This was a bad misread by the UK staff. They thought until the last day they had a chance. Whether they actually did, I guess only God knows but it does look like Stokes was likely headed to Kansas for sometime. Pope and his staff believed that could change. It clearly didn’t
The visit didn’t go well. A national reporter told me that the visit may have been what led Stokes to finally make the decision to go to Kansas. The visits this cycle haven’t gone well. Why, I guess is anyone’s guess
Jacob should have made clear that the reason he included that bit in the story was because he got a second source this afternoon. I told him that a few minutes ago and he understands. I didn’t know about him knowing it originally but if it was one source and he didn’t feel confident, he shouldn’t share it…especially if it could hurt UK. But when he got the second one decided to run it, he should have been clear on it. It was a mistakes and he will learn from it.
He and Jack both have tried to share info they have learned with the staff, including a couple of things that could have been helpful to them that they didn’t want to share publicly. The staff chooses not to take those calls from them, or anyone in national media right now, as I understand it. That’s their right but I think it’s a mistake.
Ultimately, this entire portal season, in my opinion, has had faults bc of a staff that has cut itself off from everyone not within their room. They aren’t connected to the market in a good way and they need a GM. They have chosen not to have one and the results are what they are.
