Anthony Ferrari

[MSU158]

The throat slit gesture is immediately penalized in football and a technical foul assessed in basketball. It is not accepted. And yes, if someone gave me that gesture directly I would react much in the same way I would if I was flipped off.

Gotcha. Gestures get to you much more than they do to me. Especially when it is from a stranger that I would probably never have direct interaction with ever again.

Again, in the end, most of the argument over AJ here is opinion. I openly admit that my opinion about "gestures" may be much more desensitized than others. If you think an athlete flipping the bird at booing fans is "that bad", I disagree, but I understand how different things bother different people...

 

[MSU158]

MSU isn’t a troll. He just woke up and felt plucky and came here to stir the shit.. In many cases, it’s defending Iowa…sometimes it’s other subjects. Take the good with the bad 😂

I was 100% with you until you added this word!!!!

 

[SPOONER]

I agree with MSU on AJ. If you ignore his toxicity and the danger he poses to women, he would be a great addition to the team and the greater Iowa City community.

 

[el dub]

nope... i just think you're lonely and need conversation... saying really stupid things does get the conversation goin!!

Yes.it.does, unfortunately.

 

[Random4598375]

Gotcha. Gestures get to you much more than they do to me. Especially when it is from a stranger that I would probably never have direct interaction with ever again.

Again, in the end, most of the argument over AJ here is opinion. I openly admit that my opinion about "gestures" may be much more desensitized than others. If you think an athlete flipping the bird at booing fans is "that bad", I disagree, but I understand how different things bother different people...

He also took a swing at Glazier (and I believe contacted the ref) and flipped off Glazier (who was a nominal teammate at the time) and the Iowa corner where Tom Brands was with Glazier before repeatedly flipping off the fans and then doing the splits and directing the fingers at the Iowa parents section. If that's nothing to you, hey, you do you. As a Penn State fan, I'd love nothing more than to see that whole circus back together to do more damage to Iowa. LOL.

 

[MSU158]

I agree with MSU on AJ. If you ignore his toxicity and the danger he poses to women, he’s would be a great addition to the team and the greater Iowa City community.

Where did I once say he would be great for Iowa? In fact, where did I say he should even go to Iowa?

Also, how does "he's would be" work?

 

[MSU158]

He also took a swing at Glazier (and I believe contacted the ref) and flipped off Glazier (who was a nominal teammate at the time) and the Iowa corner where Tom Brands was with Glazier before repeatedly flipping off the fans and then doing the splits and directing the fingers at the Iowa parents section. If that's nothing to you, hey, you do you. As a Penn State fan, I'd love nothing more than to see that whole circus back together to do more damage to Iowa. LOL.

Have you ever wrestled in an intense wrestling room. Maybe things are different now, but I have seen a LOT of full-on fights amongst teammates that ended up hanging out right after practice. Calling what AJ did to Glazier "taking a swing" does a major injustice to what "taking a swing" even means.

Mind you, I have said that AJ has shown himself to clearly be a douche in the past. I have even said I am not a fan of the guy. I just simply don't believe I personally have witnessed anything to completely disregard him if he is a 2xer, with 2 chances left and can actually stay clean this entire year and the coaches have enough discourse with him after to feel comfortable bringing him back.

If Iowa doesn't even try to look into him I am fine with it. A few much closer to the program seem to believe that is the case. I simply trust that the coaches know better than ALL of us on this board and I respect their decision EITHER way...

 

[Random4598375]

Have you ever wrestled in an intense wrestling room. Maybe things are different now, but I have seen a LOT of full-on fights amongst teammates that ended up hanging out right after practice. Calling what AJ did to Glazier "taking a swing" does a major injustice to what "taking a swing" even means.

Mind you, I have said that AJ has shown himself to clearly be a douche in the past. I have even said I am not a fan of the guy. I just simply don't believe I personally have witnessed anything to completely disregard him if he is a 2xer, with 2 chances left and can actually stay clean this entire year and the coaches have enough discourse with him after to feel comfortable bringing him back.

If Iowa doesn't even try to look into him I am fine with it. A few much closer to the program seem to believe that is the case. I simply trust that the coaches know better than ALL of us on this board and I respect their decision EITHER way...

I wrestled a long time ago. Yes, there were pretty heated scuffles in practice. Never once did I see anyone take a swing at an opponent on the mat who wasn't also a teammate much less one who was, nor did I ever once see a guy flip off an opponent, his coach, the crowd, or his own team's parents section.

 

[MSU158]

I wrestled a long time ago. Yes, there were pretty heated scuffles in practice. Never once did I see anyone take a swing at an opponent on the mat who wasn't also a teammate much less one who was, nor did I ever once see a guy flip off an opponent, his coach, the crowd, or his own team's parents section.

Then you were mightily sheltered. Hell, just Iowa related alone, there are TONS of stories out there about the Brands literally fighting each other. Even Vision Quest has the fight in the parking lot, although Louden was pretty smart to take it to the ground right away!

Again, personal experiences absolutely color perspective. This thread definitely shows that. I have been seriously desensitized to things that obviously are considered much more egregious by some on here.

 

[SPOONER]

Where did I once say he would be great for Iowa? In fact, where did I say he should even go to Iowa?

Sorry, I thought you posted this. Must’ve been someone else.

Spare me the righteous indignation, guys. Now, MAYBE AJ already has fully blown his welcome at Iowa during his last stint. However, only ONE DI team can afford to not at least consider a 2X Champ(if that happens this year) with 2 chances left. That one team is NOT Iowa.

Again, personal experiences absolutely color perspective. This thread definitely shows that. I have been seriously desensitized to things that obviously are considered much more egregious by some on here.

I strongly suggest you seek psychological help if the above is true.

 

[MSU158]

Sorry, I thought you posted this. Must’ve been someone else.



I strongly suggest you seek psychological help if the above is true.

So saying it should at least be considered is the same as saying it would be great? Please tell me how those 2 are synonymous?

Yes, the finger and two team mates getting into a heated exchange where the weakest slap was thrown by any man weighing over 200 lbs, that has EVER been, don't really bother me. I am fairly confident a Psychologist isn't going to run me through intense treatment for having such a "subversive" stance...

 

[SPOONER]

So saying it should at least be considered is the same as saying it would be great? Please tell me how those 2 are synonymous?

Yes, the finger and two team mates getting into a heated exchange where the weakest slap was thrown by any man weighing over 200 lbs, that has EVER been, don't really bother me. I am fairly confident a Psychologist isn't going to run me through intense treatment for having such a "subversive" stance...

Oh. 😂

Anyway…

Yeah, because I mean, that is all he has ever done. Totally an upstanding Citizen and otherwise great guy.

 

[IRONBIRD]

Lets take a poll shall we???

IF AJ would vault IOWA past F*** st next season, would you bring him in?

 

[MSU158]

Oh. 😂

Anyway…

Yeah, because I mean, that is all he has ever done. Totally an upstanding Citizen and otherwise great guy.

I may decide whether or not I like someone based on hearsay, but I wouldn't decide their future livelihood because of it. That is the sole difference I am arguing. It isn't whether or not I think the guy is a douche, it is whether or not he has ACTUALLY done enough to truly deserve zero consideration.

I even said he may very well fall into that category. I just simply haven't seen that evidence to support it. For those that keep calling him a criminal, has he actually been convicted of a crime? If you want to use the Sexual Assault case that was dismissed as gospel, please understand this entire country is run by representatives that literally have a fund set up to settle cases with accusers, with essentially no questions asked.

All I have said is it would be worth it to me to fully vet him before fully dismissing him. Iowa may very well have already done that. If they haven't, I would trust the coaches to do it in a manner that either fully gives them the confidence to add him or be done with him...

 

[Inthecircle]

That would negate my argument altogether, and I said as much from the beginning. My argument hinged on him winning again. The guy has already proven he has the tools to win it all. Tough competition or not, the guy is incredibly hard to score on and that doesn't just go away. He also has always been damn near 100% at finishing a fully committed attack. Those are, to me anyway, the 2 most important aspects I look for in a wrestler.

As far as the last part goes, I don't know the why and how about his not getting accepted. If he wouldn't be eligible to transfer after a full year at another DI school, then that alone would squash the argument regardless of anything else.

I sincerely appreciate the input from someone much closer to the program than I am...

I appreciate your response, most especially, your explanation of why you like Ferrari from a style perspective.

I am not especially close to the program, meaning I don’t have any direct contact with coaches or wrestlers, currently or formerly rostered.
Just friends and acquaintances who do.

 

[82bordeaux]

I like how Anthony wrestles with a heavy gold chain. Fits the stereotype.

Didn't I see Bunji Fretwell wearing that chain last year?

 

[sdvike]

I get that part. I even get why they don't like him and/or don't want him. I just am arguing against those that go apeshit on those that think at least considering a 2xer with 2 chances left are either, "on drugs", "trolling" or altogether not an Iowa fan...

He is a 1x same as Buchannan.

 

[el dub]

Was it really the last transgression though? AJ was still at Iowa training for 6 months after the Soldier Salute. It was after rumors came out of a separate alleged altercation with a female Hawkeye wrestler when AJ announced he’d be leaving Iowa. I don’t know what happened, maybe that’s just a coincidence or maybe it isn’t.

Did we hear about the alleged incident with the female Iowa wrestler here?

Gotcha. Gestures get to you much more than they do to me. Especially when it is from a stranger that I would probably never have direct interaction with ever again.

Again, in the end, most of the argument over AJ here is opinion. I openly admit that my opinion about "gestures" may be much more desensitized than others. If you think an athlete flipping the bird at booing fans is "that bad", I disagree, but I understand how different things bother different people...

flipping the bird at booing home fans. And it sounds like there may have been more bad behavior after that incident.

 

[Muscles1989]

Lets take a poll shall we???

IF AJ would vault IOWA past F*** st next season, would you bring him in?

I wanna say no…… but

 

[MilleGinja]

Did we hear about the alleged incident with the female Iowa wrestler here?

Post in thread 'AJ Ferrari says no to Iowa’

That’s a link above. I swear it used to auto format that to be more obvious.

 

[BlameIt]

Then you were mightily sheltered. Hell, just Iowa related alone, there are TONS of stories out there about the Brands literally fighting each other. Even Vision Quest has the fight in the parking lot, although Louden was pretty smart to take it to the ground right away!

Otto didn't want any part of Swain.

Hell he even called him the opponent. But, Louden got mental revenge.

"Wrestling is not a team sport. When you're on the mat with a guy, there's nothing a teammate can do for you."

 

[SPOONER]

I may decide whether or not I like someone based on hearsay, but I wouldn't decide their future livelihood because of it. That is the sole difference I am arguing. It isn't whether or not I think the guy is a douche, it is whether or not he has ACTUALLY done enough to truly deserve zero consideration.

I even said he may very well fall into that category. I just simply haven't seen that evidence to support it. For those that keep calling him a criminal, has he actually been convicted of a crime? If you want to use the Sexual Assault case that was dismissed as gospel, please understand this entire country is run by representatives that literally have a fund set up to settle cases with accusers, with essentially no questions asked.

All I have said is it would be worth it to me to fully vet him before fully dismissing him. Iowa may very well have already done that. If they haven't, I would trust the coaches to do it in a manner that either fully gives them the confidence to add him or be done with him...

Oklahoma State, Iowa, and a host of other D1 wrestling programs took a look at him and said "eff no." But I’m sure he’s just a misunderstood victim despite about a billion signs to the contrary.

😂

 

[acuhawk]

Oh. 😂

Anyway…

Yeah, because I mean, that is all he has ever done. Totally an upstanding Citizen and otherwise great guy.

Since you're the quote guy on here why don't you post a quote where he's ever said that.

 

[wrestlecrazy]

I wrestled a long time ago. Yes, there were pretty heated scuffles in practice. Never once did I see anyone take a swing at an opponent on the mat who wasn't also a teammate much less one who was, nor did I ever once see a guy flip off an opponent, his coach, the crowd, or his own team's parents section.

It happened in the Iowa inter squad meet 1975 but that was before the internet or cameras on phones.

 

[SPOONER]

Since you're the quote guy on here why don't you post a quote where he's ever said that.

Oh what he said was way different. 😂

 

[GracefromAbove]

I agree with MSU's premise. MSU and I will refer back to this around Tax Day 2025.

If AJ wins his second national title in March 2025, two days later about 50% of Hawkeye fan posters on this board will be ok with the idea of AJ in Iowa City for 2025/2026.

If AJ finishes 2nd or 3rd, Buchanan finishes 1st, but AJ beats Josh Barr head-to-head at 2025 Nationals, two days later about 20% of Hawkeye fan posters on this board will be ok with the idea of AJ in Iowa City for 2025/2026.

MSU's concept is that AJ wrestles like AJ always has, but also successfully stays out of handcuffs and social media meltdown. Beth Goetz said no for her first year and not right after the double birds. At the time, AJ was toxic for the new AD and for Brands as employee of a new AD. A full year away with good behavior and great wrestling results by AJ is a redemption story. The drop off at 197 is too big in terms of team points. Four or five Top 2 finishers is sufficient for a national championship race with PSU. PSU might still win that race, but AJ neutralizing or besting the points from Josh Barr would be huge for Iowa in 2026.

Ayala, Caliendo, Gabe, Angelo--plus AJ--makes for the best points on paper at nationals that Iowa has had since at least 2020 or 2021. Without AJ's presumed 18-24, 2026 shapes up to be another obvious 2nd-3rd place finish.

 

[MALOS]

I agree with MSU's premise. MSU and I will refer back to this around Tax Day 2025.

If AJ wins his second national title in March 2025, two days later about 50% of Hawkeye fan posters on this board will be ok with the idea of AJ in Iowa City for 2025/2026.

If AJ finishes 2nd or 3rd, Buchanan finishes 1st, but AJ beats Josh Barr head-to-head at 2025 Nationals, two days later about 20% of Hawkeye fan posters on this board will be ok with the idea of AJ in Iowa City for 2025/2026.

MSU's concept is that AJ wrestles like AJ always has, but also successfully stays out of handcuffs and social media meltdown. Beth Goetz said no for her first year and not right after the double birds. At the time, AJ was toxic for the new AD and for Brands as employee of a new AD. A full year away with good behavior and great wrestling results by AJ is a redemption story. The drop-off at 197 is just too big in terms of team points. Four or five Top 2 finishers is sufficient for a national championship race with PSU. PSU might still win that race, but AJ neutralizing or besting the points from Josh Barr would be huge for Iowa in 2026.

Ayala, Caliendo, Gabe, Angelo--plus AJ--makes for the best points on paper at nationals that Iowa has had since at least 2020 or 2021. Without AJ's presumed 18-24, 2026 shapes up to be another obvious 2nd-3rd place finish.

I’d rather see them go get Figueroa, Elam, and a 57lber

 

[TrollsRus]

If TNT wanted to get rid of most of the fan base and most of the team, go for the Ferrari circus that bringing in those two would make. It is amazing to me that anyone with a brain even entertains the idea of bringing AJ back. 'Common' sense is harder to come by these days I suppose.

It’s a double edge sword…

Potentially lose fan support with Ferrari x2 or x3
-OR-
Potentially lose fan support falling further from a team title or dare I say Ferrari x0.

 

[SJP80]

The middle finger to a bunch of booing fans is a pretty basic response, in my opinion. Now the splits was definitely "different", but the dude IS different and I don't know how the splits could offend ANYONE.

Mind you, the middle finger doesn't really do much to me. I live in the Detroit area where people TRY to drive in the snow. I had a lady on her cell phone cut me off and damn near spun me off the road. When I honked, she flipped me off. I laughed. It just isn't a gesture that offends me...

Explain to me why any rational college administration would allow him back onto the team? That’s really what this would be about. How can they justify and reconcile all the things that have already gone on and allow him to take a scholarship?

 

[MSU158]

Explain to me why any rational college administration would allow him back onto the team? That’s really what this would be about. How can they justify and reconcile all the things that have already gone on and allow him to take a scholarship?

Bakersfield has managed it so far with no issues…

 

[GracefromAbove]

I’d rather see them go get Figueroa, Elam, and a 57lber

AJ is a sure thing top 2 finisher in 2026 if he wrestles nationals and is healthy.

Figueroa could finish anywhere from 1-8. Elam anywhere from 3-6. Unnamed 157 speaks for itself. If the wrestler doesn't have a specific name, he isn't in this category of wrestler.

If Iowa is worried about putting up points at nationals, AJ is a better option than those 3. Iowa will have an unnamed 157 with or without AJ, so you're really talking about whether Figueroa + Elam is better than AJ + Iowa 125 not named Richie Figs.

 

[Sett1997]

OT: Reminded me of Beavis and Butthead skit on SNL. If you haven't seen it it's funny as shit.
Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day as Beavis and Butthead. Lol

 

[Trapper85]

So did anyone win this debate yet, I can't tell? If not, maybe time to take it to the bridge?

 

[SJP80]

Bakersfield has managed it so far with no issues…

The administration, alumni, media, prestige, etc, etc of Bakersfield does not equal the University of Iowa. The Administration part is just too big a hurdle in my opinion. Since you hate absolutes, my guess is a 0.83% chance he could clear all the hurdles and be doing splits for the Carver crowd some day.

 

[MALOS]

AJ is a sure thing top 2 finisher in 2026 if he wrestles nationals and is healthy.

Figueroa could finish anywhere from 1-8. Elam anywhere from 3-6. Unnamed 157 speaks for itself. If the wrestler doesn't have a specific name, he isn't in this category of wrestler.

If Iowa is worried about putting up points at nationals, AJ is a better option than those 3. Iowa will have an unnamed 157 with or without AJ, so you're really talking about whether Figueroa + Elam is better than AJ + Iowa 125 not named Richie Figs.

And how bringing in AJ will destroy our chances and future recruits because kids and parents don’t want to be part of a drama filled program.

 

[acuhawk]

AJ is a sure thing top 2 finisher in 2026 if he wrestles nationals and is healthy.

Figueroa could finish anywhere from 1-8. Elam anywhere from 3-6. Unnamed 157 speaks for itself. If the wrestler doesn't have a specific name, he isn't in this category of wrestler.

If Iowa is worried about putting up points at nationals, AJ is a better option than those 3. Iowa will have an unnamed 157 with or without AJ, so you're really talking about whether Figueroa + Elam is better than AJ + Iowa 125 not named Richie Figs.

Elam plus Figs would be the easy choice. Just Elam would be the easy choice. Of course all of this is hypothetical discussion and my opinion. Also I don't believe he will win it this year anyways.

 

[Random4598375]

So did anyone win this debate yet, I can't tell? If not, maybe time to take it to the bridge?

MSU won of course. Just ask him. LOL.

 

[MSU158]

MSU won of course. Just ask him. LOL.

I run around here declaring I won? Nope. Now I will say I won simply from the standpoint that this back and forth helped me get through humpday with a smile on my face. But, I would hope that happened for most involved as well.

Now, if you want to meet under a bridge, I am more than willing to accommodate a PSU fan!!

 

[Hawkgma]

MSU won of course. Just ask him. LOL.

Hey **** off, only hawk fans can go after MSU... go back to the steroid den, or whatever its called

 

[SPOONER]

I agree with MSU's premise. MSU and I will refer back to this around Tax Day 2025.

If AJ wins his second national title in March 2025, two days later about 50% of Hawkeye fan posters on this board will be ok with the idea of AJ in Iowa City for 2025/2026.

If AJ finishes 2nd or 3rd, Buchanan finishes 1st, but AJ beats Josh Barr head-to-head at 2025 Nationals, two days later about 20% of Hawkeye fan posters on this board will be ok with the idea of AJ in Iowa City for 2025/2026.

MSU's concept is that AJ wrestles like AJ always has, but also successfully stays out of handcuffs and social media meltdown. Beth Goetz said no for her first year and not right after the double birds. At the time, AJ was toxic for the new AD and for Brands as employee of a new AD. A full year away with good behavior and great wrestling results by AJ is a redemption story. The drop off at 197 is too big in terms of team points. Four or five Top 2 finishers is sufficient for a national championship race with PSU. PSU might still win that race, but AJ neutralizing or besting the points from Josh Barr would be huge for Iowa in 2026.

Ayala, Caliendo, Gabe, Angelo--plus AJ--makes for the best points on paper at nationals that Iowa has had since at least 2020 or 2021. Without AJ's presumed 18-24, 2026 shapes up to be another obvious 2nd-3rd place finish.

If he stays out of handcuffs and avoids meltdowns it shows he's in the PERFECT place for him and he should stay there--at a school, town, and program that no one cares much about. It shows it's the best fit for him.

Gambling the program on this POS loser just to finish a strong 2nd and not 2nd or maybe 3rd is idiotic. Fortunately, we have a grown adult as an AD who's not going to allow that to happen.