[oneijoe]

Does anyone understand what is actually happneing in NKY, or is everyone just believing conspiracy theories?

The issue w/Newport is community. In the 80's through the early 90's Newport was a very, very tough game for anyone to win. Somewhere after Partin and Smith left after '99, the pride in the program left with them. There's no support anymore. As a coach, Rice never knows who will be showing up day after day. You can't succeed like that. Until the Newport community (athletes, students, and parents) start buying in and caring about being better, then Newport is going to be what it is...Standing on the edge of a cliff about to fall.

Never meant to imply there is a "conspiracy". lol...

It's simply numbers... there are only so many better-talented players. That group of players will gravitate to the current better programs (the reason you gave is one of the reasons why Newport isn't in the group of more-desired programs).

Holy Cross is on the cusp of joining the NKY elite program group, also.