5 For 5

San Jose State University athletics is in the midst of a '5 For 5" fundraising campaign. Hopefully, it will be extremely successful.

Now feel free to kill the messenger, disregard the messenger, criticize the messenge., but damn, so much for establishing a feeling of inclusion with the Spartan men's basketball program. It brings alive the Sam Goldwyn-attributed saying "include me out."

Why so?

To start a fundraising attempt -- the requesting of financial contributions -- in the midst of the departure of a freshman prospect who provided some of the few highlights during the season is one thing because a roll out is usually planned in advance and, once set, future blips obviously cannot be foreseen.

But to do so without formally acknowledging a player departure, especially after the withdrawal has been formally published elsewhere, is simply a slap in the face to those whose money is being requested.

There's nothing wrong with asking. But when it coincides with a disregard for acknowledging the known, well, that's unacceptable behavior.

So what if a player has left? Shift happens. Make the announcement and piggyback a 'we need funds more than ever so we can land talents who want to be at SJSU' message on to that. Take a negative and work it towards a positive, a 'we will use this gifting to work harder than ever in bringing in student-athletes you will be proud of' campaign.

Certifying reality goes a lot further than mum's the word when appealing for assistance.