Obligations

[ShockerPhi]

Years ago we went to a city league game (I think) in Henry Levitt and Barry Sanders was there with a few friends about 5 rows from the top. He watched the first half undisturbed then at halftime one kid went up to ask for an autograph. He signed, and then you should have seen the swarm that surrounded him the rest of the game. I feel for the players in this position, you look bad if you say no, but if you say yes then its probably not just one autograph. I would chalk it up to it just wasn't the right time and maybe he was worried he'd get surrounded and not get back to the game.

Another good example is when Bob Knight was in the building for the last regular season game at Koch Arena. Two of my friends went down to get his autograph (and were the first people to do so). Very shorty after they did, a bunch of people started lining up and security had to tell them to go away. So it definitely makes sense.

[1972Shocker]

As long as Ron "politely" declined the request than I don't think there is any issue. There is certainly no obligation on Ron's part to sign autographs or have his picture taken. I have no idea what his reason was for declining the request but I'm not sure that is relevant. I find it hard to believe he declined just to be mean. He was asked, he politely declined, end of story.

As someone else mentioned there will be other opportunities including scheduled signing events.


I

[1979Shocker]

Maybe he's just going by some guidelines. Whenever the Coach's Show starts up again this fall, maybe someone can ask HCGM.

[wufan]

IMG_1982.jpeg

My niece was able to get a pic...it's not going to load. She's on the dance team, so...

[WuDrWu]

I'm more behind @shock: than anything, although he was a little harsh at the end, imho. These KIDS are hounded everywhere.

Let these kids be kids. Leave them alone unless it's an event where it's been announced it's okay. Everyone always thinks, it's just one more.

[shockerfan]

He's definitely not, and shouldn't be, obligated to sign autographs. He is usually pretty willing. I remember seeing him at the state high school championships this year at Hartman. The guy was hounded non stop and from what I could tell never said no or complained. Despite that he never got to really watch his brother play which is why he was there in the first place. I felt bad for him and was actually wishing he would just tell people he was done and go watch his bro play. But he didn't.

Is he a roll model? Yes
A representative of the university? Yes
A paid professional? NO ( which is why he isn't and shouldn't feel obligated to sign autographs non stop)

He can still be the first 2 even if he refuses to sign autographs.

[ShockerFever]

Having a bad day, are we, shock? If Express sounded like JH4P, which I don't believe he did, you sound like Fever on steroids. Get a grip.

GFY Puppywhacker.

[wufan]

GFY Puppywhacker.

Really?

[ShauXTyme]

From the keyboard of the guilty. Too funny.

[ShockerFever]

Really?

My name is coming from a guy that is "ignoring" me in a not-so-positive way and I react to it and I'm the one that gets the "really"?

You're just as moronic. YES, REALLY.

[ShockerFever]

From the keyboard of the guilty. Too funny.

Western Kentucky? Banner drop? I thought that wasn't gonna happen?

Too funny.

[ShockerFever]

I agree with the "he has a right to say no" crowd.

The Ms., who said point blank that she'd leave me for Ron (which isn't surprising and I would totally understand), requested a picture of him at the K-State baseball game at Eck, was turned down politely mainly because we were in a middle of a crowded area and it looked like Ron was heading straight for the skybox elevator with some "security". It looked like he wanted to say yes, but regretfully had to say no. The Ms. was a little disappointed but we talked about it and it was understood by both of us why he said what he did and that there would probably be a better opportunity some day down the road to get one.

So just trying to understand what the kid probably goes through daily, I can definitely see why he did what he did at the K as well. Let the kid have some fun and be "normal" for a bit. And he is, by no means, a professional so he does not need to act like one.

[SirShoxAlot]

Maybe he had to pee

[SB Shock]

Perhaps he'll feel badly and send her an autographed shirt or something. That would be nice. Perhaps the AD can help.

If that is going to happen, my 20 daughters want their autographed jerseys/shirts also. Sizes would 4xsmall, 4xmedium, 4xlarge, 8xX-large. Please make them dry fit shirts.

[Kung Wu]

I'll take an official Nike USA Soccer jersey, but I don't want to bother the poor college kid (or ruin my shirt with ink) so just send me the shirt. Thanks Eric!