This story contains mention of suicide. If you are in crisis or seeking emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988.
This was going to be the easiest story ever. It’s my weekly Mailbagg, where readers have their say, and this was the week of an IU-Purdue basketball game. They played Friday night. Columns like this? They get no easier.
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Then came the news Saturday night. About Rondale Moore.
It’s not so easy now. But few stories I write, or you read, will be more important. So please do read. No idea what’s going to happen next, but here goes…
Tragic: Purdue’s Rondale Moore, dead at 25
From: S.B.
Five of my friends and one of my daughter’s friends committed suicide – all brilliant, book-loving people who carried heavy loads of pressure, mostly self-imposed. I feel fortunate that my mind doesn’t work that way. I have only briefly considered that once after a romantic breakup. But as soon as I said it aloud, my response was, “That won’t solve anything.”
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I knew two of my friends were having problems with depression, but I was young and didn’t know what to do. We weren’t taught to “interfere” in someone else’s private troubles. Fortunately there is more discussion about suicidal thoughts and depression today, but obviously not enough. Sorry to run on like this. Your article opened some rusty hinges on my brain.
Powerful note, Stephen. There’s clearly a line between “caring” and “interfering,” but after decades of keeping my distance from hurting people – thinking it was better for them, when really it was just easier for me – my general thought is this: I’d rather err on the side of “caring” too much.
Really appreciate your transparency here, my longtime texting friend.
Doyel: Rondale Moore was quiet, shy, special
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Doyel in 2018: IU’s Romeo Langford, Purdue’s Rondale Moore were buddies in New Albany
From: Rex P.
I have been alive almost 70 years, and never saw anyone like Rondale Moore. I watched him personally dismantle Ohio State. A couple plays that day were almost impossible.
He was unique on the field. As I tried to show in that column, he was unique off it too.
From: Stephanie K.
Wanted to reach out on today’s (column) about Moore. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Not overdone, which I feel happens so many times when people try to pontificate on someone’s death. Made me sit and think a bit about what patience with yourself really looks like, especially in this ever-changing world. Thanks for the tiny journey of healing today.
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Truth be told, Stephanie, I made more edits than usual to my original story. Normally I write something – whatever the topic – and spellcheck it, and that’s about it. This one I re-read for its essence, and decided I was pontificating. I didn’t want to do that, so I took out a few things, including my (original) final sentence. Thank you for this. You have no idea.
From: Rob O.
He was one of my favorites, as well as my son’s, who texted me around 2 a.m. from deployment asking if I’d seen the news.
Hugs for you and your heroic son, Rob.
From: John M.
Immediately, my thoughts went to the Ohio State game and Tyler…
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I got there eventually as well, John. Two special young men – Rondale Moore, Tyler Trent – connected forever by that magical night. Oh dear. Here come the goosebumps…
From: Mary Beth S.
I had to make myself read this, knowing it would make me cry again. But I did, knowing you would treat the subject with respect. Thank you, sir.
I hear you. John M. in the note above just got me crying again…
Beautiful note to send from a broken heart. Thank you Mary Beth.
From: Scott M.
My heart hurts. I had no idea he was in that place mentally. I will read your article sometime, but not today.
Understood, Scott. Hugs for you, friend.
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Undefeated Miami (Ohio) coached by Indiana’s Travis Steele
Not sure where to go next. Here, I suppose:
I decided to write about Miami (Ohio), the last undefeated team in men’s college basketball, because its best player is from Carmel, and its coach is the son of a pig farmer from Danville, Indiana. That was my premise, but what I found doesn’t begin to tell the wildness of this story.
Doyel: Miami coach Travis Steele (Danville, Butler, Ben Davis, IU) built undefeated dream
Join us: IndyStar exclusive: Join this text message group with Gregg Doyel
From: Tim W.
Really enjoyed the story of Steele and Suder. Always interesting to know the personal connections of sports. Besides the facts, your description and story-telling set it apart.
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Thank you Tim. Stories like this, with these incredible twists and turns, don’t come often. I tell young sportswriters not to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of some stories – which can happen. I tell them, if at all possible, to get out of the way and let the story write itself.
This one wrote itself.
From: Brad O.
Hi again Gregg, I’m the proud papa from a previous Mailbagg, bragging on my daughter, Katie, being a sideline reporter at the Rose Bowl. Today’s Miami RedHawks article was another one close to my heart.I was Miami’s basketball manager from 1974-78. I could relive so much of my wonderful experience through your article today. Our 1977-78 team reached the Sweet 16 by defeating defending champion Marquette in the first round in Indianapolis.
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One of the articles in the Star that weekend was about the “Indiana” influence of our team. Assistant coach Jerry Peirson played at Royerton High. Guard Rick Goins of Rushville became president of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, succeeding Jerry Peirson. Another guard, Tom Dunn, was a three-sport athlete at Speedway. Center Bill Lake of Carmel was on N.C. State’s 1974 NCAA title team before transferring to Miami.Also, another connection point for Travis: Todd Lickliter, my teammate at North Central, probably coached Travis and his brother in Danville.
When it comes to you and my column topics, Brad, the world is so small. I can’t wait to see how we intersect next!
And right you are about Todd Lickliter. He worked with Travis and John Groce in Danville, just another bizarre fact – one I didn’t include because I had too much other fascinating stuff.
Wrote itself, I tell you.
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Purdue beats IU basketball team
After Purdue handed Indiana its worst series loss since 1969, I wrote about both teams: What’s right at Purdue, and what’s wrong – right now, as I said – for the Hoosiers.
Was I too harsh on the Hoosiers? Man, I don’t know. They’d just suffered their worst loss to Purdue in 57 years, and why it happened – IU’s roster and rotations during the game – caught my attention.
Doyel: Last shot at IU? Purdue seniors Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn made it hurt
From: Dan M.
IU lost at Purdue and Illinois because they’re inferior to both top-10 squads. I don’t understand why DeVries’ employment becomes part of the story. It’s clear to me he’s getting about as much as you can expect from his team.
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The IU hoops coach is ALWAYS going to be analyzed, as in: Is he good enough? Last week was the first time I’ve wondered. Not saying DeVries isn’t good enough – just saying, it seems fair to wonder. And if I’m wondering that, sincerely and in good faith, I’m writing it.
From: Rachel H.
As a Boiler fan, I would have loved to have seen a great article about our three Indiana boys who were loyal and stayed home.
I focused on those three: Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn. They were the headline, and the top section. But as a state columnist, after a game of that magnitude, I feel it’s important to write about both schools.
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See the headline: Purdue seniors Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn made IU suffer
From: Gary C.
Why is Dusty May not coaching IU and who is responsible for it not happening?
Not “who” is responsible, but what: timing.
When May was ready to leave FAU in 2024, Indiana basketball coach (and beloved alum) Mike Woodson had just finished his third season – and while it felt obvious to me, late in his third season, that Woodson wouldn’t last much longer, the administration was in a tough spot. How do you push out THAT guy after just three years? Especially when he’d reached the NCAA Tournament in the first two?
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Sometimes decency has a cost. Indiana acted decently in 2024. I won’t criticize that.
From: Mike T.
As an IU alum/fan, it’s brutal to see what May have been (see what I did there) had IU acted more quickly with moving on from Mike Woodson. I am not down on Darian DeVries, necessarily, but I think we’re witnessing a different tier with May.
I agree with every word.
Doyel in March 2023: Ex-IU student-manager pupil Dusty May of FAU is coaching’s next big thing
Doyel in April 2023: After Mike Woodson, FAU’s Dusty May has next, right????
UCLA coach Mick Cronin ejects own player, humiliates reporter
Wrote about Mick Cronin ejecting UCLA senior forward Steve Jamerson II from the Michigan State game, then trying to embarrass a reporter. Called him the biggest bully in college basketball. Not sorry.
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Doyel: UCLA’s Mick Cronin ejects own player at Michigan State, bullies reporter
From: Tim B.
What happens to the reporter who stands up for themselves in that situation?
Watching that made me queasy, because I’ve been that reporter – several times – being ripped by a coach (or player) while cameras were rolling. It’s a hard spot to be in. You want to defend yourself, but as Mick Cronin showed, sometimes that can make it worse.
Mainly you just want it to be over.
Bullies are the worst.
Not printing this
From: Scott G.
Get real Doyel. Toughen up a little. Players like Jamerson are getting paid like professionals, and many have never had a parent around to teach them right and wrong – so a little tough love won’t hurt. A controlled setting like college basketball, and from coaches like Cronin, might be the only chance these young men have.
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I stick up for victims of bullies. You just stuck up for the bully.
That who you are, Scott?
Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Threads, or on BlueSky and Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar, or at www.facebook.com/greggdoyelstar. Subscribe to the free weekly Doyel on Demand newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue’s Rondale Moore dies, IndyStar readers share personal stories
