With all of the UK fans going to the conference today...

[Craig the Blueheart]

Will people boo Patterson if he commits elsewhere? If so, how intense will the boos be?

I tend to think he gets a pretty good tongue lashing (and no, I am not condoning it) if he does not commit to UK.

By the way, is anyone going to the press conference from this board?

[wildcat74]

Will people boo Patterson if he commits elsewhere? If so, how intense will the boos be?

I tend to think he gets a pretty good tongue lashing (and no, I am not condoning it) if he does not commit to UK.

By the way, is anyone going to the press conference from this board?


To me this quote is very foreshadowing in this same regards...
"He said if you don’t sign with UK we might have to have police officers to hold them back because there might be a riot, but I told him to bring them all. Everyone is welcome.”

[RP_McMurphy]

This is our chance to show grace and humility. Be on your best behavior Kentucky fans.

[Craig the Blueheart]

This is our chance to show grace and humility. Be on your best behavior Kentucky fans.

Unforutuantley, I don't think many of the civil from this board will be attending...

[crazzedcats22]

To me this quote is very foreshadowing in this same regards...
"He said if you don’t sign with UK we might have to have police officers to hold them back because there might be a riot, but I told him to bring them all. Everyone is welcome.”

I thought the same thing. However, if there is a group of UK fans there and he says he's going to Florida HE'D better say it quick and then run for the door!!!

[Craig the Blueheart]

Is booing at least acceptable to this board for this press conference? I for one don't condone it, but I know there is a strong contingency of fans that think it is their right. Are there any of you out there? I guess in this case it would be different from booing your own player, even if it were for only 3 seconds after a declaration had been made.

[charms]

I wouldnt like to see it happen, regardless of how long PP has taken. If he chooses UF then whoever goes should thank him for considering us and leave. I think there wont be any boos anyway unless a UF fan is in attendance(not likely, this basketball not football).:icon_biggrin:

[BRN2BNK]

Is booing at least acceptable to this board for this press conference? I for one don't condone it, but I know there is a strong contingency of fans that think it is their right. Are there any of you out there? I guess in this case it would be different from booing your own player, even if it were for only 3 seconds after a declaration had been made.

C'mon--do you think people would walk into the gauntlet and say "hell yeah, Id boo him".

I wonder just how many will be there--I bet it will be predominantly locals of the wildcat nation (probably a lot from the Ashland area)

[Craig the Blueheart]

C'mon--do you think people would walk into the gauntlet and say "hell yeah, Id boo him".

I wonder just how many will be there--I bet it will be predominantly locals of the wildcat nation (probably a lot from the Ashland area)

I am not asking for someone to walk into the gauntlet. I know there has been much conjecture about this very topic on this board in the past. This is a different debate, however. This would ultimitley be a UF player or a Duke player that we would be booing... literally... if he did not choose us. I am just putting it out there. There are a lot of bold people on this board.

[charms]

I am not asking for someone to walk into the gauntlet. I know there has been much conjecture about this very topic on this board in the past. This is a different debate, however. This would ultimitley be a UF player or a Duke player that we would be booing... literally... if he did not choose us. I am just putting it out there. There are a lot of bold people on this board.

I would at least wait to boo any player until they came to Rupp, This way they will be looking to "leave at half time". BCG is going to be great!:icon_mrgreen:

[leroybyrd]

I would boo him loudly and proudly.

[Craig the Blueheart]

I would boo him loudly and proudly.

There we go... the first bold contestant.

I don't know where I stand on this. I am hoping to get some good insight... Are you a typical "boo bird" or would you be outraged so much by his school choice that this would be a rare moment for you?

[BRN2BNK]

I am not asking for someone to walk into the gauntlet. I know there has been much conjecture about this very topic on this board in the past. This is a different debate, however. This would ultimitley be a UF player or a Duke player that we would be booing... literally... if he did not choose us. I am just putting it out there. There are a lot of bold people on this board.

I agree, Im just trying to get the booers to come out of the closet.

[BRN2BNK]

Haha, this sounds like an AA meeting--admiting is the first step to a discussion.

[leroybyrd]

There we go... the first bold contestant.

I don't know where I stand on this. I am hoping to get some good insight... Are you a typical "boo bird" or would you be outraged so much by his school choice that this would be a rare moment for you?


I don't think I'm a typical boo bird. Not sure exactly what you mean, but I would never boo my own team or coach for any reason. I boo more for fun, like when the opposing team runs on the floor or at someone I can't really stand like Noah, Coach K or most Duke players. I would boo Patterson basically becasue at that moment he becomes the enemy. Not saying I would hate him as a player, just taking part in the typical college rah, rah stuff.

[crazzedcats22]

There we go... the first bold contestant.

I don't know where I stand on this. I am hoping to get some good insight... Are you a typical "boo bird" or would you be outraged so much by his school choice that this would be a rare moment for you?

If I were going and invested the time and effort to go the press conference and he picks Florida, **** straight I'm booing him, and booing loudly!! As soon as he says Duke or Florida he is a member of two of the most hated groups in UK basketball and doesn't deserve anything less than boos from UK fans.
People try to act like UK fans are and should be "dignified" or show "class." Who gives a crap about that?!?! He would be an enemy!

[Craig the Blueheart]

I don't think I'm a typical boo bird. Not sure exactly what you mean, but I would never boo my own team or coach for any reason. I boo more for fun, like when the opposing team runs on the floor or at someone I can't really stand like Noah, Coach K or most Duke players. I would boo Patterson basically becasue at that moment he becomes the enemy. Not saying I would hate him as a player, just taking part in the typical college rah, rah stuff.

I see what you are saying. I am a similar type of boo bird. I am definitley not above booing another team, especially UF or Duke.

I guess what I am getting at, is whether there should be a "30 minute rule" on this guy? Should we shed him mercy for at least a few moments, or should we let him have it if he does not commit?

[rudedogky]

I'm not a typical "boo bird" either. However, if he's not with us, he's against us. I would probably hesitate and boo with the others, if it were to happen. It's irrelevant, since i can't attend.....

[PsychoCat]

I would hope nobody boo's him :mad: :thumbdn: .... he has a right to go to any school he wants! IMO it would be a VERY classless thing to do and an embarrassment to The University and UK fans as a whole

[Craig the Blueheart]

I would hope nobody boo's him :mad: :thumbdn: .... he has a right to go to any school he wants! IMO it would be a VERY classless thing to do and an embarrassment to The University and UK fans as a whole


I don't know that I necessarily agree or disagree with that, but I think I lean more on the side of the folks that want to boo. I don't think that I would boo him, but I think that some people would feel so upset about the situation that it would be the natural thing to do. I am not sure why it would be classless for fans to express their displeasure in a calm and unified way. I am not saying that I would agree with derogatory remarks, but a simple boo MAY be warranted here.

[AugustaDan]

I see what you are saying. I am a similar type of boo bird. I am definitley not above booing another team, especially UF or Duke.

I guess what I am getting at, is whether there should be a "30 minute rule" on this guy? Should we shed him mercy for at least a few moments, or should we let him have it if he does not commit?
He invited all the UK fans to come to his presser knowing who he's selecting. If he intends to pick Florida, I'd say that he's looking for that type of reaction (booing or worse). How much more of an "up yours" statement could he make?

[BRN2BNK]

I think it would be a spur of the moment decision for most. Factors such as, are others booing, what is the contingincy of blue white and how emotional the event is. PP has created this drama.

[BRN2BNK]

He invited all the UK fans to come to his presser knowing who he's selecting. If he intends to pick Florida, I'd say that he's looking for that type of reaction (booing or worse). How much more of an "up yours" statement could he make?

I agree with you

[wildcatcrazy]

I hope you guys that say you would boo are not going. How embarassing?

Booing an 18 year old kid for his college choice? How sad.

[leroybyrd]

I would hope nobody boo's him :mad: :thumbdn: .... he has a right to go to any school he wants! IMO it would be a VERY classless thing to do and an embarrassment to The University and UK fans as a whole


I disagree, I don't think it is classless to boo the opposition. There is an appropriateness factor, but I think a three second boo upon hearing the decision is entirely appropriate.

[leroybyrd]

I hope you guys that say you would boo are not going. How embarassing?

Booing an 18 year old kid for his college choice? How sad.

Please people, loosen up a little. It's friendly college banter for Pete's sake.

[Coldstream]

I disagree with booing a kid at his signing. It is a ceremony. Not a game. Simple as that to me and thus the difference when and where you can boo an opponent.

[BRN2BNK]

I kind of lean with Coldstream. Give it to him as hard as you want when and if he comes to Rupp. This would be tempting though--he has tugged on our heart strings for a while now.

[TransientAlum]

He invited all the UK fans to come to his presser knowing who he's selecting. If he intends to pick Florida, I'd say that he's looking for that type of reaction (booing or worse). How much more of an "up yours" statement could he make?


:thumbup: Kinda like going on your honeymoon. You dont expect to be told your honeymoon suite, upon arrival, will have twin beds.

[leroybyrd]

I disagree with booing a kid at his signing. It is a ceremony. Not a game. Simple as that to me and thus the difference when and where you can boo an opponent.


Point taken, but if he invites all the fans to come........................

[Coldstream]

Point taken, but if he invites all the fans to come........................

to a ceremony.

[leroybyrd]

to a ceremony.

Ha. Good one. Seems like he's kind of turning it into a different kind of event, but I get what you are saying and not sure I totally disagree.

[crazzedcats22]

I disagree with booing a kid at his signing. It is a ceremony. Not a game. Simple as that to me and thus the difference when and where you can boo an opponent.

good point, but I think maybe a quick short boo would be acceptable!

[TexasCat]

I don't know if it would be a boo....more like groaning in disappointment. Kinda like when everyone yells "3!" at Rupp and then groans if it doesn't go in. :shrug1:

[Craig the Blueheart]

I think it would be a spur of the moment decision for most. Factors such as, are others booing, what is the contingincy of blue white and how emotional the event is. PP has created this drama.

I agree. In hindsight, his statements about desiring a crowd, or at least acknowledging, all the while knowing that it would be prodominantly UK supporters, tells me that he expects whatever attention he will recieve. In other words, if he commits to UK, then he knows the ovation he could recieve; if he commits to UF, he also is aware of the type of ovation he would recieve. The bottom line is that he probably wants people to boo if he commits to UF. If I were him, I would love it.

[Tom Blevins]

My guess is that Patrick Patterson knew what he was doing when he invited the fans to attend. My guess is also that he neither wants nor expects to be booed. I predict UK fans will be celebrating this afternoon. All this talk about grace and humility is going to be a moot point.

[UKfaninCO]

I disagree with booing a kid at his signing. It is a ceremony. Not a game. Simple as that to me and thus the difference when and where you can boo an opponent.

Totally agree. For fans that want to boo him if he doesn't come to UK, don't go. He is making his choice, it's ok to be disappointed if he doesn't pick us, but don't boo.

[TransientAlum]

Wouldnt go for the aforementioned reason. If you dont want negativity thought, dont invite people you deliberately plan on disappointing. Its real simple. Imagine a Democratic convention in San Francisco inviting Focus on the Family or a Republican convention anywhere inviting Move On.

[CATHEAD]

I've got the compromise: A quick "Boo!", like you're trying to scare someone. But it's moot because he'll have 8 letters across his chest next year.

[Terry623]

I don't know that I necessarily agree or disagree with that, but I think I lean more on the side of the folks that want to boo. I don't think that I would boo him, but I think that some people would feel so upset about the situation that it would be the natural thing to do. I am not sure why it would be classless for fans to express their displeasure in a calm and unified way. I am not saying that I would agree with derogatory remarks, but a simple boo MAY be warranted here.

Today's announcement is about a young Mr. Patterson, not UK. I hope anyone that would possibly do anything to upset this young man's special day is the recipient of a rather large slobber-knocker.:thumbdn: Good grief, why would anyone want to boo the kid, regardless of his choice?

[Lon25]

Where and when did he invite fans?

[Cincy110]

I hope you guys that say you would boo are not going. How embarassing?

Booing an 18 year old kid for his college choice? How sad.


I think going to a press conference of a kid you don't personally know to hear where he is going to college is about as sad as you can get.

[Will Lavender]

I think going to a press conference of a kid you don't personally know to hear where he is going to college is about as sad as you can get.

Just for going? Why? I'd definitely go if I lived close.

This is a HUGE day if you're a UK basketball fan.

[CATHEAD]

I think going to a press conference of a kid you don't personally know to hear where he is going to college is about as sad as you can get.

If I were within an hour's drive, I'd be there in a heartbeat. This could be a pivotal day in UK basketball. I think anyone who is more than an average fan would like to be there. Nothing at all sad about it.

[Cincy110]

Just for going? Why? I'd definitely go if I lived close.

This is a HUGE day if you're a UK basketball fan.

I don't get it. If he lived in Cincinnati, I wouldn't go. I've got much better things to do than let an 18 year old determine my mood for the next 30 minutes.

What is going to happen if he says UK? Cheers, the UK fans will drown him out with cheers and C-A-T-S.

If he says UF, they will drown him out with Boo's.

I know UK fans are crazy, but days like today are where the national media gets their ammunition to rip on the fan base. If he chooses UF, just wait to read the newspaper articles tomorrow about how classless the UK fan base is.

[CATHEAD]

I don't get it. If he lived in Cincinnati, I wouldn't go. I've got much better things to do than let an 18 year old determine my mood for the next 30 minutes.

What is going to happen if he says UK? Cheers, the UK fans will drown him out with cheers and C-A-T-S.

If he says UF, they will drown him out with Boo's.

I know UK fans are crazy, but days like today are where the national media gets their ammunition to rip on the fan base. If he chooses UF, just wait to read the newspaper articles tomorrow about how classless the UK fan base is.

That's fine that you have better things to do. We that truly love and follow UK basketball will continue to be "crazy".

[Cincy110]

That's fine that you have better things to do. We that truly love and follow UK basketball will continue to be "crazy".

Thanks for letting me know that I'm not a TRUE fan. I'm behind you 100%. I hope to one day aspire to the Fan level of CATHEAD.

[CatFaninChattanooga]

I think going to a press conference of a kid you don't personally know to hear where he is going to college is about as sad as you can get.

Sad in my eyes would be standing outside of his house waiting for an answer. The fact he is having a press conference about it instead of just annoucing it proves that it is more than your typical college annoucement.

I think booing would be way overboard in his High School gym, with his friends and family around. However if he goes to UF, when he comes to Rupp he is free game to boo at. :)

[UKhoov]

I don't get it. If he lived in Cincinnati, I wouldn't go. I've got much better things to do than let an 18 year old determine my mood for the next 30 minutes.

What is going to happen if he says UK? Cheers, the UK fans will drown him out with cheers and C-A-T-S.

If he says UF, they will drown him out with Boo's.

I know UK fans are crazy, but days like today are where the national media gets their ammunition to rip on the fan base. If he chooses UF, just wait to read the newspaper articles tomorrow about how classless the UK fan base is.

It wouldnt be the first time they have bashed us and it wont be the last.

But boy oh boy watch them jump back on our side once we get back to our winning ways!

[CATHEAD]

Thanks for letting me know that I'm not a TRUE fan. I'm behind you 100%. I hope to one day aspire to the Fan level of CATHEAD.

Aspirations are good. Keep up the hard work and maybe one day you'll get there. Remember, you brought this up by calling the people that are attending the presser "sad".

[Cincy110]

Aspirations are good. Keep up the hard work and maybe one day you'll get there. Remember, you brought this up by calling the people that are attending the presser "sad".

I called the people that have NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with him, sad. I would group those same people as sad as those that got on his facebook page last year and those that got on Hamga's page as well.

But I know, it was probably people just posing as Kentucky fans. No Kentucky fan would ever do something like that.

By the way, are you teaching any classes? How to be a TRUE Kentucky fan. Lesson 1 - how to apply face and body paint. Lesson 2 - Where to purchase Blue Afro wigs. Let me know where to sign up. I'm really looking forward to being a TRUE fan.

[crazzedcats22]

I called the people that have NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with him, sad. I would group those same people as sad as those that got on his facebook page last year and those that got on Hamga's page as well.

But I know, it was probably people just posing as Kentucky fans. No Kentucky fan would ever do something like that.

By the way, are you teaching any classes? How to be a TRUE Kentucky fan. Lesson 1 - how to apply face and body paint. Lesson 2 - Where to purchase Blue Afro wigs. Let me know where to sign up. I'm really looking forward to being a TRUE fan.

sorry man, but I think you are going to be alone on this issue. Nobody that is a true UK would think it's sad to go to what could be a HUGE announcement for UK.

[GrandePdre]

Groan in dismay, but I don't think I could boo.

[TransientAlum]

Jerry!

Jerry!

[POEKLM]

There are Kentucky fans with class. Sometimes we may need some prodding to bring it out. I remember when the Ralph Sampson thing drug out years ago....he literally was waivering as he made his announcement. UK fans were very disapppoited. Well he later came into Rupp but Coach Hall had said on the radio that he hoped the UK fans would be gracious to him and give him a nice reception even though I am sure we wanted to boo him. I was there and he got a very polite standing ovation. Kyle Macy was introduced next and he got a thunderous standing ovation. One stood there stonefaced and the other smiled and waved to all of Rupp Arena.

It would be stupid to boo at that press conference in my opinion. I hope the UK fans in attendance will be cheering loudly!

[TrueblueCATfan]

The UK fanbase has been on the chopping block for sometime now.....I sure hope it is not made worse today.......Please do not boo an 18 year old kid making a college choice

[CATHEAD]

I called the people that have NO PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with him, sad. I would group those same people as sad as those that got on his facebook page last year and those that got on Hamga's page as well.

But I know, it was probably people just posing as Kentucky fans. No Kentucky fan would ever do something like that.

By the way, are you teaching any classes? How to be a TRUE Kentucky fan. Lesson 1 - how to apply face and body paint. Lesson 2 - Where to purchase Blue Afro wigs. Let me know where to sign up. I'm really looking forward to being a TRUE fan.

Sorry, no classes are available. You have to be born with it. That's why the people who don't get it, well, don't get it.

[Cincy110]

Sorry, no classes are available. You have to be born with it. That's why the people who don't get it, well, don't get it.

**** - I guess I'm $hit out of luck, huh? Those people at the presser today "get it" though, don't they!!!! You better believe it!!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!

[POEKLM]

I disagree, I don't think it is classless to boo the opposition. There is an appropriateness factor, but I think a three second boo upon hearing the decision is entirely appropriate.

I respectfully disagree. This is not a sporting event. A young man is choosing a college. You don't boo him. You might cuss under your breath and curse him in the car all the way home but you show some class in public. Hopefully, like I said , all UK fans will be cheering loudly after his announcement.

[tauzreborn]

OK, here is a great compromise.

Why not drown him out with footsteps out the door. If tons of spectators leave when he announces - wouldn't that say enough?

[Littlemeyer]

OK, here is a great compromise.

Why not drown him out with footsteps out the door. If tons of spectators leave when he announces - wouldn't that say enough?

I like that, but this might even be better:

Complete silence. Crickets, if you will. :)

But hopefully, it'll be a moot point. I'd love to hear about the cheers and the spelling of the word CATS. :thumbup:

[Cincy110]

How about not show up in the first place and look like a bunch of stalkers?

The kid is 18.

[Littlemeyer]

How about not show up in the first place and look like a bunch of stalkers?

The kid is 18.

You're on an island, Cincy. Gotta give you credit for sticking to your guns, though. :big_grin:

[tauzreborn]

So what if he is 18. He is old enough to be overseas fighting for the country, but not old enough to suffer the ****ation of a rabid fanbase.

In a few years he will be a millionaire.

[Cincy110]

So what if he is 18. He is old enough to be overseas fighting for the country, but not old enough to suffer the ****ation of a rabid fanbase.

In a few years he will be a millionaire.

Good logic - In a few years he will be a millionaire, so stalk him now while you can!!! You guys are probably the same 40 year olds that stand outside Wildcat lodge waiting for the players to come out so you can get a kid half your age's autograph.

[Littlemeyer]

Good logic - In a few years he will be a millionaire, so stalk him now while you can!!! You guys are probably the same 40 year olds that stand outside Wildcat lodge waiting for the players to come out so you can get a kid half your age's autograph.

Does this bother you that much? Or are you just not in the friend-making business today?

[CatFaninChattanooga]

You're on an island, Cincy. Gotta give you credit for sticking to your guns, though. :big_grin:

I agree you are sticking to your beliefs, and that's cool.

This whole annoucement event has become a big circus. The fact both JL and PP have had "press conferences" is unique. PP is obvious the local hero in the Huntington area, and I am glad for many reasons this is coming to an end soon. I think PP is getting more publicity than Mayo for two reasons, PP is a respectful outgoing kid, and 2 he is involved with UK.

[crazzedcats22]

Good logic - In a few years he will be a millionaire, so stalk him now while you can!!! You guys are probably the same 40 year olds that stand outside Wildcat lodge waiting for the players to come out so you can get a kid half your age's autograph.

seriously man, what's your deal? So what if people want someone's autograph? You can only ask for someone's autograph if they are older than you? Doesn't make much sense to me.

[Cincy110]

Does this bother you that much? Or are you just not in the friend-making business today?

I think it is a little sick, honestly. Look, I know there are rabid fans in every fan base. I know there is always a small group of fans that typically give fan bases a bad name. I like UK. I watch every game, I follow recruiting, I follow college hoops as close as most people on here, I just don't let it consume my life. When I was 16-20, I was really goofy when it came to UK hoops. Now that I have gotten older, have a family, I just put my priorities in different order. Trust me, I don't want to see UK ever lose, whether it is on the court or in recruiting. But I just can't see the "appeal" of going to a press conference where a high school kid announces where he is going to school. It absolutely baffles me. I guess I am the minority, it seems as if I'm the only one that feels this way, which really surprises me.

[Wildcat97]

Is booing at least acceptable to this board for this press conference? I for one don't condone it, but I know there is a strong contingency of fans that think it is their right. Are there any of you out there? I guess in this case it would be different from booing your own player, even if it were for only 3 seconds after a declaration had been made.

No it isn't acceptable. The kid is making a LIFE decision for his life and is entitled to it, regardless of what we as UK fans want. That said...boo him to no end ONCE he steps on the court.

Anything today "confirms" on streaming video to the nation of how classless, redneck, toothless, overbearing a fan base we are as a whole...even if it is only a few persons booing. In fact, if UK fans start booing, I would hopew others make a point to disagree with them out of respect for Pat P.

[tauzreborn]

There is no logic in that statement. It is merely an observation, just like "Patrick Patterson is 18."

You are applying logic by reasoning that since PP is 18 it is inappropriate to "boo" a decision that will have an impact on something that everyone on this board cares about.

With all the threads, media coverage, and other hoopla surrounding his choice, he would surely not expect to be congratulated by opposing fans.

By the way, what difference does age make when getting an autograph?

When I was 14 I wanted autographs of people in their 40's. When I am 40, I will surely love to have the autographs of those that I am a fan. A fan knows no age.

[CatFaninChattanooga]

I am interested in seeing what the attending UK fans will do if he says he is going to UK. :)

[Wildcat97]

I think it is a little sick, honestly. Look, I know there are rabid fans in every fan base. I know there is always a small group of fans that typically give fan bases a bad name. I like UK. I watch every game, I follow recruiting, I follow college hoops as close as most people on here, I just don't let it consume my life. When I was 16-20, I was really goofy when it came to UK hoops. Now that I have gotten older, have a family, I just put my priorities in different order. Trust me, I don't want to see UK ever lose, whether it is on the court or in recruiting. But I just can't see the "appeal" of going to a press conference where a high school kid announces where he is going to school. It absolutely baffles me. I guess I am the minority, it seems as if I'm the only one that feels this way, which really surprises me.

No need to go for me, but my life doesn't revolve around it...completely. To me, this is for family and friends to share in the story...not the hopeful fans who will have him for the next 1-5 yrs.

[84Cat]

Is booing at least acceptable to this board for this press conference? I for one don't condone it, but I know there is a strong contingency of fans that think it is their right. Are there any of you out there? I guess in this case it would be different from booing your own player, even if it were for only 3 seconds after a declaration had been made.

No, I wouldn't boo him. He has the right to go where he wants. However, by dragging this thing out so long and calling a press conference ("watch me, watch me!") he's begging for reactions from people, positive or negative.

[tauzreborn]

I think it is very strange what you are saying Cincy.

Do you think it is sick to support UK's players?

Just like attending games, this is another way for fans to support their team, see the players and possibly meet them. Who knows you might even get an autograph? Just be sure yo have your ID ready.

[Cincy110]

I don't think it's strange to support them, I think it is strange to obsess over them, stalk them.

Like you said, when I was 14, autographs were great. There came a point in my life when someone writing their name on a piece of paper, really didn't mean much to me anymore. To each his/her own.

Putting messages on their facebook pages = stalking. Offering girls at a school on their facebook pages = stalking.

It's great to support them.

[Wildcat97]

There is no logic in that statement. It is merely an observation, just like "Patrick Patterson is 18."

You are applying logic by reasoning that since PP is 18 it is inappropriate to "boo" a decision that will have an impact on something that everyone on this board cares about.

With all the threads, media coverage, and other hoopla surrounding his choice, he would surely not expect to be congratulated by opposing fans.

By the way, what difference does age make when getting an autograph?

When I was 14 I wanted autographs of people in their 40's. When I am 40, I will surely love to have the autographs of those that I am a fan. A fan knows no age.

Some looks to be directed at me...so here goes.

Are you saying it is OK to boo at a press conference for the HS Senior because he didn't pick YOUR school?

The premise of being "congratulated" is assinine as the point is to BE the best fan base as we claim we are. It shows our collective ... behinds, if all or even a few boo the kid, all because they didn't get to brag about their new "toy". That is how some seem to treat this situation. Yes PP becomes ours as a fanbase, just like any other player, ONCE he joins the UK family. Until then, he is his own person entitled to everything that entails...whether a star player or not. He deserves respect for HIS choices about HIS life.

[TransientAlum]

Well, guess being across the river matters.

These kids are not stalked, they are not ambushed at every turn. Yes they are on a pedestal. They are treated like kids who are your kids now. They are held in special regard because they represent you. They carry on your state's name in an activity many in the state hold in very high regard. Of course they are going to be centers of attention but no one forgets they are still kids.

Personally, I only wish our enlisted got the same treatment every day by those they represent. The point is the same though. So, no, it is not sick unless you would not go to the airport to welcome home soldiers or marines young enough to be your child. It is not sick unless you wouldnt buy lunch for one of them or give them your first class seat on the airplane or attend an event honoring their service. See Memorial day upcoming.