Tipton loves ex-player quotes

[SamKat]

http://www.kentucky.com/276/story/325377.html

Jerry Tipton is a supposed (by himself) objective journalist who is a beat writer covering the Kentucky Wildcats basketball program - from the Lexington Herald Leader. He has distinguished his style as opposing the coaches and the program, in most cases. In this UK fan's opinion, Jerry Tipton has no passion for the program and that is a sad fact. In the above LHL article, he brings up ex-player quote after ex-player quote to demean coach Gillispie's style. In the end the coach has a little say in Tipton's article, but it is so much more than Tipton's article had in mind. Tipton is a journalist typist with an agenda. I am merely a UK fan-typist with an agenda to support the program I love with as much support as I can offer.

Sam aka SamKat

[Matt Dillon]

I suppose most people have some agenda.

[Got_Billie_G?]

Hate is a strong word...but I HATE Jerry Tipton.

[RP_McMurphy]

Isn't that what a coach is suppossed to be? Does Tipton want a walkover like the previous staff? Or does Tipton just want to write a article without really researching about what coaching styles do or don't work. Since when did a walk on become a authority for what is and isn't right with a team.

[TransientAlum]

Isn't that what a coach is suppossed to be? Does Tipton want a walkover like the previous staff? Or does Tipton just want to write a article without really researching about what coaching styles do or don't work. Since when did a walk on become a authority for what is and isn't right with a team.

Dont really have a problem with the LHL or CJ showing other views of UK and the sports teams. Yeah, both sides were presented but the player side got more attention or, at least it seemed.

Agree with RP that more digging into what styles have worked and how well should be researched as well.

[Gunsmoke]

We have a coach who knows what it takes to teach/motivate you how to get the absolute most out of your ability..to attain your maximum potential. It doesn't get any better than that on the court and in preparing for the rigors of life. It is apparently not for the weak or faint of heart. Have the desire to achieve your max and learn just exactly what you are capable of doing/handling as a young adult basketball player and afterward when you are cast into the real world..or stay away. Simple as that. We have a winner here. I have a feeling there will be defections here and there as well as after this season ends. To me, so be it.

[ProfJT]

If you read the article objectively, I think CBG comes off pretty good. On the other hand, Mills' quotes really have the taste of sour grapes. I think Tipton uses way too much of Mills' statements - they're basically all the same, Coach belittles players (read 'me'). But if you read what others besides Mills and Legion have said (both of whom have an ax to grind), then coach is doing it right. I thought it was significant that Benson had nothing bad to say about CBG.

Why the Mills' incident merits two major articles is beyond me. :shrug1:

Tipton, get over it; a walk on was dismissed. It's not like it hasn't happened before. I laugh to think what would be said now about Coach Rupp! :eek:

[ChrisB60]

Tipton wants to move to Minneapolis to see Tubby and his failures at the BARN!!! Tipton has an agenda and thats obvious.

Anyways, the LHL should take notice the guy is talking about a walk on and spending a whole week on that.

[wildcatsundance]

This story tells me two things.. Tipton wants to be a pain in BCG's backside, and this coach is a *****.. He better win, as a ***** with a loosing record, doesn't blend well..

[UKBOO]

"He's no more demanding than many of the successful coaches I've been around," said Barnhart, who noted football's Rich Brooks and baseball's John Cohen as examples at UK. "The great ones demand greatness because he knows where we want to go.
"Some young people can handle that and some people can't handle that."

YES, this is a game. And there are many levels to this game. There is back yard pick up all the way through to many levels of college for armature basketball. UK has set the standard as being the elite of the elite. You do not do this unless it is demanded from the top to the bottom of the program. I salute MB for his comments. This isn't a country club. There are 100's of places for kids that do not want to put 1000 % into it. And that is OK! I understand that not everyone wants to put that much devotion into basketball. But if you come to UK, everyone from the fans, through the players and all the way up to the administration should demand greatness.

If Coach needs to shake up a few tail feathers to do it, I say go for it.

I love the kids. I wish Dusty the best. But its time to move on...

[cdrw]

If you read the article objectively, I think CBG comes off pretty good. ...

I agree. What's wrong with this article? If this were the only thing I'd ever read by a particular writer, I'd think he/she does a pretty good job.

Except for the following, which could definitely go under the category of "too much information"!

The two speak regularly and usually end the conversations by expressing their love for each other, Law said.

[macdon]

Whether it was Tipton's intention or not Clyde comes off pretty well if you have the attention span necessary to make it through.

The two who quit or were dismissed actually come off sounding like the losers. The first kid just got tired of basketball, which happens.

The Leader is not getting the reportage they need leading up to a game with Arkansas. This game is of huge importance to this team and Tipton is running around town with Dusty Mills.

He should be talking to...let's see...maybe Unforgettable member John Pelphrey who is bringing his team to Rupp tomorrow.

[ChrisB60]

I think Tipton gets his bashing mixed, praise and bash, that was about as mild as he will get. You can obviously tell he loves tubby.

[UKBOO]

This story tells me two things.. Tipton wants to be a pain in BCG's backside, and this coach is a *****.. He better win, as a ***** with a loosing record, doesn't blend well..

I take exception to your reference of Coach as a p-----. I think that is totally uncalled for.

[ChrisB60]

I take exception to your reference of Coach as a p-----. I think that is totally uncalled for.

You're right, people dont realize just how relaxed Tubby Smiff Was. We are in good hands now and sometimes you have to make tough decisions and the way mills is hanging off of Tiptons cahonies, makes me wonder if Mills has some type of agenda.

[leroybyrd]

This story tells me two things.. Tipton wants to be a pain in BCG's backside, and this coach is a *****.. He better win, as a ***** with a loosing record, doesn't blend well..

IMO, you have it right on one count and horribly wrong on another.

Tipton definitely wants to be a thorn in Billy's backside, but what is great is that we have a coach who is not a ***** at all, he just flat out doesn't give a _ _ _ _ what anyone thinks. (You fill in the blanks with your favorite word.) He KNOWS he will win and that is partly why he doesn't get bogged down with the dumb. He is going to win and do it his way and screw the rest. Tipton and the Lexington press have never had this to deal with before, should be fun to follow. And don't worry, he will win BIG.

[RCS]

I thought it was a fine article. The headline was a little over the top and only negative things were written on the front page. If you took the time to turn to the rest of the story I thought both sides were pretty well represented.

The funny thing is I saw the headline and didn't even have to open the paper to know that Tipton had written it. I guess that is the problem people have with it. If it was one article I don't think people would really mind it since it was fairly even handed but considering all the crap that Tipton has writen people just get sick of it. I think every school has a persecution problem and they all think the media hates there school. That is rarely the case. I do wonder about Tipton though. I think after so many years of being a beat writer the crazy fans start to get to you and you become jaded. The same thing happend to Billy Reed. He at one time was a pretty good writer but the last 15 years or so he turned into a complete hack with a clear hatred of UK. It was odd to see frankly.

I do find it interesting that only the FR seem to be complaining. Fr often leave programs because the adjustment is difficult. You work 10 times harder in college than you do in HS at nearly everything. School is harder, basketball is way more intense and no one is there to do your laundry, hold your hand and generally make everything easy for you. You have to learn how to be a man and many FR, basketball or not, struggle with this. I think once you get a little more maturity on you you can see that BCG is doing this with a purpose and not 'to prove he is bigger than you'. I think Mills looks soft and whiny and considering he was incredibly lucky to even be on the team, that is not going to cut it. This attitude is why I have a lot of faith that AJ Stewart is going to be way better next year. You can see the potential in him and Billy will help him get everything out of his talent possible.

I loved the part about Gillespie taking it personally if guys do not improve under him. I would think as a recruit you would want that in a coach.

[ChrisB60]

I loved the part about Gillespie taking it personally if guys do not improve under him. I would think as a recruit you would want that in a coach.

You would think Freshman would realize that...obviously not. Legion leaving just tells me hes not mentally tough enough to handle anywhere that he runs when he is not comfy and if thats the case, then its better hes gone.

[matt colvin]

If you read the article objectively, I think CBG comes off pretty good. On the other hand, Mills' quotes really have the taste of sour grapes. I think Tipton uses way too much of Mills' statements - they're basically all the same, Coach belittles players (read 'me'). But if you read what others besides Mills and Legion have said (both of whom have an ax to grind), then coach is doing it right. I thought it was significant that Benson had nothing bad to say about CBG.

Why the Mills' incident merits two major articles is beyond me. :shrug1:

Tipton, get over it; a walk on was dismissed. It's not like it hasn't happened before. I laugh to think what would be said now about Coach Rupp! :eek:

You took the words straight out of my mouth :icon_mrgreen:. I don't like Tipton, not at all. From all of his "articles" to not having the courtesy to turn his phone off during the live radio show back in December, this guy unnerves me to no end. But, overall, this article puts Gillispie in more positions of positive reinforcement than negative. Surprising for sure.

[leroybyrd]

You would think Freshman would realize that...obviously not. Legion leaving just tells me hes not mentally tough enough to handle anywhere that he runs when he is not comfy and if thats the case, then its better hes gone.

I am sure Billy is also EXTRA hard on kids when he sniffs out they are not where they need to be from a mental toughness standpoint and he forces the issue. At that point, those kids have to either get tough or get out.

[ChrisB60]

I am sure Billy is also EXTRA hard on kids when he sniffs out they are not where they need to be from a mental toughness standpoint and he forces the issue. At that point, those kids have to either get tough or get out.

True, but the culture here before hand was probably paradise and sometimes these kids just cant handle it.

[leroybyrd]

True, but the culture here before hand was probably paradise and sometimes these kids just cant handle it.

No doubt, IMO, you are right, a complete 180 from what we had before.

[TransientAlum]

No one likes a reporter taking any shots at something they value but it is a necessary thing to keep everyone honest. In all, yeah, Billy does come out looking pretty good from an outsider's point of view.

Good traditional values and lots of caring and concern. Work your people hard and take care of them just as hard. Everyone loves that. Well, almost everyone. :icon_mrgreen:

[RCS]

I think Tipton gets his bashing mixed, praise and bash, that was about as mild as he will get. You can obviously tell he loves tubby.
He doesn't love Tubby. He bashed him also. I think at this point he is just negative. It just seems to be his personality.

[UKBOO]

Back to back articles on this, when John and the hogs are coming tomorrow?

It doesn't matter what was said, its out of line...

[ChrisB60]

He doesn't love Tubby. He bashed him also. I think at this point he is just negative. It just seems to be his personality.

He has favored tubby more than he has Billy G. I really think Tipton is upset he got called out earlier when G was hired.

[winston]

I think we all know Tipton is not going to go out of his way to glorify Kentucky or Gillispie. I do believe he has an agenda, but I don't think it is necessarily an anti-UK agenda. Tipton is probably not the most responsible sports guy I have ever read, in fact, I think it would be best if we were just a columnist. In short, Tipton wants controversy because it makes his job easier and he can use it to draw attention to himself. Whether he hates Kentucky or wants to make us look bad I am not sure. As for this particular article.....None of us want to keep hearing about Dusty Mills getting kicked off and any questionable behavior by Coach G that may have taken place. This season has been difficult enough without that sort of drama. Tipton is close to overdoing it with this story, but if he stops now I think he is still in the clear. People say he is focusing too much on Mills' quotes and giving them too much credence. I disagree with this. Tipton is very deliberate about bring quotes from other players that give a different side to the story of playing under Coach G. Even though I probably would not embrace some of Coach's tactics myself, I found the article flattering. And here is why:

In order to succeed at Kentucky in this era I think it is imperative that the Coach take ownership of the program and in a sense become bigger than the program. I know some of you will cringe at that statement, but what I mean is that Gillispie should force his style and decisions on the program and use that to change it. He should not be too sensitive to criticism from Tipton, Mills or any of the players or fans. Success at Kentucky is dependent on making Kentucky your home and not feeling like an outsider or someone that is not really in the club and is thus under a microscope until they 'get it done'. Gillispie knows he can coach and get the job done and that is all that matters. He is not timid and thank God for it. This job is not good for the timid, meek, or mild. Gillispie is not just one of the coaches of this program or participants in it. Gillispie has to 'be' the program. He is the head coach and Kentucky basketball must and will go the way of its head coach. Gillispie must be in charge and not the fans or the players.

I get the Knight comparisons (in a sense). I do believe that Gillispie wants to truly be a father figure to these players and to love them like sons. But this is not a pampering environment. His love will make them into better players and stronger men.

If Gillispie is the most difficult and challenging think they have to endure during the season then how can that be a bad thing? Our team is not going into an opponent's gym to be complimented and treated like prima donnas. Call it demeaning, constructive criticism, being a drills sergeant.....In the end it accomplishes a goal, and not just Gillispie's goal. The result is a tougher and stronger team and even family that can take on anything an opponent throws at it.

[UKBOO]

I do not think Tipton is "anti UK" either. I think he is a, I want to be right about my Tubby opinion guy.

I think that is his "agenda".

[Catligula]

He doesn't love Tubby. He bashed him also. I think at this point he is just negative. It just seems to be his personality.

This guys always tries to turn everything into a Tubby blaming thread. Ignore button to the rescue!

[ChrisB60]

Back to Tipton, he obviously does have an agenda...

[leroybyrd]

This guys always tries to turn everything into a Tubby blaming thread. Ignore button to the rescue!

This is a serious question. Do you really use the ignore button? I have read on here that a lot of people use it and like it, but I really don't understand that sentiment. It seems like it would be bad for the board as a whole. Also, how can you get a feel for the thread if you use the ignore button? I am interested in your thoughts.

[UFWildcat]

This is a serious question. Do you really use the ignore button? I have read on here that a lot of people use it and like it, but I really don't understand that sentiment. It seems like it would be bad for the board as a whole. Also, how can you get a feel for the thread if you use the ignore button? I am interested in your thoughts.

This is exactly how I feel about the ignore button. I don't believe in censorship.

[matt colvin]

I like this quote from Coach:

"Gillispie did not want to talk about Legion or Mills. But he acknowledged his demanding style is intended to make players uncomfortable. He's trying to push players to greater levels of achievement, the UK coach said.

"My responsibility as a coach to each individual is to motivate them," Gillispie said. "If Joe Crawford is not an NBA Draft choice, I'll take that personal. If a guy such as Patrick (Patterson) comes to you as a sure first-round draft choice, if after one year, he's not a lottery pick, if he stays two years and he's not top-five, I take it personally.

"I'm going to help these guys to understand. Sometimes it may not be really comfortable to achieve at the very highest level. But I can see what exactly the top level of each player is and what the top level of the team is. Sometimes people want to get in a comfort zone and we have to motivate them to get out of it.""

Really shows the level of responsibility he feels towards the players, and also shows how serious he is about reaching greatness, for each player and the team. I love reading stuff like this from him, even if it means reading the junk from Tipton's biased self.

[poodoo]

I like this quote from Coach:

"Gillispie did not want to talk about Legion or Mills. But he acknowledged his demanding style is intended to make players uncomfortable. He's trying to push players to greater levels of achievement, the UK coach said.

"My responsibility as a coach to each individual is to motivate them," Gillispie said. "If Joe Crawford is not an NBA Draft choice, I'll take that personal. If a guy such as Patrick (Patterson) comes to you as a sure first-round draft choice, if after one year, he's not a lottery pick, if he stays two years and he's not top-five, I take it personally.

"I'm going to help these guys to understand. Sometimes it may not be really comfortable to achieve at the very highest level. But I can see what exactly the top level of each player is and what the top level of the team is. Sometimes people want to get in a comfort zone and we have to motivate them to get out of it.""

Really shows the level of responsibility he feels towards the players, and also shows how serious he is about reaching greatness, for each player and the team. I love reading stuff like this from him, even if it means reading the junk from Tipton's biased self.

I, too, LOVED those words from Coach, Matt. THAT part I would like recruits to read (along with Law's comments and the A&M walk-on's comments), as some would surely be impressed with Gillispie's conscientious dedication to making them GREAT players. Too, it is "tough love," and I don't have a problem with that.

Too, this piece at least shows both sides, unlike the other piece in which Tipton just permitted Dusty to paint Coach G in a negative way. Folks who are somewhat defending Tipton here might want to read the other "Mills" piece that is linked on the site.. :thumbdn::thumbdn: to the other column. Also, it does seem Tipton might want to be focused on tomorrow's important contest between the Cats and a beloved former Cat. GO CATS! BEAT ARKANSAS!

[poodoo]

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart saw nothing in Mills' dismissal or Legion's transfer to warrant his attention into "personnel decisions." He said he was "very comfortable" with how Gillispie is instilling toughness, discipline and competitiveness into Kentucky basketball. UK needs those qualities to win championships in all sports, he said.
"He's no more demanding than many of the successful coaches I've been around," said Barnhart, who noted football's Rich Brooks and baseball's John Cohen as examples at UK. "The great ones demand greatness because he knows where we want to go.
"Some young people can handle that and some people can't handle that." QUOTE from link
***********

What Mitch Barnhart says here is enough for me, folks. I LIKE what I hear from him here.

Again, THIS time Tipton shares more than Dusty Mills' quotes. Personally, I even wonder if Tipton had been "encouraged" to write a more fair column. GO CATS! BEAT ARKANSAS!

[The Goose Was Loose 78]

^I agree totally with your last statement....I can see how somebody told him to take another look at this and do a more "balanced" view of things....even Legion admitted that Coach has had obvious success, but it wasn't for him.....

Tipton wasn't always like this.........not sure what has happened.....but I would hate to be him at press conferences for a while.....I bet other writers are like "dude, you are either very stupid, or you have balls of steel." When UK goes 35 - 5 and wins title number 8 in the next 4 - 5 years, Tipton will be sought out by many and it won't be pretty.

[countrycat]

I believe Tipton is using Mills anger toward coach to bring harm to UK. Tipton is going to gain BCG wrath soon and I would like to be there to see it. Whats mightier, the pen or Billy when the tables are turned, I choose Billy. I have no resoect for what Tipton is doing using Mills as he is.

[countrycat]

I am sure Billy is also EXTRA hard on kids when he sniffs out they are not where they need to be from a mental toughness standpoint and he forces the issue. At that point, those kids have to either get tough or get out.
Totally agree.