Stop the shenanigans
I fully intended to post this earlier this week, but the goings-on at Oklahoma State and at the Ford Center foiled my plans.
So, here’s my latest video commentary, or you can just read below:
Andrea Riley and her Oklahoma State teammates might just have been the feel-good story in women’s college basketball this season.
Then, Riley started knocking people around.
And no, knocking people around isn’t some sort of metaphor for what the Cowgirl point guard does to opponents. No, she actually hit three opponents in the postseason.
First, a disclaimer. I wasn’t at any of the game at which Riley pulled her antics, but I believe the observations of my co-workers. Same goes for video.
The latest incident has been viewed almost 7,000 times already on YouTube – a quick note, I couldn’t find the video without the extra commentary that this one has; if you find one, let me know – and it only happened Saturday. The Cowgirls were playing LSU in the Sweet 16, another amazing step for this program that was 0-16 in conference play only two years ago. Riley dribbled into the lane with LSU guard Erica White on her hip. Riley pulled up for a jumper, and White turned to look at the rim. When she did, Riley turned toward White and smacked her in the back of her head. White pushed back a bit, but then, who wouldn’t when blindsided with a shot to the skull?
We don’t know, of course, what transpired before that between Riley and White. During that particular play, White didn’t seem to say anything to Riley or do anything out of the ordinary. Lots of things are said and done, though, during the course of a game.
Still, that doesn’t excuse what Riley did.
And unfortunately, these type of actions are becoming all too frequent with Riley. She smacked a gal from Texas in the Big 12 Tournament, then a couple nights later smacked another one from Texas A&M.
That’s three incidents in five games. Unacceptable.
Listen, I think Andrea Riley is the best point guard in the country. No one runs their team better. No one gets their shot better.
Talk to Riley off the court, and there’s no more charming and delightful a person.
But as much as there is to like about Riley, her actions cannot be ignored. The referees did not punish her. Neither has the conference. I say OSU coach Kurt Budke must step up. He has to let it be known that these types of things won’t be tolerated. Does that mean a stern talking to? More conditioning? A suspension?
I don’t know what will get the point across, but these sorts of things must stop. Budke has to understand that, and he must make sure Riley does, too.
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