Wichita State looking into women’s basketball transfers

[pinstripers]

Kinda embarrassing that it took this many years to actually look into things.

[Veritas]

I am not part of the program, but will make a guess as to what is wanted. The reported offenses such as the withholding of food, medical attention and student services (study hall) as punishment would clearly have nothing to do with being a good or tough coach. Those would clearly be unacceptably abusive treatment of student athletes. This was now the 4th time players have gone thru athletic department channels to have their grievances addressed without meaningful result, leading to what you derisively call "a public witch hunt." What these students most likely want, I imagine, is protection from this abuse for all current/future Shocker wbb players. Because these issues have been raised multiple times without any change on HCJAs part, perhaps the players feel that the only way to assure this protection would be for her to no longer be in her current position of authority. Her resignation or firing would accomplish that.

I haven't seen any interview statements bringing to light what you're stating JA supposedly did to the team.
But if they occurred, why didn't the parents at least go up the chain of command to resolve the issues rather than see it publicly played out in the media? Of course you're not, nor have ever been part of the program, but curious as to why the parents and players didn't continue to take it step-by-step all the way up to Pres.Bardo?

These public witch hunts only hurt everyone including the players, coaches, program, athletic department and school.
There was an alternative to handle the allegations.
Sad state of affairs. It will be interesting to see of JA can ever recover. Hopefully the players can.

[NolenKemp]

Kinda embarrassing that it took this many years to actually look into things.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. These things have been brought through the proper channels many times before. Just in 2012 the entire team had a meeting with ADES regarding the exact complaints. How many times does it take before the ones with the complaints just give up?

[ShockTalk]

I haven't seen any interview statements bringing to light what you're stating JA supposedly did to the team.
But if they occurred, why didn't the parents at least go up the chain of command to resolve the issues rather than see it publicly played out in the media? Of course you're not, nor have ever been part of the program, but curious as to why the parents and players didn't continue to take it step-by-step all the way up to Pres.Bardo?

These public witch hunts only hurt everyone including the players, coaches, program, athletic department and school.
There was an alternative to handle the allegations.
Sad state of affairs. It will be interesting to see of JA can ever recover. Hopefully the players can.

Also, not part of the program, but I believe that step-by-step process has been used in the past and probably more than has been made public. As an example, "families" generally don't make public its working through problems and keep it "in house".

[shocker_67]

I haven't seen any interview statements bringing to light what you're stating JA supposedly did to the team.
But if they occurred, why didn't the parents at least go up the chain of command to resolve the issues rather than see it publicly played out in the media? Of course you're not, nor have ever been part of the program, but curious as to why the parents and players didn't continue to take it step-by-step all the way up to Pres.Bardo?

These public witch hunts only hurt everyone including the players, coaches, program, athletic department and school.
There was an alternative to handle the allegations.
Sad state of affairs. It will be interesting to see of JA can ever recover. Hopefully the players can.

I believe since the "listening/liability tour" was part of President Bardo's idea and process when he became aware of concerning things going on in the program. He is aware and obviously approves of the women's basketball program. I understand Eric Sexton got promoted, Jody seems to be given the nod of approval, I think everyone is ready to get to work on next season! I believe in news report mentioned over 30 parents/players interviewed, seems nothing was found out, they must agree or approve of and found that everything is great. I even understand that they have part of the men's team being interviewed showing support for Jody and mentioning how much she is like Greg Marshall, that's like a major endorsement, looks like everything is just the same as it was and were ready for another championship!

[Shocker-maniac]

I would be highly surprised if we have another championship under Adam's tenure.

[1972Shocker]

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. These things have been brought through the proper channels many times before. Just in 2012 the entire team had a meeting with ADES regarding the exact complaints. How many times does it take before the ones with the complaints just give up?

@NolenKemp: please check your private mailbox.

[shockswsu]

67--I'm not sure that "He is aware and obviously approves of the women's basketball program. I understand Eric Sexton got promoted, Jody seems to be given the nod of approval "
is completely accurate. Bardo indicated that a number of folks brought concerns, while others held HCJA in high regard. The concerns were apparently of enough validity that the university will pay a sports psychologist to work with team members . While that probably does not provide the level of protection from abuse which the players would like to see, it is at least not a "nod of approval."

[1972Shocker]

Is this the 1st time a psychologists has been brought into deal with these issues? Seems like I recall that was done a few years back as well but maybe I am misremembering that. In any case, hopefully that will prove to be a beneficial move for the players.

Wichita State men's basketball team does have Steve Dickie, their Character Coach. Character is king to Gregg Marshall. Not implying the Lady Shocker athletes are not of high character overall. To the contrary I think most of our student-athletes are of very high character.

[WuDrWu]

I am not part of the program, but will make a guess as to what is wanted. The reported offenses such as the withholding of food, medical attention and student services (study hall) as punishment would clearly have nothing to do with being a good or tough coach. Those would clearly be unacceptably abusive treatment of student athletes. This was now the 4th time players have gone thru athletic department channels to have their grievances addressed without meaningful result, leading to what you derisively call "a public witch hunt." What these students most likely want, I imagine, is protection from this abuse for all current/future Shocker wbb players. Because these issues have been raised multiple times without any change on HCJAs part, perhaps the players feel that the only way to assure this protection would be for her to no longer be in her current position of authority. Her resignation or firing would accomplish that.

I have a problem with this statement, as I've mostly tried to stay out of this discussion and have said more than once I am not saying HCJA is without fault.

I defy you to prove anyone had food withheld. You're using hyperbole, at best, lying at worst. Student services are a privilege not a right, but even then that's in no way, shape or form "abuse" and I'd love to see any documentation of medical treatment denied a student athlete. Come on now....


New poster 7 with an axe to grind. The stance that MANY are taking (both on Shockernet and elsewhere) would be MUCH better served were there a lot more facts and a lot fewer opinionated conclusions drawn. And the same could probably be said for both sides.

[1972Shocker]

The stance that MANY are taking (both on Shockernet and elsewhere) would be MUCH better served were there a lot more facts and a lot fewer opinionated conclusions drawn. And the same could probably be said for both sides.

Yes, it is too bad the process and results of the investigation have not been more transparent and open. But that just isn't the way these things work.

The bottom line is that Wichita State has listened to the complaints. Wichita State has decided to retain Coach Adams and move forward with perhaps a better process for players to express concerns going forward.

Based on the opinion poll by KSN, which is far from scientific, the fan base, which is admittedly operating without all the evidence, is split pretty evenly in their opinion whether the University made the correct decision in retaining Jody.

Not really much further that can or probably will be done. However, this is a discussion board and a very significant part of the discussion is opinion. However it is important that false statements should not be made. However, differences of opinion should definitely be allowed and welcomed.

The one thing I do hope is being done is that every reasonable effort is made to assist the young ladies leaving the program to move on to situations they find more suitable for them. No sense compounding the bad feelings on the way out the door is there?

[shoxlax]

It's gotten to the point it's like trying to get someone to switch political parties. We've blamed society, the coach, the school, Eric Sexton, his dog, the players and their families and I haven't seen one person be swayed by argument over the last three days. I have my overall opinions on the issue that I have made clear in PMs but until there is new evidence, a lawsuit, or more exodus of players and recruits, its time to piece this thing together and try to field a team next year. I am damn sad about it, that's for sure. Like I said, right or wrong, this will impact recruiting.

[WuDrWu]

The one thing I do hope is being done is that every reasonable effort is made to assist the young ladies leaving the program to move on to situations they find more suitable for them. No sense compounding the bad feelings on the way out the door is there?

Without question. I think we're all on board with that, or at least I hope EVERYONE is on board with that.

[1972Shocker]

Without question. I think we're all on board with that, or at least I hope EVERYONE is on board with that.

This might be tough for Jody and her staff because they no doubt feel at least somewhat betrayed. But I think, again just my opinion, that she needs to take the high road on this. It is a great opportunity for her to show that she does have the best interest of the student athlete at heart.

[1972Shocker]

right or wrong, this will impact recruiting.

That would be the natural inclination. But so far Jody's incoming recruiting class, which looks pretty good on paper, has stayed intact and she added what looks like a decent Juco player right in the middle of the investigation. As of today she has a roster of 9 players in the fold for next year. Last year we had a roster of 10 players and 3 of those players played pretty sparingly especially in key games. Jody has never been one to build a big roster. Her roster size in her tenure at WSU has been around 11 players even though she has 15 scholarships to give.

The biggest issue we have next year will be inexperience and the need to replace all of the team leadership from the last 2 to 3 years not too mention replacing the best all-around player ever to play WBB at Wichita State.

I am sure she would like to add 1 or 2 more Juco players to the mix this next year.

As far as future recruiting goes Jody can point to the fact that her program has been through a thorough internal investigation and while she is admittedly a tough, hard-nosed Coach she was not found to be abusive to her players. She will probably sell the fact that if you let her push you she can make you better than you thought possible. She will no doubt continue to use Alex Harden as an example of that. She can also point to the fact that she had unanimous support from her fellow Valley coaches. Also, she has 3 consecutive MVC championships to sell not to mention sharing the building with a super men's basketball program. She also has great facilities and a very nice campus to sell.
So I think Jody has plenty of arrows in her recruiting quiver.