Wendell

[SFL]

It's readily apparent some of you are inadequately prepared to "handle the truth" of what really goes on in Division I athletics.

"You Can't Handle the Truth" Ravens Style

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmaEbO21GYI

The Truth "Did you expense the golf outing?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWhjtV-S8Ho&feature=related

[shox8498]

First and last comment.

Wendell apparently played well enough to stay in MT's program for a couple of years, had a few good moments here and there, and objectively speaking......he ended up on the cusp during the coaching change.

IMHO he might've (emphasize might've) impressed HCGM in the individual workout with something he did....more than likely a defensive skill or two (or 3?)......and coach is admittedly a "defense first" guy.

Unfortunately, WP has never been an asset to the Shockers on the offensive end. And it's possible (?) that HCGM overlooked that when going through individual workouts.......I'm not pointing the finger at anyone. It's a no-fault thing, possibly even influenced by departures, deaths and the need for bodies for this team because of all these circumstances.

With all that said........

If WP comes back next year and doesn't practice hard enough next year, he won't see much of the court going forward. HCGM will have to go with the younger, hungrier players.

If he chooses (or is allowed) to come back next year, I will stand and applaud him as I would any other senior. He's been a good solid citizen by all other measures.

Nobody should try to slam the door on his A$$.

[rayc]

a good friend of mine's daughter is married to a former player recruited by coach K at Duke. He spent all 4 years on an athletic scholarship at Duke. I'm not sure he played in more than 10 games his entire career. He was not recruited to be a practice player, but thats the way it turned out.

Now tell us, what really goes on in Division I athletics?

[RoyalShock]

It's readily apparent some of you are inadequately prepared to handle the truth of what really goes on in Division I athletics.

Inadequately prepared to handle the truth? :lol:

For many of us this discussion isn't about "the truth", which I'm sure varies from program to program so you can hardly corner the market on that.

It's about what we, as fans of our school's program, think is the right thing to do.

[1972Shocker]

I still don't see why everyone wants to keep a guy around that, as it has been rumored, doesn't want to put forth the effort.

If a player has decided to not give his best effort and just coast through the remainder of the season, that might indicate that perhaps he has already decided that he will be happier if he voluntarily looks to move to another situation next year.

IF a player is consistently dogging it in practice, then HCGM would be totally justified in pushing him out the door. Most College Coaches, and HCGM in particular, can endure a lot of things, but a lack of effort in practice or games is usually not one of them. And this does not have to wait until the end of the year if it becomes a chronic problem.

[DaShox]

It doesn't matter what you as a fan think is the "right thing to do". Not once have I ever seen an administrator sit and discuss the morality and ethics of cutting loose an employee or athlete. Not once.

Fans discuss "the right thing to do" for 5 pages. Administrators just pull the trigger.

[pinstripers]

Yeah I agree, but I'm not convinced it's a done deal, either. I don't think the work ethic comment applies to Wendell, either.

[1972Shocker]

To me its not an issue of morality or ethics particularly, but more a matter of fairness.

I have no problem cutting young men loose when it is apparent they don't have what it takes or they are not williing to put in the work and effort required. Hopefully, that occurs at the end of the first or second year at the latest. Usually, this works out in both parties best interest. In fact, it is probably not fair to string a kid along who just doesn't have it.

But to string a young man along for three years before dumping him just doesn't seem very classy to me (assuming he is giving it every thing he has).

I understand HCGM inherited this situation and perhaps he should not be concerned with fairness when the problem is not really of his making. Would HCGM cut a three-year player he had recruited (again assuming the full effort is there)? Should he treat a player differently simply because he inherited that player?

My bottom line is, that I simply do not see a significant cost to the WSU program of retaining Wendell for one more year, assuming he wants to come back and assuming he is willing to give it everything he has.

It's not like WSU has not cut a bunch of guys loose recently. Ryan Bradley, Chris Brown, Arbry Butler, Calvin Walls, etc. It happens. Just don't see it much with 3 year players, although I could very well be wrong about that.

[Ricky Del Rio]

Re: Wendell

Late in the overtime game against SIU last night, Wendell was sent into the game as an official fouler.

He clearly did not have his heart in it. His face bore a dishearted expression. I feel badly for him.

Despite his senior status next year, I will be very surprised, if he returns.

I had no idea that I would start a discussion like this one.

I sincerely regret it.

[BOBB]

It doesn't matter what you as a fan think is the "right thing to do". Not once have I ever seen an administrator sit and discuss the morality and ethics of cutting loose an employee or athlete. Not once.

Fans discuss "the right thing to do" for 5 pages. Administrators just pull the trigger.

Clearly, you are someone who does not often think about "the right thing to do." I'm surprised you continue to post here.

[DaShox]

Several organizations would disagree with that assessment.

[wufan]

It doesn't matter what you as a fan think is the "right thing to do". Not once have I ever seen an administrator sit and discuss the morality and ethics of cutting loose an employee or athlete. Not once.

Fans discuss "the right thing to do" for 5 pages. Administrators just pull the trigger.

Rarely will an administrator/employer dismiss someone without significant thought. When it is done immediately it is because the employee violated a cardinal sin of the company (whatever that may be). Similarly, a head coach will often dismiss a player immediately for breaking the law.

I have had the unfortunate priveledge of both being dismissed from school (academic reasons) and of terminating someones employment. In both cases the administrator and the employee/student knew the potential outcome of their actions well in advance. It was with great debate and dissatisfaction that I (with three years experience), dismissed a very hard working employee with 13 years in the company. He was an inherited employee that the previous management did not handle appropriately. I was the one that had to do what was best for everyone.

I don't know what Wendell's situation holds, but I'm sure CGM is handling it appropriately. From the outside looking in, I don't see the value that WP brings to the program.