Jeff Potrykus Kobe King

[Pakuni]

Here's my hot take .... white people shouldn't use that word.
Sorry if that bums you out, Billy.

[skianth16]

Not even remotely comparable. A coach "directing a racial epithet" (language directly from the articles) at Kobe King vs. A guy who was upset because he wasn't THE guy on the team.

What a load of garbage. You're either being purposefully obtuse or lack the ability to think analytically, which says more about MU than anything related to the Hausers

I think you missed some key parts of the story. The racial epithet was not directed at anyone, and I think it's been said that Kobe wasn't even present. It was a coach telling story in which he used a word that he should not have. There's a big difference between this case of poor judgment and a case of being demeaning or racist.

[MU82]

Like everybody else here, I'm on the outside looking in regarding this whole deal. So all I have is what I've read and an opinion (again, like everybody else here).

Using the n-word the way he did does not seem like "racism," or proof that he is a "racist."

It was poor judgment on his part. As Pakuni said, the best way for a white person to stay out of trouble in this realm is to simply never use the word. For the life of me, I don't know why that's a difficult concept to some.

Aside from the fact that both King and Hauser will have sought a waiver (assuming King does so), there is little to no similarity between their situations.

It's unfortunate when a black person shouts "racism" when none exists. But the instances of that having been proved to have happened, vs the instances of white people being racists or acting inappropriately on racial issues ... come on. So it's disappointing when one of the first thoughts a white person has is something along the lines of, "That black guy is probably just making this up." Despite what a fairly large (and highly unintelligent) segment of U.S. society believes, reverse racism is not a bigger problem in America than actual racism.

I have no opinion on Potrykus because I don't think I've read even 3 things he's ever written. I certainly can understand why some might not like him if he is a UW mouthpiece, as many here contend.

However, I'm quite certain that anybody who wants to get involved in a letter-writing campaign would be wasting their time by writing Barry Alvarez, as he would have absolutely no say as to whether Potrykus keeps his MJS job or not. I also doubt a letter-writing campaign to the MJS sports editor would be very successful, either, but knock yourselves out!

[cheebs09]

I think you missed some key parts of the story. The racial epithet was not directed at anyone, and I think it's been said that Kobe wasn't even present. It was a coach telling story in which he used a word that he should not have. There's a big difference between this case of poor judgment and a case of being demeaning or racist.

I think part of it is Potrykus and the coach’s comments are making this sound like Kobe Kibg is ringing the alarm and demanding he be fired. The coach said all was good until King transferred. However, I don’t know that I’ve seen King come out and publicly address it or demand anything. It seems he brought it up in his exit interview, but it could have been a response to any question.

I think that’s where people are calling out Potrykus and I’ve not seen anything other than speculation that King is going to try and use this for a waiver.

Much like Joey, if he’s got something that the NCAAs arbitrary waiver process deems worthy, go for it. Doesn’t hurt to take a shot as long as its truthful.

[Tha Hound]

I think you missed some key parts of the story. The racial epithet was not directed at anyone, and I think it's been said that Kobe wasn't even present. It was a coach telling story in which he used a word that he should not have. There's a big difference between this case of poor judgment and a case of being demeaning or racist.

Quote from both USA Today and JS: "University of Wisconsin officials are investigating an allegation that a racial epithet was directed at Kobe King by a University of Wisconsin staffer."

Do you have a source that it was not directed at anyone or that Kobe wasn't present? honestly asking. But even if he wasn't present, is this not a serious issue for the University? Certainly a more serious issue than someone who is unhappy with how basketball games are being played out?

[skianth16]

Quote from both USA Today and JS: "University of Wisconsin officials are investigating an allegation that a racial epithet was directed at Kobe King by a University of Wisconsin staffer."

Do you have a source that it was not directed at anyone or that Kobe wasn't present? honestly asking. But even if he wasn't present, is this not a serious issue for the University? Certainly a more serious issue than someone who is unhappy with how basketball games are being played out?

The Madison paper had a pretty good article. The points I referenced are below.

“In a recent conversation with members of the Wisconsin men’s basketball team, I was sharing a story from my NBA career and explaining the intensity of a particular athlete, I quoted that individual, and in doing so, repeated a repugnant word. In no way were these my words, and I clearly stated my disapproval. From the beginning, I owned what I said and made apologies to the student-athletes affected,” Helland said.

"Reached on his cell phone Thursday, King said he wasn’t present when Helland used the epithet in front of three walk-ons, but his teammates told him about it."

https://madison.com/wsj/sports/college/basketball/men/erik-helland-strength-and-conditioning-coach-for-badgers-men-s/article_f3685e76-d957-586e-98ae-3d9de88ee013.html

The WSJ also has an article quoting Kobe saying he's been frustrated with Gard since his freshman year. It seems to me that Kobe's primary reason for leaving was Gard, but it's possible the Hellend issue played a role as well. The article below was written before any of the Hellend news came out, so I wouldn't put this into the "propaganda machine" category.

https://madison.com/wsj/sports/college/basketball/men/kobe-king-says-frustration-was-building-with-coach-greg-gard/article_02dae339-204e-5788-a891-c03e908d1b0a.html

So is this an issue for the university? It doesn't seem to be indicative of a regular pattern or a broader problem within the program. It seems like a pretty isolated incident from a guy who's been in the basketball industry for decades and now has a big, ugly stain on his resume. I'm sure plenty of people will read into this what they want, but I'm not buying this as a tip-of-the-iceberg kind of situation.

[Jamo]

The OP was more focused on Potrykus immediately pushing the narrative this was a false allegation made by Kobe King to obtain a waiver.

Without any facts at the time to back that up, I thought it was irresponsible for a journalist to put that out into the public, especially in what was likely the first story everyone read on the issue.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

What Denning did was racist.

Denning himself may or may not be a racist,  no one on this board knows the answer to that.

[Dr. Blackheart]

As with past incidents like Boelima, Bo, shoes, Vander, Wes, Uthoff, etc., the Madison press circles the wagons and digs in for the last stand when the regional or national press start calling. It’s no different for other state college town papers (Lansing, Columbus). IIRC, TMZ broke the Bo honey-dipping story although everyone in Madison knew his ways extended well beyond the masseuse.

Why is anyone shocked?  SUPERBAR

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

The silence of college town press has long been a problem with Lansing being the worst example. The university provides all the news,  if the press loses access there it's literally nothing for them to report on and they will go belly up. Plus,  all their readers/viewers are likely fan(atics) and that will further harm their bottom dollar.

I have friends at both the College Station paper and local news station. Both have told me straight up that they (their employer) will never break a story that makes TAMU look bad.  If an outside entity breaks the story they will "report that other entities are reporting that..."

[skianth16]

What Denning did was racist.

Denning himself may or may not be a racist,  no one on this board knows the answer to that.

Who is Denning? Do you mean Helland?

[rocket surgeon]

This board savaged Joey Hauser for pursuing wavier and alleging mistreatment (cult mentality) but is rushing to defend King and allege the S&C coach is a "racist" and quoting someone it "racism."

I'm as left wing as anyone here but come on, what he did is not "racist." It wasn't even said to King.

Definition of racism
1: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racism

If music was played in the locker room contained that word does that mean it was a racially hostile environment? The guy should have never said what he did but doing so does not make one a "racist."

billy billy billy ohh billy-great comment!     if we researched everyone who said this "word"  somewhere, sometime, holy man, we would have a lot of unemployed people.  many on the left have over-weaponized the "r" word and throw it around so much, it has been unnecessarily diluted.  i think we as a society have established, and rightly so, what is acceptable in this regard.  DON"T USE IT!!   i don't know what was in hellands mind or heart when he uttered "the word" but sounds like the "meathead" part of him took over his brain.  we've got to allow some of these people a 2nd chance.  we do in so many other aspects of our lives.  if he is a real racist, either he gets religion or his true colors(no pun) will eventually rear it's ugly head and he should be unemployed

    but, there!  madison just showed everyone that they sure aren't racist??  can't everyone just go with the content of ones character thing and move on?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Who is Denning? Do you mean Helland?

Yes,  my bad. I was going off memory and thought his name was Denning for dinner reason

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

billy billy billy ohh billy-great comment!     if we researched everyone who said this "word"  somewhere, sometime, holy man, we would have a lot of unemployed people.  many on the left have over-weaponized the "r" word and throw it around so much, it has been unnecessarily diluted.  i think we as a society have established, and rightly so, what is acceptable in this regard.  DON"T USE IT!!   i don't know what was in hellands mind or heart when he uttered "the word" but sounds like the "meathead" part of him took over his brain.  we've got to allow some of these people a 2nd chance.  we do in so many other aspects of our lives.  if he is a real racist, either he gets religion or his true colors(no pun) will eventually rear it's ugly head and he should be unemployed

    but, there!  madison just showed everyone that they sure aren't racist??  can't everyone just go with the content of ones character thing and move on?

Helland will be given a second chance.  He just isn't owed that second chance by the University of Wisconsin.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Yes,  my bad. I was going off memory and thought his name was Denning for dinner reason

Well, if you are into cannibalism and that sort of thing, that is Jonathon Demme then.

[rocket surgeon]

Helland will be given a second chance.  He just isn't owed that second chance by the University of Wisconsin.

why not?  if anyone or place could address this issue best and help him get a "do over" it would be right there at ground zero in madison and with UW.   but if they have already made up their minds, could care less about helland and are not up for the fight, well then... there could also as well be some other underlying factors we are not aware of as well. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

why not?  if anyone or place could address this issue best and help him get a "do over" it would be right there at ground zero in madison and with UW.   but if they have already made up their minds, could care less about helland and are not up for the fight, well then... there could also as well be some other underlying factors we are not aware of as well. 

I didn't say he *couldn't* get a second chance with UW.  I said he wasn't *owed* one. 

[Uncle Rico]

Don’t use racial slurs

[CTWarrior]

What Denning did was racist.

Denning himself may or may not be a racist,  no one on this board knows the answer to that.

Telling a story, and quoting another person (who may have been black for all we know) who used the n-word is racist?  Look, I agree it is dumb to do that and he should have either not told the story or substituted "n-word", but come on!  Unless there were previous incidents of racist behavior with Helland, this is just an apology and promise not to do it again and move on. 

[Galway Eagle]

This is like the episode of The Office Diversity Day

[TedBaxter]

Telling a story, and quoting another person (who may have been black for all we know) who used the n-word is racist?  Look, I agree it is dumb to do that and he should have either not told the story or substituted "n-word", but come on!  Unless there were previous incidents of racist behavior with Helland, this is just an apology and promise not to do it again and move on.

Bingo.

[Markusquette]

Bingo.

Bingo x2.

[rocket surgeon]

I didn't say he *couldn't* get a second chance with UW.  I said he wasn't *owed* one.

gotcha!  i don't know the man nor his past relationship with the school, but in giving him a second chance, i believe it could play a nice role in developing better race relations.  set an example and bring the conversation public, use it as a "teaching moment" as opposed to just trying bury it and moving onto the next "incident".  we already know UW isn't racist cuz they've told us...many times

[Uncle Rico]

gotcha!  i don't know the man nor his past relationship with the school, but in giving him a second chance, i believe it could play a nice role in developing better race relations.  set an example and bring the conversation public, use it as a "teaching moment" as opposed to just trying bury it and moving onto the next "incident".  we already know UW isn't racist cuz they've told us...many times

If Wisconsin had a better track record with such matters, it’s entirely possible an apology is all that was necessary. 

[skianth16]

If Wisconsin had a better track record with such matters, it’s entirely possible an apology is all that was necessary.

What's their negative track record? I don't recall any issues at the school.