Sticker Shock

Posted: Apr 8, 2008

What did you think of UNC basketball coach Roy Williams' wearing a Kansas Jayhawks sticker on his shirt Monday night during the national championship game in San Antonio? Please weigh in.

I decided not to watch the CBS televised game between the Jayhawks and Memphis Tigers. I must confess the decision is part of my grieving process. UNC's highly disappointing loss to Kansas Saturday night sent many Tar Heel fans including myself into a blue funk. Carolina just didn't seem to play with the fire and passion that got them to the Final Four, and many fans were disappointed that Williams didn't call timeouts in the first half to curb the Jayhawks’ rally, which resulted in a 28-point lead.

I subscribe to a UNC sports Web site, and Tuesday morning, I was surprised to see a barrage of criticism against the Carolina coach for wearing that sticker. Many saw the gesture as a slap in the face and like pouring salt into the wounds of defeat. They criticized the coach for staying in Texas instead of returning to Chapel Hill to be with his deflated players.

Personally, I have no problems with Roy wearing that sticker. He was head coach at Kansas for 15 successful years. He put his heart and soul into the program that he now calls his second favorite behind Carolina, of course. And it’s not like he was waving pompoms for the Jayhawks during the game. I saw the gesture as a touch of class much like I came to respect from Dean Smith during his legendary coaching career at Carolina.

Feel free to disagree.

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Bill, I am not a tarheel fan, but I too think it was fine for him to wear that sticker. Like you said, that was his team for 15 years, is he supposed to just not care? Obviously when the Heels were playing (or atleast showed up to play them) he wanted them to win. With the Heels out of it, why would it not be ok to root for your #2. We all do, right? Wasn't he still in Texas anyway because of an awards thing for Tyler?

just my2cents
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
April 8, 2008 8:17 a.m.

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I'm torn about this issue. I first thought what the heck is he doing sitting there with that tacky bird on his shirt; then, I thought maybe he was offering an olive branch to the Jayhawks and then I thought, why would he do that! From all the venomous comments Kansas fans have made numerous times, I don't think they welcomed Roy with open arms or were ready to forgive him. As for watching the game - we went to the movies!

2thebeach
GOLO member since July 3, 2007
April 8, 2008 8:21 a.m.

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It was Roys decision to make and will just have to be accepted by UNC fans. Its just a game to me..life goes on. I fell asleep and actually forgot about the game until Tom Suiter woke me up this AM with his rapidly explosive details of the play by play and win by Kansas. Well deserved!!

owlady
GOLO member since July 5, 2007
April 8, 2008 8:39 a.m.

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I thought that Roy Willimas wearing that sticker was both funny and respectful.

Although I'm a Wolfpack fan (that actually likes UNC), I don't think there's a coach in basketball (period) with more class than Roy.

davidgnews
April 8, 2008 8:44 a.m.

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I don't think it really matters what the fans thought about it. What matters is what his players thought about it. I, for one, am tired of hearing about how much he loved (loves) Kansas. The players may have gotten tired of it too. Once he expressed his feelings, the next time he was asked about Kansas he should have just said "I've already addressed that. Next question.". If you continue to talk about how great your first spouse was, after a while the second one is going to start having some second thoughts about where they stand. His team was in disarray Sat. night and he didn't step up as a coach when needed. It's my opinion that his lack of action sealed the loss. You have to wonder how the players feel. Did they think he should be in the stands or back in Chapel Hill helping them deal with an embarrassing loss? I love having Roy at UNC, but I know where I would have been.

Wheelman
April 8, 2008 9:06 a.m.

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As a huge Tar Heel and Roy fan I am fine with him wearing the sticker. Nothing says class like supporting your old team/employer like rooting for them to win the NC. I really think those Kansas fans who "would push him in the river at the riverwalk if they saw him" should take note and realize how classless they are for booing him at the opening of the game. I lost what little respect I had for the Kansas fanbase after they pulled that.

wballanceunc
GOLO member since April 8, 2008
April 8, 2008 9:28 a.m.

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I felt like it was an olive branch - after all, he had essentially lied to KU nation (but then the situations almost force coaches to lie) and many still hold the grudge. So, after they gave him a thorough whuppin' Sat, maybe this was his way of saying that he didn't also hold a grudge. He apparently genuinely cares for KU.

If I was a unc fan, I'd be much more concerned about his 1)not preparing his players for the game (only psycho-T appeared to not be overwhelmed), and 2)his failure to make adjustments during the game. The tarheels got outplayed and Roy got outcoached. The had a great season, but fell apart on the big stage, which is what most people will remember.

Garnerwolf1
GOLO member since December 11, 2007
April 8, 2008 9:54 a.m.

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I wouldn't expect anything less from Roy in regards to showing support for Kansas. I have absolutely zero problems with it. But I'm a fan of Kansas as well and always have been (my dad went to KU), so I can understand and relate to him liking both teams. UNC is my number 1 and means so much to me, but after we were out of it, I wore my Kansas sweatshirt to watch the game last night.

I think it probably did help the Kansas fans forgive Roy and bring some closure to what happened and what they were still upset about. You've got to love the way the two schools are so intertwined. This just adds to that.

allison842
GOLO member since September 20, 2007
April 8, 2008 9:58 a.m.

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I think you can have loyalty and love for the school where you are, and still have a warm spot in your heart for another. I got my Masters from Florida State, and while there, I was amused by what happened when Florida State (where father Bobby Bowden coaches) played Clemson (where son Tommy Bowden coaches). Ann Bowden, Bobby's wife, wears a sweatshirt is a composite of FSU and Clemson sweatshirts. While she loves FSU, she still is able to cheer for Clemson at times!

Celt
GOLO member since September 19, 2007
April 8, 2008 10:06 a.m.

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Given the intertwining of Kansas and UNC for Roy, this was a hard decision for me.

Why not pull for the team you lost to? Then you could say you lost to the champion.

But then again, he was at Kansas and apparently still loves them. It might have been better for him to be in Chapel Hill with his team. They need him more now. Roy needs to be ready to encourage his team and get them ready to redeem themselves.

Then again, does Roy need a break too?

Lots of thoughts on this one, Bill.

murdock
GOLO member since February 14, 2008
April 8, 2008 10:09 a.m.

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