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4 braves suspended- update (2/18)- Ja'Shon Henry reinstated
- Thread starter braves16
- Start date
Bradley3342
New member
Agreed! What a shame at this point in the season for something like this to happen after such a nice performance last game.
This is very disappointing, just after things were looking up after a terrible stretch. We're looking at Thursday for sure now. You would think that our upperclassmen would know better. Wardle seems to run a tight ship, even though it hurts our team I'm glad he isn't afraid to sit some of our best players for violating rules.
Bradley3342
New member
Absolutely! Our upperclassman should know better. I know they are still young men but whatever rules they violated hurt their school, teammates and fans. Unless a miracle happens we’ll have to win 4 in St.Louis..
Coach Wardle on the post-game show was asked about the suspensions, and he answered as follows:
"Violation of program standards".
He clearly is not willing to expound on it any, or discuss the incident any further. That's it. He added that he was proud of the guys' efforts, and that he hopes we see a better game tomorrow.
It was probably the shortest postgame interview I've heard.
I'd like to know what everyone else thinks, but a lot of us have donated lots of money to Bradley, in addition to buying tickets and investing our time and support through the years. I think the fans deserve more than essentially being told this is none of our business, and to butt out and stop asking questions.
Don't the me wrong. I am and always have been in favor of discipline.
However, I am disappointed in more than just the players who violated rules.
This program doesn't need to give fans more reasons quit following and supporting this team.
"Violation of program standards".
He clearly is not willing to expound on it any, or discuss the incident any further. That's it. He added that he was proud of the guys' efforts, and that he hopes we see a better game tomorrow.
It was probably the shortest postgame interview I've heard.
I'd like to know what everyone else thinks, but a lot of us have donated lots of money to Bradley, in addition to buying tickets and investing our time and support through the years. I think the fans deserve more than essentially being told this is none of our business, and to butt out and stop asking questions.
Don't the me wrong. I am and always have been in favor of discipline.
However, I am disappointed in more than just the players who violated rules.
This program doesn't need to give fans more reasons quit following and supporting this team.
Wardle is not one to discuss these issues with fans. We may learn more in time. It appears this team is lost and likely will not recover this season. I do agree that significant supporters may rethink their support for Bradley basketball next year, unless there is a miraculous 4 game win streak in the Valley tournament. I hope he can turn it around.
Dub
New member
I’m disappointed. I was hoping for a late season surge, now we are likely left with just a chance for a miracle run in STL, starting on Thursday night. Too bad.
Mixed feelings on the deep secrecy on these instances... i feel a need to know because I want to know what types of bad behavior are being committed by the team I support.
On the other hand, I believe Wardle may tend to be somewhat punitive on even minor violations because he wants to drive a disciplined approach (basically he’s the anti-Muller)... and perhaps out of respect for the players he keeps it in the family. If you’re going to be strict, that may be the best way to keep the relationships and attitudes intact. I don’t know.
Mixed feelings on the deep secrecy on these instances... i feel a need to know because I want to know what types of bad behavior are being committed by the team I support.
On the other hand, I believe Wardle may tend to be somewhat punitive on even minor violations because he wants to drive a disciplined approach (basically he’s the anti-Muller)... and perhaps out of respect for the players he keeps it in the family. If you’re going to be strict, that may be the best way to keep the relationships and attitudes intact. I don’t know.
There is nothing prohibiting the release of more information regarding disciplinary issues like there is for medical issues. And every coach and/or athletic director can choose to handle these things the way they want to. But I still believe a program that thrives on support from fans and the community should be more open and informative to those who provide the support. At least with more than what we have here, which amounts to having the door slammed in our faces and being told to shut up and stop asking questions.
It's no secret that Bradley's average attendance dropped in half in the past decade, and that means ticket sales, maintenance fees, donations, and all sources of revenue have dropped by millions. The last 2-3 seasons we have finally seen the hemorrhaging slow, and the attendance drop appear to be levelling off, though the economy and pandemic have added their effects. I have been among this staff's and Bradley's strongest backers. But do we really want to see the program now becoming less fan-friendly and give people more reasons to tune out and stop supporting Bradley? I think we could be on the verge of that happening.
It's no secret that Bradley's average attendance dropped in half in the past decade, and that means ticket sales, maintenance fees, donations, and all sources of revenue have dropped by millions. The last 2-3 seasons we have finally seen the hemorrhaging slow, and the attendance drop appear to be levelling off, though the economy and pandemic have added their effects. I have been among this staff's and Bradley's strongest backers. But do we really want to see the program now becoming less fan-friendly and give people more reasons to tune out and stop supporting Bradley? I think we could be on the verge of that happening.
Big Mike
Active member
This has turned in to the most frustrating season I can remember. Seems like every game there is a new surprise of a player not available or coaches decision and media wise its treated like info protected from the FBI. So goes this season of promise and becoming a wasted senior season for Childs. It's becoming all I can do to make it through a whole game lately knowing there is no chance to win before the game even starts. Almost feels like fans are more committed to the Braves than some of the players....very sad.
I drove down with my wife and kids to check out a Bradley game in person. Get to my seats and ask my daughter where is Elijah Child’s? Then we noticed there were several players missing. Talk about tough to deal with. This team has been one disappointment after another.
I did run into former brave Sam Sing on my way to the bathroom. Best part of the night!!
Bummed!
Jamie
I did run into former brave Sam Sing on my way to the bathroom. Best part of the night!!
Bummed!
Jamie
basketball nut
Active member
I understand people wanting to know what's going on with the players but I like the idea that coach is handling it in house.
Making it public could turn the fan base against these young players. They made a mistake and, unlike other teams, our coach took a stand benching 4 of our top 7 players.
If you really think you need to know go talk to Coach Wardle
Making it public could turn the fan base against these young players. They made a mistake and, unlike other teams, our coach took a stand benching 4 of our top 7 players.
If you really think you need to know go talk to Coach Wardle
Cousins Cuts podcast
New member
I agree. I would venture to say that they did something not under the covid protocols and that's why they keep saying "team rules." There's still time. If they are able to play Thursday and we win it's possible to sweep what looks like a bad Drake team with no Hemphill. Slim possibility but i have to tell myself something at this point...
houstonbrave
Member
Ok I may be in the minority but I am fine with Coaches statement. The players are young men and they made a mistake. Unlike other programs they are being held to account. The details of their transgressions don’t need to be aired in public. I am proud the program has high standards but disappointed the players did not deliver to those standards. Let’s go play hard tomorrow and see if we can get a win and regroup with hopefully the whole team against Illinois State.
LittleBrave
Active member
These 4 guys are basically the core of the Braves and the guys who are supposed to exude leadership traits.
So frustrating to learn of this right before tipoff and all of us were very excited about the Braves final push to close out the season. Such a punch in the gut to BU fans right before this weekend series.
Only thing that kept me watching in 2nd half was Sean East’s return...and he played pretty well for being out for a slew of games.
So frustrating to learn of this right before tipoff and all of us were very excited about the Braves final push to close out the season. Such a punch in the gut to BU fans right before this weekend series.
Only thing that kept me watching in 2nd half was Sean East’s return...and he played pretty well for being out for a slew of games.
patrick_o'brian
New member
All I can say is it better not be “COVID protocols”. That would be ridiculous!! I can’t imagine what COVID violation would result in a 2 game suspension. Imagine being a member of an underachieving college basketball team and you get together with 3 of your more affluent teammates to hangout and figure out how to salvage this season. Then BAM! You’re suspended 2 games because of it. All I can say is it better be something more substantial!
BUBraves2006
New member
Hi all,
This is the first time I've felt compelled to post in a long time but this entire situation just doesn't sit well with me. For one, to piggyback off Da Coach's post, fans in today's day expect transparency. If you can't trust the team and its leadership to give you an open message, it really frays trust. While it's not college, I've noticed this shift massively in how the Chicago Blackhawks have been handling things in the last 6 months versus numerous years before that. They gave this façade that they were trying to compete but then their decisions didn't match up with the speak from the leaders. Then before this season they decided to allow all of their leaders to give interviews, explain their rebuilding concept, etc. It has been an openminded nature that from everyone I've talked to as well as reading anecdotally, has been appreciated.
(Noting of course that pro sports are different somewhat from college ...) Contrast this with the BU season, which already has been incredibly strange for the reasons everyone knows already. Not giving more information on what is going on leads to speculation, which I'm going to throw out here. Has anyone considered the possibility that whatever the program violation was became dictated based upon something from the university, not the actual basketball team? Recall that universities across the country, including BU have been incredibly draconian in their policies surrounding COVID, in the most extreme cases making school like a prison where kids have less movement than they would at home. What if Coach Wardle actually is furious about the topic because it's some BU rule that they broke and his hands were tied but couldn't say more because he didn't want to speak out against his employer?
I'm not posting this to suggest this actually happened and I know we're probably not in the meddling times of Glasser anymore. But, this whole thing just doesn't sit well with me that it was purely a basketball program decision. But, it leads back to the main point of when you have zero transparency or details, it leads people to wonder who really made this decision. It is already incredibly tough for kids at school right now with all the crazy "hoops" (no pun intended) they have to jump through right now.
I was happy to see at least that the suspended guys were all cheering on their teammates at the game and at least publicly are taking the high road. It would be fascinating to know what goes on behind the scenes and how they really think, though.
This is the first time I've felt compelled to post in a long time but this entire situation just doesn't sit well with me. For one, to piggyback off Da Coach's post, fans in today's day expect transparency. If you can't trust the team and its leadership to give you an open message, it really frays trust. While it's not college, I've noticed this shift massively in how the Chicago Blackhawks have been handling things in the last 6 months versus numerous years before that. They gave this façade that they were trying to compete but then their decisions didn't match up with the speak from the leaders. Then before this season they decided to allow all of their leaders to give interviews, explain their rebuilding concept, etc. It has been an openminded nature that from everyone I've talked to as well as reading anecdotally, has been appreciated.
(Noting of course that pro sports are different somewhat from college ...) Contrast this with the BU season, which already has been incredibly strange for the reasons everyone knows already. Not giving more information on what is going on leads to speculation, which I'm going to throw out here. Has anyone considered the possibility that whatever the program violation was became dictated based upon something from the university, not the actual basketball team? Recall that universities across the country, including BU have been incredibly draconian in their policies surrounding COVID, in the most extreme cases making school like a prison where kids have less movement than they would at home. What if Coach Wardle actually is furious about the topic because it's some BU rule that they broke and his hands were tied but couldn't say more because he didn't want to speak out against his employer?
I'm not posting this to suggest this actually happened and I know we're probably not in the meddling times of Glasser anymore. But, this whole thing just doesn't sit well with me that it was purely a basketball program decision. But, it leads back to the main point of when you have zero transparency or details, it leads people to wonder who really made this decision. It is already incredibly tough for kids at school right now with all the crazy "hoops" (no pun intended) they have to jump through right now.
I was happy to see at least that the suspended guys were all cheering on their teammates at the game and at least publicly are taking the high road. It would be fascinating to know what goes on behind the scenes and how they really think, though.