It does raise the question — to what extent should autistic athletes be allowed to compete in mainstream athletics? I don’t have the answer, and it’s a complex issue for sure. That said, if he’s done this sort of thing previously, the NCAA needs to keep track, discipline him appropriately (as with any wrestler, acrostic or not), and possibly remove him altogether if he’s unable to control his behavior that could injure opponents.
Regardless of a disability or challenge, the expectations for conduct should not change. "If you see something, say something". If a coach suspects there is potential for an outburst that would cause injury or harm to someone, they should not be allowed to compete, period.
Agree, but I really don’t think it needs to be as strategic as the last two matches have been. I think Spencer is flat-out better than Tomasello. I just think he’s shown him a ton of respect in the last two matches and hasn’t wrestled his match. If he forgets who the opponent is and just goes after him, I think he wins going away.
I understand, but it will keep us from having to choose between Kem and Bull's matches, when the time comes. I like keeping the quarters-semis-finals "pure" for each team's fans...
Tomasello is just really good. I do think Lee is better, even now, but until he proves it on the biggest stage it won't matter. He could gas Nato under the right circumstances, just don't think it will happen. Nato is at Home in Ohio too, that won't hurt him. It's 2 GREAT wrestlers, all there is to it, either could win.Agree, but I really don’t think it needs to be as strategic as the last two matches have been. I think Spencer is flat-out better than Tomasello. I just think he’s shown him a ton of respect in the last two matches and hasn’t wrestled his match. If he forgets who the opponent is and just goes after him, I think he wins going away.
Also, don’t underestimate the significance of the “free knee”. Spencer minimized it (appropriately) in interviews, but he moves better without it and actually has some offense he couldn’t use with it on. Maybe we see some of that in the semis.
Really tricky question. No doubt, he should face consequences like anyone else and his autism can’t be used as an excuse or reason to absolve him of responsibility. And I’d be fine with a DQ.
Bow and arrow. The knee he works on is called a leg turk. So far in this match he has kept it safe and hasn't taken the lower leg away from the thigh(almost perpendicular at times), which SHOULD be potentially dangerous as it is very hard on the knee.
The B1G has passed the Cowboys by. They will be the big boy in their conference, but not nationally.I have a rough day every time I have to watch them...
I’m not saying you don’t hold them accountable. The question is to what extent should they be allowed to compete in the first place. Because in that situation, there won’t necessarily be the same kind of learning from consequences that you’d see from athletes with normal mentation.
