Naji and Tyrique both out

[atljar]

"injuries" is the official word. I hope it's a benching wake up call that's being held out of the publics eye

[whopper]

Naj injury against Missouri, Tyrique head hit in practice. Will see Hankins and Welage in starting lineup, and big minutes for Hardin, Kennedy and James as backup center?

[GoMuskies]

Should have grabbed Detroit +19.5!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This just isn't our year.

Edit: I said we might lay an egg in the non-conference. Missouri I counted as a loss. Good lord, I hope I am not right.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Announcers just insinuating that they aren’t hurt. Wow. I like it.

[xu koop scoop]

In the Missouri game thread earlier today I mentioned we should shake up the lineup by not starting Jones, Castlin or Nah I - I didn't care who & starting Hankins. Now it will be Hankins & Welage in, Jones & Naji out. So all 3 Grad Transfers will start. They may be hungrier for success than some of our Core 4. Lets see how this pans out. It may be part of our future too.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

They aren’t even in the building. Wow.

[muskies1235]

They aren’t even in the building. Wow.

Has this been confirmed? I can't tell from on TV. I texted a buddy at the game, but he hasn't responded.

[Jesuit4Life]

This just isn't our year.
You can say that again.
https://twitter.com/musketeerreport/status/1076271285649502208



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[xu82]

I am not having fun watching this.....

We are actually losing.

[vee4xu]

Heard from a friend at the game that Jones isn't on the bench. No word from him either way on Marshall.

[klark]

Injuries or not, they should still be on the bench. I understand the message being sent, I also think the message carries more weight if they are on the bench with their team mates.

[GoMuskies]

This is getting embarrassing.

[vee4xu]

Injuries or not, they should still be on the bench. I understand the message being sent, I also think the message carries more weight if they are on the bench with their team mates.

Unless of course they are possibly suspended for this game?

[AviatorX]

Heard from a friend at the game that Jones isn't on the bench. No word from him either way on Marshall.

Tyrique has a head injury. Would not be strange at all if they held him off the bench if he’s in concussion protocol.

[vee4xu]

Tyrique has a head injury. Would not be strange at all if they held him off the bench.

Was not aware. Sorry about that.

[klark]

Unless of course they are possibly suspended for this game?

I still think suspended they should be there, be a part of the team. If concussion protocol I could understand. Just my view, injured or not I would want to be with my team mates.

[Jesuit4Life]

RE: the speculation from the announcers
https://twitter.com/slrussell/status/1076269127894007808

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[AviatorX]

Was not aware. Sorry about that.

No need to apologize. That’s the official word but the FS2 color guy is rampantly speculating that they’re not actually hurt. Seems like a dumb way to send a message as opposed to just benching them if that’s the case.

Not sure in what world it’s acceptable for the FS2 guy (who is otherwise terrible) to speculate like that. If these are feigned injuries then this is the first time I’ll say Steele has done something explicitly stupid.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

No insinuation. One of the announcers labeled the injury report 'fake news" and indicated he had seen both players at X practice yesterday and both seemed fine. Later in the game he also indicated that both players are unavailable "day to day". This sounds like a situation that is reaching some kind of conclusion. If Steele just unhappy with play of these two, he sits them on the bench---a few minutes, a full half, whatever.

Not allowing them to dress and sit on the bench sounds very much like a suspension of some sort. If truly 'day-to-day that implies there is some action required from the players before they can return. Whatever is happening does not have a firm end date and that menas, to me, some change is required before their return.

Admittingly, this is reading between the lines but the words I'm hearing are pretty clear.

If, indeed, this situation is requiring some type of informal suspension, I say it is probably a good thing. Still, never know where things will ultimately settle.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Goodin is 1-4 from the free throw line.

[AviatorX]

No insinuation. One of the announcers labeled the injury report 'fake news" and indicated he had seen both players at X practice yesterday and both seemed fine. Later in the game he also indicated that both players are unavailable "day to day". This sounds like a situation that is reaching some kind of conclusion. If Steele just unhappy with play of these two, he sits them on the bench---a few minutes, a full half, whatever.

Not allowing them to dress and sit on the bench sounds very much like a suspension of some sort. If truly 'day-to-day that implies there is some action required from the players before they can return. Whatever is happening does not have a firm end date and that menas, to me, some change is required before their return.

Admittingly, this is reading between the lines but the words I'm hearing are pretty clear.

If, indeed, this situation is requiring some type of informal suspension, I say it is probably a good thing. Still, never know where things will ultimately settle.

Ok...then why lie about injuries? Especially a head injury. Not exactly something to be taken lightly. If you want to suspend players, do it. I’ll say it again, if this is some weird backdoor suspension, I think this is being handled horrendously by Steele and would make me (for the first time) wonder if he’s in way over his head.

[whopper]

I have seen some poor play (not even poor, careless) and can't imagine a suspension due to careless play. This is strange to say the least. The FS2 guy (Steve Howard) was a DePaul guy who had a short NBA career and what he said did seem irresponsible

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Ok...then why lie about injuries? Especially a head injury. Not exactly something to be taken lightly. If you want to suspend players, do it.

Agree. Seems like the accepted way to do this is simply state Tyrique and not available tonight and leave it at that. My comments are based on what I heard the announcers say. It was their words. Perhaps labeling the lack of availability as "due to injuries" is to counter exactly the kind of speculation in which we now engage.

[bjf123]

Heard from a friend at the game that Jones isn't on the bench. No word from him either way on Marshall.

My seats are 16 rows behind the bench. There are 8 players on the bench plus the 5 on the floor. Their backs are to me, so I don’t see faces. Jones definitely isn’t there. Don’t know about Naji.



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[xu82]

I still think suspended they should be there, be a part of the team. If concussion protocol I could understand. Just my view, injured or not I would want to be with my team mates.

Exactly, the lights and noise could be an issue with a concussion. IF that’s the case it concerns me as it seems it’s become a recurring issue. Didn’t he hit his head a while back? And now he's out again? I have no idea so I’ll limit the speculation, but health comes first, especially brain health!

[AviatorX]

Agree. Seems like the accepted way to do this is simply state Tyrique and not available tonight and leave it at that. My comments are based on what I heard the announcers say. It was their words. Perhaps labeling the lack of availability as "due to injuries" is to counter exactly the kind of speculation in which we now engage.

To be clear, I’m firmly in the camp that both players are injured and the FS2 guy is a moron.

[XU-PA]

Not sure what his name is, but the Fox announcer totally made that up about Naji and Tyrique. If I'm Coach Steele I want to take him out back and kick the shit out of him.

[xudash]

Who wants it more?

Reduced to asking this question - yet again.

[xu82]

Who wants it more?

Reduced to asking this question - yet again.

I want it A LOT, but it doesn’t seem to be helping!

[whopper]

I know people have trouble with Welage defense and rebounding but you have to admit he is a guy you want to be shooting when you need an easy basket. Man I hope they can straighten out whatever the problem is. If it is a sending of the message, then at least Steele can say "we won without you". If he could not say that it would be 100 times worse. By the way ..WHAT THE HECK IS SCRUGGS DOING?

[X Factor]

Scruggs with 8 turnovers! Are you kidding me?

[xudash]

I wonder if Paul Scruggs will be allowed to shower this evening.

7 turnovers by himself - that is unguided missile material.

[XUGRAD80]

Man I hope they can straighten out whatever the problem is........By the way ..WHAT THE HECK IS SCRUGGS DOING?


You answered your own question

[X Factor]

Detroit is one of the worst teams out of 351 DI schools. They have 1 player! I saw nothing from X tonight.

[X Factor]

You answered your own question

100% mentally not ready to play.

[noteggs]

If Ty hit his head, I can see them holding him out of game. As for Naji, I can see this as an attitude and tweet thing - Steele saying I’m pissed but I’ll tell press it’s because of injury. Of course this true speculation. Nice to see we can pull out a victory with only two scholarship players from last year on the court. One played really well and other not so much.

[whopper]

This is possible..a "timeout" for Naj because of liking that disrespectful tweet. It looks to me like no damage done especially with the win. Steele has to have the respect of the players and he may have been losing it. 30 points, 20 Reb, 8 assists from the grad transfers who I had the sense were not fully accepted as equals by the returning players.

[AviatorX]

If Ty hit his head, I can see them holding him out of game. As for Naji, I can see this as an attitude and tweet thing - Steele saying I’m pissed but I’ll tell press it’s because of injury. Of course this true speculation. Nice to see we can pull out a victory with only two scholarship players from last year on the court. One played really well and other not so much.

Do not follow this at all. If Naji sat tonight for disciplinary reasons and it was broadcasted as an injury, I’ll have serious doubt about this staff. That would be beyond stupid.

[noteggs]

Do not follow this at all. If Naji sat tonight for disciplinary reasons and it was broadcasted as an injury, I’ll have serious doubt about this staff. That would be beyond stupid.

Ok...beyond stupid it is

[AviatorX]

Ok...beyond stupid it is

Do you disagree? Aside from the fact that injuries are a serious matter, how would that accomplish sending a message or whatever people want Steele to do?

The broadcast on FS2 was wayyyyy out of line with their comments.

[whopper]

Ok...beyond stupid it is
true..no need to tip your hand on an internal matter. Nobody is under oath. The "good" news is that we now have (hopefully) Tyrique and Naj coming back to a team that knows it can win(albeit a 2nd rate opponent) who should have more confidence. I am trying to put a good light on it.

[XUBison]

Do you disagree? Aside from the fact that injuries are a serious matter, how would that accomplish sending a message or whatever people want Steele to do?

The broadcast on FS2 was wayyyyy out of line with their comments.

If Steele was sending some sort of message, he was sending it to the players... not you, and certainly not the FS2 crew. If Steele feigned minor injuries to keep some dirty laundry under wraps, so what? We don’t know what happened here, nor do we know why it’s being handled the way it is. Take a chill pill.

[AviatorX]

If Steele was sending some sort of message, he was sending it to the players... not you, and certainly not the FS2 crew. If Steele feigned minor injuries to keep some dirty laundry under wraps, so what? We don’t know what happened here, nor do we know why it’s being handled the way it is. Take a chill pill.

This is laughable. If Steee feigned injuries, he’s an absolute idiot. Now, I think there’s a 0% chance that happened, but still don’t see how that’s a controversial opinion at all. That would be an absolutely ridiculous move.

[XUBison]

This is laughable. If Steee feigned injuries, he’s an absolute idiot. Now, I think there’s a 0% chance that happened, but still don’t see how that’s a controversial opinion at all. That would be an absolutely ridiculous move.

Yes, of course. I've heard the same rumor myself. Yes, thanks for calling and not reversing the charges. Bye-bye...

[XUFan09]

To be clear, I’m firmly in the camp that both players are injured and the FS2 guy is a moron.Yep. Let's play the game of "Which is more likely?"

1. Steele gave a fake injury report to cover a benching.
2. They are actually hurt and the guy is a dumbass.

I'm gonna go with option 2. It does Steele no good to hide the benching; he can just outright say it if that's what's happening. There's no real negative consequence for doing so. So, there's no real motivation for option 1. Concerning option 2, we all have seen way too many dumbass announcers who don't know what they're talking about and who wildly speculate about one bullshit thing or another.

But if one wants to hop on the conspiracy theory train because some two-bit announcer said something, go right ahead. While you're at it, the government is spraying us with chemicals from planes, 9/11 was an inside job, and our water is turning frogs gay.

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[waggy]

I very much doubt they are hurt. I think it's just Steeles way of not throwing them under the bus, which is fine.

[OTRMUSKIE]

Agree with waggy, they aren’t hurt and are being punished. This season is OOC. I predicting 4 more wins rest of way. Good thing reds start soon.

[XUGRAD80]

On the radio after the game, Steele said that he didn’t think that Jones had a concusssion but that the doc thought they should hold him out. He also said that Naji’s back had been bothering him for awhile and had gotten worse. Said that they would have some time over the Christmas break to recover.

Now I’m no doctor, but if Jones doesn’t have a concussion and Naji ain’t in traction....where were they? Would have thought that they would at least be sitting on the bench or right behind it. Maybe they were in the training room? Maybe he let them go home a day early for the Christmas break? Maybe they were back in the dorms by themselves? Curious at the very least.

[atljar]

Look to be fair, I started this thread well before the announcer said anything about it being fake news. He just confirmed my immediate thoughts

Why would Steele say they were injured vs suspended?
Because you don't air your dirty laundry. That team should be a family and it's none of anyone's business what's going on behind the scenes. The suspension is a message to those that need it and in addition a power play by coach. What the players don't need is another distraction by the outside world dissecting the teams chemistry and effort and being hounded by the press and classmates about what happened or what's going on.

I support coach on this one.

[XUBison]

On the radio after the game, Steele said that he didn’t think that Jones had a concusssion but that the doc thought they should hold him out. He also said that Naji’s back had been bothering him for awhile and had gotten worse. Said that they would have some time over the Christmas break to recover.

Now I’m no doctor, but if Jones doesn’t have a concussion and Naji ain’t in traction....where were they? Would have thought that they would at least be sitting on the bench or right behind it. Maybe they were in the training room? Maybe he let them go home a day early for the Christmas break? Maybe they were back in the dorms by themselves? Curious at the very least.

Dana’s?

[Xville]

On the radio after the game, Steele said that he didn’t think that Jones had a concusssion but that the doc thought they should hold him out. He also said that Naji’s back had been bothering him for awhile and had gotten worse. Said that they would have some time over the Christmas break to recover.

Now I’m no doctor, but if Jones doesn’t have a concussion and Naji ain’t in traction....where were they? Would have thought that they would at least be sitting on the bench or right behind it. Maybe they were in the training room? Maybe he let them go home a day early for the Christmas break? Maybe they were back in the dorms by themselves? Curious at the very least.

So if naji has a back injury, it would be painful or at the least uncomfortable, for him to sit in the chairs all game long.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is stupid, how many times did Mack bench a guy and call it a violation of team rules. Steele would do the same thing.


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[AviatorX]

This is stupid, how many times did Mack bench a guy and call it a violation of team rules. Steele would do the same thing.


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Exactly. It’s not like the media scrutiny is so high at X that tossing that out there is going to cause a spiral.

[XUFan09]

This is stupid, how many times did Mack bench a guy and call it a violation of team rules. Steele would do the same thing.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYep. Subterfuge would be over the top and unnecessary.

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[xukeith]

On the radio after the game, Steele said that he didn’t think that Jones had a concusssion but that the doc thought they should hold him out. He also said that Naji’s back had been bothering him for awhile and had gotten worse. Said that they would have some time over the Christmas break to recover.

Now I’m no doctor, but if Jones doesn’t have a concussion and Naji ain’t in traction....where were they? Would have thought that they would at least be sitting on the bench or right behind it. Maybe they were in the training room? Maybe he let them go home a day early for the Christmas break? Maybe they were back in the dorms by themselves? Curious at the very least.

If I have a bad back and it needs healing, the last place my back needs to be is on the bench or in a chair for over 2 hours. Stay straight and lay on floor, and lots of heating pads. Maybe he has a TENS device too.

[XUGRAD80]

If I have a bad back and it needs healing, the last place my back needs to be is on the bench or in a chair for over 2 hours. Stay straight and lay on floor, and lots of heating pads. Maybe he has a TENS device too.

That’s certainly a possibility. As I stated, they may have been in the training room. But he WAS practicing the day before, we do know that. Maybe he woke up yesterday morning and couldn’t move. It’s been known to happen. But that still gives him all day to get treatment.

Don’t forget the Steele statement about him being “day to day”. If it was something that flared up Saturday morning to point where he can’t play Saturday night, can’t even sit on the bench, how does he get labeled as “day to day”?
“Out indefinitely”? OK, I can buy that.
“Expect him to be ready to go after taking a couple of days off”? Makes sense.
“Day to day” is not something one usually hears about a NEWLY injured athlete.

[XUFan09]

That’s certainly a possibility. As I stated, they may have been in the training room. But he WAS practicing the day before, we do know that. Maybe he woke up yesterday morning and couldn’t move. It’s been known to happen. But that still gives him all day to get treatment.

Don’t forget the Steele statement about him being “day to day”. If it was something that flared up Saturday morning to point where he can’t play Saturday night, can’t even sit on the bench, how does he get labeled as “day to day”?
“Out indefinitely”? OK, I can buy that.
“Expect him to be ready to go after taking a couple of days off”? Makes sense.
“Day to day” is not something one usually hears about a NEWLY injured athlete.Steele said his back has been bothering him for awhile now and it just got worse. So, it's not a new injury; it was just tolerable before. Day-to-day makes sense then because it's unclear how long it will prevent him from playing/practicing. Maybe just a couple days, maybe almost a week. Who knows?

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[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

On the radio after the game, Steele said that he didn’t think that Jones had a concusssion but that the doc thought they should hold him out. He also said that Naji’s back had been bothering him for awhile and had gotten worse. Said that they would have some time over the Christmas break to recover.

Now I’m no doctor, but if Jones doesn’t have a concussion and Naji ain’t in traction....where were they? Would have thought that they would at least be sitting on the bench or right behind it. Maybe they were in the training room? Maybe he let them go home a day early for the Christmas break? Maybe they were back in the dorms by themselves? Curious at the very least.

Those comments, in detail, were repeated in today's Enquirer article so I'm giving Steele the benefit of the doubt. For Steele to go on with some elaborate story about injuries when there was really some other reason, is just a little too much conspiracy for me.

I heard the Fox announcer, Steven Howard, say without equivocation that the injury reports were "fake news"; that he (Howard) had been at practice, seen Tyrique and Naji and they were fine. I'm thinking that while it is an extremely rare event for today's journalists to substitute their own opinions in place of hard facts, that is what must have happened with Mr. Howard.

Gee, and I have so much respect for the media...……..

When I heard the news about Tyrique and Naji, I immediately assumed Hardin and Kennedy would get more minutes last night. I'm still hoping to see those two up their game (particularly Hardin) going into B.E. play. But, Hardin had fewer minutes last night than he did against Mizzou; Kennedy had significantly more time. Hardin has had a few flashes of strong play (admittedly brief) that lead me to think he has enough ability to contribute to this team. Especially this team because it lacks outside shooting skill. But, without minutes, he will never develop the confidence. So, glad to see a win but wanted more contribution from Hardin and Kennedy.

[xukeith]

Steele said his back has been bothering him for awhile now and it just got worse. So, it's not a new injury; it was just tolerable before. Day-to-day makes sense then because it's unclear how long it will prevent him from playing/practicing. Maybe just a couple days, maybe almost a week. Who knows?

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In the loss to MU, I was listening to Joe and Byron. During the game, Byron again commented that Naji needs to get lower as he drives and dribbles but it looked to Byron that he can't do it or might have back issues.

After the slaughter, he asked Steele about Naji's back and TS said yes, he has a back issue but it is no excuse.

Maybe TS and coaches decided to shut Naji down to get him healthier for St. John's because X looks like it cannot win 1 road game this year.

[Masterofreality]

I heard the Fox announcer, Steven Howard, say without equivocation that the injury reports were "fake news"; that he (Howard) had been at practice, seen Tyrique and Naji and they were fine. I'm thinking that while it is an extremely rare event for today's journalists to substitute their own opinions in place of hard facts, that is what must have happened with Mr. Howard.

Gee, and I have so much respect for the media...……..

If by "extremely rare" you are excluding CNN, Washington Post, NY Times, Time Magazine, ABC News and NBC News, I might say you are correct. #EyeRoll

[DexterBailey84]

If by "extremely rare" you are excluding CNN, Washington Post, NY Times, Time Magazine, ABC News and NBC News, I might say you are correct. #EyeRoll

so basically any one other than Faux News..
yeah, #EyeRoll indeed.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If by "extremely rare" you are excluding CNN, Washington Post, NY Times, Time Magazine, ABC News and NBC News, I might say you are correct. #EyeRoll

This annoys me, learn how to read and understand the difference between opeds and journalism. The Post is still a quality paper and each have real journalism. To read you post and not see the hyper partisan and poor journalistic source fox in there says it all.


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[X-man]

This annoys me, learn how to read and understand the difference between opeds and journalism. The Post is still a quality paper and each have real journalism. To read you post and not see the hyper partisan and poor journalistic source fox in there says it all.


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Why even bother trying to get through to MOR? He has demonstrated time and again that he is incapable of understanding any point of view other than his own, whether it is climate change, media other than Fox, federal deficits (if under Democrats during a recession, but not if under Republicans in a boom), or Trump vs. Obama. It is absolutely impossible to have a productive interaction with the guy unless the interaction is solely focused on supporting his views.

[scoscox]

Those comments, in detail, were repeated in today's Enquirer article so I'm giving Steele the benefit of the doubt. For Steele to go on with some elaborate story about injuries when there was really some other reason, is just a little too much conspiracy for me.

I heard the Fox announcer, Steven Howard, say without equivocation that the injury reports were "fake news"; that he (Howard) had been at practice, seen Tyrique and Naji and they were fine. I'm thinking that while it is an extremely rare event for today's journalists to substitute their own opinions in place of hard facts, that is what must have happened with Mr. Howard.

Gee, and I have so much respect for the media...……..

When I heard the news about Tyrique and Naji, I immediately assumed Hardin and Kennedy would get more minutes last night. I'm still hoping to see those two up their game (particularly Hardin) going into B.E. play. But, Hardin had fewer minutes last night than he did against Mizzou; Kennedy had significantly more time. Hardin has had a few flashes of strong play (admittedly brief) that lead me to think he has enough ability to contribute to this team. Especially this team because it lacks outside shooting skill. But, without minutes, he will never develop the confidence. So, glad to see a win but wanted more contribution from Hardin and Kennedy.

Those aren't obvious injuries. Tyrique hit his head and naji had a tight back. neither are visible injuries and you could easily look fine in a shoot around session, but not want to strain it in a game

[Smails]

Why even bother trying to get through to MOR? He has demonstrated time and again that he is incapable of understanding any point of view other than his own, whether it is climate change, media other than Fox, federal deficits (if under Democrats during a recession, but not if under Republicans in a boom), or Trump vs. Obama. It is absolutely impossible to have a productive interaction with the guy unless the interaction is solely focused on supporting his views.

I swear some people don't own mirrors...

Because X-Man would never be accused of being a partisan hack who considers himself the smartest person in every room he enters. #Self-awareness

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Those aren't obvious injuries. Tyrique hit his head and naji had a tight back. neither are visible injuries and you could easily look fine in a shoot around session, but not want to strain it in a game

This, I think, should be the final post of this subject. Let's move on folks.

My post wasn't political. Using the term "fake news" as a response to Xavier's reported reason for the absence of Tyrique + Naji was the equivalent of saying "the Xavier report is untrue; it is a lie". Whether you are a liberal journalist/commentator or a conservative one, before you make that statement on air, you should have the facts. Howard didn't (and likely still doesn't) know the facts. He stated he had observed the two players at practice the day before yesterday and from that, it appears, he made an assumption all was well. A not unreasonable assumption but one not based on anything more. He offered no facts other than he had seen Tyrique and Naji at practice. To me, without more details, he did not have enough information to call the Xavier report untrue. If he had more facts, he could have provided them.

Howard has the absolute right to question the report; perhaps even the responsibility to do so given his profession and his observations. There is a professional way to do that when you don't have all the facts. He could have said "I was at practice. I saw these players and they appeared to be fine. I don't understand the basis of the injury report and therefore I question it."

But, whether the reported injuries were obvious or whether they were difficult to observe, Howard had a journalistic responsibility to confirm his opinion prior to reporting. Howard did not nor did he address the issue with Steele in the postgame interview when he had the perfect opportunity.

That is my point. I don't know whether these two were injured. But, I've stated that I'm willing to accept Steele's explanation in the absence of new information. Since I have no new information and haven't seen any, I'm going with the official report.

I see this lack of discipline everyday in the journalistic world. All of us do and regardless of one's ideology, it is inexcusable Howard's screw up was an example of undisciplined reporting but it was far from the most egregious that I have seen, even just this week, Journalism of any sort, I think, is supposed to be about presenting facts and even the Op/Ed page, the place for pointing out differing interpretations, should be based on common facts.

[XUFan09]

To be fair, I wouldn't call most game commentators "journalists." The bar is really low for the job, especially for a color commentator. That's part of the reason there are so many bad ones.

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[XUBison]

It’s quite possible that the injuries are real, and that Steele used them as an opportunity to send a message. I suspect Jones and Naji would have played if we were playing UC last night instead of Detroit Mercy. Perhaps the message was not directed at anyone in particular, as much as it was a low risk opportunity to show the team how much they all need each other to be successful.

If not an intentional message, maybe it served the purpose anyway. Q was actually a leader last night, playing his best game of the season... We would have lost if not for the grad-transfers... Hankins stepped up big, but despite being in great shape by all accounts, he was sucking wind in the 2nd half, and I’m sure he would have preferred it if Jones were available to help carry the load... Harden, James, and Kennedy May have gotten a wake-up call that they are going to have to continue striving to improve in order to contribute...

Regarding the tv commentary, it used to be a standard protocol not to speculate on player injuries on the air. So much for that.

[XUFan09]

I'm pretty sure a ban on speculation on injuries is still standard protocol, and the dude is going to be in trouble for that.

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[mistabeecee41]

So if naji has a back injury, it would be painful or at the least uncomfortable, for him to sit in the chairs all game long.

He’s back in Atlantic City, so I guess his back is fine enough to be sitting on a 2.5 hour flight or 10 hour drive though

[XUFan09]

He’s back in Atlantic City, so I guess his back is fine enough to be sitting on a 2.5 hour flight or 10 hour drive thoughIf he wants to actually spend Christmas with family, that flight would be necessary. But, it was not necessary for him to play and risk straining his back against Detroit Mercy of all teams. That team is simply awful. Every year, there are games worth weathering injuries for (and as a rule, there are always players weathering injuries over the course of a season). But, there are also games that are not worth the trouble when rest would have greater long-term benefits.

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[whopper]

a positive is that they won without Naji and Tyrique, the grad transfers did step up(and don't underestimate Castlin calming the turnover waters) and Steele can now say at any time (if Naji or Tyrique or even Scruggs or Q are injured) we have a template for victory which you could not have said before last night. I think especially Welage has more respect of the players now and I saw him be a bit more active on defense and the boards(no Rodman for sure)but that will help.

[paulxu]

To be fair, I wouldn't call most game commentators "journalists." The bar is really low for the job, especially for a color commentator. That's part of the reason there are so many bad ones.

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I think the bar to be a color commentator is pretty "high."

(Hello Bill Walton)

[XUFan09]

I think the bar to be a color commentator is pretty "high."

(Hello Bill Walton)Haha he's so bad, it's funny.

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[Xavierwins]

Hi all. I was at the game yesterday, and I got there really early. Naji was playing during the early shoot around and looked fine. He was throwing a couple off the glass to himself and dunking it, dancing around. I didn’t see Tyrique the entire time. I thought it was odd once the game started, and didn’t see Naji on the bench with the team. Not sure what to make of it.


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[drudy23]

Hi all. I was at the game yesterday, and I got there really early. Naji was playing during the early shoot around and looked fine. He was throwing a couple off the glass to himself and dunking it, dancing around. I didn’t see Tyrique the entire time. I thought it was odd once the game started, and didn’t see Naji on the bench with the team. Not sure what to make of it.


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Doesn't sound like a back injury if he's dunking in pre-game. I think Steele sent a message, and I like it. Naji not being on the bench is extremely odd.

[X-man]

I swear some people don't own mirrors...

Because X-Man would never be accused of being a partisan hack who considers himself the smartest person in every room he enters. #Self-awareness

I would ask you to reread your post 1878 on the Politics thread. It suggested that you appreciate the fact that people may disagree in good faith. That makes you different from MOR who refuses to see (or read) anything that isn't aligned with his views. So if you were serious with that post, you might understand that I am not simply "a partisan hack who considers himself the smartest person in every room he enters". Regardless, Merry Christmas.

[D-West & PO-Z]

This is stupid, how many times did Mack bench a guy and call it a violation of team rules. Steele would do the same thing.


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Exactly. It’s not like the media scrutiny is so high at X that tossing that out there is going to cause a spiral.


Yep. Subterfuge would be over the top and unnecessary.

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Agreed. I am so baffled by those who think there is some conspiracy and that they were suspended. Why wouldnt that just be announced like it always has been? I havent read the whole threat yet so forgive me if this has been asked but what exactly are we thinking they would be suspended for? You dont suspend guys for poor play which some seem to be implying. Sure you might bench them or decrease their minutes, but suspension?

[xukeith]

Agreed. I am so baffled by those who think there is some conspiracy and that they were suspended. Why wouldnt that just be announced like it always has been? I havent read the whole threat yet so forgive me if this has been asked but what exactly are we thinking they would be suspended for? You dont suspend guys for poor play which some seem to be implying. Sure you might bench them or decrease their minutes, but suspension?

Before all these conspiracies, Byron said live on air watching Naji, "He looks like something is wrong with his back" Naji can't bend low on dribbling and driving.
He asked TS, and Travis said, kind of uhh, yeah but there are no excuses. This was after the Missouri loss.

Maybe its not life threatening but it effects his dribbling.

[bleedXblue]

I think there is HIGH probability both things occurred to some extent. Steele used it as an opportunity to rest and send a message.......

[Murph85]

I think I may be repeating myself but both were at a club downtown a few hours after the Detroit game. My son spoke to them. I guess you can club with a sore back but this smells a bit.

[Xville]

I think we can put the conspiracy theories to bed here. Tyrique was still in a no-contact jersey while practicing as of Thursday, and naji has been cleared to play but definitely not going to be 100% according to banners on the parkway.

[AviatorX]

I think we can put the conspiracy theories to bed here. Tyrique was still in a no-contact jersey while practicing as of Thursday, and naji has been cleared to play but definitely not going to be 100% according to banners on the parkway.

Not so fast. Who is to say Travis isn’t just continuing to send a message here? If so, I love it.

[drudy23]

So we've heard first hand accounts of players dunking during warm-ups (with a "back injury"), flying home for the holiday, going to the club, and neither sat on the bench (which is very odd for injured players - they always sit on the bench).

I think Tyrique was truly hurt, and Naji was disciplinary. Hopefully, it wakes him up.

[Xville]

So we've heard first hand accounts of players dunking during warm-ups (with a "back injury"), flying home for the holiday, going to the club, and neither sat on the bench (which is very odd for injured players - they always sit on the bench).

I think Tyrique was truly hurt, and Naji was disciplinary. Hopefully, it wakes him up.

It's not odd for players with a back injury and concussion symptoms to not be sitting on the bench. I'd find it more odd for them to sit on the bench with those injuries.

[AviatorX]

It's not odd for players with a back injury and concussion symptoms to not be sitting on the bench. I'd find it more odd for them to sit on the bench with those injuries.

It’s pretty clear some people want to believe this was some kind of suspension no matter what. Honestly one of the more confusing takes I’ve seen on here.

[XUFan09]

It’s pretty clear some people want to believe this was some kind of suspension no matter what. Honestly one of the more confusing takes I’ve seen on here.This thread here provides good evidence as to why conspiracy theories exist lol. There's initially some merit to the thought that there is a suspension kept from the public eye. Then you consider it a little more closely and should realize that it would be incredibly convoluted because there's no real harm in saying that a player is suspended. The "keeping it in house" part would simply be saying "undisclosed reasons." That's not even considering the practicality of keeping such a thing a secret when all sorts of things regularly leak out from the 4th floor of Cintas and Steele would look like a fool if this got out. Basically, people initially latch to an idea and then refuse to let go of it despite all evidence to the contrary.

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[noteggs]

This thread here provides good evidence as to why conspiracy theories exist lol. There's initially some merit to the thought that there is a suspension kept from the public eye. Then you consider it a little more closely and should realize that it would be incredibly convoluted because there's no real harm in saying that a player is suspended. The "keeping it in house" part would simply be saying "undisclosed reasons." That's not even considering the practicality of keeping such a thing a secret when all sorts of things regularly leak out from the 4th floor of Cintas and Steele would look like a fool if this got out. Basically, people initially latch to an idea and then refuse to let go of it despite all evidence to the contrary.

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Well put...

[D-West & PO-Z]

It's not odd for players with a back injury and concussion symptoms to not be sitting on the bench. I'd find it more odd for them to sit on the bench with those injuries.


It’s pretty clear some people want to believe this was some kind of suspension no matter what. Honestly one of the more confusing takes I’ve seen on here.


This thread here provides good evidence as to why conspiracy theories exist lol. There's initially some merit to the thought that there is a suspension kept from the public eye. Then you consider it a little more closely and should realize that it would be incredibly convoluted because there's no real harm in saying that a player is suspended. The "keeping it in house" part would simply be saying "undisclosed reasons." That's not even considering the practicality of keeping such a thing a secret when all sorts of things regularly leak out from the 4th floor of Cintas and Steele would look like a fool if this got out. Basically, people initially latch to an idea and then refuse to let go of it despite all evidence to the contrary.

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I feel like I am in the twilight zone with the double secret probation takes. What exactly are we to believe either these guys were suspended for? I honestly think some people believe their poor play at times warrants a suspension.