quote:
What if the facts are negative?

I can only speak for myself, but I don't come here to see everyone's positive spin on the facts. I'm mostly here for the information and some occasional discussion. I definitely agree that the rule against insulting players and their families should be strictly enforced, but I completely disagree with the notion that we should strategically omit negative facts and/or subjectively put these facts in a positive light.

Let me take a stab at your question/comments because it's on point.

I agree, we should be able to discuss something "negative" about a player if it's actually a fact rather than an opinion.

I'm mainly speaking to the heart or tone of the negativity on the board that doesn't add anything constructive. In part, we are dealing with a failure to understand the difference between what is fact and what is opinion or unsubstantiated information.

Example: If a Linebacker runs a 4.9 40, he would not be considered fast or have ideal speed. This would be factual data, provided the player's Data was recorded correctly. What if the information provided is simply incorrect, but posters run full speed ahead with the data? Have they not just slandered an individual in a public forum, albeit unintentional?

Opinion gets into talk such as "he is fat and slow and unworthy of a scholarship from LSU or any SEC team " etc etc...

I love having a healthy debate about practically anything...most message board folks do.

All I am trying to say is, lets's keep the dialogue (on this board) on a constructive path, conversation that adds some value to the audience.

TD is massively popular, in part because the admins allow a lot of "emotion" to be expressed.

And because TD is so far reaching, we should all the more handle our freedom of speech with great respect to the players and their families we talk about.