I just had a pretty rough day at work, and I’ll probably be here well after my shift ends.
I’m tired, I’m cranky and I think I’m getting sick.
Right now, Cole Vanderbilt has it a lot worse than I do. Hopefully not for too much longer, though.
I feel sympathy for Vanderbilt, the Connell High School senior who has been the target of a great deal of negative attention over the last week or so. That’s after a video was posted last week on YouTube of him committing four hard fouls in a boys basketball game against Highland back on Dec. 22.
I have seen the video, and yes, I believe Vanderbilt could have acted with more self-control in terms of his conduct during the game. Anyone who steps out onto the court needs to respect the game and opposing players at all times and act accordingly.
When I read some of the comments people have made on YouTube, in blogs and national websites it shocks me.
Then it infuriates me. The majority of the comments are disgusting.
It’s one thing to commit a foul in a basketball game. It’s another thing entirely to make a cowardly online attack of someone — a high school kid, in this case — you’re never likely going to meet face to face.
It’s understandable that people might have a passionate reaction to the sight of Vanderbilt clotheslining a player driving the lane. It’s not a pretty sight.
I also think there is much more to Cole than what we saw on the video. I hope he learns from this incident and comes out shining on the other side.
I wouldn’t even be addressing this unless Michael Christenson had posted the video online. I concur with Christenson that rough play like that should be dealt with immediately and firmly. However, I believe the manner in which he chose to distribute the video was as reckless as the fouls he decried.
Above all, I hope this raises awareness so that something like this doesn’t happen again. The damn thing has been sensationalized enough, so lets just let it be.
Vanderbilt let his emotions get the best of him during a heated game of basketball. Should he have to pay the price by bearing the brunt of thousands of cruel and ignorant remarks?
Lets forgive him and move on.
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High school basketball video shows power of social media (w/video)
High school basketball video shows power of social media (w/video)
Michael Christenson of Yakima said he was only trying to illustrate a point to a small group of Highland High School students and parents about the need for better basketball officials.
To his surprise and dismay, however, the video he uploaded of several hard fouls during the Cowiche school's boys game at Connell on Dec. 22 has gone viral, collecting more than 25,000 hits since the video was posted on YouTube on Dec. 28.
The video, which is just over 5 minutes long, showcases two imposing Connell players -- seniors Cole Vanderbilt and Kennan VanHollebeke -- committing six personal fouls during a 38-37 home win over the Scots.
After hard week, Connell just plays ball
After hard week, Connell just plays ball
BURBANK -- After more than a week of playing on computer screens across the world, the Connell boys basketball team played on hardwood Friday.
The Eagles, minus Cole Vanderbilt, played their first game since a video showing Vanderbilt and Kennan VanHollebeke committing six hard fouls went viral on the internet.
Connell lost 47-35 at Columbia-Burbank in an uneventful Southeast Central Athletic Conference East division game played in front of about 1,500, as Connell fans flocked to the gym in support.
After hard week, Connell just plays ball
After hard week, Connell just plays ball
BURBANK -- After more than a week of playing on computer screens across the world, the Connell boys basketball team played on hardwood Friday.
The Eagles, minus Cole Vanderbilt, played their first game since a video showing Vanderbilt and Kennan VanHollebeke committing six hard fouls went viral on the internet.
Connell lost 47-35 at Columbia-Burbank in an uneventful Southeast Central Athletic Conference East division game played in front of about 1,500, as Connell fans flocked to the gym in support.
FOUL: 'Flagrant foul' video first sent to WIAA, filmer says
FOUL: 'Flagrant foul' video first sent to WIAA, filmer says
In an email to the Tri-City Herald on Friday, the Yakima man who filmed and posted the Connell flagrant foul video said he initially sent the video to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.
On Dec. 29, Michael Christenson emailed Cindy Adsit, the assistant executive director at the WIAA, which oversees all high school athletics and activities in the state.
Adsit told Christenson in an email to him on Jan. 2 that she would forward the video to the local officials' association and the Connell High athletic director.
Cyberbullying: an invisible threat
Cyberbullying: an invisible threat
About 5:15 a.m. Jan. 6, Cole Vanderbilt no longer was the accused bully. He was the victim.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Connell High School basketball player was featured on video screens worldwide fouling Highland High School basketball players. That prompted many to label him as a bully on the court.
Suddenly, the 18-year-old was the target of cyberbullies.
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