Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Well it was a crazy day around these parts. From stories about ultimatums to stories about Moncell’s dog, this may have been one of the more random days in this blog’s history. At the center of the blog firestorm however was our story earlier today about the Courier Journal’s selective cropping of the Karen Sypher photo. If you werent around during the day and missed the story, the Courier Journal put the above picture up on its site two days ago, as a picture of protesters outside the Karen Sypher courthouse. In the picture, Sypher’s son holds up a sign asking the price of an abortion, which has of course led some to speculate that this issue is at the core of the Pitino scandal. A few hours later however, the Courier Journal cropped its picture, cutting the child out of the photograph and leaving the rest of the picture as is. They did so without explanation or even a mention on its site. Rather than taking the responsible action and explaining or documenting its change, it did so without any comment and in the hopes that no one would notice.
We pointed out this issue earlier today and the story got major coverage from national media outlets. Deadspin, The Big Lead and Real Clear Sports all linked the story and I heard from journalists from literally all over the country. However one group remained silent. The Kentucky media once AGAIN said nothing about the story and the protection of Pitino continued. Even though a newspaper and a television station both showed footage of a sign HELD UP BY THE DEFENDANT’S SON, they all chose to ignore the sign and any implications it might hold. No media outlet mentioned the issue and when I called a representative of the Courier Journal, they simply told me they had no comment.
Leaving aside the important issue of the ethics of the Courier Journal cropping a photo without letting its readers know, the bigger issue to me is the media’s continued reluctance to report the story. Over the past month, the Kentucky media has allowed Rick Pitino to have a statement released publically in full and allowed Karen Sypher’s husband to spout allegations about his wife in every outlet. However Karen Sypher’s story has yet to be told and all media outlets remain silent about the core issue that is at the center of this extortion case. Sypher’s son’s sign was a potential view into what Sypher may be alleging (why else would it have been taken down), but ultimately those that know for certain (the media) arent saying and continue their policy of ignoring the devil at the center of this entire story.
Further, to act like this is a consistent policy is hypocrisy at its worse. Anybody remember Chuck Hayes? When a woman accused Hayes of an act towards the end of his Kentucky career, every media outlet in the state (except WKYT), ran the story and had no problems naming the individual and the accusation. None had any proof that he did the deed, but the accusation was reported by everyone. As far as I know, no media outlet did what WDRB in Louisville alleges it did (look at the accusations and determine their credibility), but instead took the angle that a public figure had been accused and thus the story was news. Now in the Pitino story, somehow the core accusation cannot be released to the public. What is the difference? At this point, none seems obviously plausible.
There is no doubt that we dont know the truth or veracity of what Karen Sypher claims. From everything we have seen, she is a woman with serious problems who has been charged with a federal crime….not exactly the most reputable witness imaginable. However if that is the standard for what we report in this country, then there should be much less put out for public consumption. Did the many newspapers and tv stations reporting on Kobe Bryant know whether he committed rape in Colorado? When Paula Jones said she was sexually harassed by Bill Clinton, did any news network have footage that showed for certain that it had taken place? There is certainly some benefit in not just airing all dirty laundry to the public, but in this case we have a FBI INVESTIGATION AND FEDERAL CHARGE at issue dealing with one of the most known people in the state. At the core of that investigation is the question of what information Sypher allegedly had that led her to allegedly extort Pitino. Yet that news hasnt been reported, for reasons that are not only inconsistent, they are downright bizarre.
What the Courier Journal did two days ago was clear. They accidentally put out a peak into Sypher’s story and then quickly got scared and cropped the photo, hoping no one would notice. Not only was this a big mistake, it was questionable journalism at best. If the folks at the Courier were to talk, I am sure they would say that the picture should have never gone up because there was no “proof” of its contents. But is there proof of signs at protests that call George Bush a “war criminal” or Obama an “anti-American muslim.” Of course not, but those signs are put on the news all the time. This one apparently is different and the only explanation for the difference lies at the heart of what we have seen for the past month. Collectively the journalists in Kentucky have put protecting their own entities from lawsuits and worries about relationships with powerful instititutions over informing the public and doing their journalistic role.
Four years ago, I am sure Chuck Hayes wished the Kentucky media had taken such a principled stand with him. It looks as if unfortunately, he didnt have the pull of Rick Pitino.
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May 15th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Well what do you know, ask and you shall receive…
May 15th, 2009 at 1:36 am
My mom says Catholics don’t believe in abortion…
May 15th, 2009 at 1:39 am
My mom says trembles is spelled with an “e”
May 15th, 2009 at 1:39 am
That’s just how it goes down in the 502. Fortunately we have places like KSR to keep it real.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Sadly, the CJ is just like most of the rest of our media. They want to control the news the news instead of reporting it. Keep up the pressure matt!
May 15th, 2009 at 1:42 am
bob dobalina… deltron 3030 good song
May 15th, 2009 at 1:44 am
And again he finds a way to insert an Obama reference. However, I don’t mind it this time, because I completely agree with everything Matt wrote. The media are full of crooks.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:45 am
7- I think he buttered the bread on both sides this time.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:47 am
Matt, I’m just curious. Do you think perhaps they are scared about disclosing her story because of possible legal ramifications? Clearly, you would know far more about this than me. It just seems like they might be walking softly to avoid getting themselves in trouble. After all, if her story/silence is what she was *allegedly* using to extort Rick, are they not aiding in her *alleged* extortion attempt by publishing it?
Just curious. Thanks Matt.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:48 am
If this were Billy Gillispie, or Calipari for that matter, you better believe we’d have already heard every sordid detail of the allegations in both the HL and CJ. For some reason, Pitino is getting protection from the local media.
In my mind, there are two possible reasons for this.
1.) The media members have already spoken to all parties involved and believe without a shadow of a doubt that Sypher’s allegations are false.
2.) The media has been given a gag order by the UofL athletic department and threatened with a loss of access if they release the accusations.
Both of these options would explain the silence, but neither would be considered responsible journalism. The media is there to report the facts to the best of their knowledge, not to act as a filter for the rest of us for whatever reason.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:49 am
So how will this pan out in Pitino’s professional career? I can only imagine what kind of scene opposing fans are going to make out of it (especially at UK). I honestly don’t know that he will be able to coach through a game for all of the distraction.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:50 am
9 - You’re right. They are walking softly and carrying a big vagina.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Terrific journalism right here. Great post, great work. The Courier Journal needs to wake up. That really is ridiculous.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Only 11 days til my Meeks Witness shirt ships!
May 15th, 2009 at 2:05 am
I like turtles
May 15th, 2009 at 2:05 am
Even Time Magazine is reporting this story… but not Karen Sypher’s side, just as Matt has said. Keep after them Matt.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1897829,00.html
May 15th, 2009 at 2:10 am
Well said Matt.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:16 am
#6 Del just released a new album FOR FREE….you can download it here… http://delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com/
May 15th, 2009 at 2:16 am
It’s called “funkman”
May 15th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Great stuff, Matt. Now, does anyone REALLY think that little Richard Pitino bolted town because he wanted a new “coaching” identity under Billy Donovan?
May 15th, 2009 at 2:32 am
I would like to suggest that this site be a forum for Sypher — not formally as Matt hosting an interview but just in the comment section unfettered. For instance, someone who’s not associated with KSR could inform her to mosey on over and say what’s on her mind. Of course, you’d need to verify it was her. What the heck is stopping something like this from happening?
May 15th, 2009 at 2:36 am
Matt, you have a web site and a television show. Why don’t you do the right thing and you tell the whole story. I’m guessing that you being an attorney will come in handy if your report is proven to be false.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:59 am
on point here matt. great post.
i only disagree in that Bush is indeed a war criminal. promoting fear in the masses he swindled our entire nation into getting behind a military effort that has killed tens of thousands (war crime).
May 15th, 2009 at 3:01 am
18. Nice thanks for the tip… I use to use bob dobalina as my alias through out school, and just recently attached it to my rear window on my jeep.. glad to see people still enjoy good music
May 15th, 2009 at 3:08 am
Good push Matt.
When you edit and clip and delete and retract without adding an edit line in your posts is it different because your “just a blogger” and don’t have rules like Journalists?
I’m not trying to be a prick. I feel the Courier Journal should be hard pressed.
Although, I feel everyone who publishes work should admit when wrong and not clip, delete, change wording, delete entire threads, remove posts that unveil positions that you want to keep hidden (when no obscenity or foul language is used).
May 15th, 2009 at 3:10 am
I’m interested in the CJ’s position on their decision as well as your position on your own site and how the rules might or might not be different from your perspective.
May 15th, 2009 at 3:24 am
#23 Before calling somebody a war criminal you need to research what a war criminal is. Nothing that President Bush was a war crime. The law of armed conflict is the governing authority on the matter. It may not have been the right thing to do, but it still doesn’t make him a war criminal. In case you haven’t noticed President Obama is staying on the same course as President Bush did.
May 15th, 2009 at 3:51 am
#23 - ukhooligan - Are you really that stupid?
May 15th, 2009 at 3:54 am
OK I took the bait #23. Sorry, I retract my statement. I am not calling you stupid and I don’t want you to tell me why you believe what you believe.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:17 am
In New York Times vs. Sullivan in 1965, the Supreme Court defined who was in the public arena and what was fair game for public exposure. Almost 45 years later, it is sad to see the C-J retreat from the premises of that hard fought case. Spineless, to say the least.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Not only do they refuse to print her allegations they have been actively smearing her. How is the fact that she has had multiple husbands or the alleged circumstances surrounding her previous sexual harassment case more important than her allegations?
May 15th, 2009 at 6:02 am
You’re getting braver MJ. Well written piece.
May 15th, 2009 at 6:04 am
For a self-proclaimed blogger, you sure know quite a bit about journalism, Matt.
I bet being a lawyer really helps out with that as well. Hear that, Beisner?
Could yall imagine Beisner and Jones attournies at blog? We can only hope…
May 15th, 2009 at 6:13 am
3rd paragraph, first sentence. You use no incorrectly. It should be know.
May 15th, 2009 at 6:20 am
If I remember correctly, at first the media refused to name the Kentucky player involved (Chuck Hayes), until a sports anchor (maybe Cutler?) let is slip live on air. Once that happened, the other stations knew that Chuck had been named, and then decided to report the same. I wonder if we will see the same scenario develop here?
May 15th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Who cares about Pitino??? Where is the John Wall updated you promised????? C’mon Matt give us our JW fix.
May 15th, 2009 at 6:44 am
3, lol
May 15th, 2009 at 6:52 am
Pulitzer Prize for journalism!
May 15th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Well written piece, Matt and it begs to ask why even ESPN and other sports outlets are sheilding Pitino as well. We know that Forde has a vested interest as he would lose any potential books with Pitino, plus would assume that the current book sales would drop if Pitino exposed as a major sleazeball rather than this great motivational figure.
The picture of Sypher’s kids speaks volumes and even if the mainstream press does not pick up on it, you can bet that other caoches in the Big East will find a way to get that to the parents of the kids that Pitino is recruitting.
There officailly is an elephant in the room now and this must be addressed by the media eventually.
God job, again
May 15th, 2009 at 7:12 am
My guess would be that the newspaper is protecting themselves from any liability surrounding the allegations. If the allegations being put forth are false then the CJ would have perpetuated this with a still photo captured in time and not a fleeting shot of the sign from a passing video camera. When looking at this through the lens of newsrooms across this country closing every day, my guess is that the CJ is protecting the CJ way more than any thought of protecting Pitino. It’s probably not as “sexy” of a conspiracy theory as you’re portraying it.
In this country it is not against the law for a married man to get a woman, married to someone else, pregnant which results in an abortion (50% divorce rate anyone?). What is illegal is for some to take this information and approach either party involved with the threat of going public unless a large sum of money is paid to keep them quiet. That’s called blackmail or extortion. Yes, what Pitino did was immoral but it was not illegal. Sypher’s actions were both immoral with the affair and illegal with the extortion.
So, since the media used poor judgment in the Hayes case they should use the same poor judgment in the Pitino case? Are you putting consistency over proper journalistic procedure?
I’m not a fan of the CJ (or the LHL) nor am I a fan of Louisville and Pitino but I am afraid that you are constructing a paper tiger with this one. With this paper tiger you’ve achieved some national attention and could that be why you’re feigning such righteous indignation?
I can’t believe I just defended a liberal rag newspaper… What!?
May 15th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Kudos Matt, good work. I’ve been voicing the same complaint to anyone who would listen (sorry parking garage lady). The FBI complaint seems to suggest that Pitino was considering the option of paying off Sypher’s house, paying for her kids college, giving her $3,000/month and buying her two cars before she decided to turn this thing into powerball and ask for $10MM. That info is sitting the FBI complaint and is public knowledge and has barely been touched on by the local media folks. Sypher doesn’t come across as credible to say the least and the few folks I’ve talked to who actually know her say that she’s a nut, however, something is there or Rick would have never had the meeting with the Syphers or considered their first round of more “reasonable” extortion demands.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:23 am
And the C-J wonders why its circulation keeps dropping??? Since NONE of the “mainstream” media outlets appear to have the cojones to explore this story or to print the allegations, thank goodness for Matt Jones. Agree with #38 that the Pulitzer cannot be far behind.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Hey Matt, is there anyway Karen Sypher would let you interview her? Let her air all of her accusations against Pitino. Ultimatley she is the one who would have to answer for the accusations, not the reporter who reported what she said. Since when do reporters decide who is telling the truth? Thought that was up to a judge and jury.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Good read, but as selfish as it may be, I still want this to blow over because the rivalry between UK and UL will be great for the schools as long as pitino and calipari are there. Nonetheless, this is also further proof of the descending direction of journalism as we know it. Information is too widely available to try to contain something like this. But what doesn’t make since to me is why would pitino contact the FBI if he knew that she had info on him that he didn’t want out?
May 15th, 2009 at 7:29 am
40)Actually, adultery is illegal. It’s just not enforced. Check your facts.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Candyce Clifft, the Fox41 news reporter who interviewed Karen Sypher two weeks before U of L and Rick Pitino announced the FBI’s involvement, said the reason they would Doesnot air her claims is because her allegations were not part of any public record and could not be verified. She said she runs the risk of being sued for libel if she broadcasts that information. Ms. Clifft was a guest last week on Comment on Kentucky and when asked about the allegations she said they were criminal in nature, and that if Pitino had not made the announcement regarding the FBI investigation, no one would know about any of it.
Does the CJ have the details? I thought only Fox41 and Pat Forde knew.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Boy, that beacon of journalistic integrety, Jerry Tipton, should show them what for!
May 15th, 2009 at 7:41 am
#45
“I am not one of those who in expressing opinions confine themselves to facts.”
- Mark Twain, Wearing White Clothes speech, 1907
US humorist, novelist, short story author, & wit (1835 - 1910)
May 15th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Newspapers are going out of business left and right. The C-J probably is one lawsuit away from going under themselves, so they have tucked tail out of fear on this story. The C-J should be ashamed of themselves.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I don’t think the Hayes and Bryant situations are completely analogous as in both of those cases, the alleged victims went to the authorities and filed charges. In this case, Sypher never went to the authorities to file charges. As such, everything is mere speculation and there is no public record to support reporting the alleged crime(s). I can see the media’s reluctance to report this without any such record. As for reporting Pitino’s side of the story, he has gone to the relevant authorities giving the media a public record from which to report. Hayes has the right to be upset given the conclusion of his situation. However, had his accuser never gone to the police, I seriously doubt the allegations would ever have been reported by any media outlet. On the other hand, had he been the one who had gone to the authorities claiming potential extortion by said accuser, I think the media handling of his situation would have been similar, if not the same, in that they would have reported his claims while not reporting the details of accusers accusations as there would have been no public record. I think the idea of a coordinated cover up to protect Pitino is a bit sensational. As for the CJ cropping the photo and then declining comment, that’s weak and cowardly. Clearly they made a mistake in terms of their internal handling of the photo in question and, as you stated, should provide an explanation for their actions with regards to the photo in question.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:47 am
All of you that are saying Matt should do this and Matt should do that need to realize that Matt has an awesome blog which he makes little or no money from. Matt is a lawdog. That’s what pays the mortgage. He doesn’t need to do anything but report on UK Athletics and a hodge podge of going ons from around the world in the most ridiculous manner possible. So, don’t start this you have a tv show, you have a blog BS. And I definitely want Pitino at U of L for the rivalry, but not if he did something criminal…sports are not bigger than human beings lives.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:49 am
OK…. Who is this Kim Sypher, and what’s her relationship with Karen Sypher?
May 15th, 2009 at 8:02 am
What Pitino did may not have been ILLEGAL, but it is still NEWS, and it was IMMORAL.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:04 am
great post Matt.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:04 am
#10 Great point.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:10 am
The Media should never become the story….don’t they teach that in journalism school somewhere?
May 15th, 2009 at 8:12 am
MJ you are the best, BUT it’s Karen not Kim. Just saying. I know you posted this at like 1:15 in the morning so I am gonna blame it on too many Appletini’s and wine spritzers.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
It’s almost an certainty that Bill Clinton violently raped Juanita Broaderick and got away clean because the US media protected him, save for one Lisa Meyers story on Dateline NBC for which she was punished. It never got another mention on any network news broadcast, and he walked away clean. Looks like something similar is happening in Louisville.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Pitino is a public figure therefore is open to inquiry by the press - and the press does have limited protection from a lawsuit from Pitino, think of the Paul Newman movie - “Absense of Malice” - in other words — so long as a reporter is fair and balanced in reporting with no intention to due harm and so long as the story holds some semblance of truth, the reporter cannot be sued for liable. Malice aforethought would be the opposite, writing with malicious intent to harm, slander or otherwise destroy a person’s reputation.
However, and lawdog will verify this — anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason or no reason - so - this is where this rests. BTW - be careful of throwing stones at the media - without them your freedoms would be in jeopardy.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:26 am
59) Our freedom would be in jeopardy without the MEDIA? HAHAHAHAHA!
Educate yourself, grasshopper. Most media outlets are owned by mega (corrupt) corporations… who themselves finance, and therefore, own politicians.
http://infowars.com
“Freedom” will soon be a pipe dream.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:26 am
#60 - returning your compliment - educate yourself - the media today encompasses the internet - such as this site.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:29 am
I might also add — without the press - you have - Cuba - is that your “choice”?
May 15th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Even Thomas Jefferson knew the importance of the media. “If it were left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” The implication of those words is that self-governance is more essential than governance itself.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Has anyone heard that Buddy Halsell may have transferred ? His facebook had a couple posts about “good luck at the new school” . I know Buddy was a walk-on & Cal was cutting all but two anyway. However,the significance is when Josh was coming, he was homesick & Buddy came to UK with him. With Buddy leaving UK(if true) is this a sign Josh is leaving as well. I think Josh’s girlfriend is at WKU….
May 15th, 2009 at 8:34 am
And, of course, liberals and conservatives alike need to watch the documentary “The Obama Deception.” It will open a lot of eyes, if only everyone would get their heads out of the sand for 2 hours to watch it.
There ya go, I’ve done my civic duty for today.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:34 am
#61 That is true…….but this type of media still does not reach the majority of the public in America.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:38 am
61) I meant no insult by the “educate” comment. But, regardless… did you know that soon the Internet is going to be regulated?
Did you know Congress is currently planning a “Carbon Tax,” which taxes everything from cow flatulence to how many miles you drive your car?
I blame the Federal Reserve Bank. That is the root of the corruption in this country.
And I agree with you, the media of Jefferson’s time was a wonderful thing. However, Mr. Jefferson would not even recognize the media of today. Censorship, corruption… and, for that matter, political leanings. Almost every media outlet has a left or right slant these days, which is probably why I don’t read them. Political parties are a distraction… that’s all. Everyone is too busy nerd fighting over being “liberal” or “conservative” and fail to see what exactly these folks in Washington, D.C. are really doing…
I am LIBERTARIAN. For LIBERTY.
I support the Consitution Party. Ya know, that little piece of paper that has been ignored for the last 100 years?
May 15th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Great Post Matt!!! The message of the article is right on and it’s something that needed to be said.
However…you seriously need an editor.
As many have already pointed out…it’s Karen Sypher not Kim…how do you mess that up twice but still use the correct name in the same post?
“without letting its readers NO…” It’s spelled ‘know’ by the way.
And finally the worst sentence ever…”Collectively the journalists in Kentucky have put protecting their own entities from lawsuits and worries about relationships with powerful instititutions over informing the public and doing their journalistic role.”
For one, you misspelled institution. Besides that, the structure of the sentence is poor.
It would sound better if you had written, “Collectively the journalists in Kentucky have crafted a misguided and unethical set of priorities. They opted to safeguard themselves from litigation and to protect their relationships with…”
Just a thought man…
May 15th, 2009 at 8:43 am
“… without letting its readers no…” Spellcheck. It’s a wonderful thing.
Mostly I don’t like how MJ is basking in the glow of getting national attention for “his” story when it was all from a reader.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Instead of all of this political talk, let’s focus on what may be the best movie of 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa7ck5mcd1o&feature=related
May 15th, 2009 at 8:48 am
70 — LMFAO… Debbie Gibson — Lorenzo — my how you have fallen!
So funny…I got to say, if I was an actor in that movie…and I just saw that preview…I might have to shoot myself in the face.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:49 am
#67 - think outside the box — media can be a newsletter or a network TV. As for regulation - yes - there was and will always be regulation. In Jefferson’s time regulation was as crude as a challenge to duel - but there always has to be a balance — it is called justice. as for your comment about censorship, corruption,etc yes democracy is sometimes ugly. As for your comment on the Federal reserve bank I wonder — do you want to go back to script money??
May 15th, 2009 at 8:51 am
#67 — as for the media having political leanings - that has been true from the start. Nothing new there. Check your history books.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I say that Matt gets Karen Sypher on KSR for a live Blog
May 15th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Now, enough on media, censorship, government and justice — let’s get to the facts — I wanna know — what did John Wall eat for breakfast this morning??
May 15th, 2009 at 8:53 am
71- this best part is the shark attacking the plane, classic.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:55 am
#69, but that’s Matt’s MO. Readers send him things (pictures, bits from stories, links) and he posts them (sometimes giving credit to a “reader”) and then it takes off. For example, I sent him the bit about Marc Maggard approaching Bruce Pearl after the Tennessee-UK game last season to discuss a point guard. Brett Dawson mentioned it in his blog on the C-J website and I thought it was funny. Matt posts it, but do I get an e-mail saying, “Hey thanks, I’ll put it up for everyone to see?” Heck no. And don’t try to criticize Matt, either. After he posted his Derby story, I wrote that it was a good piece of writing but it fell flat in the end (most likely due to space contraints) and the post was deleted.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Cal’s first step in integrating China into the UK Basketball program is bring THE GREAT WALL to Lexington.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:57 am
67 — I hear you…but it’s the CONSTITUTION… you left out a crucial T…
I wish more people were Libertarians…
Leftist Democrats want to tax everyone on top and spend it on bs govt programs so that everyone will be more equal. The incentive to bust your ass in order to make a great living for you and your family could fall by the wayside if you know the govt. is simply going to take an even bigger chunk from you in order to dole it out to “more deserving” folks.
Right wing Republicans want to ban abortion and gay marriage and stem cell research…and on and on…
Both parties suck in so many ways…it’s pretty sad.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:58 am
The media has been mainly responsible for the destruction of traditional America and the emergence of the god-awful state we now live in. You asked for it, you got it. Now live with it.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:58 am
72) Watch “The Obama Deception.” You need it, badly.
We could use a person like you.
And, personally, as far as the FRB goes… I would rather go back to gold coins. At least that would be worth something… those little green pieces of paper we grasp to so tightly are actually quite worthless.
And, the “Fed” bank isn’t really “Fed,” at all. It is a privately-owned institution… that completely controls our economy. Now, you see why I can say the government doesn’t “own” itself?
But anyway, I don’t consider this political discussion? I’m not talking Obama/Bush, left/right… I’m talking about OUR rights and OUR freedom. If you don’t care about things like that, then you are part of the problem.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Is there proof of an abortion, proof that it was Pitino, if not it is rumor, speculation, enuendo, tabloid news. Hope a certin someone doesn’t have anything to hide I’m sure they will start lookin.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:01 am
hey I come here to hear refreshing UK news, NOT to read POLITICAL Bull Shit. Let try to stay on topic. If I wanted to read that I would go to the herald Leader.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:01 am
79) I apologize for my lack of “T.” I think there are a few of “us” that come on here. And everything you say is, sadly, completely correct.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:02 am
76…Dribble Drive High Five —
EXACTLY!!! At first, I was thinking what’s the plane have to do with the shark/octopus etc.? Then I thought…NO…you can’t be serious.
But yes…they were…and then the shark jumped out of the ocean and I spit my coffee on my pants.
I’ll stop with the political talk now…my apologies.
Like Veeper said…what’s going on with John Wall? Does everyone really think he’s going to drag this on into the summer?
May 15th, 2009 at 9:02 am
FYI, Coach Brooks tweet’s that Moncell Allen has made his grades and will be in good standing this fall. Sweet!!!
May 15th, 2009 at 9:04 am
There is more hate for Pitino in this state than at Memphis for cal, he went to the NBA an has been gone for 12 years get over it.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:04 am
83) Have you heard what I was talking about in post # 64. It’s buried in between the Political Debate….LOL
May 15th, 2009 at 9:05 am
#71 and #76–Can either of you tell me when this will be playing on the SciFi channel…?
May 15th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Matt’s really lucky to have volunteer editors to let him know every spelling and grammatical that he makes. Matt, you should put them on the KSR payroll. I mean if they have nothing else to do but tell you spelled “know” incorrectly as “no, they need to be reimbursed.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:06 am
My money is on a John Wall decision/announcement by Wednesday.
Surely he won’t extend this past then…
Someone please agree with me - or I’ll go insane.
82… it’s spelled innuendo, certain…
Wordpress underlines everything that is spelled incorrectly folks.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:07 am
#81 - your rights and your freedoms may not me mine - I go by the constitution and the statutes and regulations. As for the FRB — do some research on Alexander Hamilton and find out why he created a central bank. As for your last sentence - it doesn’t deserve a response - but I would like to know what political offices you have run for.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:08 am
85-of cource the octopus did take out a fighter jet, but he didn’t jump 100′ out of the water.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Flash flash - initial reports are that John Wall had cherrio’s for breakfast - confirmation has yet to arrive.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:12 am
RETRACTION - reliable sources with the John Wall camp are now saying that it was oatmeal for breakfast. More at 10:00.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:12 am
93 — the octopus using its tentacles to destroy a fighter jet is soooo much more plausible.
I just took that clip in stride…lol.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Kudo’s to The Sporting News this morning — “John Wall Update: Kentucky or Miami? At UK, he could be part of an instantly legendary team that — with Wall — would win a national title in John Calipari’s first year in Lexington. At The U, he would be The Man and have the ball — and the shots — to himself. If he is guaranteed to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft — and I think he is — then he has no need to be The Man and should go to UK and chase that national title.”
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/24212/sh anoffs_w.u.c._nba_game_7s,_papi,_phelps
May 15th, 2009 at 9:17 am
100
May 15th, 2009 at 9:18 am
3rd paragraph first sentence. The word No should be know. Trying to help.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Florida is out of the John Wall sweepstakes.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/gators/2009/05/top-recruit-john-wall-appears -headed-somewhere-other-than-gainesville.html
May 15th, 2009 at 9:24 am
The newspaper media is absolutely disgusting. There’s a reason I laugh at the demise of print media and smile as they all lose their jobs.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:28 am
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/B2/20090514/SPOR TS02/905140353/1063/SPT01&template=printart
The most complete story on Karen Sypher out there. Interestingly enough, she is a former Courier-Journal employee before being terminated.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:31 am
92) I have run for no political offices… I’m 25 years old. It’s a waste of time, anyway, really. What can one person do in a Congress of hundreds? Especially when they don’t listen to logical debate… money talks. And their backers have plenty of it. Logic and common sense died among the majority at the turn of the 20th century.
i.e. view the presidential primary results for Ron Paul. The best candidate for ANY party by a landslide… and the Republicans chose McCain, the senile psychopath.
Anyway, the “part of the problem” comment was really for those like #83. If “John Wall took a shit this morning at 8:15 a.m.” is more interesting than “our liberties are being eroded and we will soon be in concentration camps,” then that’s fine. No wonder America is such a messed up place.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:33 am
92) To add on to that, I recently graduated college and I make less than $30k per year. Where do you suppose I can get the hundreds of thousands of dollars to finance a campaign (which is absolutely ridiculous)? I don’t even own a home, for Christ’s sake.
Perhaps the day a poor man is elected as President is the day our country will be right again.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I think that we all pretty much know that it comes down to Kentucky, PUKE or Miami….
May 15th, 2009 at 9:35 am
101 - there will always be newspapers — they are simply shifting to a more local setting - small towns, suburbs, etc. They also will be more of a weekly or monthly edition. As for why anyone smiles when someone loses their jobs is beyond comprehension - it affects your economy also — guess you don’t think ahead much.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:36 am
103 - save that post and re-read it when your 50 — Your gonna be so ashamed.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:36 am
106) LOL. You nailed that one on the head.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:38 am
107) And why is that? I personally believe the world will cease to exist (period, or at least as we know it) at that time, but what is your reasoning?
New World Order… it’s coming.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:42 am
#103 You write “what can one person do……” What if Earl Gideon had said that? http://www.ocpd.state.ct.us/Content/Gideon/Gideon%20Story.htm
May 15th, 2009 at 9:50 am
110) Very nice story, I had never read that before. It’s sort of insane that something IN the Bill of Rights wasn’t even enforced. Well, I guess that shows how well my college education “educated” me, huh? To make things worse, I’m a Criminal Justice graduate. LOL.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I don’t want the money members of Congress make, I’d rather have their healthcare!!!
May 15th, 2009 at 9:54 am
110) But, as far as the issue of “what one person can do,” let’s look at the reaction I have received on this message board this morning. You have debated with me, in a civil, yet sort of rescinding fashion. Others have cursed me for “political BS.” The things I talk about aren’t exactly “the norm,” and southeastern KY isn’t exactly known for it’s extraordinary amount of original thought and ideals (sorry, Matt). So, I wonder how long it would take for me to get tarred and feathered (or killed) if I talked about government corruption, economic breakdown, and, frankly, revolution? Well, I’d put a bunch of folks to sleep, that’s for certain.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Well it’s Friday, May 15th. Do you know where your Wall is?
May 15th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Matt, you are in Lousiville and have media credentials. So tell us Sypher’s story already.
Seriously though, had something like this occurred while Pitino was in Lexington, you already know the Herald Leader would have been all over it with blantant disregard.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:04 am
WHY in the WORLD are we talking about politics on a basketball message board? Freaking nuts…
May 15th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I’m probably stating the obvious here but in all those other cases, the reason the details were made public is because the accuser was simply alleging a terrible crime. They weren’t attempting to extort money from someone or else release the information. Once it became public knowledge that this was a blackmail scheme, don’t you think the media outlets realized they would doing the extorter’s dirty work by releasing the sordid details? Especially after Sypher not holding up under a polygraph test?
May 15th, 2009 at 10:08 am
116) WHY not?
May 15th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Hey, #68, get a clue!!! This website is NOT the CJ, thank goodness. That is the reason Matt has so many followers!!!
May 15th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Because at the top of the page it says, Kentucky Basketball, Football and Recruiting….. It does not say POLITICS……. I believe that’s why
May 15th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Great post Matt Jones.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
#101) you must be a coprophiliac
May 15th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Remember “The Member” and Veeper I’ve enjoyed your dialog. I too am a libertarian. The comment about a greater concern for John Wall’s bowel habits than our personal liberty was priceless. Your conclusion was on target as well. The “American Experiment” is going to Hell in a hand-cart while most citizens are watching last night’s American Idol on TIVO.
May 15th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
well huh…. my trust of all things media just continues to grow. just goes to show, everyone has an agenda…
May 15th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
[...] where some of the supporters of Karen Sypher were picketing. The picture, which you can see here at Kentucky Sports Radio along with Matt Jones’ comments on the issue apparently cropped out [...]