Something to think about. As a poster I've been called all sorts of names and harassed continuously. Should you treat TReed with respect but not other posters?
I think every player should be open for criticism, or praise, on this board - regardless of whether a relative is posting or not.
But while I am not sure anyone is doing it right now, we do need to avoid the temptation to blame everything on one player, or even solely on the coach. The last I checked, basketball is a team sport, and while the coach or a key player can have a significant impact on whether a team wins or loses, there are other players and coaches involved as well.
Treed, you have every right - as everyone else does (
including all the UL loonies over on the FB board) to post your opinions on here. But online fan forums can be a rough place when the team is not winning, and you cannot expect everyone here to share the same motherly love and support for your son when times are bad.
Like you, I don't always agree with everyone's assessments here. But that's the point. This is a place where we debate and argue - sometimes passionately. And there isn't a soul on this board who has not had their own sacred cows gored many times over the years.
I suggest that if you find the criticism too withering for your sensibilities, you take a hiatus on occasion - as I have done numerous times. You appear to be a fantastic mother, and no one here expects you to do or say anything that would compromise the unbridled support you give to your son - and his teammates.
But if you're going to get down in the mud with all of us in here, you need to understand that what we say - whether it is about you or your son - is not intended to be personal. Most of who post here are passionate Purdue fans who have very few productive outlets for our frustrations when the teams we love do not perform up to our expectations. And at times like that, tempers flare and relationships are strained. But agree or not with what is said, if you take any of this personally, then I suggest you step aside for awhile and let it go.
I say this, only because I honor you as a mother - who should not have to raise your blood pressure dealing with people who are not going to change their opinions - no matter how much one argues. Recognize that we value you as a special member of our community - and we all greatly appreciate your support. But as long as this remains a public forum, you need to be able to deal with what is said here, and try not to take it personally.
Best always,
Bob