[Stardust]

If it was just this game that Cousins was an idiot, then I may give some ground...........

No ifs, ands, or buts about it, Cousins actions should have caused an ejection. I don't care what happened before the the game, what somebody may have said during pregame, or what bumping may have gone on in the first 40 seconds of the game, it did not justify an elbow to a players head. Anyone that thinks that is justified is completely lost in trying to justify the actions of a player that is the next Rasheed Wallace before he even gets in the NBA. It's a shame, he may be the 2nd best college basketball player in the nation right now, but he plays with the street ball mentality that completely disrespects the game every game that he plays. I do hope he is one and done because as much as he can make this team a National Champion, his mental spoiled childish actions on the court. I completely disagree with the above, Cal is not scared of what Cousins does, he's fine with it if it wins the game. And hey, isn't that what it's all about? It s why they keep score, so let this kid win games this year and then get out of dodge, hopefully with a ring on his finger and a banner in the rafters for me, but Good Riddance!

I am very proud of the way that Patterson and Wall stepped up emotionally when this game got out of hand. They did not retaliate on hard fouls, they let their play dictate their actions. UK has some of the classiest player in the country. Wall is not just a superstar, he is a super person. He and Patterson will be great individuals to compliment their basketball acumen.

As much as I have knocked Harris over the last couple of years for not playing as well as he can play, I have been very pleased with how this kid has stepped in and become a defensive stopper. He is playing with more confidence than I have ever seen him play with. He does not need to score on this team, and I think he is feeling very comfortable in the roll that he has been asked to play. I have turned the corner on him and have become a staunch supporter.

Even Stephenson put in solid minutes. What about Liggins - no time to Prime Time. You have to be happy with his defensive pressure. I think if Liggins can find any confidence in his shot, he may be that special ingredient that makes the Cats completely unstoppable. You can't guard him. He can guard three positions on the floor, and he is FAST.

[outdoorsman43]

You people are looking into this elbow situation way too deeply. As BCA said, Coach Cal loves the aggressiveness that Cousins has about him and frankly, so do I. Kentucky hasn't had a tough, physical player that isn't afraid to get rough since Jamaal Magloire.

Pitino brought it up in the post-game press conference yesterday. He talked about how Christian Laettner wasn't ejected for stomping on Timberlake's chest in the 1992 Regional Final.

Having said all of this, I can see both sides of the story here. Some may not have thought it to be serious enough for an ejection, some may be totally against Cousins even stepping foot on the court again this year; I really don't care. It doesn't matter. I still love how Cousins plays. It's just my opinion.

[sacbunt]

You really think Pitino didn't want to get into the heads of UK's young players? Pitino doesn't play all nice like people like to think.

I would say Pitno's wife and Karen Sypher would agree with you.

[TheRealVille]

I would say Pitno's wife and Karen Sypher would agree with you.

Someone said Karen Sypher was going to the Y when they spelled out Kentucky.

[Stardust]

You people are looking into this elbow situation way too deeply. As BCA said, Coach Cal loves the aggressiveness that Cousins has about him and frankly, so do I. Kentucky hasn't had a tough, physical player that isn't afraid to get rough since Jamaal Magloire.

Pitino brought it up in the post-game press conference yesterday. He talked about how Christian Laettner wasn't ejected for stomping on Timberlake's chest in the 1992 Regional Final.

Having said all of this, I can see both sides of the story here. Some may not have thought it to be serious enough for an ejection, some may be totally against Cousins even stepping foot on the court again this year; I really don't care. It doesn't matter. I still love how Cousins plays. It's just my opinion.

This isn't a one time incident. I'm not taking just the elbow, I'm taking the childish immature action's that he displays on the court for what, 15 straight games! This is a total picture album, not a snapshot.

As for saying that there are not other guys that are not afraid to get Physical: Wall, PPat, Orton. None of them are idiots when the get physical!

[bucslover68]

Cousins ddefinitley needs to channel the emotions in a more positive way, but let's be for real here. We have whined and complained year after year about how weak UKs big men have been. Jules Camara and Perry Stpehenson couldn't get in a fight at a boxing match. But do you realize how aggressive this UK team is? Not just the play with Cousins, but do you see all the loose balls they go for and many of them they get. It's pretty cool when one of the most talented teams in the nation also plays that hard. I do not condone the elbow by Cousins, but I will take my chances with a big man who plays hard and has a chance to get better with his play and emotions. Road games at places like Florida and UT can really get a person in trouble if they were to behave that way. Of course at UT, Cousins would be up for the Nobel Peace Prize.:biggrin:

[15thRegionSlamaBamma]

The more I look at the picture the more his position looks unnatural for a fall. The knee might have been intentional on second thought.

I am happy you thought second about that comment lol because I was going to bring up the fact that he had been on the ground batteling for that lose ball for at least 2 or 3 seconds so it wasnt a natural movement, IMO though both sides were at fault and the refs got it right for issuing a double T, no need to send two players off after 45 seconds of play now if the incident had happened later on in the game I think you would have saw a couple of ejections.

[MSU Eagle]

You people are looking into this elbow situation way too deeply. As BCA said, Coach Cal loves the aggressiveness that Cousins has about him and frankly, so do I. Kentucky hasn't had a tough, physical player that isn't afraid to get rough since Jamaal Magloire.

Pitino brought it up in the post-game press conference yesterday. He talked about how Christian Laettner wasn't ejected for stomping on Timberlake's chest in the 1992 Regional Final.

Having said all of this, I can see both sides of the story here. Some may not have thought it to be serious enough for an ejection, some may be totally against Cousins even stepping foot on the court again this year; I really don't care. It doesn't matter. I still love how Cousins plays. It's just my opinion.

There is a difference between playing tough, physical basketball and trying to hurt someone. I know Cousins didn't go into the game wantin to hurt someone, but his emotions got high, and his action with the elbow was clearly to hurt someone.

He has the potential to be a "great" player, but until he can control his emotions, he will only be a "good" player.

[Stardust]

Cousins ddefinitley needs to channel the emotions in a more positive way, but let's be for real here. We have whined and complained year after year about how weak UKs big men have been. Jules Camara and Perry Stpehenson couldn't get in a fight at a boxing match. But do you realize how aggressive this UK team is? Not just the play with Cousins, but do you see all the loose balls they go for and many of them they get. It's pretty cool when one of the most talented teams in the nation also plays that hard. I do not condone the elbow by Cousins, but I will take my chances with a big man who plays hard and has a chance to get better with his play and emotions. Road games at places like Florida and UT can really get a person in trouble if they were to behave that way. Of course at UT, Cousins would be up for the Nobel Peace Prize.:biggrin:

This is an excellent post and honestly you and I are dead in they same direction. I want aggressive guys. I want someone who will protect his team and play all out. I was stoked with how Cousin's went after the ball and wouldn't give up, that is aggressiveness. He blew it with me when he made that excellent aggressive all out play, by throwing that stupid elbow.

As I have said many times, this is not a one time incident. He progressively gets worse each game. If his actions continue to get worse, no one can make me believe anyone is trying to channel it, or he doesn't care what they are saying to him.

Again, I am 100% with you and what you have written. But their is a line in being aggressive and being a punk.

[theVILLE]

Rick Pitino is a great defensive minded coach. Louisville forced several UK turnovers, but IMO, UK still played better defense than the Cards. Patterson & Cousins dominated down low as Swopshire, Jennings, Buckles, and Samuels couldn't do anything with either. Our freshman guards played like freshman in the 1st half, but improved their play in the 2nd. IMO, had UK shot their normal percentage from the free throw line and from the 3-point line, UK would have won by 15+. But olé Ricky P had a good gameplan.

As for the Cousins elbow, I saw a knee to the head from Swopshire. Cousins overreacted and elbowed Swopshire. Both players should have been ejected, but that's JMO. I've seen a lot of UL fans complain about the Cats playing like thugs; Yeah, we did, but so did the Cards. Its a rivalry, thats the way their suppose to be played - with emotion.

GO BIG BLUE!

Agreed but louisville didnt shoot the normal percentage either...I think the outcome was about right ..Uk probably is a 6-10 point better team right now...But both teams where better than they showed

[theVILLE]

Here's the knee-to-the-head picture again.

Natural reaction or not, if someone kicks me in the head, I would probably retaliate as well. Given the previous happenings in the game, everyone was on edge.

[Image: http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-...0779_n.jpg]

I see it...Cousins should be able to keep his cool though...My take is both should have been ejected..Why was there not two T's giving..Uk shot 2 free throws and that was it???

[theVILLE]

So if I accidentally punch you it's okay?

Yeah if we were playing basketball and dove for a loose ball and you kneed me or hit me, yes it would be okay..but walking down the street and you hit me or kick me I would react as cousins did...There is a difference there..do you not see that

[phoeniXX]

This is what happens in a rival game. It was nice to see both teams going at it early on and not late in the game.

[theVILLE]

If it was just this game that Cousins was an idiot, then I may give some ground...........

No ifs, ands, or buts about it, Cousins actions should have caused an ejection. I don't care what happened before the the game, what somebody may have said during pregame, or what bumping may have gone on in the first 40 seconds of the game, it did not justify an elbow to a players head. Anyone that thinks that is justified is completely lost in trying to justify the actions of a player that is the next Rasheed Wallace before he even gets in the NBA. It's a shame, he may be the 2nd best college basketball player in the nation right now, but he plays with the street ball mentality that completely disrespects the game every game that he plays. I do hope he is one and done because as much as he can make this team a National Champion, his mental spoiled childish actions on the court. I completely disagree with the above, Cal is not scared of what Cousins does, he's fine with it if it wins the game. And hey, isn't that what it's all about? It s why they keep score, so let this kid win games this year and then get out of dodge, hopefully with a ring on his finger and a banner in the rafters for me, but Good Riddance!

I am very proud of the way that Patterson and Wall stepped up emotionally when this game got out of hand. They did not retaliate on hard fouls, they let their play dictate their actions. UK has some of the classiest player in the country. Wall is not just a superstar, he is a super person. He and Patterson will be great individuals to compliment their basketball acumen.

As much as I have knocked Harris over the last couple of years for not playing as well as he can play, I have been very pleased with how this kid has stepped in and become a defensive stopper. He is playing with more confidence than I have ever seen him play with. He does not need to score on this team, and I think he is feeling very comfortable in the roll that he has been asked to play. I have turned the corner on him and have become a staunch supporter.

Even Stephenson put in solid minutes. What about Liggins - no time to Prime Time. You have to be happy with his defensive pressure. I think if Liggins can find any confidence in his shot, he may be that special ingredient that makes the Cats completely unstoppable. You can't guard him. He can guard three positions on the floor, and he is FAST.

Agreed Wall and patterson are very classy but cousins took away the spotlight of the class of wall and patterson

[outdoorsman43]

There is a difference between playing tough, physical basketball and trying to hurt someone. I know Cousins didn't go into the game wantin to hurt someone, but his emotions got high, and his action with the elbow was clearly to hurt someone.

He has the potential to be a "great" player, but until he can control his emotions, he will only be a "good" player.

I understand that the elbow from Cousins was intentional, but the kid is a young freshman and his emotions were high after getting kneed in the head (which you seem to completely ignore in your argument). I don't want to see these kind of reactions from Cousins in the future, but I do love how aggressive he was in this game the entire time he was on the floor.

Another thing that is going unmentioned: Swopshire came up swinging and ready to fist fight Cousins. Cousins backed off and walked straight to the bench. Come on people, give "Boogie" a little credit here.

[Aslan]

If Cousins killed somebody out there you guys would still find a way to defend his actions. He should have been ejected, no doubt about it. Without Cousins contributions I really doubt UK wins this game.

[TheRealVille]

If Cousins killed somebody out there you guys would still find a way to defend his actions. He should have been ejected, no doubt about it. Without Cousins contributions I really doubt UK wins this game.

What? You don't think PP can take over for Cousins? If you take out Cousins, you have to take out Swopshire.

[PC_You_Know]

I think some Louisville fans are failing to realize that Swopshire kneed and threw a punch at Cousins and was still left in the game. Consider yourselves lucky.

[MiddlesboroAlumni]

If Cousins killed somebody out there you guys would still find a way to defend his actions. He should have been ejected, no doubt about it. Without Cousins contributions I really doubt UK wins this game.

You're favorite college team would have nothing to do with this post, would it? :eyeroll:

Do you not understand the he got a knee to the head before the elbow occurred? An elbow to the head, a knee to the head. Their both blows to the head. Swopshire came up and was ready to fight, Cousins was walking toward the bench. What more do you want for him?

Just because your filthy Cards lost, doesn't mean you have to get on here with your smart elic remarks.

[theVILLE]

What? You don't think PP can take over for Cousins?

yea but would he done his part too???PP cant it all...Cousins should have really been ejected..not takin up for swop he should have too..all though i think the knee was accidental...I understand in the Battle of the bluegrass you expect this, had it been anyother game id expect to see both ejected

[BlackcatAlum]

This isn't a one time incident. I'm not taking just the elbow, I'm taking the childish immature action's that he displays on the court for what, 15 straight games! This is a total picture album, not a snapshot.

As for saying that there are not other guys that are not afraid to get Physical: Wall, PPat, Orton. None of them are idiots when the get physical!

That's just how Cousins is. No one can change him. He is still an immature kid, but I'll be ****ed if another team tries to come in and bully us around like UL has done in the past. Cousins is letting his presence be known. Your not going to hard foul someone in the paint after they just elbowed you, are you? I mean come SD, take off your diaper big guy.

Players throw elbows and shove one another every game and they are never ejected unless an actual fight breaks out. Teammates grabbed each player (besides Sosa) and kept one another from fighting which is done a lot in basketball. The refs give the next closest thing and called a double-technical on both Swopshire & Cousins.

IMO, it was handled the correct way.

[theVILLE]

I think some Louisville fans are failing to realize that Swopshire kneed and threw a punch at Cousins and was still left in the game. Consider yourselves lucky.

Actually i dont recall of swop throwing a punch it was delk who shoved him...Consider yourselves lucky to have cousins...Im not taking up for swop...the knee was enough to have him ejected too...Any Contact above the shoulder is suppose to be automatic ejection..But in the battle of the bluegrass I understand letting them play through this...emotions where high and UFC was on the floor..

PC..If we are playing basketball and dive for a ball and my knee hit you in the head you are going to rub my head in the floor???

One of the most classiest players in america last year..Tyler Hansbrough got his nose busted from a deliberate Elbow, and he walked off and never said anything to the boy...actually shook hands with him..Hansbrough was a highly respected player too..

[LeeCoUKFan]

If i had been hit in th head like Cousins was iwould have reacted worse than what he did! Everyone needs to lay off Cousins because you have to put yourself in his shoes before you come on here and say that he is acting childish!! Yeah, he might get a little hot headed at times but thats fine because like someone else mentioned in here, he is probably the first player since Jamaal Magloire that doen't care to get physical!

[BlackcatAlum]

Can Louisville fans make a legit excuse for why Delk shoved Bledsoe within' the first 20 seconds or so of the game?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4G9OxOLjAM"]YouTube- bledsoe_foul_slow.mpg[/ame]

I'm not complaining, basketball is a physical sport though and some of you act like none of this has ever occurred.

[theVILLE]

That's just how Cousins is. No one can change him. He is still an immature kid, but I'll be ****ed if another team tries to come in and bully us around like UL has done in the past. Cousins is letting his presence be known. Your not going to hard foul someone in the paint after they just elbowed you, are you? I mean come SD, take off your diaper big guy.

Players throw elbows and shove one another every game and they are never ejected unless an actual fight breaks out. Teammates grabbed each player (besides Sosa) and kept one another from fighting which is done a lot in basketball. The refs give the next closest thing and called a double-technical on both Swopshire & Cousins.

IMO, it was handled the correct way.

Besides SOSA what does that mean..the elbow must make contact above the shoulders..which means head as in Cousins situation...

[theVILLE]

That's just how Cousins is. No one can change him. He is still an immature kid, but I'll be ****ed if another team tries to come in and bully us around like UL has done in the past. Cousins is letting his presence be known. Your not going to hard foul someone in the paint after they just elbowed you, are you? I mean come SD, take off your diaper big guy.

Players throw elbows and shove one another every game and they are never ejected unless an actual fight breaks out. Teammates grabbed each player (besides Sosa) and kept one another from fighting which is done a lot in basketball. The refs give the next closest thing and called a double-technical on both Swopshire & Cousins.

IMO, it was handled the correct way.

Besides SOSA what does that mean??????

[theVILLE]

Can Louisville fans make a legit excuse for why Delk shoved Bledsoe within' the first 20 seconds or so of the game?



I'm not complaining, basketball is a physical sport though and some of you act like none of this has ever occurred.

I never saw a shove to be honest...I saw him trying to use a screen and bledose was there and flopped a little..you all get mad about this becasue bledsoe got touched but when swop gets his head beat in the floor its ok because Cousins done it???

[PC_You_Know]

Actually i dont recall of swop throwing a punch it was delk who shoved him...Consider yourselves lucky to have cousins...Im not taking up for swop...the knee was enough to have him ejected too...Any Contact above the shoulder is suppose to be automatic ejection..But in the battle of the bluegrass I understand letting them play through this...emotions where high and UFC was on the floor..

PC..If we are playing basketball and dive for a ball and my knee hit you in the head you are going to rub my head in the floor???

One of the most classiest players in america last year..Tyler Hansbrough got his nose busted from a deliberate Elbow, and he walked off and never said anything to the boy...actually shook hands with him..Hansbrough was a highly respected player too..

Hansbrough is a pansy. Do not bring him into this. That boy is absolutely soft.

And yes, if you knee me in the head, I'm gonna do a lot more than push your head into the ground, whether my team needs me or not.

[theVILLE]

Hansbrough is a pansy. Do not bring him into this. That boy is absolutely soft.

And yes, if you knee me in the head, I'm gonna do a lot more than push your head into the ground, whether my team needs me or not.

Soft but He dominated duke though is that the problem??...He was a great player and never backed down..So diving for a ball and my knee makes contact with your head, me and you will fight???thats a selfish, baby, and a thug like cousins is

[PC_You_Know]

I never saw a shove to be honest...I saw him trying to use a screen and bledose was there and flopped a little..you all get mad about this becasue bledsoe got touched but when swop gets his head beat in the floor its ok because Cousins done it???

Using a screen requires you putting your hands on the opposing player? Again, when did this become a football game?