It’s been this constant battle of waiting for the other shoe to drop. My uncle once said “sports is the toy department of life” And when’s it’s no longer that and a burden to watch maybe it’s time To do some self evaluating.
Ever since Lee & Lewis it’s no longer fun
- Thread starter BrianRiley55
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I hear you. Fans don't expect these kind of tests I don't think. I wasn't really ready for it. Some days it feels really weird. Hard to put into words but I feel like I understand where you are coming from.
College basketball has sucked for a long time and that has nothing to do with the scandal for me. It’s simply a boring/bad game. Can you imagine watching a game that didn’t involve Louisville?
I blame a whole lot of things and at the top was the scandal and the disproportionate sanctions and the lack of acknowledgment by the admin on who really matters. It’s like the scene from the movie fever pitch when jimmy Fallon and his buddies are sulking over the red Sox being down 0-3 to the yankees and they spot actual red Sox eating out and partying and they see something wrong with that...
It has been a very long, bumpy road for UofL basketball fans. Even the Lee and Lewis season ended in a self imposed post season ban. The cloud of negativity has been going on for 3 plus years now and still isn't over yet.
Until UofL finds out what this latest punishment from the NCAA will be, and until they get past that, the program can't truly move on unhampered IMO.
I'll always be a Louisville Cardinal fan though no matter what.
Until UofL finds out what this latest punishment from the NCAA will be, and until they get past that, the program can't truly move on unhampered IMO.
I'll always be a Louisville Cardinal fan though no matter what.
This.
I was hoping this team won the Title before going on a 1 or 2 yr ban.
They cant even beat a garbage uofk team.
I’ve always been slightly more of a football fan but I remember being at the Yum for Senior Day in 2014. We had just hammered the eventual National Champions (UConn) by 30+ points and I didn’t see how it could get any better than the feeling I had sitting there in the arena watching the post game interviews.
I was right. Like Shadow Force said, I’ll always be a Louisville Cardinal fan in every sport but my interest in the college game itself will never be what it was from the early 70s-2014.
I’ll be honest, I don’t feel the connection to the players like before.
I was right. Like Shadow Force said, I’ll always be a Louisville Cardinal fan in every sport but my interest in the college game itself will never be what it was from the early 70s-2014.
I’ll be honest, I don’t feel the connection to the players like before.
I do agree with the OP about Damien Lee. He was a great Louisville Cardinal, even if it was for just a year.
Who remembers back in the 1990s when 60 Minutes did the story on UofL basketball? That was my first taste of an off the court issue with our program.
I think over time, these issues have chipped away at my enthusiasm for college sports. And not just in UofL's program. The Penn State and Michigan State scandals of the past decade both took a toll on my enthusiasm. Seeing lists of arrest reports in the SEC. Our scandals. On and on.
Everyone has a breaking point, and maybe Lee & Lewis was yours OP. I'm still here, but maybe the next NCAA boot to UofL's head will finally end it for me. Who knows? I can certainly understand and empathize with your apathy toward the team after all that's happened.
I think over time, these issues have chipped away at my enthusiasm for college sports. And not just in UofL's program. The Penn State and Michigan State scandals of the past decade both took a toll on my enthusiasm. Seeing lists of arrest reports in the SEC. Our scandals. On and on.
Everyone has a breaking point, and maybe Lee & Lewis was yours OP. I'm still here, but maybe the next NCAA boot to UofL's head will finally end it for me. Who knows? I can certainly understand and empathize with your apathy toward the team after all that's happened.
College basketball has been bad since the NBA started raiding the college ranks. I remember sitting in a doctors office years ago and reading Sports Illustrated. It said that the NBA would have to raid the college ranks or go under. That was at least 18 years ago, the problem is they never stopped raiding.
You don’t see the great matchups anymore like we used to see. Louisville with the McCray brothers and Memphis with Keith Lee orPatrick Ewing vs Ed Pinckney. The NBA has ruined the college. Unfortunately for meI don’t like watching the NBA.
You don’t see the great matchups anymore like we used to see. Louisville with the McCray brothers and Memphis with Keith Lee orPatrick Ewing vs Ed Pinckney. The NBA has ruined the college. Unfortunately for meI don’t like watching the NBA.
I agree..I don't know if it is my age and knowing this is a bunch of kids playing, or just other things going on in life...I just don't get upset like I used to over a UL loss. Maybe the fact that a national championship was taken away also caused some disinterest in watching. I don't think the 80s are coming back though...
I don't think my excitement level for the football program has ever been higher than it was this year, and right now. I went into the season with absolutely zero expectations in terms of wins. All I wanted was the guys to play hard and tough and smart, and I felt confident that they would because I was 100% confident Satt & Co. I must have watched 15 App St games, 30 Satterfield interviews, stuff on YouTube about Ledford at NC State, read up on Bryan Brown, etc over the spring & summer. I knew they were going to fix the culture, get the guys to play hard, pound technique in practice, and dial up some dynamic stuff on the field. I didn't know how many wins & losses that would equate to but I was excited to find out. I predicted 4 and was blown away by 8. I cant wait to see where they take this program over the next 5-10 years.
My excitement level for basketball is almost the complete opposite, because my confidence level in Mack & Co is the complete opposite. I'm still watching, still cheering, still hoping we win but in the back of my mind, I'm expecting to be unprepared and take a loss anytime we play someone in the Top 25, and I don't expect the team to do much in March. And no longer having that confidence, faith and hope really really really sucks.
My excitement level for basketball is almost the complete opposite, because my confidence level in Mack & Co is the complete opposite. I'm still watching, still cheering, still hoping we win but in the back of my mind, I'm expecting to be unprepared and take a loss anytime we play someone in the Top 25, and I don't expect the team to do much in March. And no longer having that confidence, faith and hope really really really sucks.
I’m just frustrated In the fact this is something I used to look forward to, now I’m easily upset over the littlest of things and irritated and jaded and it’s no longer the fun it once was, Chris Mack was the obvious choice and made sense and hopefully will work out over time but lately I feel like Sisyphus watching these guys roll the damn bolder up the hill only to lose grip at the top of the mountain and thing tumbles back down the hill.
Definitely if you are doing something for entertainment that isn’t fun, then by all means stop doing it. And if it’s truly not fun and you choose to continue to do it, then it should be obvious that you’re not doing it purely for entertainment. That’s probably where examination is needed.
Besides the tournament/Final 4, I can't remember the last time I watched a Non-Louisville college basketball game.
I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I don't know whether it is my age, watered down quality of play, low BB IQ or constant drip, drip, drip of impending investigations.
It's gotten so bad that I missed the 1st half of Saturday's game simply b/c I didn't feel like getting up from my nap. That would never happen in years past. If the Cards were on, I was by the TV. I've seen a lot of games against a lot of bad Metro and CUSA opponents.
Like Louisvillian, I remember the highs of Senior Day 2014 and how things have since changed. I loved the hire of CCM and will continue to support the program. Hopefully, brighter days are ahead.
The juice isn’t worth the squeeze anymore maybe it’ll change but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. I hope they do well and will never cheer for the cayuts. Maybe it’s my age and other important things have taken precedent.
I suggest that fans in this mental state try to diversify their U of L interests as many already have. For example, I look forward to baseball season as much as I do men's basketball anymore. I'll follow women's basketball recruiting as much as I do football recruiting. Fortunately, we have great programs in a number of sports, and if/when one disappoints, you focus on another that's rolling.
It's true that I also don't get absorbed in men's basketball like I used to. But I probably follow U of L sports more than I ever have. That pendulum swings, and men's basketball will once again have its day in the sun...
It's true that I also don't get absorbed in men's basketball like I used to. But I probably follow U of L sports more than I ever have. That pendulum swings, and men's basketball will once again have its day in the sun...
I did that a long time ago.
5 years ago my interest level ranked:
1) mens basketball
2) football
3) baseball
4) womens basketball
5) mens soccer
Been to countless games for all.
Now my interest level ranks
1) football
2) baseball
3) mens basketball
4) womens basketball
5) mens soccer
I like the other sports especially baseball. There is more of a college feel to those sports.
I have lost interest in basketball because of the scandals and general state for the game. I have a hard time with Louisville cheating to compete. Not only did they cheat they did it so poorly. Maybe once the NCAA process is over I will be more into it. The 3 weeks in March is still the best sporting event going.
Football is a racket it will never change until there is an expanded playoff. It will still be an exclusive group.
I have lost interest in basketball because of the scandals and general state for the game. I have a hard time with Louisville cheating to compete. Not only did they cheat they did it so poorly. Maybe once the NCAA process is over I will be more into it. The 3 weeks in March is still the best sporting event going.
Football is a racket it will never change until there is an expanded playoff. It will still be an exclusive group.
Baseball has become my new #1 in the last few years. And I will admit that it’s because it’s a safe place for me and my die hard heart. I lost 2 coaches that I was heavily invested in personally.
But I will get over it. I am getting over it slowly but surely. I’m in full support mode of CCM and CSS, but my heart says whoa. I’m sure you guys aren’t “feeling” or willing to share as I am.
But I will get over it. I am getting over it slowly but surely. I’m in full support mode of CCM and CSS, but my heart says whoa. I’m sure you guys aren’t “feeling” or willing to share as I am.
I mean going into the tournament in 2016-17 we had a team capable of winning a title with Donovan Mitchell. We lost to a good Michigan team early, but I was pumped for that team.
2017-18, yeah that was a low point. But for as bad as it was, we had a decent team on the bubble. A bad inbounds play against UVA away from a good year.
Last year we had some fun games. Take away the Duke loss and we remember last year a WHOLE lot different.
This year I think people are down because the national media and our fans were expecting an elite title contender like we had in 2013. We don’t have that, but it’s still a darn good team with a true star in Nwora.
I mean I’m attached to these kids. The under dog hometown kid in Sutton. McMahon being ignored and becoming a top shooter in the land. Guys like Perry and Malik who were brought in by Rick and stayed true through sanctions and different coaches. A top 5 recruiting class for the future after we thought we hit rock bottom.
We are still ranked and have a good team. I’m still here for them!
2017-18, yeah that was a low point. But for as bad as it was, we had a decent team on the bubble. A bad inbounds play against UVA away from a good year.
Last year we had some fun games. Take away the Duke loss and we remember last year a WHOLE lot different.
This year I think people are down because the national media and our fans were expecting an elite title contender like we had in 2013. We don’t have that, but it’s still a darn good team with a true star in Nwora.
I mean I’m attached to these kids. The under dog hometown kid in Sutton. McMahon being ignored and becoming a top shooter in the land. Guys like Perry and Malik who were brought in by Rick and stayed true through sanctions and different coaches. A top 5 recruiting class for the future after we thought we hit rock bottom.
We are still ranked and have a good team. I’m still here for them!
Yeah being ranked number 1 2 years into a “rebuild” after a scandal isn’t fun at all. That Michigan game a top 5 matchup at the yum wasn’t fun at all. I don’t know what the expectations are for you all. Rick averaged 10 losses his first 3 seasons in conference USA which isn’t what the ACC is now. Maybe you all are just living in the past. Yeah it’s no fun having realistic elite 8 and final 4 chances in year 2 of a “rebuild” haha you all are crazy
I have to admit that baseball and the Lady Cards get a lot more of my attention than in years past. Thank heavens we have top notch programs in each.
After reading this thread I want to go into the bathroom and stick my finger down my throat.
- Our football program just finished the season with a extremely exciting bowl game win over an SEC opponent after going 2 - 10 the year before. Our recruiting class is very encouraging. Our football coach is named ACC Coach of the Year.
- Our baseball team is ranked number one preseason.
- Women's Volleyball advanced farther than ever in the NCAA Championship.
- Men's basketball is 11-3, still one of the top teams in the ACC and the nation.
- Women's basketball is 12-1 and ranked in the top ten.
I dont think the topic is in regards to wins and losses. Or rankings. Or current coaches either. Certainly not players.
It's more about the off court problems within the program giving some fans the runs. Then the way it all got handled just sucks. Other programs said FU to the NCAA UofL tried a not so good approach, and that approach wasn't successful.
Then you see other programs with similar off court programs just stay the course as if nothing happenned. UNC had fake classes and zero penalty. Yeah no glass houses but it's ok to look around at other houses while living in your own.
Fans and former players/coaches get left in the wind. It is best to try to move forward I think the OP is just sharing it's not been that easy for him and he's reflecting on the big picture for him.
Not to speak for the OP.
It's more about the off court problems within the program giving some fans the runs. Then the way it all got handled just sucks. Other programs said FU to the NCAA UofL tried a not so good approach, and that approach wasn't successful.
Then you see other programs with similar off court programs just stay the course as if nothing happenned. UNC had fake classes and zero penalty. Yeah no glass houses but it's ok to look around at other houses while living in your own.
Fans and former players/coaches get left in the wind. It is best to try to move forward I think the OP is just sharing it's not been that easy for him and he's reflecting on the big picture for him.
Not to speak for the OP.
Maybe so, but with regards to former basketball players, Chris Mack has opened up his home, his practice sessions, etc. to ALL past players regardless of who their head coach was in the past. The response has been very well received.
And there is no way ANYBODY pulling g for the Cards wanted the Pitino era to close how it did. HOF coach did great things and he doesn't get to exit on his terms. Or Jurich.
This is just tough for some fans. Factor in the near death of the 4 year player and it's understandable how some may question their juice for it all.
It's been a tough couple years.
This is just tough for some fans. Factor in the near death of the 4 year player and it's understandable how some may question their juice for it all.
It's been a tough couple years.
I think this was well said and rings true for many Cards basketball fans. Add the fact that all of the this stuff has been dragging on for over 3 years and still isn't over yet.
The OP can obviously speak for himself and there is nothing wrong if he feels the way he does.
For me, I still find UofL basketball fun and will always remain a UofL fan. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here on the board.
I love Mack's passion. I should not take it for granted. Again, I think the internal struggle is mostly about the past.
Couldn’t agree more. Things haven’t been this great as a whole athletic department in awhile.
The clowns we have in charge now were handed lemons in men's basketball. And the last thing they tried to do was make lemonade. They had a larger agenda.
I'm pretty much over it. But if anyone still has issues with how we emerged from all of the scandal garbage compared to other schools nationally, make sure you focus on what got us here and not necessarily what started it...
I'm pretty much over it. But if anyone still has issues with how we emerged from all of the scandal garbage compared to other schools nationally, make sure you focus on what got us here and not necessarily what started it...
That Damian Lee team was so fun to watch. I can't prove it obviously and upsets happen but I think their floor was the Final Four.