But neither of the younger Shipps nor the younger Butler ever committed to Cal first.<hr></blockquote><br /><br /><br />That is probably because we had Braun coaching.

Thanks but no thanks!

Hate to see a kid like Shaq get involved in the cesspool that is Washington football. Honor, respect, and fair play are not in the vocabulary of Sarkisian and Lupoi. It's a sad day for the Thompson family. Oh well, it will now feel even better when our Golden Bears demolish Washington in Berkeley in the fall. By then, Shaq may realize the terrible mistake he has made. GO BEARS!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">upsetof86;697074 said:</div><hr>Doesn't anyone get tired of tracking someone who is not trackable? At this point if he were to sign in yet another 11th hour flip flop do we even believe he will be happy here? I for one wouldn't believe it for a minute. I would be an adamant non-believer in that scenario so effectively he is gone because he was never convinced he wanted to be here., good luck to him, let's move on. I DON'T want someone here who is here because he is doing what someone else wants him to do. Sorry, this is a team sport and and messed up for a team if your integral to it yet conflicted. So things worked out the way they should have.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />+1. The guy has about as much conviction as a...<br /><br /><img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="<img src="" />" />" />" />" />

The fact that Syd was a great Bear and his mom loves Cal as much as many of us stands on it's own merits. Shaq going to the dogs means he's going to get a beat down every time he faces us. Thank you mama Thompson for doing all you did to help us land your son.<br /><br />GO BEARS!

<blockquote><div class="name-said">Phantomfan;697005 said:</div><hr>Squid is one of my all time favorite bears. <br /><br />Shaq is welcome on our field in blue and gold. Any other color and he has nothing of value to me other than a member of a team we beat... Just another student playing a game for my enjoyment. No more. <br /><br />His mother can wear anything she wants. She can be his mother and a Mother Bear.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />'Nuff said!

Seconded...or x-ed, at this point. Shaq's decision doesn't lessen Squid's or Mama Thompson's ties to Cal. I'll always be grateful to them for representing with class.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">drunkoski;696969 said:</div><hr>squid witnessed first hand the tedford meltdown. don't tell me that wasn't a factor.<hr></blockquote><br /><br />Blah, Blah, Blah, more of the same from this source.

<blockquote><div class="name-said">ManhattanMadMan;696936 said:</div><hr>We know you bleed blue and gold and I for one appreciate hearing through reports that you wanted Shaq to be near home and play at his brother's alma mater. And play for decent, ethical, and respectable coaches.<br /><br />You will always be welcomed at Cal and along with Syd will always be part of the Golden Bears family!<br /><br />Go Bears!<hr></blockquote><br /><br />As a parent, I know that you can give your kids advice, but when they get to be HS Seniors they have to be allowed to make their own choices even if you think they are making a mistake (in girlfriends, college majors, and even which college to attend, etc.)