Long short on words after solid performance

[MelRock]

PS I'm good with Luke's article.

I am good with Luke's article as well. I think actions have consequences and hopefully Shawn will learn from this event.

As to the rest of what you wrote, I am not touching it, pun intended.

[CajunT]

I am good with Luke's article as well. I think actions have consequences and hopefully Shawn will learn from this event.

As to the rest of what you wrote, I am not touching it, pun intended.

LOL!!! You don't have to touch them, but you have to look!

[SlappyCajun]

Shawn is immature. If he doesn't remedy his immaturity, it will cost him money.

On the flip side, if Shawn were a mature, polished, 6'10" double-double machine. He'd be at Duke. Not here.

[LukeJohnson]

I personally don't care if any player in any sport is ever made available to the media. Long didn't say anything disrespectful or do harm to anyone with his statements. From everything I know about Long, that is just Long being Long. He is a guy that likes to joke and have fun. Maybe the stories should have been about how he was having fun and not about how he didn't give you a quote.

Just to be clear, the story wasn't all about Long's refusal to answer questions. I made sure to bring it up at the end, because what was more important was the performance he had in the game beforehand.

But I did feel the need to report on his actions after the game. Maybe it was selfish on my end, but I was disappointed with the lack of courtesy shown by Mr. Long, especially after the type of performance he had, and I felt compelled to include it in my column. Based on the reaction on this board, it's also unfortunate for Shawn that his decision to have some fun with us after the game is overshadowing the great night he had on the floor. It was no different with us media folks afterward -- it was all we were talking about, rather than the shellacking the Cajuns put on last night. For what it's worth, I don't feel like anybody owes us anything. I just want to do my job to the best of my ability because I have an obligation to y'all to do so.

It has provided for some interesting discussion though. I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses on here

[CrazyCajun]

Shawn is immature. If he doesn't remedy his immaturity, it will cost him money.

On the flip side, if Shawn were a mature, polished, 6'10" double-double machine. He'd be at Duke. Not here.

Or he never would have left miss state

[ManAboutTown]

You missed the whole boat. The key word is accountability. Luke used that word back when Broadway was made unavailable for comment during the week in football season. He was upset about this and stated that B-Way should be held accountable as the QB and to the media. I totally disagree. There is no collective bargaining agreement which outlines media requirements of athletes that I know of and my view is that these players are not accountable to the media. Now, If a player wants to accept a media request, which often is not a problem, then so be it but I see no reason to require them speak to the media. Obviously Shawn did not want to be there. His behavior was far from ideal and I'm sure Marlin spoke with him about it. I don't know where anybody suggested that we not have any media presence for our athletics.

I agree with what you're saying in principle, but once you make the decision to take the media request, it's your responsibility to conduct yourself a certain way. It's more than just Shawn Long up there. He represents many.

[Turbine]

Just to be clear, the story wasn't all about Long's refusal to answer questions. I made sure to bring it up at the end, because what was more important was the performance he had in the game beforehand.

But I did feel the need to report on his actions after the game. Maybe it was selfish on my end, but I was disappointed with the lack of courtesy shown by Mr. Long, especially after the type of performance he had, and I felt compelled to include it in my column. Based on the reaction on this board, it's also unfortunate for Shawn that his decision to have some fun with us after the game is overshadowing the great night he had on the floor. It was no different with us media folks afterward -- it was all we were talking about, rather than the shellacking the Cajuns put on last night. For what it's worth, I don't feel like anybody owes us anything. I just want to do my job to the best of my ability because I have an obligation to y'all to do so.

It has provided for some interesting discussion though. I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses on here

You are a great writer, show some Nevada "courtesy" UL's way.

[CajunT]

Just to be clear, the story wasn't all about Long's refusal to answer questions. I made sure to bring it up at the end, because what was more important was the performance he had in the game beforehand.

But I did feel the need to report on his actions after the game. Maybe it was selfish on my end, but I was disappointed with the lack of courtesy shown by Mr. Long, especially after the type of performance he had, and I felt compelled to include it in my column. Based on the reaction on this board, it's also unfortunate for Shawn that his decision to have some fun with us after the game is overshadowing the great night he had on the floor. It was no different with us media folks afterward -- it was all we were talking about, rather than the shellacking the Cajuns put on last night. For what it's worth, I don't feel like anybody owes us anything. I just want to do my job to the best of my ability because I have an obligation to y'all to do so.

It has provided for some interesting discussion though. I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses on here

Damn it Luke, it you don't start referring to the Cajuns as UL or Louisiana, we will always disregard the work you do and the information you provide! LOL!!!!

*This message has been approved by the local name police society.

[Just1More]

Just to be clear, the story wasn't all about Long's refusal to answer questions. I made sure to bring it up at the end, because what was more important was the performance he had in the game beforehand.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses on here

Luke, many an evening, I've strutted my thong around with uncanny spectacularness, only to have one fast flash of sun-free skin to overshadow that performance. I was treated like a Hollywood star that flashed her hairless squirrel while getting out of a limo. Never mind how magnificent we are. We, those worshipped by the masses, cannot escape the life microscope. We live. We learn. Or we don't. It's that simple.

Keep writing about the entire performance. All of it. You are not at fault because everyone watches to see if my thong is going to slip out of position. Remember: I'd use double-sided tape if it really bothered me.

[Duggie35]

Luke reported what took place. Shawn Longs actions were immature and showed a lack of leadership. Its tough to sit in front of the media and get asked questions when you are on a losing streak and the fans have probably said things to you on campus or twitter. But you didn't see any of the football players do it this past season after starting 1-3 in the first four games. Broadway, Quave and others sat down at that same table and took similar questions.

It might have been funny after the first question, but Marshawn Lynch is not anyone he should tried to emulate period.

+1000
I love Shawn, but if Marshawn Lynch is who Shawn want to model his "Media Personality" after, he will not make it at the next level. To get away with crap like that, you better have a few "skins" on the wall. Shawn's wall is empty right now!

[CajunRebel]

Let's be honest. If the kid can play ball it doesn't matter how he talks to the media.

I wasn't there so I couldn't see his body language. My guess is that somebody in that room wrote something critical about him recently and he took it personally. His reaction was unfortunate because those members of the media in that room were probably looking to use his responses to write an article that praised the heck out of him. Oh well, live and learn.

It doesn't change the fact that Long had one of the most dominant performances I've ever seen in any sport. He made Arkansas State look like a High School JV team.

[Cajunsmike]

By most accounts he's been a better leader this year. He's stuck up for his teammates when asked somewhat goading quesions (like Jay Wright/other guards after last few losses) and he's done so. You can see on the court that he's getting fired up when other teammates make plays even when he's not involved on the play. He has been vocal on the court as well and he has been fine during interviews/post games before. I certainly can't speak about locker room, but he seems to be making some progress. Last night was a little disappointing WRT the post game but he doesnt need to be crucified for it. He needs to learn from it and move forward. Of course, this entire place has been a damn mob for the last few weeks, so any little thing like this is bound to spark a reaction.

Regarding basketball, this place has been a mob for less than a week. That started after the USA loss which was one of the most disappointing home performances we have had in a couple of years. That reaction was understandable. Now, they will need to win a couple of more road games to overcome those performances. Still, I see no benefit from saying little to the media. He could have given short but pertinent answers. Personally, I am more disappointed with the technical he got on Monday. That action was a huge factor in that loss. Talking smack after a big play is just not smart regardless if you were provoked. Maybe his actions towards the media do not bother me as much since I am not in the media.