Ishaq Williams’ Father Blasts The Fizz, Asks “Are You Not Entertained?”
D.A. | Jan 13, 2011 | Comments 32
Ishaq Williams’ father has ripped The Fizz, after our criticism of his comments stating his desire to make his son a household name. A commenter posting as “ishaqdad” left these two comments at 11:22p last night.
- Listen to D.A. “On the Block” with Brent Axe explain the controversy.
The email which was used to register these comments was cross-referenced with previous contact information we had for Shaun Williams and it checks out. The Fizz has exchanged emails with Ishaq’s dad about the comments and applaud him for the standup gesture of connecting his working email address. Often commenters sling anonymous barbs under the cloak of internet invisbility. The Fizz attaches our names to everything we write. We’re glad he did as well. IshaqDad posted:
“I am ishaq’s father and i don’t frankly care how you feel about the fact that i attended your alma mater. you have obviously been studying my statements and actions (with the hats) and now you say my priorities are mixed up? it’s seems you are deluded, but i am not. you make money off of carrying this type of news, i don’t. i am looking for the best situation for my son. if he injures himself and can no longer play football, neither you nor any of your readers will care about him or what hat i am wearing. we said all schools were equal and we meant it. i guess if you don’t like my statements, that is your choice. you should at least thank me for giving you something to write about. in the end it is all entertainment. i’m not hard to reach. and yes, the possibility of my son becoming a household name across america is appealing to me. how dare you question my priorties? are you not entertained. my son is in the position that he is in because of guidance, not a wicked 40 time!
btw, from the very beginning our actions were framed around attempting to help the ‘cuse in more ways than one. that’s all i will say on that. you can ask the people that matter (the coaching staff) about that. every conversation that i have had with the distinguished head coach of the football team was how (despite what ishaq’s choice is) we as a family could help the program. there is a bigger picture here than just your little world of orange and blue. i guess every good deed does get punished. give me a freaking break. you might be able to see the bigger picture, but it doesn’t matter at all to you. btw, didn’t you guys ask us about an interview a few weeks ago? i hope that’s not why we are getting castigated.”
The statement which first caused the criticism of Papa Williams was his reasoning behind the Irish being a good fit. He stated, “Notre Dame and the ability to get that program back to national prominence and for Ishaq to be a household name across America.”
My response read: “But the hope that Ishaq becomes ‘a household name across America’ seems a strange desire from a parent. Wouldn’t the hope be for their son to play for a trustworthy coach, take advantage of an education and grow as a person on the field and off? Are you helping choose a positive environment for your child or a PR firm?
There are no rumblings that Ishaq is anything but a respectable young man who’s dealt with some of life’s hardships and turned them into positives. But if Ishaq’s parents have made the marketing of him a priority, I’m no longer proud they attended my alma mater.”
Let’s clarify a few things here: Some have misinterpreted my criticisms as sour grapes or “whining” that Syracuse was no longer “the favorite.” That could not be further from the truth. As I’ve written here numerous times, cited on the FizzCasts and said on the air continually, SU even being in this discussion is a victory. When was the last time the Orange recruited against Notre Dame and Penn State? Doug Marrone has led this program out of the very depths of college football. Brandon Reddish has just committed. Whatever Ishaq’s decison is we wish any young man the best of luck pursuing an education and success on and off the playing fields. That message has been consistent on The Fizz since our launch.
The Fizz did indeed reach out to Mr. Williams last week in doing our due-diligence to bring you the most factual Ishaq coverage possible. Mr. Williams did not respond. This post has no connection to that. We contintally reach out to parents, high school coaches and the athletes themselves. The Fizz has done this for more than 2 1/2 years. Mr. Williams is not the first to decline or ignore the offer, he won’t be the last. We never internalize or personalize the student-athletes (and their parents) we cover. It’s all part of a bigger coverage framework of athletics at Syracuse University. No one athlete makes or breaks a program (well, maybe Carmelo).
In the original post, Notre Dame itself was never referenced either. This was not complaining Syracuse didn’t have the national exposure the Irish did. The criticism was of some parents’ slanted priority toward marketing their son instead of encouraging them to follow the most nurturing path. This is not an Ishaq-specific problem. We see this all the time in college athletics. The allure of fame, celebrity and fortune are far more attractive than positioning a young man in his best-suited environment.
The entire post was centered around the premise “IF Ishaq’s parents have made the marketing of him a priority…” then I would be disappointed. I still hold true to that sentiment. I would be suprised if many of you disagree with that notion. I do realize many Syracuse fans and impartial observers missed that point and believe I’ve been unfairly critical. I apologize for that. Clearly I did not get my message across as needed.
This statement by Shaun Williams is intriguing. “how dare you question my priorties? are you not entertained.” Maybe that’s all he’s trying to do – entertain everyone. Maybe the hat switching, the statements, his comments to The Fizz is just part of Papa Williams “playing the game.” If so, thanks. The last week-plus has been wildly intriguing.
From a Fizz standpoint, I have been humbled by the attention and readership this post and the rest of the Ishaq coverage has garnered here on the site. It’s not taken lightly. The entire Fizz staff works very hard to get its information correct and its coverage fair. I do not want this to reflect poorly on the great work done on this story by Team Fizz: Ted Conroy, Craig Hoffman, Mike Couzens and Andrew Kanell. This was a columnist opinion, an op-ed piece. It has nothing to do with the groundwork being done by the staff in getting the best information delivered to you the Fizz reader.
As for Syracuse fans upset that maybe this post turned Ishaq away from attending SU? Fear not. If indeed Ishaq’s parents are guiding him in this choice, no intelligent and grounded support group would weigh what a college blog has to say in the decision. If Doug Marrone’s the best coach, the program is the best fit and the university has the best academics, throwing that all away because of a blog post is beyond short-sighted. I don’t believe the Williams’ clan is that.
I stand by my original point: If Ishaq’s parents have prioritized the marketing of him over the best fit for personal growth, it’s fair to question and criticize. If they have not, then I applaud them and apologize for any misinterpretation.
Posted: D.A.
Filed Under: Featured • Recruiting
Mr. Williams please do not take what this “kid” is saying– Ofcourse you would want your son to be a household name -that opens doors . Does anyone think Donnie Mac would be on SNY if he wasnt a “household” name
ON that note i think him coming to cuse would actually put in best position to be household name– at PSU and ND he becomes just another 5 star guy.. anyway whatever you choice wish you the best
D.A. You just don’t get it!!! I posted yesterday how much of a crybaby you were being about the entire requiting process by the william’s family. In your short sighted wisdom you respond to my post and several other SU fans that it is unlikely that any family member would read what bloggers have to say. Of course, you have been proven wrong.
Please D.A. stop making REAL Syracuse fans look like a bunch a unfavorable parasites. Your articles are just whining paragraphs of gibberish.
I do believe, as I’m sure other do, that comments on boards will effect a recruits decision what university to attend.
I have not seen any negative post from PSU or ND fans/bloggers like I have seen from you. It is quite embarrassing to have you represent yourself as an SU fan.
Although I enjoy your site, I think the article about his dad’s priorities was a step over the line. Articles like that are similar to the one’s you see in supermarket tabloids. If I was Mr Williams, I’d be pretty pissed off too. Stick with actual news stories from now on, not opinion based pieces that attack people personally.
Lets see, the chance to play at one of the best universities in the world, bringing the most famous program in the world, back to prominence…..I think if he wants his son at ND, he is one heck of a father. Certainly not a bad thing to get a ND degree. No offense to Syracuse and PSU, but the they aren’t in the same league as ND.
this was… ill advised
YOUR AN IDIOT STOP WRITTING STORIES. you souhldnt be making this personal. Wow you are ruining this for SU and the fans this site is rediculous.
The problem I think all SU fans are having with this is the possibility of sanctions with a site like this contacting recruits and their parents. As far as I know this site does not have NCAA credentials. Finally, the kid has gone through a lot as his parents I think the respectful thing to do is just let them as a family make their decision.
Bill, the only reason we’re not in the same league as Notre Dame is because they don’t have one. They’re trapped in their own “The Fighting Irish are the lone bastion of greatness in NCAA Football, so we can’t tarnish our perfection by affiliating with other schools” echo-chamber that hasn’t been relevant for 2 decades.
That’s it, D.A., I’m going to totally throw your world into backflips. I’m going to call into the Sports Hub with the mask of a Bruins question and then laugh at you on-air for getting killed by a recruit’s father on an internet comment board!
J/K, love the site, even though you occasionally speculate a little too hard in the quest to pass judgment…
you need to stop .. your a 3rd tier blog on the internet and hurting our chances with our biggest recruit in years … just shut up
MR WILLIAMS >> DONT LISTEN TO THESE IDIOTS >>> THEY DO NOT SHARE THE SAME IDEOLOGIES AS OTHER SU ALUMS LIEK YOURSELF >>
This was not ishaq’s father, everyone relax. You can get someone’s email address easily. I just got Mr. Williams email address on the internet. Everyone relax, this kid’s father is not that dumb to draw unwanted attention to his son in this way. Think about it, Ishaq has been all about avoiding unwanted attention, which is a big reason why he didn’t do the Army Bowl hat selection thing. It’s not his father.
Yeah…thats Syracuse’s problem.
Stearing a kid toward one of the best universities with the most storied football tradition is hardly a poor decision by a parent. If you want to debate ND’s independence in football thats another argument. If you want to compare schools based on academics, tradition, and reputation…than yes….there is no comparison and Syracuse and PSU are indeed left ont he outside looking in.
By the way, I am a Syracuse alum, class of ’94, and a huge Syarcuse fan…but lets be honest with ourselves.
The story here is SU’s recruitment of Ishaq. That is what should be reported about and commented on. Instead the Fizz decides that it wants to be part of the story and creates news that wasn’t there and shouldn’t be there. Shit like this does no good for SU, your rep, or your careers. It is lose, lose all the way around.
And for that I am not proud that DA attended my alma mater. Please go report on BC and leave our school alone. You are doing way more harm than good.
You know what, D.A.? If you had spoken like this to begin with you wouldn’t have made the mess you made with Williams’ father.
I think you need to comprehend the term “balanced reporting.” If you have a criticism, that’s fine. But you and your team need to learn how to express your criticisms in a more appropriate way.
I know you want to be opinionated to draw readers but the things you guys say sometimes to get eyeballs blows things WAY out of proportion.
You know we live in a world where the media does this on a daily basis. I’m a true fan of ‘Cuse athletics and what websites like the Fizz give to us readers. Now in all articles i have read regarding “papa” williams, he seems like a very smart and intelligent person. But are people not able to hold opinions about him wearing an ND/’Cuse hat during an important time when fans are hoping for their son to attend our school? Are we not allowed to make a comment about a quote that he made in an artlicle? Those things come with celebrity status. Your son is being watched like a hawk on every move from fans.
One thing Papa needs to know that ‘Cuse has not gotten the talent that PSU and ND have gotten every year. Sorry some of us want your son to wear Orange and Blue. Sorry when we hear that Ishaq may play at PSU we may become a little disappointed, so we comment.
Fizz the article was fine. You guys do great work. ‘Cuse fans be happy that we don’t have to pay $8 a month to rivals n scouts to see this news
D.A., remain objective in your writing. You do a nice job, but you aren’t the only one frustrated with the anticipation that comes with this process. Ishaq’s father is Ishaq’s father, and will do whatever he thinks is best. We don’t have to agree; it isn’t our child.
All the people crying about a blog ruining everything…well if blogs decided the fate of the world, we would all be in serious trouble. Relax.
Mr. Williams, if you happen to read this:
I respect that there is a process, but please realize it makes some people anxious. We all get caught up in things like this. I would love to see him playing inside the Dome, yet if his heart isn’t completely set on it, then I would rather he didn’t. I’m confident that when Ishaq chooses his destination, it will be the right one for HIM, and not the place I, or WE, or “THEY” think is right.
Couple of points:
1. this blog stepped over the line questioning Mr. Williams’ motives. It came across as semi-accusatory. Not cool. (Sorry Mr. Williams)
2. I usually don’t reply to comments but I’ll make a rare exception…
Regarding the comments from “bill jones”:
I’m sure that billy-boy has been saying the same stuff about how great ND football is while they’ve been getting getting their a**es handed to them for the last 10++ years. Right “billy”?
HERE’S A REALITY CHECK FOR BILLY & NOTRE DAME FANS:
(RECENT History: 1997 to 2010)
- In 2010: 8-5 record… same as Syracuse. (Well imagine that, Billy?)
- Under Charlie Weiss (ND fans thought that was the best thing since sliced bread, remember?) the Irish won .564 of their games. Weiss got fired.
- Under Tyrone Willingham they won .583 of games. He got fired too.
- Under George O’Leary… (oh yeah, that went really well – Fired.. uh, I mean “resigned” before he coached a single game.)
- Under Bob Davie: they won .583 of their game. Fired.
So before you get all snobbish on us, “Billy”, please refer to a stubborn thing I like to call “The Facts”.
But I’m sure you were drooling all the while that they’ve been incredibly average… telling everybody how great the Irish are and how much other schools sucks.
Sad.
Hey Bill, last time Syracuse played Notre Dame on YOUR field, who won? Righto. Oh, and we royally sucked that year!! How do ya like them apples (oranges?)?
Now go back to your team’s blog and pat each other on the back every day – re-living the glory days, ‘cuz your junk don’t play here.
Just read the entire article and think you were a bit critical of his father’s intentions. It comes across as an attack on the Dad, which I don’t think is what you were trying to do. Whatever decision he makes, he will be a success. Ishaq is a GREAT kid.
LOL is all I have to say at all these people bashing D.A. and his article. Here are my reasons for why I think all of you are way off-base for your criticisms of D.A. (and this is with the lofty assumption that the two “ishaqsdad” posts were actually written by Ishaq’s Dad).
Let’s say this kid’s father is actually reading these fan-sites. To assume that their decision will be effected in any way, shape or form by the articles written by the site’s authors and the comments posted by readers of said articles is absolutely ridiculous. To then in turn categorically blast the authors of these articles because you are afraid they may scare a recruit away? Are you serious? You guys gotta grow up man. Get a clue here will ya?
This recruiting of Ishaq Williams is a public event. It is an event which has seen the boy’s father toy with fans of two schools by interchanging his headwear, and by making comments which are intended to portray a neutral position. Some of those comments are being analyzed and opinions are being made on said comments. Fine, we have that right don’t we? I mean it is the USA, not China. I hope, otherwise Orangefizz could be blocked like Google is in China.
In this case, the father made a comment that could be considered by most to be ridiculous. It would not seem logical to base a football recruit’s college choice on becoming a “household name”, would it? I mean I thought this kid was concerned with academics, a possible career outside of football in case of injury, etc, etc. Then we get the “household name” comment? Seriously?
That threw red flags up for me too D.A.! I have never heard such a comment coming from a kid out of high school, and I have been around to see guys like Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Kwame Brown. Those guys at least had the right ground to stand on if their focus was to make their names a household name. I never heard them say such a thing, nor anyone else. They were going straight from high school to the pros. This kid is choosing a college. Nobody knows how good he is going to be at the next level. Heck, he could be a bust for all anyone knows.
What we expect is a humble kid who is willing to work his butt off, and who is willing to earn this “household name” status he speaks of. It does not matter what school you go to. In order to achieve such status, you need to do it on the field. Whether it is at Notre Dame, USC, Florida, Temple, Appalachian State, or anywhere. You don’t become a household name unless you earn it on the field, and to hear this kid’s father actually say that as part of the reason for his decision was incredible to me.
Heck, let’s talk about household names and Notre Dame. Spew off a few household names to come out of Notre Dame in the last 5 years. Kind of tough isn’t it? Who? Brady Quinn? Jimmy Clausen? I can’t even think of anyone else, much less someone outside the quarterback position. In fact, I Googled “Notre Dame current NFL players”, and the list is filled with virtual unknowns. The two I mentioned are the most widely known, and they stink. How about for Syracuse? Donovan McNabb, Freeney, Mike Williams, and countless other Cuse NFL products absolutely dwarf the NFL popularity of Notre Dame players in the last 10 years. So if he wants household name status, while we’re at it, your best shot is probably not at Notre Dame bud.
I applaud D.A. for using his 2nd Amendment rights to express his opinion on this site, without the ridiculous notion that it may sway this recruit in another direction like some of these clueless fans are claiming.
^^ 2nd amendment is the right to bear arms. I think you mean 1st amendment, bro
LOL thats what I meant. Man do I look stupid. 2nd was in my mind because of the Tucson situation and caused a freudian slip.
Fizz, I want to say this. I know the man (Shaun), and I knew the young man when he was just a boy. Though I now live out of state, and haven’t had constant interaction, I can tell you that one thing I know for sure about the man is that he cares about the important things. He presses not only Ishaq but many of Ishaq’s teammates and friends, both male and female on those important things. He is constantly beating the drum to these youngsters on getting their grades up to par. He applauds those who are on par and above, and encourages AND assists those who are below. He talks to those kids about being good people no matter where their paths lead them. The kids and their parents alike can go to Shaun for assistance and/or advice on many matters. And yes, he encourages them all to take advantage of EVERY opportunity. I assure you, his major concern is that Ishaq has a good education, makes strong connections, and has value on and off the field. As you stated there is no whisper of issues with Ishaq, he is an excellent young man. Those priorities are in place with him, well supported, and reinforced by his father. My thoughts on this are that as long as those values are in place, and remain strong, then what harm is there to wanting to then strengthen Ishaq’s marketability? He has potential in many areas; one avenue of potential may be the NFL because of the skills the young man possesses. If that avenue remains open to him, then marketability is just as important in that path as networking is in the world of business or politics. It seems that you are suggesting that Shaun Williams should ignore the entertainment aspect, and focus on building the man in Ishaq. But the man has been built, and properly so. Now is the hard work of gaining that delicate balance of showing the man to the world without breaking down the years of work that has gone into creating him. That father has been though a lot. Don’t shortchange him. He loves his son, not his son’s talents. The path is set, and entertainment is critical for that path and it doesn’t mean that the building blocks that are in place in the young man have to be rebuilt or torn down. Consider the possibility that the father wants the son to be the intelligent, good-hearted, productive young man he was raised to be, and also be a fiercely competitive and entertaining athlete as well. That’s the goal, watch them achieve it.
As the father of a college senior I am understand the many factors that go into the family decision of where your child attends school. Although my son bleeds orange I knew that going to SU was not the place for him, although he is now considering grad school there. (He was a golfer and lets face it anything over the Mason Dixon line does not work). Also the size of the school was a big factor – his class is only 420. The Williams family will make the right decision for their son regardless of the rhetoric that is printed on all these blogs. His parents know that if he comes to SU he will be welcomed in the Orange family and will play for a coach who in the last 2 years has demonstrated that he holds his charges responsible for their actions. He will get a great education, make great friends and have fun. Good Luck to the Williams family on making one of the toughest decisions they will make and I do not mean it is difficult just because of football.
I have to laugh at the ND fan who claims that Syracuse and PSU aren’t in the same league as ND. Seriously, that is why I can’t stand domers, their program hasn’t been relevent since the 1950s but that’s not going to stop them from looking down their noses at other very respectable programs that do things the right way. Last I checked, ND football did actually make the news this year for its negligence in the death of 2 young students. Sorry, but with the way that program had a hand in not standing up and acting to prevent those, right now ND would be the last place I’d send my kid.
We live in an age of PR and style over substance. Every senior in high school wants to get into a top tier school so they can position themselves for a top job afterwards, every college senior applies to the best grad programs for a chance for a better career, every college program is ranked annually by World News & Review- we live in a rank or be ranked world right? This is the same in the case of student/athletes. In the end talent will bear fruit (ie former SU WR Mike Williams, Bill Gates both college dropouts essentially) no matter where one goes to school but it’s about the experience, education, about the support and about the make up of the football program.
There are pro’s and cons of spending four years on South Campus, South Bend or Happy Valley. I for one am entertained and look forward to hearing the young man’s decision.
(fyi- I am a high school and college class mate of Mr. Williams).
Of all the forums, I have to say Syracuse is the most brutal of them all. I’ve witnessed several terrible posts attacking recruits and making judgemental comments. Many posts seem to have a particular agendas and become a barrage of verbal assaults, especially on new members. Recruits and family members post and read these blogs. One particular member who comes to mind is Mbd80. His blathering insults are concerning and not a very good representation of Syracuse. Let’s hope this is a good lesson for all bloggers as well.
Lost in all the gnashing of teeth here was the revelation by Ishaq’s dad that he has no intention of coming to Syracuse and never did. As alumni, his parents are allowing the SU football program to bask in some glory by listing them as a favorite. Keeping SU in the conversation with PSU and ND for a highly rated recruit is good pub. Ishaq’s dad clearly states that he’s trying to help out HCDM and the SU program by allowing them to have some of that pub. He was never going to come to the cuse guys, read what his dad said.
I love the “ND isn’t relevant anymore” argument. If you want to use that one, here’s one for you…Syracuse has never been relevant.
Clay B, that’s pretty good stuff. Never relevant? I won’t even grace that with a response. What I will say is this… the 60′s and 70′s are long gone. Notre Dame, Knute Rockne, the “lore” so to speak, is over. Your lore is Brian Kelly, Charlie Weiss, and Tyrone Willingham. Your best NFL players don’t stand close to Syracuse NFL players. Sad, sad what Notre Dame has become. The coaching can’t do much with all its ballyhooed 4/5 star recruits. So sad is the situation, that 2 years ago, Greg Robinson and Syracuse’s worst of teams came in there and beat you on your own turf. You’ll get your fair share of elite recruits, but what you do with them speaks volumes. We have a 10-times better coach than Brian Kelly over here, along with the staff, and we will be better off than ND, guaranteed. Notre Dame fukking sucks now dude, face it.
D.A., It does come off as sour grapes and and a bit preachy. Also, I doubt you wouldv’e written that if he was committed to the Cuse. I don’t see anything wrong with him wanting his son in the best position possible. Exposure and recognition helps tremendously with that. That said, playing well will help the most no matter where he is. You do a good job covering the Cuse so, just keep on keepin on. Let parents decide what is best for thier children and leave it at that. As a parent, I can tell you, my children are very touchy subject and nerves a never far from the surface.
Go Cuse!!!
I don’t mind them, as long as they are trying to make an effort. If they are being obnoxious, or shouting very strange/stupid stuff, someone will tell them off and put them in their place.