I just can't take it anymore!

[Bostondevil]

I am tired of all these (Samuel Jackson epithet) articles about (Samuel Jackson epithet) hating Duke.

ESPN page 2 - there's an article, with a vote, about the most hated Dukies of all time, Bill Simmons rags on us, again, in his basketball blog (he doesn't just hate the basketball team, he hates us grads as well)

Gregg Doyel - I think I just threw up in my mouth typing that

I love reading about college basketball but I've found I need to be really careful because I really just can't take it anymore. And it's been done to death. Can't these people find something, anything, new to write about? Why can't that (Samuel Jackson epithet) school of journalism over at the baby blue university teach some creativity to their students, why?

I want it to be safe to read sports articles again. Please just leave us the (Samuel Jackson epithet) alone. Apologies to the moderators if (Samuel Jackson epithet) does not pass muster.

[gus]

whoaw... wait. Samuel L Jackson $%!"!ing hates duke?

[rsvman]

I am tired of all these (Samuel Jackson epithet) articles about (Samuel Jackson epithet) hating Duke.

ESPN page 2 - there's an article, with a vote, about the most hated Dukies of all time, Bill Simmons rags on us, again, in his basketball blog (he doesn't just hate the basketball team, he hates us grads as well)

Gregg Doyel - I think I just threw up in my mouth typing that

I love reading about college basketball but I've found I need to be really careful because I really just can't take it anymore. And it's been done to death. Can't these people find something, anything, new to write about? Why can't that (Samuel Jackson epithet) school of journalism over at the baby blue university teach some creativity to their students, why?

I want it to be safe to read sports articles again. Please just leave us the (Samuel Jackson epithet) alone. Apologies to the moderators if (Samuel Jackson epithet) does not pass muster.

I think what you're trying to say could be stated more succintly like this:

"I'm TIRED of all these #@$%#&# hate Duke articles on this #@$%#&# internet!"


Close?

[dockfan]

Or, metaphorically speaking, "We've gotta get these $&@#$ snakes off this #$#@$ plane!"

NOW I get what that movie really meant.

[SECulp]

I read the same crap on ESPN Page 2. In the article he called K a "sniveling ninny"...I sent him an email asking if he had looked in the mirror. I have not heard anything back. My guess is he was shocked at what he saw staring back at him!

As for Doyel...just a tool.

[unwrinkled ear]

What i'm sick of are the comparisons with the yankees.

There are a TON of yankee fans, and their logo is everywhere - on hip-hop hats, etc.

The only people that root for Duke have some connection with the university. That makes our pool of suppporters MUCH SMALLER.

That alone makes comparisons with the yankees ridiculous: there is an exponential difference in fanbase and cultural symbology/ clout.

[Tappan Zee Devil]

I think the comparison is more with always winning.

As a Met fan living in New York, that is not good
As a Duke alum - Hey, suckit up

Jim

[JBDuke]

What i'm sick of are the comparisons with the yankees.

There are a TON of yankee fans, and their logo is everywhere - on hip-hop hats, etc.

The only people that root for Duke have some connection with the university. That makes our pool of suppporters MUCH SMALLER.

That alone makes comparisons with the yankees ridiculous: there is an exponential difference in fanbase and cultural symbology/ clout.

If you think the only people that pull for Duke have some connection to the university, you need to meet more Duke fans. I've met more that have no significant connection to Duke than those that do

[RelativeWays]

My respose to Doyle and that insightful article in the Chapel Hill News

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...his****qi4.jpg

*hope that doesn't violate the TOS*

[_Gary]

We've got all this hatred for Duke, fostered on many different levels, presumably because Duke has been kicking butt and taking names for years now. And that's true. Problem is, as dominant as this program has been over the last decade we've only got one national championship to show for it. It's not like Duke has won 5 out of the last 10 years. Sure, we've been good enough to have done that, but we haven't. So all the hatred really is based even more on perceptions than usual. We are perceived to be this juggernaut, but in terms of championships we aren't any more "powerful" (and therefore worthy to be hated) than UNC, UConn, UK, UF, etc. But somehow we've acquired the "Yankees" label. Gosh, at least the Yankees have the hardware to back the hatred up. I could take the vitriol a lot more if we had some more national titles in to show for it. As it is, we should be in the same position we were nearly 20 years ago - just one more team trying to win it all, with an equal amount of fans, haters, and neutral observers. Or at least in the same position as the other teams I mentioned. But we aren't. For whatever reason, we are the most hated team in Men's College Basketball, IMHO.

I really got tee'd off yesterday as I was driving. I heard what was perhaps the most repugnant thing yet on the radio concerning "the nose." It was of course Jim Rome, giving his little 1 minute report that our local station carries and plays a few times a day. And get this. He talked about Tyler and how classy he was in his comments on Tuesday, where he said he held nothing against Gerald. And that was fine if Rome had left it there, but he didn't. After lauding both Tyler and Roy Williams as paragons of virtue and class, he then went on to say that Duke was no longer a class program and that Coach K could take a few lessons from Williams in class. Now I understand that Rome is an idiot and that he hates Duke. No doubt about that. But you've got millions of people that are hearing this crap and just digesting it without thinking at all. It just continues to fuel the hatred. It's really frustrating and I admit that I'm tiring of all the crap this program takes on a national level. Again, if we had 5 championships in the last 10 years I could understand it. At least then it would have be worth it to be hated this much. But where we are isn't matching up with the hatred we are receiving. It's a real bummer, that's for sure.

Gary

[Kdogg]

It's easier to spit vitriol than journalism. People like Rome are there just to elicit a reaction. Of course it can back fire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HNgqQVHI_8

[DevilYouthCoach]

I am not sure the number of National Championships matters as much as the consistent, year-in, year-out outstanding play and success of our teams. We almost never have a bad year! Fact: We have ended the regular season ranked Number One more times than any other school, except for the UCLA Wooden teams. We have the best record of any team in the NCAA tournaments (winning percentage). We have won the ACC tournament 7 out of 9 years, which is phenomenal. We have been ranked in the national polls more weeks in a row than any other team, but one. We have had national sportscasters raving about our program, our coaches, our clean-cut players until even I get bored. And let's face it, we have had our share of high-profile swaggering sharpshooters who positively enjoyed annoying all the opposition. Not a way to become popular! But we have been great! The jealous hatred comes with the territory. I say Relish It, while we can!

[A-Tex Devil]

Seriously. It's time to let people hate us and relish it. We're the Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkov to circa 1986 Sgt. Slaughter and Hulk Hogan!! Coach K is Mr. Fuji!!!

Get on your mic and play the villain. You know the business will turn you back into a good guy eventually.

We have to stop whining about why we are hated and just be fans. We don't have to be a-holes about it, but sometimes we have to just say, "Whatever."

Stop reading Doyell, stop caring that Simmons made a choice in his life and picked Carolina -- at least he admits it's an either or. Own it and root for Duke and if people want to bring us down, just know that you're livin' the high life as a Duke fan, and the sweet 16 to their team is an accomplishment and not an expectation.

As disappointed as I am in our performance this season and tonight, I never really felt pissed about being a Duke fan. Bad guys forever!!!

GO DUKE!!!!!

[unwrinkled ear]

If you think the only people that pull for Duke have some connection to the university, you need to meet more Duke fans. I've met more that have no significant connection to Duke than those that do

OK - I do continue to think this. Is anyone on this board a duke fan without a connection to the university?

i've watched a lot of duke games in a lot of public places in chicago, atlanta california and london, and I ain't never met a duke fan who didn't connect to the uni.

in fact, many duke fans that i have met have dismissed me once they found out I didn't go to school there (my parents did. i chose a real basketball powerhouse with massive tradition: northwestern)

[mapei]

I began rooting for Duke in the late 80s because I liked what the program stood for. Having said that, it's possible that I might not have noticed if my significant other had not been an alum.

[Bostondevil]

You are absolutely right, I need to own it.

The thing with Simmons is, well, I found him after the 2003 ALCS when I stumbled around for a couple of days wondering why, why, why didn't Grady Little take Pedro out. And he wrote a column that spoke to my feelings exactly and I felt better. So, you see, I really like his column. He's funny and entertaining and somewhat different, I think. Then you get the shoe drop, to quote him, you're going along, reading his blog, enjoying the analysis like any hoops junkie, only he hates you. Not Duke, but you specifically, cause he hates all Duke grads, and well, it got to me. (Simmons is a New England prep school private university product, by the way.) I hate that Duke is always referred to as elitist, always. What do they mean by that, exactly?

And did anyone notice that all the Top Ten hated Dukies were white guys? All of them. Maybe it is a race thing.

I think I do own that people hate us but I am just really tired of reading about it and hearing about it and having it analyzed by every sports pundit around. Last night's broadcast, "There are no grey areas, you either love them or you hate them." Actually, there can be grey areas, and some people might find themselves more neutral if you would just shut up! OK, maybe I don't own it. Hate us, OK, fine, go ahead, just stop talking about it so much!

[rsvman]

I hate that Duke is always referred to as elitist, always. What do they mean by that, exactly?

They say it like it's a negative thing. To me it means that the University doesn't admit anybody who has a pulse; you have to have some qualifications. If that makes the place elitist, so be it.

[wilko]

Hey UE,
Just answering your all call.

Im a Duke fan with no appreciable connection to the University. Tho Geography IS in my favor.

Im a Durham Native born at the School of Math and Science (when it WAS a hosp.) I've had relatives born at DUMC and die there. I was fired from a job there once. My youngest son there was born during the hydrolic fluid/ cleaning solution fiasco. If you've ever gotten a bill from DUMC you really start to question wether truly they are non-profit or not.

But in Spite of all that... I'm a Duke fan thru and thru...
Growing up in rural Durham there wasnt much going on for pro sports. This was pre soccer, panthers, hurricanes, hornets and bobcats. College basketball was the ONLY game in town. You got to CHOOSE your religion. It was either light (pisspot) blue, Dark blue or red. There were no other options. Other schools were not allowed to be on the ballot as they didnt matter. And largely still dont. Social cliques were formed off this alliance. I chose the religion of my Dad and uncles.

I remember playing rec league pee-wee basketball in Durham. My Coach got in touch with the right folks at Duke got our team tix to see a couple of games over a Christmas break when it wasnt as crowded. We got to see such giants of the hardwood as Mike Tissaw, Tom Emma, Chip England and Vince Taylor. It mattered quite alot to bunch of local townie Kids. I never got the chance to thank K personally for that.

Then there were times where my dad would get "vendor" passes from some of the guys he would do business with. He and I would waltz into Cameron and Blend into the student section. I was all of 12 or 13 maybe... Good times.

Later still, my Sr yr in HS was 86' so that will always be special for me and every other Duke fan old enuff to recall it.

So why am I giving this Biography?
Not real sure...exactly. Just felt like I needed to get that out. To remind me why Im a fan.. thru good times and not so good ones.. Heck... I hit the lottery of College Fandom.

So UE, I respectully have to pose a question to you... what do you mean by "connected to the university"?

While I never went to school there, I dare say Im as connected to as some who have.

[unwrinkled ear]

Hey UE,
Just answering your all call.

Im a Duke fan with no appreciable connection to the University. Tho Geography IS in my favor.

Im a Durham Native born at the School of Math and Science (when it WAS a hosp.) I've had relatives born at DUMC and die there. I was fired from a job there once. My youngest son there was born during the hydrolic fluid/ cleaning solution fiasco. If you've ever gotten a bill from DUMC you really start to question wether truly they are non-profit or not.

But in Spite of all that... I'm a Duke fan thru and thru...
Growing up in rural Durham there wasnt much going on for pro sports. This was pre soccer, panthers, hurricanes, hornets and bobcats. College basketball was the ONLY game in town. You got to CHOOSE your religion. It was either light (pisspot) blue, Dark blue or red. There were no other options. Other schools were not allowed to be on the ballot as they didnt matter. And largely still dont. Social cliques were formed off this alliance. I chose the religion of my Dad and uncles.

I remember playing rec league pee-wee basketball in Durham. My Coach got in touch with the right folks at Duke got our team tix to see a couple of games over a Christmas break when it wasnt as crowded. We got to see such giants of the hardwood as Mike Tissaw, Tom Emma, Chip England and Vince Taylor. It mattered quite alot to bunch of local townie Kids. I never got the chance to thank K personally for that.

Then there were times where my dad would get "vendor" passes from some of the guys he would do business with. He and I would waltz into Cameron and Blend into the student section. I was all of 12 or 13 maybe... Good times.

Later still, my Sr yr in HS was 86' so that will always be special for me and every other Duke fan old enuff to recall it.

So why am I giving this Biography?
Not real sure...exactly. Just felt like I needed to get that out. To remind me why Im a fan.. thru good times and not so good ones.. Heck... I hit the lottery of College Fandom.

So UE, I respectully have to pose a question to you... what do you mean by "connected to the university"?

While I never went to school there, I dare say Im as connected to as some who have.

Thanks a bunch for this post Wilko. My question is based on the fact that I have never met a duke fan 'connected' to the uni. When I say connected, I mean - "do you have any relation to the uni? does anyone you know/ love/ family?"

if you're married to an alum - that's a connection!
I also think anyone from durham could potentially have a connection.

I'm not complaining that we don't have enough fans. I don't even mind being 'hated' (whenever so many media outlets and people tend to be in agreement about something, i'm always skeptical, so I'm perfectly fine to be an outsider and have the national consensus/ opinion of us be that we should be hated)

peple pick their teams for a lot of diff. reasons, i just think that the sports media culture prevents people from picking duke, whereas I've met a lot of people in the places i've lived that have adopted other college schools programs for one reason or another, despite no ties to the uni.

The first report i ever did for school when i was allowed to choose the subject(i was 10 years old) was on duke basketball, 1986. Yes! Go devils!

[Virginian]

I don't mind that people hate Duke. I don't like it, but I've gotten used to it and just figure it's the price we pay for having the winningest program over the last 10 or so years. But the stupidity of the sports writers and game announcers who can't mention Duke without adding "the team you love to hate" or "the team you either love or hate" and reading it and hearing it several times a week throughout every season is just mind-numbing.

They only write and say it because they have nothing original to day. It's like every mention of Martha Stewart has to include "the domestic diva."

The bad side of it is that people just start taking it for granted that "everyone hates Duke." Even people who have no real interest in the sport or know anything about it. Just stupid.

Of course with some it just goes beyond stupidity. When a national news guy like Doyle is now openly writing about how he hates the Duke coach, you know it's gone way beyond stupidity. When the Tampa police start looking into possible death threats against G. Hernderson, it's gone way beyond stupidity. When Md. fans start throwing bottles at Duke players' parents, it's gone way beyond stupidity.

I hope people like Doyle can recover their mental equilibrium before someone gets hurt. If I were the sports information guy at Duke I'd seriously consider having a quiet talk with some of these writers and announcers and pointing out the need to take a calmer approach to a game played by kids.