2016 Vols commit Darel Middleton disappears?

[Weezer]

Before you question us close to the situation, go read all of our posts in the recruiting thread. You are passing judgment without all of the background just like you are giving us a hard time for.

Nobody wanted him to be suxcessful more than the Powell parents. Duh. However we have seen him blow it time and again after he's had multiple second chances.

Regarding bipolar, my brother has it as well. This has nothing to do with a mental illness unless you count laziness and a ba attitude as a illness.

How do you know this as fact? Before I was diagnosed, I was told I was lazy and had a bad attitude. (FTR, people still say I have a bad attitude-yes, I can joke too.) My point is, unless you live in this kid's head, simply being around him does not qualify you to make judgement calls. The few of you on here who keep proclaiming yourselves "close to the situation" and as "having a clue".... you're wrong. Maybe you're right about the kid. That's possible. But you're wrong to assume that you know anything based on just being around the kid. Speaking from personal experience, and I'm sure your brother could confirm this, those of us who suffer from mental illness are great at denying it and hiding it behind things like "bad attitudes". Mental illness carries a stigmatism to it that most are too ashamed to claim. So you have no idea if this kid is hiding away deeper issues from you or even his family. Hell, his family may not know if there are issues in play. I hid my illness from my family for several years. All around, this sounds like a bad situation and bringing it to a mb doesn't help.

 

[jps2194]

How do you know this as fact? Before I was diagnosed, I was told I was lazy and had a bad attitude. (FTR, people still say I have a bad attitude-yes, I can joke too.) My point is, unless you live in this kid's head, simply being around him does not qualify you to make judgement calls. The few of you on here who keep proclaiming yourselves "close to the situation" and as "having a clue".... you're wrong. Maybe you're right about the kid. That's possible. But you're wrong to assume that you know anything based on just being around the kid. Speaking from personal experience, and I'm sure your brother could confirm this, those of us who suffer from mental illness are great at denying it and hiding it behind things like "bad attitudes". Mental illness carries a stigmatism to it that most are too ashamed to claim. So you have no idea if this kid is hiding away deeper issues from you or even his family. Hell, his family may not know if there are issues in play. I hid my illness from my family for several years. All around, this sounds like a bad situation and bringing it to a mb doesn't help.

Okay, whatever. Ridiculous. I'll not respond to you anymore because I can tell this is going nowhere.

 

[UTProf]

So, you and our friend don't know if he has those conditions, either, but you are diagnosing him with those conditions sight unseen and blaming his attitude problems on them?

I'm not diagnosing anything. I stated that those are in fact medical conditions but not the kind that would effect medical clearance. Onset often happens in the teen years. That doesn't mean he has any of those conditions - that's why I mentioned FWIW. However, I do know enough about teenagers to know that most anti-social behavior has a cause whether it's trouble at home, trouble at school, trouble with peers or an illness. Bad attitudes don't come from nowhere.

You don't know any more that he has them than I do that he doesn't. The point is that the attitude issues are there. Fingers have been pointed at coaches, teachers, administrators for those issues. Does it not stand to reason that those issues would have been discussed with his parent? The folks at Powell have gone the second, third, and fourth mile in the last 2 years.

I haven't claimed to know anything about him. I have stated that kids do go through things all the time that can effect behavior. I also haven't pointed any fingers at the coaches, teachers, or administrators. I have said that it's more than possible they did their best but the kid saw things differently and stated that it doesn't have to be a black/white situation where it's either his fault or the school's. I'm not sure what you're getting at with discussions with his parent.

Bottom line - it looks like Darel is going to transfer elsewhere. As I said before, I hope he gets his act together and I wish those who will be working with him as teachers and coaches all the best. I don't dislike the kid personally - he's pleasant to talk to at times and who in the world wouldn't want a talent like that on their team, if he would realize that he is part of the team and not the team? As a UT season ticket holder of over 30 years I hope he gets it together and becomes a productive member of the UT TEAM one day.

For all we know a change will do him good.

 

[onevol74]

Players are given physicals. They are not tested for specific illnesses, specifically mental illnesses. And you're wrong about either of us actually having a clue as to what's going on with this kid. You see what's happenned through your extremely narrow POV. You have no idea what's going on inside this kid's head so that's where you lose your right to say you have a "clue".

Your viewpoint is extremely ignorant. To be clear, ignorant, as in the absence of knowledge, not outright idiocy. I highly doubt this kid is throwing away his future just for the hell of it.

As for my qualifications to speak on the matter, I don't know the kid, so I can't speak on him specifically. I do however have bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, so I can speak on the ramifications of mental illness. If you've never lived it, you'll never understand it, but intelligent men acknowledge its existence. It sounds like this kid is going through something, and if you're as close to the situation as you claim, stop ripping the kid on a mb and start trying to find a way to help.

And I expand that statement to all the posters on here claiming to be close to the situation, yet are sitting on there asses attacking a high school kid rather than trying to help the young man or at least keeping their damn mouths shut while others try and help him. What exactly are you accomplishing other than cyber-bullying a high-schooler. That's right, a friggin' high-schooler. It's pathetic. Hope you feel better about yourselves for it.

I live in Powell and have never seen anyone try to bully this kid. But if this post is not bullying I do not know what is. I applaud the Powell program for not enabling this kid's behavior. And if I would hope that any college coach do their homework on this kid before signing him.

 

[Weezer]

His "sucky situation" was self caused. The coaches, administration, and teachers at Powell did everything possible to try to help him adjust and prosper.

Or there is something else in play you are not aware of. Judgement call on your part.

Yes. I remember being a teenager. I didn't always make the best decisions, but I certainly didn't buck those trying to help me, either. I respected my teachers and coaches, as did my son who came through Powell High just a few years ago.

Don't buy that as an excuse what so ever. There are a lot of teenagers out there who are doing the right things. Kelly, Hurd, Bates, Malone, ....... just to name a few.

No, you're not there so it's best not to try to justify it in this case. There are several of us on this forum who are close to it and know better.

Again, a judgement call. You say based on fact, but facts are easily skewed.

Frankly, I don't give a rats ass whether it pisses you off or not. Yes, I do know a lot about this situation because I have seen it up close during the last two years.

Students have to have medical clearance to play high school sports, by the way. No, I don't know if he has any of the maladies you describe, but just like every other high school athlete in Tennessee he has been medically examined.

So, STFU yourself. There are two people in the conversation between yourself and I. One of us does have a clue because he is in a position to have seen the events of the last two years, and that one of us is not you.

Yet another judgement call based on your perception of fact. If this kid has any mental issues whatsoever, what you "see" is not what is.

Who has ripped the kid?

You don't know him. I have had many conversations with him. I like the kid personally and have told him many times that I want to see him have success, but there are attitude issues and those issues have been addressed without success. The next time I see him, I will shake his hand, wish him good luck in his next stop, and tell him that I am pulling for him to be successful, just as I do every time I see him.

And, yes - I understand bipolar issues. I've seen it up close with family members myself.

As I said, one of us has a clue, and one of us doesn't.

And about that cyber bullying charge - go back and read what you just posted to me. That finger points both ways, pal.

Do you really have a clue, or do you just think you have a clue? Certainly you can see where I'm going with this.

The difference in what, and what accusations?

Booted from his high school football team after being suspended twice in the past season. Factual.

But what was behind those suspensions? Bad attitude or mental illness. Neither of us know, yet you keep claiming you do.

Did not show up for 3 high school basketball games this week, and has not bothered to let the basketball coach know he wasn't coming, has quit the team, or what ever the situation is. Factual.

Factual, yes, But what are the reasons for the facts?

Those are facts. Period. They aren't opinions or third party here say.

See the difference? You are hypothesizing. I am dealing in reality.

I admit I'm hypothesizing, but then again, so are you. You are dealing in your perceptions of reality without the benefit of knowing if your perceived cookie-cutter mold of reality fits this kid.

I have no problem with you stating facts. It's your extrapolation of said facts that I have issue with.

 

[Weezer]

I live in Powell and have never seen anyone try to bully this kid. But if this post is not bullying I do not know what is. I applaud the Powell program for not enabling this kid's behavior. And if I would hope that any college coach do their homework on this kid before signing him.

I'd go with you don't know what bullying is. JMO of course.

 

[TennesseeThumper]

I


I'm not sure what you're getting at with discussions with his parent.

I'm really not trying to be confrontational, but with your screen name I am assuming that you are an educator. Am I correct?

Does it not stand to reason that in the case of a high school student where there are behavior and/or disciplinary issues that parental conferences with those charged with carrying out the educational process are conducted?

 

[Weezer]

Okay, whatever. Ridiculous. I'll not respond to you anymore because I can tell this is going nowhere.

If that translates into "damn, he could be right", then you're welcome.

FTR, I'm not saying I'm right. I am saying you, and others, are wrong to assume you're right. If 2-3 years from now it comes out this kid does have BPD, or some other issue, then you and your friends will hopefully think back and realize you were wrong to judge. If it is a simple bad attitude and/or laziness, then he's unlikely to find success, and you can be happy you were right.

If it's something more, hopefully he finds out, receives help, and does something with his life.

 

[TennesseeThumper]

Or there is something else in play you are not aware of. Judgement call on your part.



Again, a judgement call. You say based on fact, but facts are easily skewed.



Yet another judgement call based on your perception of fact. If this kid has any mental issues whatsoever, what you "see" is not what is.


Do you really have a clue, or do you just think you have a clue? Certainly you can see where I'm going with this.



I admit I'm hypothesizing, but then again, so are you. You are dealing in your perceptions of reality without the benefit of knowing if your perceived cookie-cutter mold of reality fits this kid.

I have no problem with you stating facts. It's your extrapolation of said facts that I have issue with.

You can believe whatever you want. Like I said, I really don't give a rats ass whether or not you take my word for anything. It's not going to make or break my day.

 

[Weezer]

I'm really not trying to be confrontational, but with your screen name I am assuming that you are an educator. Am I correct?

Does it not stand to reason that in the case of a high school student where there are behavior and/or disciplinary issues that parental conferences with those charged with carrying out the educational process are conducted?

Do you know anyone who is actually close to the family? And when I say close, I mean close as in able to talk frankly with the mother and/or father without totally alienating them? If so, maybe you, or someone you know, could drop a bug in their ear to talk to the parents about having their son talk to a psychologist. It's an extremely touchy subject, but if anyone is in the position to do so, it's something that could at least provide answers, good or bad.

 

[Weezer]

You can believe whatever you want. Like I said, I really don't give a rats ass whether or not you take my word for anything. It's not going to make or break my day.

Good for you, now read my previous post. I'm suggesting something productive rather than counterproductive. If you're in a position to help the kid out in some way, do it. :hi:

 

[Headfootballcoach]

FWIW, depression, bipolar disorder and several others are medical conditions. They wouldn't effect medical clearance for football though. However, both would effect his behavior and need medical treatment. And if you've witnessed a bad attitude or laziness then it's possible it's because of those conditions -- they start up in the teen years. That said, for all we know it's problems at home or at school.

But what do you mean when you say bad attitude/lazy? Can you give us some examples?

Can't take another psychobabble "maybe" "perhaps" "could be" on this situation. Here's the take on this kid I got from the mother of a son on the team who has seen this kid up close, first hand during two seasons now. Professionally speaking the kid has a bonafide personality disorder. These disorders manifest the most prominently during the teenage years. Classic narcissism, over inflated sense of self and feels everyone and every situation owes him something. Not reality based and self-deluded regarding his own abilities and his importance to every situation. So there you have it! He has issues. Take our word for it. We've seen it first hand. :stop:

 

[jarnol32]

Players are given physicals. They are not tested for specific illnesses, specifically mental illnesses. And you're wrong about either of us actually having a clue as to what's going on with this kid. You see what's happenned through your extremely narrow POV. You have no idea what's going on inside this kid's head so that's where you lose your right to say you have a "clue".


Your viewpoint is extremely ignorant. To be clear, ignorant, as in the absence of knowledge, not outright idiocy. I highly doubt this kid is throwing away his future just for the hell of it.

As for my qualifications to speak on the matter, I don't know the kid, so I can't speak on him specifically. I do however have bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, so I can speak on the ramifications of mental illness. If you've never lived it, you'll never understand it, but intelligent men acknowledge its existence. It sounds like this kid is going through something, and if you're as close to the situation as you claim, stop ripping the kid on a mb and start trying to find a way to help.

And I expand that statement to all the posters on here claiming to be close to the situation, yet are sitting on there asses attacking a high school kid rather than trying to help the young man or at least keeping their damn mouths shut while others try and help him. What exactly are you accomplishing other than cyber-bullying a high-schooler. That's right, a friggin' high-schooler. It's pathetic. Hope you feel better about yourselves for it.

Cyber bullying??? Really? Just say that out loud and think about how gay that sounds. Smh

 

[RockVol]

Don't bet your PS4 on it!

I said I wanted him to be a vol, didn't say he would be

 

[jps2194]

If that translates into "damn, he could be right", then you're welcome.

SMH. Not even close. You can theorize all you want and there is a slim chance you are right. However, there is a much better chance we are right. Anyway, all I have done is provide facts. Whether he is lazy due to BPD is irrelevant to the topic at hand. If he has it the i hope he gets help. Irregardless, the VOls need to move on unless he does a 180.

 

[UTProf]

I'm really not trying to be confrontational, but with your screen name I am assuming that you are an educator. Am I correct?

Does it not stand to reason that in the case of a high school student where there are behavior and/or disciplinary issues that parental conferences with those charged with carrying out the educational process are conducted?

Of course that should happen at the k-12 but I'm still not clear on what you meant by it. Are you saying there were parental conferences? And if there were, I'd assume they were private. If there weren't any conferences then I'd assume that was a miss by the school. I just don't understand what you're driving at there.

 

[onevol74]

This thread needs a Prozac licking block. Anyone seen the medication nurse?

 

[peerless98]

I said I wanted him to be a vol, didn't say he would be

I would prefer the scholarship be used on someone more deserving.

 

[Weezer]

Cyber bullying??? Really? Just say that out loud and think about how gay that sounds. Smh

Are you hitting on me? I'm flattered. Not interested, but flattered nonetheless.

 

[Special Ed]

can i get a witness?

 

[RockVol]

I would prefer the scholarship be used on someone more deserving.

Even though he may have an attitude, he has been said to be a potential 5* and #1 player in the state for his class, regardless of the problems, you still take his commitment and see if you can get his attitude straitened out within the next 2 years

 

[UTProf]

Can't take another psychobabble "maybe" "perhaps" "could be" on this situation. Here's the take on this kid I got from the mother of a son on the team who has seen this kid up close, first hand during two seasons now. Professionally speaking the kid has a bonafide personality disorder. These disorders manifest the most prominently during the teenage years. Classic narcissism, over inflated sense of self and feels everyone and every situation owes him something. Not reality based and self-deluded regarding his own abilities and his importance to every situation. So there you have it! He has issues. Take our word for it. We've seen it first hand. :stop:

No one's going to dx a teenager with narcissism as just about every teenager on the planet would qualify. Your humor isn't funny or appropriate -- this is a 15/16 your old kid. Being flippant about whatever problems he's dealing with whether they're medical or due to issues at school or home or just being a teenager or whatever else says more about you than him. SMH.

 

[Weezer]

SMH. Not even close. You can theorize all you want and there is a slim chance you are right. However, there is a much better chance we are right. Anyway, all I have done is provide facts. Whether he is lazy due to BPD is irrelevant to the topic at hand. If he has it the i hope he gets help. Irregardless, the VOls need to move on unless he does a 180.

Read your post. You'd rather be right than this kid have a bright future. It's not in your words, it's in the tone of your words. Is your high school team so important to you that you would wish to see this kid fail at life? I find that sad.

I can admittedly be abrasive. It's part of my charm. But I had actually hoped that some eyes would open that maybe, and yes, I realize it's a maybe, this kid has some treatable issues. "There is a slim chance you are right." Wouldn't it be better if I were right? Shouldn't you hope that I'm right? If I'm right, this kid has a chance. "However, there is a much better chance we are right." If you're right, this is just a talented kid throwing away his future. Why would you want to be right?

SMH, indeed. You'll excuse me that my opinion is this kid is more important than football.

 

[jps2194]

Read your post. You'd rather be right than this kid have a bright future. It's not in your words, it's in the tone of your words. Is your high school team so important to you that you would wish to see this kid fail at life? I find that sad.

I can admittedly be abrasive. It's part of my charm. But I had actually hoped that some eyes would open that maybe, and yes, I realize it's a maybe, this kid has some treatable issues. "There is a slim chance you are right." Wouldn't it be better if I were right? Shouldn't you hope that I'm right? If I'm right, this kid has a chance. "However, there is a much better chance we are right." If you're right, this is just a talented kid throwing away his future. Why would you want to be right?

SMH, indeed. You'll excuse me that my opinion is this kid is more important than football.

Where did I say football was more important than this kid. I have zero tone when it relates to Darel, my tone was related to you. I wanted nothing for the best for Darel, but it wasn't to be. Go read ALL of my posts before you make a stupid comment and accuse me of having a tone. Just think what you are saying - if Darel is successful Powell is successful. Of course I wanted that, who wouldn't. But, after two years of seeing example after example, I'm done hoping he will turn it around. I wish him the best and hope he turns it around, but I'm not wasting any more mental energy on it.

And NO, I do not wish you are right. That is completely ludicrous. Fixing a bad attitude is way easier than dealing with bipolar. You, of all people, should know that. SMH.

 

[TennesseeThumper]

Of course that should happen at the k-12 but I'm still not clear on what you meant by it. Are you saying there were parental conferences? And if there were, I'd assume they were private. If there weren't any conferences then I'd assume that was a miss by the school. I just don't understand what you're driving at there.

Really? Is it that difficult to understand? :jpshakehead:

When there are discipline issues at the high school level there are parental conferences that take place.