Discussion

• April 7, 2008

  11:57 PM

  Tom writes:

  That was a great shot at the end of regulation. Almost better was the pass that led to the shot.

  That said.......

  What is up with the players at the end of the game wearing their championship caps sideways and backwards??????
  Can someone PLEASE teach these players how to have respect????? Wear your freaking hat straight. Not sideways. Not backwards. Cripes.
  I am so freaking sick of seeing athletes dress like they just came straight from a rap video audition. I'm not trying to be stereotypical here (maybe it's unavoidable) but come on....Look professional and be professional.
  Maybe the small consolation here is that 20 years from now, some of those kids will look back and see how silly they looked on national television. Let's hope they learn something.

  Anyway...good game to be sure.

  Cheers.

• April 8, 2008

  2:56 AM

  Jacob writes:

  Tom could find something wrong with a show about the Make a Wish foundation giving dying children their last wish.

• April 8, 2008

  3:02 AM

  Jacob writes:

  And Jesus Christ Tom, does everybody have to look like white America? Different people have different styles. You want Jay Cutler to get a military haircut, you want the Kansas players to straighten their hats, what a great job of being a closed minded idiot who bashes the way that people dress and act on a website. Sure are a tough guy Tom. Learn to accept other people as they are, not everything has to look like Castle Rock.

• April 8, 2008

  8:41 AM

  Kurt writes:

  Not sure if there is anything further to be said after jacobs comments.......

  Kansas deserved to win this game, they played their tail feathers off!

  I really hate KU, but they can sure paly B-ball!

• April 8, 2008

  9:53 AM

  Red writes:

  Hey Rockies...
  Thanks for our 2007 World Series rings! They look and feel great!
  Couldn't have won them without the Colorado Rockies.
  Actually we did. You guys didn't show up to play for four games!

  Boston Red Sox
  2007 World Series
  Champions!

• April 8, 2008

  10:47 AM

  Tom writes:

  It's a free country, Jacob. You could look it up.

  If you don't like what's on the radio, turn the dial. If you don't like what I post here, don't read it. It's really elementary.

  I'm just giving an opinion like everyone else does. I've never once asked anyone else to agree with me on anything here.

  You'll have your say and I'll have mine. Thanks in advance for being so understanding. I really, really appreciate it. Thanks so much. Happy days!

  Cheers.

• April 8, 2008

  12:04 PM

  Henry writes:

  There's nothing disrespectful at all about putting on a cap sideways. Besides, these kids are celebrating a championship, not going to church. Let them have fun.
  And Tom, you are asking for people to agree with you. You're asking someone to teach these kids respect (as you have it defined in your head). Your comments border on racist ("can't somebody teach these kids not to dress so 'black'?")
  Follow your own advice. If you don't like how the kids dress, turn the channel. Meanwhile, I'll be applauding a great comeback and a great game.

• April 8, 2008

  12:13 PM

  Bob writes:

  Henry - You're playing a very dangerous card in suggesting that Tom is even slightly racist.

  You need to re-read his post and wake up. You're the one using the words racist and you're the one that put the word black in quotes as if to suggest that's what Tom meant. You're putting words in his posts and it's probably a good idea that you apologize to him pretty much immediately.

  I'm absolutely furious with you. You've gone way over the line.

• April 8, 2008

  12:21 PM

  Henry writes:

  I think it's pretty clear what was meant by the initial post. I was paraphrasing how I took the comments to mean. I was upset with his comments. And I don't believe I was the only one to read between the lines. Look at earlier comments. "Does everyone have to look like white America?" Of course this implies that this commenter took Tom's comments to mean that these players weren't dressing "white" enough.
  Tom admits as much when he acknowledges falling victim of a stereotype. He uses the phrase "straight from a rap video," but I think it's pretty clear what he means by that.

• April 8, 2008

  12:41 PM

  Bob writes:

  Jacob. You're the one with the problem. The way these guys last night were wearing their hats were exactly like rappers wear their hats in rap videos (white rappers and black rappers alike.) Saying that on a forum has nothing to do with race. Tom's stating a FACT. You're the one twisting things here. Get a life. You've got major, major issues you need to address. You seem to have a thing for putting words into others people's mouths. Did Tom ever SAY "black people?" No. Those are YOUR words. Lets get that straight.
  It's YOU that is making a deal of this. YOU are the problem.

  I'm done with you.

• April 8, 2008

  12:44 PM

  Bob writes:

  Edit:

  The above comment was actually meant to be directed at Henry (and to a lesser extent, Jacob).

• April 8, 2008

  12:50 PM

  Matt writes:

  I think it's clear what Tom meant with his comments. Reading between the lines is easy when those lines are a mile apart. I agree that the initial poster was out-of-line.

  White rappers? Really? You mean to tell me that when someone mentions a rapper that you're equally likely to imagine a white guy as a black guy? Please.

• April 8, 2008

  1:07 PM

  Tom writes:

  Jacob, Matt & Henry....

  You're fishing. You're not going to get me to bite. Please stop this attempt to undermine me by paraphrasing and assuming you know my feelings about anything. Others have tried this before, and it's not going to work. But, if you feel like better men by doing this, then more power to you. Just realize that you're clearly embarrassing yourself and making something out of nothing.
  You want to believe that I intended something horrible from my original post. Fine. Believe it. That doesn't make what you believe true and it doesn't make it fact. You might really wish it to, but I'm sorry....wishing just won't make it so.

  You're trying to create something from an observation that these kids looked unprofessional on national television (my opinion - which, judging from the Constitution of the United States, i am entitled to.) and that I thought the way they were wearing them represented the way that many people do actually wear ballcaps in rap videos. You guys made the decision to spin this comment six ways to Sunday. I apologize for nothing. I'm not a racist. If you continue to suggest that I am, I believe that you'll find yourself with more problems than you really want to deal with.

  Cheers.

• April 8, 2008

  1:21 PM

  Rich writes:

  Tom -
  Different professions have different codes of acceptable dress. Wearing a cap sideways is perfectly fine in this instance. There's nothing unprofessional about it. Who, exactly, do you think these kids were disrespecting? The school? The NCAA? Their team? I would disagree with you if you think any of those organizations should feel disrespected.

  Another note: these kids aren't professionals. They are amateurs. They are student-athletes.

  Finally, I don't know you or those from whom you're defending yourself. However, if you continually find yourself in a defense mode (your words: "others have tried this before"), you may want to consider that you're putting out a message that is different than intended. I do not know what you intended to mean with your first comment, but I can understand how someone would construe it as slightly race-based.

• April 8, 2008

  2:27 PM

  Tom writes:

  1. Wearing a cap that way is not perfectly fine in that instance (my opinion.)
  2. I think the players disrespected everyone you listed.
  3. I do not find myself in defense mode. People here rarely agree with me. That, I am fine with. I will not condone anyone insinuating that I'm a racist.
  4. I didn't put out a message different than intended. I stated that these kids showed disrespect by wearing their caps like they were at a rap video audition. I did not say they showed disrespect by wearing their caps like black people. You seem to want to spin this too. Good. Enjoy your time at the wheel. It's not going to get you anywhere either.

  I made an opinioniated statement about something I felt strongly about. I apologize for nothing. Get over yourself. I must admit that it's pretty interesting that people take my opinions here so serious and so much to heart. You don't even know me. I'm here for my own amusement.
  Get on with your lives if you don't agree with me. Move along.
  Let me make this extremely clear. I do not care one bit if people agree with me here. But to cross the line and call me anything close to a racist is flat out unacceptable.

• April 8, 2008

  2:46 PM

  Derek writes:

  How is wearing a hat sideways in any way disrespectful? Because it's not being worn the way you would wear it? Because it's not being worn the way that for which it was created?

  Many things are worn a way other than how the manufacturer intended. When I'm wearing sunglasses and the sun goes behind a cloud, I put my glasses on the top of my head (or hat if I'm wearing one). Is this disrespectful? Sometimes when I'm wearing a jacket or sweater and the temperature rises, I might take off the jacket or sweater and tie it around my waist. Is this disrespectful?

  You're fine to have your own opinion, but back that up with substantive facts. In what way, specifically, is this disrespectful? In what manner should those identified (teammates, school, NCAA) feel disrespected?

  Finally, I'm going to assume that those people to whom the student-athletes are responsible - teammates, coaches, university - will discipline the athletes if they violated any team or school rules. The coaches may even speak to the players if the coaching staff feels the players' actions were out of line. I'm guessing that you do not belong to any of these groups; therefore, do not try to impose your beliefs (as outdated as they seem) on this group of athletes. Let them enjoy the celebration -- they earned it!

• April 8, 2008

  2:48 PM

  Mitch writes:

  What's wrong with looking like a rapper?

• April 8, 2008

  4:04 PM

  Tom writes:

  Having an opinion on something in no way requires the person having the opinion to have that opinion based on anything factual. I happen to think the Nuggets are a crappy basketball team. is that factual? Doesn't matter. I still THINK the Nuggets suck. But it's just an opinion.

  And i'm not so sure that i'm the only one in this state that thinks the Nuggets suck.

  Cheers.

  P.S. If you don't agree with what I post here, that's fine too. I could care less. Just don't assume I meant to say something that i didn't. If you didn't like my choice of words or my example, then deal with it on your own. I never said one thing racial, but believe whatever you want. I'm past caring.

• April 8, 2008

  4:23 PM

  JA writes:

  Wow, honestly. I come here to look at a funny cartoon every now and then and I always see a comment by people for and against something by Tom or whoever else.

  The truth is that these young MEN, not little boys from Kansas worked very hard to win that championship. They have done something that only a handfull of people have ever done! A National Championship, WOW, do you know the hours and hours of weightlifting and practicing on your game that you have to do? The sacrafices that THEY had to make? The sacrafices that their PARENTS had to make?

  And please don't say something ignorant like wearing a hat sideways is disrespecting the game of basketball. Looking for "security" in your contract when your already making 1.3 million dollars in your current contract is disrepecting the game!!!

  It's funny how people are so afraid to being considered racist that they don't come with a clear minded opinion. Play fair fellas and I see your eyes burning to comment on this response Tom. I'll give you two hours tops before you respond to this:-)

• April 8, 2008

  5:03 PM

  Gregg writes:

  Frankly, I'm absolutely astounded that Tom has gotten all of you people off your rocker. He didn't even intend to. Imagine what he could do if he was really gunning for all of you. Good grief.

  I think all of you have taken this way too far. Could Tom have picked a better example? Maybe. But I don't agree that he owes anyone any kind of apology or explaination. You all are going to think whatever you want regardless of what he posts here.

  You all are wasting lots of time on something that was never directed at you. It was a comment. An opinion. Everyone has them every day. Many of you need to take a valium and calm the **** down.

  Jesus. Give it a rest.

• April 8, 2008

  9:15 PM

  Dub writes:

  Hey Tom,
  Isn't wearing a hat in a building disrespectful?

  What does it matter how someone wears something? Maybe we dont like it when you wear socks with your sandals? How disrespectful.

• April 8, 2008

  9:56 PM

  Derek writes:

  Tom: "Having an opinion on something in no way requires the person having the opinion to have that opinion based on anything factual."

  That's fine. Don't base your opinion on reality. I assume then that someone believing the world is flat is entitled to their opinion? Is the opinion that there is only one planet in our solar system legit? The person can have all the opinions he/she wants as long as that person realizes that he/she will get grief and will be corrected when their opinion is based on a false reality.

  You think the Nuggets stink? I'm guessing you base that opinion on something, whether it be their current standing, their current record, how well the players play as a team, etc. Even if you don't realize it, you have some basis for coming up with such an opinion.

• April 8, 2008

  10:57 PM

  Henry writes:

  Tom - I think you need to understand that I didn't call you a racist. I was simply pointing out that I felt it was a comment that was bordering on being racist. However, I can still separate the comment from the commenter.

  If I eat a meal consisting only of vegetables, I am not necessarily a vegetarian. Only if I regularly partake in a diet consisting of vegetables does that label begin to apply. Likewise, when someone makes a racist statement, that does not necessarily mean that individual is a racist. Only if the individual demonstrates a pattern of such remarks would I begin to think such.

  Understand the difference between placing a label on a comment and applying that label to the commenter.

• April 9, 2008

  2:41 AM

  Jacob writes:

  This is the dumbest forum I have ever read. I did not insinuate that Tom was rallying against black people, rather that he was rallying for your stereotypical white suburban family. Not too many sideways caps there. The whole fact that this was taken as a black/white thing is stupid. It has more to to with stereotypes of age and economic groups than anything.

• April 9, 2008

  5:40 AM

  Bar writes:

  I have to agree with Tom here with two things, it is disrespectful, and this has nothing to do with race.

  these student athletes did work their butts off and did one great job, but they should still act professional. In every sport your taught this. From pee-wee on. Dress a certain way on game days, have a certain dignity in wining and losing. In the NBA, if you look at pictures of the champions, they are all dressed a certain way, with dignity and respect, and these kids need to learn this. It has nothing to do with race.

  It is very easy to take things out of context, so dont try to find underlying meanings if there are none, and not put words in other peoples mouths. Its a matter of respect.

• April 9, 2008

  10:24 AM

  Carl writes:

  Jacob,

  Yes you did. Without question, you were calling out Tom as being racially insensitive. That's a pretty horrible thing to do to anyone. Don't try and sugarcoat things now. You've already said what you meant. Try actually reading what is written in people's posts before taking your time in twisting things around to suit your own needs.
  For the record, the entire reason that the thing was taken as a black/white issue was because of you and no one else. You're the instigator here.

• April 9, 2008

  10:55 AM

  Badger writes:

  I thought just wearing the cap PERIOD was disrespectful. They were indoors, after all.

  Seriously, though, aren't those caps theirs now? Isn't it disrespectful to tell other people what to do with their property, as long as it's not causing harm to the general public? It's a basketball game, not a reception for Her Majesty, and it's a cap, not the Shroud of Turin.

  Plus, they won. It's their moment. Let them have fun with it. I probably wouldn't have acted much different when I was 19-22 years old and won a national title.

• April 9, 2008

  12:34 PM

  rx writes:

  1) I think Tom was being racially insensitive (my opinion). It was the very first thing that crossed my mind when I read his post. And apparently not just me, but others as well. If Tom can express his thoughts and opinions (wrongheaded as they may be), why shouldn't everyone else be allowed to do the same? If you don't like it, don't read it...move along (isn't that what Tom always says?).

  2) Rap is awesome. I don't like all of it, but I really dig a good bit. I agree with Mitch. What's wrong with looking like a rapper? Nothing. I don't dress like that, but I don't think that other people shouldn't because it's not how I roll. Actually, sometimes I wear a baseball cap backward (gasp!) when the bill may interfere with something I'm doing. I try not to do that in public though, in case one of you etiquette policemen are lurking around to give me a stern talking-to.

  3) Let them have fun on their terms. Stop telling people what to do and how to act.

  OK...resume watching Bill O'reilly.

• April 9, 2008

  1:09 PM

  Tom writes:

  Wow. Glad I've been so well tarred and feathered in public. And wow....I'm really just so incredibly hurt by all of this that I just don't how I'll ever get over it. I'm just ruined. Ruined.
  I'm just never going to be the same. My life is just over. No point in living. I suppose the only thing to do is to off myself to save the critics from ever having to hear another opinion.

  But alas...that's just not how I roll either.

  So...deal with it. As I've said...I apologize for nothing. I stick by what I've stated. The examples I've used are fair and just. If YOU were offended, then that's YOUR issue. It's not mine. There's a bit too much oversensitivity here, but then....hey....that's my opinion too. How about that....I've got more than ONE opinion. Good God (or Lord, Higher Other, Supreme Being, Alah, Buddah, or Guy In The Sky....whatever you wish.)....it's absolutely incredible that people have this insane (mentally deranged?) way of overanalyzing the smallest comment and spinning words and paraphrasing to make something look and sound like an entirely foreign thing that it was conceived as.
  Guess I shouldn't be surprised.
  To repeat. No apology or retractment for or of previous statements is forthcoming.
  As said before, and also to repeat....I'm past caring.
  I'm still going to post here. If you don't like what I've posted...I don't care. I've been here awhile. I've never been banned, because I've never posted anything derogatory, and Drew has never given me any indication that he wishes for me to stop posting. It's his blog. If he want's me gone, then, yes....I'll comply. Until then.....Be happy to be stuck with me.

  Cheers.

• April 9, 2008

  1:33 PM

  rx writes:

  Derogatory: tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory

  You are routinely derogatory. Just not to people who will ever read this two-bit blog. You were derogatory to the Jayhawks players. You are often derogatory to players on each professional team in Denver.

  So, there's that. Hypocrite.

• April 9, 2008

  2:08 PM

  Tom writes:

  I don't actually lessen the merit of anyone. I just happen to comment on it. The team/players are actually the ones lessening their own merit or reputation.

  And for the record...calling Drew's blog "two-bit" is not very nice. Understood?

  Cheers.

• April 14, 2008

  12:21 PM

  Howard in Colorado Sorings writes:

  I can't define "Moronic Behavior" but I know it when I see it:

  -ANY numeric trubute to anything NASCAR
  -Chrome Silhouettes of reclining naked women on cars
  -Faux testes hanging from a pickup truck hitch
  -Calvin peeing on anything on a car
  -Tatoos run amok
  -Pearcings run amok
  -Low Rider cars
  -Wheel spinners
  and
  -Hats worn skewed on the wearers head such that they are not fulfilling the function for which they were designed

  These are all affectations which successful peopld with a modicum of self-respect would not be caught dead doing.

  Now, since I have insulted pretty much every racial stripe across the board I trust my ethnicity won't be a factor in the ineveitable detractions.

  Actually, now that I think about it, I DO know moronic behavior when I see it!

• June 24, 2008

  11:16 PM

  Adam writes:

  All I can say is that this whole debate is ludicrous. I am still in shock that one can feel so strongly about disrespect being shown by wearing a hat any way but forwards, or "the way it was intended". First of all, they just got done playing in the NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP. Wait, strike that, winning it. They are not professionals, they are STUDENTS. Let them be "professional" when they are paid to play. And no disrespect was shown to anyone. They will definitely not look back and regret wearing their hat sideways. They are going to think "that was the best night of my life". And the whole hat wearing in the pros? Have you ever heard of rally caps? or are you not a sports fan? Pretty sure thats not how caps are suppose to be worn. And KU definitely wasn't ashamed of them. They were just as happy to win. So your examples are wrong.
  Think I would know more since I attend KU and the same age as them.
  Let them have their moment.
  P.S. I'm wearing my KU hat backwards right now.