Yesterday evening when the Strib story first broke in Phil Miller's GOPHER GRIDIRON blog, I posted the Commentl appearing below as the 11th comment to the Miller story. My Comment was posted briefly, but as I predicted to my friend, it would disappear by morning as further proof of the censorship practices of the Star-Tribune when someone posts something they do not like, or post something that accuses them of censorship. I really don't care if GopherHole readers agree with my post or not. That is not my point. The Star-Tribune consistently censors those posts/Comments that criticize Strib actions, i.e. removing the link to A.J. Barker's letter to Coach Kill. My post did not use vile language, nor did I personally attack anyone. Feel free to beat up on me as you so desire, agree, disagree, call me what you will. However, I still believe in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting all citizens freedom of speech and the freedom to express our opinions without fear of censorship. Apparently, the Star-Tribune only believes in the First Amendment when it suits their purposes. BRAVO! And now, for my censored Comment on L'Affaire Barker/Kill:
Phil Miller and Star Tribune editors, where did the link to AJ Barker's letter to Coach Kill disappear to so quickly after the link to Mr. Barker's letter appeared in an earlier version of this story? Is the Star Tribune and its editors engaging in censorship of the actual email written by Mr. Barker in order to demonize him and protect Coach Jerry Kill and the University of Minnesota Athletic Department from criticism when it is forthcoming and apparently appropriate? Is this yet another typical example of college athletes being used up and spit out when a coach wants them to return from injury before their injuries are properly healed? Is this Texas Tech all over again? I hope not, but even the football training staff at Minnesota finally admitted that Mr. Barker had a crippling injury that could lead to a much more serious and long-term injury.
I have personally met and talked to this fine young man. He is an intelligent and thoughtful young man, not a troublemaker, not a malingerer trying to milk his injury for his own benefit. He deserves every Gopher football fan's understanding and support. I have been a Gopher football fan and season ticket holder for many years, as well as a proud graduate of this great University. Tonight, however, I am disappointed to hear of the series of events that have driven Mr. Barker to take the action that he believed was necessary to protect his physical health and his self-esteem as a human being and contributing member of the University of Minnesota Football Team.
As to the gratuitous attack on De LaSalle High School and its thousands of fine graduates who contribute much to our local community, and it's excellent student body (over 93% go on to colleges and universities), you know nothing about this fine school or its graduates and present students.
Finally, to Mr. AJ Barker, I wish you the very best in your future endeavors, you are a winner and you will achieve much in your future life with class, integrity, and dignity.
Is this Comment so dangerous that it should be suppressed?
Phil Miller and Star Tribune editors, where did the link to AJ Barker's letter to Coach Kill disappear to so quickly after the link to Mr. Barker's letter appeared in an earlier version of this story? Is the Star Tribune and its editors engaging in censorship of the actual email written by Mr. Barker in order to demonize him and protect Coach Jerry Kill and the University of Minnesota Athletic Department from criticism when it is forthcoming and apparently appropriate? Is this yet another typical example of college athletes being used up and spit out when a coach wants them to return from injury before their injuries are properly healed? Is this Texas Tech all over again? I hope not, but even the football training staff at Minnesota finally admitted that Mr. Barker had a crippling injury that could lead to a much more serious and long-term injury.
I have personally met and talked to this fine young man. He is an intelligent and thoughtful young man, not a troublemaker, not a malingerer trying to milk his injury for his own benefit. He deserves every Gopher football fan's understanding and support. I have been a Gopher football fan and season ticket holder for many years, as well as a proud graduate of this great University. Tonight, however, I am disappointed to hear of the series of events that have driven Mr. Barker to take the action that he believed was necessary to protect his physical health and his self-esteem as a human being and contributing member of the University of Minnesota Football Team.
As to the gratuitous attack on De LaSalle High School and its thousands of fine graduates who contribute much to our local community, and it's excellent student body (over 93% go on to colleges and universities), you know nothing about this fine school or its graduates and present students.
Finally, to Mr. AJ Barker, I wish you the very best in your future endeavors, you are a winner and you will achieve much in your future life with class, integrity, and dignity.
Is this Comment so dangerous that it should be suppressed?
