SOT: Cassidy Rowe leaving Kentucky WBB; ending basketball career.

[TCurtis75]

Women's basketball has been able to offer up to 15 scholarships for decades now. That hasn't changed, so everything that you just said isn't applicable to this situation.

It's men's basketball that is likely going from 13 to 15 scholarships.

No it doesn't since you left off the other part. Where do we draw the line? Should Tyler also get to stay because she is a Senior? What about a year where you have 4 or 5 seniors? Does he have to keep them all? At what point, do those additional spots on the team become important? They would've been important to the mens team this year based on the injuries.

Earlier, you said Tyler and CR situations were different because Tyler chose to transfer. She made that choice after talking to KB. CR had the same options but chose a different one. The only difference in the situations is CR is from KY which as I have said doesn't provide you with special privileges. It might make you more important to the fan base but doesn't mean you get preferential treatment from the coaches.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Former journalist here:

That’s a common disclaimer for an opinion piece industry wide.

This is an opinion column, not a news story, so the disclaimer is to indicate the opinions expressed in that column are those of the author and those opinions may/may not reflect the opinions of the Kernel staff.

There are other several other opinion columns on the KYKernel website that do not carry the common disclaimer though. So, why does this article have one deliberately placed on it while others do not?

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

No it doesn't since you left off the other part. Where do we draw the line? Should Tyler also get to stay because she is a Senior? What about a year where you have 4 or 5 seniors? Does he have to keep them all? At what point, do those additional spots on the team become important? They would've been important to the mens team this year based on the injuries.

Earlier, you said Tyler and CR situations were different because Tyler chose to transfer. She made that choice after talking to KB. CR had the same options but chose a different one. The only difference in the situations is CR is from KY which as I have said doesn't provide you with special privileges. It might make you more important to the fan base but doesn't mean you get preferential treatment from the coaches.

Dude, just admit that you were wrong about the scholarship numbers. Women's basketball has had 15 since anyone can remember.

 

[ThroughBlue]

Coach Brooks is catching way too much heat for this

Nobody knows the full story, so judgment should be reserved.

Rowe and her dad went crying to social media and Alan Cutler and made it public

Life ain’t fair honey, go to PT school and move on, Senior Night is not that important

it was a crappy thing to do. no other way around it. you can let his boys slap you on the chin as much as you want but that doesnt change the facts

 

[TCurtis75]

Dude, just admit that you were wrong about the scholarship numbers. Women's basketball has had 15 since anyone can remember.

I was wrong but that doesn't change the validity of the rest of the post...Why does CR deserve special privileges because she is from KY like you implied earlier? You want to focus on the one tree instead of looking at the forest as a whole.

 

[MegaBlue05]

There are other several other opinion columns on the KYKernel website that do not carry the common disclaimer though. So, why does this article have one deliberately placed on it while others do not?

Because if the opinion is considered controversial, the disclaimer is intended to show the reader that the paper’s staff doesn’t necessarily endorse that opinion.

These disclaimers often run with opinion pieces related to hot button topics such as religion, abortion, matters of race, almost anything political or when an individual or organization is ripped to shreds by the writer.

Its main intent is to reduce chances of a libel lawsuit. Basically, “we are publishing this but the opinions expressed are this one person’s opinion and not the official stance of the publication.”

You won’t find such disclaimers on non-controversial opinions like UK needs a new practice facility or 15 reasons why UK is a great school.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

I was wrong but that doesn't change the validity of the rest of the post...Why does CR deserve special privileges because she is from KY like you implied earlier? You want to focus on the one tree instead of looking at the forest as a whole.

I never implied that. I gave reasons why people other than myself are so upset about it.

Look at my earlier posts in this thread. I have continuously acknowledged that there is more to this story and that it is Kenny Brooks' job to handle it.

 

[CincinnatiWildcat]

My thoughts from reading this thread:
1. I've seen a bunch of people say she could become a walk on or go on academic scholarship
I do not believe either of those are allowed once you have been on athletic scholarship because teams would use that loophole all the time

2. I have no principled problem with this action except for the fact that the coach is keeping his daughter who plays even less at the end of the bench. If we are keeping people around for no reason it should be a member of the commonwealth not some nepotism kid.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Because if the opinion is considered controversial, the disclaimer is intended to show the reader that the paper’s staff doesn’t necessarily endorse that opinion.

These disclaimers often run with opinion pieces related to hot button topics such as religion, abortion, matters of race, almost anything political or when an individual or organization is ripped to shreds by the writer.

Its main intent is to reduce chances of a libel lawsuit. Basically, “we are publishing this but the opinions expressed are this one person’s opinion and not the official stance of the publication.”

You won’t find such disclaimers on non-controversial opinions like UK needs a new practice facility or 15 reasons why UK is a great school.

There are numerous controversial opinion pieces with just a quick glance of that website. Drag queens, Gaza, trans-issues, DEI, etc. None of them have disclaimers.

It only appears to be controversial if it is critical of the political left, which fits the narrative that Rowe did not fit with the political and social stances of the rest of the team.

 

[megablue]

With players free to transfer then it makes sense that all players are now on a year to year status. Nothing protects the school and nothing protects the players . There really needs to be new two year contracts that require compensation to break on both sides. That might stop some of this

This post makes good sense to me ... ^^^

 

[SemperFiCat]

Hey first women’s basketball thread ever to reach 5 pages. Put this in the record book @DraftCat

I would argue this is more about right and wrong, honorable vs dishonorable etc, than it is about women's basketball.

Odd, and probably telling, that Brooks or Mitch haven't made a statement about this. This smells stinky and probably isn't going away.

 

[SemperFiCat]

There are numerous controversial opinion pieces with just a quick glance of that website. Drag queens, Gaza, trans-issues, DEI, etc. None of them have disclaimers.

It only appears to be controversial if it is critical of the political left, which fits the narrative that Rowe did not fit with the political and social stances of the rest of the team.

I really hope this entire situation isn't about BS politics. Wonder how that plays out if it is.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Coach Brooks is catching way too much heat for this

Nobody knows the full story, so judgment should be reserved.

Rowe and her dad went crying to social media and Alan Cutler and made it public

Life ain’t fair honey, go to PT school and move on, Senior Night is not that important

That part is on Brooks. He has the platform to speak and clear up any confusion there might be. He obviously knows by now it's an issue. He's choosing to not speak to the issue. Therefore, others will draw their own conclusions based on the information they have. My guess is Brooks hasn't spoken because the conclusions drawn (he revoked her scholly) are correct, and he's too chickenshit to address it publicly.

 

[bbncal02]

That part is on Brooks. He has the platform to speak and clear up any confusion there might be. He obviously knows by now it's an issue. He's choosing to not speak to the issue. Therefore, others will draw their own conclusions based on the information they have. My guess is Brooks hasn't spoken because the conclusions drawn (he revoked her scholly) are correct, and he's too chickenshit to address it publicly.

Yuuup. Welcome to the new age. Where of you leave a vacuum of information, people will fill it with whatever they want, true or not. That’s why we have such problems with misinformation these days.

 

[bbncal02]

Not sure what you mean. People get fired all the time.

Yes they do. And when you have been there 15-20 years it’s just as shitty as this is.

 

[CincinnatiWildcat]

Yuuup. Welcome to the new age. Where of you leave a vacuum of information, people will fill it with whatever they want, true or not. That’s why we have such problems with misinformation these days.

Correct in most aspect of life our supposed leaders will remain silent on things directly in their control for PR purposes so they don't personally look bad, but for the same exact reason will opine on social issues that have nothing to do with their job. We have cowards in most leadership positions.

 

[bbncal02]

Correct in most aspect of life our supposed leaders will remain silent on things directly in their control for PR purposes so they don't personally look bad, but for the same exact reason will opine on social issues that have nothing to do with their job. We have cowards in most leadership positions.

We don’t have real leaders. Haven’t in 30 years or so.

 

[UK34]

So she got to play 3 years and I'm supposed to be outraged she didn't get a 4th? Hate it for her but this is a business and she isn't good enough.

Would I be upset if it were my daughter? Absolutely but I don't care in the least as an unbiased observer.

 

[DraftCat]

You’re a reasonable person. I’ve suggested we make the basketball recruiting board the women’s board for years. get it done

I will say that isn't one of the things I'm able to do... I wish I had more functions

 

[fisherscatfan]

There is zero doubt that Brooks was well within his rights to do this. But all the “it’s business” type of comments to me are just missing some bigger points.

Everything cannot be viewed through the same lens that P4 football and men’s basketball get looked at. The fiasco that is going on in those two sports is due in large part to universities taking advantage of those players in the form of things like restricting transfers yet not guaranteeing a 4 year scholarship, denying the ability to make money that wasn’t pay for play etc.

My guess is that Cassidy Rowe knows/knew she wasn’t going to make a living playing hoops. She likely committed to UK knowing full well that her education was critical. She chose a field of study and is entering her senior year. And contrary to what most believe, it can be difficult to just up and transfer that late if you are not a superstar athlete. Rules on accepting credits do not get bent for the non superstar like they do for other athletes. Transferring may have extended the time towards her degree and cost her more. UK knows this and yet still pulled her scholarship. Are they allowed to-yes. Was it right-no.

I know first hand as a parent how difficult it can be to have an athlete transfer and the difficulties in getting credits to be accepted. The scam is they all have some bullshit pre requisite classes that are unique to their “experience” but totally irrelevant towards the actual degree.

So yes Brooks was within in his rights to do this but it was very poor form to do so. She made a commitment to UK as a kid basically and now UK is using the “it’s business” excuse and the ramifications are far greater to the individual than they would have been to UK. Does it cause her irreparable harm-unlikely but I’m sure it’s not smooth sailing either.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

So she got to play 3 years and I'm supposed to be outraged she didn't get a 4th? Hate it for her but this is a business and she isn't good enough.

Would I be upset if it were my daughter? Absolutely but I don't care in the least as an unbiased observer.

I don't think you're supposed to be anything. It's merely about recognizing a decision that Coach Brooks is absolutely allowed to make. But it's also a decision that is completely tone deaf and lacks quite a bit of human compassion. Ultimately it's his job to win games, yes. But his job is far more than that, and I can't imagine anyone would disagree with that.

 

[Someguywhodoesntlikeyou]

This is what happens when you become a semi pro business.

 

[TCurtis75]

There is zero doubt that Brooks was well within his rights to do this. But all the “it’s business” type of comments to me are just missing some bigger points.

Everything cannot be viewed through the same lens that P4 football and men’s basketball get looked at. The fiasco that is going on in those two sports is due in large part to universities taking advantage of those players in the form of things like restricting transfers yet not guaranteeing a 4 year scholarship, denying the ability to make money that wasn’t pay for play etc.

My guess is that Cassidy Rowe knows/knew she wasn’t going to make a living playing hoops. She likely committed to UK knowing full well that her education was critical. She chose a field of study and is entering her senior year. And contrary to what most believe, it can be difficult to just up and transfer that late if you are not a superstar athlete. Rules on accepting credits do not get bent for the non superstar like they do for other athletes. Transferring may have extended the time towards her degree and cost her more. UK knows this and yet still pulled her scholarship. Are they allowed to-yes. Was it right-no.

I know first hand as a parent how difficult it can be to have an athlete transfer and the difficulties in getting credits to be accepted. The scam is they all have some bullshit pre requisite classes that are unique to their “experience” but totally irrelevant towards the actual degree.

So yes Brooks was within in his rights to do this but it was very poor form to do so. She made a commitment to UK as a kid basically and now UK is using the “it’s business” excuse and the ramifications are far greater to the individual than they would have been to UK. Does it cause her irreparable harm-unlikely but I’m sure it’s not smooth sailing either.

One part is wrong. She’s not a senior. She has already graduated and is entering the PT program in the fall. Transferring credits is not a concern with this because of that.

 

[maysvilleky]

I don’t think anyone knows the full story. I likely believe there was a legitimate conversation between Coach Brooks and Rowe.

Coach Brooks may have told her I can’t give you special treatment. Can you 100% commit to the basketball program or will you have other priorities. If you can’t give us 100% then you may want to think of transferring or stepping away.

 

[specialkd24]

The NCAA still hasn't said they are going to 15 scholarships for this season.

Women's basketball already had 15 scholarships. They are staying there next year. Men's teams have 13, and are likely increasing to 15.

 

[bthaunert]

I don’t think anyone knows the full story. I likely believe there was a legitimate conversation between Coach Brooks and Rowe.

Coach Brooks may have told her I can’t give you special treatment. Can you 100% commit to the basketball program or will you have other priorities. If you can’t give us 100% then you may want to think of transferring or stepping away.

I believe it was just pulled (I could be wrong...wouldn't be the first time).

I'm not as upset as others about it. If you're speaking strictly from a basketball perspective, she is by far the most unproductive player on the team..potentially even the nation. She went 7 straight OOC games, playing a total of 112 minutes (16mpg) and did not score 1 point...that might be a record. She was then sent to the bench and played sparingly after that.

She shot 17% from the field for the year, 13% from 3. Those also might be records for the worst shooting performances in school history based on her minutes and shot attempts.

People probably don't want to hear this, but we are talking about one of the worst scholarship season in the history of the women's program. I glanced at the prior 15 seasons, and the next lowest shooting percentage by a scholarship player who played 10 or more games in a single season was.....Cassidy Rowe, who shot 16% from the field her freshman season. No other player in the past 15 seasons shot under 20% from the field....and Cassidy did it twice.

I totally understand the human element of this. I understand why some people are upset about it. My unpopular opinion is that she probably should have had her scholarship offer pulled after two knee injuries in HS. She was put in a no win situation.

 

[littlecreek]

Brooks having a daughter on the team who contributed less than CR and who is still on the team doesn't look good for him. A college coach once said if your son is on your team he better be without question the BEST player on the team (if he plays) or the worst player and never get to play or it's a no win situation. We dealt with a middle school coach who had two children playing for him and if any other kid outscored either of them the other kid would get taken out because "we have to rotate players" because of getting tired. It's funny how his kids never got rotated out but all the others did. However when they got to high school (and he's no longer their coach) the other kids are allowed to play, and score without being taken out, while his kids have significantly reduced playing time than when Daddy was coach. It's not a good look for Brooks.

 

[bthaunert]

Brooks having a daughter on the team who contributed less than CR and who is still on the team doesn't look good for him. A college coach once said if your son is on your team he better be without question the BEST player on the team (if he plays) or the worst player and never get to play or it's a no win situation. We dealt with a middle school coach who had two children playing for him and if any other kid outscored either of them the other kid would get taken out because "we have to rotate players" because of getting tired. It's funny how his kids never got rotated out but all the others did. However when they got to high school (and he's no longer their coach) the other kids are allowed to play, and score without being taken out, while his kids have significantly reduced playing time than when Daddy was coach. It's not a good look for Brooks.

If his daughter is a walk-on and continues to be a walk-on, does that change your thought?

 

[JFCats22]

Cannot believe this is still a topic or something that anyone cares about. Brooks is paid to win and assemble the best possible team. He decided that does not include Rowe.

Deal with it

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

If his daughter is a walk-on and continues to be a walk-on, does that change your thought?

It won't change anybody's mind because the primary outrage is based on a cultural issue. I know you're not as upset, but I have never got the impression that you are from Kentucky or otherwise identify as a Kentuckian. Are/Do you?

I'm a Kentuckian, but I'm not upset like somebody from eastern Kentucky might be. The mountain culture is unique and different than just being a generalized "Kentuckian."

 

[bthaunert]

It won't change anybody's mind because the primary outrage is based on a cultural issue. I know you're not as upset, but I have never got the impression that you are from Kentucky or otherwise identify as a Kentuckian. Are/Do you?

I'm a Kentuckian, but I'm not upset like somebody from eastern Kentucky might be. The mountain culture is unique and different than just being a generalized "Kentuckian."

Born in Kentucky, parents met at UK, brother went to UK. Diehard Kentucky fan. I moved from Kentucky to Ohio at age 5 and have lived in various places for my career, but friends and family will tell you I'm a huge Kentucky fan (football and basketball mainly, but all sports). Traveled to London for the game a couple years ago. Had SEC tournament tickets for the 2020 tournament that got cancelled as examples.

My sole UK interactions are with my brother and this board honestly...my dad passed away a few years ago, but he was also a die hard fan and the one who passed it on to me. I've lived my adult life in DC, Philly, Oregon, Baltimore and now Illinois. So, you're right in that I'm not as passionate about the state itself, but definitely passionate about UK athletics. Also worth noting that as I get older (I'm 48) my emotions sway less and less based on how the teams are performing. Still a diehard fan, but priorities are different, and don't get as emotional as I used to.

 

[CincinnatiWildcat]

If his daughter is a walk-on and continues to be a walk-on, does that change your thought?

No, The player in question is still going to school at UK so she could be a walk on as well. Also I believe if we got to 15 scholarships like expected there will not be anymore walk-ons.

 

[bbncal02]

It won't change anybody's mind because the primary outrage is based on a cultural issue. I know you're not as upset, but I have never got the impression that you are from Kentucky or otherwise identify as a Kentuckian. Are/Do you?

I'm a Kentuckian, but I'm not upset like somebody from eastern Kentucky might be. The mountain culture is unique and different than just being a generalized "Kentuckian."

People in that region for the most part don’t have an easy life. Not saying any of us do but that area is hurting. So of course when they see one of their own make it and then suffer a major setback, they’re gonna be upset. And no one has the damn right to tell them to feel otherwise either.

 

[bthaunert]

No, The player in question is still going to school at UK so she could be a walk on as well. Also I believe if we got to 15 scholarships like expected there will not be anymore walk-ons.

In women's basketball, most schools don't fill their roster with 15 scholarship players. They might have 12 or 13 and walk-ons. That's very normal. As an example, UK had 12 scholarship players last year, 11 the year before, etc. I anticipate they will still have walk-ons, one of which will be his daughter.

 

[HalHR2500]

Here’s a solution

Start a Go Fund Me account to pay for her physical therapy schooling.

Coach Brooks gets to run his program as he sees fit.

The Rowe supporters want to make UK and Coach Brooks “pay, fix or give in” to placate your outrage

Take your righteous indignation and put it to good use. I’m sure you can raise thousands of dollars for your good cause

 

[ukcatz12]

By all reports, KE was a wonderful person and loyal to her players.

Not so sure this is true. I haven't seen it discussed here much at all, but it seems to be an open secret among women's college basketball fans that Brooks is kind of a douchebag with some iffy (to put it nicely) behavior that hasn't come to light yet. In his 8 years at VT he only had five players, not counting his daughters, who stuck around for four full years and didn't transfer out of the program.

VT fans are not shy about their thoughts about Brooks, and it's not because he left their program.

 

[littlecreek]

In women's basketball, most schools don't fill their roster with 15 scholarship players. They might have 12 or 13 and walk-ons. That's very normal. As an example, UK had 12 scholarship players last year, 11 the year before, etc. I anticipate they will still have walk-ons, one of which will be his daughter.

Ok, if there are 15 scholarships and they only filled 12 of them last year why would it hurt to allow CR to keep hers? Players that have gotten hurt before their senior year have been allowed to stay on scholarship their senior year. People taking up for CR think this isn't right, it doesn't have anything to do with her being a native Kentuckian, or her race, or whatever. It just seems cold. If she was taking up a scholarship that was going to someone else is one thing, but it looks like they don't even fill them all up. Also, his daughter being on the team too, who if she is on scholarship or gets one, is just going to fuel the situation.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Born in Kentucky, parents met at UK, brother went to UK. Diehard Kentucky fan. I moved from Kentucky to Ohio at age 5 and have lived in various places for my career, but friends and family will tell you I'm a huge Kentucky fan (football and basketball mainly, but all sports). Traveled to London for the game a couple years ago. Had SEC tournament tickets for the 2020 tournament that got cancelled as examples.

My sole UK interactions are with my brother and this board honestly...my dad passed away a few years ago, but he was also a die hard fan and the one who passed it on to me. I've lived my adult life in DC, Philly, Oregon, Baltimore and now Illinois. So, you're right in that I'm not as passionate about the state itself, but definitely passionate about UK athletics. Also worth noting that as I get older (I'm 48) my emotions sway less and less based on how the teams are performing. Still a diehard fan, but priorities are different, and don't get as emotional as I used to.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[PopesReignOverCardinals]

Not so sure this is true. I haven't seen it discussed here much at all, but it seems to be an open secret among women's college basketball fans that Brooks is kind of a douchebag with some iffy (to put it nicely) behavior that hasn't come to light yet. In his 8 years at VT he only had five players, not counting his daughters, who stuck around for four full years and didn't transfer out of the program.

VT fans are not shy about their thoughts about Brooks, and it's not because he left their program.

Just pointing out that your response is about Kenny Brooks (KB), but the post you quoted is about Kyra Elzy (KE).

 

[bthaunert]

Ok, if there are 15 scholarships and they only filled 12 of them last year why would it hurt to allow CR to keep hers? Players that have gotten hurt before their senior year have been allowed to stay on scholarship their senior year. People taking up for CR think this isn't right, it doesn't have anything to do with her being a native Kentuckian, or her race, or whatever. It just seems cold. If she was taking up a scholarship that was going to someone else is one thing, but it looks like they don't even fill them all up. Also, his daughter being on the team too, who if she is on scholarship or gets one, is just going to fuel the situation.

As I said in an earlier post, I understand why people are upset. It just doesn't bother me like it bothers others. I highly doubt his daughter will go on scholarship if there were 3 available this past year and she didn't have one of them.