I’ve often wondered if the stigma that surrounds the New York Yankees has more to do with its history or with its owner, George Steinbrenner. Honestly, how many professional team owners have the ability to overshadow their team, even if they have 26 World Championships. It seems as though Steinbrenner may have done such a good job of overshadowing his team, that he single handedly "managed" his team to an early exit in this year’s playoffs. I wonder if the Yankees players felt any extra pressure to "win one for the skipper?" And I also wonder if Joe Torre felt any extra pressure, knowing his "Boss" had just gave him an ultimatum; either win the Series, or find another job.
New York fans have had more than just a baseball team to cheer for over the years. They’ve had the longest running soap opera in history. Who can ever forget the Babe Ruth "call", as he pointed to the sky, and promptly sent the next pitch into orbit. And who can ever forget the homerun chase between Micky Mantle and Roger Maris, which was ultimately won by the underdog Maris. The Yankee fans still weren’t happy.
Now it’s 1973. CBS, who owns the Yanks is selling to a couple of business gurus. Enter George Steinbrenner. This was the beginning of one of the most notorious love/hate relationships in professional sports. Who can ever forget the ongoing soap opera between Steinbrenner and Billy Martin. Billy Martin was either fired, or he resigned, on five different occasions under Steinbrenner. In 1990, George was banned from baseball "for life" following a gambling allegation. This came as a pleasant surprise to Yankee fans, who hadn’t seen a competitive Yankee team in almost a decade. However, after only three years, he was reinstated under the condition that he would allow the Yankees farm system to work for them, rather than trading away younger talent for overly expensive veterans. In 1995, that young talent, got the Yanks to the playoffs for the first time in many years. That began a string of four World Championships and 13 straight trips to the playoffs, all under the direction of Joe Torre.
So you can imagine what Joe Torre must have felt when he "heard" that George Steinbrenner had told the media that the Yanks needed to win the World Series in order for him to keep his job. But that wasn’t enough. Instead of firing Torre after their loss to the Indians, Steinbrenner decided to make Joe a one year offer, which would reduce his salary by more than $2,000,000. Yes, you heard me correctly. Rather than "man up" and just fire Torre, George decided to insult him by offering him something he knew he would reject. This is the thanks Joe Torre gets for bringing the Yankees from the depths and making them the most feared and successful team in baseball.
There are those who are just classless, and there are those who are just cowards. Well, George, you’ve managed to show us you can be both. And in the words of Kevin Costner in his film "For Love Of The Game", "I can’t think of a better reason not to be a Yankee!" You got that right Kevin. Thanks George, you’ve just reminded us how truly messed up professional sports is today. Who will you jerk around next, COWARD!!!
I must preclude this post by saying the first four paragraphs, and the last paragraphs are my own. The "Star Spangled Banner" and the supporting paragraphs in between are not to my credit. I received that content in an email from a great friend of mine. If you would like that email, please feel free to leave your email address in your comments here, or email me at mattfaw@gmail.com. Thanks.
The playing of the Star Spangled Banner has long been a tradition at our American sporting events. It is one of the few songs that bonds all Americans who cherish our freedom here in this great land. We look forward to standing in unison, before our major sporting events, and singing along to those words that represent our freedoms and our culture. It is one of the few times where Americans come together in mass, no matter what political party we are associated with, and agree in unison to sing the song that represents our great nation.
In recent times, we have been confronted with issues in this country, regarding "God" being used in our schools and in our public venues. As a young boy growing up in North Carolina, we would stand in our classroom and recite the Pledge of Allegiance "one nation, under God" with no hesitation. Songs such as "God Bless America" were sang at gatherings. No one complained, and if anyone didn't want to join in the "festivities", they weren't persecuted. Prayers were offered before high school games by a local minister. No one kicked you out of the stadium if you decided not to join in the prayer, and you lived to see another day. Well, it appears as though those days are over.
Our country is being picked apart by special interest groups who have taken their individualistic views and desires straight to the top. It is becoming a nation where our Constitution is being twisted and turned into nothing more than a "I have rites" document. Don't get me wrong, this country was set up in such a way that the intentions were to do away with religious persecution. Our country is now a melting pot for all of the world's major religions. However, it has also become a melting pot for the minorities. And I'm not talking about race. I'm talking about ideals and lifestyles. Unfortunately, we are headed in a direction that is seeing the minority rule, as opposed to the majority. Our legal system has been abused in such a way, that it makes it almost impossible for the majority to rule in many cases.
This leads me to the idea behind my post. Our National Anthem actually has four verses to it. Although all we hear is the first verse, which doesn't mention God, God is mentioned in other verses. When Francis Scott Key wrote these great words to this great song, he was watching on as the British Navy was bombarding Fort McHenry. In the distance, Francis Scott Key could see the American Flag flying over the fort. His song describes the bombardment, and the subsequent results. Here are the words to this great song....
" Oh say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars,through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air , Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
(Ramparts, in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort.) The first stanza asks a question. The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their mission a failure. In the third stanza I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment, Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise? During World War I when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
(The fourth stanza, a pious hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling):
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven - rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto --"In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to the words. And don't let them ever take it away ... not even one word of it.
And oh yeah, if you don't want to be around when it is played, show up a few minutes late to the game, or wear your headphones. And no, the majority should not be the one's wearing the headphones...after all, this country is set up to be ruledby the majority...right?
As I was driving home from a weekend of reserve duty at Camp Lejeune, NC, I had about five hours to reflect on my life, and the events that have shaped it over the past 15 years. Life is a complicated thing. From the time we enter this world, to the time we leave it, we are nothing but pawns in a chess game called life. In fact, when you really sit back and think about your life, it is actually one gigantic illusion. The present slips away in the blink of an eye, quickly becoming the past. The only thing we have to hold on to are our memories of those moments.
With this in mind, I felt it necessary to post a blog that might just give us some of those old memories to ponder. And what better memories do we have here on the Fox Blogs...than those of sports. I will be looking specifically at the years between 1993 and 1996…as those years will lead into the message of my blog. However, don’t be surprised if I don’t throw some actual life experiences in there along with the sports.
1993 was quite a year in my life. As a teenager, I had attended a church camp on the coast of North Carolina during our summers off from school. It had been my dream to one day be a “staffer” at this camp. After all, those staffers were my heroes during those years. Well, after applying in the spring of 93 for a summer job at this camp, I was accepted…yee haw!!!! My Tar Heels had just won the NCAA Basketball National Championship, and Davey Allison was burning up NASCAR as an up and coming driver. Little did we know that he would end up leaving us all too soon when his helicopter crashed that summer….and we may very well have lost one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, if he only would have had the chance!! With this being said, that was the best summer of my life…as you will see later.
1994 brought another summer as a “staffer”…and who could ever forget the OJ Simpson saga!!!! Although we wouldn’t learn for another year what his fate would be, we all were left bewildered and appalled at what he had likely done. Baseball ended early that summer, as the players went on strike. Jeff Bagwell was on his way to a possible triple crown, until the almighty dollar reared its ugly head!!!
1995 brought, you guessed it, another summer as a “staffer”. Although it was a slightly shortened season, due to the strike, my Atlanta Braves won their one and only World Series that fall. And I can’t mention 1995 without remembering those who lost their lives in the Oklahoma City bombings. And we will never forget the heroes who likely saved as many as died.
1996…yes…okay, one last summer as a “staffer”. And who will ever forget Kerri Strug’s heroics on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team that took home the team gold. She had sprained her ankle earlier in the competition, and yet was able to suffer through the pain, and pull off a miracle for U.S. again!!! On a downer, however, my North Wilkesboro Speedway would lose its races after 1996. It still sits there empty…with the ghosts of the past still being heard from time to time…if the wind is blowing just right!!
From there I would go on to get a Master’s Degree at Campbell University. I would then join the military during its most turbulent times in over 30 years. I would see two combat tours and lose three of my buddies in the process.
This all leads me back to 1993. As I sat at the gate of the camp where I was working, I can remember feeling the warm coastal breeze in my face. I remember a car pulling up to the gate, with a man and his wife, both in their 30’s, wanting to make a round through the camp. He was a former “staffer”, who had worked there during the early 80’s. He said to me, “you better make the most of these days, for they will be the best of your life…and they will pass quickly.” And of course, being the cocky 20 year old that I was, I thought to myself….” Whatever dude…these days will last forever…and I will stay young forever!” That was 14 years ago…and I’m now 34.
Next weekend, two of my old buddies and I will be taking a road trip to visit this old church camp. They were two of my closest “staffer” buddies during those years. We have since gone our separate ways, each of us choosing our own paths. However, we have remained close over the years…and I can honestly call them my brothers. I’m very excited about seeing this place again….which has a strong nostalgic pull. And yet I find myself equally as excited about what the next 15 years will bring in my life.
Sports is something that keeps us young. It keeps us close. And as heroes grow older, and eventually fade, young heroes will simply take their place, and keep sports on the tips of our tongues, and at our fingertips. Keep blogging my brothers and sisters. And remember, the NOW is already gone!!!
Well, it's no secret that the Yankees have done it again. As if a payroll of 195 million underachievers wasn't enough, George Steinbrenner has reached deeper into his wallet to try and save face, once again, by signing Roger Clemens. Now I'm not saying I wouldn't spend the same money if I were in the same situation. If George is willing to pay the extra tax for going above the league maximum, then there isn't much anyone can say. But as smart of a business man as George appears to be on the outside, I have to wonder about his decisions in the office. But that's another blog for another time.
Roger Clemens, love him or hate him, is one of the greatest pitchers of all time. With a career record of 348 wins and 178 losses, and an ERA of 3.10, he could also be included in conversations of "the best pitcher of all time". However, in the era of free agency and self indulgence, Clemens has just catapulted himself to the top. It is fairly common for professional athletes to "hold out" for more money and more lucrative contracts. However, how many athletes of any era have been able to dictate, not only who they play for, but when they play for them? Roger evidently feels as if he doesn't need spring training. I find it ironic that Roger always makes his decisions in May, in order to bypass having to work out with whichever team he deems worthy of his presence....and obviously a team that can afford to pay him 4.5 million a month.
This leads me to my next subject. If you don't believe that Roger is an ego maniac, then listen to his announcement that he has decided to "help" the Yankees in their quest for the playoffs. His announcement was made in the seventh inning of the Yankees game with Seattle Sunday. Not only was the announcement made, but it was made by Roger himself. Roger's not too egotistical is he? As Kevin Costner said in "For Love of The Game", "I can't think of a better reason not to be a Yankee!" And I can't think of a better reason to hate the damn Yankees!!
I advise everyone to read this post...and tell me what you see wrong here!! If you see nothing wrong in this article, then you can throw the Constitution of the United States of America to the wolves, burn our flag, and spit on every American's grave who has faught and died for our country. I guess those who are waving foreign flags are so proud of their country that they are trying to become a citizen of the United States illegally. Makes sense to me..LOL!!! Let the frenzy begin......
Mountain climbing is one of the most rigorous and dangerous leisure pastimes anyone can tackle. Mt. Everest has become famous for more than just the fact that it is the tallest peak on Earth. The excavations to the summit have become legendary. The brutal terrain, along with the ever changing and unpredictable weather, have made the mountain a graveyard for many who have attempted to tackle its summit. Only the most experienced and seasoned climbers attempt to make that treck.
It seems that in recent times, mountain climbing has made the headlines for rescuing stranded climbers, than it has for legendary escapades. Mt. Hood Oregan has become famous over the past five years for the rescue efforts of those who attempt to climb the mountain in horrible conditions. I recall reading and watching the news on a few occasions, just this year, about rescue efforts being made to search for lost or stranded climbers. Of course, we all hope and pray that there will be happy news during these efforts. However, let’s take a look at another side to these stories, one that entails the expenses and danger that come to those who are putting forth those rescue efforts.
Each time a climber gets lost or is stranded, a search not only consists of manpower, but it consists of pulling resources from government agencies and sometimes even our military. While are hope and our wish as that there will be a happy ending to the searches, it should be noted that there is a substantial danger to those who are leading the search efforts also. This is no more evident than a search effort for stranded climbers in 2002, when a Blackhawk Helicopter was being used in the rescue efforts of some climbers who had fallen into a crevice. The Blackhawk was flying to its altitude limits during this search. Sometimes, at these altitudes, a downdraft occurs which can send a helicopter spinning out of control. Well, that is exactly what happened. The helicopter began twisting out of control before slamming to the ground, critically injuring one of the crewman on board.
It is worth mentioning here that the use of a Blackhawk Helicopter can run around $2,800 an hour to operate. This doesn’t include the manpower and other resources being used for this effort. The only time those being rescued are forced to pay back some of that money, is if they are found to be negligent. And even that caps out at $500 a piece.
In December 2006, there were three climbers who attempted to scale Mt. Hood. They were caught in a terrible blizzard, which isn’t uncommon this time of year, and subsequently lost their lives. The rescue efforts, though desperate, were in vain. In an exerpt from CNN News, Tom Kovacs, the former President of the Mountain Rescue Association had this to say…
“Rescues on Mount Hood are primarily done by volunteers. The expenses for the sheriff's departments run about $1,500 to $2,000 a day, Kovacs said. The full-time deputies and crews provide the logistics to set up the search, and the volunteers do the bulk of the work in the field. When the hypothetical cost of the unpaid volunteers is added, the price for a typical 18-hour rescue mission shoots up to about $8,000. In the more dangerous parts of Mount Hood, the typical rescue mission is two to three days, Kovacs said. When helicopters from the military or Oregon National Guard are used, the cost can go up thousands of dollars. The smallest choppers run about $750 an hour, and the larger helicopters can easily cost more than $2,000 an hour, Kovacs said. Add to that overtime, meals and supplies, and the number keeps rising. Part of the cost is covered by the military, because some helicopter use is considered basic training. Some states provide money to reimburse local authorities and donations contribute a portion of the cost, but whichever way you look at it, taxpayers foot much of the bill.”
Now, I may not be a smart man, but I have to wonder…just how smart is it to attempt to climb these monsters? If it is such a big deal to climb these mountains, in peak blizzard season, then maybe we should make this a spectator sport. Maybe we should charge admission for people to watch these selfish idiots attempt to have their day of glory, all at the expense of those who may very well be leading search efforts to find them later. How else are these rescue efforts going to be funded? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me…but it seems to me, that rescue efforts are only being made because of selfish and foolish decisions being made by “glory seekers”. Unfortunately, some will never know, and to those who lead these rescue missions, the glory of rescuing those who have been stranded become tainted, because they have basically just rescued idiots!!!
I'm sure there are many of you on this blogsite who are well aware of the problems between Dusty and I. It has not been a secret. I have recently tried to come to some sort of truce with Dusty...at which he has rejected my plea and has continued his hate toward me and those of my religious "right wing" beliefs. I have NEVER thrown my religion in his face on a single blog on this site. I have never called Dusty, nor anyone else on this blogsite a racist. I haven't been perfect. I have expressed anger toward Dusty...and toward others on this blogsite. However, I don't think that makes me any different than any other person on this blogsite. I have, however, been labeled a racist, a thug, a cracker, and a "must be Christian" by Dusty because I have dissented on his views about Barry Bonds. The fact is, I was only commenting on the subject of the blog. If there had been a blog who's subject was about Mark McGuire or Raffy Palmiero, he would have heard the same. But there wasn't, so everyone heard my feelings about Bonds instead. Somehow, that warranted a reply from Dusty labeling me as a racist cracker. This is where our war of words started. And it hasn't went away.
I posted a blog on how I believe Kobe's one game suspension for his flagrant elbow has been discussed more than it should have been. In my blog, I made the statement that those who are Kobe supporters are also Bonds haters. Well, if you had read my blog, you would have known what I meant by that title. The title was meant to attract all sports fans, whether you support Kobe or not. Sure, I'm just like everyone else. I am excited to think that there would be many who would dissent from my view. Of course, if you know Dusty that well, you would have known that he would not have been able to resist this blog...due to Kobe being the subject. However, according to Dusty, I only created the blog in order to get hits. Well, I thought that was the purpose in everyone writing a blog...was to get hits. I could care less if it is one hit or 1000 hits. I don't write very many blogs...as I don't have the time to do it. I have not entered one single Fox Blogs contest....NOT A SINGLE ONE!!! So that pretty much throws that theory of Dusty's right out the window.
Now, I have said that there are those on this blogsite, that I refer to as Kobe "#### sniffers". I have said that they have their heads up Kobe's #### so far that they should know what his #### smells like. Maybe that was uncalled for. Maybe that was a little overboard. However, I don't think that warrants getting my own religion thrown in my face. Keep in mind...that I never called anyone out individually on this post. Dusty came ranting and accusing me!!! If you don't believe me, read the post...and then read the comments. Sure, I probably said some things that were not very nice. But that doesn't make me a bad person...and that certainly doesn't warrant Dusty throwing my own religion in my face.
Now..with all this being said...I'm not the only one to have had problems with Dusty. I'm not going to name names....simply because the list is too long....and I don't want to bring up anyone else's name in this. This is between Dusty and I. Dusty has real issues with those who dissent from his view. They automatically become "haters"!! He then lights in with his many labels and accusations. However, if I do the same, I immediately become a hypocrite and I get my Chrisitianity thrown back in my face. Seems a little "hypocritical" to me....haay?!!!
So with this being said...tonight I came to Dusty trying to reach a truce. I asked him to start over from scratch. In all actuality Dusty and I agree on most everything. However, when the labeling and name calling began over a stupid Bonds blog....those agreements went out the window. So when I came to him tonight, asking him to find a common ground, where we could start from scratch, here were his replies....and keep in mind, that my pleas for a truce were erased before I had the chance to copy and paste them...although he mysteriously enough left his up for everyone to see....here was some of Dusty's latest comments about me and my Kobe post....and also my plea replies from tonight...
Dusty said...
"The never ending amount of Kobe hate and outright lies on Kobe on this blog never cease to amuse me. Fatmaw's latest attack on Kobe and Kobe lover's outright accused us of racism and hatred for Barry Bonds. Holy Moley now, that's a reach of historical porportions. How that connect is made is beyond me. But his primary complaint, like so many Kobe haters, is that us Kobe fans never stop talking about him. And your point is what? Someone held a gun to your head and made you click on the Blog with Kobe in the name and made you post nasty hateful things back to us Kobe fans? Ya Know it's a free country. If you don't want to read about Kobe don't click on the Kobe writers blogs. Novel thought there huh?"
fatmaw said...
"Hey Dusty...so exactly how did I accuse ANYONE of racism. I accused you of accusing me of racism. But I have NEVER accused anyone of racism. I would like to see you post my quotes on that please!!!!
And you totally read waaaaay too much into my post about Kobe and Barry. I'm not quite sure how you read it that way...you appeared to be the only one who did!!! You totally twisted that blog into something it wasn't meant to be...and I'm not quite sure how you did that!!
Please post my racist quotes accusing you or ANYONE of racism!!!"
I still haven't gotten those quotes, by the way
Dusty said...
"But the bottom line is exactly what Kris Kristofferson said...........
"Jesus was a Capricorn, he ate organic foods, he believed in love and peace, never wore no shoes Long Hair, Beard and Sandals and a funky bunch of friends Reckon they'd just nail him up if he came down again.
Cause everybody's gotta have somebody to look down on Who they can feel better than at any time they please, Someone doing something dirty decent folks can frown on If you can't find nobody else, then help yourself to me.
Eggheads, cussing ####, cussing hippies for their hair...others laugh at staights who laugh at freaks who laugh at squares.......
Some folks hate the whites who hate the blacks who hate the K-lan......most of us hate anything that we don't understand"
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE CHRISTIAN FAR RIGHT IN AMERICA TODAY.
ZERO TOLERANCE ZERO FORGIVENESS ZERO ALLOWANCE FOR OTHERS RIGHT TO BELIEVE DIFFERENTLY THAN THEY BELIEVE
THEY ARE THE MOST RACIST SEGMENT OF AMERICA. AND THEY DO NOT REPRESENT EVEN A MAJORITY OF CHRISTIANS IN THIS COUNTRY DESPITE WHAT THEY WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE. THEY ARE NEITHER CHRISTIAN NOR RIGHT. THEY ARE THE ANTI CHRIST THE BIBLE WARNS US OF "WHICH WILL COME DRAPED IN THE ROPES AND THE WORDS OF THE FATHER BUT KNOW THEM FOR THE SERVANTS OF LUCIFER THAT THEY ARE"
fatmaw said...
"Dusty...I see you've deleted my comments again....and you've managed to throw my religion in my face once again...though I have never thrown it in yours. Nice job!! Why do you hate me so much? What have I done that has made you attack my ideals and my religion so tenaciously? Think about this...we were fine until I said something negative about Bonds. Then you began with the labeling. Am I wrong? What happened that set that whole thing off? Go ahead and delete this...that's fine. I'm just copying them anyway. So you know a blog's coming about this. Just answer my questions. I have a few for you. Show you aren't afraid to answer. Show you're willing to meet in the middle here.. 1. When did I ever call you or anyone else racist. I would like that quoted please. 2. You never answered my question about Kobe vs. Artest and Wallace...and you know what my question was. 3. Where does your content and hate for me come from? 4. Why do you continue to throw my religion in my face when I have never thrown it in yours? I'm trying here Dusty. I really am. Now show me you're doing the same."
Dusty said...
"I've already explained quite succiently and quite factualy my objection to you using things like HANG HIM, I KNOW HE DID IT on bonds, I object to you comparing Kobe to Bonds, I object to you saying "all kobe lovers makes excuses for Kobe but hate bonds" when you KNOW that to NOT be fact. I object to people wearing the "christian label" on their sleeves but NEVER having any CHRISTIAN CHARITY or FORGIVENESS for ANYONE they don't like or anyone who likes them. Finally I object to be told that we "sniff Kobe's ####" not once but THREE times because we write about our favorite player who is a FIRST BALLOT HALL OF FAMER, WHO VIRTUALLY ALL THE WRITERS AND PUNDITS AND SPORTSCASTERS SAY IS ONE OF THE TWO BEST PLAYERS IN THE GAME, NOBODY MADE YOU READ OUR BLOGS. YOU SIMPLY WENT HATING FOR NO REASON AT ALL AND USED BAD LIES TO JUSTIFY IT."
Fatmaw said...
"Dusty...I never used your name in any of my Kobe stuff. You came in my blog and started your rants. I have never said I was perfect. If there is any Christian who does...they are a liar. Stating my opinion does not make me a lying Christian. The fact is...you don't like it when anyone dissents from you...especially me. And where were my facts about Kobe wrong? I guess Kobe is who you’re referring too. In my entire blog on Kobe and Barry…where was I wrong?
Dusty…I honestly believe we think more alike than you think. Our biggest problem is basically with your support of Kobe and Barry…and my dissent from that. If you want to base that on principle…then reread my blog again. I honestly think you have misread it.
I realize I get angry….but it’s only with you. I’m not perfect…I never said I was. I make mistakes. But don’t get so angry everytime I say something negative about Kobe or Barry. That’s just how I feel. It doesn’t make me racist…and it doesn’t make me a thug. I have said on many occasions that I believe Mark Mcguire and Raffy are just as much scum as Barry. I don’t have a problem forgiving. But everyone must be held accountable for their sins or wrong doings if you will. I honestly feel that Kobe got off scott free…just as I believe Barry is. I also think that McGuire is. I am still continuing to pay for things I have done wrong over the years. Why should Kobe, Barry, or Mark be any different? I forgive people all the time…and I certainly hope they forgive me. I’m willing to start fresh here if you are willing to do the same. All I’m asking is that you see that I’m not racist, and I’m really not that bad o####uy. Do you think we can do that?"
Dusty said...
"I have nothing more to say to you Fatmaw. You have clearly, to me, exhibited the stereotypical, long since thought dead by me, old time Southern "I'm not racist BUT.....I'm a Christian BUT...........and everything that I as a black man who lived thru the times that you are so unwilling to act in a christian and adult manner that I was brought to believe that devout Christians would do, you offend me man. YOU did that blog knowing damn well I am a Kobe fan and I am the one on this blog that fought you to a standstill over Bond's civil rights vs your vigilante justice and YET you headline a blog that Kobe lovers are Bond haters and that we're all hypocrites and you're sick of people sniffing Kobe's #### and that was your words. You made your bed. Lie in it."
And keep in mind, Dusty deleted some comments in there also....if he can find them...he's welcome to get them thrown back in there!! I would welcome it....as I actually had support from another well established and respected blogger...whose name will not be brought into this.
I hope everyone can see what has happened here. I hope they can see Dusty for who he really is. If anyone can quote me as being racist....or if anyone can quote me saying I'm perfect...I will be happy to concede. Otherwise....I don't think I'm the one who's the hypocrite here!!!
Yes, you heard me correctly. Those who defend Kobe in his one game suspension a week ago are also the very ones who cry that those who believe Barry Bonds is scum, are just Barry haters and racists!! Sorry if this seems a little hypocritical to me....but we have those on this blogsite...and around the sports world in general...who will defend Kobe Bryant with their very lives. They believe his one game suspension was not justified. They believe Kobe's elbow accidentally "flinched" in such a way after a shot, that it almost took the head off of the defender. Exactly how does that happen after someone shoots a ball. Anyway, that's neither here nor there. Let's get to the point of my blog here.
1. We have those on this blogsite who will defend Barry Bonds because he has not been found guilty of any wrong doing in a court of law.
2. We have those on this blogsite who will defend Kobe Bryant, even though he was found guilty by the "NBA court of law".
Huh?!!! Wait a minute!!! Did I just read that correctly? Why...yes you did there partner!!! And while you're at it....put this in your pipe and smoke it....
1. I'll just about bet that if that had been Kobe Bryant on the receiving end of that elbow, all the Kobe Lovers (I purposely capitalized Lovers, because I honestly think there are those who believe they are married to Kobe) would have been screaming for a suspension.
2. I'll just about bet that if that had been Ron Artest or Rasheed Wallace in Kobe's shoes, everyone in America would have agreed with the suspension.
So which way is it folks? Is it up to the "Courts of the leagues" to decide who is guilty and who is innocent? Well, according to those who defend Barry Bonds, it is. But I guess in the case of Kobe Bryant, it is a conspiracy. Oh what a fickle world we live in!!!
In these days of individualism and greed, it seems that education has taken a back seat to million dollar contracts and scandals. As little as two decades ago, college athletics was where we went to see big time sports at its purest. Now to mention the word pure in regards to sports in general brings a laugh and an after thought to the “good ole days”. In 1979 Magic Johnson left Michigan State one year early for the NBA. This, of course, was something new to college sports, and set a precedent that has since rolled into complete chaos. In 1982 James Worthy left UNC one year early, only to be drafted by those same Los Angeles Lakers, who had snatched up Magic only three years earlier. Michael Jordan left school a year early in 1984, and we all know how he fared. But since the time of Jordan, college basketball players have been leaving school early in more abundant numbers. Since the Fab Five, it has been common place for college basketball players to leave school one, two, and even three years early. And even the unthinkable has happened. High School athletes have totally by-passed college in order to enter the NBA draft. That, of course, has been changed. However, leaving school early is not limited to NCAA basketball. It is becoming more common for NCAA football players to leave early also. These actions have, of course, been driven by economics and, in my opinion, greed. However, let’s see just how the graduation rates have stacked up in recent years for the NCAA.
The overall graduation rate for the NCAA is 77%. If you look at Men’s NCAA Basketball, that rate is well below the overall average at 59%. However, here’s the kicker to these numbers….they don’t include those who leave early to enter the professional drafts!! That being said, there are many professional athletes who will eventually go back to school and finish their degrees. Women’s athletics are much more successful at graduating their athletes. In 16 out of the 18 major women’s sports, the graduation rate is at better than 80%. In six of those it is above 90%. Kudos to the women!!! Keep in mind that these figures are figures for the years between 1996 and 1999. Those figures are likely on the decline, though they had increased by 1% from the previous year when this survey was completed.
At first glance this would be a disturbing thought. However, after doing a little more research on the matter, overall graduation rates for all students was only 61%. That number was quite glaring. It seemed as though I needed to rethink my perception of college athletics and its “poor” graduation rates. However, the overall numbers didn’t distinguish between students on scholarships and students who paid their own way. And the numbers also didn’t take into account those scholarship athletes who leave early for the professional drafts. At any rate, these numbers are a bit perplexing. And I’m not really sure where I stand on the issue of “Student Athletes”. How many students who would kill to be enrolled at their favorite universities are turned down every year because of athletes who leave early for the professional ranks? And on the flip side, how many lose spots due to “regular joes” who wind up spending one year in college, and dropping out due to excessive partying and laziness? You decide.
This is part one of a two part story. More research and more details are to follow soon. If you would like to see the numbers for yourselves, here are a couple of websites I used to compile my numbers:
It seems that sports has taken on a more, shall we say, judicial role in recent times. There is no other subject in the sports world that has captured our imaginations more than the trials and tribulations of Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, Floyd Landis, Rafael Palmeiro, and a handful of other high profile athletes. All of these athletes have been under the microscope for using performance enhancing drugs. It has gotten so out of hand, that Congress itself has gotten involved. Although these athletes have not necessarily been convicted of crimes, they have either been caught using performance enhancing drugs, or they have been accused of it. Just this week, the story broke of Barry Bonds’ positive test for amphetamines, a banned substance of Major League Baseball. And although he has not been found guilty of steroid use, it is widely speculated that he has used them over the years, in his chase to catch Hank Aaron’s home run record which has stood for more than 30 years. As the debate will continue to brew about where Barry Bonds will stand in the halls of history in Major League Baseball, one thing we can agree upon, his name will forever bring up controversy. Mark McGuire has disappeared into his gated community in Colorado, where he will likely remain hidden from the scrutiny that has been afforded Bonds. Floyd Landis sealed his fate with his failed drug test during the Tour De France. Sammy Sosa, along with McGuire, will likely simply fade into oblivion. And while we debate as to whether Barry Bonds is receiving fair or unfair treatment, as compared to others, it is widely agreed upon that his personality, his possible place in history, and his circus trials has been the catalysts of his scrutiny. And this is what leads me into the core of my article.
The American justice system has been designed to protect the innocent, with its “innocent until proven guilty” stance. This being said, it is not uncommon for Americans to believe they have been found guilty of crimes they did not commit. And vice versa, it is also not uncommon for Americans to believe there have been those who are guilty, who have been set scott free. However, as in all civilized societies, there must be rules that guide these proceedings, and keep order amongst the population. However, in the blogosphere there is no judicial system. It is a place where opinions run rampant. It is a place where you are free to state your opinions without being put on trial. And ideally, it is a place where one can state their opinions without fear of being labeled.
Just this past week, I have responded to a story about the latest Barry Bonds saga, stating my opinion. My opinion is that Barry Bonds is a #### liar, who doesn’t deserve to break Hank Aaron’s homerun record. Somehow, out of that sentiment, I was labeled as…and bear with me here, as this is a long list….a racist, must be a Christian, must be a Southern Baptist, a cracker, a thug, as uneducated, as right winged, and as fascist. My question is this….is the blogworld a place where we can express opinions without fear of being put on trial, or is it simply another judicial system where we will be judged.
Sometimes court proceedings defy all rational thought. Court proceedings are not a place for opinions. They are a place for facts. The blogosphere is not a place for trials. It is a place where sports fans should be able to express their opinions without fear of being labeled. It is a place where there are no judges….it is you, me, and Joe citizen hashing out our differences. It is not a place where we should feel like our opinions will label us as being a vigilante…which is what I have been accused of being. Well, that’s what is great about blogging. There is no vigilante. There is only debate and opinion. If you want facts, go to the court rooms. If you want to debate without fear of being labeled by others, your place is here, in the blogosphere….where rational thought and opinion run rampant, and there are no court rooms allowed.
In the wake of the latest Bob Knight scandal, I think it is time to take a hard look at what has become of America and its fascination with abuse. And that fascination rears its ugly head in one of our favorite past times, sports.
Coaching is under the microscope as much as any profession in America. Men and women are expected to be guardians of children, youth, and adult athletes, as well as teachers and mentors. With this comes tremendous responsibility. Imagine being asked to take care of someone else’s child, knowing the tremendous risk that today’s society levies on you. As teachers, coaches are expected to lead athletes in the right direction. They are expected to teach athletes right from wrong. They are expected to always do what is “right for my child”. Can you imagine being responsible for, not only the education of, but also the disciplining of someone else’s child? Let’s take a look at all the risks involved in this profession.
First, a coach is expected to be fair and impartial. As a child, I expected to play, no matter how horrible I was at that particular sport. My parents expected no less. Practices were more about teaching than they were about workouts and repetition. Parents were more involved in the programs. I’m 33 years old. So my childhood was much different than that of today’s children. As I entered my teenage years, my coaches became more like father figures and mentors. Education was first. Discipline consisted of sitting out games and having extended practices. In some cases, it meant being suspended from the team, though I never experienced that myself. And yes, yelling was a common everyday experience. Coaches were only under the microscope of winning vs. losing.
Let’s fast forward to the late 90’s and early 21st century. Daycares are forbidden to “spank” or physically discipline children. Principals and teachers are required to get written permission from parents in order to “spank” their children at school. In some cases, spanking is forbidden all together. Our military has even been forbidden to use any emotionally or mentally stressful measures to interrogate our enemies. Parents are using “positive reinforcement” in order to “discipline” children. Methods such as “timeout” are used instead of yelling or spanking. Coaches are more scrutinized than ever. Yelling or belittling the athletes has become intolerant. And anything that would lead someone to believe that a coach has laid a hand on an athlete could be taken to court, and tried as harassment or abuse. No doubt, coaches like Bob Knight have done things over the years to attract scrutiny. And they have even done things that would be considered abuse in any generation.
Now, with this being said, let’s take a look at our college and professional athletes of today. The coaches of 20 years ago are no doubt cringing at the pressures of today’s coaches. And it is impossible to overlook the fact that our abuse of our legal system has a major effect on the coaches of today. A look in the wrong way from a coach, can be a one way ticket to harassment. A smack on the rear, which was once commonplace in sports, can land you in a court room today. Yelling at an athlete can be determined as emotionally and verbally abusive. So how exactly are the coaches of today supposed to be father figures, teachers, and mentors of today’s youth, if they are not allowed to be disciplinary. Discipline, as defined by Webster’s, is training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. It iscontrol gained by enforcing obedience or order, and orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior. My question is, how can we maintain our definition of discipline if our legal system continues to declare it wrong? Our coaches are so handcuffed that they can’t even properly discipline our players of today. Take a look at what has happened with the University of Miami. Take a look at how spoiled and individualistic our athletes of today are. Our coaches don’t stand a chance. Just ask Bob Knight. I am not a Bob Knight fan. But how many of his student athletes have ever been in any kind of legal troubles. Yes, I realize Isaiah Thomas is a Bob Knight product. Nobody’s perfect. My point is, that of all the bad things Bob Knight has done over the years, this latest incident has been taken way too far. How would a father have gotten his son’s attention? How are our coaches to teach our children right from wrong, when they can’t even be a real father figure any longer. Where has the real America gone? Are we seeing the death of team sports? What do we really expect of our coaches? If you expect them to do the right thing, you must expect them to properly discipline our children. Sometimes positive reinforcement and a timeout may work. But sometimes it may not. You must ask yourself….”what is abuse?” If you can figure that one out in today’s society, you are one step ahead of everyone else, including our coaches.
With all of the political debating, shot taking, and war of words, I feel it is time to make a political “statement” about sports issues, using both sides of the fence. On one hand, we have the liberals, who are constitution watchers and “by the book” advocates. And on the other hand, we have the conservatives who use a more religious, look beyond the boundaries mentality when discussing issues. So without further delay, here is what our liberal and conservative panel had to say when confronted with the following issues.
“Barry Bonds has been accused of taking steroids during his great run at Hank Aaron’s record….and your thoughts on this…”
Liberal says, “Innocent until proven guilty!!! He hasn’t admitted to using them, and he hasn’t been tried in court. Therefore he cannot be held accountable for doing something he hasn’t been officially convicted of.”
Conservative says, “This guy is sooooooo lying. How can he lie so many times about something we all know he has done. Boy, just wait until God gets hold of him. This guy is nothing but the devil in disguise!!!”
“Floyd Landis has tested positive for a banned substance in winning the Tour De France….and your thoughts on this….”
Liberal says, “He has tested positive, both A and B samples, and should be stripped of his title. However, if all bicycle riders are taking roids…then why make them illegal. Seems like they would all be on a level playing field..right? I mean, in reality, who really cares what he does with his body….after all, it is his body…right?”
Conservative says, “Not only should the man be stripped of his title, but he should be banned from bike riding for life. All retailers should have a picture I.D. of him, and refuse selling him anything having to do with cycling. Furthermore, he is the Satan of cycling!!!”
“Roger Clemens has been accused of using steroids, in order to keep a competitive edge with his timeless rocket of an arm….and your thoughts are…”
Liberal says, “Innocent until proven guilty..how many times must I repeat that same phrase!!! Afterall, if he were in a court of law, he would have the opportunity to clear his name of these allogations…and I repeat…they are only allegations. He could possibly be a genetic freak who is at the pinnacle of evolution!!!”
Conservative says, “What an arrogant and foul mouthed man!!! He deserves what he gets…assuming the people will repent of their sins, see the light, and convict this man of such a treacherous crime. He is nothing more than the son of Satan himself!!”
“The Miami Hurricanes have made a name for themselves, from their former players being suspended from their NFL teams for allegedly committing crimes, to getting into fights during college football games. However, it seems that the most controversial thing in Miami at this point, is the lack of punishment handed down to players who were involved in the fight with FIU a couple of weeks ago….and your thoughts on this…”
Liberal says, “The punishments fit the crimes. How do we know what really happened? After all, they haven’t been convicted in a court of law have they? Were you there? Were you at the game? If you suspend the players…and the season for that matter…do you realize how much money would be lost to the University? It’s the decision of a panel of coaches and school officials. It is the constitutional right of them to make their own decisions about THEIR players!!”
Conservative says, “What a bunch of Godless thugs!!! I can’t believe they are being protected!!! They should be stripped of their scholarships, and forced to go to the “Anti-Satan Church of Rehabilitation”!! I am praying for the panel who made this decision that could have only come from Satan himself. I pray they will see the error of their ways and repent!!!
Note: The identity of those questioned in this survey shall remain anonymous. It is their constitutional right…and may God have mercy on their souls!!!
Each time a climber gets lost or is stranded, a search not only consists of manpower, but it consists of pulling resources from government agencies and sometimes even our military. While are hope and our wish as that there will be a happy ending to the searches, it should be noted that there is a substantial danger to those who are leading the search efforts also. This is no more evident than a search effort for stranded climbers in 2002, when a Blackhawk Helicopter was being used in the rescue efforts of some climbers who had fallen into a crevice. The Blackhawk was flying to its altitude limits during this search. Sometimes, at these altitudes, a downdraft occurs which can send a helicopter spinning out of control. Well, that is exactly what happened. The helicopter began twisting out of control before slamming to the ground, critically injuring one of the crewman on board. 
