My contribution

[Jon Macomber]

Basically, we're all saying the media image of UC is either:
a) representative of the real behavior
b) distorted by the media

I started by putting my 2 cents in, but it turned into a larger piece - an
organization of my feelings on our reputation.

So, here's my attempt at playing sportswriter:


We just witnessed UC's basketball program take another hit.  While Bearcat
defense has always been a source of pride, defense off the court has become
another part of the season.  It's tough to be a UC fan when the news always
seems bad.  Deserved or not,  Bearcat Basketball has a certain reputation.

Thinking back, it was during the great 1992 season when the reputation
started.  The tough D and use of JUCO players was the catalyst for national
attention and eventually, national scrutiny.

Now UC was a program of national interest.  When "bad news" came (EVERY
program has some) Huggins didn't have the media savvy of a Pitino to deflect
the upcoming criticism.  The idea of JUCOS, 0% grad, and one of the first
major weightlifting programs created the "thug" image, although we know that
image is distorted.

It is more difficult to change a perception than it is to establish one.

When a UC player makes a mistake, it is amplified by previous behaviors more
so than with most other teams.  However, as an "unfortunate for all" fact,
the realistic resume of UC misbehavior is very comparable to most division 1
teams.  Somehow it's hard for the media to refer to a "realistic resume".
The truth about grad rates.  Art Long did NOT punch the horse.  Martin is a
good and hard working kid.

In the biggest college sin, recruiting violations, UC has had only one minor
violation (Charles Williams).  UC doesn't have the UMASS, Michigan,
Minnesota, Fresno State, UK, etc. problems.  Interesting.

The link from university to post-college behavior is tenuous at best.  Did
St. John's manufacture Jayson William's irresponsible behavior?  Making such
a link is the easy way out.  Sportswriters have broad knowledge of many
sports topics and many sports teams.  It is unrealistic to believe that they
all conduct comprehensive research.  They hear thug - They write thug.  They
hear 0%, they write 0%.

Does UC take in players of questionable character?  Sure.  Art Long was a
questionable character.  But so was Jerome Harper.  Should Huggins be
praised for the number of questionable kids that he developed into fine men?
Oh well, it appears bad news makes a better byline.

When someone criticizes UC, tell them they don't know the whole story.
Educate them.  But recognize the mistakes.  Support the decision to dismiss
Little.  Compliment the team's recent scholastic success.  Reflect on
Huggins's contributions.  Remember all the great games.

It's good to be a Bearcat fan.








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