OFF THE RECORD: Royce White

[CloneFan4]

I have struggled with anxiety and depression ever since my junior year of high school. As a diehard Toronto Raptors and Iowa State fan I appreciate someone like DeMar DeRozan much more than you Royce. Instead of continually whining and ******** about the lack of preferential treatment anxiety sufferers receive in the NBA and in life, DeMar goes out and sets an example to all of those that suffer by pushing through, accomplishing franchise records, and using the platform he's created to reach out to those that struggle.

Hearing about Royce struggle through the same thing I was beginning to face in high school was comforting for the fact that I really wasn't alone in all of this. The fact that you pushed through and were able to have the success that you had for my favorite team helped push me to continually challenge myself. Without your story I am not sure I would have graduated high school at the top of my class. I'm thankful for your outreach while at Iowa State.

However, since graduating high school, moving on to college, and entering the work force I'm glad I haven't adopted this "poor me" attitude you've adopted since your time at Iowa State. Mistakes and regrets are enhanced living a life with anxiety and depression, but owning up to your mistakes and not playing this victimization card you've fallen into allows others to take your cause more seriously, rather than turning them off to it.

That being said I will always be thankful for the service any and all former cyclones have contributed to this University and wish them nothing but the best. In your own words Royce, "Be well."

 

[DurangoCy]

I have struggled with anxiety and depression ever since my junior year of high school. As a diehard Toronto Raptors and Iowa State fan I appreciate someone like DeMar DeRozan much more than you Royce. Instead of continually whining and ******** about the lack of preferential treatment anxiety sufferers receive in the NBA and in life, DeMar goes out and sets an example to all of those that suffer by pushing through, accomplishing franchise records, and using the platform he's created to reach out to those that struggle.

Hearing about Royce struggle through the same thing I was beginning to face in high school was comforting for the fact that I really wasn't alone in all of this. The fact that you pushed through and were able to have the success that you had for my favorite team helped push me to continually challenge myself. Without your story I am not sure I would have graduated high school at the top of my class. I'm thankful for your outreach while at Iowa State.

However, since graduating high school, moving on to college, and entering the work force I'm glad I haven't adopted this "poor me" attitude you've adopted since your time at Iowa State. Mistakes and regrets are enhanced living a life with anxiety and depression, but owning up to your mistakes and not playing this victimization card you've fallen into allows others to take your cause more seriously, rather than turning them off to it.

That being said I will always be thankful for the service any and all former cyclones have contributed to this University and wish them nothing but the best. In your own words Royce, "Be well."

Listening to Royce on this vs. KD on Simmons a few weeks ago was a stark contrast. KD basically said that he realized no one would give a **** about him if he wasn't a baller first and a business man second. He and his manager were on and talked about how winning the title, mvp, etc. had open new doors for him.

Royce is obviously very smart, but it just seems like he doesn't realize how much more he could accomplish by making himself indispensable to an organization or the league; then his platform would be infinitely larger. Instead, he's probably just another uber talented guy that the NBA teams don't want to deal with.

 

[Sigmapolis]

Royce is a weird dude. Quite the unique human being.

I think quite an intelligent one, though. I agree with you all that his mouth gets ahead of his mind far too often, but that does not mean he is unintelligent.

Despite most of his problems being self-inflicted, I still wish it would have worked out better for him. He had some unprecedented basketball talents. Somebody with that size, strength, length, and ups, yet with Stockton court vision and handle? There is no mold for that.

If he really wanted to induce change, he should have went out there, killed it on the court, and then used that profile to talk about issues that he cares about.

People listen to winners, not whiners.

 

[ArgentCy]

This happens in the business world ALL the time now. They don't really care that much about what you can do or what you know they really just want to know that you can get along and not make waves.

 

[tyler24]

I have struggled with anxiety and depression ever since my junior year of high school. As a diehard Toronto Raptors and Iowa State fan I appreciate someone like DeMar DeRozan much more than you Royce. Instead of continually whining and ******** about the lack of preferential treatment anxiety sufferers receive in the NBA and in life, DeMar goes out and sets an example to all of those that suffer by pushing through, accomplishing franchise records, and using the platform he's created to reach out to those that struggle.

Hearing about Royce struggle through the same thing I was beginning to face in high school was comforting for the fact that I really wasn't alone in all of this. The fact that you pushed through and were able to have the success that you had for my favorite team helped push me to continually challenge myself. Without your story I am not sure I would have graduated high school at the top of my class. I'm thankful for your outreach while at Iowa State.

However, since graduating high school, moving on to college, and entering the work force I'm glad I haven't adopted this "poor me" attitude you've adopted since your time at Iowa State. Mistakes and regrets are enhanced living a life with anxiety and depression, but owning up to your mistakes and not playing this victimization card you've fallen into allows others to take your cause more seriously, rather than turning them off to it.

That being said I will always be thankful for the service any and all former cyclones have contributed to this University and wish them nothing but the best. In your own words Royce, "Be well."

I think there are really two sides to how people view Royce. It's either you buy into what he's saying and admire him for fighting for a cause like mental health or you just think he's playing the victim.

The thing is, he probably has great ideas on how to fix some of the issues with mental health, but it's how the message is directed. If he wanted his message heard, you build positive relationships with the higher ups and go from there. Life is so much about networking, that if Royce built positive relationships before making the requests he did, it could have changed his path in the league and the outlook on mental health.

 

[ArgentCy]

Royce is a weird dude. Quite the unique human being.

People listen to winners, not whiners.

That last part is certainly true. That doesn't mean that is the best thing society could do. Just because someone was particularly talented and driven doesn't necessarily mean they know more than the rest of us. In today's culture that worships celebrity and winning that just enhances this effect.

There is a lot of wisdom that could be gained from others but people don't want to listen. They will just call it whining and it probably is to a degree. I get accused at least once a week.

 

[ISUChippewa]

I appreciated @XxroycewhitexX when he was at ISU and since he's left.

A few observations from this thread.....some folks are nasty....bringing up things from when someone was 18 is pretty low...and I appreciate how Royce openly responded.

Mental health continues to be an area of medicine that is difficult to fully address and understand for many as it's not as simple as other medical issues. Anxiety, for instance, means different things for different people.

I appreciate Royce using his voice to continue to ask the tough questions and try to make change (and he is...you don't just get on ESPN E:60) AND he's put principles above his own gain. We all know had he stayed in the NBA...he would have gotten a very large second contract.

For those criticizing his use of language...i had the pleasure of talking with him on several occasions when he was at ISU and he's always been articulate and thoughtful with his thinking and communications (and now he's several years older and more mature), so that's just who he is.

Thanks for being a Cyclone, Royce and continuing to be open with your health and seeking change.

Regarding your second paragraph I found it interesting that posters who behave like obnoxious d*cks in other threads doubled down on that behavior in this thread (cough Malone cough).

 

[JBone84]

@XxroycewhitexX Looking forward to seeing you and the Cyclone crew in the TBT. Best of luck!

Thanks for going on Chris' podcast and speaking openly. This is one of the great things about CF - when we get to hear directly from the people we care to hear from about things we care to hear about, in a format that is accessible and valuable (even though we get it for free!).

 

[CloneFan4]

Listening to Royce on this vs. KD on Simmons a few weeks ago was a stark contrast. KD basically said that he realized no one would give a **** about him if he wasn't a baller first and a business man second. He and his manager were on and talked about how winning the title, mvp, etc. had open new doors for him.

Royce is obviously very smart, but it just seems like he doesn't realize how much more he could accomplish by making himself indispensable to an organization or the league; then his platform would be infinitely larger. Instead, he's probably just another uber talented guy that the NBA teams don't want to deal with.

KD is 100% correct.

The brutal truths in life that everyone should try to understand is that no one loves you as much as you love yourself and nobody cares like you care about how difficult your life is. These become even more prevalent when you suffer from anxiety and depression. But above all you are the own author of your story. There's no greater empowerment than admitting to your faults and shortcomings, and putting your words into action.

 

[Cydewayz]

Regarding your second paragraph I found it interesting that posters who behave like obnoxious d*cks in other threads doubled down on that behavior in this thread (cough Malone cough).

Yeah, agree. But, as we all know, the internet and place of anonymity creates a lot of chest puffing that likely wouldn't occur in a casual conversation or public setting (and in this case it's one sided as Royce is here).....Royce can't look up these posters histories, pull random information about them, etc and use it against them.

 

[LincolnWay187]

If this were survivor I'd be voting some of these posters off cyclone island. The guy is one of tht best players to wear the cardinal and gold/The guy is nice enough to do a podcast for cf and even log on to answer questions and people are talking **** to him??! God damn I hate people...

 

[4theCYcle]

No one asked the question? Had ISU been on the other side of the bracket, would they have met UK in the championship that year?

Rhetorical.

 

[Cycsk]

Started listening to the podcast while waiting to board a flight. Couldn't stop listening, even after the plane took off.

Great stories from Royce. Glad to get his fuller explanations of situations and his stance on things. He gave me plenty to think about that I hadn't before.

The combination of the podcast and this thread is further evidence that C-Dubs is blazing a new path in journalism. I don't know what you call it, but it is so real, so deep, so meaningful, and so engaging with the audience. I'm so proud . . .

 

[cyhiphopp]

Royce. You're a public figure. You will have detractors and supporters. You have not earned my respect. You were a hell of a player for us though and I appreciate your time at Iowa State.

I am on this forum because I am an Iowa State fan.

Bolded portion is bloviating. Pose your question in a simple, understandable manner and I will answer it.

Don't be a ****.

 

[isufbcurt]

If nothing else this thread showed who some of the biggest ******** on the site are.

Thanks for being a Cyclone Royce.

 

[cyfanatic13]

It is kinda funny (sad, actually) that one of the biggest things Cyclone fans pride themselves on is supporting our student athletes and being loyal. How many times have we heard athletes say the best part of being a Cyclone was the fanbase? Jacob Park got ripped on mercilessly here after calling out fans and everyone was so confused as to why he had that opinion. A select few in here have showed me maybe he wasn't so wrong after all.

 

[pulse]

I thought it was a great listen. I think Royce was right about just about everything, you just have to listen to what he’s saying and not be distracted doing other things (CW typing).

 

[Farnsworth]

It is kinda funny (sad, actually) that one of the biggest things Cyclone fans pride themselves on is supporting our student athletes and being loyal. How many times have we heard athletes say the best part of being a Cyclone was the fanbase? Jacob Park got ripped on mercilessly here after calling out fans and everyone was so confused as to why he had that opinion. A select few in here have showed me maybe he wasn't so wrong after all.

Everyone needs to realize that message board posters, especially the highly negative ones, are the very small MINORITY of fans. That's why they teach them now to ignore social media, especially ones where a name isn't even tied to what is being said. Too many trolls as well (hey I see a player here, let's see if I can get a rise out of him!).

 

[19210]

Anxiousminds.org

How many of you actually suffer from anxiety, depression, or some other form of mental health issues? Unless you personally have been affected by them you will never truly understand what it is like to have to live with them. I personally think that is why there are so many people being mis-diagnosed or never diagnosed, which depending on the person, and the health issue(s) can lead to some serious issues (i.e. school shootings, suicides, etc.).

The brain is a powerful tool. It can make some of the smallest things that most of us think is nothing and turn it into an end of the world event. How do most people tell kids and even adults to deal with these issues? They just tell you to suck it up and deal with it! That would be great if it was just that easy, but when your mind is constantly processing and making mountains out of mole hills which can then seem so overwhelming that your body just wants to shut down, it's not that easy.

On top of that, you will have people judging you thinking you are crazy, lazy, or just want to make fun of you because they can't fathom that a person could be wired differently. It's hard to explain and I have issues. Am I crazy...no I have a good job, great family, and I contribute to society. I've ran companies, owned and sold a company and it still took me until my adult years to figure out I needed to ask for some help because I didn't want to be judged or labeled. I never talked about my issues with anyone because I was afraid of being labeled. I ran into Royce at the Jordan Creek Mall one day and thanked him, it was because of him that I'm now able to speak openly about my issues and be there for anyone who might need someone to talk to and not feel judged. I know I'm not a psychiatrist, but just giving someone that outlet to talk is a great start and a step in the right direction.

Say what you want to about Royce, but I’ll always be a fan. I also give him credit for standing up for a cause that most people don’t understand and never will. He sure makes himself an easy target by doing so when he could have easily just taken the money and walked away. Stay strong Royce and thanks again!

 

[SpokaneCY]

I have struggled with anxiety and depression ever since my junior year of high school. As a diehard Toronto Raptors and Iowa State fan I appreciate someone like DeMar DeRozan much more than you Royce. Instead of continually whining and ******** about the lack of preferential treatment anxiety sufferers receive in the NBA and in life, DeMar goes out and sets an example to all of those that suffer by pushing through, accomplishing franchise records, and using the platform he's created to reach out to those that struggle.

Hearing about Royce struggle through the same thing I was beginning to face in high school was comforting for the fact that I really wasn't alone in all of this. The fact that you pushed through and were able to have the success that you had for my favorite team helped push me to continually challenge myself. Without your story I am not sure I would have graduated high school at the top of my class. I'm thankful for your outreach while at Iowa State.

However, since graduating high school, moving on to college, and entering the work force I'm glad I haven't adopted this "poor me" attitude you've adopted since your time at Iowa State. Mistakes and regrets are enhanced living a life with anxiety and depression, but owning up to your mistakes and not playing this victimization card you've fallen into allows others to take your cause more seriously, rather than turning them off to it.

That being said I will always be thankful for the service any and all former cyclones have contributed to this University and wish them nothing but the best. In your own words Royce, "Be well."

I've been a user of mental health services for quite a while. My employer covers it in my benefits but should there be a point where my mental health demands exceed my employers ability to allow me to be of an inactive and non-producing employee, I'm gone with zero hard feelings.

I feel an individual needs to move towards an organization rather than the other way around.

I'm still unclear what RW wants? NBA has doctors, medical plans, lots of money... Are these players NOT allowed to seek mental health help? Does he want accommodations? He mentioned sleep and travel but I have no clue what that means.

I travel for business - often taking a 5am flight. I'll travel all week, stay in crappy hotels, eat crappy food then return home past midnight on a Friday. That's part of my job and should there be a point I can't fulfill those obligations for whatever reason, I need to find a new position - not demand my employer cater to me.

RW comment about Laura Ingraham - RW is in the entertainment business. Nothing more nothing less. You can either entertain a crowd so they buy tickets and gear, or you're of no use to an entertainment organization. If you have no value to that entertainment organization, ply your trade in a profession where you can make a difference.

Final comment about being a top 5 player... The one thing that sticks out to me is the players he mentions? They have actually been DOING it on the court in college and the pros. The proof of their skill is evident in their stats throughout the YEARS they've been playing and reflected in the success their various teams have had with them as active, participating teammates.

That said - I can't think of a more intimidating, dominating presence in the college game than RW. Selfishly I wanted him to take his game and be a positive force for ISU. He couldn't fulfill that first part, but he obviously had and provided positive experiences for vast numbers of Cyclones fans - can't thank him enough for that.