I’ll be the first to admit it. I’ve had some awful things to say about Mr. Phil Mickelson. I’ve questioned his golf skills. I’ve questioned his decision-making processes. I’ve commented on his testicular fortitude. I’ve even made jokes about his physique. I shouldn’t have done that.

I was wrong, and I’m sorry.

Conrad Dobler is a ten-year veteran of the NFL. He had played for the St. Louis Cardinals, N.O. Saints, and the Buff. Bills. It had been opined that he was the “Dirtiest player in football”, but no one could argue that he was a good, solid offensive lineman. He made ProBowl appearances in ‘75, ’76, and ’77. But his career had taken its toll on his body, and he is now 90% disabled. He walks with a cane, and is about to undergo his third knee replacement on the same knee. He is married to Joy. At a family cookout in 2001, she fell out of a hammock and injured her spine. She is now a quadriplegic, and hopes have stem-cell surgery outside the country, in the next 18 months.

After seeing an expose aired on ESPN, Mr. Mickelson, (not Phil, not Lefty, but Mr. Mickelson.) saw an opportunity to help. Without any fan fare, without any publicity, (His lawyer even tried to STOP an article on the subject in “Golf World”.) and having never met them, he has been paying for the Dobler’s daughter to attend college. Holli Dobler has just completed her sophomore year at the University of Miami (Ohio) and has a grade point average between 3.6 and 3.8. She appears to making the most of this gift, and considers Mr. Mickelson her “Angel without wings.”

For The Record: Next years tuition… $24,000

Mr. Mickelson is currently second on both the World Golf rankings, and the PGA money list.

He has 31 wins on the PGA Tour, and 3 Major Titles. (2 Masters, 1 PGA)

These are huge accomplishments, and should not be taken lightly. He has EARNED my respect, both on and OFF the golf course.

Mr. Mickelson,

I Pray…. that you, your wife Amy, children Amanda, Sophia, and Evan, (in fact, all your family and loved ones) are happy, healthy, and comfortable.

I Pray…. That you receive all the blessings, a man with your heart and talent deserves.

I Pray… You will forgive me…

I was Wrong, and I’m Sorry.

   As I was gettin' ready for work this morning, I heard  a passing comment on Mike and Mike on ESPN. It would appear that Tiger Woods was at the U.S. Open this past weekend, and was....GASP!!.... rootin' for, and hanging out with, Roger Federer.

 It seems this Federer guy is "some kinda foreigner or something", and Tiger hates his country by cheering this guy on.

  Now Tiger's not an average mortal like you and I. He's a man who has spent countless hours practicing and honing his craft. I think he knows hard work and dedication when he see's it. I'll wager he never thought once about Roger's country of origin. He admires WINNERS!!

   We don't hear about Tiger going out much. Outside of his caddie Stevie, and maybe Mark O'Meara, he probably doesn't have a lot of guy friends. But here is a guy, a peer, who Tiger does not have to compete against. Roger knows about living your whole life in the "fishbowl". He know's the pressure of competing at that level. Maybe Tigger just wants some dude he can call, so he can #### about the new wife. Who knows, just don't turn the whole situation into some Geo-political satire with Tiger as Sadam!!

  I dont know Sheep #### from Duck butter when it comes to tennis..., but this Federer dude seems to know his stuff. This was his third Open championship, they tell me.

 So Come On............Let Tiger have a friend!!!!!!

**Afterthought....Tiger and Roger celebrated by "Popping" a couple of bottles of "Dom"

  They should know better.......that stuff ####!!