I’d put this in the TJ thread, but there doesn’t appear to be a new one just yet… On subjective matters, it’s important to consider opposing opinions without bias or vitriol. At a macro-level, that’s why the culture of American politics is so jacked up: people refuse to look on the other side of the aisle and therefore fail to grow or refine their belief systems, which is not only unproductive but quite dangerous. In this matter, I think Parrish makes some valid points. There’s a legitimate argument to be made that despite the judges ruling, TJ shouldn’t necessarily be playing considering he’s still formally charged. As Norlander points out (and discussed here) there is a strong likelihood the DIA is privy to information that supports TJ’s claim to innocence, or that this incident is entirely fabricated BS…otherwise this would be a wildly ill-advised decision.
Now, if Josh and Brad genuinely believe the charge is either going to be dropped or TJ will be found not guilty, it of course makes more sense why he’s playing. At the same time, Parrish doesn’t think the suspension/TJ not playing is what’s causing irreparable harm. He argues it’s the charge itself that’s causing irreparable harm to current & future earnings. which I think is valid & true…but aside from the charge, I think there’s also a valid argument to be made that holding out TJ from playing does indeed negatively impact his draft stock and therefore would also cause irreparable harm. Like, if TJ goes bonkers in the tourney and leads the Illini to a final 4, that would certainly solidly his place in the 1st round and increase his draft stock…perhaps even push him into the late lottery if he really explodes in March. That’s a sizeable difference in amount of potential earnings. Obviously, none of that is on the table if he’s not playing.
Basically, if the theory around the DIA having legitimate info pointing to TJ’s innocence has legs, this decision makes a lot more sense. I personally believe this is true. Josh and Brad are just too smart. Either way, when the dust settles, this decision is either going to look really good or really bad.