Journal Sentinel Article..

[BubbaWilliams]

Hoops12, well done. IMHO, most sports writers are fairly bitter about something or another (not being athletes themselves?), and this seems to be no exception. It bugs the hell out of me when they get on their pedestals and and badmouth teams or players (especially college programs). When a fan says peep to them, they just dismiss it. Jeff Potrykus can kiss my @$$

[lab_warrior]

Bucky fans need a bigger collective hug than we do at our worst.

Good luck getting your arms around more than one

I read that this guy knows how to show the Bucky fans some affection.

[MerrittsMustache]

Thanks for sharing, hoops12. Interesting that we mock message board posters for putting too much stock into college kids' Twitter posts, yet a so-called professional journalist used it as a "source." His response to you was overly defensive and unprofessional. He really could have handled the questions much better.

BTW, anyone know have the article from the "national writer" who apparently wasn't so kind to MU?

[Dr. Blackheart]

Why me? Enlund is off the clock for a bit.

Where can I get his two year vacation deal?

[Rubie Q]

BTW, anyone know have the article from the "national writer" who apparently wasn't so kind to MU?

Believe he's talking about Rob Dauster, whose post is here, if you haven't seen it.

http://t.co/lQr3fodg

[hoops12]

This is the article he was referring to:

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/18/juco-transfer-tj-taylor-leaves-marquette-weeks-after-enrolling/

Oops! I didn't see that someone had already responded. Both are the same article.

[MerrittsMustache]

Believe he's talking about Rob Dauster, whose post is here, if you haven't seen it.

http://t.co/lQr3fodg

Believe he's talking about Rob Dauster, whose post is here, if you haven't seen it.

http://t.co/lQr3fodg

Thanks!

That wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. In fact, it wasn't bad at all and read much more unbiased than the MJS article.

[MUBurrow]

I do know that after talking to two MU folks, both suggested he was homesick and missed his girlfriend. However, Taylor denied that in a tweet to an MU fan. His girlfriend one day later did the same in response to a comment by a fan... Since I don't cover MU I don't have the same number of sources/trust in those sources as I would if this were a UW story.

Read: I don't know anything/have any legitimate contacts at MU, so I wrote a newspaper story for Milwaukee's newspaper using MUScoop as my source.

[KenoshaWarrior]

NWO4LIFE!

We will be Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Hogan, and Savage. 

The badgers can be the 10 other WCW jobbers on the roster.

[The Equalizer]

Thanks for sharing, hoops12. Interesting that we mock message board posters for putting too much stock into college kids' Twitter posts, yet a so-called professional journalist used it as a "source." His response to you was overly defensive and unprofessional. He really could have handled the questions much better.

I think you're confusing matters.

People have said we shouldn't put too much stock into comments like a player tweeting "I had a great time on my visit" months before he's due to commit.  

That situation is quite a bit different than a player unexpectedly leaving a program, the school issuing a "he was homesick" public comment, and the player making contradictory statements it in his twtter stream.

The old saying is that there are three sides to every story--in this case, MU's side, Taylor's side and the cold, hard truth.  

I don't think we know the truth yet.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I think you're confusing matters.

People have said we shouldn't put too much stock into comments like a player tweeting "I had a great time on my visit" months before he's due to commit.  

That situation is quite a bit different than a player unexpectedly leaving a program, the school issuing a "he was homesick" public comment, and the player making contradictory statements it in his twtter stream.

The old saying is that there are three sides to every story--in this case, MU's side, Taylor's side and the cold, hard truth.  

I don't think we know the truth yet.

Actually, in this case, I don't think TJT's and MU's side is any different.  And, now is the time to cut bait and to leave opportunities open for both. Making the best of the situation.

[Pakuni]

I think you're confusing matters.

People have said we shouldn't put too much stock into comments like a player tweeting "I had a great time on my visit" months before he's due to commit.  

That situation is quite a bit different than a player unexpectedly leaving a program, the school issuing a "he was homesick" public comment, and the player making contradictory statements it in his twtter stream.

The old saying is that there are three sides to every story--in this case, MU's side, Taylor's side and the cold, hard truth.  

I don't think we know the truth yet.

1. The school never issued a "he was homesick" public comment. The only public comment the school has issued is that Taylor withdrew for personal reasons and it was his decision.

2. What has Taylor tweeted that contradicts MU's statement (real or imaginary)?

[Lennys Tap]

I think you're confusing matters.

People have said we shouldn't put too much stock into comments like a player tweeting "I had a great time on my visit" months before he's due to commit.  

That situation is quite a bit different than a player unexpectedly leaving a program, the school issuing a "he was homesick" public comment, and the player making contradictory statements it in his twtter stream.

The old saying is that there are three sides to every story--in this case, MU's side, Taylor's side and the cold, hard truth.  

I don't think we know the truth yet.

I think you're the one who's confused.

1. Players usually take multiple visits and "have a great time" on most of them, so a tweet of that sort is often meaningless.
2. Where did Marquette issue a "the player is homesick" public comment? I only read that MU said he left for personal reasons. The idea that he was homesick came from what TJ himself said on twitter - I guess he has backtracked some on that theme.
3.MU says he left for personal reasons. TJ hasn't given any reason. Why does there have to be a "cold, hard truth" that contradicts both? Their stories may turn out to be essentially the same.

(Sorry this is redudant as Dr Blackheart and Pakuni have made the same points)

[The Equalizer]

1. The school never issued a "he was homesick" public comment. The only public comment the school has issued is that Taylor withdrew for personal reasons and it was his decision.

2. What has Taylor tweeted that contradicts MU's statement (real or imaginary)?

1. According to Potrykus:
"*I don't know what you know about Taylor so I can't comment on that. I do know that after talking to two MU folks, both suggested he was homesick and missed his girlfriend. However, Taylor denied that in a tweet to an MU fan. His girlfriend one day later did the same in response to a comment by a fan. "


2: Exchanges on Twitter:

Jim Hagerty ‏@jhags15
@tjtaylor21 Man you didn't even get to the season. I know you're missing your gf I do long distance 2. Really was hoping to see you play GL

Lost One ‏@tjtaylor21
@jhags15 has nothing to do with that keep your thoughts to yourself you have no idea so just chill out


And this:
vince mullins ‏@chenz80
@emilyyynichole - good luck to you and TJ...Marquette nation is pissed but sounds like love couldn't stand the distance. #unfortunate

Taylor's response:
Lost One ‏@tjtaylor21
@chenz80 DUDE chill out say what you wanna say but you can keep her out of it she has nothing to do with it shut the f*ck up

And
Emily Thompson ✌ ‏@emilyyynichole
@chenz80 are you serious?! I'm the LAST reason he came home. You might wanna learn the facts before you speak! I wanted him to stay...



You can think whatever you want. I don't believe that the two MU sources that Potrykus spoke with who claimed he was homsick and missed his girlfriend are consistent with the tweets I read from Taylor and his girlfriend.

[Pakuni]

1. According to Potrykus:
"*I don't know what you know about Taylor so I can't comment on that. I do know that after talking to two MU folks, both suggested he was homesick and missed his girlfriend. However, Taylor denied that in a tweet to an MU fan. His girlfriend one day later did the same in response to a comment by a fan. "

Are you serious?
You're really claiming that what Potrykus - in a personal email exchange with a reader - says he was told by "two MU folks" qualifies as Marquette University's statement on the matter?
That's delusional.

2: Exchanges on Twitter:

So, Taylor's tweets contradict those who said he left because he was missing his girlfriend. As does her tweet.
Now tell me again how this contradicts Marquette's statement?

[The Equalizer]

1. Players usually take multiple visits and "have a great time" on most of them, so a tweet of that sort is often meaningless.

Agreed--hence we shouldn't read too much into those types of tweets.

But, wouldn't you agree that there's a big differece between those type and what happened here?

2. Where did Marquette issue a "the player is homesick" public comment? I only read that MU said he left for personal reasons. The idea that he was homesick came from what TJ himself said on twitter - I guess he has backtracked some on that theme.

Potrykas said the comment came from two MU people he spoke with, as posted above in this thread.

"*I don't know what you know about Taylor so I can't comment on that. I do know that after talking to two MU folks, both suggested he was homesick and missed his girlfriend. However, Taylor denied that in a tweet to an MU fan. His girlfriend one day later did the same in response to a comment by a fan. "

Now, I suppose you can nit pik and say that MU didn't include that comment into their PRESS RELEASE.  But they did spread that notion in their RESPONSES to a reporter's question.

3.MU says he left for personal reasons. TJ hasn't given any reason. Why does there have to be a "cold, hard truth" that contradicts both? Their stories may turn out to be essentially the same.

All I can say is go back and re-read the tweets from TJ and his girlfriend. I just posted them above to make it easy for you.  I don't think they are consistent with MU staff telling the press that he was homesick and missed his girlfriend.  That's my point.

[wadesworld]

Agreed--hence we shouldn't read too much into those types of tweets.

But, wouldn't you agree that there's a big differece between those type and what happened here?

Potrykas said the comment came from two MU people he spoke with, as posted above in this thread.

"*I don't know what you know about Taylor so I can't comment on that. I do know that after talking to two MU folks, both suggested he was homesick and missed his girlfriend. However, Taylor denied that in a tweet to an MU fan. His girlfriend one day later did the same in response to a comment by a fan. "

Now, I suppose you can nit pik and say that MU didn't include that comment into their PRESS RELEASE.  But they did spread that notion in their RESPONSES to a reporter's question.

All I can say is go back and re-read the tweets from TJ and his girlfriend. I just posted them above to make it easy for you.  I don't think they are consistent with MU staff telling the press that he was homesick and missed his girlfriend.  That's my point.

"MU folks" = staff?  Hmmm. Interesting. I'm certain a professional writer would call them more than "MU folks" if they were insiders.

[Lennys Tap]

 I don't think they are consistent with MU staff telling the press that he was homesick and missed his girlfriend.  That's my point.




[/quote

I would put the odds at about 1000 -1 that MU staff said anything to the "press", let alone some biased UW booster hack, other than TJ left for personal reasons.

Some in the MU community surmised that TJ was homesick from things TJ posted on twitter and shared their thoughts here. That's Petroykus's "source". TJ and his girlfriend have since said that homesickness was not the reason and I'll accept that, but it doesn't in any way contradict what MU has said.

[The Equalizer]

"MU folks" = staff?  Hmmm. Interesting. I'm certain a professional writer would call them more than "MU folks" if they were insiders.

Because nobody in Wisconsin would ever refer to people as "folks."   

[Dawson Rental]

Good luck getting your arms around more than one

LOL

[Dawson Rental]

I've never read anything on that blog that I'd characterize as "brilliant."  It reads more like someone emailing their buddies than a fan-blog. 

Well, I enjoyed Rubie Q's commentary.  Especially the part about how Platypus would be in his Bucky pajamas.  I wonder if they look something like this:

Take Rubie Q's commentary, add CaptainAwesome's Bucky pj pic, and you get brilliant.

[Dawson Rental]

I got kind of interested on what Badger fans thought of Jeff Potrykus.  Evidently, bucky1 thought that he was a "total ass" and submitted that claim to Intershame.com - a website dedicated to "Shaming bad behavior on the WWW since 1995!" - to seek an unbiased confirmation which bucky1 received.


Wisconsin Badger Football Sportswriter 10/08/2009
Today's Intershame comes from Bucky1 who writes:

   I'm an avid (Wisconsin) Badger (Football) fan so I follow the team pretty closely. The best source of information during the season is Milwaukee Journal Sentinal writer Jeff Potrykus and his coverage of the team. His articles are pretty good, but every Monday he does an online chat an he comes off as a total ass.

Jeff Potrykus. Kind of a dick.
Bucky1 was kind enough to send us a link to Jeff's most recent chat transcript and, sure enough, he's kind of a dick. After reading through about half of the chat log, I noticed a fairly predictable pattern: if somebody asked a question containing any sort of opinion, Mr. Potrykus replied with some level of snark. I pulled out some examples for your enjoyment...

Q: Mark, Minneapolis - Great victory for the Badgers. What was the deal with that 3rd and 1 towards the end of the first half where the Badgers looked they were trying to catch the Gophs off-guard and Tolzien missed on the pass? Shouldn't they just have run the ball to pick up the first down?
A: Jeff Potrykus - The deal? They were trying to get a first down and move down the field for a FG or TD.

Q: The REAL Shanghai Badger - Jeff, Not sure if you saw, but when Decker scored for Minny, he pretended to be chopping wiht an axe. All I could think of was, pretty early (1st quarter) to be pulling something like that. Did UW notice?
A: Jeff Potrykus - I saw it on the replay. I'm sure the UW players in the area noticed. Did I ask them? Nope. Was scrambling around the interview room asking them about more pertinent topics.

Q: Tom, Saint Paul - Did you see us waving at you from section 202? How did you like the new stadium - how would you compare the atmosphere to other Big Ten venues?
A: Jeff Potrykus - Only way I had seen you would have been if you were on the field in a uni.

Q: Tom, Saint Paul - Noticed Ball had a few carries in the game. I thought Coach B had talked about redshirting him - did he give an explanation for the change in plans? After all the talk about Minney's 300+ lb defensive tackles, the Wisconsin rushing offense sure looked good in the 2nd half.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Yes, he talked about it last Thursday night after practice. I wrote about it then and wrote a story for the Monday paper after talking to Settle.

Q: TJ, Destin, FL - Is it time to fire the specials teams coach?
A: Jeff Potrykus - No. But it's time to stop asking that question, particularly since they are at the NCAA max for assistants and said assistants are involved in special teams.

Q: Gary, Cleveland, OH - Jeff, WOW - Who is 44 on Defense? He always seems to be in the right place making plays. I don't remember reading or hearing much about him this summer.
A: Jeff Potrykus - Gary: If you didn't read about Borland during the preseason you didn't read what many were writing. It was clear in camp and in NC play that the kid is a player.

At first, I admit, I wasn't sure Bucky1's argument had much merit. Sure, Mr Potrykus comes across as short, but are his responses really that shameful? I was about to dismiss the notion of shaming him... and then it hit me. Mr. Potrykus is answering questions from people who would do pretty much anything to be in his situation. This sportswriter has nearly unlimited access to the football team these people follow with nearly limitless enthusiasm. These fans will take an hour out of their Monday nights to sit in front of their computer screen fervently waiting for the moment that Mr. Potrykus maybe, just maybe will address their question about the team they love. And when Mr. Potrykus finally does, he often treats the them with a level of contempt usually reserved for a strangers unruly child.

Mr. Potrykus is very lucky the subject he's covering already has an ingrained, passionate and loyal fanbase because it's unlikely he'd be able to win many readers over with his personality. That he has readers is the sole reason he's able to write for a living. His seemingly unappreciative attitude towards those people is indeed worthy of Intershame.

This Intershame was nominated by "Bucky1"

[wadesworld]

Because nobody in Wisconsin would ever refer to people as "folks."   

K chicos   He would call them "sources," "insiders," or by their title (coach, director of bb operations, etc). You don't refer to a basketball staff as "folks" when you're giving inside information about basketball, no matter where you're from. I am an MU folk. Buzz is an MU coach.

[The Equalizer]

I would put the odds at about 1000 -1 that MU staff said anything to the "press", let alone some biased UW booster hack, other than TJ left for personal reasons.

Some in the MU community surmised that TJ was homesick from things TJ posted on twitter and shared their thoughts here. That's Petroykus's "source". TJ and his girlfriend have since said that homesickness was not the reason and I'll accept that, but it doesn't in any way contradict what MU has said.

So you're saying that he fabricated it?  You may not like Potrykas, but to accuse a journalst of fabricating a conversation with a source is extremely serious, as in instantly fireable--even for a throwaway comment like "A Marquette source said Wednesday that Taylor, a native of Denison, Texas, was homesick.", which appeared online on 7/18.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/mu-recruit-taylor-makes-quick-exit-ju663a7-162979126.html

If you honestly and truly believe he fabricated this, then do us all a favor and call or send a note to MARTIN KAISER, Sr. Vice President/Editor at the J/S -- he can be reached at (414) 224-2345 mkaiser@journalsentinel.com. If Potrykas can't validate that he actually spoke with someone at Marquette, he will very quickly join the ranks of Janet Cooke and Jayson Blair.

Of course, my guess (with 1000 to 1 odds) is that Potrykas actually has the names, numbers and contact notes from the people at MU he spoke with.  

Meanwhile, the guys at PaintTouches reported essentially the same thing: 
"[Taylor] couldn't be reached for comment yesterday, but rumors have floated about the Texas native feeling home sick."

So lets assume you're right--that both Potrykas and PT completely fabricated the "homesick" story angle.

How do you explain TJ Taylor's angry reaction to the two fans who reached out to him?  Doesn't that reaction seem the teeniest bit inconsistent?

[The Equalizer]

K chicos   He would call them "sources," "insiders," or by their title (coach, director of bb operations, etc). You don't refer to a basketball staff as "folks" when you're giving inside information about basketball, no matter where you're from. I am an MU folk. Buzz is an MU coach.

He said "source" in the story, "folks" in the personal email.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/goldeneagles/mu-recruit-taylor-makes-quick-exit-ju663a7-162979126.html
"A Marquette source said Wednesday that Taylor, a native of Denison, Texas, was homesick."

Happy now?