May 9, 2008
Florida player used dead girl's credit card for six months
Florida safety Jamar Hornsby turned himself in and was released today on felony charges of credit card theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.
According to The Gainesville Sun, Hornsby allegedly used the credit card issued to Ashley Slonina, a UF student who was killed last fall in the same motorcycle accident that took the life of UF football player, Michael Guilford.
The card abuse began on Oct. 13, 2007, the day after Slonina's death, according to court records and involved a BP gas card. According to Alachua County Sheriff's Authorities, Hornsby made 70 charges — 33 in Alachua County and 37 in Duval County.Authorities were first alerted of the credit card fraud after Slonina's family noticed charges on the fleet card they could not explain.
...
Hornsby, a redshirt freshman from Jacksonville, appeared in eight games for Florida last season, recording five tackles.
It's not Hornsby's first brush with the law. In April of 2007, Hornsby was cited on a misdemeanor criminal mischief charges when the tossed a man on a hood of a car during a fight, causing about $750 in damages. Hornsby remains on a deferred prosecution agreement from the charges, in which he must pay back the damages, pay a fine and stay out of trouble for the next 18 months.
Chalk this up to a big time WTF was this guy thinking.
UPDATE: Urban Meyer has issued a statement saying that Hornsby is no longer on the football team.
Hat Tip: The legendary TE
Comments:
Tomcat said:
posted on May 9, 2008 7:10 PM — 69.150.213.9 — link — abuse?
This is really bad,no respect for the dead
well at least he didnt
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/5764886.html
What kinda world we live inBig Tide said:
posted on May 9, 2008 10:17 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Great to get a Kevin thread!!!
Top Ten Reasons to use the card..
1) SWAMP GAS took my mind.
2) She was dead?
3) My tutor told me gas was a business expense.
4) I'm a GATOR FOOTBALL PLAYER.
5) She bought it for me when she was my bitch.
6) I'm a GATOR FOOTBALL PLAYER.
7) Tim can FORGIVE me.
8) I was planning to pay them back when I turned PRO.
9) I ran out of gas 70 times! No Shit!
10) I really didn't think it was ILLEGAL????Big Tide said:
posted on May 9, 2008 10:22 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Gatorhippy - add this to my reasons why Tebow is moving on down the road after a good season. Mama used to say if you laid down with Dogs you would get fleas. Let's just admit it - college football ain't what it used to be and I don't aim that at just Florida. All the schools suffer from this "get the talent" mentality. If you have to be surrounded by criminals and mercenaries why not get paid to do it?????
Big Tide said:
posted on May 9, 2008 10:29 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Hippy #12 So what's your point? This thread is about what is happening now, now several years ago. Does that somehow make it OK if some other guy did something just as bad? Wake up and smell the corpse of your program. "Oscar" Meyer is going the way of the horse and buggy.... By the way, have we heard of any of Ron Zook's guys using dead girl's credit cards? Might want to try and get Zook back before he wins his first Big 10 title.
gatorhippy
posted on May 9, 2008 10:32 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse?
said:
BT (#11):
Possibly...
But given the Christian thing to do would be to reach out and help these guys learn to live right...
I'm still leaning towards him staying...
I think you and alot of other folks are HOPING he'll leave early...
Big Tide said:
posted on May 9, 2008 10:40 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Hornsby and Joiner at practice last year -
Hornsby: Damn Negro, heard you broke in at the pen and got yo ride.
Joiner: Shit, I'M A GATOR AIN'T I? My bitch needed some attention and my wheels needed to roll!
Hornsby: I know what you mean man. My bitch loves me DEAD. I'm talking the gift that keeps on giving.Voice from the background "Hey GAS MAN, hold up man I need to talk with you!!"
Big Tide said:
posted on May 9, 2008 10:45 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
Don't need to know about Mike Gibson if he's playing for the 'Noles. My displeasure with that program is well documented. Bowden is such a lame duck coach that he had to get a "Nurse Maid" coach to wipe the drool off his lips and tell him what to do. Are you really trying to make your position better by comparing yourself to FSU? You really do need to rethink things don't you....
gatorhippy
posted on May 9, 2008 10:46 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
And just for the record...
Given BT's attempt to call me out and/or make it seem like I'm attempting to downplay this incident...
I'm in the send him packing school...
However, to begin to point fingers at Meyer might be a little hasty...
If this kid even smells the grass at BHGS again, regardless of the outcome in court, I would be in serious consideration of disowning my own alma mater and forgo any future monetary support to the university...
The example should have already been made and I fully expect to hear Meyer's first comments on this to be of Hornsby no longer being with the team...
gatorhippy
posted on May 9, 2008 10:51 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
BT (#17):
Honestly if you don't know, you should do some research...
As adressed, my comment was directed at Kevin and is in regards to the fact he wants to call Hornsby's actions "cold" when an actual much worse incident was initiated by Gibson and then essentially CONDONED by Bowden...
In no way was it a comparison in a favorable manner...
Believe me when I tell you this...
Hornsby's necro-credit-phelia spree is like stealing 3 cent Dubble Bubble gum compared to Gibson...
gatorhippy
posted on May 9, 2008 10:59 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
BT (#16):
And what's up that racist, ebonics-mimicking post?
Showing your true Bama colors, huh?
Maybe Hornsby should transfer there...
Looks like his morals are right in line with the Tide fans if your a major sample of an example...
Zac said:
posted on May 10, 2008 6:35 AM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
Ya know, I agree; if convicted, what this individual did was both cold & cruel. What bothers me is what some of you are saying on here. I know you have the right and all, but how about showing a little heart yourselves? The girls dead, for crying out loud. Some of her friends, some of her family may be reading this. So, howza-bout showing just a little respect...please.
Tomcat said:
posted on May 10, 2008 9:51 AM — 69.150.213.9 — link — abuse?
Gator-hip Who the heck is Mike Gibson?
The only guy I found by that name is a player from The Cal Golden Bears-a tackle, not the same guy right. Please help enlighten us who are not too familiar with Sunshine State Ex-Players
Thanks
Adios Tomcat
posted on May 10, 2008 12:11 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue
said:
First, I will say that attempts to tie what Gibson did Florida State are a huge reach and reek of the kind of clinging to straws desperation that occasionally happens when a team reaches bottom and attempts to zing a rival. It's akin to UCLA fans trying to accuse USC of murder because of OJ.
For those that are not aware, Michael Gibson played for RB for FSU back in the late 80s. (Don't recall the exact years). He stuck around Tallahassee for several years after college. In 1993, Gibson (age 30) attacked a woman, raped her, shot her, robbed her and basically left her for dead. Despicable.
He received six life sentences in 1994 — four for rape, one for armed burglary and one for attempted felony murder — for his conviction.
FSU Coach Bobby Bowden was asked to provide a reference for Gibson during an appeal to have his sentences reduced to allow him the possibility of parole in the future.
According to The Orlando Sentinel, Bowden wrote to the judge:
"I can only account for what I know about him when I was recruiting him out of North Florida Christian High School and for the time he was on our football team at Florida State University."
Bowden went on to write that Gibson was "no problem" when he suited up for the Seminoles and that he has a "loving, caring family." At the end, Bowden concluded: "Thank you for reading my letter and may God direct you in your decision."
The letter was written on Florida State stationery and signed "Coach Bowden."
The request for a reduced sentence was denied. The Florida Supreme Court later ruled (in an unrelated case) that there is no such crime as "attempted felony murder". Gibson was re-sentenced to five life sentences. He has issued several appeals in the last 15 years based on DNA, accidental gunshot, and other topics, but I am not certain as to the status of them.
To try to tie the actions of a former player to the school... that bucket just doesn't hold water.
Bevo Boy said:
posted on May 10, 2008 12:26 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
These players can't be watched 24/7. Stop trying to place blame on the university. No matter how well a coach judges the character of the players that he recruits, he won't be able to find great people every time. Some of those players will appear to be kind people, but just act that way to help their chances of getting a full scholarship. You can't judge an entire university based on the actions of one or two people.
TE, as for the fans going along with it, what can they do? How are they supposed to control the players and the coaching staff?
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 1:16 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
K-Hue (#30):
A huge reach and reek of the kind of clinging to straws desperation that occasionally happens when a team reaches bottom and attempts to zing a rival...
When a team reaches bottom, Kev?
We would be talking about the Noles then...
Or perhaps the kind of reach that ignores police blotter at other programs for six months only to post one on the chief rival of the BM's favorite CFBT...
It's not a "zing" but simply a nod to the most heinous crime ever comitted by an athlete associated with a football program in the state of Florida...
Deflection, you say?
Sure, but I have also acknowledged the wrong in it as an almni of UF...
As I would even if this kid had been a "former" player...
Looking at this as a WWBBD scenario, however...
Bowden would have put Hornsby on suspension until charges were cleared or ;if he was convicted; write a letter of recommendation for his probationary release...
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 1:19 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
C-Dogg (#26):
I have to say I am extremely impressed with the job Shannon has dome down there in that manner...
The biggest peep we have heard out of South Florida the last two off season has been this latest recruiting class...
Hats off to Randy...
Just watch your behind...
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 1:31 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
BB (#31):
Exactly, Bevo...
And Hornsby came in with no known legal incidents and near 3.0 GPA with a (I believe) over 1000 SAT score and has been reportedly a 3.0 student while at UF...
Who would have thought he would be capable of all the crap he has got into since being at UF?
The bigger reflection of the university is the manner in which they handle trangressions by their players...
In the past, while many outside may not feel this way, Meyer has been a bit lenient in regards to giving out a few chances to get right...
and by most of those I feel he was justified since most weren't major crimes and not to different than what many college students are arrested for on a DAILY basis...
However, in this incident and the Wilson incident, Meyer was quick to cut ties...
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 2:21 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
K-Hue (#30):
In regards to Gibson...
It wasn't a simple shoot, rape and rob...
He kicked the door in on a FSU students apartment shot her twice in the chest with a shotgun before sexually assaulting her multiple times in multiple ways and places then taking the Christmas presents on his way out...
Gibson is also the nephew of FSU great Ernie Sims Jr. who made the request for Bowden to write that letter...
So the ties to Gibson and his family to FSU still run strong...
Especially given Ernie Sims III.'s recent attendance at FSU and the verbal commitment of running back brother Marcus to the program as well...
posted on May 10, 2008 3:24 PM — link — abuse? said:
@ #39 - All those things are true, but the insistence by certain people to say that a 30-year-old's felonies are FSU's concern is laughable. And you know what I'm talking about... a good number of our very dear friends have suggested that BB likes/condones/rejoices in rape & attempted murder.
@32 - So... I've been sitting around for six months just hanging out until something really bad happened at UF? Good one. I'm so done with this conversation. I'm sick of having to defend any time I post anything remotely related to UF.
This dude from ANY F'NG SCHOOL IN AMERICA stole a credit card from the dead girlfriend of a teammate. It was something so heinous that ANY F'NG SCHOOL's coach booted him from the team. You hoped he would get booted (after you were leaning to keeping him). So why do I have to defend posting that?!?!
I'm going to go sit by the pool for a few hours. I suggest everyone else do the same. I can't be getting stressed out over stupid fanblogs.com.
posted on May 10, 2008 3:38 PM — 72.145.94.138 — link — abuse? said:
It's an apples to oranges comparison, GH. You can't bash a school for something one of it's players did almost a decade after he played there.
However, that being said, I think the statute of limitations on Free-Shoes University has not quite yet expired...
I'm going out to the pool. Wait. I don't have one... Kev, I'll be right over. Hey, no prohibition on drinking beer from the cardiologist, right?
posted on May 10, 2008 3:50 PM — 72.145.94.138 — link — abuse? said:
Upon further reflection, perhaps we should roll out the Fanblogs Blotter, which could be a continual open thread where readers can post the latest criminal transgressions for all the players. That way, Kevin can't be accused of having a bias or agenda.
Usually, something like credit card theft and fraud doesn't make a thread on here, but the girl IS dead.
Really, the only criminal act by a player lately to justify it's own thread was Jeremy Elder committing armed -robbery on the campus at Alabama. Otherwise, most of them are ho-hum...
Tomcat said:
posted on May 10, 2008 4:55 PM — 69.150.213.9 — link — abuse?
@40 Take it easy Kev, its all good, heck it just happened to be a UF player, could have been anywhere. I have to agree with WEA,seems like any comment from our host regarding Gators or Hurricanes gets outa hand and turns into something that has nothing to do FSU.
UF player steals from dead girls family-fact
UF fans feel obligated to run down FSU and bring up horrible crimes committed by explayers to somehow help themselves feel better about their program,well ya he stole, but he didnt{ insert reference to rivals explayers crimes here} do what they did, which was way worse, so were still better than yall.
Where's Romance Taylor ? anyway
Ex-Longhorn was alot of fun to watch, too bad he screwed up.He got in fights, was caught with a bunch of weed etc.etc, but at least he didnt cutt his wifes throat like a former USC player
Hookem-Horns sounds kinda stupid doesnt itRamblin' Gator said:
posted on May 10, 2008 6:13 PM — 74.185.133.40 — link — abuse?
At this point, I can't see any rational reason why anyone would assail Urban Meyer's response to this. Typically, most respected coaches tend to suspend the player pending the criminal investigation. Meyer took decisive action and booted Hornsby from the team. He did the same thing with Ronnie Wilson and I'll be the first to claim that the loss of Wilson hurt the Gators last season.
On the lighter side of this story, in addition to being a complete pr**k, Hornsby cannot be very bright if he's still using a stolen credit card seven months after the girl's death. Good riddance, Jamar!
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 6:13 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse? said:
"After you were leaning to keeping him..."
Exactly where did I indicate in any of my statements here a "lean" to keeping Jamar Hornsby????
In the end...
He is not a Florida player anymore...
Not UF's problem any longer...
And it's doubtful Meyer will write any letters in support of his parole...
thebuckstopshere said:
posted on May 10, 2008 7:01 PM — 68.17.230.55 — link — abuse?
Sorry Kev, I agree with gatorhippy(did i just say that). This topic sheds negative light on UF, it really has nothing to do with Florida football other than a rearrangement of the roster. We need to look at people for what they are, this kid is a person just like you and me who's capable if anything. He just happens to play football for the gators he could have just as easily been a fireman or a kindergarten teacher. I’m sorry but the way the topic was posted doesn’t have much to do with CFB. I have a gripe with many journalist that title there columns in a similar manner, for shock value I guess. Just my opinion, although I don't think you were deliberately attacking Florida football in anyway. I just don’t care for how the topic was presented as it pertains to Florida football.
Big Tide said:
posted on May 10, 2008 8:45 PM — 12.208.88.211 — link — abuse?
At Kevin #16 - you don't have to warn me again, I will retire from your BLOG in good faith. My post was a play on Sam Jackson in Pulp Fiction, but my retirement has more to do with the fact that your bias towards FSU is so extreme that this BLOB really doesn't make sense. I've enjoyed my time and hope all of you have a wonderful FALL...
Bevo Boy said:
posted on May 10, 2008 9:14 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
thebuckstopshere #46, if Kevin had titled this thread "Football player used dead girl's card for six months" then two questions would come immediately to everyone's mind (unless they already knew about it): who is it? and who does he play for? Or if Kevin had titled it "Jamar Hornsby used dead girl's card for six months" then people would is he a player or a coach? and what team is he involved with? There was no perfect way for Kevin to write it up. It just so happened that it was his favorite team's rival and that the way he worded it people could read into something that he didn't intend. Honestly, cut the man a break. He recently had a heart attack and is still running this website.
Kevin, I hope these guys don't make you consider getting rid of the website. I have a lot of respect for how you run this website and enjoy getting on here.
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 10:38 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
The very thing that everybody is making a big deal about being so "shocking" with Hornsby occurs daily all around the country...
Dead people's credit, finances and even government checks are used for long periods of time in a fraudulent manner all the time and have been for years...
Again, I'm not CONDONING it...
But a look in the media outlets throughout the country shows it's everywhere and increasing at a frightening pace...
Just like folks getting popped for toting weed and guns in their car...
But yet the former warrants discussion while the latter doesn't?
The same set of standards aren't being applied at times on this site...
I personally feel this topic is totally worth the discussion...
But I feel a kid busted for felony weapon possesion that plays for a prgram and a coach that brags ALL his players check in and leave their guns with his staff deserves equal coverage and is just as worthy of discussion...
Just fair and impartial posting of CFB miscreance without bias here at what is supposed to be a NUETRAL site is all I'm looking for...
1st_and_NOLE
posted on May 10, 2008 10:44 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Some of the Gator fans are hilarious on here...
What's the first thing they do? Somehow, someway try to drag FSU into the mud with them LOL.
Are you kidding me? Sorry, these are UF's legal problems... not FSU's.
Keep our name out of your mouths every time you have a problem.
You spend more time trying to deflect what you did on us then you do standing up and saying it was wrong.
Instead of focusing so much on FSU... take a step back and consider this fact:
Meyer is a great football coach. But at what cost? He clearly has a problem keeping control of his players and program. He needs to step up and tighten the ship.
Go ahead Gators... pull out the "free shoes" thing from over a decade ago. Pull out whatever straws you feel you have to in order to continue to deflect... I wouldn't expect any thing more from you.
Take your problems and try to turn them into FSU's.
LOL
gatorhippy
posted on May 10, 2008 11:25 PM — 70.121.155.98 — link — abuse? said:
1&Nole (#52):
So apparently you haven't paid attention...
My point is that a UF trangression is never passed by on this board while other schools arrests and issues largely go unmentioned as a thread topic...
However, I find you advice ironic coming from the guy that blamed TPD for Joe Surratt's arrest...
Zac said:
posted on May 11, 2008 3:23 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Well, there's no accounting for taste, so it's said. Sometimes, there's no accounting for reason, or lack there-of. I've seen four things pop up on this thread, which I personally find distasteful.
1) The ole bad apple syndrome. If one guy's a criminal, they're all criminals. When last I checked, football teams of most major programs generally involve 100 or more kids (KIDS - There's that word again.). Logic dictates at least one of them is a decent human being. Yet, some of us have to paint an entire program or even their school after one individual's actions, even years after the fact.
2) Sandbox logic. If I have to get in trouble for something I did, by God somebody else I going down with me. Yeah, I may have thrown dirt, but, but, but, that kid over there called that other kid over there a bad name. I honestly thought most of us were a lot older, and a bit more mature than that. I guess some of us still allow too much passion to rule our better sense of what's important.
3) Inappropriate rhetoric. Big Tide, this is going to sound like it's aimed at you. Not hardly. You're not the 1st; you won't be the last. I too quote lines from commercials, movies, songs; you name it, all the time. In your case, I agree with C-Dogg; poor choice, bad timing. For the most part, I enjoy reading your posts. I think you made an honest mistake. You may disagree; that's fine. Know this; I don't think it reflects badly on your character or that of any other Alabaman's. I'd be stooping to issue 1, were I to do that. So, do come & go as you see fit; I'll make no plea either way.
4) I said it once; WarEagle echoed it later. The girl is DEAD!!! I think it's time to let this one, and her, rest. Just my opinion.
TampaGator said:
posted on May 11, 2008 9:24 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
My my my...look at depths to which this thread has delved...
Bottom line: I hate to admit it, but the topic is relevant to CFB, but not quite for the grounds stated.
Ok, deceased vic, credit card fraud--reprehensible; tabloid shock value; but nothing too substantive there to seperate it from other fraud (frankly a decedent is less of a vic than live person, since decedent can't possibly give a damn about something so petty as money, in the afterlife, but that's way beside the point...).
What makes the story relevant to CFB, is that Hornsbly exploited a former TEAM MATE's death! That not only makes it relevant to CFB, but is arguably the most repugnant aspect of the case.
Team mate and G-friend die; Hornsby thinks I know where is g/f kept her cred card...cha-ching... (the very next day I believe)...
Deplorable. Embarrassing. Disgusting.
...but what would anyone on this site have Meyer and/or UF admin do, besides what they have already done? Meyer gave him a chance after misdemeanor mischief charge; can anyone fault him for that? Meyer cut him loose immediately, without waiting for any "due process" to play out, when this thing surfaced. Swift justice.
He's not a baby sitter; he's grown man dealing with young men--not true children. Young adults accountable for their own actions.
Gator-hip: I appreciate your valiant defense, but this is our shit pile; we need to clean it up. Period. FSU will have their day, and have had plently.
1st n nole: Exactly ONE Gator did what you accused Gators [plural] of doing. I assure you, Gator Nation is duly embarrassed by this. Notice how few Gators have actually chimed in (I'm #3).
So go on, it's fair game; pile it on.
...just remember this though: your own football players will take a dump on your program one day too; that is guaranteed.
The only real option your program has is how to respond to the mess when it finds itself in one; and I don't think UF delayed at all in responding swifitly and properly.
My $.02.
Hug and kiss the moms in your life!
GO GATORS!!Tomcat said:
posted on May 11, 2008 11:09 AM — 69.150.213.9 — link — abuse?
#55 Tampagator A very well written honest reponse from a Gatorfan no less. Good job.
Yall take note, Did he let anger or emotion take over? Na He was able to look at the current situation for what it is and nothing more.
Just remember that no program that is involved with 100 or so young men is going to excape through the season without somebody screwing up and shedding a negative focus upon the program.
These boys are not trained in public relations and can only learn through experience.
I'm afraid that in todays society there seems to be alot more unethical behavior.
Hug your Mama's Neck
God Bless our Troops1st_and_NOLE
posted on May 11, 2008 12:58 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
gatorhippy #53:
"However, I find you advice ironic coming from the guy that blamed TPD for Joe Surratt's arrest...
You may want to go back and reread that thread my friend to refresh your memory.
I didn't "blame" his arrest on the TPD. In fact, I publicly stated what both players did was wrong and they should be punished.
I did question the accuracy of the report and a few details that were mentioned. I did not say Surratt shouldn't have been arrested or that it was strictly TPD's fault. I simply stated they should be more careful how they word things in a police report because slight changes and vastly change the picture painted.
Also, what you'll notice I didn't do was deflect anything on the Gators. I called out our players and said they were in the wrong.
So, in summary:
#1: I didn't "blame" anything on the TPD. I simply stated they should be more careful how they word things in their report.
#2: I don't recall deflecting anything on the Gators or try to mask or cover up what our players did. I called them out in my initial post and stuck by that.
You might need to rethink your assessment.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on May 11, 2008 1:04 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
TampaGator #55:
You are correct. My wording was not accurate or appropriate when I indicated it was plural Gators when in fact it was one. My apologies.
That said, it's not my intentions of "piling on" because everyone lives in a glass house. I try (though I admit it's hard at times) not to pile on in legal matters because we've all had our fair share.
I just didn't approve of FSU being dragged through the mud over a UF incident.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on May 11, 2008 6:42 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
gatorhippy #59:
I can understand that being your gripe and agree with you to a degree. There have been other legal problems at schools this year (including FSU) that have been passed over as far as being discussed. So, with other legal cases being passed over but this one not... I certainly see where you're coming from.
However, even though you have a legit complaint, doesn't mean it's still right for you to dig in the FSU archives to bring us down too.
If you have a complain about being singled out, make your case about that and argue that other things weren't discussed.
It's just not right to dig up something about FSU years ago and try to say "oh yeah well this was worse man."
That's all I'm saying.
posted on May 11, 2008 9:25 PM — 67.166.241.225 — link — abuse? said:
Big Tide: Listen, don't go walking away. Your movie quote--which even I didn't recognize and I have a master's degree in movie quotes--was a little over the top when given no context, so it was merely pointed out. No big deal. Nobody thinks ill of you.
Besides, Nick and company are going to need some defenders of the faith on here. You don't expect Pete Holiday to come back and do it, do you? Look at how many Albarns are coming to this site. We need a little balance here. Of what use is good if there is no evil?
Come on, BT. We need someone on here crowing about a #1 recruiting class, and having 92,000 zat the spring game. Oh wait. That was last year. Okay, bad choice. See? Who's going to keep me in line?
Please don't go,
don't gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo away,
please don't go,
I'm begging you to stay...
KC and the Sunshine Band
:-)
TE
posted on May 12, 2008 9:30 AM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
Well, well, well, well, well...
Gatorhippy, you-like most of us-can act like such an infantile sometimes...
Kevin does a commendable job when it comes to fair and balanced coverage of this site over the subject matter at hand...
Do you want to know on what I base this previous statement?
It's because about once a week, I e-mail him some negative Alabama/Nick Saban stuff...and-to recycle an often used and much loved phrase of my own-Kevin can back me up on this one...LOL!
But, I also e-mail him regularly when I hear about negative related LSU stuff, and try to get him links to back it all up...
I doubt you extend the same courtesy...I send him info that I think will drive interest in the site and make the discussion better...
I doubt you'd send Kevin e-mails the NANOSECOND you found information out like I do...Positive-LSU, Negative-LSU, or Bama (Take a wild guess as to how many positive Bama links or stories I've e-mailed him, LOL!)...
The reason why is that you're so wrapped up in your love of your team you can't view them objectively...
Oh, sure, you'll preface all your comments and talk about the story at hand by saying, "I hate what he did. It's morally reprehensible," but you'll immediately deflect and change the subject, no matter how obscure, no matter how many daisy patches you annihalate in order to chain together the necessary amount of flora to show that even if you guys did something wrong, someone always did something worse...
Grow the hell up...Kevin has posted negative information about Penn State, LSU, Florida, Florida State (WOW!), Miami (The butt buddy comment?), etc...
If you don't like the way he runs his site, don't let the door hitcha where the good Lord splitcha, you juvenile little whiney-baby, you!
You give Florida Fans a bad name...There's nothing wrong with good-natured back and forth, but you sit here and go out of your way to p!ss Kevin off, when there are lots of people here who would go to bat for the guy in terms of his objectivity...I know I don't have 1/100th of his, and you'd hate to see any site I ran...
I'd also hate to see your 1984-esque version of FanBlogs...Where any Florida post that was even hinting towards negativism had to reference anything negative towards the posters own program...
It's like me saying, "Tony Joiner's a felon and the University of Florida doesn't care about what's right, only about wins."
You'd then reply with, "LSU once played a team from Cuba in Havana back in 1908, so that's proof positive that you pricks in Baton Rouge tacitly support Communism. You're NO BETTER THAN WE ARE!"
Save your sanctimony and your self-righteous indignation for somewhere else...We all grow tired of your silly little act...
You don't like the way Kevin runs his site...LEAVE. Hit the bricks. It's rather simple...
posted on May 12, 2008 12:35 PM — link — abuse? said:
No one should leave. Everyone should breath. (Myself included).
Now... enough bitching, let's do something good.
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on May 12, 2008 12:37 PM — 67.97.209.36 — link — abuse?
#62: TE sez...
Save your sanctimony and your self-righteous indignation for somewhere else...We all grow tired of your silly little act...
Good advice, TE. Do you follow your own advice?
FWIW, I personally think Kevin shows remarkable restraint in moderating this site. I'd suggest that all us Gator fans chalk this up to a bad case of unfortunate timing in that Kevin was skipping the police blotter and perp-walk topics until this story became public. As it has been noted, this could have occurred at any school and this time it was UF. This story certainly reaches a new low in my book, as the death of two students (including a teammate) was exploited for personal profit by another teammate - a tragedy made worse by a selfish act of stupidity. I can't blame Kevin for ending the police blotter moratorium for this story.
TE
posted on May 12, 2008 1:21 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
Ramblin Gator:
As soon as I try to minimize the absolutely despicable behaviour on the part of a student athlete attending a University I love by using such petty, juvenile remarks, then yeah, I'll take my own medicine...
But, I'm not here whining about the fact that its not faaaaaaaaair that Kevin brings up the negative aspects of my program...I don't care if he does it or not, because it furthers the discussion...I give him the ammunition in most cases, because I want the issues discussed and the discourse here furthered...
Gatorhussy would have you believe we can't talk about ANYONE unless we talk about EVERYONE in the SAME BREATH...Save me the Pollyanna glossing over of the situation and the player.
He's the kid that told on EVERYONE that went out drinking on Friday night in HS because he was the ONLY one that got caught. It's tiresome, stale, and the broken record from his direction is ridiculous.
Your team's got character issues. Lots of teams do. Get over it. Deal it.
Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on May 12, 2008 1:56 PM — 67.97.209.36 — link — abuse?
TE: Not with respect to this situation, but I believe you have generated your own share of sanctimony and self-righteous indignation here on other topics. That was my only point there (#64) - not citing any specific examples.
In response to your last sentence, it's difficult for me to resolve the character issues within the Gators' football team. It's difficult to imagine how two players as different (in character) as Tim Tebow and Jamar Hornsby could be recruited by the same coach, but I understand that Meyer tries to give each kid a chance to overcome their personal demons. Sometimes, it appears to work out very well (e.g. Percy Harvin and other times - such as now - not so well.
posted on May 12, 2008 2:02 PM — 72.145.94.138 — link — abuse? said:
I wish Kevin would back me up on something once in a while...
Yes, fanblogs is the Fox news of the fair and balanced blogging world. Sheppard Smith is an Ole Miss guy. Maybe we could get him to do a guest thread one day...
Guys, when I first got on here, it took me about 3 months to figure out who Kevin's team was, and that was because someone said it. This blog is far from looking like a FSU homer site...
Like I said, let's create the Fanblogs Blotter, a continual open thread where the readers can post the latest criminal transgressions of players from every school (if anyone really cares)
This subject would be a non-issue if it was just another credit card theft, but the circumstances behind it make it just a little interesting. If people feel like they can use it as ammunition to shoot down the whole UF program, well, just remember that whole thing about glass houses and just wait until it happens to your team.
Perhaps we can create another continual thread, the Schadenfruede thread, where we can all constantly revile in the misgivings of other programs. Talk about juvenile, but give the people what they want...
It is with dubious coincidence that my posts seem to be the last ones on many a thread on here. Perhaps it might be a good time for a re-occurence of that trend so that we can all move along...
TE
posted on May 12, 2008 2:07 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
I agree with you that the range of character runs the gamut with respect to players brought in by the coach.
There are very disparate levels of said character on most teams...
My point is that gatorhippy constantly takes shots at Kevin, and this isn't something I just saw rear its ugly head in this thread. He continually denigrates FSU anytime there's something anti-Florida that comes out of Kevin's mouth. It's like he can't defend his team without trying to bring down another. He's one-dimensional, wihich is pretty pathetic...even more pathetic than trying to bring up a situation that happened-literally-decades ago to try to sully another program. Way to stay current, Gatorhussy. Classy.
People can take shots at LSU, and I'm going to respond. I had to hold my tongue when Kevin took Les Miles to task before finally giving Perrilloux the boot, though. The reason I held my tongue was because what he was saying was TRUE.
I'm just tired of all the panty-waisted sniveling he does when big bad Kevin, the FSU Owner of the site, picks on his po, wittuwl baby Gators...
He acts like he's some victim of Apartheid in South Africa or ethnic cleansing in Serbia...
Your football team's filled with thugs. My team's got a lot of them, too. I can make this statement without having to IMMEDIATELY qualify it by talking about every other FBS program in the NCAA as well as my own, can't I?
In Gatorhippy's world, no, you certainly can NOT...Unbunch those Hanes Her Ways and settle down, Francis...
posted on May 12, 2008 2:17 PM — 72.145.94.138 — link — abuse? said:
TE has a panty fetish. That's the second time here recently that he's mentioned Hanes Her Way panties. I just researched it on our new fanblogs search, powered by google:
http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-0237893561790135%3Al5ljya-3x4v&q=TE+hanes+her+way+ways
So tell us, TE. Do you like them for their softness, or for the variety in sizes that they offer????
TE
posted on May 12, 2008 2:27 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
I actually prefer them because of that Jennifer Love Hewitt commercial...She's such a hawty in her over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder and her pantaloons...
My Special Purpose!!!!!!!!!! (Looking down in amazement!) What's happening to My Special Purpose?????!!!!!
(For the unitiated, that was a quote from the Steve Martin classic, "The Jerk", a cinematic masterpiece, if ever there was one)
TampaGator said:
posted on May 12, 2008 3:20 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
...the thread runs deeper still...
T.Ed.:
Unlike your request of Gatorhippy, I'm gonna' ask that you continue posting. Your vitirol towards Gatorhippy makes his objection(s) to Kevin's choice of topic seem rather benign...
...and does a much better job of redirecting the thread away from UF's ordeal, than Gatorhippy's . posts above.
The funniest part of it all, is that Gatorhippy called you a threadjacker in other thread in which you introduced the above topic, because it was over here...so you came over here and hijacked this thread, away from the very topic you had introduced over there.
Lovely!
b/t/w--Kevin's a big boy; he can take care of himself, and does a fine job of it...and the virtual brown on the nose of your handle...just not very becoming.
GO GATORS!!
TE
posted on May 12, 2008 3:35 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
TampaGator,
I posted that stuff on that thread BEFORE this thread was posted, sir...
Oh, and while we're on the subject of threadjacking and tangents...Let me bring things right back into focus with this:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3392124&campaign=rss&source=NCFHeadlines
TampaGator said:
posted on May 12, 2008 5:15 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
TE:
Yeah, you posted it before (I had dismissed his post as a misfire; then I read your posts above, and it kinda' came bact to me); doesn't change the fact that he labled you a threadjacker for posting it in that thread, nor you redirecting this one.
...hard to escape the irony.
Re. Patchan: thank you for update; I hope he gets better, and that he wasn't up to no good. I'm sure we'll learn soon enough.
...though I'm not quite sure what that brings in to focus. Getting shot--is that a crime these days? Criminal by virtue of the fact that he's a Gator? ...a college football player? ...that he was in Brandon?
...not yet in fffoocccuuussss...
GO GATORS!!Ramblin' Gator said:
posted on May 12, 2008 6:24 PM — 74.185.133.40 — link — abuse?
In fairness to TE, I must admit that I predicted Patchan would somehow be a problem:
http://www.fanblogs.com/miami/007289.php
Here's my next prediction: it will turn out he got shot while he and a buddy were playing with guns in a public park.
Anyone wanna give me odds on this?
1st_and_NOLE
posted on May 12, 2008 6:52 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Lets end the personal piddle paddle and lets get back to discussing the topic...
I have an honest question for Gator fans (a couple actually).
There's no doubt Meyer is one of the elite CFB coaches in the nation (he's proven that on the field at 3 different institutions).
However, given the recent skids with a few players, how do you feel about him as a disciplinarian?
I think in most cases Meyer does a decent job responding to a legal matter with punishments. But, do Gator fans he should do more to help prevent these kinds of things from happening in the first place?
Now, I know he can't baby sit 85 kids 24/7 but could he do a better job evaluating the character of kids he recruits or what crowd they hand out with?
I guess simply put I'd like to hear the Gators opinion on Meyer strictly from a discipline standpoint and if they think there's a problem and potential solutions.
TampaGator said:
posted on May 12, 2008 8:09 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
1st n Nole:
Apparently Diggs doesn't want the thread to make it out of the gutter. Just as well; you seem to get more mud on yourself, than the person in whose general direction you sling it...
(reminds me of Monty Python: "I fart in your general direction").
Re. Meyer; I think he's trying to run a tight ship. Does the right things in theory (e.g.--getting the players to know each others' fammiles, getting them to make an emotional investent in each other...). He does things that are calculated to yield positive results; they obviously don't always work out.
I honestly felt betrayed by this Hornsby incident; I can't imagine how Meyer felt.
Who knows what the solution is; I guess we're still searching one.
My $.02.
GO GATORS!!Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on May 12, 2008 8:26 PM — 76.100.57.43 — link — abuse?
TampaGator,
Apparently you can't read....What gutter are you talking about? I see only a story that was made public and posted on a blog....Then a typical gator response to the topic is :"How about back in 1992 when blah blah blah....."
BTW, mud washes off and....... ;)
TampaGator said:
posted on May 13, 2008 9:59 AM — 71.100.203.247 — link — abuse?
1st n Nole:
Let me turn the tables on you; what preventative measures/solutions would you propose?
Every measure I come up with would simply be unfeasible, because it equates to a competitive disadvantage to UF or whatever school were to attempt it--(e.g. making FB players admission standards the same as the student body at large, for starters--that would chase away quite a few recruits).
If you got some ideas, let's hear 'em. You even get to talk about them in the context of UF's problems rather than FSU's (unless you prefer to develop concepts through FSU prism).
GO GATORS!!TampaGator said:
posted on May 13, 2008 10:19 AM — 71.100.203.247 — link — abuse?
Diggs/#80:
The gutter remark was a continuation of the "depth" theme I referenced in my prior posts, in reply to 1st n Nole @ 77, where he wrote:
"...Lets end the personal piddle paddle and lets get back to discussing the topic..."
You at #78:
"... Typical gator comeback...lmao...."
Seems pretty "piddle paddle" to me; especially when exactly ONE Gator (Gatorhippy) did what you characterize as "typical Gator". Please see Ramblin Gator's and my posts above; we're the only other Gators on this thread.
Even if we take TE's characterization of GH's standard MO in #68, which you echoed--we're still talking about exactly one and the same Gator. GH is one poster with his own opinions and takes like everyone else on this site; he doesn't speak for Gator Nation any more than Ramblin Gator or I do.
Your post in #7 above was solid and fair; it wasn't one of the posts I was referring to with the "depth/gutter" theme.
Sure, mudslingn is fair game--but you can't sling it, then go and cry uncle when someone else sprays your hood with a little mud... (not saying you did, just speaking in general terms).
GO GATORS!!
Zac said:
posted on May 14, 2008 2:27 AM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
Sigh...
After all this school yard rock, I'm reduced to one question:
TE - Do you like panties because of the great taste, or is it because you find them less filling?
(Now, before you respond, remember: WarEagle started it.)
Kevin: See what happens when you take a breath? (Oh, that's 2 questions.) Ya forgots to tellz em to count to 10. That tharz that funny number after 13...
gatorhippy
posted on May 14, 2008 5:24 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse? said:
TE, TE, TE…
Please forgive my tardiness in responding as I have been a bit busy with other things, but I see in my absence you certainly don't disappoint...
As usual and right on cue, you spew a mouthful of vitriol tainted with superciliousness & egoism….
And yet, nothing of substance…
Posturing and bragging on the discovery of news stories on the internet and forwarding them to a blog master?
Really, TE?
I’m absolutely amazed at your cutting edge technological prowess in use a search engine and enabling you to cruise the internet that the rest of us ALL can find on an equal basis in the same places…
Hat tip to you, sir, as THAT is truly an accomplishment to be proud of and sets you apart from the rest of the lowly peasants that congregate here…
While not something I presumably like to talk about nor desiring to evolve this into a comparison of phallic renal evacuation…
I will, however, humor you with a few responses to your questions and comments…
I DO send my share of articles Kev’s way on a BROAD RANGE of everything from BCS to Blotter and certainly have shot over more than my fair share of NEGATIVE UF stuff…
Such gems as Boxing at FSU, the Twin Brandon Reefer brothers purchase of some Hog town’s finest Fire form undercover narcs last spring, Tebow being struck out by a chick in charity softball, Condos on the forefront of the future of CFB fan accommodations, the City of Miami CRA’S redevelopment plan pending the demolition of the Orange Bowl, Texas Tech banning “Vic ’Em” shirts for the TAMU game, Coach Fran updates when his leaving was in question, UF fans making requests to spread their ashes at BHGS and the list goes on for the last two years on topics across the CFB gauntlet…
And not just topics mired in SEC self-importance and of interest to those largely in the conference….
And always accompanied with a statement and compliment of my enjoyment of the site and the great job that Kevin does…
I tell you this in full self-confidence of what occurred and have no need for a “Kev can back me up on this” as I have an entire folder of sent e-mail and Fanblogs correspondence with K-Hue that I will assuredly divulge to you should you so request…
Simply provide me with an e-mail address…
So your presumption in this area is unfounded, incorrect and; perhaps most disturbingly; stated from pure ignorance…
In addition to this, I’ll add that I can e-mail Kevin these things and then have the patience for it to be posted rather than blurting it out like a teenage girl with a too hot secret...
As for this gem…
” My point is that gatorhippy constantly takes shots at Kevin, and this isn't something I just saw rear its ugly head in this thread. He continually denigrates FSU anytime there's something anti-Florida that comes out of Kevin's mouth…
Hmmm…well…lessee here…
The last two posts before this that involved UF saw no questioning from me and they were easily worded to poke fun at UF…
As a matter of fact, TE…
There has only been THREE (3) other occasions where I question K-Hue’s ability of suspension of Nole bias in two years…
The “Demps booted for Weed” thread…
Under which it was two weeks before I questioned the validity of the accusation and Kevin admittedly explained that; while it was relayed to him by what he considered a reliable source; it was never made official. My contention was that without an official public statement, this story was indeed here say…
The “Portis booted from Maryland” thread…
Where Kev opened the article with “Former Florida backup QB Josh Portis” when the kid had been at Maryland for nearly two seasons…
And of course, the infamous “Quotegate 2008”…
Where Kev took a paraphrased Meyer quote that was being slung around the net as authentic and accusing Meyer of throwing kids under the bus…
And remind me again how that turned out, TE? As you assuredly were one of the folks Donny was referring to that e-mailed him blasting me for questioning the validity of it…
Just in case you forgot...I was right…
So my goal is to drag other teams into the mud so they assuredly have their name soiled along with the Gators, TE, and SO blinded that I don’t approach other teams with objectivity?
I say we see yet another wild assumption made by a loud mouth arrogant braggart...
To quote you…
” Do you want to know on what I base this previous statement?”
The fact that I have actually ">gone to bat for the Seminoles and Bobby Bowden when the old boy was misrepresented by a Gator Blog and ensured I vehemetly applied pressure until it was changed and corrected…
When the last time you did that for a rival, Mr. “You hate on anything and everything non-Gator, Hippy”?
And honestly, TE…
It certainly would seem that you’re aligning yourself with the communist regime the second you question anyone speaking their mind…
In case you had forgotten, there is still a freedom of speech amendment being the initial and founding principle upon which this very country is founded and heading the very Constitution that was put together to define the principles upon which citizens of this country would be free from oppression on……
Kevin exercises his freedom of speech here at this blog…
If he chooses to post a topic, it is his unalienable right…
And in the same fashion and under the same unalienable right, I, you and the rest are able to comment on it in any manner we see fit, as well as any comments made on it…
Which I have assuredly earned for everyone here by serving my time in the desert in two different wars…
You say if I don’t like Kevin’s post then leave Fanblogs and don’t come back?
I say if you have a problem with freedom of speech and expression, kindly take the nearest plane, boat, train or car and leave America...
Assuredly, should any of my comments become deemed wildly inappropriate to the tune of offensive, K-Hue would promptly warn me; at the least in thread and possibly by e-mail or at the severest form send me to WE Atl's favorite place of exile...
Fanblogs Jail..
Which hasn’t happened, nor do I suspect it will ever as my comments never spin into a direction of inappropriateness, name calling, and/or violent threats (you listening, Diggs?)...
But should it ever land me there, I'll wear it as a badge of honor as it pertains to the Hatfield and McCoy nature of the Gator/Nole rivalry and accept my martyrdom amongst my Gator brethren...
And while this is just a blog, TE, it presents itself in a different manner than your typical homer information site like OB&H, TigerDroppings, Scalp’Em, AllCanes, Eleven Warriors, etc...It also presents itself in a different manner than satirist sites such as EDSBS and Loser with Socks…
Fanblogs presents itself as a neutral based blog where the comments often evolve into homerism and satire by the posters on a broad range of CFB topics, IMO…
Yes, Kevin does an awesome job of this…
IMHO, the best on the internet…
However, I see a little garnet & gold haze glittered in at times when it comes to the Gators…
Most I do simply let roll off…
But when I feel that it is a bit of a cheap shot, I’ll damn sure voice my opinion of it…
As I would at any site that would promote it self in a newsy manner while I felt taking a pot shot at the Gators for the sake of taking it…
Especially when the police blotter has been ignored for months while it has been filled with felony charges across the Fulmer Cup board…
Riddle me this, Tiger…
Without my causing a huge ruckus with a little mudslinging, what does this topic really offer in the way of deep discussion, TE?
Sure it provides the chance for all to say “Wow, that Hornsby kid sure is a POS” and the requisite “Meyer needs to get a grip on his kids” which always follows……
But past that, what does it really provide?
Really just another chance to further embarrass Hornsby’s parents and to further drag up Slonina’s memory for her parents one more time in connection with a negative in exchange for one more hit from an internet search engine?
Surely the Slonina and Hornsby families appreciate that…
But of course that’s not important to you, TE, is it?
As a matter of fact, I’d be willing to wager that the thought of that never even crossed your mind did it?
As the more important thing to YOU is being the guy to get the info to Kevin first so your name can appear down in the Hat Tip tagline like a five year old wailing for attention while simultaneously taking YOUR resident Gator Hater pot shot as well…
As shown by your own rodomontade of your importance to Fanblogs topic research…
While this may seem trivial to you now, perhaps one day you'll have kids and you'll further understand where I'm coming from there...
Until then your immaturity will simply chalk that up to myself being an oversensitive "Gator fan"...
As far as giving “Gator fans a bad name”…
I proudly stand on my own and make my comments and points as sole refection of myself and my thoughts, feelings and commentary as my own and welcome the separation from others as assuredly they’re opinions will differ from my own as I am not a sheep and think for myself on my own accord and outside the box…
I don’t need Kevin “back me up” or anybody else for that matter…
I AM a FOURTH generation University of Florida Alum, not just a simple Gator fan, and take pride in my UNIVERSITY as a whole; not just the football program; and make annual contributions to athletics and academics and based on that I will defend, condemn and comment upon it as I see fit in any manner as I have most certainly earned that right and will in fact continue to use any comparisons I see fit as well…
And in the same breath, I appreciate any support that those with or without university ties wish to show towards one of the top athletic programs in the country and will proudly stand beside them if they so wish to align themselves along with my opinion while I welcome them to draw their own conclusions and stand apart if so desired...
Much in the way I do in my RW life as well...
And since kicking you in the nuts never gets tiring or old, TE, I'll quote you yet once again from your above comments…
’I can make this statement without having to IMMEDIATELY qualify it by talking about every other FBS program in the NCAA as well as my own, can't I?”
And yet just a month ago you gave us this nugget of an example as to how you don’t “immediately qualify” LSU transgressions by comparing them to other school’s…
“ I guess its called being a ridiculous Homer, but Tony Joiner got charged with a felony, and then cleared in time to play LSU this past season...
Now, the body of work wasn't there with Joiner, but then again, Ryan's been issued ONE misdemeanor summons regarding the casino deal...He hasn't broken into any establishments, held anyone up, etc...”So in answer to your above inquiry upon yourself, TE…
No, it’s apparent you can’t as you directly contradicted your own condemnation of me.
Why don't you simply keep your contradictory rhetoric, narcissistic arrogance, pompous attitude and distasteful gasconades to yourself as we all assuredly grew tired of that a long time ago, chap...
Zac said:
posted on May 14, 2008 8:42 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
“Which I have assuredly earned for everyone here by serving my time in the desert in two different wars...”
GH: For this, you and those like you have my heart felt thanks.
As for the rest of this post, among some others, I don’t know. As fascinating as it’s all been, when two intellectuals go at it as witnessed within this thread, it just seems like a colossal waste of brain power, just my opinion.
That having been said, Kevin, when you meet with GH, buy him one for me. I will find a way to make good on it. Should ever we meet, I would appreciate the privilege of buying the 1st round.
TE, however you may be judged by others, including myself, keep on posting. As GH has already stated, and fought for, it is your right. So, should we meet, as offered above, I would like to buy the 1st round with you as well.
Should any of us meet, know this to be a standing offer. It’s worth it to be in such good company.
Oh, and Ramblin-G, panties are panties. Pretty or plain as they may be, they're always in the way...
TampaGator said:
posted on May 15, 2008 11:12 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Tiger Educated...meet Gator educated...
Excellent post GH. I normally just glaze over multiple monitor-length posts, but that one was very well written, and brilliantly engaging. Read it twice, even.
FWIW: Maybe I should have chimed in on your behalf, based on your track record/TE's assertions about it--but I figured you're a big boy, you can fend for yourself; and that you'd do a better job of it yourself anyway.
I figured right. Well done.
GO GATORS!!1st_and_NOLE
posted on May 15, 2008 11:12 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
TampaGator #82:
Unfortunately, there's no sure fire way to always get quality kids or keep them out of trouble.
I can comment on a recent change in the FSU program in terms of recruiting that I think is a positive thing for us.
In my humble opinion, since the hire of Fisher the way FSU recruits has done a complete 180. Everything about it is different to me.
In years and years past FSU has usually started slow and and finished strong in terms of recruiting. We normally didn't get any early commits that stuck by their word for months and months. Generally, we got late commits from kids that were either committed elsewhere and changed their minds last minute, had difficulty deciding where they wanted to go to school, or some may have simply wanted to enjoy the spot light. I don't know how much (if at all) that reflects on a kid's character.
But, since Fisher has arrived we've started hot in recruiting. In last years class kids committed to us early and most stuck by their commitment (I think we only lost 3-4 kids after they actually committed). To me, that's more impressive and telling to a kid's character. They give their word and stick by it. Also shows a degree of maturity in a young man for looking at a situation and making an informed decision and sticking by their decision.
I'm excited because I believe (this may be Koolaid talk) Fisher has done a much better job then the previous staff from a recruiting standpoint. I think Fisher is not only trying to identify football talent and potential but also identify kids with great character.
EJ Mannuel comes to mind. I've read (and seen) endless interviews and stories about him. Football skills and talent aside, I'm blown away by him as a person. He handles himself with maturity, class, character, and seems to have a great work ethic. Now, not every kid is like that but I think Fisher is doing a good job in the early stages of looking for that.
I think what hurt us (and still is to a degree) was how we used to recruit. If you go back and look at FSU's recruiting classes since 2001 and compare the talent brought in to the talent that left... you'd probably find an entire HS All American roaster worth of kids that "didn't make it" - guys like Adrian McPherson. We've had a lot of 4 and 5 star guys not graduate over the past 8 years. They either got into legal troubles, academic problems, or didn't turn into the players we were hoping for. I wouldn't be surprised if FSU has had the worst turn over in the nation the past few years.
I don't know why that is. I think maybe the previous staff simply recruited the best possible players they could and didn't pay as much attention to the kids background, friends, character, or even how they'd fit into our system as they should.
I think Fisher has done a better job looking at the "big picture" with recruiting.
Obviously, it's still too soon to say if what Fisher is doing is going to work but I like what I'm seeing so far.
I know that's long winded but I guess in short, I think sometimes coaches "overlook" certain things about a superstar kid they're trying to sign. I'm not saying Meyer does by any means but I think it happens a lot which can come back to bite the program. It's happened to FSU a lot, I know that for sure.
posted on May 16, 2008 11:38 AM — 68.219.13.70 — link — abuse? said:
Okay, time to lighten this thread up a bit. My Top 10 Reasons Why Jamar Hornsby Used a Dead Girl's Credit Card to Buy Gas:
10) (Insert any high-gas-prices joke here)
9) $100 hand-shakes down to twenty smacks...
8) Scalpers not paying what they used to for free football tickets
7) Wanted to unite extensive Gator Blog Network in common coverage
6) The bitch set me up!
5) Tony Joiner told him Urban's heat not too hot...
4) Have you tried to live on what they pay college football players these days?
3) No part-time job opportunities with Tebow as circumcision helper available...
2) Credit card fraud not specifically addressed in team rules pamphlet...
1) BCS ring market a bit depressed on eBay lately...
:-)
TampaGator said:
posted on May 16, 2008 1:08 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
1st n Nole:
With all due respect, the closest I could discern from your post as a proposed solution, was: Getting kids to commit earlier, and [presumably] only taking those who commit early. That may help matters, but I don't think it would make a whole lot of difference.
Frankly, the nature of the sport lends itself to violence. The status of the sport in our society lends towards special treatment of players. I'm gonna' guess that you've probably played organized FB at least at some point in your life, and that you can relate to how it gets in your blood. Something about the violence of the sport, the collisions etc., appeals to us on a primal level; the appeal runs very deep, and is very compelling. Those committed, and good enough to play in the big time college level, are almost poisoned by it.
Now add to the natural, primal appeal of football, society's tendency to glorify the players as "gladiators," and you have very solid programming mechanism in place. We are essentially programming players that violence is acceptable (even virtuous), and that they are special by virtue of their ability to play football (and by extention, not accountable to the same set of rules that apply to the rest of us). That, my friend, is not easily reversed or altered.
The best solution I can come up with, as I alluded to in my prior post, is to try to stack your roster with solid "character" guys--guys with outstanding intelligence, integrity, work ethic AND athleticism. Look at their extracurriculars, GPA, community service, church involvement, family, etc.--after of course, you viewed their FB videos. Great; we go for 'em! I'm sure most programs do, when the kid can ball as well! Problem is, most of these "character" guys usually got to be that way by NOT placing football at the top of their priority list. In other words, they play the game, but they haven't been "poisoned" by it. There are other things that matter more to them than FB, so you need to offer them something more than gridiron glory.So,a program goes Harvard, Yale, Duke, etc....and only accept FB players who are able to meet stringent academic admission standards. Problem there, is that your FB program would probably suck based solely on the scarcity of such kids to fill rosters, compared with the demand--you'd find yourself competing against Harvard, Yale and Duke, etc., for the same kids. No offense, but who'd want to play for the 'noles and get an FSU education, if FSU sucked in FB, AND you could play for Harvard, Yale, Duke...and get paper from them? Ditto most other FB powerhouses. If all you're offering these kids is paper (free ride) without the exposure and NFL entrance platform, then you're essentially offering an inferior product to those schools--leaving you at a competitive disadvantage agsinst both the FB factories who don't tie themselves up with academic restrictions, and the Ivy types (you'd be getting Ivy sloppy seconds, and you wouldn't even be able to touch the FB factory recruits). Notre Dame is probably the closest a school has come to remaining competitive in CFB nationally (save for last year), without compromising their academics (other schools remain competitive and have solid academics, but they keep the standards separate). And even Notre Dame, with all its history, tradition, national name recognition, exposure, NBC contract and $$$--has a heck of a time of reconciling the two. In fact, even Notre Dame fudged their admissions for FB players under Holtz--the last time they won a NC--coincidence?
Additionally, even when you try to recruit good character kids (and not overlooking things, as you pointed out), for every Tim Tebow, Danny Wuerffel, Emmitt Smith--or EJ Manual, Brad Johnson, and Warrick Dunn--there are at least as many Jamar Hornsbys--kids who have latent character defects, that can't be identified on the surface.
So we basically find our selves at the same point we started. Is there a problem? Sure. Are there solutions? Always are...but at what price? The best you can do, IMHO, is play the odds--that is, do things calculated to yield positive results--and administer swift justice consistently when it is called for.
...and celebrate the other 90%+ of the CFB players who make you proud of our alma mater, and/or at least didn't/don't embarrass your school.
My $.02.
GO GATORS!!
P.S.--WEA: I like your posts, and I appreciate the attempt at levity--but #6 on your list felt like a needle in my eye. Way overboard....
posted on May 16, 2008 3:08 PM — 68.219.13.70 — link — abuse? said:
Yea, T-Gator, from the victim's perspective, it sure is. That wasn't my intent, though. Still smarting from his re-election a few years ago, I continually honor Mayor Marion Barry and his immortal excuse to why he was convicted for crack possession.
It's a reoccuring theme in my Top 10 lists about personal responsibility failure, as you can clearly see.
TampaGator said:
posted on May 16, 2008 4:46 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
WEA:
Didn't recognize it.
I don't mean to be hypersensitive here, but in the context of the topic...I'm sure you can see how I'd find it to be essentially out of bounds.
Maybe Kevin should just shut the thread down. It's produced a lot more (-) than (+), and not really in the ordinary good-natured back and forth we get in other threads.
...and we can always take up ongoing discussions in an open thread.
My $.02.
GO GATORS!!gatorhippy
posted on May 19, 2008 2:34 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse? said:
Been busy, guys...
@86 - C-Dogg, I hold six season tix and have access to about 16 more seats directly with posibilities across the stadium indirectly...
Remind me in August and I might be able to do something for you if it's available then and you're interested...
Not promising anything, but I might be able to help you out...
@90 - OU-Ron, Thanks...
@91 - WE Atl, Thanks...
@92 - K-Hue, Beer is good...
@93 - Zac, No thanks needed...
@96 - T-Gator, Thanks and no worries...
My opinion ain't always the popular one, but somebody's gotta say it...
I don't mind bein' the guy...
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
gatorhippy
said:
posted on May 9, 2008 2:32 PM — 209.16.115.5 — link — abuse?He'll be heading in the same direction as Ronnie Wilson...
Out the door...
FYI - There may have been more players present when the charges were made, but Hornsby is taking the fall as it was in his possession...