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:

http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/instAggr2006/1_0.pdf

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

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 scumbag 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. 

Case Closed!!!

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!!!