Bradley Luncheon- Judge McDade speaks about Jim Les

[Da Coach]

I was not at the Bradley gameday luncheon today, but I heard that Judge Joe Billy McDade asked to speak at the event. From talking to someone who was there, I have heard about what was said. I wanted to start a topic of discussion, and I would ask that anyone else who was there and heard his speech, please give us your report.

What I have heard is that Judge McDade said he now admits he was wrong about his opposition to the selection of Jim Les as coach. It sounds like he was conceding that Coach Les is leading Bradley in the right direction and he now supports him fully.

Maybe this was just a brief speech of support for Coach Les, but I feel it represents a monumental event. If Judge JBM can now voice support for the selection of Coach Les after everything that has happened between him and Bradley, then there is no reason, whatsoever, that there should be anyone who still harbors or voices resentment. This should bring everyone together and allow Bradley and all it's supporters to move forward toward a new era of bigger and better things for Bradley.
I was happy to see Judge McDade get the loudest ovation when he was recognized at halftime. He is such a big part of Bradley's great history, and a tremendous credit to Bradley and is has been great to see him at the games again last year and this year.

I have never been more proud of my Alma Mater, Bradley, and it's great to see the basketball program back on track to national prominence.
We are also gratified here at bradleyfans.com to be a part of the fan support for the basketball team and the other athletic programs.
We also appreciate all you posters who make this site what it is.

[BU Bill]

I wasn't there. But that is pretty much what I have heard happened.

I never thought I would see all factions come together so soon.

This is great for Bradley.

[Big Mike]

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/122006/BRA_BBRVUGBO.077.shtml

[tornado]

Agree, this is huge.
No reason now for any opposition, and I hope we see it disappear from the media as well.

[BU FAMILY]

I was at the luncheon on Tuesday, and heard first-hand what Judge McDade had to say. I was so impressed by his sincere comments that I headed back to the office and told a bunch of people about what he had to say. I remember the conflict created when JL was hired, and I remember Mr. McDade's opposition - for him to stand in front of a crowd and say "I didn't support the hiring of Jim Les and I believe now that I made a mistake" was a monumental step in moving past this issue. Didn't Judge McDade resign his trustee position at BU over this whole thing when JL was hired? I certainly was one of those that gave the Judge a loud applause when he was introduced at the game on Tuesday night!!

[Biff]

Here is more>>

http://pjstar.com/php/index.php?/wessler/index/

This is the greatest news I could have imagined to hear this morning. I agree with da coach!

Hooray for Judge McDade!

[tornado]

I don't recall Judge McDade being "against Jim Les"
but he was against some aspects of the selection process, and favored the hiring of another candidate.
I certainly have no problems with anyone who favored another candidate, but when Judge McDade spoke openly to criticize the
Selection Committe's process and choice, then I did lose some respect for him.
But I too will apologize and throw my FULL, FULL support back at Judge McDade, as a great past player of BU and as a truly great citizen and example of what the educational process at BU is all about.
I know that I owe my success in the profession I chose, in part to my education at BU, and I am proud that Bradley has other fine graduates like Judge McDade who make me proud to be a BU alum.

But even more than just a statement about Jim Les, Judge McDade's comments (disclosed more fully in Kirk Wessler's blog) go a long way to creating acceptance and harmony between the players of different races and backgrounds.
I am so happy we can all cheer for the same great team.

[Bravesguy]

I notice Sports Editor Kirk Wessler was not at the BU game last night, and instead was at the Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis.
I thought he was Mr. Uber-Bradley fan and lifleong Mr. BU-man?
He is the Executive Sports Editor. If he was in St. Louis it must've been that's where he preferred to be?
Has he given up on Bradley? Could he not have sent Ryan Ori to cover the Illini, after all this is a Peoria newspaper, and the top guys should be covering Bradley!

[wily coyote]

I notice Sports Editor Kirk Wessler was not at the BU game last night, and instead was at the Braggin' Rights game in St. Louis.
I thought he was Mr. Uber-Bradley fan and lifleong Mr. BU-man?
He is the Executive Sports Editor. If he was in St. Louis it must've been that's where he preferred to be?
Has he given up on Bradley? Could he not have sent Ryan Ori to cover the Illini, after all this is a Peoria newspaper, and the top guys should be covering Bradley!

He was at the game covering it. Mr. Dave Reynolds is the top guy with the responsibily of covering all BU games not just home games. Dave is the main man not KW. KW does not go on the road with the Braves DR does. So I see nothing wrong with KW being in ST Louie last night.

[tornado]

I never said there was anything wrong with it, but I think it says something.
People's actions do say things as well as their words.

And why even mention that Kirk Wessler "does not go on the road with the Braves"?
I am pointing out that last night he "went on the road" with the Illini in preference to staying home with BU.

If Illinois were playing in Peoria and KW went to St. Louis to watch Bradley play a regular season game, I would similarly draw the conclusion that he isn't very interested in the Illini.

[lefty]

I was at the luncheon on Tuesday, and heard first-hand what Judge McDade had to say. I was so impressed by his sincere comments that I headed back to the office and told a bunch of people about what he had to say. I remember the conflict created when JL was hired, and I remember Mr. McDade's opposition - for him to stand in front of a crowd and say "I didn't support the hiring of Jim Les and I believe now that I made a mistake" was a monumental step in moving past this issue. Didn't Judge McDade resign his trustee position at BU over this whole thing when JL was hired? I certainly was one of those that gave the Judge a loud applause when he was introduced at the game on Tuesday night!!

Actually he said JL wasn't his favorite choice but he "might" have made a mistake. It was still huge and everyone accepted pretty well it seemed. It's great to see people move on from this. Hats off to Judge McDade for taking this step in that kind of public forum.