Disappointed in Kim

[oldude]

Are you sure she was pressuring her trainers to get Richards back in the game?

If you watch the game film, shortly after Richards goes out with her injury, as UConn was going on its 19 pt run, on several occasions ESPN captured Mulkey on the sidelines looking down towards and occasionally shouting at the trainer who was taping Richards leg up to get her back in the game. Whether that constitutes pressure or just urgency is up to everyone’s opinion.

Once Richards got back into the game early in the 4th qtr, it was obvious that she was having considerable difficulty moving on the court, so Mulkey sat her down after 2+ minutes in the game.

 

[hoopsfan22]

If you watch the game film, shortly after Richards goes out with her injury, as UConn was going on its 19 pt run, on several occasions ESPN captured Mulkey on the sidelines looking down towards and occasionally shouting at the trainer who was taping Richards leg up to get her back in the game. Whether that constitutes pressure or just urgency is up to everyone’s opinion.

Once Richards got back into the game early in the 4th qtr, it was obvious that she was having considerable difficulty moving on the court, so Mulkey sat her down after 2+ minutes in the game.

Yeah I saw that, but it's hard for me to make the leap that she was pressuring anyone. That's a pretty serious accusation without proof, and not one that a fan should make based on what they see on TV.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Kim was not my favorite for a long time. I can't explain it other than it was nails on a chalkboard. In 2019 I watched the finals and found myself pulling for them since I didn't want ND to repeat after being heartbroken in 2018. In that game I notice she seemed softer, still rowdy but had mellowed some. I wondered then if the pain of losing her grandchild and joy at having one born after that had taken some of edge off by putting things in perspective.

I can't say I've ever really been a big fan but she isn't a bad coach at all and has one of the top 3/4 programs.

Nor my favorite person. Hearst Connecticut Media has an article in which they quote from Britney Griner's autobiography about how Mulkey demanded that Griner keep silent about her being gay. Grindr recounts how painful that was to her. So Baylor and Mulkey have no problem using Griner to win national championships, but being honest about herself and her sexuality? Absolutely forbidden. And recall how Mulkey told a big gathering after the sexual assault scandal involving Baylor football players that if anyone tells you they won't send their daughter to Baylor because they won't be safe, hit them in the face.

To say she's "not my favorite person" is a vast understatement.

 

[oldude]

Yeah I saw that, but it's hard for me to make the leap that she was pressuring anyone. That's a pretty serious accusation without proof, and not one that a fan should make based on what they see on TV.

As I indicated, it’s up to everyone’s opinion. I have suggested that the circumstances of the injury (no one was near Richards when she went down) along with her obvious pain, warranted a more cautious approach to putting her back in the game.

 

[Stymie]

Yeah I saw that, but it's hard for me to make the leap that she was pressuring anyone. That's a pretty serious accusation without proof, and not one that a fan should make based on what they see on TV.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
I saw what I saw.

 

[hoopsfan22]

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
I saw what I saw.

You weren't there. You couldn't hear any of the conversations taking place. You are going to malign a coach and level pretty serious charges based on a few seconds of what you saw on a TV broadcast? Are you OK with that standard being applied to Geno?

 

[Vancat]

Unsportsmanlike behavior. That pretty much says it all.

 

[Stymie]

You weren't there. You couldn't hear any of the conversations taking place. You are going to malign a coach and level pretty serious charges based on a few seconds of what you saw on a TV broadcast? Are you OK with that standard being applied to Geno?

Yes I am.
If/when he displays the same conduct, I’ll call him on it also.

 

[oldude]

You weren't there. You couldn't hear any of the conversations taking place. You are going to malign a coach and level pretty serious charges based on a few seconds of what you saw on a TV broadcast? Are you OK with that standard being applied to Geno?

Here’s a question. From what you were able to see during the broadcast: how Richards injury occurred, the obvious pain she was in and subsequently how she struggled to move once she came back into the game, do you believe she should have been back in the game?

 

[hoopsfan22]

Here’s a question. From what you were able to see during the broadcast: how Richards injury occurred, the obvious pain she was in and subsequently how she struggled to move once she came back into the game, do you believe she should have been back in the game?

I'm not a doctor nor Baylor's trainer. This whole thing sounds like Tennessee fans who accused Geno of the same thing when Geno left Paige on the floor for two minutes after getting injured, and then put her back in the game gimpy ankle and all once Tennessee closed to within a bucket with 2 minutes left in the game. If UConn's up 20 instead of 2 in that situation, do you think Geno puts Paige back in? I don't believe Geno or Kim would intentionally risk a player's health to win a ball game. Again a very serious allegation with zero proof.

 

[oldude]

I'm not a doctor nor Baylor's trainer. This whole thing sounds like Tennessee fans who accused Geno of the same thing when Geno left Paige on the floor for two minutes after getting injured, and then put her back in the game gimpy ankle and all once Tennessee closed to within a bucket with 2 minutes left in the game. If UConn's up 20 instead of 2 in that situation, do you think Geno puts Paige back in? I don't believe Geno or Kim would intentionally risk a player's health to win a ball game. Again a very serious allegation with zero proof.

What I was getting at was not necessarily the decision to put Richards back in the game, but simply whether or not she was effective after her injury. I think that’s pretty clear whether or not you’re a doctor or simply stayed at a Holiday Inn.

Something worth considering. UConn started their 19 point run, scoring the first basket with Richards on the floor. It was immediately after that basket that Richards blew out her hamstring pushing the ball up the court with a minute or so left in the 3rd qtr. UConn continued to close the gap with several scores in the 3rd qtr. Shortly after, Richards was being taped up on the sideline with the intention of getting back into the game.

I don’t remember if it was right at the start of the 4th qtr or within the 1st minute, Richards was back in the game. For the 2+ minutes of the 4th qtr when Richards was back in the game, UConn continued to go on their 19 pt run, expanding their lead to 9 pts. I would suggest that Baylor was at a distinct disadvantage effectively playing 4 on 5 during that time

UConn almost forced another turnover with 7 1/2 minutes left in the game, knocking the ball out of bounds. Only then did Mulkey sit Richards down for good, at which time Baylor started to fight their way back into the game.

There may be no clear answer to this question. As I said, I would have erred on the side of caution.

 

[Fore!]

I went back and watched the game closely. My wife and I counted two non calls against Paige, 1 on AE, 1 on CW and 2 on Liv. I also counted a UConn non foul called on DiDi and two on Carrington (counting the now infamous one....)

That's the nature of the game, period. Time to move on. Shame on the media also. Just straight up classless crap.

You missed the 2 fouls Baylor players committed against AG.

 

[huskiemaniac]

At the end of the day, she coached her team to be overly physical with us. She knew at several positions we had a distinct advantage and how do you counteract that? Fouling, which is cheating - she knew what was going on and could have directed her team differently - she was responsible for her teams overly aggresive physical play.

So the refs set the tone but she was responsible for the mauling. I didn't dislike her before, now I really do. (I'm sure she cares what I think!)

She did what she should do...it was up to the refs to call fouls.

 

[jaundicedeye]

I honestly feel for Kim. I do think she was trying her best to hold her tongue during her interview and clearly that was difficult for her. Could/should she have handled it better? Absolutely. I do recall though her making a point to say the story of the game was how we lost Didi. She’s a human, she’s going to make mistakes. She did her best to remain composed after an intense game that she lost. She’s a character, that’s why people love/hate her. It’s apart of her whole persona.
What I think the real travesty is, is the way she let her kids handle it. Going on Twitter right after the game to tweet/retweet/favorite things indicating Baylor got robbed is so unsportsmanlike. An emotional game but let’s give everyone a break, because Geno came out on top once again! And hey guess what, everyone was talking about women’s ball after that. That’s what the game needs to get some exposure. Oh well

What about giving credit to your opponent? Certainly it is a matter of bad sportsmanship, poor leadership, bad/wrong model for her team and a lost teaching opportunity.

 

[huskeynut]

Here’s a question. From what you were able to see during the broadcast: how Richards injury occurred, the obvious pain she was in and subsequently how she struggled to move once she came back into the game, do you believe she should have been back in the game?

I said to my wife, when Richards pulled up lame, that she popped a hammy. On the slow mo replay, you could see just a slight movement of the hamstring. I knew there was no way she could continue.

When Richards went back in, I knew she couldn't continue. She was limping up the court.

I have pulled my hamstrings more than once. You don't just bind it up and continue. It hurts a whole lot.

 

[Drumguy]

She did what she should do...it was up to the refs to call fouls.

Beg to differ. with the talent she had on the team she didn't need to tolerate or encourge cheating. She's a Hall of Fame coach and has a great, taented team, I would expect better from her.

 

[oldude]

I said to my wife, when Richards pulled up lame, that she popped a hammy. On the slow mo replay, you could see just a slight movement of the hamstring. I knew there was no way she could continue.

When Richards went back in, I knew she couldn't continue. She was limping up the court.

I have pulled my hamstrings more than once. You don't just bind it up and continue. It hurts a whole lot.

Done that a few times myself, although even worse imo, is blowing out a quad, which happened to me back in HS running sprints.

 

[Heytherego]

What about giving credit to your opponent? Certainly it is a matter of bad sportsmanship, poor leadership, bad/wrong model for her team and a lost teaching opportunity.

I agree totally that’s why I said she could have handled it better. I just also can understand where she is coming from after a gut wrenching loss.

 

[Heytherego]

Beg to differ. with the talent she had on the team she didn't need to tolerate or encourge cheating. She's a Hall of Fame coach and has a great, taented team, I would expect better from her.

Playing physical is not cheating, fouling is not cheating. It’s apart of the game, it’s on the refs to call that, not the players. If you’re talking about playing dirty, yeah that’s wrong. But I don’t understand why you’re saying cheating? Fouling can be a strategic part of the game.

 

[CTrefugee]

Kim calling for no further COVID testing at both Men's and Women's FF didn't move the dislike needle for you?

I agree with Kim on this.

 

[HuskyNan]

Thought people might like to know what Geno thinks of Kim’s COVID comments

UConn coach Geno Auriemma defends Baylor's Kim Mulkey for controversial COVID test comments

Baylor coach Kim Mulkey's call to skip COVID testing at Final Four didn't \

www.usatoday.com

 

[Drumguy]

@Heytherego. Playing physical is not pulling on jersey's, grabbing arms, making plays on the body - not the ball, tripping, flopping like a fish out of bounds - did you see any of the pictures in this thread??? It's not a part of the game. UConn doesn't rely on that type of play.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Thought people might like to know what Geno thinks of Kim’s COVID comments

UConn coach Geno Auriemma defends Baylor's Kim Mulkey for controversial COVID test comments

Baylor coach Kim Mulkey's call to skip COVID testing at Final Four didn't \

www.usatoday.com

It was a case of Geno having Kim's back! Geno is on the top of the mountain and everyone else is free-climbing the mountain face. Kim had about 2 fingers hanging on for dear life and Geno threw her a life line. Geno knows it is good for the game and his own comfort at the twilight period of his career to have some allies even with rivals. He once was the "loose cannon", now he lets the others "open mouth, insert foot". He is the voice of reason in WCBB and often sports in general.
I would wager that he does not agree with Kim on much of anything, much less Covid-19 protocols. IMO he should get major props for his actions, especially after Kim's behavior regarding the end of the game.
After all that nonsense, UConn and Geno rightfully looks like the classy program and Baylor not so much. Geno would not permit his players to play dirty/cheat. That is coaching!! End of story. Toughness is one thing, dirty is another.

 

[dogged1]

Beg to differ. with the talent she had on the team she didn't need to tolerate or encourge cheating. She's a Hall of Fame coach and has a great, taented team, I would expect better from her.

She did what she should do...it was up to the refs to call fouls.

(Apologies quotes are in wrong order.)
Also beg to differ. Fouling isn't always cheating. It is a part of the game. In some circumstances it is strategic.
Is it cheating to foul an opposing player near the end of a game when you have a foul to give and need to stop the clock?
Is it cheating to foul a poor free throw shooter on a layup, preventing a sure 2 points and sending them to the line?
The list goes on, all coaches use fouls.
I do agree that it is unethical to use fouls in a way that elevate the risk of injury to an opponent.

Edit: sorry @Heytherego I was writing my post when you put up yours. Nearly identical, great minds and all that.

 

[npignatjr]

I honestly feel for Kim. I do think she was trying her best to hold her tongue during her interview and clearly that was difficult for her. Could/should she have handled it better? Absolutely. I do recall though her making a point to say the story of the game was how we lost Didi. She’s a human, she’s going to make mistakes. She did her best to remain composed after an intense game that she lost. She’s a character, that’s why people love/hate her. It’s apart of her whole persona.
What I think the real travesty is, is the way she let her kids handle it. Going on Twitter right after the game to tweet/retweet/favorite things indicating Baylor got robbed is so unsportsmanlike. An emotional game but let’s give everyone a break, because Geno came out on top once again! And hey guess what, everyone was talking about women’s ball after that. That’s what the game needs to get some exposure. Oh well

What she did after the game hurt the women's game. Brought more attention to one call, which live didn't look like a foul. Her team's behavior the same.

 

[npignatjr]

What I was getting at was not necessarily the decision to put Richards back in the game, but simply whether or not she was effective after her injury. I think that’s pretty clear whether or not you’re a doctor or simply stayed at a Holiday Inn.

Something worth considering. UConn started their 19 point run, scoring the first basket with Richards on the floor. It was immediately after that basket that Richards blew out her hamstring pushing the ball up the court with a minute or so left in the 3rd qtr. UConn continued to close the gap with several scores in the 3rd qtr. Shortly after, Richards was being taped up on the sideline with the intention of getting back into the game.

I don’t remember if it was right at the start of the 4th qtr or within the 1st minute, Richards was back in the game. For the 2+ minutes of the 4th qtr when Richards was back in the game, UConn continued to go on their 19 pt run, expanding their lead to 9 pts. I would suggest that Baylor was at a distinct disadvantage effectively playing 4 on 5 during that time

UConn almost forced another turnover with 7 1/2 minutes left in the game, knocking the ball out of bounds. Only then did Mulkey sit Richards down for good, at which time Baylor started to fight their way back into the game.

There may be no clear answer to this question. As I said, I would have erred on the side of caution.

When DiDi was in and healthy it was a 4 on 5 when Baylor was on offense, half court. Her strengths defense and on fast breaks. When AE and ONO were off the court because of "foul" trouble, the same applied to UConn.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Everything we do in life has ethical and non-ethical aspects to it. If you're driving your car and you're in a hurry and you force a slower driver off the road, should we say, "well, where were the cops?" That would be wrong! If you butt in line in front of another person at the deli counter , should you say, "well, the deli clerk could have said something". That would be wrong! We teach our children and hopefully a civil society fosters and cultivates ethical behavior.
Sports is no different. Fouling is a part of the game. Dirty, unethical play is not and if it arises, there should be strict consequences. Grabbing Paige's arm on the screen, making a full out swipe at the ball as Paige was driving to the basket by Carrington, flagrant foul, free throws and the ball and possible ejection.
Simple, straight-forward. Everyone knows the difference between dirty and a common foul. Good/great coaches also teach sportsmanship and respect for the game itself. Coaches that lack integrity struggle with that and when their players cross the line, they end up with "egg on their face". Notice I did not accuse her of teaching dirty play.

 

[npignatjr]

Seems to be a lot of speculation going on? About arm hooking intent and other things.