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I could see the call on the elbow to Suton's crotch going either way. Natural running motion? Perhaps. Ed Hightower saw it that way. Again, Dumas get the benefit of the doubt.
The final elbow certainly did appear to be intentional and flagrant. Again, IMO, the ejection was justified. He'd already gotten away with two elbows - either of which COULD have been called flagrant.
I understand that the Hoosier team must be incredibly frustrated, however, that is no excuse. It's an honor and a privilege to wear the Cream and Crimson uniform. It's not a reward for thugs. We had enough of that last year.
The final elbow, the flagrant one, absolutley warranted an ejection. In light of that foul alone (and especially considering Dumes' recent behavior) I think Dumes deserves a game suspension. I think he'll get it too, I just hope it comes from IU.
What I think is more important here though is continuing to set a tone of DISCIPLINE. Too often Discipline is the biggest problem in college athletics and after the shenanigans Under Mike Davis and He who's name we shall not speak, it is important to keep rebuilding our image. This is the first real discipline test, that we know of, for the new regime and I think it would speak highly of IU to pre-empt any possible Big Ten reprimand and take control of their players.
And suggesting that he will get a five game suspension is just asinine.
Something like: "A huge day of college hoops. Did the #1 team survive? A Hoosier throwing elbows [showing angle of Dumes' elbow to Suton's nuts], and a coach in tears [Nebraska over Texas]."
The WWL is definitely gonna try to make a bigger story of this than it probably should be. Oh well.
Perhaps it's jealousy. Bottom line, we don't need Dumas' cheap shots. I say suspend him. If he EVER does anything like that again, he's gone. For good.
I know that's basically what others are saying. I'm just adding my little bit to it.
Its been a tough season for the fans...so just think about how hard its been for the players.
I say punish him and include the message that this is his ONLY chance. One more time of anything questionable and he's gone. Indiana basketball is much better than that... and it's certainly bigger than any one player, regardless of whether or not he's a "solid contributor".
We are rebuilding our reputation as well as our team. We don't need that negative distraction or behavior on IU.
A clear message must be sent, & consequences to drive the message home.
Unlike everyone else, I'm not even convinced the first elbow (3rd personal foul) was unintentional. There wasn't much contact, but it appeared as if Dumes might have given a little extra extension on the elbow when he started to feel the contact.
I've seen it several times this year from Dumes, and it's unacceptable. 3 times in one game is ridiculous.
Dumes needs a teary eyed "Teddy Kennedy" Chappaquidick-like news conference and a public and private apology to MSU and to all of IU nation. Then a game suspension and no starting the rest of the year.
The damage this does to Crean's reputation and IU is not worth Devan Dumes......he needs to know and feel that right now.
As for the game, I feel I can see the weight room paying off in WIlliams, Roth, Jones and especially Taber and his newly acquired agility. They donot look like the same kids from early in the season
There needs to be a one game suspension and then not start at least the next game. Coach Crean needs to nip this type of behavior immediately and let all the players know what IU Sportsmanship and decorum is!!!
Clearly he needs to chill out and we'll leave that to the coach. There is a certain 1-2 game suspension on the horizon and I would be shocked if we see anything close to this type of behavior in the future.
To those of you on this blog that follow Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois etc......I personally have never visited one blog following your teams, because frankly I could care less. The fact you are on an INDIANA blog only confirms your infatuation with the program and the 5 banners hanging in the stands. We're all really shocked you think Dumes should receive a harsh punishment.
Now if he had elbowed a PU player....you would not have one negative thread on this post....which is clearly acceptable....
And I agree Milla....I also think the 'banner' infacuation compounded by the not so dominant season PU is having leads many to this blog...I love it....keep em comin'...don't be surprised your boilers find themselves in a close one with the baby hoosiers this year.........
Does that seem fair enough?
Maybe he can run the new stadium steps until the cows come home.
Just please have some kind of consequence to ensure the lesson is clearly learned.
I am disappointed by this poor choice/behavior for the first time this year which for me has been an interesting & exciting work in progress.
Hoosier_Hound, I liked your comment to run him until he is too tired to swing his elbows.
The next question is it o.k. to elbow a Purdue player if it helps their IQ scores? ;o)
I am from the same part of the world as Mr. Dumes and knew some of his high school coaches, and I heard the same thing from them that is manifest now, his attitude is the only thing keeping him back. I thought a couple of years away and the opportunity to play at IU would give him reason to change, but he keeps displaying the same playground-type behavior that is unacceptable on this stage and especially at this time.
I do not know what the acceptable punishment ought to be, but he needs to know he is wasting a good opportunity and good talent to act in such a way. I thought the rest of the team did not deserve their efforts to have it tainted by the actions of one player. I thought the first elbow was part of the game, but he was reacting to the way Walton was playing him instead of using his aggressiveness against him. The second was clearly intentional as he had room to run around but chose to engage. The third, was clearly out of frustration, but was completely unneccessary. I would be embarrassed if I were him....I only hope he can learn from it.
And to call Dumes a “thug” is ignorant.
Yes Dumes let his actions and emotions slip out of control, but it was in the middle of a Big Ten game. And, absolutely none of the readers of this blog know what it is like to go through such a frustrating season like this year's team is. Remember, these are 18-22 year old men we are talking about. It is not like Dumes is skipping class to go smoke weed, or constantly disrespecting or completely ignoring the authority of the interim head coach a la last year.
Dumes, as with the rest of this year's squad, deserve nothing but our support and respect for caring enough about IU basketball to work their tails off day in and day out, only to see limited short-term results.
I am sick of sitting in the stands at Assembly Hall and listening to fans and students belittle OUR players.
I constantly hear our own fans make fun of Kyle Taber for his lack of speed and ability. Kyle Taber may not be the most athletic player. But he tries just as hard as (probably harder than) anyone else out there, and we would be even worse off without him because we are small as it is and Pritchard is often in foul trouble.
I also hear fans complain every time Pritchard makes a mistake, and often hear people refer to him as a "pussy." Tom Pritchard may make stupid fouls and fail to finish from time to time. But, he is a freshman who was forced to be our team's sole inside threat from the day he stepped on campus. Not to mention he has the burden of defending and competing on the boards against bigger, stronger, more experienced big men throughout the Big Ten.
It is time for our fans to stop spending their time criticizing our players and instead spend it supporting them and looking forward to turning the corner and building momentum for the future.
That said, a 1 or 2 game suspension is probably appropriate for Dumes.