RJ - I respect your efforts to alleviate a situation, but I have a couple of concerns and questions I hope you will address.
First, you talk about showing respect and that is fine. In fact it's commendable. However, I wonder how you define respect? If you look at the questions put forth to Hizz regarding his record, then look at the attacks and profanity spewed by Hizz and his cheerleaders at those who dared to ask such questions, which side would a reasonable person conclude isn't showing respect?
Next, transparency. Again, I'll ask for your definition. I mean, you say 100% transparent - nothing being hidden. Does that jive with presenting an inaccurate record of picks? And I'm not talking just missing a game or two, according to duke4's efforts, it's a clear pattern. Have you tracked Hizz's picks yourself or has some administrator done that? Has someone at least communicated with duke4 to assess his calculation? If not, then how can you claim 100% transparency?
You say a handful are not fine with the way Hizz presents his record. That may be so in terms of number of posts, but I'll bet that there are many who see it as disingenuous but don't post anything for fear of backlash by Hizz and his cheerleaders, and now perhaps you and pregame itself. Have you taken that into consideration?
I'm quite sure I'll be put down and attacked by most posters here for taking this stand, and perhaps you'll ban me or something for doing so, but I don't mind being the scapegoat. Someone's got to do it. In fact, this will be an interesting test for the new respect thing. Let's see some of the responses to this.
I understand Hizz has been here forever and has a huge following. Kudos to him for that. But, I would submit that along with that, and his designation of Director of the Boards, that there should be a higher standard, not a lower one. Usually, that's how it works. The way I read your post, RJ, you are saying that Hizz is hands-off, no one is allowed to upset him, he can do what ever he wants, post any record he wants, and lash back at anyone he doesn't agree with. Am I wrong?
Listen, in the end I understand this isn't really a big deal, I'm glad Hizz will return and I'm glad his supporters are happy. I was just hoping that the ability to to question and disagree with someone in a reasonable manner truly existing in this forum. On both sides. Doesn't criticism make you better? Won't that help each of us win?
Thank you.