(12-23-2020 07:45 PM)82hawk Wrote: I've enjoyed this dedicated thread tremendously.
For all the judgemental, quit babying this guy, Siddle made a mistake types, take a deep breath. Do you have any idea what a crappy life these guys are living as athletes in the midst of this Covid nonsense?
Life at a university SUCKS right now. The students aren't allowed to do anything. The entire reason college kids go to a campus for college is gone. They can't have visitors in their dorms, can't have friends from other schools come visit, all the entertainment is gone, all the movie theaters are closed, you can't go see live bands, nothing. For the most part, they are living lives of isolation. And, most of their classes are online.
Yes. I know a little something about that life. Not as a student athlete, but as someone who worked full time while a student. There were some things I did and participated in with friends, but much of my student life was spent either in class, in the library or at work. I didn’t have the luxury of BS’ing in dorms, going to parties all the time, never saw a live band, etc. I also paid for my education, and continued to pay loans for almost a decade after graduation. I’m not saying either had it better or worse, but don’t try to sell me on some snake oil BS that these high profile athletes have a rougher life than those actually paying for school. They get catered to more than most students who are all going through the same thing.
Well. This is the last thing I am going to say on it. I have my opinion on it, but I haven’t dwelled on it and I do think it is well fair and a reasonable item to be discussed... especially since it’s fresh Seahawk basketball news. So in that right, I don’t see an issue with it having its own thread. Other similar items concerning player departures over the years had their own threads too. Those were when we had both successful and unsuccessful coaches.
Speaking of successful coaches, it does appear Siddle is on his way to being in that group. I don’t think any of us wish otherwise. It’s great see Seahawk basketball getting back to winning ways. I’m still grateful to Coach Burke last year who had the tough task of quickly getting guys not to lose heart, played out of their minds, kept the grades up, AND was gracious when he learned he didn’t get the job. It felt great to have two good options for HC. So far, it seems we made an excellent hire in Siddle. He’s doing some great things, and like 82 has said numerous times, we are well on our way to having an identity. I am excited to see these guys in conference play, and I’m hoping over the next few years we play a tough non conference slate to open the season. That is another criticism that I and others had even during his mentor’s years as UNCW HC. The cupcakes.
In terms of criticisms, just because we have a successful coach doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be allowed to voice criticisms or jabbed at because we do. I use “we” in the broad sense of any group of UNCW fans. I think a practical approach is vocalizing strong appreciation for success while still being honest enough as alumni and/or fans to be critical of our team, coaches and athletic administration. I see no harm in that, so long as it’s done in a professional way. By professional, I mean respectful, addressing specific sport related concerns and not being personally antagonistic or evil spirited to someone connected to the team or families of those connected to the team.
In that light, due to the “flags” from the former player’s past, some had immediate concern. The concerns were noted as it related to the team. Those concerns came to fruition. It seems that some here are in the camp of Siddle is great and we shouldn’t criticize anything, and if you do you’re just spoiled by success, or ungrateful for having a good coach. In reality, that’s not true. Like me, you can indeed like/love having Siddle as our HC while simultaneously questioning some coaching decisions. Does that mean I think I could do better all around? Of course not. But like all the rest of you, I (and obviously others here) are fans and have opinions too. There’s nothing wrong with any of them.
For instance, we’re all at times critical of various players. We still love them and hope they succeed. It’s the same with the coaches.
So, I’m hoping we can all step back from the jabs at each other and understand that as fans we all have opinions and they’re not always the same. I enjoy all of you, sometimes want to throat punch some of y’all, but also consider all of you my Seahawk family. It’s like what we say in the various services... we can pick on our own all we want but if an outsider comes in and tries it we all sharpen the blades and defend each other with sweat and blood. It’s the same with all of you.
Well. Merry Christmas, and that’s the end of my rant on the matter.
Good luck and blessings to Ian Steere and his family as they figure out what’s next. For the remaining Seahawks... keep kicking ass and taking names!
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