Article Michael Ray

[kg21obf]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03302007/sports/why_all_the_heat_on_richardson__sports_peter_vecse y.htm?page=0

[Chuck the Writer]

Micheal Ray also made a public apology, which has been posted on the Albany Patroons main webpage.

http://www.albanypats.com

[sportsguy12]

Micheal Ray also made a public apology, which has been posted on the Albany Patroons main webpage.

http://www.albanypats.com

Micheal Ray couldn't spell the word sincere let alone say anything close to meaning it.

Does this sound like someone who is sorry for their actions?

"It's terrible and I don't think it's fair. But I want to make an apology if I offended anyone because that's not me."

It might not be him, but it rolled off the tongue pretty fluently. See ya Micheal Ray. Your days with the Patroons are over.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Please tell me the owner's wife didn't go there. No wonder minor league basketball is having problems finding a niche in mainland america:
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=577039&category=SPORTS&newsdate=4/1/2007

You NEVER EVER attack the local media--that same local media you expect to promote your organization through free press coverage. You count to ten first, but you NEVER EVER pour gasoline on the flames.

She actually suggested that the reporter had an axe to grind because his car was towed at a game one time?!? Ahhh man! The Patroons' organization is in dire need of a well staffed public relations department. :shock:

[sj2u]

In addition to the article link posted, there have been articles written and statements made in support of Micheal Ray. Including support from NBA commissioner David Stern (who happens to be Jewish) and former NJ Nets owner Joe Taub (also Jewish), and a great column written by Peter Vecsey of the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03302007/sports/why_all_the_heat_on_richardson__sports_peter_vecse y.htm?page=0

I know Micheal personally and he truly doesn't have a racist bone in his body. I find it really interesting that the "reporters" who originally wrote the piece have refused to let anyone hear the recording made of the interview. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?!

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

...I know Micheal personally and he truly doesn't have a racist bone in his body. I find it really interesting that the "reporters" who originally wrote the piece have refused to let anyone hear the recording made of the interview. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?!

No. It doesn't make me wonder at all.

We are guaranteed freedom of speech and a free press in the U.S.A. No reporter in their right mind is going to let someone review their notes (or tapes) because that someone doesn't like what they wrote.

Coach Richardson cursed-out a Patroons fan. The fans pay the bills. That should be enough research for the Patroons organization.

[psbf]

a racist. I treat everyone equally.
But as far as the reporters notes, I don't believe in the right to privacy. I feel that anyone who keeps things private is hiding something. imo

[sportsguy12]

In addition to the article link posted, there have been articles written and statements made in support of Micheal Ray. Including support from NBA commissioner David Stern (who happens to be Jewish) and former NJ Nets owner Joe Taub (also Jewish), and a great column written by Peter Vecsey of the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03302007/sports/why_all_the_heat_on_richardson__sports_peter_vecse y.htm?page=0

I know Micheal personally and he truly doesn't have a racist bone in his body. I find it really interesting that the "reporters" who originally wrote the piece have refused to let anyone hear the recording made of the interview. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?!

the comments in the interview with the reporter, he still used a homophobic/derogatory remark in front of fans. That language wouldn't be tolerated in the high school, college or pro ranks. I'm sure there are plenty of fans out there that would vouch that he said that.

So forget about the conversation with the reporters, his public display of intelligence was enough to bring down the axe.

I work at a company where a co-worker went on a profanity-filled tirade in front of others and he was fired.

Had I been at the game, I would have been offended. So his firing was just.

[sportsguy12]

In addition to the article link posted, there have been articles written and statements made in support of Micheal Ray. Including support from NBA commissioner David Stern (who happens to be Jewish) and former NJ Nets owner Joe Taub (also Jewish), and a great column written by Peter Vecsey of the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03302007/sports/why_all_the_heat_on_richardson__sports_peter_vecse y.htm?page=0

I know Micheal personally and he truly doesn't have a racist bone in his body. I find it really interesting that the "reporters" who originally wrote the piece have refused to let anyone hear the recording made of the interview. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?!

the problem is that the article doesn't address the other incident with the fan. Peter V is also a moron.

[bectond]

Your both right, He should have been fired for what he said to the HOMETOWN fans, remember Dan Issel got into hot water for the some type of comments a few years back. The reporter was wrong for taking advantage of a disabled person, everybody knows Micheal Ray is handicapped, therefore the reporters behavior was unethical. He should have never led Sugar down that road.

So Richardson should not have lost his cool with those fans and yes the Patroons were in their rights for excusing him, but shame on that paper for taking advantage of a high profile mentally handicapped individual.

[psbf]

That M.R. is good friends with the Coyne's. But that should not let the G.M. cloud his judgement at the fact that Richardson is a hot head, who has no business being a head coach on any team. A coach is a leader for the team and has more responsibilities than his players do. He represents the team, so the Patroons need to find a good role model. I saw M.R. joking with Jackson, while Albany was in town for a couple games. I also saw his competitive nature when he went wild during some officiating calls. No matter where the team plays, they need a coach who can handle himself. Not another imitation of the old Bobby Knight, throwing chairs(which he almost did). I don't know which coach was scarier, when they were winning or losing.

[sportsguy12]

Your both right, He should have been fired for what he said to the HOMETOWN fans, remember Dan Issel got into hot water for the some type of comments a few years back. The reporter was wrong for taking advantage of a disabled person, everybody knows Micheal Ray is handicapped, therefore the reporters behavior was unethical. He should have never led Sugar down that road.

So Richardson should not have lost his cool with those fans and yes the Patroons were in their rights for excusing him, but shame on that paper for taking advantage of a high profile mentally handicapped individual.

How is he handicapped? There's a difference between being handicapped and dumb/ignorant. Unless all those drugs fried his brain, which is still not an excuse for his behavior.

[panchess]

..Micheal Ray is a smart guy. He did a good job on the court with the Patroons, and will likely find work soon in Great Falls, as soon as the franchise lease is firmed up.

Media skills and temperment are weaknesses. Give him the right handler/media people to work with, and you would notice them a lot less.

[psbf]

about the job he can do, having seen the Patroons. But I do have concerns about his actions, which I think is a priority over the job he does. You can't have someone like that on the sidelines. If he was smart, he would learn to control them and I don't see him doing that. He is too much of a competitor, which is great, hating to lose. But he has to control himself more as a coach and I don't know that he can. If I were the owner of the next team to hire M.R., I would have my concerns about bringing him on board.

[sportsguy12]

..Micheal Ray is a smart guy. He did a good job on the court with the Patroons, and will likely find work soon in Great Falls, as soon as the franchise lease is firmed up.

Media skills and temperment are weaknesses. Give him the right handler/media people to work with, and you would notice them a lot less.

Is it the media's fault how he acted on the bench, shouting and swearing at ALBANY fans. They weren't opposing fans. They were supporting HIS former team.

As far as how he conducted himself during an interview, I wouldn't even have that conversation with my best friend let alone the media. Why did he even go there ... and I don't care if they brought it up ... which I guarantee they didn't. Don't blame the media in Albany or any CBA city ... it's not their fault he's stupid.

[Juicemann13]

It's done with.

It's over.

Drop it.

[sportsguy12]

It's done with.

It's over.

Drop it.

It will end when it ends. And, personally, as a former sports writer for 10 years and a gay man, I was offended by MR's remarks and his entourage blaming the media. Just because it's done with doesn't mean he won't do it again or all is forgiven.

Now, I've said all I have to say. Thanks for your opinion, though.

[Juicemann13]

I may not be a sports writer or a gay man, but I am an activists on campus for same sex marriage and equal rights.

That may not mean much to you; however, it was something said, completely wrong, and should not be said again, or even thought of.

With that said, he was punished (I believe he should not be allowed back in the ABA or any other league for that matter), and it is done.

He said he was sorry, even though he might not have meant it, but can you really get a true, sincere apology out of him. Especially when he said someting like that.

[sportsguy12]

I may not be a sports writer or a gay man, but I am an activists on campus for same sex marriage and equal rights.

That may not mean much to you; however, it was something said, completely wrong, and should not be said again, or even thought of.

With that said, he was punished (I believe he should not be allowed back in the ABA or any other league for that matter), and it is done.

He said he was sorry, even though he might not have meant it, but can you really get a true, sincere apology out of him. Especially when he said someting like that.

I don't expect a sincere apology out of him. I don't think he understands. What you say does mean something to me, as do all of the posters' comments. He was punished accordingly; however, another city will give him a chance ... and we'll see.

[Juicemann13]

..I hope another team wont.


But the world still turns, and unfortunately, a team will offer him a job. That pisses me off.

[Fells]

a racist. I treat everyone equally.
But as far as the reporters notes, I don't believe in the right to privacy. I feel that anyone who keeps things private is hiding something. imo

This is where I disagree. As a reporter, I have an ethical responsibility to protect my sources. If I do not, my credibility as a journalist is shot, and sources will no longer give me inside information.

As far as the article, Peter Vecsey is one of the best writers in the business. As far as the reporter who broke the story, we don't turn down things like that. Richardson should have known that what he was saying was on the record and would be printed. He may be a good coach, but if he didn't think that story was going to be reported, then he needs some SERIOUS lessons in dealing with those of us in the media.

[psbf]

your right to protect your sources. But when I said that I don't believe in the right of privacy, I speak of 9-11 since anyone could be hiding anything.
As a writer, I reveal my sources in my publication because I feel my readers have a right to know where I obtained my information.

[Fells]

your right to protect your sources. But when I said that I don't believe in the right of privacy, I speak of 9-11 since anyone could be hiding anything.
As a writer, I reveal my sources in my publication because I feel my readers have a right to know where I obtained my information.

What if the comments are made off the record?

[Fells]

I'm sure he was in a special education program as a youth. A person can be mildly retarded with an IQ in the 70-80 and function quite independently. I believe he falls in this category. He is a basketball savant, but asking him politically charged questions is unethical. A midly retarded is person is handicapped even if they are highly functional, independent and knowledgeable about their particular job.

How are you sure he was in a special education program? Why do you make that assumption?

How is asking Richardson "politically charged" questions unethical? How can we in the media know if someone has a learning or other intellectual disability? Even if he does, there are many, including clients I worked with when I was a social worker, whom could differentiate between what is acceptable to say, and what is not.

If someone is in the public eye, they need to be taught how to deal with people under different situations. This is something Richardson obviously needs to learn regardless of any intellectual disability.

[bectond]

How is asking Richardson "politically charged" questions unethical? How can we in the media know if someone has a learning or other intellectual disability? Even if he does, there are many, including clients I worked with when I was a social worker, whom could differentiate between what is acceptable to say, and what is not.

If someone is in the public eye, they need to be taught how to deal with people under different situations. This is something Richardson obviously needs to learn regardless of any intellectual disability.

If a Special Olympic swimmer over come his mental (not physical) disability got a college degree in PE and became the coach of a small college swim team would you ask him what he taught about the holocaust? Or global warming? If he does not know about Richardson's past he has no business coving sports because he knows nothing about it. Even if i'm to believe that he just did not know Richardsons story (which I can't believe being this was a Albany paper) reports should do some background before they do an interview. And why the hell were they talking about Jews anyway?
That reporter was being a complete donkey, that hoped joe fan would not know he was picking on a disabled person.

As far as your argument that Richardson should have been taught how to deal with people under different situations.
Who says Richardson knew what was going on? I don't think he would use a word like "crafty" that sounds like the reporter was putting words into his mouth, "that is unethical" If Richardson said it himself maybe you would have a point. But since there is not any proof that he did i'm not buying your argument. If you were a social worker you should know how to conduct an interview with a disabled client. If one came to your office to report a sexual assault you would only use their words. You would not embellish the story would you? That is what this reporter did, he put words into Richardson's mouth.

[Fells]

If a Special Olympic swimmer over come his mental (not physical) disability got a college degree in PE and became the coach of a small college swim team would you ask him what he taught about the holocaust? Or global warming? If he does not know about Richardson's past he has no business coving sports because he knows nothing about it. Even if i'm to believe that he just did not know Richardsons story (which I can't believe being this was a Albany paper) reports should do some background before they do an interview.

When I interview someone, there is always something I don't know about someone. If someone has an intellectual disability, there may be no one with the exception of close friends and family that even know about it. As a reporter, we can't know everything. We would like to, but it simply isn't possible.

And why the hell were they talking about Jews anyway?

Richardson made the comments, ask him.

That reporter was being a complete donkey, that hoped joe fan would not know he was picking on a disabled person.

Again, how does he know he is "picking on a disabled person"? How is he supposed to know that? Again, there are things I may not know about close friends; how am I supposed to know everything about every person I interview. If I did, I would be a better source of information than the CIA.

[Fells]

Your a reporter, right? Well you should go talk to Richardson. Interview him yourself. I'm sure that within ten minutes you would Know. First off, it takes him a while just to complete a sentence he has a speech disorder as well. Trust me that azzhole knew what he was doing.

One thing I have learned in life; never assume anything. One cannot assume the reporter knew Richardson has a disability of any kind. I have run into people who have some sort of disability and I wouldn't have known until someone told me. This coming from someone who has a degree in Social Work.

[sj2u]

a racist. I treat everyone equally.
But as far as the reporters notes, I don't believe in the right to privacy. I feel that anyone who keeps things private is hiding something. imo

Thank you... well said. This isn't about a reporter's right to protect a source. Micheal Ray was the alleged source, and if the Patroons wanted to hear the recording in the course of their investigation, a reporter with nothing to hide would have had no problem providing them with a copy of said recording.

[psbf]

I was asked off the record, you asked, Fells? Simple, I don't put myself in that position. I never ask personal questions. I only stick to sports-related questions.

[Fells]

I was asked off the record, you asked, Fells? Simple, I don't put myself in that position. I never ask personal questions. I only stick to sports-related questions.

As do I. I was just playing devil's advocate and hoping to get a good discussion going.

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

Thank you... well said. This isn't about a reporter's right to protect a source. Micheal Ray was the alleged source, and if the Patroons wanted to hear the recording in the course of their investigation, a reporter with nothing to hide would have had no problem providing them with a copy of said recording.

Well said?!? Everyone's a racist when the right buttons are pushed. Maybe anyone who feels "no way am I racist" should rent the movie Crash again (although the movie is a bit Hollywood).

sj2u,
Do you know of any instance where a reporter turned-over their taped notes upon request to a sports organization? What about a reporter with nothing to hide? Have any of these reporters turned-over their taped notes to a sports organization? I don't know of any such instances either. The Patroons organization handled this affair as poorly as it could be handled.

[psbf]

what I said earlier. I treat everyone the same, regardless of their skin color. And I'm willing to back that up. I'm sure there still is more racism around than their should be in today's society, unfortunately, but not with me.

[heavesrock]

Exactly, every one is a rascist about something according to the laws of political correctness(AKA Stupidity)

[psbf]

according to the laws of Ken, Heavesrock. To me, everyone is a human being, whether white, black, or whatever their Nationality. And I also stand by what I said about privacy(scroll back if you forgot or missed it).

[heavesrock]

No you can not see color which I don't but if you are anti-gay(which I am) than are you rascist? Popular opinion says you are.

[psbf]

vary there, as I believe I can share your views on anti-gay, but I still do not consider myself to be a racist.

[preeths]

Okay, okay, this part of the discussion has probably gone far enough. No need to out yourself as pro- or anti- anything. Keep in mind that this is a minor league sports board, and while sports and personal views sometimes mix, our emphasis should remain on sports here. Our boards are read by people of a wide variety of races, beliefs, etc. (in short, some of nearly every group you can think of), so please keep that in mind.

As for privacy, that's a well-established right in this country, and we should be glad it is. I find it difficult to believe that a reporter would take an agenda this far, thus jeopardizing his livelihood. That doesn't mean it is impossible, just really unlikely.

[kg21obf]

What in the hell does Anti-gay mean? Does it mean you are not gay? they should be jailed? They should be killed? Why dont you just live your life and not worry about it.

[sj2u]

To those of you who are ignorant enough to spout conjecture about Micheal's intellect or supposedly being in special ed in school... what is wrong with you people. Perhaps it's your intellect that should be in question, because anyone with half a functioning brain knows that a stutter has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence levels!

As I said before, I know Micheal and I shouldn't even be stooping so low as to qualify the bile you've been spewing by responding, but this makes me SICK! Grow up, and don't talk about things you clearly don't know anything about!!!

As far as use of the term "crafty" goes, if you'd bothered to do [U]any[U]research at all, you would have learned that the reporter was the first to use that term. Micheal was simply mirroring the reporter's words back to him when he responded.

Enough already with insults about someone you don't know. Quite honestly, those of you throwing that crap out there aren't even worthy of being in the same room with him!

[rams80]

Okay, okay, this part of the discussion has probably gone far enough. No need to out yourself as pro- or anti- anything. Keep in mind that this is a minor league sports board, and while sports and personal views sometimes mix, our emphasis should remain on sports here. Our boards are read by people of a wide variety of races, beliefs, etc. (in short, some of nearly every group you can think of), so please keep that in mind.

As for privacy, that's a well-established right in this country, and we should be glad it is. I find it difficult to believe that a reporter would take an agenda this far, thus jeopardizing his livelihood. That doesn't mean it is impossible, just really unlikely.

Did you pay attention to the Journal Star's coverage of the Kings and the ABA? Unbiased journalism my a$$....

[sj2u]

I guess it's my turn to apologize if I offended anyone. I just think it's too easy to sit back and judge someone you don't even know, and know nothing about except for what's reported in the media.

For another perspective on Micheal Ray's supposed bigotry, go to:

http://nomas-nyc.com/2007/03/in-defense-of-michael-ray.html

[heavesrock]

Did you pay attention to the Journal Star's coverage of the Kings and the ABA? Unbiased journalism my a$$....

The reporter was the Kings radio broadcaster and paid by the team. Why would he be biased.



And anti-gay means you believe that being gay is wrong and marriages between gay people should be banned, in a nutshell.

[rams80]

The reporter was the Kings radio broadcaster and paid by the team. Why would he be biased.




I meant in comparison to the coverage the now deceased Rough Riders and the UIF got-where every incremental ticky tack thing got blasted to high heaven in the paper.