One parent gripping as a nurse. One parent incarcerated. Kid not fitting the conception of a snotty East End "Trinity kid". Sibling with spinal stenosis. Kid loves basketball and wants to play college but is undersized. Seems like all the drama you need without having to stir up anything. Maybe people want to watch a feel good story and see him succeed. Do you really think that isn't a good enough story on it's own?

 

Correction. These parents are D-1 or bust. These parents have 'get me out of the hood' mentality going on. Craig Owens will play college ball somewhere. Unfortunately if it isn't D-1 he has failed and that's what this show will be about. It'll be almost like a live version of Play Their Hearts Out except this time it is their own parents screwing them and not the AAU coach.

What is there in the New York Times interview that is so disturbing to everyone?

 

"For Craig Owens Jr., a bulky 18-year-old senior who is a 6-3 power forward, it is easy to explain his unbridled love of basketball. His father always attended his games. But for the past year, Craig has played while his father, who sold cocaine, has been in prison.

 

Craig attends Trinity High School, a Catholic, all-boys private school in Louisville. His mother, Carmelita Clay, 38, is proud of her son, and shows visitors his shiny state championship ring.

 

Clay, who is single and a nurse, has tried to navigate the difficulties of supporting Craig’s dreams. It has been a trying time for her family. Her younger son was recently found to have spinal stenosis after a football injury.

 

The family sees basketball, and the college degree it could bring Craig, as a possible lifeline, even if Clay knows that her son is probably too small to play power forward at a competitive program. “He’s good,” she said, “but he’s behind on where he should be.”

 

Craig, who scored 7 points in a Trinity win Saturday, understands he may never get a scholarship, but he is determined this season to prove he deserves a shot.

 

“I’m not trying to let my mom spend more money on something I can control,” he said. “I want that scholarship bad, especially a D-1 scholarship.”

 

It looks like a kid who wants to be recruited and whose Mom wants him to succeed. His Mother obviously works hard and is proud of him. I just don't read the article and see what the big deal is as far as he goes.

 

It seems as though people are saying that he shouldn't be able to share his story. To me, that says, "I don't really care what you go through or how you feel deep down. Shut up and win some games. Look at all we've done for you. Thank us."

One parent gripping as a nurse. One parent incarcerated. Kid not fitting the conception of a snotty East End "Trinity kid". Sibling with spinal stenosis. Kid loves basketball and wants to play college but is undersized. Seems like all the drama you need without having to stir up anything. Maybe people want to watch a feel good story and see him succeed. Do you really think that isn't a good enough story on it's own?

 

Why would Trinity (or any of its supporters on this board) want to "hide" any of that?

To me, that says, "I don't really care what you go through or how you feel deep down. Shut up and win some games. Look at all we've done for you. Thank us."

 

I'm struggling to find anything even remotely close to this that has been said in this discussion... YOU are the only one making such wild statements.

So you are complaining about me saying Ballard would allow him to do his thing (because, you know, they have a history of doing it), but you admit you haven't even seen the documentary you are criticizing me for? Got it. .

 

Huh? I don't think you "Got it" based on this reply. I have not criticized KET's documentary at all, instead, gave KET credit for their documentaries. I said if it was KET doing this, I would feel pretty safe about it. KET's documentaries (which in someway are reality shows) don't seem to be edited to the degree other broadcasters of reality shows do to make the situation look extreme and the people look silly. Whereas this company doing the documentary, I know little about them and would be much more cautious. Simply the name of the show and how similar it is to some of the other train wreck reality shows on TV makes one pause and worry what this could lead to.

 

It's different though, because so far all we've seen of this one is a New York Times article talking about a single parent wanting her kid to go to college. I guess KET is more credible than the New York Times in some people's view though. .

 

The New York Times is not producing the show, they are only reporting on it so their credibility has no relevance in this case.

 

And yes, I'm sure Trinity gets plenty of requests. I don't think it's the issue with them "holding back" all of their kids. I think it's more of an issue of the kind of kid that they are deciding to "hold back". By all means, enlighten me on the kind of kids Trinity has "featured" since they do so "by and large"..

 

Has it even been established whether Trinity has decided not to allow the show on its campus, or are we just going by what many on here have said they would do if they were in the position to make this decision? I know virtually nothing about this kid other than the fact that he plays for Trinity. Whether he was an ideal student or a handful for the school's faculty, I would still be hesitant to allow the show on campus due to how these shows tend to go, not based upon any view I have of this kid or his parents.

 

Now, if the local sports media wanted to do a feature like they have done before, I think most would feel pretty comfortable with that. To me, it is the who wants to do the reality show, not the kid or parents involved which make myself and others cautious.

 

Here's what would give me a comfortable feeling if I were the President of Trinity and I worried about the kind of image my athletes were portraying, maybe I'd think about that before I "admitted" them in the first place, get what I'm saying? That's been my point the whole time.

 

Whether this kid is the trouble maker at Trinity that it seems you are implying (I don't know if he is or not), how would you suggest Trinity and other schools screen for such trouble makers? When the 300+ freshman show up for registration, it is not readily apparent which kids will be choir boys and which will be a pain in the butt. While it sounds great and all to be able to avoid admitting a difficult prospective student, unless a trouble making student's transgressions are widely known before they show up for the placement test or registration, I doubt Trinity knows much about many of the to-be-Freshman who show up to register for school.

Why would Trinity (or any of its supporters on this board) want to "hide" any of that?

 

Parent incarcerated.

 

Perception of recruiting.

Huh? I don't think you "Got it" based on this reply. I have not criticized KET's documentary at all, instead, gave KET credit for their documentaries. I said if it was KET doing this, I would feel pretty safe about it. KET's documentaries (which in someway are reality shows) don't seem to be edited to the degree other broadcasters of reality shows do to make the situation look extreme and the people look silly. Whereas this company doing the documentary, I know little about them and would be much more cautious. Simply the name of the show and how similar it is to some of the other train wreck reality shows on TV makes one pause and worry what this could lead to.

 

 

 

The New York Times is not producing the show, they are only reporting on it so their credibility has no relevance in this case.

 

 

Has it even been established whether Trinity has decided not to allow the show on its campus, or are we just going by what many on here have said they would do if they were in the position to make this decision? I know virtually nothing about this kid other than the fact that he plays for Trinity. Whether he was an ideal student or a handful for the school's faculty, I would still be hesitant to allow the show on campus due to how these shows tend to go, not based upon any view I have of this kid or his parents.

 

Now, if the local sports media wanted to do a feature like they have done before, I think most would feel pretty comfortable with that. To me, it is the who wants to do the reality show, not the kid or parents involved which make myself and others cautious.

 

 

 

Whether this kid is the trouble maker at Trinity that it seems you are implying (I don't know if he is or not), how would you suggest Trinity and other schools screen for such trouble makers? When the 300+ freshman show up for registration, it is not readily apparent which kids will be choir boys and which will be a pain in the butt. While it sounds great and all to be able to avoid admitting a difficult prospective student, unless a trouble making student's transgressions are widely known before they show up for the placement test or registration, I doubt Trinity knows much about many of the to-be-Freshman who show up to register for school.

 

 

NYT's reporting has no credibility. Got it.

 

Never said the kid was a trouble maker.

 

Maybe he gets a better counselor at the summer basketball camp in 6th-8th grade?

 

At that age, I feel like it's pretty apparent which ones are going to good athletes. Use that standard.

 

Final underlined - do I even need to respond to that one in the context of this conversation (athletics)?

What is there in the New York Times interview that is so disturbing to everyone?

 

"For Craig Owens Jr., a bulky 18-year-old senior who is a 6-3 power forward, it is easy to explain his unbridled love of basketball. His father always attended his games. But for the past year, Craig has played while his father, who sold cocaine, has been in prison.

 

Craig attends Trinity High School, a Catholic, all-boys private school in Louisville. His mother, Carmelita Clay, 38, is proud of her son, and shows visitors his shiny state championship ring.

 

Clay, who is single and a nurse, has tried to navigate the difficulties of supporting Craig’s dreams. It has been a trying time for her family. Her younger son was recently found to have spinal stenosis after a football injury.

 

The family sees basketball, and the college degree it could bring Craig, as a possible lifeline, even if Clay knows that her son is probably too small to play power forward at a competitive program. “He’s good,” she said, “but he’s behind on where he should be.”

 

Craig, who scored 7 points in a Trinity win Saturday, understands he may never get a scholarship, but he is determined this season to prove he deserves a shot.

 

“I’m not trying to let my mom spend more money on something I can control,” he said. “I want that scholarship bad, especially a D-1 scholarship.”

 

It looks like a kid who wants to be recruited and whose Mom wants him to succeed. His Mother obviously works hard and is proud of him. I just don't read the article and see what the big deal is as far as he goes.

 

It seems as though people are saying that he shouldn't be able to share his story. To me, that says, "I don't really care what you go through or how you feel deep down. Shut up and win some games. Look at all we've done for you. Thank us."

 

OK, now I see what you were implying about the kid and after reading this, I am glad Trinity gave this kid a chance instead of looking at the baggage this kid has to carry and not accept him into the school which would have been easy to do. But, as I said before, my concern is the show, not the kid which is why before giving the OK to come on campus, I would look at what else this company has produced and be prepared to ask some pretty thorough and difficult questions about their plans for the show before even considering allowing them on campus. Again, I would think the title of the show would make anyone relate it to the train wreck reality shows on TV now and question whether to allow the show.

OK, now I see what you were implying about the kid and after reading this, I am glad Trinity gave this kid a chance instead of looking at the baggage this kid has to carry and did not accept him into the school which would have been easy to do. But, as I said before, my concern is the show, not the kid which is why before giving the OK to come on campus, I would look at what else this company has produced and be prepared to ask some pretty thorough and difficult questions about their plans for the show before even considering allowing them on campus. Again, I would think the title of the show would make anyone relate it to the train wreck reality shows on TV now and question whether to allow the show.

 

THANK YOU!

 

Someone finally gets what I'm saying. I'm glad they gave him a chance too. I hope the kid has it so well that fans are saying, "I can't wait to see our program and atmosphere showcased, this is what we are about".

 

If you can't say that and you haven't tried doing something to help the kid and his family out first, maybe it's unfair to put yourself in their shoes. I'm sure they are getting a nice payout on the show. Single parent, two kids, one just recently come down with a serious injury. I'm guessing this wasn't an easy decision.

 

If he gets a full scholarship for a first rate education, even in high school, awesome; I know the KHSAA doesn't allow scholarships, but I wouldn't really care if they did. Take your opportunity and make the most of it. If he's working part time jobs in the summer from connections that the school has opened for him, great. That's awesome, go coach some kid's youth basketball team or whatever.

 

I don't want to tune in to a show and see a train wreck on Kentucky either. I already live in another state, and as far as people living in other states are concerned, Kentucky is dumped on enough.

NYT's reporting has no credibility. Got it.

 

Please reread what I typed, in no way shape or form did I say anything about NYT's credibility as you keep insisting I did. What I did say is that the NYT's is only reporting on the show, not producing it, they have no control on whether this show is done well and done fairly to the child, his mother, and the school as a whole or they show is over dramatized. This is pretty much up to the production company.

 

At that age, I feel like it's pretty apparent which ones are going to good athletes. Use that standard. Final underlined - do I even need to respond to that one in the context of this conversation (athletics)?

 

For star athletes, yes, their "histories" would be known. I was speaking broadly to the view that Trinity should have a better screening process. When I was at Trinity, even when a kid who had an "interesting reputation" athlete or not, they were often given a chance but it was made known that their reputation would have them live under a microscope both inside the school and outside the school and they would need to keep their noses clean, cleaner than the rest of the student body. For this student, it sounds like some around him are the issue rather than himself but even then, I would still worry how this show could tell the story. Possibly in a good light, possibly in a tragic way. Very risky to allow this.

Parent incarcerated.

Perception of recruiting.

 

Still says nothing about why Trinity would want to hide that... How is that the kids' fault?

Still says nothing about why Trinity would want to hide that... How is that the kids' fault?

 

My guess is that he believes snobby stuck up Trinity would not want it to be made public (moreso than already) that a kid goes there who has a dad with record.

 

Knowing Dr. Mullen like I do and how strongly he believes in Trinity's mission to accept boys regardless to creed, race, academic strength, background, etc., I don't think he would have a problem with this boy's story being told. However, he would probably prefer it not be on a reality show where it could turn into a circus.

 

Keep in mind, I am guessing to a degree. I have no idea what Dr. Mullen has decided to do with this show but I do remember how seriously he took his job to protect the integrity of the school, faculty and student body so he would be VERY cautious about letting this show on campus.

 

I think we all need to keep in mind we are discussing a minor in high school and BGP has rules about what can be discussed. Saying that, I am going to reread the rules to make sure I stay within guidelines and others may want to also.

There is very little "real" about reality TV shows, believe me. The producers try to make the owners of the property where any of the scenes are to be filmed sign waivers whereby the owners give up any rights to sue the producer even if the "footage" (as they call it) defames or disparages the owner or if it is "untrue." Essentially, the producer can do whatever it wants with the footage in perpetuity and anywhere in the "universe" and by any modes of display.....if a property owner signs the waiver. Before anyone judges Trinity too harshly, I'd suggest a thorough review of what rights Trinity is giving up and what exposure and potential and gratuitous liability it may be incurring based on the waiver. It may be more of a legal issue than Trinity being a jerk.

Please reread what I typed, in no way shape or form did I say anything about NYT's credibility as you keep insisting I did. What I did say is that the NYT's is only reporting on the show, not producing it, they have no control on whether this show is done well and done fairly to the child, his mother, and the school as a whole or they show is over dramatized. This is pretty much up to the production company.

 

 

 

For star athletes, yes, their "histories" would be known. I was speaking broadly to the view that Trinity should have a better screening process. When I was at Trinity, even when a kid who had an "interesting reputation" athlete or not, they were often given a chance but it was made known that their reputation would have them live under a microscope both inside the school and outside the school and they would need to keep their noses clean, cleaner than the rest of the student body. For this student, it sounds like some around him are the issue rather than himself but even then, I would still worry how this show could tell the story. Possibly in a good light, possibly in a tragic way. Very risky to allow this.

 

I think we're talking about the same thing as far as "histories" go.

 

And I have no doubt that Trinity has discipline in their program. Look at Szabo sitting two kids in the Sweet 16. Lots of coaches probably wouldn't have done that. The Trinity program, as far as what I've seen on the floor myself, has always seemed pretty disciplined.

 

I hope the best for the kid and his family. Like I said, I don't want to go to work and hear a joke about "Basketball Moms of Kentucky". My friends here know I'm fanatical about basketball, so I'm sure I'll hear something about it (usually all in fun) if they come across it.

My guess is that he believes snobby stuck up Trinity would not want it to be made public (moreso than already) that a kid goes there who has a dad with record.

 

That's a fair guess. I go to a private Catholic college. Just some examples, but when you hear about Catholic high schools who basically kick girls out of school if they are pregnant, make everyone cover tattoos during athletics, etc., it kind of does that to your image.

 

Generally, if a school thinks your hair being down onto your collar is an issue, you can probably see how one would get the impression that they are uptight about things like that. Obviously, lots of schools are more strict than others, but let's be real about the "image" thing.

 

I know you can't paint all Catholic schools with a broad brush, but, generally, they seem to be pretty strict when it comes to some of that stuff.

 

Again, this is coming from someone who attends a private Catholic college. Maybe my school and the brother and sister schools under it are just way more strict than others.

 

Finally, I don't think everyone thank goes to Catholic school is snotty. I have some great friends who haven't attended a day of public school in their lives. I've also met some people who really seem to embody the stereotypes (even to the point of embracing it).