The Rest of the Story

[MsProudSooner]

"The rest of the story" was Paul Harvey's catchphrase. The rest of the story is what fans don't know but it usually doesn't matter because they like to make snap judgments without all the information.

Exhibit #1:

http://www.normantranscript.com/sports/all_ou_sports/true-grit-why-ou-s-maddie-manning-seized-sixth-year/article_0b37bc31-396e-5a75-9aff-729750ae2d16.html

You don't have to click on the link if you aren't interested in Maddie Manning's entire story. I've quoted the pertinent part below:

Manning was 11-for-47 shooting during OU’s four game losing streak from late November into December. Before the year, she was presumed healthy and perhaps ready to lead the Sooners in scoring. There were questions about why it wasn’t turning out that way.

It wasn’t until she returned to Ankeny over Christmas break with bruises covering her legs — it was initially believed to be from low iron levels — that a doctor visit seemed in order. Blood tests revealed mononucleosis. She later had heart-racing issues and was forced to wear a heart monitor for 48 hours, through one game and one practice, before getting the all-clear signal. A doctor said it was likely an effect of her mono bout.

Despite that, plus a thumb she broke in a December practice and insisted on playing through, Manning never missed a game. She scored a careerhigh 25 points Jan. 7 at Oklahoma State, six days after joining OU’s 1,000-point club.

No one knew about the mono or the heart monitor. The only reason we knew about the thumb was due to the fact that it was taped up.

So fans being fans, they whined, complained and criticized. Most never considered that there might be a legitimate reason for the diminished output. It would have been nice if she could have sat out but even at less than 100% we are better with her on the court.

Are there issues like that with any of the men? Who knows? We know CJ had 'flu-like symptoms'. We know McNeace had a sprained anke. Other than that, we know nothing.

Unfortunately, that doesn't prevent some of us from condemning, criticizing and complaining.

Pardon the interruption. I'll return you to your regularly scheduled witch hunt now.

 

[skyvue]

MPS, you are one of the true MVPs of this board.

 

[MsProudSooner]

MPS, you are one of the true MVPs of this board.

Thank you, Skyvue!

 

[WichitaSooner]

Great post! And credit to her and all the other athletes who never disclose injuries or illnesses, even when doing so would get a lot of people off their back. Lots of athletes make sure everyone knows whenever they are banged up (see: Vonn, Lindsey), but I respect the ones who just keep that stuff quiet and do their best to silently play through things.