I don’t generally like writing about what other writers wrote, but in this case, I feel like it bears mentioning that the report on Wall’s “ineligibility” came from ESPN columnist Pat Forde, a longtime critic of John Calipari, and one of the more vocal critics of his hiring at Kentucky. In other words, he may have a tad bit invested in the failure of Calipari and his super-recruit, John Wall.
Here’s a sampling of what Forde wrote back in May, when news broke that Memphis was being investigated by the NCAA:
It poured here Thursday afternoon. Torrential, briefly biblical stuff.
Then, in roughly the time it would take a (cough) student-athlete (cough) to answer 20 SAT questions, the deluge was done, and the sky was blue.
Kentucky fans are hoping that’s a hardwood harbinger.
They’re hoping the sudden storm cloud that blew in Wednesday night in the form of NCAA allegations of major violations at Memphis under John Calipari’s watch turns out to be a temporary tempest. They’re hoping the conversation quickly turns back to John Wall and Patrick Patterson and sunny visions of an NIT-to-national title vault in year one under Calipari.
[…]
The fact is, the questions that have always clung to Calipari — about his ability to keep a program out of trouble, about his interest in recruiting actual college students, about his commitment to discipline — only intensify now.
But most Wildcats fans don’t want to hear any of that at the moment. The sun is shining brighter than it has in a long while on their old Kentucky home. They want their winner and they want him now, and they’re not worried about what happened at his previous place of employment.
Which is probably exactly how Memphis fans felt when John Calipari came to them 10 years ago.
Ask them how they feel today.
Not saying that Forde fabricated anything or cut any journalistic corners with his report, but it’s worth mentioning, since this is absolutely NOT a major violation, and Wall’s longterm eligibility does NOT seem to be in question. So while the headlines that circulate as a result may read “John Wall Facing Ineligibilty Questions,” don’t forget from whom this all originated.
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let’s not look into it this way. dana o’neil wouldn’t put her name on this, and pat forde wouldn’t try and dilute john wall’s name with renardo sidney. i know you’re trying to probe a different avenue but, well, i think it’s a pretty valid report.
by Nick Fasulo on Oct 22, 2009 8:12 PM EDT reply actions
Not looking to probe a different angle, because I hate when people do that just for the sake of saying something. But I just disagree with the way this was presented.
Mentioning Wall with Renardo Sidney—a player who’s amateur status is far sketchier—and framing the article as if he’s in danger of being "ineligible" is sort of unfair. We’re talking about, at worst, a 3-game suspension, and one that’s not all that uncommon among star players.
I don’t think Forde’s trying to dilute John Wall’s name, but he’s certainly on record as being skeptical of Calipari’s ability to run a program. Here’s another article where he absolutely blasts him. Nothing in his original report is false, but did he exaggerate things to try and prove his instincts about Calipari right? It’s worth considering, I think.
by Andrew Sharp on Oct 23, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Forde
Pitino and Forde’s unquestioned friendship make it difficult to take anything serious he writes about KY. They are co-authors of a book and neither make it a secret their affection for each other, although I don’t think they have been seen in Porcinni’s together. Forde certainly had every journalistic right to write that story. There is an issue with Wall’s eligibility but it’s not the big deal or big story he makes it out to be. Goodman from Foxsports nails it in his blog entry today. I understand the questions about Cal, and don’t deny those whispers are out there. But KY’s basketball program has been clean for over 20 years thanks to Pitino and Tubby and the good work of the best compliance officer in the country, Sandy Bell.
Finally, why not look too at Duke’s Ryan Kelley who played on an AAU team coached by Clifton?
by Deerwood on Oct 23, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions
There is nothing wrong with Forde.......
just as soon as he dets that surgery to have his head removed from Rick Pitino’s backside, his eyesight will improve and he will be able to speak and write without causing pain to the rest of the Commonwealth. It’s transferrence. He is hurting because he backed a horse that left the track and went to the barn to chase a goat…..so, if he is going to hurt, everyone in Kentucky must hurt as well.
Hopefully he can get that surgery soon and get well. Here’s to you Pat…..hang in there.
Remember, we're having fun now!!!
by ALLBLUCAT on Oct 25, 2009 12:26 PM EDT reply actions
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