The Appalachian State University Mountaineers completed a dream season on Friday night by defeating the Delaware Blue Hens for the Division I-AA National Championship.  The win completed a “3-peat” for ASU (third straight National Championship) and, in the hearts of the AppState faithful, validated a win against Michigan in the “Big House” in their first game of the 2007 season.  And in an ironic twist, the Delaware uniforms were replicas of Michigan’s uniforms.

In a year where the BCS was turned upside down by a two loss team reaching the BCS title game, the Appstate Mountaineers continued to dominate Div I-AA.  However, their domination didn’t become apparent until their playmaker, quarterback Armanti Edwards returned from a shoulder injury suffered in their historic win over Michigan.  After a couple of close calls in the first couple of rounds in the playoffs, AppState totally dominated the Richmond Spiders in the semi finals and Delaware in the Championship game.  They outscored their last two opponents 104-56 to solidify their domination of Div I-AA Football. 

There will be arguments made as to whether AppState deserves to be considered for a final ranking in the top 25 of the Div-I polls.  After all, they received votes in the week two AP rankings after their win over Michigan.  And it would be hard to argue that they don’t deserve a consideration for a final ranking in the top 25.  However, with two losses during the regular season, one to Wofford and one to Georgia Southern, it isn’t likely that consideration will become a reality.  And so this crazy college football season will likely end with AppState right back where they were before the season began…..a no name school from the mountains of North Carolina still trying to put itself on the map of big time college football. 

I’m not foolish enough to believe that Appalachian State would be a Big Ten contender, simply by winning an opening season game against a #5 Michigan Wolverine team that was supposed to be a national title contender.  And I can honestly say that if they were to play Michigan 10 times with this year’s roster, Michigan would likely win eight of those games.  However, that’s what logic tells me and anyone else who follows big time college football.  The only problem is, the heart knows no logic.  And for one shining season, the Appalachian State Mountaineers took the Div I-AA Championship with talent….and took the heart and soul out of a Division I –A national title contender with heart. 

(I would like to congratulate the Delaware Blue Hens with a classy game.  I am personally embarrassed by the actions of some of the AppState fans and even some of the players.  Delaware showed nothing but class.  Head Coach K.C. Keeler is a class act and a great coach.  Delaware should be proud.) 

Yes, is the answer to that popular question.  Here's why justice was served...

1.  Michael Vick broke the law, plain and simple.

2.  Michael Vick was given the opportunity, initially, to confess his guilt.  He declined..and instead pleaded innocent to all charges.

3.  Michael Vick agreed to take a lie detector test.  He failed.

4.  Michael Vick, only after failing the lie detector test, confessed that he was indeed guilty of running the dog fighting ring and guilty of torturing and killing dogs that didn't perform up to "standard".

5.  As part of the plea agreement, Michael Vick was required to stay clean of drugs.  He failed a drug test after the plea.

There are those who say he was unfairly sentenced.  Some believe there are those who commit far worse crimes who are set free or who have to spend less time in prison.  One example is Mary Winkler (the preacher's wife) who murdered her husband.  She will spend less than a year behind bars.

My question is...where is your "real" beef?  Is it with the judge who sentenced Mikey V to 23 months (less than 40% of what he could have gotten)...or is it with those judges who don't serve justice by wussing out on sentences and allowing criminals to walk free...which leads me to number 6 in my reasons why justice was served.

6.  Henry Hudson was known for his harsh sentences.  This was no surprise. 

My advise to those who have problems with Mikey V's sentence is to take it up with the judges you actually have the issues with...the one's who wouldn't know justice if it were to bite them in the toosh!! 

It seems that we have those who can't make up their minds.  They complain about the O.J. trial being an injustice...and that he should have spent the rest of his life in prison.  But those very same people also complain when justice is actually served, as in the case of Mikey V....that it was too harsh.  So which way is it folks? 

You decide.

(Thanks to btroup1 who helped inspire this blog)

In these days of “political correctness” and individual rites, it has become more and more evident that it is impossible for athletes to talk about their faith in live interviews.  This was no more apparent than in an interview with this year’s Masters winner, Zach Johnson.  In an interview with a CBS analyst after his improbable win on Sunday, Zach gave credit to Jesus, who he claimed was with him every step of the way.  So rather than CBS elaborate on the part faith played in his win, the analyst just simply turned it into a, “so how did you feel knowing Tiger was nipping at your heels” interview?  Network television has become more and more “hush hush” about faith and God.  Conversations are steered in another direction. 

It seems as though God and Jesus have become “forbidden” words in today’s society.  You can thank all your sponsors, all your neighbors, and your entire family…but if you thank God, networks seem to cringe.  Exactly what is it about revealing your faith and thanking God that is not “politically correct”?  You can talk about sex, pedophiles, and negativity…but let’s not talk about those things that make our lives whole, and add substance to our lives.  What has happened to our society, that the things that bring our families together, and give us hope and faith, have been shut out of the public’s view?  Instead, we are allowed to talk about those things that are related to money and greed.  Is it just me, or does this seem a little bit like DISCRIMINATION?!!!

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!!!

DUSTY....STOP THE MADNESS!!!!

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:

http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/instAggr2006/1_0.p
df

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2006-09-2
8-graduation-rates_x.htm

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 is control 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!!! 

There have been several blogs over the past several months that have revolved around religion, politics, and sports.  One of the most controversial subjects in the U.S. is prayer in our schools, at work, and at our sporting events.  It seems that the minority has once again reared its ugly head and screamed, "I'm offended by those who practice their faith in public places."  Well, I'm actually offended that you're offended.  And my question is, how exactly are you offended.  Does it cause you pain?  Does it cause you to just want to cry?  Or is it simply a result of individualism, of just wanting to be heard?  If those who are praying at public sporting events, are actually praying, then they probably won't know that you're not, simply because they should have their heads bowed and their eyes closed.  If not, and they complain that your'e not, well, then you have the right to complain.  The same goes for our National Anthem.  If you don't want to hear it, show up a few minutes late, or wear headphones.  If you are offended by prayer in public places, then have your own prayer.  If you're an athiest, then why the hades are you offended in the first place?  You should be laughing, that there are so many stupid people out there praying to a God that does not exist.  How exactly does it offend you?  And probably the most important aspect of life, is how our children are raised, and how they portray that raising in our sporting venues.  So with all of this being said, here is a statement prepared by Ben Stein during the Christmas (so sue me for saying it) season, and then recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, that puts a different kind of spin on this whole subject.  Enjoy!

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jes sica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important?

I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are.

If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beau tiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don' t feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't th ink they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ####. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?
I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.

But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)

Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.

And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about and we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Enough said....or is it?

Athletes, war heroes, political or religious figures…all of these leave behind legacies. Legacy is defined as "something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past." Over the years our Presidents have left behind legacies. And though our media seems to determine what those legacies are, we tend to have our own minds made up as to how we feel about a particular person. Religious figures have left behind powerful legacies that have played parts in wars spanning thousands of years. For Christians, that person would be Jesus. For Muslims it would be Mohammed. And there are others. But few give us more happiness and more hope than our athletes.

As I have posted in one of my earlier blogs, sports is what keeps us up late at night rooting for the home team. It’s what brings us together with our friends and families. It takes us away from the realities of work, school, politics, and even religion. It gives us hope. And we seem to thrive on the legacies of athletes past and present. Joe Lewis left behind a legacy of respect and honor for the black athlete. Mohammed Ali left a legacy of political change, hope for the poor, and a mouthy and great Champion. John Wooden left behind a legacy of a college basketball dynasty. Magic Johnson left behind a legacy of tragedy, yet turning it into hope. Larry Bird's legacy will probably always be that of being "the great white hope" in a time when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Dominique Wilkins dominated the NBA....no matter how politically incorrect that may sound. But what will our athletes of today leave behind, in a time of individualism, material wealth, and a growing number of run ins with the law? How will our generation be seen 20, 30, even 50 years from now? Wheras sports was once filled with role models and "good ole boys", it seems to be growing into a way of life seen as lavish, unruly, and greedy.

Our perceptions of athletes have taken a hit over the past five to ten years. And it is up to us to change that. It must start in the home. Parents much teach children that values are to be placed before material and individual successes. In our pee-wee leagues, children must learn that team success is much more gratifying and honorable than individual stats. Coaches must be an off-shoot of parents, teaching children these values. And they must not waiver. The days of one game suspensions for assault, dwi's, and weapons charges must be done away with. For if our parents, teachers, and coaches do not change the present situation, our children will see the results. And ethics and morality will be seen as hindrances to a more lavish and individualistic lifestyle. And this will be devastating to our younger generations.

I have done much thinking on this subject over the past couple of days. And there are things I need to change in my own life. I like to think I’m a reasonable person. But I have seen lapses in my own character that bother me. Let me first apologize to "fishwanda" and her friend "gale". I was flat out rude and mean to both of them on a blog posted by "fishwanda". I apologize to you both. There is a difference in having opinions and throwing out insults at those who do not share your opinions. I would like to apologize to anyone I have offended on this blog-site. I will always be argumentative, but I hope not to be insulting. I would like to leave this world knowing I did everything in my power to make it a better place for our children to live in. That is the legacy I would like to leave. And I would hope that sports would be a building block to this better world. What will be your legacy?

(Sorry guys..my work computer will not allow me to copy and paste pics..I'll have them later today.)