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 "bunghole sniffers".  I have said that they have their heads up Kobe's bunghole so far that they should know what his crap 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 rednecks, 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 bunghole" 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 of a guy.  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 bunghole 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.pdf

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2006-09-28-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.