Devonte Graham
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hapapp
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8993
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Re: Devonte Graham
I'm sorry, but I don't agree one bit that we should release Devonte.
1. He may not want to be here at all, but that doesn't matter. If you sign that letter of intent, you have signed yourself to that school. You are saying, "Yes, I will be there next fall," not "I may show up or I may not."
2. This is being made into a personal "App State is holding Devonte hostage" ploy, but that's not it at all. Devonte SIGNED that letter of intent. You are handing yourself over to that school at that time.
3. Devonte is wanting to leave Appalachian State because somebody else might offer him something better. I get that, I truly do, but when you sign your name on that dotted line, it's not as simple as simply saying thanks but no thanks.
4. If another school(NCSU, UCONN, or any of the above) truly did tamper around with the contract, then that's a whole other level.
5. The kid made a commitment before he had to. He could have easily waited until April to sign, but he didn't, and now these are the consequences. If we let him go because he just decided he doesn't want to be here anymore, what are we going to do when the next kid decides he doesn't want to be here either?
We either need to lay down the law or not have a law, period. We cannot play with double standards on this. Yes, we are going to receive negative press for this, and yes, we may lose recruits, but what is it really hurting anyways? I would much rather see our University standby our athletics department and say, "Hey, a contract is a contract and there's no other way around it," than say, "Okay, I guess we'll just let him go because he doesn't like us anymore." There is a thing called tough love and it looks like this kid needs it. You made a mistake, now either hush up and play or pay the consequences.
1. He may not want to be here at all, but that doesn't matter. If you sign that letter of intent, you have signed yourself to that school. You are saying, "Yes, I will be there next fall," not "I may show up or I may not."
2. This is being made into a personal "App State is holding Devonte hostage" ploy, but that's not it at all. Devonte SIGNED that letter of intent. You are handing yourself over to that school at that time.
3. Devonte is wanting to leave Appalachian State because somebody else might offer him something better. I get that, I truly do, but when you sign your name on that dotted line, it's not as simple as simply saying thanks but no thanks.
4. If another school(NCSU, UCONN, or any of the above) truly did tamper around with the contract, then that's a whole other level.
5. The kid made a commitment before he had to. He could have easily waited until April to sign, but he didn't, and now these are the consequences. If we let him go because he just decided he doesn't want to be here anymore, what are we going to do when the next kid decides he doesn't want to be here either?
We either need to lay down the law or not have a law, period. We cannot play with double standards on this. Yes, we are going to receive negative press for this, and yes, we may lose recruits, but what is it really hurting anyways? I would much rather see our University standby our athletics department and say, "Hey, a contract is a contract and there's no other way around it," than say, "Okay, I guess we'll just let him go because he doesn't like us anymore." There is a thing called tough love and it looks like this kid needs it. You made a mistake, now either hush up and play or pay the consequences.
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huskie3
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Re: Devonte Graham
Release him with stipulations about where he can play, I understand we have done that with a football player this year, so what is the difference.
Bring Your A Game!
Re: Devonte Graham
Plain and simple....capel has all of a sudden gained fans/support from ASU, who feels that he stands for something. Capel is still the loud mouth, arrogant mofo who blasted his team UNC(remember Forte)!!!! Because it wasn't about him, capel is only prolonging this in hopes of a resigning. Regardless of tampering or not, there is no need to screw a kid who is just trying to do what they feel is best for them. Selfish or not..... As much as other have said "you sign means your word is your bond" also goes "if nobody else looks after you, you look out for yourself". Who are we to tell a kid from a single parent mother struggling to ensure her child the best possible life that he can have-----"hey you made your bed now lay in it". Be real have none of you never made a mistake as a kid????? He is a kid, regardless of major school tampering or not, he didn't ask for it. He just say a better opportunity. To better his life
Like it or not, honestly how many of us wouldn't have asked to be released
Like it or not, honestly how many of us wouldn't have asked to be released
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AppGrad78
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Re: Devonte Graham
I think 99.9 percent of the people on this board can truthfully say they've never broken a signed contract.app123 wrote:Like it or not, honestly how many of us wouldn't have asked to be released
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Gonzo
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Re: Devonte Graham
Does that include clickwrap and browsewrap terms of use? Because I violate terms and services of message boards on a daily basis.AppGrad78 wrote:I think 99.9 percent of the people on this board can truthfully say they've never broken a signed contract.app123 wrote:Like it or not, honestly how many of us wouldn't have asked to be released
Re: Devonte Graham
Sure not even canceled a check. Get the heck out of here. I understand The schools point but let's end this and release him to who ever except those we feel tampered. Release Graham and Capel from same plane the peacock was going to jump from
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asumike83
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Re: Devonte Graham
I feel for the kid and understand his desire to play at the highest level but it is not just about him.
This is important not only for App but mid-major programs in general. When it comes to recruiting, the deck is stacked against the small conferences enough already.
Every year, verbal commits that were put on the radar by schools with a fraction of the recruiting budget of State, UConn, etc. de-commit and go play in a power league. If the precedent is set that they're welcome to take the signed players as well, it is an open invitation to get walked all over.
App spent a lot of time and money recruiting him, then shut down their PG recruiting when he signed. He voluntarily signed early and if he'd rather lose a year of eligibility than play one year in Boone then transfer, that is his choice. Seth Curry didn't seem to be hurt by his season at Liberty before going to Duke.
It is what it is and App will be made out to be the bad guy but it is highly unlikely that he suddenly realizes he's high major talent without some tampering occurring. Whoever got in his ear is the person/people who put him in a very unfair situation, not Capel or App.
This is important not only for App but mid-major programs in general. When it comes to recruiting, the deck is stacked against the small conferences enough already.
Every year, verbal commits that were put on the radar by schools with a fraction of the recruiting budget of State, UConn, etc. de-commit and go play in a power league. If the precedent is set that they're welcome to take the signed players as well, it is an open invitation to get walked all over.
App spent a lot of time and money recruiting him, then shut down their PG recruiting when he signed. He voluntarily signed early and if he'd rather lose a year of eligibility than play one year in Boone then transfer, that is his choice. Seth Curry didn't seem to be hurt by his season at Liberty before going to Duke.
It is what it is and App will be made out to be the bad guy but it is highly unlikely that he suddenly realizes he's high major talent without some tampering occurring. Whoever got in his ear is the person/people who put him in a very unfair situation, not Capel or App.
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Dmanuhone
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Re: Devonte Graham
Official APP response. Seems reasonable to me.
http://www.appstatesports.com/ViewArtic ... =209269294
Statement from Appalachian State Athletics
Courtesy: Appalachian State Sports Information
Release: 09/27/2013
Over the past 24 hours, a handful of media members have offered their opinions on the situation between Appalachian State University's men's basketball program and Devonte Graham, a student-athlete who signed a binding NCAA National Letter of Intent to attend Appalachian State last November.
We take particular exception to the unsubstantiated and irresponsible opinion of some media members that we are holding a student-athlete "hostage." With his family's blessing and support, Devonte Graham willingly and excitedly chose to sign a National Letter of Intent with Appalachian State last November after having the opportunity to be recruited by 351 NCAA Division I programs. Furthermore, if he thought that a more desirable situation might arise in the future, he also had the option to wait until the late signing period in April to make his college choice. Since he chose to sign a binding Letter of Intent with Appalachian State, we stopped recruiting a large number of student-athletes at his position in his class who would have been grateful for the opportunity to receive a full scholarship to attend and play basketball at our great institution.
As our coaching staff fully expected, Devonte had a terrific senior season last winter and, accordingly, drew the interest of programs from what are widely recognized as "power conferences." However, due to his binding agreement with Appalachian State, other programs were not permitted by NCAA rules to contact him, be it directly or through people claiming to represent his interests. Due to our concerns that these rules were not followed and the fact that we had turned away all other potential student-athletes that could have capably filled his spot on the roster, we denied his request for a release from his binding Letter of Intent. We also made the NCAA aware of our concerns.
On the contrary to the opinion that we are holding a student-athlete "hostage," we feel like we are acting in the best interests of all student-athletes and Division I programs that operate under the principle that a National Letter of Intent is a binding agreement meant to be upheld by both the student-athlete and the institution. When that principle is not upheld by a small number of people with selfish motives, it is to the detriment of the student-athlete, the vast majority of Division I institutions (particularly mid-major programs) and all of college basketball.
While we understand that it is en vogue for the media to hammer away at the perceived bureaucracy of the NCAA, recruiting rules and guidelines are in place to protect student-athletes and NCAA institutions alike. Without them, recruiting would be utter chaos. Also, while we greatly appreciate the advocacy of the national media covering men's basketball, especially related to reforms in recruiting practices as a whole, we are confident that those who have shared their opinions over the past 24 hours are not aware of the full circumstances in this particular situation. If all of the facts regarding the situation and how it has unfolded since last spring were to come to light, we believe that the opinions that we are holding a student-athlete "hostage" would change. It would be very disappointing if not.
All of that being said, the situation is now in the hands of the NCAA and will be resolved by its governance. Therefore, we will not have any further comment on the matter.
http://www.appstatesports.com/ViewArtic ... =209269294
Statement from Appalachian State Athletics
Courtesy: Appalachian State Sports Information
Release: 09/27/2013
Over the past 24 hours, a handful of media members have offered their opinions on the situation between Appalachian State University's men's basketball program and Devonte Graham, a student-athlete who signed a binding NCAA National Letter of Intent to attend Appalachian State last November.
We take particular exception to the unsubstantiated and irresponsible opinion of some media members that we are holding a student-athlete "hostage." With his family's blessing and support, Devonte Graham willingly and excitedly chose to sign a National Letter of Intent with Appalachian State last November after having the opportunity to be recruited by 351 NCAA Division I programs. Furthermore, if he thought that a more desirable situation might arise in the future, he also had the option to wait until the late signing period in April to make his college choice. Since he chose to sign a binding Letter of Intent with Appalachian State, we stopped recruiting a large number of student-athletes at his position in his class who would have been grateful for the opportunity to receive a full scholarship to attend and play basketball at our great institution.
As our coaching staff fully expected, Devonte had a terrific senior season last winter and, accordingly, drew the interest of programs from what are widely recognized as "power conferences." However, due to his binding agreement with Appalachian State, other programs were not permitted by NCAA rules to contact him, be it directly or through people claiming to represent his interests. Due to our concerns that these rules were not followed and the fact that we had turned away all other potential student-athletes that could have capably filled his spot on the roster, we denied his request for a release from his binding Letter of Intent. We also made the NCAA aware of our concerns.
On the contrary to the opinion that we are holding a student-athlete "hostage," we feel like we are acting in the best interests of all student-athletes and Division I programs that operate under the principle that a National Letter of Intent is a binding agreement meant to be upheld by both the student-athlete and the institution. When that principle is not upheld by a small number of people with selfish motives, it is to the detriment of the student-athlete, the vast majority of Division I institutions (particularly mid-major programs) and all of college basketball.
While we understand that it is en vogue for the media to hammer away at the perceived bureaucracy of the NCAA, recruiting rules and guidelines are in place to protect student-athletes and NCAA institutions alike. Without them, recruiting would be utter chaos. Also, while we greatly appreciate the advocacy of the national media covering men's basketball, especially related to reforms in recruiting practices as a whole, we are confident that those who have shared their opinions over the past 24 hours are not aware of the full circumstances in this particular situation. If all of the facts regarding the situation and how it has unfolded since last spring were to come to light, we believe that the opinions that we are holding a student-athlete "hostage" would change. It would be very disappointing if not.
All of that being said, the situation is now in the hands of the NCAA and will be resolved by its governance. Therefore, we will not have any further comment on the matter.
Victory Yosef visited the Virgin Islands, now they are just called the Islands
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appstate2010
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Re: Devonte Graham
Sooo I just signed a mortgage on my first house and found one I like better.
You think the bank will let me out of my contract?
You think the bank will let me out of my contract?
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MountainMan
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Re: Devonte Graham
I understand the arguments about not letting Graham out of his pledge -- the principle involved, ASU foregoing other players, the reality of the "contract", and so on. I don't think ASU has any obligation to let him go, and he probably deserves to be "taught a lesson" about real life.....
BUT, at the end of the day, ASU gains nothing (that I can see) from keeping him locked up. I can't imagine wanting him on the team after such a dust-up -- could he really get over it and be productive? do we really need more personnel problems? He's already going to be missing a year and, at least to me, he's the one that looks bad/immature. If there is evidence of tampering, the NCAA is going to have to sort that out and it won't matter if we've kept him locked up or let him go.
Bottom line, I think it's to ASU's benefit to cut him loose with the stipulation that he can't go to a list of several schools (including NC ST), get this behind us, and move on. I simply don't see a great resolution to the problem, but this seems to be the best of several not-so-good options.
BUT, at the end of the day, ASU gains nothing (that I can see) from keeping him locked up. I can't imagine wanting him on the team after such a dust-up -- could he really get over it and be productive? do we really need more personnel problems? He's already going to be missing a year and, at least to me, he's the one that looks bad/immature. If there is evidence of tampering, the NCAA is going to have to sort that out and it won't matter if we've kept him locked up or let him go.
Bottom line, I think it's to ASU's benefit to cut him loose with the stipulation that he can't go to a list of several schools (including NC ST), get this behind us, and move on. I simply don't see a great resolution to the problem, but this seems to be the best of several not-so-good options.
Re: Devonte Graham
yesterday, I talked to a buddy of mine who graduated from Florida State, told him about this situation with Graham, he told me the exact thing happen to Florida State last year, a 5 star linebacker, changed his mind after he had signed his LOI, and wanted to go play for USC. FS refused to release him, he is now starting for them and seems to be doing fine. We are not the only school that believes a LOI is a binding contract, and will hold a player to his commitment, and I bet the majority of schools in the country would take the exact same stand as we are.
Re: Devonte Graham
we are just the on
We are just the only school who doesn't see that our coach is using this kid as a bargaining piece for contract extension. Clearly not about forcing the kid to honor his word. The kid understand the penalty and has enrolled in Prep, therfore sitting out a year. He asked to be released in Feburary, well before his "terrific senior season" as ASU stated. Tampering or not, Just release him with restrictionsand move on. Release him and Capel!!!! It appears to me that Graham isn't the only "Selfish" party here.
moehler wrote:yesterday, I talked to a buddy of mine who graduated from Florida State, told him about this situation with Graham, he told me the exact thing happen to Florida State last year, a 5 star linebacker, changed his mind after he had signed his LOI, and wanted to go play for USC. FS refused to release him, he is now starting for them and seems to be doing fine. We are not the only school that believes a LOI is a binding contract, and will hold a player to his commitment, and I bet the majority of schools in the country would take the exact same stand as we are.
We are just the only school who doesn't see that our coach is using this kid as a bargaining piece for contract extension. Clearly not about forcing the kid to honor his word. The kid understand the penalty and has enrolled in Prep, therfore sitting out a year. He asked to be released in Feburary, well before his "terrific senior season" as ASU stated. Tampering or not, Just release him with restrictionsand move on. Release him and Capel!!!! It appears to me that Graham isn't the only "Selfish" party here.
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appgrouch
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Re: Devonte Graham
You seem to be the only one who thinks that this will help him get an extension. The kid ain't Jordan 2.0.app123 wrote: We are just the only school who doesn't see that our coach is using this kid as a bargaining piece for contract extension. Clearly not about forcing the kid to honor his word. The kid understand the penalty and has enrolled in Prep, therfore sitting out a year. He asked to be released in Feburary, well before his "terrific senior season" as ASU stated. Tampering or not, Just release him with restrictionsand move on. Release him and Capel!!!! It appears to me that Graham isn't the only "Selfish" party here.
Truth is that unless we get to the dance this year, Capel is gone. This whole mess does nothing but lower his stock.
And since you don't know when HS basketball seasons run here's what the dates are for this year:
1st practice Oct 30
1st game Nov 18
Playoff seeding Feb 22
By Feb he knew good and well that he had a great Sr season and that if he could get a release that he good get some offers during the state playoffs.
That's what I do. I gripe and I know things.
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johnson1977john
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Re: Devonte Graham
I fully support Coach Capel in not awarding Devonte Graham his release last spring. However, I do see no point in still making this young man suffer. He has lost a year and was forced to attend a prep school in New Hampshire (rather than attend a four year college). Since he has not been released, he's unable to have any communication with other programs.
At this point, Coach Capel is the child. He denied the release (which I fully support). However, since both parties have now moved on (reported that App St has a point guard commit) he appears to be the immature party.
Give him his release so he may communicate with other schools. I would BLOCK any school, which you believe tampered with Graham (reportedly NC State). Do not release him to NC State, as well as any other Southern Conference School. By not releasing him period, you are only hurting your own future recruiting in the state of North Carolina and this region (since this has now reached a national level).
At this point, Coach Capel is the child. He denied the release (which I fully support). However, since both parties have now moved on (reported that App St has a point guard commit) he appears to be the immature party.
Give him his release so he may communicate with other schools. I would BLOCK any school, which you believe tampered with Graham (reportedly NC State). Do not release him to NC State, as well as any other Southern Conference School. By not releasing him period, you are only hurting your own future recruiting in the state of North Carolina and this region (since this has now reached a national level).
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AppHoops
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Re: Devonte Graham
ESPN's story. Looks like NC State could get investigated due to this if they did indeed tamper. Not sure what the best way to handle this is. Turning into a mess.
http://m.espn.go.com/ncb/story?storyId= ... esktop&wjb
http://m.espn.go.com/ncb/story?storyId= ... esktop&wjb
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Maddog1956
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Re: Devonte Graham
Let's keep this in perspective, the worst thing that's going to happen to this kid if he keeps his word is he's going to have his way paid to a great school. period!
How many would be crying if he signed up for the Army to feed his family and just before they sent him to Iraq he found another job making more money and he wanted out? This is the choice that kids have to make all the time.
Devonte, should quit is crying, honor his word and be a man. Either play or not play and let's move on.
How many would be crying if he signed up for the Army to feed his family and just before they sent him to Iraq he found another job making more money and he wanted out? This is the choice that kids have to make all the time.
Devonte, should quit is crying, honor his word and be a man. Either play or not play and let's move on.
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AppHoops
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Re: Devonte Graham
Maddog1956 wrote:Let's keep this in perspective, the worst thing that's going to happen to this kid if he keeps his word is he's going to have his way paid to a great school. period!
How many would be crying if he signed up for the Army to feed his family and just before they sent him to Iraq he found another job making more money and he wanted out? This is the choice that kids have to make all the time.
Devonte, should quit is crying, honor his word and be a man. Either play or not play and let's move on.
Tend to agree. I was raised to honor my commitments, but I just don't feel right about us holding out here either. What does either party gain at this point?