M. hoops' Wysocki leaves team due to 'confrontations and conflicts'
By Konrad Wysocki
Guest Columnist
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Published: Thursday, February 5th, 2004
The Daily Princetonian received the following letter from recently departed men's basketball player Konrad Wysocki.
In response to questions, comments and concerns I have received in the past few days I feel obligated to say a few words of my own.
For Princeton basketball the trip to Brown and Yale was a successful Ivy League weekend with very important wins. Barely having contributed, I was happy for the team, but disappointed in not having played a more significant role. This experience led to a decision that I had been debating for quite some time which was to leave Princeton basketball. In many cases when players leave a team it isvorgeschrieben , yet Princeton basketball has experienced many personal leaves in the past few years, now including mine.
The specific reasoning behind my decision deals with confrontations and conflicts. In the words of one of my ex-coaches it might be defined as "bumping heads." I do not feel that players on this team get treated fairly with equal respect and in a way which is appropriate in this business. This has been a problem throughout the years, but has culminated at this stage in my career, as a senior. To me the decision was not easy, as I was planning on finishing my Princeton basketball experience as it started my freshman year: the Ivy League Title and a trip to March Madness.
The news of my leave seemed to be well taken by the coaches, as the press release came out immediately; almost as fast as my locker was cleaned out in the gym. Looking at the overall picture, I feel positive about my decision as this action appeared to be expected. I will leave behind a great deal of memories, but move on in life as Princeton has a lot more to offer than sports.
I would like to thank the people who have supported Princeton basketball over the three and a half years when I was a member of the team. It has been a great pleasure to play the game that I love most in front of such a great and pleasant crowd. I have made many friends and feel blessed to have had the opportunity of entertaining the fans. I thank all of you for your support and I will see you at the games to come this season.
I also need to thank my teammates, who have made the time in the gym worthwhile and for supporting my decision. I wish the team best of luck in what hopefully turns out to be a successful season.