Alex Oriakhi's dad challenged us to fight on Facebook and other thoughts from the Oriakalypse
by Andrew Porter on Nov 30, 2011 3:34 PM EST
in UConn Huskies Basketball
Email
Print
In case you haven't heard, things got a little interesting around here on Saturday night. I put up a story about what seemed to be Alex Oriakhi's second twitter criticism of Jim Calhoun in three days (here's the first). Before I knew it Amy Oriakhi, Alex's sister, started tweeting at our account taking umbrage (to put it politely) at what I had published. Around the same time someone claiming to be Amy (seemingly confirmed by her twitter account) took to the comments section on the post and well, things got a little out of hand. One sidenote: I did not call her an angry troll, I said our commenter was either her or an angry troll.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, Alex Oriakhi Sr. also got online in the wake of the post, took to facebook and kindly requested that I shut up. He then let me know that if I had any problems that he was more than happy to "meet with me" after the Arkansas game on Saturday. (I will add here that he didn't explicitly challenge me to a fight, but that's how I interpreted his comment and I think it's a fair reading. He might as well have told me that he would see me at the flagpole after school.)
As crazy as all of this was, I think the real issue has both been evolved and been distorted over the past few days. The original reason I posted the two stories was simple: Oriakhi, a captain, seemed to be calling out his coach on twitter. That's notable for two reasons: first, a captain and key contributor on a national championship team is frustrated with his role this year and second, that frustration has led him to criticize the coach publicly. That, to me, is newsworthy. Now, it's become pretty apparent that Jim Calhoun and the coaching staff really don't care about the tweets -- the original one didn't cost Oriakhi any playing time and there has been no indication that mumugate is going to have any more of an effect. That's fine, if Calhoun does not care, then Oriakhi should tweet away. I'll probably still note it -- his frustration is relevant given that we're a blog that writes about newsworthy UConn-related things -- but if it's not actually causing an issue with the team than it isn't much of a story.
A lot of the issue his family seems to have with me centers around the definition of the Nigerian slang term "mumu," which they claim means "boss" and the rest of the world seems to agree means "idiot." At this point it doesn't matter who is right or wrong about what the word means -- I for one have wasted far too much time researching it and wish I had never heard it -- but that obscures the real issue.
The real problem is Oriakhi's public image and interactions with fans. Like it or not, he's a public figure. Ten thousand people follow him on twitter and associate what he says with the university. Criticizing the coach is fine as long as the coach signs off on it, but telling fans things like: "pls shut up," "u sound stupid foreal" and "u sound stupid too," can only lead to trouble. Furthermore, his family -- unfairly or not -- becomes an extension of him when they speak out in public. when his sister starts insulting UConn fans on our website, or his dad comes after us on Facebook, it just makes Oriakhi, and by extension the school, look bad.
It should go without saying that I am a big Oriakhi fan, and I'd like to see nothing more than for him to kick ass for 30 minutes a game. I'm pulling for him, and if Calhoun does not think this affects the team, that's fine. But I'm also an alum. I care about the school and its image, which is affected by what Oriakhi says, and he needs to realize that.
29 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I figure
that putting a rec on this article and then saying nothing sarcastic or inflammatory is probably the best way to go.
Mumugate?
So, what if another Watergate scandal happens then? Would it be called Watergate-gate?
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
Also
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
Alex Sr. is following Miley Cyrus on Twitter
First in line if Pat Calhoun wants a sister wife
by Lady Nutmeg on Nov 30, 2011 4:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
You're all ignorant
you are all ignorant cant u see wut he was saying wasnt mumu it was nunu in nigeria there are over 250 languages and in all of them nunu means an anthropomorphized vacuum cleaner that sucks up tubby custard when u spill it which is pretty much the nicest compliment u could give sumone god your so ignorant
google aint school
silly nunus
On a more serious note
I agree with nearly all but this,
Furthermore, his family — unfairly or not — becomes an extension of him when they speak out in public. when his sister starts insulting UConn fans on our website, or his dad comes after us on Facebook, it just makes Oriakhi, and by extension the school, look bad.I just think how the sister and father reacted makes them look bad. Not Alex or the school. But that is me personally and I know there are a number of people that will associate Amy’s and Alex senior’s reactions with the school. Which I guess is the “unfair” part about your statement.
Similar to what I wrote in that comments thread with Amy, I will again say that I think it is great that the sister and dad are going to bat for their brother/son, but they both have gone about it in the wrong way by insulting everyone that disagrees.
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
Here's my point about athletes and Twitter.
And it’s especially germane to college athletes, since they don’t get paid (and should be paid) and shouldn’t have to play the “Republicans buy sneakers, too” game that the (old and white) media and their (old and white) followers—the kind of fans whose internet use is confined to PFT and its ESPN.com’s front page—demand athletes play.
My argument goes like this: Athletes should BOMBARD the world with their thoughts that old white people may think are stupid, immature, or capable of “tainting” the university (Porter: Think about what you think people think about UConn’s image. Then realize this: Unless you’re applying for a job as DeFilippo’s butler, there is no job or opportunity that Alex Oriahki’s tweets will stop you from competing for).
If the athletes continue to say things people (usually wrongly) consider scandalous, they will become commonplace. At that point, we will be moving toward a healthier relationship with sports as a culture. It could become a relationship where we say, “Oh, Oriahki’s pretty pissed about his PT. He called Calhoun an idiot! Bet Cal’s pissed. Boy, this sandwich is good,” instead of this whitepeoplepocalypse, summarized, to complete the hypothetical, as, “Oh, Oriahki’s pretty pissed about his PT. He called Calhoun an idiot! Bet Cal’s pissed. I demand penance for this! And I’m in a position to demand penance because I willingly watch games and/or happen to have attended the same university as this 20-year-old!”
You tell me, which relationship to Oriahki is healthier: Oriahki, and Drummond, and (take note—this is how you know I’m not doing the sports fan satire/irony thing) Calhoun himself as foreign beings who are actors in a drama that exists for our entertainment; or Oriahki as an actor in a bizarre religious ceremony wherein puffed-up, self-appointed elders (the fans) demand sacrifices from 20-year-olds because…just because fans choose to watch SNY on gameday?
Furthermore, is Oriahki being angry about his PT really scandalous? When can we be honest with ourselves and stop differentiating between an athlete’s actual feelings and his decision to articulate them? We know (and knew) that Oriahki was mad about his PT without his saying anything. Why is it so important that he shut his mouth? Again: the scions of the Old White Man Church of Sports Fans demand that fans treat athletes like these weird subjects who are supposed to, for some reason, that makes no sense at all, act like “true athletes,” also known as WASPs.
I mean, I’m sorry if I brought race into this, when another of the cardinal rules of this VERY IMPORTANT religious sect is not bringing up race , even though it is a major reason for formation of this fake religious attitude in the first place, and thus race is one of the only viable things to discuss in a case like this.
TWEET AWAY ORIAHKI
CALL BLANEY AN A-HOLE OR WHATEVER
AND LET US LAUGH IT OFF AND CONTINUE TO TREAT ATHLETICS LIKE A DRAMA ON TV, WHICH IS WHAT IT IS
Fold the football program, and deposit monies previously budgeted for said program into a savings account in Coach Calbertus Magnus's name.
by gxpanos on Nov 30, 2011 4:32 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
I actually agree with a lot of this
The first time I posted an Oriakhi/Twitter story it was mainly out of interest in what Calhoun’s reaction would be, since I can’t recall a situation where he got that sort of public criticism from a player. It turned out Calhoun didn’t care, which is pretty awesome if we’re being honest about it, if only because the possibility of Oriakhi calling Blaney an a-hole on twitter is still out there.
My issue at this point is the ridiculous fallout with Oriakhi yelling at fans (or his family doing it). It just seems like a stupid and pointless thing that could be easily resolved by silence.
As for me, I hope this is the last time I write about twitter for a long time, with the obvious exception of a tweet about Blaney being an a-hole, because the 15 stories we’d crank out about that would entertain me to no end.
by Andrew Porter on Nov 30, 2011 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
My issues with the tweets
Put all together make it seem like he doesn’t think he has been playing like shit. Publicly disagreeing with the coach’s decisions and then personally attacking people on twitter for calling him out for playing like shit. It is immature and childish and very hypocritical because he’s all good with saying his coach is wrong, but when people say he is wrong he curses them out.
Now, does that have anything to do with the image of the university, etc? Not really. But that is only because Calhoun is such a dominating presence that this is going to have little effect on the locker room. Whereas in the professional leagues, this sort of behavior by a struggling star and key championship piece from last year usually leads to a coach getting “canned” and “losing the locker room” etc. especially if the team is losing.
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
That's a Really Interesting Way of Looking at it...
To me, this all revolves around Twitter and the way Tweets are viewed by the media/world. Are they public statements? Should they be looked at in the same way as an athletes statement to a reporter after a game? Clearly they are by some people, which means that something with fewer than 140 characters, no vocal inflection, and almost no context is being given the same weight as a statement issued at a press conference. I’m not saying that’s wrong, I’m just saying that’s interesting.
Another interesting facet is the fact that both these tweets were in response to someone else. The first one came in response to Coombs-McDaniel, the second to whoever PR_Oputal is. This is where Twitter toes the line between public statement and personal conversation. The actual meaning of mumu is particularly irrelevant because who knows what it means between Oriakhi and his friend.
Still, Oriakhi should realize that even if he is having a private conversation, it’s being publicly broadcast. As such, there are hundreds or even thousands of people on blogs and message boards who are going to dissect his words whether he wants them to or not.
As such, there are hundreds or even thousands of people on blogs and message boards who are going to dissect his words whether he wants them to or not.
This times a million.
And he’s not the only one that needs to realize this. Even the every day Joe needs to realize that bitching about your boss or work on Twitter or Facebook can easily get back to the employer. What’s amazing, it seems many fail to realize this fact and then get angry when others use they’re own words against them as if these were “private” conversations.
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
There is no such thing as a personal conversation on Twitter
That’s the point. I think Anthony Weiner confirmed that one.
If you want to have a private conversation with someone, there are ways to do that: meet up with them, call them, text them, email them, skype them, gchat them, or a million other options.
Don’t tweet them. If you do, understand that your message is not private and will no doubt be scrutinized by countless pundits. You’ll be held responsible for what you say.
Should tweets be looked at in the same way as an athlete’s statement to a reporter after a game? No; honestly, they’re more valuable than that. As candid, honest, seemingly-but-deceivingly-not-private statements, they’re coming straight from the source. On the other hand, a press conference is a player self-censoring, filtering out anything of value, and sticking to a script because they know everyone’s watching.
Reporters want the rare press conference slip-ups that show what a player really thinks. They want the tweets.
To be fair
You can send private messages on Twitter, which would put them in the same realm as text, email, and gchat. Which is what Weiner was trying to do initially, but then accidentally posted it publicly for all to see in it’s glory.
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
wow
This is pretty much the most ponderous thing that has ever happened around here.
I can understand wanting to defend a child/sibling. If my son was being raked over the coals on a blog or message board I’d be plenty pissed about it. But there also comes a time when it turns into exacerbating a problem, both the tweeter in question and the family and hell maybe even us as commenters. Shit can happen. My father had a simple way of handling things like this. He’d say to me “son, shut up for a while.”. When things get away from you, shutting up for a while can settle stuff down.
And I’m not going to Arkansas game but if Mr O would like to meet up after another game I’d have no problem shaking his hand. He does have a good kid and we’re happy that he came to Storrs.
by fcmonk on Nov 30, 2011 4:34 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
and then
I’d hold Porter so Mr O could pop him real good one time.
by fcmonk on Nov 30, 2011 4:35 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions 1 recs
I don't buy into the whole white man crap
AO has every right to be upset about his playing time. I would be too out of pure competitive nature. Well then, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Start playing better and not like a bum. AO has had really good games where I love him, but he seems to go into lulls and become ineffective. If you want the respect, earn it.
The twitter thing has spiraled away from his control I believe. I think he wanted an outlet to vent his frustrations and unfortunately he chose the wrong one. Twitter and any other media outlet are a sure fire way to get backlash. Speak with your teammates and coach Calhoun in person like a man! You’ll feel a whole lot better and get more accomplished.
As for Mr. O calling out Porter, i laughed silly at work today. I respect him for backing his kid, but I think he comes off as very childish by trying to fight everyone who might criticize his child. If you want to support your kid, tell him to not listen to the criticism and PLAY SOME BETTER BALL! AO we need you this year. Keep your head up and play ball. All will be forgiven. GO UConn!
by JJSHusky25 on Nov 30, 2011 6:35 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Exactly right.
Do your talking on the court.
And for AO’s dad to threaten a blog? Not helping AO’s case… this is just more fodder for everyone with a keyboard to jump on. This, again, is how easy it is to “overshare” on twitter or any other social media networks. How many times has there been an ugly incident involving twitter? Facebook?
I think everyone needs a netiquette lesson. Not everyone can foresee the stupidity of their words/actions.
Again, just play basketball – we don’t need to hear your deep thoughts or how often you eat cheese-its.
I don't think it's fair to say Mr. Oriakhi threatened the blog.
He said “See me after the game.”
This, you know, might simply be a request to more fully discuss the matter privately and in person,
as opposed to, say, voicing an unjustified discomfort and disappointment in the public yet protected forum of the internet.
I think the more combative phrases before “See me after the game” are what give the implication that he wants to fight.
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
lol
The next Facebook message was: " …at Black Eyed’s for some catfish and jumbalaya!"
Fold the football program, and deposit monies previously budgeted for said program into a savings account in Coach Calbertus Magnus's name.
wow funny how people read differently into things
It’s funny how the owner of this blog sees everything negatively. I have been following this whole saga and I realized a few things I just want to put out. First of all as naive as this may sound none of what AO has said has been English both to that of Coombs McDaniels and Pr_Oputa, they have been slangs and it’s arguable that this could be slangs just between two of them knowing that they could have been friends for a long time and have their several lingua. Also his dad said see me after the game and that definitely is not a threat or sounds like let’s fight after game. It’s the thought process of this nonsense we call the Internet/texting/gchat or whatever. This days people are stuck into this “www” world and have no way of normal interaction to fully understand statements. As for AO being mad about his PT it’s normal, yes he is inconsistent and shouldn’t talk and show it in his games, but so far this season when given valid minutes he has delivered, with his experience he should be given good 30 mins because we all know once the big east starts most of those other frontcourt players won’t be able to hang for sometime… I hope this settles we need AO this season. Go Uconn
by nosai12 on Dec 1, 2011 10:42 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
I agree but
Since people didn’t understand his slang don’t use it on twitter since it will be misinterpreted! I’m sorry but If he doesn’t want to be confrontational don’t say “see me after the game” I don’t care who or what slang your using someone will misinterpret it. Know who your talking too and don’t use social media because it will be taken the wrong way.
my point exactly
Instead of misinterpreting it why not ask him. And yes people will take it the wrong way because humans thrive on stories which is quite sad but oh well I just wanted to put in my 2cents am done with this. If anyone wants to keep thinking about it that’s up to them. I just want Uconn to win more games and we are going to need that kids head straight
by nosai12 on Dec 1, 2011 1:00 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I will have to politely disagree
Regarding your first point. The first tweet is pretty blatant and I don’t see in anyway how that could not be considered a criticism of Calhoun for benching him. “I know sum bs” is not slang. “bs” means “bullshit” end of story. And then factoring in the tweets by Jamaal before and after clearly indicate this as such. Context clues. Now the whole mumu thing. Certainly much more of a gray area considering that is slang and not only that, slang from a different country. I don’t really buy the definition of mumu = boss mostly because then that exchange makes no sense and the wildly regarded definition on the internet means “idiot”. Also, Lady Nutmeg was kind enough to provide some additional insight to that word as well, which strongly indicates that mumu=idiot.
Regarding your second point, you are correct that his dad said “see me [on saturday] after the game”. But as I stated above and as Porter mentioned in the article himself, given the context of his entire statement it is pretty obvious that he wasn’t asking them to have tea and krimpets. This simplified summation of Alex Sr.‘s statement is ironic considering two sentences later you state this
This days people are stuck into this "www" world and have no way of normal interaction to fully understand statements.One way to get a better understanding of written word, on the internet or anywhere else for that matter, is to take the whole statement into consideration. Which when you do, 95 out of 100 people are going to interpret Alex Sr.’s statement as telling Porter that he wants to “see him at the flagpole after school.”
Regarding Alex’s play, not sure what games you have been watching, but Alex has not been doing so hot when given minutes. Broken down here
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
at derby guy
Then we can all thank God for the the remaining 5 who are very analytical and always see things both ways and not channeled to oneway, always be fair in your thoughts it goes a long way
by nosai12 on Dec 1, 2011 2:05 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Hey look, an example of the "www" world you spoke of
In this instance, I am interpreting your response as sarcastic. But am not sure since we’ve haven’t interacted before. Taking that frame of mind, my criticism of AO’s tweets does not mean I think he is always immature or childish all the time. Just in this instance I found them to be childish and unnecessary. People make mistakes. It is possible for people to criticize people they like and want to succeed. A “fair” assessment can result in a negative result, such as in this case.
Furthermore, my criticism of his recent play and benching does not mean I don’t want him to rebound and starting playing like he did last year. It needs to happen in order for this team to round into repeat championship form.
Lastly, I am going to tend to side with the guy having 25 yrs coaching experience and 3 rings on matters regarding playing time rather than the disgruntled player.
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
START McCUMMINGS
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanShots on The UConn Blog
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
