I am writing after reading the January 18th column regarding that the basketball team doesn't deserve the support of students and fans. I am appalled that the paper of record for The University would make such a grandstanding commentary. The column made valid points about the shortcomings of the current basketball team but that in no way validates encouraging people not to support them.
Shouldn't fans be there to support the name on the front of the jersey not boycott the names on back? I want to understand your logic in the column but I see very little. Sean Banks is no longer with the team. Jeremy Hunt has been charged but at last check you are innocent until proven guilty. He doesn't get to play which is best given the situation. Who else on this team has been a problem?
The record isn't what we want it to be but when your best player goes mentally AWOL, it's hard to overcome. In case you didn't happen to see the last 4 games, this is a very scrappy bunch who leaves it all on the floor. Now I may be old, but didn't they just hammer the 22nd ranked team in the country less than a week ago? They fought tooth and nail to get back into a game that they could have easily folded up the tents last Saturday. They play hard, they represent the University well and they DESERVE support even in the darkest of times.
John Stacy
Olive Branch, MS
BA Journalism Dec 2002
Former Helmsman Staff Member
You are telling people not to go to Tigers games and support the Grizzlies. Every team has ups and downs,but telling someone not to support the Tigers is outrageous. Yes it is hard to get excited about this year. A Real Tiger fan is in it until the end, thick and thin. Next year when we are 10-0 will you write this article? I can tell from this article you are a fan that will show up when they are winning and hide behind articles like this when they are losing. GO BACK TO LOUISVILLE, YOU NO PRIDE HAVING, MEMPHIS HATING CHUMP!!!
Ryan Palfrey
Senior, Business Major
