Tony Woods plans to transfer to Louisville
by Mike Rutherford on Oct 18, 2010 9:55 AM EDT
in Basketball
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PrintMultiple media sources are reporting that former Wake Forest center Tony Woods plans to transfer to the University of Louisville in January. Woods visited campus over the weekend.
Woods was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, but averaged just 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds a year ago as a sophomore. Still, he was expected to start for the Demon Deacons this season.
I've already made my stance on this pretty clear. The program desperately needs a positive story, and this is about the farthest thing from that.
Regardless, he's coming. Here's what he can do:
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It's bad for the public perception, to be sure...
Regardless of reality, there is that saying that “perception IS reality”. And with this transfer, on the heels of the Sypher case, it’s not exactly a positive for the program’s image.
To be very clear, I’m not even firmly against Woods coming to Louisville. But I listen to talk radio, I hear folks talking… and with some people “domestic abuse” may as well be mass extermination of women no matter the specifics of the situation. IMO, Pitino is getting awfully close to being tagged with a “mysoginist” label (I’m assuming this is very wrong, but again it is the perception being thrown out).
There’s also the desperation element bringing in a troubled kid to a program that can’t seem to keep warm bodies right now.
by CardinalEmpire.com on Oct 18, 2010 10:07 AM EDT reply actions
The only way
I’m cheering for Woods is if he agrees to work 10000 hours or so at the Daniel Pitino shelter for battered women.
by REALISTICCARDSFAN on Oct 19, 2010 9:58 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Eff. This.
I’ve been pretty vocal in my refusal to take part in the “sky is falling” mentality that Whacker77 (among others) were pushing. But Pitino is pushing it. Sypher was bad enough, but after even more recruits mysteriously going awry, guys with 3.6 GPAs not qualifying, seemingly mediocre Cardinal players making into the league without Pitino’s help, and now transfers who break their baby’s mother’s backs, I’m about to hang up the sign.
If this season isn’t far above expectations, I think it’s time to move on. This isn’t the outlook this team should have with a new stadium and all our facilities.
by CARD_G6 on Oct 18, 2010 10:29 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
unbelievable
why are we so quick to judge?
Quick to judge?
What exactly do you mean by this? It’s pretty obvious the program doesn’t need ANYMORE bad press, and that’s exactly what this is. Pitino already has gained the reputation of a womanizer after the whole Karen Sypher fiasco, and now he goes and recruits a guy who BROKE THE BACK of his baby’s mother. Give me a break. I can’t believe Jurich is letting this happen.
by Bluegrass_Brad on Oct 18, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Bluegrass We can't
help what a grown ass man (Ricky P) does but Tony Woods is a kid still, a strong one, lol!!
by louisvillefan#21 on Oct 18, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think the last 18 months of news...
constitutes “quick to judge”. Any one case might be, but the collection of issues is reaching a boiling point.
by CardinalEmpire.com on Oct 18, 2010 10:43 AM EDT reply actions
Because
they are saints and have never needed a second chance!! I know i’m far from a saint and obviously PS3, ur not one either. But i think all other Cards fans think they are!!
by louisvillefan#21 on Oct 18, 2010 10:44 AM EDT reply actions
Saints who have never needed a second chance?
Whatever man. I’m pretty certain none of us have ever been kicked out of school for beating a woman. It’s not like he got caught up in a fight outside a club or something like TJ, he broke a woman’s back.
This player better be on extremely thin ice with Pitino...
I agree with most of the fanbase that this only adds to Pitino’s stigma, but it will be out of our control if he comes here and it will be a calculated risk on RPs part. Pitino better keep this kid on a short leash. I don’t want to see or hear about him being out at bars/clubs, and if his name is involved with any kind of altercation, his ass better be out the door. On a side note, attempt to ignore the forthcoming UK fans riding a moral high horse. UK was interested in getting this kid as well, knowing very well the same things we have read.
First of all
where is the proof that UK wanted this kid? Any recruit can name a school as one of their “choices”. If UK and so many other schools were so serious about recruiting him, why did he commit to UL so quickly? Don’t you think he would have look around a little more?
And while I admit that I am a UK fan first, I am from Louisville and have always been a Rick Pitino fan (until recently). I care about the program and truly want the best for it. I enjoy when UK and UL are battling at the top of the college basketball world. I read this website as often as I read the UK blogs. And my sentiment is shared by many Cardinal fans.
by Bluegrass_Brad on Oct 18, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
His AAU Coach listed Kentucky as a school that contacted him...
Does it make it true? No. That wasn’t the point of my post. I was encouraging people to avoid any kind of rhetoric from UK fans that would make them feel bad for supporting their team. Even if Kentucky wasn’t involved with this player, look up a football player by the name of Ridge Wilson. He assaulted a woman and was allowed back on UK’s team. I am not accusing you of “calling the kettle black”, but there will be plenty of Kentucky fans lined up.
I share your sentiment as well; I want both of our programs to be respected. Reading the reports about Tony Woods is sickening.
Fair Enough.
You have a point with the Ridge Wilson comment, but all I can say is he was re-instated after suspension and his crime was less severe than Woods’ (although still inexcusable). Wilson smacked a girl in the face and received 4th degree assault. Woods shoved his girlfriend down, kicked her while she was down fracturing her spine, and did so in front of their one-year old child, receiving three charges (assault while inflicting serious injury, assault on a female and assault while inflicting serious injuries with a minor present).
by Bluegrass_Brad on Oct 18, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Ridiculous
There are also all kinds of excuses you could make for woods as well- or anyone else. But, there’s no use playing that game. Frankly, you’re apologizing for Wilson. He only slapped a girl? Ok. there’s an opening at my kid’s day care center- do you think he’s available? Outstanding young man who just needs a second chance.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Oct 18, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
What point are you trying to make?
I can’t believe I am having this discussion after my original post was about deflecting UK fans going on a morality spiel. If you are trying to somehow use the discrepancies in severity between these two incidents in favor of UK, then there is no reason to continue this conversation. Your position has been made pretty clear.
Not apologizing
You’re telling me there’s no difference between a slap and throwing someone down and kicking them in front of your child????
by Bluegrass_Brad on Oct 18, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm saying
you have no idea what happened in either case. Trying to make a moral judgment between two domestic abusers is absurd.
I’m not going to get into the “mitigating factors” in the Woods case because I don’t think its right to try to downplay the significance of what this young man did. Its tempting. It really is. But, I’m not going to go that route as you are with the “its just a slap” argument.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Oct 18, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, there is a difference between a slap and throwing someone down the stairs. However...
you were at neither incident, therefore you have no right to insinuate that you know how serious either case was. That being said, this is not an argument about which program is hosting the lesser of two assailants. Both of these guys made very poor decisions and, as far as I am concerned, should not be representing Louisville or Kentucky. To imply that one school is somehow morally superior to the other is moronic and ridiculous. Therefore, back to my ORIGINAL post, fans from either school have no right to lecture/insult the other.
I've been as vocal as anyone in opposing Woods coming to Louisville
but you’re making some unfounded assumptions here.
1. Nothing that I have read says he kicked her when she was down. From what I’ve read, she was trying to take the baby out of his arms and he kicked at her and then pushed her down. Anyone who’s read my comments on the matter knows I think this is abominable behavior, but let’s not overinflate it.
2. I learned after making my comments that the girlfriend suffered a fall a few days before this incident and hurt her back. It is entirely possible that the spinal injury occurred at that time.
I’m still not happy about this kid coming to UofL but I’m beginning to see that I may have judged him a little too harshly.
HELL YEAH
LOL, i agree totally! This kid shouldnt be allowed to do shit! I want him here but he can’t keep his hands to himself, therefore he gets the ’short lease" tag! A very short one!
by louisvillefan#21 on Oct 18, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
This is a bad move for many reasons. I’m not surprised Pitino took him though because Pitino is having a tough time finding eligible players. What disappoints me most right now is the lack of leadership shown by Jurich and Ramsey. One, or both, should have stepped in and said this is a bad idea.
Second chances are fine, but Woods second chance was pleading guilty to only one charge and not receiving jail time. Rewarding a talented player with a scholarship just weeks after assaulting his baby mama is a bad precedent to set.
How could Jurich make Pitino not accept Woods
after forcing Krags to accept Willie Williams. Both situations are ill-advised.
by UL is my hot hot sex on Oct 18, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
At least Williams went to a JC college before he was handed a full ride at Louisville. If anything, the Williams situation should compel Jurich to step and say we tried this once, but not again.
Williams Williams had a been a troubled kid long before he arrived at Louisville.....Beyond this situation this kid has no history of having a troubled past
So I dont think you can compare the to
Correct, every situation is different and thus should be judged subjectively
Willie Williams’ ‘troubled kid" reputation spawned from things that happened while he was a teenager, most of which occured when he was under 18. After “doing time” at JC, Williams got a ride at L’ville as Whacker77 mentioned above. It made us look pretty stupid when he got caught w/ a possession charge or whatever happened to get him kicked off the team.
Woods is 20, an upperclassmen in college & has a child—a child who was present during the altercation.
I don’t like answering the question of which one is more deserving of a 2nd chance. I’m not the admissions counselor or the Athletic Director. But as a fan, it seems like Louisville is rewarding Woods, on the surface. That said, I would hope Louisville and Pitino are conducting a thorough investigation of his academic and personal issues and will make the right call here.
by UL is my hot hot sex on Oct 18, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Pitino wants a championship in 2012.
He probably thinks this will help achieve that. Otherwise, I don’t see how it’s worth it.
Guys there is an outside chance that this thing with this kid is
not as bad as it seems. While I agree that this is a real PR problem for a while, he may be able to make a fresh stat at UL. No high and mighty lectures from me, assuming the kid comes in, behaves, and is an asset to your club. Pitino has done well with some restoration projects in the past. Maybe he has another in him. I cannot say I would have gone after the kid, but if he could make a case to me, I cannot say I would have sent him away either. Sports is all about second chances.
I Shall Always Be The Cat......In The Hat!!! The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Oct 18, 2010 11:41 AM EDT reply actions
I admire your optimism about reclamation projects, but I don’t agree there is any chance this isn’t as bad as it seems.
Considering the fact that Pitino is having to do a little starting over himself,
I tend to think that he may be trying ( in his own mind) to make up for his indiscretions by trying to help someone else with a problem. It’s a noble gesture, assuming the subject is ready to do what needs to be done to rectify the mistake they made. Now, can you rectify assaulting a spouse/girlfriend/lover? That is up to each individual person to decide.
I will say this. The facts are as follows. You guys need bodies. But you need bodies with character as well, just any program does.
Pitino does have a record of being successful with this kind of a kid, and he does his homework. You may never know all about the kid, but Pitino will.
I assume that Pitino has been told that there can be no more PR nightmares in his tenure, so he will not go looking where one would exist if he has his wits about himself.
If he does not have his wits about him and knows the best thing to do, then all bets are off and you guys don’t need him anyway.
I Shall Always Be The Cat......In The Hat!!! The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Oct 19, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree Greg
For one if Pitino didnt take him there were 30 other schools willing to accept his transfer. Two… like Greg said Pitino is good with restoration projects and he will not take any shit from Tony. There will be a whole year before he even suits up for us and if he even blinks wrong with in that year he’ll be gone. Three… he’s a kid that doesn’t have a rap sheet of problems or terrible grades he just made a very bad choice and put his hands on a women instead of walking away. Its easy to make mistakes when youre a kid believe me I made my fair share so I have no room to judge anyone. I had my first child when I was 17 and me and my now wife fought alot but we were kids trying to raise a kid a live our lives at the same time. Three Pitino knows this gives us supreme depth in our front court for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Pitino’s not the type of coach thats going to let a player come in and run over him. Theres alot of negative things that can be said about but Pitino but player discipline isn’t one.
why weren't they serious? What were they just inquiring about him because they had nothing else to do.....
Were talking about a big time talent here and these coaches wanted to show him they were interested…. Not to mention theres a shortage of quality big men in this class and the 2012 class…. And were talking like this guy is here already he hasn’t even tranfered yet…. Jody Demling reported that Pitino as in the process of doing a complete background check on Woods. He’s even talking with the girlfriend that this is centered around. so theres a long process. The only thing that is fact right now is he wants to come here nothing else is official
Pitino is doing a “background check” as a cya move. The backlash has been felt and now he’s the doing the last thing he does well, spin.
what's your source on this?
How do yo know he hasn’t been looking into the “character” issues since before this story broke?
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
Other than people in the Louisville area
noone is talking about the Louisville basketball program. I live in NYC and people joke about Pitino here and there but they still think and know hes a great coach. These types of things seem a lot worse when its in your newspaper everyday but noone else cares or thinks our program is going down the tubes. As long as we win games all will be fine. Also, if this guy really broke a womans vertbrate, how is he not going to jail? Seems like the media might be making it sound a lot worse than it really is. I agree it is a horrible thing but dont know the whole story. Could be a ConAir type of thing, Nick Cage did not deserve what he got.
We had a lot of convicts in the Army
But I didn’t problems working with them. Ane believe it or not, Army schools are pretty intense on ethics, et al.
I do not condone what he did. I despise all human abuse. I’d vote for a law to execute child molesters immediately upon conviction. (I’d happily serve on the firing squad, too.)
However, Jesus wants us to learn to forgive. I don’t think I’m qualified to argue with Him, nor do I think any other posters here are, either.
Meanwhile, I want some Cardinal wins, and we need depth and strength for the Big East.
Coach has always been rather public about the plans for problem cases like this, so I’m sure we’ll hear all about the short lease program Woods had to agree to, if in fact he is coming.
I'm going to wait
until he’s on campus and enrolled. Until then, I am skeptical that he’ll ever don the uni.
I believe in 2nd chances. As Don Draper would say, "I've done some things..."
However, is Louisville—and specifically Rick Pitino—the best environment for such a 2nd chance? Bad press is one thing but what about the last 18 months centering around our coach’s affair? Is Pitino in a position to properly “handle” a kid like Woods with the short leash treatment? Has a perceived double standard mentality started to build between our players and their coach? Have they lost respect for him in an old school system that demands it?
On the other hand, maybe RP is the type of mentor Woods needs right now. If anyone can relate to what Tony Woods is going through, perhaps it’s Pitino.
by UL is my hot hot sex on Oct 18, 2010 12:51 PM EDT reply actions
+1
For the Mad Men Reference. Especially after the finale last night
by Chris Redman is my hero on Oct 18, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
This is honestly the first "second chance" situation I've been opposed to in either major sport here
In all of the other cases, the second chances have fallen under 2 categories: 1) Alcohol, marijuana, grades, etc. or 2) More severe transgressions that were committed when the player was in high school.
Woods was 20-years-old when this happened, he was an adult. He has a small child with this woman, and the child was reportedly in the apartment when this incident took place. There are serious “heat of the moment” actions that can be forgiven, but this just isn’t one of those.
I really don’t like this.
by Mike Rutherford on Oct 18, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I see this topic splitting the fanbase fairly evenly in terms of what side you're on
There will be racial and moral backgrounds called into question. It won’t be a positive story.
The sad thing is that if Woods had seen significant jail time, some people may be more sympathetic to him earning another shot, like Vick “doing his time” and earning his 2nd chance in the NFL. However, ask a girlfriend/wife/mom about their opinion of Vick and see what they say.
What is forgivable? What is an apropriate timeframe to accept someone’s past transgressions? Why didn’t we call for Johnny Patrick’s expulsion/suspension (different situation I know—but still very similar) with the same vitriol that some of us have called out Tony Woods? Tough questions.
The big picture here is that the University has to put itself in position to avoid this type of situation—especially after what happened the last 18 months.
by UL is my hot hot sex on Oct 18, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure how split it is really
Everyone seems to be against it. I feel like I might be the most “for” it just because I don’t want to hear from UK fans that their domestic abusers or getaway drivers are somehow less morally reprehensible than UL’s.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Oct 18, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Pitino had consensual sex with a woman
That doesn’t disqualify him from putting someone with a conviction for assault on a short leash.
Didn't mean to imply that it disqualified him necessarily, but suggesting the players may not look at him the same way
Tough to be effective as a disciplinarian-centric coach when your integrity has been dragged through the mud for 18 months. RP’s actions led to public humiliation for his wife & family which shares some similarity with Tony Woods’ situation.
by UL is my hot hot sex on Oct 18, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I really dont like this
…..Losing recruits to effin Baylor, and allowing transfers from guys that beat women…wtf is going on?
Im really starting to question my faith in CRP…
I'll freak out if we don't
have Blackshear here. That is my freaking out tipping point. Pretty mad that Pitino has been handled the way he has been by the University and now welcoming this kid into the program. Tom are you awake over there?
Agree
Blackshear decommits, I lose it. Tears are shed. Videos are posted on YouTube.
by Mike Rutherford on Oct 18, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
You'll run outside in a raging thunderstorm. Water is whipping everywhere.
You find yourself running blindly. Emotion, mainly confusion, power your every step.
You finally stop, not knowing your exact location. Lightning flashes and thunder rolls through the pasture and rolling hills. There is a double-wide trailer just off the road. Behind the flapping tin walls of the trailer, lightning illuminates the mesh walls of a large trampoline. The material flutters like sails in a tempest-driven sailboat.
Just beyond the Camaro propped up on blocks in the front yard, you see the door suddenly open. It is me. I am wrapped in a Univ. of Kentucky Snuggie and wearing vanity sunglasses that spell out UK2K. The sunglasses blink with blue LEDs. I am holding a mixing bowl and am stirring it at a medium pace. You cannot tell if I am wearing pants.
“Hey, boy,” I call out to you. “This is some fuckin’ storm. You should come inside where it’s warm and dry. You’ll catch the death of you out there! We’re makin’ bourbon brownies.” I hold up the bowl to indicate the contents.
We stare at each other for a few seconds, then I go back inside. You can confirm that I am not wearing pants.
A gust of wind nearly knocks you off your feet. The cold seemingly pierces your soul, quieting the struggle going inside your head. You assess your situation anew; you rationalize.
You approach the door. You hear the strains of a Coach Cal commercial. You swallow hard and walk inside.
by TheFakeGimelMartinez on Oct 18, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That is Epic
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
@btcoop71
Epic...yes...
Somehow moneys wearing human clothes needs to be included in this…it just fits.
by Remote Cardinal on Oct 18, 2010 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, I'm all for second chances
but your second chance shouldn’t be a better situation than your first. You have to work your way back to respect. See Derrick Caracter.
MnPDX
Transferring doesn't mean he's on the team just yet...
Got a lot ahead of him before Jan 2012.
by Remote Cardinal on Oct 18, 2010 5:21 PM EDT reply actions
It took about ten seconds for this to be national news
http://deadspin.com/5666918/rick-pitino-screws-common-decency-on-a-restaurant-floor-so-to-speak
L’affair Sypher was humiliating for Pitino, embarrassing for the university. But, if our understanding of this is correct — and kicked out of Wake after being convicted of assault that broke a woman’s back seems pretty clear — this one is unacceptable. I don’t want UofL to win this way. I don’t want UofL to play this way. I hope somebody comes to their senses and puts a stop to this.
He wasn't kicked out of Wake
He was having academic problems, which they wanted him to stay and fix. They expected him to be their startign center this year.
No. That was before.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5674388
After … he was suspended indefinitely and asked for release after coach told him “we think this is the best course of action.” That’s not “kicked out”, but it is “resigning to spend more time with his family.”
Not the important part anyway. The broken vertebrae are the important part.
So it's okay to push & kick your baby's mama as long as you DON'T break her back?
Look guys…this is an easy one. Lots of 20-yr old atheletes have anger issues. A lot came from broken homes and this may be the only example of a “father” or “husband” that they know. We don’t know the details behind the altercation, nor Mr. Woods’ background. All we know is that ANY abuse of a woman is abhorrent behavior and should not be condoned or tolerated. Whether he slapped her, hit her, pushed her, kicked her, or just verbally tore her apart; it’s all bad and needs correction.
It’s been stated that CRP is “checking into his background”. Whacker and the rest of those that have already made up their mind about CRP will say this is for spin only and will spin this story themselves to try to convince others to think like themselves. I’d like to take it at face value and believe that if CRP finds something in the details that shows the guy won’t straighten out, he won’t be accepted as a transfer. Even if he is accepted, I’m certain that he’ll be on a short leash and required to make great personal growths as a man to be allowed to play for UofL.
I’m just not ready to get out the scarlet letter and brand the guy as an EVIL WIFE BEATER forever. People can change.
by Remote Cardinal on Oct 19, 2010 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
on a positive note
jay bilas said we are a “sleeper” to win the big east this year!
Jay Bilas is a just moved up from "sleeper" to "lock"...
In my pool for “Which college sports personalities are not using psychedelic drugs?”
He’s got a long way to go if he’s going to overtake #1…“Dr.” Lou Holtz.
by DerekFetters on Oct 19, 2010 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Why is everybody acting like he definitely coming to the school?
Jurich must have gotten a hold of the Courier last evening and told them to straighten this out. Demling writes that we haven’t accepted him as a transfer yet. Bozich, who’s articles I usually cannot stand, actually writes a short story on why this is the wrong move. I just hope we end this early and do not take this kid. Just the wrong time for the program to take a gamble like this on a admitted wife beater.
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