry S. Truman is outstanding combo Guard that Keyon Dooling is recruiting to come to Washburn.....
Enough is Enough.
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rgreene (Ryan Greene) says…
You're an idiot, wayward. Writers aren't paid to 'support' the football or basketball teams or kiss their rings. They're paid to report and be objective. And Bill is positive FAR more than he is negative. Tell me one thing in his column that's inaccurate? He's doing his job. Suck it up and live with it. The fact that Sherron continually balloons only to have to lose mass amounts of weight is a story. If you can't see that, then you need to take the blinders off.
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chrishauser20 (anonymous) says…
If I were the manager, owner, or editor of LJW or whoever does the firing/hiring I would definitely give him the boot but I am not so I just decide to keep those comments in reserve. I am not suggesting that you should do the same as me. I have just decided that I will not read his articles anymore. However, I do agree that his articles have been horrible. Love the Keyon Dooling/Truman comment, funny stuff. He has missed a lot of cover letters on his TPS reports, maybe they should move him down to storage room B!
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chrishauser20 (anonymous) says…
rgreene- I think the issue for me is why is he reporting on this months after the fact?
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
That's unfortunate Ryan...... 1 thing that's incorrect.... Bill Self has never and i REPEAT never thrown a senior guard ...let alone Sherron Collins, in front of a bus Because of weight issues. then again one could surmise Bill Mayer should know that, had he done his due diligence in reporting.
I don't follow him all the way back to Oral Roberts. Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas, he has given his players the benefit of the doubt unil they proved otherwise.
I never suggested he should kiss their rings. Im not suggesting you guys go state sponsored Only. There is a place for Journalism, I want great journalism to support my great teams. I want legitimacy though.
Call me an Idiot. That doesn't make his reporting any better. It infact, makes me be more critical of it....
More incorrectness.... " bill self can't pamper him anymore " His pampering got Sherron down to 205 for the season ( as BIll Suggests is his optimal weight.... So which is it.... Seems like the pampering WORKED, according to Mayer's own weight guidelines....
One can also surmise that last years " yearling fits and starts " are a HUGE factor in his improvement goin g into this year... those minutes will bear fruit... even if they didn't last year....
Henry's... we can make the final four without them ..... assuming we find the missing Cog that they fill....
Ryan, I want top notch Journalism for my team. This is not top notch.
Time for a regime change.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Hauser, it's a matter of timing ys, but seriously.... If Self were pampering sherron he wouldn't have put the weight of this team on Sherron last year..... the article as a whole is Bogus....
Now, If he wanted to say.... Tyshawn taylor is capable of running this team even ha Sherron gone pro.... then at least there is a less negativity to sherron.... I would have significantly less of a problem with THAT article... But im not an LJW editor.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
i forgot to cover one part of your argument ryan.
Sherron's Weight issue is not an issue when sherron's in the weight room twice a day getting that weight down ( as this site reported ).....
you want something to TALK about ... why not talk about the improvements of Marcus MOrris that seem to be a leap ( pun intendedd ) of massive proportions ...... why not talk about where the divide sits as to who is and isn't getting playing time.... Why not pick self or his assistants about what they THINK is going to end up showing up come november..... Why not cover what the henry's are doing to be READY for boot camp ???
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suttonku (anonymous) says…
I do think that journalists need to be objective so we have something to discuss on here but I do think that article was late and it was all old news...I agree with Wayward here...I want top notch journalists covering my teams and this guy definitely doesnt have it...yes they should be digging deeper for information about what HCBS expects this season and I was hoping to have more news about the Henrys as well but I do know some people close to them and everything I have heard is that they are more than in shape and that X has kept his muscle and cut his body fat...and CJs foot is 100 percent its just a matter of getting out and playing and rehabbing a bit...but both Henrys will be ready for boot camp no doubt...and by the way sherron is already back to playing weight as of right now so his weight is a non issue and that article needs to be taken down because Sherron is back...now for Christ's sake lets get some interviews with the younger guys on the team so we can all get to know them and what they can bring to the team...yes we have tapes but I want to hear from the players directly...Bill should not be fired just yet but the editor needs to pay closer attention to what he is writing about...lets keep the news fresh and new please.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Thanks for the support Sutton.
Objectivity is tremendously important, and by no means was i asking anyone to Rubber stamp the weight issue. I just think there are more pressing interests to the Jayhawk community than sherron being overweight...... again.
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jayhawkinmullen (anonymous) says…
Although I agree with the premise of this blog, I think that firing a guy that has done alot for the university is Unnesessary maybe he just needs to step down and go into retirement or the journal world needs to sit him down and just tell him to retire I believe his good years of writing are numbered. I think this has to hurt though.
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jayhawkinmullen (anonymous) says…
And Ryan that is pretty bushleague commenting on here as the former editor for this website bro of course you are going to side with bill. You should probably keep your comments to yourself.
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FreddyD (anonymous) says…
Fire Bill Mayer because he wrote an untimely article about - gasp! - Sherron's weight fluctuating... Well, I can see why you're frustrated when there's plenty of other things Mayer could be writing about, but he used that news peg to segue into his distaste for Xavier Henry, maybe he could have called the column random summer thoughts on KU Basketball, or something. That said, I'm not saying that Mayer doesn't turn out clunkers for stories some times, and often he's the voice bringing back 1960's era KU news and using it a compass for today's teams... But Bill is at that age where he just doesn't care anymore. And guess what, he's still given a platform to air his thoughts, and he does it. Does that make him wrong? No. Do you have to agree, yet even better, read what he has to say? Of course you don't. One of the reasons I'm sure he's still writing is because people still read him and complain about his articles/views - kind of like Jason Whitlock at the Star. People love to rail on him - but they sure love to read him too. Next time Mayer has a column, look and see how many comments he has for his story - there's usually quite a few. I'm not saying Bill Mayer is the best writer for KU sports, but I'm not saying he's the worst either. Much in the same way LJW has given fans a chance to air out their voices on Fan Blogs, they've given Bill Mayer an outlet in the form of a column. Don't like it? Don't read him. And for future arguments, if you're going to bash a journalist, make sure you spell "Artcile" correctly...
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Freddy, im no Paid professional...my artcile's will be inevitably flawed...
I love the retro feel. I do, I love hearing about the past. However, He seems disjointed with what basketball has become versus what it was. We can't stop progress, and sometimes that steamrolls someone who was pertinent. It seems the game in some aspects has past him by. If he stuck to retro in respect to now, old v. new. I don't think i would hold any issue at all. Yet, when trumpeting a clarion call for tyshawn Taylor... he kinda steamrolled and old schooler like Sherron. Remember not so many years ago, you could get away with be a chunky kid playing basketball ( i'm talking about you Barkley ), nowadays not so much. If that was his point, then consider it lost on me because unlike Barkley...... Sherron does care about the next level and being paid to play the game. he will work the weight off if he hasn't already.
Perhaps Bill should start a fan Blog, instead of Front and Center on Kusports.com... he stillhas a voice but it's not considered th mainstream of Jayhawk Nation because none, NONE of us, believe for a second Sherron's losing his starting nod.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Sherron's played through too much pain to not deserve it, as long as he works to stay in shape when it matters.
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Cartemus (anonymous) says…
I liked the column. Your overreaction is what's ridiculous, wayward.
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gatorhawk45 (anonymous) says…
Wayward-I agree with Freddy D
Is that a KU degree you are writing with? Since you aren't a paid professional, like Mr. Mayer, perhaps you don't have the luxury of an editor. That's too bad. Seriously... spelling (articile), there vs. their and capitalization are 3rd grade grammar lessons.
Clearly, you are not KU through and through. If you were, you would know it is Crimson and Blue. If you don't like Mr. Mayer's articles, don't read them. Freedom of speech is 3rd grade civics.
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ginger2015 (anonymous) says…
I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you don't like the mans writings don't read them. Personally, I pay absolutely no attention to who has written what, I read the article and move on. Unlike many of the hyper-critical readers that post here, I don't care if the t's are crossed or the i's are dotted, or whether a word is misused or misspelled. I have better things to do than to peruse each article or post, critiquing them for content and grammar. I simply read them and move on. And I certainly have better things to do than to campaign for the dismissal of someone that I don't know and will probably never know, whose writings have absolutely no effect on me at all. Rgreene and Cartemus, I agree with you both 100%.
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wyansas (anonymous) says…
i just think it's awesome that the words "fire bill mayer!" are flying across the top of the KUSports homepage.
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jamill4 (anonymous) says…
Bill Mayer is an idiot... need I remind you this goof who wrote the ridiculous article (link posted below) in June of 2007 accusing Brandon Rush of using the university for knee surgery... the article was ridiculous before we ended up going all the way and looks incredibly stupid now.. he is an embarrassment to the LJ World and the longer he remains on staff, the more credibility the paper/site loses.....
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/ju...
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Thanks for the back up Jamill.... see that's at least two years the lunacy has been going on.
Like I Said, Im not a paid Professional. I think it's hilarious that people can only find a gripe with my lack of professionalism to criticize. Had I paid money for his article I would be even more pissed about this article. For those who bash me on my education, that is fine, but at least tell me something.
Did Bill Mayer's Article meet your standards of acceptable writing for a Professional Journalist ???? A month late, Uneducated on the situation, and generally abrasive towards two ( possibly three ) Kansas players who are going to be key contributors to our team ???
wyansas, I was surprised I got 1 reader.
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jhawk613 (anonymous) says…
waywardJay,
The issue here is your unbridled hatred for Bill Mayer and you're ill-conceived notion that journalists are not supposed to be tough on players/teams.
Are journalists supposed to talk about an athlete's potential and athleticism instead of off the court issues like domestic abuse (read: CJ Giles)?
If Sherron decides during the upcoming season to stop passing the ball and jack up 3 after 3, are we supposed to hold the criticism because he is a Senior? our captain? Or are we supposed write about how he is a cancer? note: this is a hypothetical situation and one i personally do not believe.
Was the article late and misinformed? Yes. Are there bigger issues in the world to get in a huff about? Definitely.
Should Bill Self be put on notice for recruiting players that have had off-the-court issues. Those players reflect poorly on the University and Bill Self was responsible for recruiting them. The answer is NO.
Bill Mayer might not be the top-notch journalist he used to be, but there is something to be said about repaying a man (or woman) who has committed their career to your organization. Why fire someone that has helped build the LJW? That just shows your youthfulness and naivete when it comes to showing respect to an older generation.
Last point - If you can't handle reading negative news about the team you love, then you seriously need to update your perspective. When you have the ability to criticize a team you love, then you are a true fan.
My advice - calm down.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Wow. J613...... Alot to respond to....
Hatred- No. I reserve that for MIzzou fans, and Yankee fans.
negativity is not great... Objectivity is.... I can understand people having a different point htan I do, and I can agree to disagree. However, When their point of view is Bat-S*** insane, like suggestsing we bench Sherron for Tyshawn based off 18 pounds and an incredible 9-0 Record.... That's where I think the line is crossed....
I actually agree with you, If sherron jacks up 20 shots a game next year... he deserves all the criticism and I will be one leading the charge, I assure you..... I thought last year he threw up too many shots, but again Look where it got us. WE were a couple plays from the Elite 8. We were a healthy Cole Aldrich away from a FInal Four team.
I absolutely agree that we shoudl not question who and what Bill Self brings in until he proves otherwise, Alot of people were talking on Lance's CHaracter issues, X's Character Issues, Brandon's CHaracter issues.... None of us that talk really know.... Bill Knows... In a side note, I was a late Bill Self convert. In the begining I was Highly critical of his offense, and didn't think his defense was worth the effort it took to get the kids there.... Then somewhere into 2006-2007 I said...he's got something here. Since then, i haven't had a one word of Crticism for the man and I don't think I ever will again.
J613.... Im highly critical of the team I love.... Read those past articles where i was one of maybe 3 people who were worried about Tyshawn's Jumpshot down in Australia, Infact I relish in the bad to a certain degree... because I never feel totally comfortable when we're bludgeoning good teams by 50.
What I DO strive for, Is the very best coverage of the teams I love possible... And this article.. Misinformed, under-edumucated represents a great example of what we should not have to sift through....
So far I love what Newell has brought to the table, Im not as hard on Keegan as some are, even though he's mizzou I have come to accept Doogie for what he is..... but Bill Mayer's drivel ( yes suggesting he has drivel means there are occasions in which he has valid points. Just not often. ) whether it helped build LJW or not, needs to go.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Oh yes, youth and Naivete ...forgot to respond to that.
Youthfulness is often wasted on the young, but keep in mind..... The Young inevitably become the crotchy old men of the future. Don't confuse dmy lack of respect for Mayer's writing talent for aynthign more than a business decision. Personally, I woould rather see more Matt Tait articles than Mayer ( I think Matt Tait's insane for being a KObe lover.... and I am Still convinced that Paul pierce is the best possible defender for Kobe in the league even though Tait says Paul's too Slow.... )
Mayer's love for the university is the great intangible here we cannot touch..... he's lived this place for decades and there is alot of Value on that. The best Payment he can receive though is not tarnishing his Love with the Muck that he is spewing these days.
Max Faulkenstein could not broadcast forever, as sad as it was to see him go. Sometimes we have to build a new past with a brighter future.
Time for a regime change.
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NZJHawk (anonymous) says…
Now now... Bill provides a unique historical perspective... we rather enjoy the majority of his columns...plus, we believe in respecting our elders!!!
Perhaps the powers that be at LJW have similar feelings.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Respecting your elders..... does that mean you don't make sure grandpa has fallen in the bath tub if he's been in there for 2 hours......
Sure makes grandpa feel stupid but isn't better to make sure he's still alive and kicking... and not suffering from some horrid brain injury.....
im shocked at what you guys are willing to put up with for the sake of respecting your elders who clearly have little respect for their readers if they keep on funnelling this drivel at you.,
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jross1972 (Joe Ross) says…
waywardJay...
youre absolutely ridiculous. i dont even need to explain why. youve done a good enough job.
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swishymcjayhawk (anonymous) says…
I understand the point behind your response, and to a certain extent I agree. I just feel that perhaps someone who can't grasp the their/there/they're rule and misspells article shouldn't be openly criticizing someone who writes for a living and calling for their resignation.
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goshenjhawk (anonymous) says…
Wayward -- I'm going to have jump in on your side on this one. Why is it that everyone wants to turn this into a discussion about respect for your elders? I personally believe strongly in respect for elders, but this is an issue of journalistic ability. The article in question (and several others recently) was poorly written, out of date and plainly unbelievable. I absolutely don't care how old Mr. Mayer is; I simply want this website devoted to KU to provide top notch journalism. I don't believe that is too much to ask.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Swishy- As I stated about 10 times, I'm no professional. I certainly don't have an editor behind me cracking their knuckle about our sometimes idiotic language.
Jross- Alot of people have agree with me, are they also ridiculous ?
Goshen, Thank You. Rational thought. Exactly my point. Actually it's Jon Stewart's original point, that news media has become so bad that people cannot trust the Journalists to bring them accurate news anymore. In this case, Exemplified by a horrendously bad article, and Brought up by me. We lost so much from the days of Cronkite as far as Journalistic Integrity, that w just blame the malcontents for wanting substance in Media. People like Jross, just want to be reminded of old times.... and you know what. There is a place for that, but honestly, not as a legitimate banner headline, and certainly not by threatening your starting point guard with a wag of your finger. Not after his Mom had a cancer scare, and not after said starting point and his buddy inside came back for 1 last season to bring us fans Something good to listen to....
Insane Article. His not mine, Jross.
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jross1972 (Joe Ross) says…
waywardJay...
if your point is that the agreement of scores of people on an idea makes them immune to the preposterous, then prepare yourself for the fact that I can give you countless historical examples to the contrary.
you ARE ridiculous, whether people agree with you or not.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Ok jross..... then let me the first to thank you for that compliment because If I am ridiculous to you ..then I must be doing something right.
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jross1972 (Joe Ross) says…
um, "okay!" *YAWN* lol.
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Yahweh (anonymous) says…
The problem with Mayer ever being fired is, there seems to be a Professor Emeritus title for the oldies at the Lawrence Journal World. They'll never get rid of this old goat. He's annoyed me for decades. I can't *wait* until I hear another parlance of 1940s American colloquialism again.
Seriously. Take some time off. Visit Europe. Write a book. Go away.
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waywardJay (anonymous) says…
Sounds like a good idea.... How about Bill take on a whirlwind trip through World War 2.... see if he can't find hitler's ghost
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