Hatin’ on a high school player
Oct. 15, 2007 @ 10:39 a.m. by JoannaI’ve been a little surprised by the amount of comments from some of the readers of this blog that knock Arthur Brown. That has especially come out after his recent drop in Rivals.com’s rankings to No. 25.
Here’s Levi:
“I cant wait until some televised All-Star games at the end of the year to see Brown look like a fool on the field. FYI-Kansas football is a joke! I would really like to see what the Brown boys could do against any of hte major Tulsa area schools. ie…Jenks, Union, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Owasso. ANY of the schools would show Brown a thing or two about playing football on another level.”
And ko:
“Like i said before… its ez to be a star in Wichita, but lets see what the brown boys do against outside teams who dont know or care about the brown boys…”
These are just a few of the comments I’ve seen on the blog and the discussion forums (which I only glance at because there’s a whole lot of hatin’ going on there about a wide range of folks).
Here’s my point of view on this — Arthur Brown is obviously extremely talented. Regardless of where he plays his high school ball, he would stand out. I just don’t think that college coaches such as those from USC, Florida, Oklahoma, etc., would waste their time recruiting a kid who wasn’t an elite athlete. Sorry, but Kansas isn’t just a stop-over state for extremely busy coaches. If the kid isn’t talented, then Kansas becomes a fly-over state for those same coaches.
Another point is Arthur Brown is a high school kid, a nice, respectful kid at that. Does he deserve such vitriol? Uh, no. He’s in the spotlight, so there will be plenty of people dissecting his game. No problem. But hatin’ on him? Get over it.
As for his brother, Bryce, the comments seem to be even worse. Probably because he’s more outspoken and does more immature things, such as crying after a regular season loss to Kapaun.
But people, this is a junior in high school. Does he deserve such hatred? Comment on him, then move on.
Let me point out, also, that it’s been an awful long time since we’ve had two such high-caliber athletes in the city. Even when Kamerion Wimbley played here, he didn’t receive such attention nationally. Obviously there are plenty of you out there checking on East’s games — the stands are always full. I know many want to say: I saw him play in high school.
So enjoy the fact that Wichita is actually a little in the limelight; who knows when it will happen again. As I’ve referenced earlier, the Brown brothers are in the spotlight, sort of public figures, so criticism is sure to follow praise. But remember when you’re criticizing, these aren’t college athletes getting paid with a scholarship for their education and they’re not pro players getting millions. Just remember that.
October 15th, 2007 at 11:38 am
1. I’ll stop hating on the Brown brothers when they start showing some sportsmanship, and realize that they are playing for East HS and not the name on the back of their jersey.
2. And remember when you’re criticizing, these are soon to be college athletes getting paid with a schoarship. Everybody in the country knows they are going to a Major D1 school.
3. I believe Kansas is a “stop-over state” because the only reason they come to Kansas is to see the Brown brothers and Chris Harper. Who else do you know that is getting recruited by Florida, USC, North Carolina, or Alabama? All the other kids in Kansas will go to KU, KSU, or a smaller D1.
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October 15th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
I personally think the high school blog and message boards should be moderated before comments are published. What public service is the Eagle doing by giving everyone with an ax to grind the opportunity to belittle high school kids in public? Sure, professional athletes are fair game - they make millions - but why allow personal attacks against these (or any) young men?
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October 15th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
I think you nailed it when you stated (paraphrasing, of course) that the college coaches have all looked at these boys, and they still have love for them. But really, maybe Pete Carroll, Bob Stoops, Urban Meyer are all wrong, and they should probably consult with ‘LEVI’ and ‘KO’ so they can make sure and get the very best in the country to come to their school.
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I feel that you cross the line when you throw the football into a seating area that is reserved for middle school students. My whole point is that the Brown brothers need to learn some sportsmanship. It seems funny that most Kansas players have sportsmanship except for acouple kids here and their, and I hate when they think they are above the rest of the kids. This is coming from a high school football player also. Not some grown 40 year old man who has nothing else to do all day.
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October 16th, 2007 at 5:44 am
How is it a lack of sportsmanship to toss a ball into a crowd of kids who were most likely screaming for it? He probably saw baseball players toss a ball into the crowd, a common custom. The City League stadiums have no end zone seating. In the heat of the moment he either forgot, or maybe never even knew, that this is a penalty in high school football. The Brown brothers need to learn some sportsmanship? They think they are above the other kids? What kind of stereotype is that? Arthur is one of the classiest kids you’ll ever meet, and Bryce’s trademark is simply to drop the ball in the end zone when he reaches it. He is anything but a showoff on the field. You say you are a high school football player also, so you probably are normally playing, and don’t have a chance to watch the Browns in person. Go to the East-Southeast game on Thursday. See if you don’t notice a class act from the Browns.
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October 16th, 2007 at 6:36 am
I’ve seen them play this year. First hand. How do you explain neither of them getting off the bench to shake the other teams hands at the end of the game?
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October 16th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
They apparently get plenty of praise for their accomplishments.
If some negatives come out of being the spotlight, then so be it. Maybe it will force change for the better.
These are not 10 year olds. They’re old enough not to do some of the things they have (reportedly) done.
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October 16th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I agree with this article. There is way to many people hatin on everyone in the city league that has a little bit of talent. The ones who play for a school who used to be down in the dumps get trashed the most cause they made thier school good for a couple years so for some reason that ticks people off
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
There is absolutely no excuse of poor sportsmanship regardless of any one person’s physical talents. Period. If any of our students acted that way they would not be allowed to play. I, like many others, don’t believe we should attack individual players that are in high school. Poor sportsmanship is a reflection on their coaching and administration staffs however and I think they should be fair game.
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Meaning: I think the coaches and administration staff should be fair game about complaints of poor sportsmanship.
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October 17th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Shaking hands should be a priority at the end of the game. It’s when you show your opponent respect for them being on the same field of play and offering competition so there can even be a game. In a loss, it shows that can still hold your head high, and that you are a good sport. In a win it shows that you have appreciation for the team you just beat for the mere fact that they love to play the same game you do, and you appreciate their effort. If you are not focused on the couple of minutes to complete this gesture, then you are focused on something else, and it is probably yourself.
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October 17th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Someone please define sportsmanship for me please? Isnt it in all the other sports where play is literally stopped for players to celebrate after a score or a goal? Whats wrong with flipping the ball to the kids. Its not like he went out of his way to do it. People are overreacting on that one. I also wonder how many of the people who talk bad on the Brown brothers character actually know them? Im sure that some people tell them of the negative talk on this website, however Im sure that they have better things to do to address some of the ignorant people that have negative things to say. When I see kids fight on the field, taunt other players, spike the ball, dance in the endzone, I will agree with that being bad sportsmanship. I have never seen the Browns do any of those things, yet people still find any little questionable thing to attack them about. How ridiculous is this? I mean, cmon really! Shouldn’t we be enjoying watchting the talent that we have in this area and in this state? Thank God that we dont have a football team at WSU, cause Im sure that all the negative comments on Arthur and Bryce would weigh heavy on their decision. Lets just hope they havnt already ruled out K-State. Im sure that lots of the trash talkers will be the first ones to say how they had the chance to see them play in person when they make it big someday. Just remember that when you go out of your way to insult and attack kids character that its not their problem, its more your problem and a reflection of your character. I know that I support all of our ath. here in Kansas and wish them the best in whatever they choose to do in life and I always offer my support.
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October 18th, 2007 at 5:08 am
Thank you, Kevin. Some people can’t distinguish between a political blog where people who seek to be elected, or who have responsibilities to serve the public, can expect to be criticized, and a high school student who, due to talent, attracts media attention. If I were the Browns, I’d be looking to get away from this jealous, petty, inappropriate sniping as soon as possible. When they’re wealthy professionals, sure, speak your mind about them in the media. For now, let them be kids, imperfect kids to be sure, and stop the public attacks. You will never see me attack a high school kid in public, regardless of which team, regardless of what he or she does. It is simply wrong, and I think less of the Eagle for providing a forum for it.
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October 19th, 2007 at 10:10 am
cmon folks- save the malicious bagging on the players for your own home… better yet, just save it… PERIOD!!! but step back and look at the Brown brothers for a minute. are they or are they not talented? these young men could in fact play for the jenks & de mathia’s of the nation. how do you naysayers know that they weren’t recruited by a de mathia or an oak hill (remember korleone young, anyone?) yes private high schools recruit just like colleges do… collegiate and independent do here to some extent… but let the kids play!!! let them bring some limelight to good ol’ Wichita! because when these “big time” coaches come to town to scout, there may well be other kids that catch their eye! and i seriously doubt that ANY parent would NOT want their kids to go to college on a full ride… i know as a parent of an out of state (NC) HS Soph that is already drawing looks from D-1 schools (bb&sb): Hell yes, if my babygirl gets an offer i am all for it!!!
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October 19th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Nah, thats all messed up, i dont even go to east but the Brown Bros are sick, they obviously would terrorize the tulsa area, they are ranked nationally as B-A players arent they? thats what i thought these two guys deserve all of they hype they get. and as for bryce crying after a game. i would like to see all of you go and work for four years as hard as he did and lose a game it would be emotional for you to…so if either of you brown bros see this post know that Nickerson Kansas has got your back…DW on the people you play and good luck wherever you go!!!!
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October 21st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Brett Soft from maize will be bigger than arthur. check him out….. he’s the real deal. I dont know his stats, but have been able to see him play twice, wow, what an athlete
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October 21st, 2007 at 11:34 pm
What in the world are you comparing a receiver to a linebacker for? Compare him to other receivers. The guy is a really good player and has really good stats but I dont know if he is even getting much attention from D-1 coaches. In a few months Arthur will be spring practicing with a D-1 school of his choice. What most people dont understand is that Arthur is a next to none type of ath. that has great football instincts. Im not sure Ive ever seen a player as skilled at a particular position as Arthur is. I wish the best for Soft and I think it would be great for him to be able to play receiver at the next level.
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