Exhibit #6,372 on how college athletics can be a scummy exploitative arena. Yesterday, Colorado issued a brief press release saying that Sophomore Guard Kalvin Bay was not going to be with the team next year."We acknowledge that Kal will not be back and that he will be pursuing other options available to him," Bzdelik said.Maybe Bay decided to transfer, maybe he was asked not to return. The press release wasn't exactly clear on that. Turns out Bay wasn't even given a choice. New Colorado Coach Jeff Bzdelik and Colorado opted not to renew his scholarship along with three others. It was handled so classily:
Bay said his conversation with Bzdelik started like this: "He asked me how my last final (exam) went, then told me my scholarship wouldn't be renewed."What sweethearts they are at Colorado. Go quietly, so as to avoid bringing any negative publicity to the school that just dropped you.
...
"I guess (Bzdelik) has found another point guard," said Kurtis Bay, who claimed his son abruptly had to move out of his dormitory room because his scholarship ended with Friday's conclusion of CU's condensed "May-mester."
After moving his belongings into his vehicle, Bay said he stayed with two members of the CU women's team before an agreement was reached that will allow him to remain in a dorm for the first summer semester.
One of the players who didn't have his scholarship renewed, James Inge, has decided to appeal the decision. It seems more about the fact that they tried to whisper/spin that Inge wanted out and Colorado was doing him a favor.
"I thought I was done horribly," Inge said in a telephone interview from his home in Camden, N.J. "My scholarship was taken unjustly, then it comes out that I chose to leave, which is totally untrue."Such a fair deal. New coach comes in, decides he doesn't like the players there, so he effectively cuts them. They are not his players. The players, have to leave. Then they have to find another school to take them -- and if its Division I -- then sit out another year.
On the other hand, if a player doesn't like the change in coaching, he has to ask for permission to transfer and be released at the discretion of the school. Even then, they can limit where he could go. After all, the player committed to the school not the coach.
This happens everywhere, and not even with coaching changes. It's not just Colorado and Jeff Bzdelik, but it will be hard to take the first time a TV announcer refers to Coach Bzdelik as "classy."
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Mr. Rich:
Better get used to TV commentators...and a lot of other people...referring to Jeff Bzdelik as "classy."
That's because he is.
Everywhere he's been, including the NBA and the college ranks, he's gotten great reviews as a coach and a man. It is a pity that you think the word of a couple of obviously disgruntled players should carry more weight than an outstanding reputation built over a lifetime.
If he's such a bad apple, how come the players at Air Force, to a man, said they were sorry to see him go?
Posted at 8:55PM on Jun 7th 2007 by Steve from Sacto
2. Dominic James, I am begging you. If you have not already, go back to college. You are way too talented to be taking this abuse. James, McNeal, and Matthews can be the big three for college basketball. Then, after your Senior year go to the draft. You will be 110% better, trust me.You are a great player just get your head on straight and practice hard don't be arrogant, as some have called you, but walk with humility .Don't take this as a set back, but take this as a learning experience and practice for the next season and the next time you enter the draft. The road to success takes a lot of off season practice and hard work. Your work ethic must improve if you want to play on the next level. It is going to take studying Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Jason Kidd, T.J. Ford, and even New Jersey's Marcus Williams. When people talk about Tiny Archibald or Earl the Pearl Monroe listen up and take notes. You must get mentally tuff and make up in your mind that you are going to score when its needed. Don't just watch an NBA game , study it. Look at the spacing and the way good point guards breakdown defenses . Also look for new ways to get your shot off. You know what you have to work, on so work on it so that I can see you in the NBA one day and say "he's a hard worker" . Don't ever slack off in practice. Hustle on every level is rewarded and can compensate for your weaknesses. I am looking forward to seeing you in the MU gold and blue! Remember what one former MU player turn Finals MVP says, "hard work pays off."
Posted at 4:13PM on Jun 15th 2007 by fmiside