[Bruce Wang]

The general unspoken rule seems to be not to criticize the student-athlete, but criticizing the coach, who is being paid handsomely is fair. Student athletes are busting their butts for the team with very little recompense. If a player lacks talent, he can't help it.

This seems to distinguish our site from other fan boards.  Is it because the a$$hole factor is low here? Or is it that Stanford athletes typically don't provide much room for criticism on the effort front?  If Stanford athlete fails to meet expectations, it seems to be either due to injury, talent misjudgement, or academics (in rare instances).

In terms of the other college program I cheer for, effort does surface as a problem because some of these athletes rely almost entirely on talent.  Criminality is also a problem over there.

[Bruce Wang]

The general unspoken rule seems to be not to criticize the student-athlete, but criticizing the coach, who is being paid handsomely is fair. Student athletes are busting their butts for the team with very little recompense. If a player lacks talent, he can't help it.

This seems to distinguish our site from other fan boards.  Is it because the a$$hole factor is low here? Or is it that Stanford athletes typically don't provide much room for criticism on the effort front?  If Stanford athlete fails to meet expectations, it seems to be either due to injury, talent misjudgement, or academics (in rare instances).

In terms of the other college program I cheer for, effort does surface as a problem because some of these athletes rely almost entirely on talent.  Criminality is also a problem over there.