Anyone have video of CNN host bashing Coach K because he will not give a response on the Indiana situation?
CNN bashes Coach K
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I don't know what CNN said (and I certainly wouldn't go off of Limbaugh's characterization of it), but, personally, I was not thrilled with his somewhat flippant response at the press conference yesterday. I'm fine if K wants to take the tack that he hasn't studied the law or issue, but generally abhors discrimination and / or simply stands behind the Duke AD's statement -- but I'm not fine with him completely abdicating any sort of responsibility to say anything under the circumstances.
I've listened to enough interviews with K where he's given opinions on a ton of issues that are not necessarily connected to Duke basketball (whether it be the Joe PA firing, business ethics, racism, military service, etc.), where it would be pretty cowardly IMO for him to completely duck the issue in view of the fact that he's taking his team to play in Indianapolis -- and, by doing so, will help the state of Indiana generate significant tax revenues. If Duke were out of the tournament and / or the Final Four was being held somewhere other than Indiana, then I could get the argument for why he shouldn't say anything. But, Duke is in the final four and we're going to Indianapolis. Nobody expects Duke to boycott the final four over this issue, but I do expect the principal leader of our basketball program to at least acknowledge that the team's presence there should not be considered some sort of tacit endorsement of what's currently going on in the state.
Coach K has a carefully crafted a reputation as something more than just a win-at-all-costs basketball coach. I think he should show it, or accept it when people try to rip that facade down -- b/c, if he says nothing, he really doesn't deserve that carefully crated persona.
I agree with this part of the Zirin article:
Normally, I am a big believer that we should not demand coaches or athletes to make political statements if they have no desire to do so. No one should be clamoring to hear what Coach K is thinking about the latest in Yemen. But there are moments when they actually do need to stand up and be counted. For example, when a billion-dollar tournament is about to be played in a state that currently is being confronted for codifying a 21st century viral variant of segregation. For example, when your school is being used to sell that very tournament. For example, when every coach in the country, is looking to you for leadership. That’s when you pick a side. Saying that you are just going to talk about your “team and basketball” and making snide comments that you are also not going to talk about “social issues” and “poverty” shows how great the gap is between principle and snark. It’s the same gap we see between the elder statesman coach speaking with the gravity of a small-parish priest to the media, and the guy cursing out teenagers on his sidelines. Mike Krzyewski once said, “I don’t look at myself as a basketball coach. I look at myself as a leader who happens to coach basketball.” This isn’t leading. It’s not even following. It’s standing for no one but yourself.
This post was edited on 4/1 2:13 PM by aah555
David Zirin Article
I've listened to enough interviews with K where he's given opinions on a ton of issues that are not necessarily connected to Duke basketball (whether it be the Joe PA firing, business ethics, racism, military service, etc.), where it would be pretty cowardly IMO for him to completely duck the issue in view of the fact that he's taking his team to play in Indianapolis -- and, by doing so, will help the state of Indiana generate significant tax revenues. If Duke were out of the tournament and / or the Final Four was being held somewhere other than Indiana, then I could get the argument for why he shouldn't say anything. But, Duke is in the final four and we're going to Indianapolis. Nobody expects Duke to boycott the final four over this issue, but I do expect the principal leader of our basketball program to at least acknowledge that the team's presence there should not be considered some sort of tacit endorsement of what's currently going on in the state.
Coach K has a carefully crafted a reputation as something more than just a win-at-all-costs basketball coach. I think he should show it, or accept it when people try to rip that facade down -- b/c, if he says nothing, he really doesn't deserve that carefully crated persona.
I agree with this part of the Zirin article:
Normally, I am a big believer that we should not demand coaches or athletes to make political statements if they have no desire to do so. No one should be clamoring to hear what Coach K is thinking about the latest in Yemen. But there are moments when they actually do need to stand up and be counted. For example, when a billion-dollar tournament is about to be played in a state that currently is being confronted for codifying a 21st century viral variant of segregation. For example, when your school is being used to sell that very tournament. For example, when every coach in the country, is looking to you for leadership. That’s when you pick a side. Saying that you are just going to talk about your “team and basketball” and making snide comments that you are also not going to talk about “social issues” and “poverty” shows how great the gap is between principle and snark. It’s the same gap we see between the elder statesman coach speaking with the gravity of a small-parish priest to the media, and the guy cursing out teenagers on his sidelines. Mike Krzyewski once said, “I don’t look at myself as a basketball coach. I look at myself as a leader who happens to coach basketball.” This isn’t leading. It’s not even following. It’s standing for no one but yourself.
This post was edited on 4/1 2:13 PM by aah555
David Zirin Article
Let him focus on Duke's run for a 5th title, he doesn't need any distractions at this time. He doesn't owe any of us his personal feelings on any politics, right now he owes 10 players his best effort on putting them in a position to win two ball games.
Dear lord.... A lot of states have these laws and NC doesn't but it's a states right to enact laws they see fit. I'm not whatsoever encouraging racism of any kind but my understanding of the law is it makes it lawful for someone such as a baker to not make a cake for a homosexual couple who is getting married if they have a religious disagreement.. Now if you won a restaurant and don't want to serve someone I say that's BS and no way would I EVER turn away business and I am a Christian and don't agree with homosexual marriage but I wouldn't turn away business because to me money's money, but I can see in some cases how people wouldn't want to like in the cake case or whatever... But What's it matter what Coachs opinion is?
Eh . . . Coach K brings this on himself.
If you go to his own website, this is written in the first paragraph: However, the Hall of Famer also sets the bar as a humanitarian of sport, an ambassador of education, a coach, a teacher, a friend, a family man, a leader and a motivator. While fans worldwide know the three-time national champion as "Coach K," his three daughters call him their "hero", his players regard him as a father figure and his coaching staff and close friends consider him the ideal mentor.
Coach K is probably the only coach in the country who's arranged to have his name on his business school's "Center Of Leadership and Ethics," and, obviously famously, put out adds where he talks about how he's not just a basketball coach, but a leader of men who coaches basketball.
And that doesn't even get into K's title as "Special Assistant to the President," national team head coach, etc. etc.
Point being -- if K wants people to actually believe any of that persona is anything other than fancy marketing, he needs to say something. Otherwise, he's the less offensive version of Bobby Knight -- nothing more, nothing less.
If you go to his own website, this is written in the first paragraph: However, the Hall of Famer also sets the bar as a humanitarian of sport, an ambassador of education, a coach, a teacher, a friend, a family man, a leader and a motivator. While fans worldwide know the three-time national champion as "Coach K," his three daughters call him their "hero", his players regard him as a father figure and his coaching staff and close friends consider him the ideal mentor.
Coach K is probably the only coach in the country who's arranged to have his name on his business school's "Center Of Leadership and Ethics," and, obviously famously, put out adds where he talks about how he's not just a basketball coach, but a leader of men who coaches basketball.
And that doesn't even get into K's title as "Special Assistant to the President," national team head coach, etc. etc.
Point being -- if K wants people to actually believe any of that persona is anything other than fancy marketing, he needs to say something. Otherwise, he's the less offensive version of Bobby Knight -- nothing more, nothing less.
In the 60s, that same logic was used to enable stores throughout the south to turn away african americans and other minority groups. That's effectively what this law would allow towards the LGBT community based on not only this law, but the absence of any laws that would protect the LGBT community from discrimination (it's that combination that makes this very, very different + the fact that this law also bars private discrimination suits between civilians, whereas every other state you're talking about only bars suit by the government). Within Indiana's broader statutory framework, there are critical differences that make this very, very different from other laws in any other state.
Now, why should the coach care? Well, when Duke shows up to play a game, it lends its brand and name to the location where it's playing. K, more than anyone, is well aware of that. If K wants to take his program to a place that is the midst of a major social debate, he needs to at least make it clear that he doesn't want the Duke brand / name associated with the type of legislation that is being debated now -- and, frankly if he doesn't mind being associated with this kind of law, then that should probably be exposed as well.
As a coach, I have the utmost respect for K. But he's still a principal ambassador for the university and in situations, as here, where his basketball team is involved, he needs to make sure the Duke brand does not get sullied by somehow appearing to tacitly endorse this law. Regardless of whether you support this law or not, the larger Duke community strongly opposes it -- and K can't avoid addressing the elephant in the room just b/c it will piss a couple people off. I think that's the least we can ask for when we pay a coach $10 million annually.
Coach K is leading, his kids. He never claimed to be a leader of anything outside of his basketball world. Unless you can prove other wise.
Coach K is free to not pick a side in this IMO. In a day and age where politicians are rarely held accountable for their actions and nothing is done about it, we condemn a basketball coach for not speaking out? Yeah, our priorities as a country are sure going the proper direction aren't they? Heck the governor of my state (CT) spoke out against the Indiana situation. Even banning all state employees from traveling to Indiana recently. Yet we have the same law in Connecticut. Shouldn't there be more of a concentration on those hypocritical politicians instead of coming down on a basketball coach in NC?
I still don't think he needs to say anything. I've not read the law but in it's basis it seems the same as the others and nobody has thrown a fit over them. This one is being made out like this because of the final four.. And skin color is 100000 times different then sexual preference. Not even close a man is a man is a man a woman is a woman no matter skin color not the same thing and this is not to start a discussion on how u feel about gay marriage
So because he has a web site, that he most likely didn't write on thing for, he is now responsible for commenting and taking a side on Indiana's laws?
Also, where in there does it say he is a legislator? i didn't know he was on the hook for these "issue" all around the country.
How many tasks & obligations has K had to adress over past three weeks? He's not sitting around reading websites and articles on a law. K can't just read some blurb about an Indiana law then come out and make statement b/c everything he says is under the microscope. He says one wrong word and we've got Deflategate on our hands. Pat Haden can make comments b/c USC has nothing going on right now.
This post was edited on 4/1 3:10 PM by Laettner
The way I see it. Would you rather Coach K give his opinion on a law passed in Indiana that has nothing to do with him or the team and have reporters constantly asking him questions about it everytime he does an interview or press conference or had you rather him put all of his focus on preparing the team for the Final Four to bring home a 5th title back to Duke. I personally would rather he completely focus on bringing a 5th title back to Duke. It's a stupid law and everyone knows it's a stupid law. There's lots of stupid laws and this is one of many.
Uhh..... that's just not true. The guy's spent the past 2+ decades giving businesses around the world advice on leadership / integrity / ethics through highly-paid speeches, books, etc. etc. As I mentioned, just look at the center of "Krzyzewski Center For Leadership or Ethics," the various corporate gigs, etc. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-leadership/post/coach-ks-leadership-abcs/2011/04/01/gIQAkIpPUN_blog.html)
This is all very well-documented (http://www.businessnc.com/articles/2007-03/coach-k-inc.-category/ , http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/magazine/05coachk_96_101__116_117_.html?pagewanted=all)
He's taking his team to Indiana to play in a climate where lots of businesses / organization are threatening to and / or are boycotting the state. Just like I'm sure he didn't want to deal with the dismissal of Rasheed Sulaimon on the eve of the UVA road game, there are times a coach has to deal with distractions. In this case, it's something he -- and all the other coaches will have to address. Moreover, as I said, I don't think he necessarily has to take a strong stance on the law itself. He can basically say -- I don't know the specifics / haven't had time to look into the specifics, but we as a program strongly oppose / do not condone discrimination of any kind and welcome everyone who supports the team. That, however, is far different than just saying -- hey, I have no opinion on anything.
Wow. That is unbelievable. Journalism has become a joke. It is not coach K's job or any other coaches job speak on these issues. Left wing nut jobs thrive on social issues and nothing else. Our teams aren't there for a political rally or popularity contest. We're there to play basketball. Get that clutter out of here.
I'm not putting a negative spin on anything. K should do the right thing and address a question on that topic appropriately. If he does that, then there's nothing to discuss. I just disagree with the suggestion that K has no responsibility to address the fact that he's elected to bring his team to play in a state that many organizations / institutions are presently boycotting to compel change (and by organizations, I mean entire states and the nation's largest companies, ranging from Google, Apple, etc. etc.). Now, as a huge basketball fan, I'm not going to suggest for a second that we should be considering boycotts etc. --- but, as the principal spokesman for the Duke University basketball program, I do expect K to make it clear that our team's presence in Indy should not be construed as condoning the current law.
It is a stupid freaking law, however, I really could care less what Coach K thinks about it at this point in the season. This is about basketball and commenting on the law would just be a distraction for himself and the team. We are focusing on getting number #5 and in order to do that we have to beat Michigan State and/or Kentucky/Wisconsin. I have no problem with him not commenting on that issue. And this is coming from someone who is extremely liberal. I just want to see number 5 happen and then he can comment on it either way.
I'm not putting a negative spin on anything. K should do the right thing and address a question on that topic appropriately. If he does that, then there's nothing to discuss. I just disagree with the suggestion that K has no responsibility to address the fact that he's elected to bring his team to play in a state that many organizations / institutions are presently boycotting to compel change (and by organizations, I mean entire states and the nation's largest companies, ranging from Google, Apple, etc. etc.). Now, as a huge basketball fan, I'm not going to suggest for a second that we should be considering boycotts etc. --- but, as the principal spokesman for the Duke University basketball program, I do expect K to make it clear that our team's presence in Indy should not be construed as condoning the current law.
I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. That is the schools job to make that kind of stance, not K's. Coach K is in Indianapolis to coach his team, because that's his job. If he wants to make a comment about it that is up to him, but why give in to the clutter at the most critical part of the season?
I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous. That is the schools job to make that kind of stance, not K's. Coach K is in Indianapolis to coach his team, because that's his job. If he wants to make a comment about it that is up to him, but why give in to the clutter at the most critical part of the season?
Not negative? You called K "the less offensive version Bobby Knight". K had to deal with Sheed as he was a member of the Duke Basketball team. Duke & K do not reside in Indiana so let the media bash this ridiculous law. Duke AD statement obviously points out the University's stance.
Haha because i made one comment supporting K's response on a internet message board, i'm somehow the representative of the entire UK fanbase? Give me a break. My issue with this is not about this law, it's about the notion that these basketball coaches are expected to voice their opinion on the issue when it's totally irrelevant to why they are there. Let Duke speak out of they want to, but let the coaches and the players focus on final four.
No, that was clearly a conditional statement. I expect that K will do the right thing. Duke and K may not reside in Indiana, but we are playing game(s) in Indiana and people in the state will be using Duke's brand / presence in the state to generate millions of dollars (including many thousands of Duke fans who will descend on the state -- and, yes, including some who are gay).
Motivational speakers are business leader now?
Where has coach K shown a lack of ethics or integrity? Where has he shown he is not leading in the stuff he is considerd to lead in?
Again, since when has K become a civil leader or legislator?
CNN is a JOKE of a news organization. They produce nothing but garbage. They survive on sensationalism, scare tactics, and race-baiting (most cable news shows do). They recently laid hundreds of employees off in Atlanta bc their ratings are tanking, which is why they've resorted to sensationalism and a weird plane crash fetish ever since MH370.
I would say this, and have, regardless of them attacking Coach K. I post on some political websites and have been saying this for years. CNN is trash.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is more credible than all the other cable news shows combined.
I would say this, and have, regardless of them attacking Coach K. I post on some political websites and have been saying this for years. CNN is trash.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is more credible than all the other cable news shows combined.
It is because K makes money outside of Duke hoops. He speaks to corporations about ethics and leadership. However I do not think he goes around speaking about politics and the way a government should run their state. So I agree with you. aah is going too far on this one IMO.
This is all total BS. It's not enough now that the politically correct liberal block will beat you down for something you said, misspoke on, or said in privacy. No, that's not enough. If you use your prerogative and keep your views to yourself then now that's the same thing to them...because make no bones about it you're not allowed to have an opinion in this country that goes contrary to what the flavor of the month liberal ideology is. Any opinion, or even silence will not be tolerated by the so called tolerant...for if you do not bow down to them you will be destroyed...or at least they will attempt it.
Coach K was killed for not speaking out on the Lacrosse mess, he was pulverized for sticking up for his friend, Joe Paterno, he is still being castigated for not throwing Sheed off the team immediately...even in the absence of any charges, and when he finally does decide to dismiss him...he's ripped to shreds for not doing it sooner...and again there have been no charges. Now he's being dragged through the dirt because he didn't say anything. Do you see a pattern here? He is in a lose-lose situation no matter what he says or does. He's a graduate of West Point, served in the military, and he's conservative. Those are all negatives in the opinion of many people in this country.
Again, he wasn't ripped for what he didn't say, he was ripped because he didn't endorse what Aah, and the rest of the liberal side think is the only option available.
Coach K's responsibility is to have this Duke team focused and playing the best ball possible. He doesn't, and shouldn't be bothered by idiots that only want to further their own self-serving interests.
OFC
This post was edited on 4/1 4:23 PM by OldasdirtDevil
Coach K was killed for not speaking out on the Lacrosse mess, he was pulverized for sticking up for his friend, Joe Paterno, he is still being castigated for not throwing Sheed off the team immediately...even in the absence of any charges, and when he finally does decide to dismiss him...he's ripped to shreds for not doing it sooner...and again there have been no charges. Now he's being dragged through the dirt because he didn't say anything. Do you see a pattern here? He is in a lose-lose situation no matter what he says or does. He's a graduate of West Point, served in the military, and he's conservative. Those are all negatives in the opinion of many people in this country.
Again, he wasn't ripped for what he didn't say, he was ripped because he didn't endorse what Aah, and the rest of the liberal side think is the only option available.
Coach K's responsibility is to have this Duke team focused and playing the best ball possible. He doesn't, and shouldn't be bothered by idiots that only want to further their own self-serving interests.
OFC
This post was edited on 4/1 4:23 PM by OldasdirtDevil
It looks like all the Final Four coaches have spoken out against Indiana law. Wonder if this will be enough to satisfy everyone? Maybe K should sign a blood oath.
Final Four Coaches Speak Out
Final Four Coaches Speak Out
I think K should pull Duke out of the final four. I mean, who cares if he directly takes away the dreams of 8 kids who worked their ass off to get there, their entire lives. We need to jump the gun here and overreact to every social issue that's out there.
And trying to say you're not putting a negative spin on that is one of the more comical things i've read in a long long time.
And trying to say you're not putting a negative spin on that is one of the more comical things i've read in a long long time.
ANY statements on the subject are bad for Duke Basketball. Take a page out of Michael Jordan's playbook: Republicans wear sneakers too
Mike has coached liberals & conservatives. Why give rival coached ammo?
Sidenote: some in here seem unaware Coach K is Catholic
Mike has coached liberals & conservatives. Why give rival coached ammo?
Sidenote: some in here seem unaware Coach K is Catholic
No. He should do exactly what he just did. That is precisely what I was arguing that he should do (if anyone bothered to read what I was actually saying). Case closed in my opinion.
The only point I'd make is that it's good to see that K recognized (unlike some here) that it was important for him to say something beyond "no comment." I think K and the other coaches did the right thing by putting out that statement.
Let's move on to the games.
This post was edited on 4/1 5:00 PM by aah555
If K doesn't want to support the Gay agenda then good for him.
If he doesn't want to say anything about it then that's also his God given right.
Wahhhh, it's discrimination if I can't sue your business. America is truly going down the drain.
If he doesn't want to say anything about it then that's also his God given right.
Wahhhh, it's discrimination if I can't sue your business. America is truly going down the drain.
Aah555,
You're projecting your own personal bias views onto what "K should think/do"
We all share the same feelings about Duke but we don't nor should we have to agree politically.
You're projecting your own personal bias views onto what "K should think/do"
We all share the same feelings about Duke but we don't nor should we have to agree politically.
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