tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41142231192150301832024-02-08T01:05:19.109-05:00Making Sense of the Senseless...I Think?!Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-14801065066630629042014-09-10T10:59:00.001-04:002014-09-10T14:06:31.689-04:00NFL Fans Can Show Guts The League Lacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz9jxJxgkmB78AcErPED1gUyv11HrXNGCe-QdnlxJwTuZIWH8qMkjqHiFYdOC7vP_Al2gPDjdWPWVgARrwzv7hoFE628eqqjiYxkxu6gmSD-hWVpjyuGMAmeZjqPcOT7-GpVQcnWLms0/s1600/rice-3332076091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz9jxJxgkmB78AcErPED1gUyv11HrXNGCe-QdnlxJwTuZIWH8qMkjqHiFYdOC7vP_Al2gPDjdWPWVgARrwzv7hoFE628eqqjiYxkxu6gmSD-hWVpjyuGMAmeZjqPcOT7-GpVQcnWLms0/s1600/rice-3332076091.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched the extended
video of Ray Rice knocking his then fiance out cold, Monday, like most people,
disgusted and shocked. Not that the initial video of him dragging his now
wife Janay’s lifeless body from the elevator left much doubt as to what happened,
but seeing exactly what did was nauseating.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ray Rice is a
coward. He likely will never play in the NFL again. The incident
also has left a black eye on the league where he was once one of its promising,
young stars.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commissioner Roger Goodell has proven utter incompetence
with his weak, initial two game suspension of Rice and ill pursuit of the full
video; and the Ravens organization appears to be equally inept in its lack of
due diligence investigating one of its franchise’s best players.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rice, Goodell, and the
Ravens all dropped the ball. If there was a playbook on exactly how not
to handle the situation, each could author a new chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, as a fan and a
man, it doesn't take much guts to say Ray Rice is spineless. It doesn’t
take guts to say Roger Goodell should be fired. Both are obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those are just
words. Having guts requires action.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If NFL fans, myself
included, are so appalled at how the league responded to a woman being beaten
by a man whose body is trained to be weapon then we need to act.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love football as
much as anyone. Just this weekend, I almost threw a childlike fit in front
of my fiancé and soon-to-be sister in law because Chicago traffic was delaying
me from seeing the first two minutes of the Michigan State v. Oregon
game. I literally missed two minutes of a 60 minute game and you would
have thought I was racing to the hospital to see the birth of my first
child. Nope, just wanted to make sure I heard Gus Johnson call a play
action completion for six yards. Mature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, I am not alone
in my football obsession. Weekends in America are centered around
kickoffs. Weekdays are centered on setting fantasy lineups. The
average team is worth $1.43 billion. The NFL is a monster and it knows
its power.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tweeting and ranting
and raving about how bad the NFL and Rice messed up is like a bee stinging an
elephant. It may cause temporary discomfort, but it won’t take long
before the elephant is back to normal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every NFL fan has a
mother, wife, sister, or girlfriend. A large percentage of fans are
women, many of whom I’m sure have been victims of abuse in one way or another.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To really send the NFL
a message that fans are disgusted with the league’s outlook on women,
specifically domestic violence, the NFL needs to get hit where it hurts - the pockets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As long as a ratings
continue to soar and the money keeps rolling in, Roger Goodell will likely have
a job. He reports to the NFL’s 32 owners
and if they can give him a little slap on the wrist, but keep the checks
flowing, please believe Goodell isn’t going anywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to walk
away. Maybe it’s a week, maybe it’s two,
maybe it’s the season, but if NFL fans truly want to express anger toward how
the NFL handled the brutal beating of a woman, we need to walk away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;">When the league sees ratings, jersey sales, and overall revenue drop, changes will be made and the NFL will have no choice but to listen to its customers. It will serve as the perfect platform to say 'your organization has a problem with how it views and treats women, here's what you can do to change it.' </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The League has been
criticized for not being leaders or proactive in speaking up and acting against
domestic violence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2U_ilhwlJUh6vCPI7CF8CE1fomRUMKErQInyX_xgEbcRvegHSw81SHbC0kI-5rUU3nR9qyYigGFMfSdhaP-z4pWJ99A1Fl1ZwImYr8o___gfxz0XYGnPE77XNs04kXBmeWkzNPerwlw/s1600/roger-goodell-a15e7dbc5b09b981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2U_ilhwlJUh6vCPI7CF8CE1fomRUMKErQInyX_xgEbcRvegHSw81SHbC0kI-5rUU3nR9qyYigGFMfSdhaP-z4pWJ99A1Fl1ZwImYr8o___gfxz0XYGnPE77XNs04kXBmeWkzNPerwlw/s1600/roger-goodell-a15e7dbc5b09b981.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, fans have a chance
to send the loudest message and
respond in a way the NFL hasn’t.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walk away from a
league whose leadership has proven it doesn't value women. Not only Ray Rice, but players like T.J Ward,
Greg Hardy, Ray McDonald, and Darly Washington have also abused or acted violently toward women
and are still on the field while making millions of dollars a year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not everyone in the
NFL is a misogynist or abuser. In fact, the percentage of those who are is quite minute. But, after watching the gruesome video and
seeing the flaccid response by the league's "leadership" to get to the bottom of what happened
and act appropriately, there needs to be a drastic change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It takes guts to stand
up to someone you love. Love is a hard
thing to walk away from. I love the
NFL. America loves the NFL. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, the health and well-being
of women trumps any game, touchdown, or superstar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s time for fans to show we have the guts the NFL's "leaders" have proven they don't have.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's time to walk away
from the NFL until Roger Goodell is gone and the league proves it cares
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Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-88673615764222846572014-01-21T15:43:00.002-05:002014-01-21T15:53:57.985-05:00Purdue: A Spirit Unbroken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My heart sank when I heard of the shooting at Purdue
University that took the life of a Boilermaker in another senseless act of
violence.</div>
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These incidents have become far too common.</div>
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Yet, when it hits so close to home, there is a different
level of emotion.</div>
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Purdue was my home for almost three years. I worked there as a reporter at WBAA Public
Radio. The shooting occurred within
walking distance of my old office. I
have spent countless hours covering stories and events in the Electrical
Engineering building where the shooting happened.</div>
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That part of campus is legendary. A statue of one of the world’s greatest icons, Neil Armstrong,
sits there.</div>
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It’s an area of elite learning, a place where dreams
transform into opportunities. Students
who study there leave ready to build the future of this country.</div>
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So, to have some monster come in and try to tear down the
fabric and peace of the University and a place I used to call home is maddening. It’s gut wrenching.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But, there is something I learned during my time at Purdue -
Boilermakers are a family. That doesn't
mean it’s perfect, but there is a unique sense of unity in West Lafayette that
is hard to match.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Gold and Black is worn as a badge of pride.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Generations of Boilermakers wake up at the crack of dawn on
Saturday mornings in the fall before football games to honor a tradition of
costumes, merriment. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Go to a basketball game at Mackey Arena. For opposing fans,
it is brutal. You don’t want to
mess with a fired up Paint Crew. It is deafeningly loud. They want you to know very clearly, this is
their house and it is not to be disturbed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s a microcosm of the University and around noon,
Tuesday, someone tried to disrupt the house.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Purdue is a place you grow to
love. I have.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am technically not a
Boilermaker. I didn't attend Purdue,
but was embraced by the University and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsNytBr3kLsbTU-8pvow2q36BjAJ3fZvubZwPlTWlzsiCdp3MEr26kU_3cty0Y-mODg1M9YC-P3ITm5Zin9mObj2_gwcpBx4tW6xzsMoPqPZdxNbbGBKuHJ6F7BTcU985_cNjiQuhgPs/s1600/28094_10100227527719444_3538921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsNytBr3kLsbTU-8pvow2q36BjAJ3fZvubZwPlTWlzsiCdp3MEr26kU_3cty0Y-mODg1M9YC-P3ITm5Zin9mObj2_gwcpBx4tW6xzsMoPqPZdxNbbGBKuHJ6F7BTcU985_cNjiQuhgPs/s1600/28094_10100227527719444_3538921_n.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
community through my work at WBAA which is housed in Elliot Hall of Music.<br />
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<br /></div>
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I have amazing friends who still
live in West Lafayette. I met my
girlfriend there and have experienced some of the greatest memories of my life
on campus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A cloud may hang over campus
temporarily. The shooting has left Boilermakers, and the nation, with heavy hearts. <br />
<br />
The life lost and the mental and emotional scars can't be replaced and repaired.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But, when you hurt one member of the Purdue family, you hurt them all. The tragedy will only
create a stronger, more united Boilermaker nation. </div>
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You can’t break the Purdue
spirit. You can’t break Purdue’s heart.</div>
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Boilermakers can’t be derailed.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Boiler Up, Hammer Down. Hail Purdue!</span>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-2773507783606272972014-01-20T14:37:00.000-05:002014-01-20T19:12:45.770-05:00Sherman's Rant Isn't The Problem, Judgment Is<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A8hxCAdykjawf03CY8s-yhurZxIQHmzSdmhrftJFon6C4m8ak974U-sbyPAcvnAe3BVPefl1XXPfe9EBQ2PdzNj1ijjzK9JUKJlA5t4TCNPnTeu9UDKK8eo3dJY6TE7FpeqmMcCdf-Q/s1600/shermanpostgameinterview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A8hxCAdykjawf03CY8s-yhurZxIQHmzSdmhrftJFon6C4m8ak974U-sbyPAcvnAe3BVPefl1XXPfe9EBQ2PdzNj1ijjzK9JUKJlA5t4TCNPnTeu9UDKK8eo3dJY6TE7FpeqmMcCdf-Q/s1600/shermanpostgameinterview.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome back, welcome back, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adg6iEz3-Ow">welcome back</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After a 14-month hiatus - in part because of a new job, dog,
and nervous break downs of Michigan State’s tear jerking, joyous Rose Bowl
season - I have decided to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7eQZJ83T4s">FINALLLLLLY</a> make my return back to the
blogosphere. Or is it blogoworld? It’s
been awhile, so I don’t know what the kids are into these days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh wait, yes I do. It’s
this stupid dance...<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
....and I want no part of it. (Seriously, what is this?!)
<br />
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<br /></div>
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But, you know what I do want a part of? This Richard Sherman
debate.</div>
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</div>
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To recap, the Seahawks cornerback made the game winning play
in the NFC Championship game that helped secure the franchise’s second trip to
the Super Bowl. He then went all <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKQOXYB2cd8">Pete Weber</a> on Erin Andrews during a post game rant that can be described as epic,
among other adjectives.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
The fall out has sparked a national debate, issues in Syria
and South Sudan be damned. AMERICA IS LOCKED IN ON RICHARD SHERMAN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s the deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Richard Sherman is not a thug. He is not an example of society’s greater
deterioration. He is simply an athlete
who was fired up after the biggest play of his career and was given a platform
to go absolutely insane. Ill advised,
maybe. The end of civilization, as it’s
being made out to be by some, hardly.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKw5GA_dpZLGpEbufHcYqvxeKVu_7FpAwcySM9CH2DWmf-cllkBSUe3Ef0OP2bVKJr4yAztNE7ORGM0Vhvy9EXcAmeaTdooURyWNa0iDHBRch8IONicZ5iU6amQ24oofXJzB6L0a7Vts/s1600/sherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKw5GA_dpZLGpEbufHcYqvxeKVu_7FpAwcySM9CH2DWmf-cllkBSUe3Ef0OP2bVKJr4yAztNE7ORGM0Vhvy9EXcAmeaTdooURyWNa0iDHBRch8IONicZ5iU6amQ24oofXJzB6L0a7Vts/s1600/sherman.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s easy for people to look at his post game rant and label
him as villain. That argument doesn't require true thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Richard Sherman has beef with Michael Crabtree. He legitimately doesn't like him, went and outplayed
him, and then let him know about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The greatest athletes of all-time are also some of the
biggest smack talkers. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsAC4lhbE0g">Muhammad Ali</a>. Michael Jordan. Usain Bolt. Nolan
Ryan. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNFft6r6Des">Willie Beamen</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J-CCfEtBQkI-mnpNCHQuTW5eAmpz4rpHRh0Ha2HRbM6hoGIaJqY9JItHDLdubAXwQssMDl9eQeSSJ_lC2fTzsRlZWyGTVI6BrWaJwciSexxP0oo8fP8FTVQC-D4DXNfcZn8uxO9yXH8/s1600/sherm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J-CCfEtBQkI-mnpNCHQuTW5eAmpz4rpHRh0Ha2HRbM6hoGIaJqY9JItHDLdubAXwQssMDl9eQeSSJ_lC2fTzsRlZWyGTVI6BrWaJwciSexxP0oo8fP8FTVQC-D4DXNfcZn8uxO9yXH8/s1600/sherm.jpg" /></a></div>
Talking smack is part of their persona. It helps them get into the heads of their
opponents and, at the same time, is used to fuel their own play.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I've covered hundreds of sporting events from grade school
level to the pros. Everyone jaws. Go to a high school basketball game. At times it sounds no different than being court side
watching Kevin Garnett in the fourth quarter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athletes talk smack.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it comes across as stupid, sometimes it’s
just hilarious.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talking smack isn’t just designated to on the playing
field, either. We all do it. My friends and I talk smack to each other
daily. We say stuff to
each other on an hourly basis that would probably get us labeled as certifiably
insane. I love them like brothers, but
that doesn't mean I’m not going to mercilessly ridicule them for something they
did or said that was moronic. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
And we are probably no different than the rest of society.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For those arguing that Richard Sherman should set an example
for our youth on how to handle winning and respect others, here’s this…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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…before lofting that stone of judgment from the comforts of
your couch and behind the protection of your computer screen, ask yourself…did
Richard Sherman really do something so absurd? Don’t I do the same almost every
day?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZxuMdy8xxGVR5O1X6VBPdMjONYK-t4ddC11fRdvuG8js79urG4gHdOsg_1my1Wx1jwcE8eyvQQtS0dnCFLSPogdAiVe4jwsBiaQjeFraOitdGgqLIW93BfAzbXgi9alSa6kb8MqHp_g/s1600/sherm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZxuMdy8xxGVR5O1X6VBPdMjONYK-t4ddC11fRdvuG8js79urG4gHdOsg_1my1Wx1jwcE8eyvQQtS0dnCFLSPogdAiVe4jwsBiaQjeFraOitdGgqLIW93BfAzbXgi9alSa6kb8MqHp_g/s1600/sherm1.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
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If the answers are no - 1. You are a liar. And, 2. You are a liar, can throw the stone, but
will then be a liar<o:p></o:p><br />
who committed assault.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are a society of gossiping. Tabloids are billion dollar industries. Twitter.
Facebook. The water cooler at work.
The text you sent your friend about that time you saw so-and-so at the
bar with that not so good looking date. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
That is all smack talk. It happens happens every. Single. Day. <br />
<br />
The average person doesn't do it on national TV, but nonetheless, it's smack
talk.</div>
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If you want to label Richard Sherman – who is working on Masters
Degree from Stanford, may I add - as a thug or degenerate or loser, go for
it. But, the next time you talk smack
about someone else, more than likely behind their back, make sure you pick up
that stone and hit yourself over the head with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe it’ll knock some sense into you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It feels good to be back.<br />
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Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-67375512158386639602012-11-27T20:03:00.003-05:002014-02-27T13:20:28.597-05:00KLEMbardi?: Campaigning to be Purdue's next Head Football Coach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgD9ZruDxrYCbjpEHKOhhuCku6O0xzF8kNMmPZrp6frB9PBtUzGOnDYhoYNUOVwKYjFUkGVvRwyzEIPQoYWmC71V3gX3ZuSZDO-jvUNp6GFod3xbqilPs0y1WJf-jcNZiqSQ1_p49lK0/s1600/Klembardi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgD9ZruDxrYCbjpEHKOhhuCku6O0xzF8kNMmPZrp6frB9PBtUzGOnDYhoYNUOVwKYjFUkGVvRwyzEIPQoYWmC71V3gX3ZuSZDO-jvUNp6GFod3xbqilPs0y1WJf-jcNZiqSQ1_p49lK0/s400/Klembardi.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<br />
Election season is over; No more political ads, Nate Silver's time as the Electoral College Mel Kiper has gone on hiatus, and CNN now can only bust out its <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js6b31_p5cc&feature=related">Minority Report-style technology</a> to break down whether or not Tickle Me Elmo dolls will sell more or less than previous holiday seasons. (In light of <a href="http://www2.nbc17.com/mgmedia/image/full/214837/kevin-clash-elmo/">recent developments</a>, Tickle Me Elmo probably needs to be renamed, just a thought.)<br />
<br />
While November 6th is long gone, I picked up some valuable insight along the way and am now ready to launch a campaign of my own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OBbET7CkTeZYrSiJjnRa5t9nK_bCCm_hCC316c3te4A0KA-CkubrGP7IRj0aDP74P70NVP3r7St9tut2_GCVnUtVED1R7IfXjO4hW9rojclvbx9RqIJmuDUyR65E3eVwd-QSF_Qdl8k/s1600/Sam+Purdue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OBbET7CkTeZYrSiJjnRa5t9nK_bCCm_hCC316c3te4A0KA-CkubrGP7IRj0aDP74P70NVP3r7St9tut2_GCVnUtVED1R7IfXjO4hW9rojclvbx9RqIJmuDUyR65E3eVwd-QSF_Qdl8k/s320/Sam+Purdue.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I. Samuel Aaron Klemet officially announce my candidacy for Head Football Coach at Purdue University!<br />
<br />
You read that correctly. My headset is in the ring. I want to lead the Boilermakers back to prominence.<br />
<br />
Now, I know what the majority of you are thinking - my dad probably isn't thinking yet because he hasn't been able to compose himself from laughing so hard at the mere thought of me leading anything - but, for the rest of you who are composed enough to think this is a bizarre idea, let me do my do my best Don Draper impersonation and sell you on why I would, in fact, be a great hire to replace Danny Hope.<br />
<br />
Earlier today, I came across the job posting for the Head Football Coach position on Purdue's website. You can see it <a href="http://purdue.taleo.net/careersection/wl/jobdetail.ftl">here</a>.<br />
<br />
As I read through the description, I was shocked and excited at the realization that I actually meet the criteria.<br />
<br />
Right off the bat, I easily qualify for several requirements.<br />
<br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><b>Bachelor's degree</b> - Check. Michigan State University Journalism program is top five nationally.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><b>Knowledge of sport-specific fundamentals, techniques, and safety rules and regulations</b> - Check. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZXHsNqkDI4">If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><b>Ability to analyze, interpret, communicate and adhere to University, Big Ten Conference, and NCAA policies, procedures</b> - I will do a better job than Jim Tressel, a fellow rumored candidate.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICvbkWwaIV6LiVUhxbTqN31vUL9-RS0SCiG3mfcGz958oxYcuyt5ohrXc3C15O0l3727_gnumjlqV6BEGw4p0FzdjVBUnWqkkUOZLatecg630AayVDoVqu8FU-Sku_jJ3pLL-zacxLn0/s1600/sam+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICvbkWwaIV6LiVUhxbTqN31vUL9-RS0SCiG3mfcGz958oxYcuyt5ohrXc3C15O0l3727_gnumjlqV6BEGw4p0FzdjVBUnWqkkUOZLatecg630AayVDoVqu8FU-Sku_jJ3pLL-zacxLn0/s320/sam+award.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proven winner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><b>Excellent
communication (oral and written, interpersonal, presentation and
facilitation), planning, organizational, interviewing, strength training
and counseling skills</b> - I don't mean to brag, but those THREE Indiana Society of Professional Journalism Awards didn't just fall out of thin air.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><b>Personal computer and related software skills, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, data query, Internet</b> - I am blogging right now, correct?</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">I meet those benchmarks with no problem. Really, my resume falls in line with the bulk of the job description.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">The one area that I'm sure Athletics Director Morgan Burke and the rest of the Purdue community will point to as a reason for my disqualification is this....</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<b><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Five years coaching or playing football at the collegiate level or above</span><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">At this point you would think my resume would be getting the Gary Danielson treatment and being thrown deep into the trash. *Insert Lee Corso* <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDkeeX52kYg">Not so fast my friend.</a></span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">I am a journalist. Details are the centerpiece of my profession. Nowhere in that line do I read anything of Intramural experience being excluded.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLMjiLThStQTn5i0udxJum68BQ2ZgiYwfwsI1z3CaRSk7GqiDbxTGWc4IYIIDfDcAzKfP-qzUTqZr0iZJHU3koxldlgRB2HV16ioWfQwM-XgVIt2xLY8w-f0gvR_madb2P26OpNJJ_ZE/s1600/sam+im.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLMjiLThStQTn5i0udxJum68BQ2ZgiYwfwsI1z3CaRSk7GqiDbxTGWc4IYIIDfDcAzKfP-qzUTqZr0iZJHU3koxldlgRB2HV16ioWfQwM-XgVIt2xLY8w-f0gvR_madb2P26OpNJJ_ZE/s320/sam+im.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof I played!</td></tr>
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">At Michigan State, I played for three years on I.M teams. I like to think of myself as a Deion Sanders/Charles Woodson-type. I was a shutdown corner who could occasionally make a game changing play in the passing game or on special teams. Plus, I was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJWSm13LBh8">a showman</a>.</span><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""> </span><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""> </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Since coming to Purdue to work at WBAA, I have used my faculty status to play for two years on I.M teams on campus.</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">I'm no math major, but three plus two usually equals five. That means I meet the "</span><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><b>Five years coaching or playing football at the collegiate level or above</b>" criteria. COUNT IT!</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Now that we've established that my resume at least deserves to be kept on the pile, let's delve into what I can bring to the Purdue football program.</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">First: In the press conference to announce Hope's firing, Morgan Burke said one of his top characteristics in the next coach needs to be an understanding of the long, storied history of successful Boilermakers quarterbacks. In West Lafayette, they call it the "Cradle of Quarterbacks," that includes Drew Brees, Danielson, Curtis Painter, Kyle Orton, Jim Everett, and Bob Griese.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burke and interim head coach Patrick Higgins</td></tr>
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">I understand. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">My offense would pass more than LeBron James in the fourth quarter and that includes my punter. Cody Webster, who <a href="https://twitter.com/codywebster42/status/273260287895932929">on Twitter</a> highlighted his running back skills, would also need to fine tune his arm, because I don't believe in punting, either. Anytime he stepped on to the field would be to execute a fake punt pass or serve as a decoy. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">The Boilers offense under Sam Klemet would make the Colt Brennan/Kliff Kingsbury offenses from Hawaii and Texas Tech look like Georgia Tech of the 1970s. We would throw as much as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuheCq4gn6A">Jack Taylor shoots</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">So, no worries there Morgan, I bring an exciting offense to the table.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Second: Burke mentioned one of the reasons Hope was let go was because of a drop in attendance. Ross-Ade Stadium was often half empty or more by halftime. With Sam Klemet as head coach, attendance will be a non-issue.</span><br />
<a href="http://beta.mirror.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/10914439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://beta.mirror.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/10914439.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br />I was raised in Detroit. The birth place of Motown. No other genre knows how to put on a real show better than Motown. That's what a game at Ross-Ade Stadium would be like under the Klemet-regime. It would be a spectacle that people would want to see.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">My third quarter tradition to rival Wisconsin's "Jump Around" would be to play James Brown's "Get Up Offa That Thang" and all the cheerleaders would put capes around my players' shoulders before they went back on the field for the final 15 minutes. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Because, like James Brown, we would be "The Hardest Working Team in Show Business." (By business, I mean intercollegiate athletics, where ACADEMICS come first.)</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">And, for pregame introductions, I would take a page out of the great CEO Vince McMahon's playbook.</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">WWE style entrances. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Could you imagine Ricardo Allen, Raheem Mostart, and Ryan Russell walking onto the field under the lights, while "The Graveyard Symphony" is playing, with Paul Bearer by their side holding an urn containing what would be our opponent's "ashes" inside? That would be EPIC. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""> </span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">And we would switch it up every week. We are a team of the people, so one game we may do a "Ladies Special" and emulate <a href="http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs7/2844442_o.gif">Val Venis' entrance</a> or on "Family Weekend" come in like the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTyK9aVptwc">Dudley Boys</a>.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">You would want to see that. You would NEED to see that and because it would be done at the beginning of the game, the issue of late or no attendance is immediately solved!</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br />Third: Ties to the Big Ten are important. I understand that. Again, I grew up and went to college in the Big Ten. I learned exactly what NOT to do by going to Michigan State during the John L. Smith-era. I'm pretty sure if I do everything the opposite of what "ole slappy face" did, Purdue will have no problem competing and recruiting in the Big 14 with me on the sidelines.</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Fourth: While this wasn't mentioned for hiring, there could be some serious history in tapping me as the next coach.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGnLioytzquvwUF_kF0n-HyFC2fuUVXAaoDsDbvRDhtRlOGY8rY_Rvv15xHu4RcwT_5Vs2npwfU5nE7dtJ4jjr1MwBnUQwTtTxXh14NwFbr0hiTeLt8g2_YwKe8QxlEJJ4Te730JZUmI/s1600/barack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGnLioytzquvwUF_kF0n-HyFC2fuUVXAaoDsDbvRDhtRlOGY8rY_Rvv15xHu4RcwT_5Vs2npwfU5nE7dtJ4jjr1MwBnUQwTtTxXh14NwFbr0hiTeLt8g2_YwKe8QxlEJJ4Te730JZUmI/s200/barack.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a><span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Just like Barack Obama became the first biracial President in the United States, I could be the first biracial head coach in Purdue History. Is it too cliche to have my slogan be "A Change from Hope?"</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Fifth: Burke said having connections to Purdue is not a prerequisite, but would be a tie breaker. Well, call me Adam Vinatieri because I just broke that tie. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">For the past two-and-a-half years I have secured a nice corner cubicle in the basement of Elliot Hall of Music, one of the premier buildings on the West Lafayette campus. During that time, I have covered just about every aspect of the university, including the football program for three seasons. I have current ties to Purdue tighter than those in a scene in Fifty Shades of Grey.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Sixth: Obviously finances play a role in any hire. Purdue is said to have a $4.5-million package in place for the next coaching staff. Picking me as head coach comes with significant savings. I would work for no more than $150,000. A big raise for me, cost savings for the university. Win, Win!</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">If the athletic department wants to give me bonuses, I would accept, but only based on performance. I would use the rest of that money to hire a top tier assistant coaching staff. I have already put out a call to <a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/editorial/images/spotted/51/516356.jpg">Wayne Fontes</a> to serve as an adviser. I'm pretty sure he is in. </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">I would then recruit Nubie from the Little Giants, also known as the mastermind behind "The Annexation of Puerto Rico." Could you possibly hire a more offensive genius than him? (Rhetorical). </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">For my defensive coordinator, it was a no-brainer. Terry Tate "Office Linebacker" will lead that side of the ball. He brings the perfect balance of professionalism and intensity not seen since the days of Ronnie Lott.</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Coaching staff set. Check!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4JD4HeV2pN6h0VjIOnCEZJpdVt9E1ZoN61dp6LG14jkZRiJ10yPJGRutaI-T5pE92k3t4I-o4R8dY_sOarXxICitr0vhImxfWk1AlbZALR6Tw6okFYtz2db7esNSocewCVgYWVGRNJ0/s1600/stache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4JD4HeV2pN6h0VjIOnCEZJpdVt9E1ZoN61dp6LG14jkZRiJ10yPJGRutaI-T5pE92k3t4I-o4R8dY_sOarXxICitr0vhImxfWk1AlbZALR6Tw6okFYtz2db7esNSocewCVgYWVGRNJ0/s200/stache.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would do it for Purdue</td></tr>
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Finally, and probably most challenging, is the history of Purdue coaches sporting strong mustaches. More important than the "Cradle of Quarterbacks" is the "Cradle of 'Stache." </span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/lesmerises/2008/10/small_Must-Tiller.jpg">Joe Tiller</a> had a great upper lip blanket and <a href="http://content.clearchannel.com/cc-common/mlib/1222/11/1222_1354032574.JPG">Danny Hope</a>'s nose neighbor made <a href="http://digboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sam-elliot-.jpg">Sam Elliot</a>'s look like one of a teenager who just hit puberty.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""></span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">I currently do not sport a mustache. My girlfriend locked that down real quick for MOvember and I grow one slower <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHe1AT-rk50">than Antonio Cromartie trying to recite the names of his kids</a>. But, if hired as head coach, I would be fully committed to growing a Mouth Brow. I may have to negotiate the hair equivalent of "Chia Pet" products as part of my contract to get that done, but, I think we can all agree that would be a good allocation of funds.</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""></span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">So, there you have it. That is my case for becoming Purdue's next football coach. There may be other, more polished candidates out there, but come on, after reading this can you really argue there would be a more intriguing hire?</span><br />
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>
<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title="">Boiler Up. Hammer Down. Klemet 2012!</span><br />
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<span class="text" id="requisitionDescriptionInterface.d73686e341.row1" title=""><br /></span>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-70105066105515381072012-11-07T10:23:00.001-05:002012-11-07T10:54:52.808-05:00Red, White, Honolulu Blue. America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to sell the Detroit Lions as America's team. That designation is traditionally bestowed upon the Packers, Steelers, or Cowboys (Jerry Jones' ego resembles American cholesterol levels).<br />
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But, no team may represent where our country stands today better than the boys from Motown.<br />
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Tuesday, the country re-elected Barack Obama as President. Obama came to Washington promoting a powerful message of hope and change. He set high expectations for complex problems. In his first four years he won some battles and lost others. But in that time, for various reasons both logical and illogical, the country split quicker than a pair of <a href="http://www.dvdizzy.com/images/d-f/freshprince6-22.jpg">Phillip Banks trousers after eating</a> a carton of Haagen Dazs.<br />
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America became truly divided. Civility went out the window on both sides of the aisle and that halted progress. Politicians made it their mission to prove they were right regardless of what that meant for the nation, as a whole. Agendas were pushed more than progress and because of that, while things are statistically getting better, specifically regarding the economy, we as a nation are still battered and bruised.<br />
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Today, we get to hit the reset button, not necessarily on specific legislation, but more so on philosophy.<br />
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Unseating President Obama can no longer be the top priority for Republicans and true bipartisanship needs to be the main focus of Democrats.<br />
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There needs to be some give and take on both sides.<br />
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Enter football.<br />
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The Detroit Lions also get to hit the reset button of sorts.<br />
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Like President Obama, the Lions entered the year with expectations sky high. Coming off its first playoff appearance in more than a decade, Detroit appeared headed in the right direction as a franchise.<br />
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But, off-season arrests, an unbalanced offense, and lack of on-field discipline led to the Lions limping out of the gate to a 1-3 start. <br />
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Then, the team changed. Are there still penalties? Yes. Is the secondary still inconsistent? Yes. But, since the passionless, putrid beginning to the season, the Lions have become a more complete offense, establishing a solid running game. They also have started to get elite performances out of the highly touted defensive line. And at times, even, dare I say it, playing smart (only at times). Those efforts have led to the team winning three of its past four and working back into the playoff mix.<br />
<a href="http://images.christianpost.com/full/56471/president-barack-obama.jpg?w=400&h=240&l=50&t=40" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://images.christianpost.com/full/56471/president-barack-obama.jpg?w=400&h=240&l=50&t=40" width="320" /></a><br />
Barack Obama is back in charge. He has another four years to take an economy that is picking up three or four yards per carry to one that busts through the hole for 40 and 50 yard gains. In his elegant and poignant victory speech, Tuesday, in Chicago, the President said "Despite all the hardship we've been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I've never been more hopeful about our future."<br />
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The President is vowing to move forward. The Lions must as well. <br />
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To do this both must learn from the mistakes of their first term - or half of the season - build on the best parts, and mesh those two aspects together to create something truly special.<br />
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<a href="http://media.mlive.com/lions_impact/photo/10349093-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://media.mlive.com/lions_impact/photo/10349093-large.jpg" width="320" /></a>There is nothing better than a comeback story. President Obama can author America's and the Lions can be the NFL's.<br />
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The Detroit Lions may not be America's team, but it can represent the nation's rebuilding story.<br />
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Red, White, and Honolulu Blue. America.<br />
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<br />Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-43611206682391941572012-10-06T03:22:00.002-04:002012-11-27T20:56:39.048-05:00Detroit Should Emulate Cabrera's Crowning <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know if a city needs a superstar athlete more than Detroit needs Miguel Cabrera.<br />
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The newest member of baseball's elite Triple Crown family represents transformation, sacrifice, and excellence. He may never be honored with a Joe Louis fist-type statue, but if the Motor City follows his lead, the impact may be even more powerful.<br />
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Cabrera's talent has never been in question. Any baseball expert will tell you he's always had the potential to be MLB's most feared hitter, but it took him awhile to understand how to elevate his game to that level.<br />
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Miggy exploded on to the baseball scene about a decade ago as a central piece of the Florida Marlins 2003 World Series championship run. He became a perennial All-Star and one of the highest paid players in the game. But, as impressive as he was, Cabrera left many desiring more.<br />
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He was often criticized for being out of shape. You know what, let's not pull any punches, Cabrera was fat. After signing with the Tigers, he was arrested several times as he battled problems with <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/sports/baseball-star-miguel-cabrera-arrested-dui">alcohol and, subsequently, anger issues.</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.sportressofblogitude.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/miguel-cabrera-mug-shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://static.sportressofblogitude.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/miguel-cabrera-mug-shot.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is even good at mugshots!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cabrera's off-field problems were an embarrassment to him, the franchise, and city and held him back as a player from turning the corner from good to great.<br />
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At some point, he said 'enough' and decided to get out of his own way. Cabrera changed his life. Miggy stopped drinking, got in shape, and is now the deadliest player to step to the plate.<br />
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Less than two years after his last legal run-in, Cabrera became the first player in 45 years to capture the Triple Crown. He did so in a season in which he switched positions. Cabrera moved from first to third base this spring to make room for the Tigers to bring in $250-million man Prince Fielder. Miggy knew the value of having another power hitter in the line up and sacrificed his role for the greater good of the team.<br />
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<a href="http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/15/31/33/3512060/3/628x471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/15/31/33/3512060/3/628x471.jpg" width="320" /></a>He slimmed down and dedicated himself to become a solid defender on the hot corner, while not loosing focus of his job at the plate. The combo of Cabrera and Fielder is a big reason why the Tigers won back-to-back division championships, something the franchise hadn't done since the mid 1930s.<br />
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Not only has Cabrera become a GREAT baseball player and teammate, he has become a great man. Earlier this week, Major League Baseball awarded the Tigers' slugger with the Roberto Clemente Award which is given to the the player who best represents baseball through positive on and off field contributions, including sportsmanship and community involvement.<br />
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Miguel Cabrera is a perfect, vivid example of checking himself, correcting himself, and now enjoying the fruits of his transformation.<br />
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You would think the city he plays in and represents so proudly would take notice and follow his lead. You would think....but, sadly, that's not the case.<br />
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This week, Miguel's smiling face covered the front pages of the Detroit Free Press and News. His accomplishments are certainly reasons to celebrate. Unfortunately, he shared the front pages with "leaders" who are submerged in scandal and embarrassment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/506c559becad046a42000011-400-300/police-chief-ralph-godbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/506c559becad046a42000011-400-300/police-chief-ralph-godbee.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May Godbee with you...</td></tr>
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Detroit Mayor Dave Bing placed police chief Ralph Godbee Jr. on a 30-day leave for a <a href="http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/10/02/detroit-police-chief-ralph-godbee-suspended-amid-allegations-of-improper-relationship/">sex scandal involving another officer who isn't his wife.</a> (Side note: fellas, if you are cheating on your wife with a woman who <a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/798564/thumbs/o-ANGELICA-ROBINSON-RALPH-GODBEE-AFFAIR-570.jpg?6">takes pictures like THIS?!</a> you need to re-evaluate what you are looking for in a woman, but I digress.) Oh, and not to mention, Godbee is a pastor. Amen.<br />
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So, on one side of the front page we have a historic achievement, on the other we have a playboy police chief, and then if you look down a few lines you will see another gem, the <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/09/kwame_kilpatrick_trial_cash-st.html">corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick</a>. The Hip Hop Mayor already spent time behind bars and appears likely to be on his way back. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.mlive.com/news/detroit_impact/photo/kwame-kilpatrick-michigan-correctionsjpg-5f0f1d02633befd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://media.mlive.com/news/detroit_impact/photo/kwame-kilpatrick-michigan-correctionsjpg-5f0f1d02633befd4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kwame...oh, Kwame</td></tr>
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Between Godbee, Kwame, and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZQLxVO-qjM">on going "efforts" of the circus that is the Detroit City Council</a>, it's not a surprise the city, my hometown, continues to be a punchline and struggles to get back on its feet.<br />
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While there has been progress to rebuild one of the cities hit hardest by the recession, Detroit still has a long way to go.<br />
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There is no clear cut solution. It takes a collective effort, but it starts with realizing the current path isn't leading to one of true prosperity. It may be good, but not great. It's not Triple Crown worthy.<br />
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The city needs to continue to<a href="http://detroitk12.org/content/2011/02/22/dps-reaches-62-percent-graduation-rate-the-highest-since-state-began-new-cohort-methodology-in-2007/"> commit to educating its youth</a> and make sure all students leave high school not only with a diploma, but with a solid educational foundation where they can be a valuable member of the community. Allowing more than a third of Detroit Public School students to drop out ends poorly for those children, their families, and the community as a whole. In short, no one benefits.<br />
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<a href="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/joe-louis-fist-statue-jefferson-and-woodward-ave-detroit-michigan-gordon-dean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/joe-louis-fist-statue-jefferson-and-woodward-ave-detroit-michigan-gordon-dean.jpg" width="320" /></a>Detroit needs to demolish its dilapidated homes. Take pride in the city's appearance or no one else will.<br />
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And most importantly, Detroit needs real leaders. That means those who care about the overall health of the city, now and in the future, and not their personal notoriety and satisfactions. <br />
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Those who lead Detroit have proven selfish and not committed to the greater good of the city. And as Detroit goes, so does the entire state of Michigan, and in many ways, the United States.<br />
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Instead of being fat, out of shape, and lazy, Detroit's leadership needs to look at the city's current brightest star and commit to the same transformation made by Miguel Cabrera.<br />
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The resulting change will be fit for kings, the kind with three crowns.<br />
<br />Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-63830110948491627892012-09-25T12:54:00.001-04:002012-09-25T12:54:14.212-04:00Too Big To Fail, Fails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The National Football League doesn't have an officiating problem, it has a culture problem....OK, OK. It does have an officiating problem, but that's not the league's MAIN problem.<br />
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The travesty that happened in Seattle, Monday night, is less a reflection on the replacement referees as it is on an organization that has become too big to fail.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j82hNbelmT0/UGFRwxO_B2I/AAAAAAAABV8/SxXsqDH-2gg/md-jennings-golden-tate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j82hNbelmT0/UGFRwxO_B2I/AAAAAAAABV8/SxXsqDH-2gg/md-jennings-golden-tate.jpg" width="320" /></a>I can't add much to what has already been said about Russell Wilson's game winning interception. Golden Tate clearly pushed off and never had control of the football. M.D Jennings picked the pass off. The Packers should have won. They didn't. They were robbed. And such is life.<br />
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This game may come back to haunt Green Bay or unfairly help Seattle in their quests for playoff spots. But, it's also just a Week Three game and there is a ton of football to play. Both teams will have plenty of opportunities to overcome this officiating blunder.<br />
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The question is why are we here in the first place? Why is America's favorite sport being labeled a joke?<br />
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I place little blame on the replacement referees. I believe they are
trying their best, but simply aren't cut out to officiate at this
level. I tried my best to be a great basketball player, but sadly my
meager stature and non-existent vertical jump put a wrinkle in those
plans. Sometimes you just don't have it. These refs don't.<br />
<a href="http://www.trbimg.com/img-503e78e9/turbine/chi-nfl-plans-to-use-replacement-refs-for-week-001/600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.trbimg.com/img-503e78e9/turbine/chi-nfl-plans-to-use-replacement-refs-for-week-001/600" width="320" /></a><br />
The real problem is greed.<br />
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The NFL is slated to pull in about $9-billion this year alone. The referees on strike are asking for changes to their retirement plan and a pay increase. The officials are definitely paid handsomely already. They make an average of about $150,000 for calling games on Sundays. That's a ridiculously good rate for part-time employees. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/13/nfl-referee-lockout-pensions_n_1879049.html">The requested raise would bring that figure up to about $200,000 over the next seven years.</a><br />
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But, the collective bargaining deal that recently expired was constructed in 2006. Believe it or not, the NFL has grown in popularity and financially by leaps and bounds since. In fact,<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/439412/col-refs-nflra-letter.pdf"> according to the referee's union</a>, NFL revenue is up 50-percent in that time frame and is expected to grow even more when new TV contracts take effect in 2014.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thebestsportsblog.com/images/roger-goodell-nfl-commissioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.thebestsportsblog.com/images/roger-goodell-nfl-commissioner.jpg" width="320" /></a>Players are getting paid more. Owners are raking in the more. It seems appropriate that referees should, as well. They are a part of the game and, from what we learned Monday night, a very critical part of the game.<br />
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Yet, it comes as no surprise to me that the NFL is playing it cheap, because it can.<br />
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Professional football in this country has transformed from a game to an obsession. Struggling families find ways to justify shelling out $50 to park at a game they paid $100 per ticket for to sit in the nosebleed section.<br />
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Fans waste hours throughout the day analyzing and adjusting their fantasy rosters. Television networks call it "breaking news" when a starting quarterback throws a pass that <a href="http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/TEBOW-HELMET.gif">hits a backup quarterback in the head</a>.<br />
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We are obsessed with football. I'm no exception and it's disgusting.<br />
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It's also the reason Roger Gooddell and 31 of the league's owners (Green Bay excluded, because they are publicly owned) can continue to be cheap and diminish their own product and brand.<br />
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They know we football fans will tune in anyway. We will gripe and complain about bad calls all week, but come Sunday, you better believe we will be at the stadium, or bar, or on the couch wearing our $80 jerseys, tracking our parlay bets, hoping a third-string tight end can manage a touchdown to help our fantasy team and, oh yea, even our real teams win. <br />
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We need the NFL. It's too big to fail.<br />
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Reform is needed.<br />
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Fans and players are being forced to accept an inferior product. With the replacement referees, that's what is being rolled out on Sundays. (Well, also Thursdays, Wednesdays, Mondays, and later in the season Saturdays, but you get the point.) <br />
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The league has compromised quality and its integrity to save a minute percentage of revenue. <br />
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That's what happens when the powerful become too powerful. They pull the strings and those below them dance. But, if the show is unwatchable, is it worth it?<br />
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The NFL flexed its power muscle with its sanctions on the Saints Bounty Gate. I actually didn't have a problem with these, because the league is pushing for more safety, so it had to come down with penalties that punish those making the game less safe.<br />
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But, at the same time it pushes for safety and quality, the NFL contradicts itself by proposing longer seasons, exposing players to more chances of getting hurt. It also has been slow to assist those who built the league with post-career health care. And now, it is opening players to danger with officials who don't have a firm understanding of the rules and are determining outcomes of games.<br />
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Despite the public outcry to end the referees lockout, the NFL has little incentive to do so. Why? Because fans keep coming to the games and the money continues to flow in. (Apparently, the final play Monday shifted <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/story/2012/09/25/oddsmaker-a-half-billion-changed-hands-on-blown-call/57840164/1">as much as $250-million in bets in Vegas</a>, WOW!)<br />
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Change needs to come from the bottom, because it clearly won't come from the top. Players aren't going to hold out because of officials. I don't blame them. I wouldn't give up that kind of game check either.<br />
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The NFL has proven it doesn't have much regard for the quality of its product. It has us sucked in. The NFL experience is not to benefit the fans, its to feed the pockets of those who run the show.<br />
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If change is to happen, it may be time to tune out until the league and Roger Goodell get the message that being too big to fail, fails.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-7523608277048314102012-08-14T23:56:00.001-04:002012-08-15T00:15:00.949-04:00I Don't Want to Be Like Mike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In many ways, Michael Jordan is the face of athletic greatness. Not just in basketball, but the iconic status that he created is duplicated by no one in modern sports. The only other athlete that I can think of who is equally legendary is Babe Ruth.<br />
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Jordan not only transformed the way basketball is played, but he influenced pop culture like he was the fifth Beatle.<br />
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But, I don't want to be like Mike. <br />
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For everything he accomplished on the 94 feet of hardwood, including six titles, five MVPs, six finals MVPs, and Olympic gold medals, MJ's shortcomings off the court should be what ultimately define 'His Airness.'<br />
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Today, Sports Illustrated published an article outlining how <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/thomas_lake/08/13/letter-to-michael-jordan/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t13_a0">Jordan has failed to reach out to his former high school coach who has fallen on hard times.</a> After suffering from a disease, Pop Herring took to abusing alcohol and ultimately ended up behind bars. He is now on the complete opposite end of the fiscal and social spectrum from the man whose career he helped mold. Yet, Jordan has refused to lend a hand.<br />
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Is it Jordan's responsibility to help everyone who is struggling in life? No. But as author Thomas Lake points out, Herring could use even the most basic assistance from a man who has things only imaginable in your wildest dreams, dreams Herring had a part in helping come true.<br />
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It's well documented that Michael Jordan wasn't an ideal teammate. He was ruthless, demanding, and self absorbed. To be fair, these qualities are probably what made him arguably the greatest competitor of all-time.<br />
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But, Jordan has not been able to leave his on-court persona where it should stay, on the court.<br />
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His Airness is not a leader. Jordan is a coward and a bully.<br />
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More than a decade after capturing his sixth NBA Title on one of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdPQ3QxDZ1s">most iconic shots in history</a>, Jordan still has been slow to turn his success into something of substance.<br />
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He <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/michael-jordan-greatest-basketball-player-great-123418.html?cat=14">gives millions of dollars to charities</a>. Financially, he has tremendous influence. But, monetary impact perils in comparison to leading from the front and Jordan leads from nowhere.<br />
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Jordan has taken a Charmin soft stance on social issues throughout his life. I understand that he also is businessman and taking social stances can often hurt sales, but whether he wants the status or not, MJ is a role model and has a responsibility to be an example.<br />
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Bill Gates and Magic Johnson are both on the front lines of addressing very serious, world-changing causes. It hasn't lessened their success or made them less business-minded.<br />
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Showering money at causes isn't taking a stand. His face is all over commercials for Nike, Gatorade, and Hanes (the collar really is awesome), yet won't put his face on issues that truly mean something.<br />
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In 2009, David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune quoted a response from Jordan after it was found that Nike, the company that makes his highly popular shoes, was manufacturing their products in sweatshops.<br />
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Jordan, the company's most famous spokesperson, responded to the issue with <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/michaeljordan/chi-10-jordan-5-nike-criticssep10,0,3684852.story">this</a>... "I think that's Nike's decision to do what they can to make sure everything is correctly done. I don't know the complete situation. Why should I? I'm trying to do my job."<br />
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Why should you? Because you are one of the biggest beneficiaries of the allegedly inhumane treatment of people.<br />
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You know who else failed to take a stand like man? Joe Paterno....<br />
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Plus, those shoes that were being made by underpaid and overworked people in Indonesia, are selling in America for $100, $200, and sometimes more on Ebay. They are a hot commodity. So hot, that kids, mostly in inner cities are killing, literally, to wear a pair. Why? Because they want to be like Mike, but Mike has proven he doesn't care about anyone but Mike.<br />
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He has been absent from the front lines in speaking out against violence for his shoes and in general. In the city that erected a statue to honor Jordan's playing career, he sits back and watches it turn into a war zone. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/16/chicago-homicide-rate-wor_n_1602692.html">Actually, worse</a>.<br />
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In no way am I suggesting that Jordan is responsible for the killings, but he has a platform to inspire change. Change that is more meaningful than any check His Airness can write.<br />
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MJ has the ability to influence multiple generations. He is still idolized and his moves on the basketball court are mimicked by those in the NBA all the way down to pickup games on blacktops across the world.<br />
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If MJ were a real man, he would strongly voice his concern over violence for his shoes. Commercials, billboards, public speaking engagements. He does all that to push his products, so why can't he do it to make society better?<br />
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He is the most popular athlete on the planet despite not playing in about a decade. He is that iconic. People would listen to his message. Changes could be made. But still, MJ offers practically nothing.<br />
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Jordan has made become a brand. Yet, to me, the brand represents being arrogant, selfish, and a bully. MJ has proven his success is all about him and we are all supposed to marvel and praise his rise to the top.<br />
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There is no better example of this than his completely <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLzBMGXfK4c">off-putting Hall-of-Fame induction speech</a>. Usually a time reserved to thank those who help you find success, Jordan cut down just about everyone along his journey and made it clear that his achievements were to be shared with no one.<br />
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Michael Jordan has proven time and time again that he is not concerned with a world outside his own. No matter how much of a positive impact he could have, if it's not on MJ's time, there is no time for it.<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.bet.com/lifestyle/vitalsigns/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/michael_jordan_cigar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blogs.bet.com/lifestyle/vitalsigns/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/michael_jordan_cigar.jpg" /></a>Instead, he'd rather smoke cigars, play 36 holes of golf daily, and gamble like his next professional conquest is on the World Series of Poker Tour.<br />
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So while Jordan enjoys a life that may not have even been possible without the influence of a man like Pop Herring, Herring and the communities where kids are getting killed over his shoes are trying desperately just to keep his together.<br />
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Money isn't the answer. Being present is.<br />
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Jordan may be the greatest basketball player of all time. At this point, that's hard to debate. But, it's also hard to debate that when it comes to aspects in life that truly matter he is nothing more than a bench player, because that's where he always sits...away from the action.<br />
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I don't want to be like Mike.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-15925332462874022822012-08-02T15:30:00.002-04:002012-11-27T20:57:50.894-05:00Preseason Rankings: An Unnecessary Advantage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Getting ahead is hard. It's even harder when you try to do it with one hand tied behind your back.<br />
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In America, 40-percent of those born in the lower fifth income bracket never rise above that level. While at the same time, <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/05/29/153918852/on-the-economic-ladder-rungs-move-further-apart">according to a report by NPR</a>, between 1979 and 2007 the incomes of the top one percent of Americans rose 275-percent.<br />
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This article is a-political, but it's worth noting that those who start ahead often stay ahead.<br />
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The same is true in college football.<br />
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Today, the <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/2/week/1">USA Today's preseason rankings</a> were released. My question is why?<br />
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What is the point of putting out a list of rankings now that are used to shape a season that extends from late summer to early winter?<br />
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Teams at the top have a clear advantage. They have more room for error because they are given a boost from the beginning. If a team in the top five loses a game early, they have a better chance to climb their way back into title contention than a team ranked in the 20s or not at all.<br />
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But, how do we know that team in the top five are more deserving to be there than others? We don't. We haven't even seen them take the field outside their time spent bucking heads against their teammates.<br />
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Instead, why not wait until week three, when all teams have played somewhat meaningful games, to make a judgement of who should be ranked where.<br />
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That way, when the bowl outlook starts to take shape, it's done so with everyone on a more equal playing field.<br />
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I am excited for the college playoff system in two years, but admit the BCS usually succeeds in placing the best two teams in the title game. But, there are many instances when preseason rankings have costs teams a trip to a better and, more importantly, more lucrative bowl game. That means the loss of hundreds-of-thousands, if not millions, of dollar for programs who earned the right to play on that stage. And make no mistake about it, college football is a business with money at the forefront.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/762/957/136429701_display_image.jpg?1325729083" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/762/957/136429701_display_image.jpg?1325729083" width="320" /></a>Yet, because they are looked at as lesser programs off the bat, are left on the outside looking in.<br />
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College football represents one of the best seasons in all of sports. The atmosphere is often electric, the rivalries are historic (until realignment screwed that up), and the individual traditions are unlike any others.<br />
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But, one tradition that needs to be done away with is giving an advantage to teams based on previous year's results.<br />
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Let's focus on the present and give all teams a fair shake and let what is done on the field be the deciding factor.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-45490965669233394972012-07-31T14:15:00.000-04:002012-07-31T15:12:07.641-04:00The Ultimate Heisman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month marked a significant day in getting ready for the college football season, the release of the College Football '13 video game. This is the first year in about 15 that I won't be purchasing the annual franchise. The reason, well, I'm broke. But, I'd also like to think I have enough going on in my "adult" life that I don't have time to devote to sitting on my couch for hours twiddling my thumbs.<br />
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But, the release day of the college football video game will always hold a special spot in my heart. It was a central part of pretty much every summer of my youth.<br />
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While I won't be buying the game this year, I read one aspect is that you can import former Heisman winners to your favorite team's current roster. I thought that was pretty cool and wanted to participate in someway. So, I decided to breakdown the question "if I had to pick ONE Heisman winner over my lifetime (1984 - beyond) to have on my team who would it be?"<br />
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The rules are simple. I can use any justification to disqualify anyone. This includes personal vitriol, NFL career, and/or any other side note. This is my list and bias is absolutely allowed. Theoretically, this player would be on MY team and like Al Davis, who only picked players that ran a sub 4.3 40 regardless of criminal history, actual production, or ability to read a menu let alone a playbook, I too have a unique set of qualities for my ideal Heisman. <br />
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Here's what I came up with.<br />
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I have 28 candidates. I can toss 16 out the window right away. Along with a quick explanation of why, this is the first group that barely gets consideration.<br />
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1987 - <b>Tim Brown</b> - Right off the bat, I channel my inner Al Davis. Brown is a WR at Notre Dame, therefore he has average speed, is not flashy, and not the guy who caught the halfback pass to get <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ7ZpLgkVxA">Rudy in the game</a>. Not a good resume. This is not UPS, Brown can't do it for me.<br />
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1989 - <b>Andre Ware</b> - Drafted by MY Detroit Lions and was total garbage. He does score a few points with being a decent analyst, but still, not producing for the team who gets my blood, sweat, and tears during my fall and winter Sundays. Ware is out.<br />
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1990 - <b>Ty Detmer</b> - Had a great season at BYU, but he's a Detmer. That's like picking an Osmond as your favorite entertainer. I need my Heisman with a little more edge than the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwXH2iddClyfiyw17558MRl8uwHxIHhkOITz2gFge0nMhq1OjxBv6CaFIs5mGWUEf-MIkIam-UPVY1GLuh24isw4nlRtQ52QCtJqMAMYnQBBbNRfVePI2PxtaHcqZmj6oVeoVLCfiM-On/s1600/1.jpg">Donny and Marie</a> of college football. Get out of here Ty.<br />
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1991 - <b>Desmond Howard</b> - I went to Michigan State. No way in hell am I letting Desmond get this honor. Plus, he is the weak link on College Gameday (although was quite poignant on his assessment of the recent PSU scandal, kudos). Also, he is a receiver. I need my ultimate Heisman to have a little more control of the ball. That doesn't bode well. Go pose somewhere else. (With that said, striking the Heisman pose in the biggest game of the year is a pretty brash move, I can't knock that.)<br />
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1992 - <b>Gino Torretta</b> - A disgrace to the "U." Choked in a title game and did so while wearing the same jersey worn by the the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ujKxpAvLKg">7th Floor Crew</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_1btF2L_pc">Ray Lewis</a>. That's absolutely inexcusable.<br />
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1994 - <b>Rashaan Salaam</b> - To call his NFL career a bust would be insulting to the word BUST. He couldn't make the Detroit Lions roster in 2002...the running backs that year that did make the team were Aveion Cason, Rafael Cooper, Richard Huntley, James Stewart, Stephen Trejo, Lamont Warren. Point made. Although, his name does remind me of one of my favorite lunch meats, that positive should not go unnoticed.<br />
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1996 - <b>Danny Wuerffel</b> - Rex Grossman went on to have a better career than WOEful. Ouch.<br />
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1999 - <b>Ron Dayne</b> - No way can I let an offensive lineman be my ultimate Heisman winner. Wait what? That fat man was a running back? Huh. Only in Wisconsin. Still no dice for the Round Mound of Ground.<br />
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2000 - <b>Chris Weinke</b> - I have an age limit....and dignity. Absolutely not.<br />
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2001 - <b>Eric Crouch</b> - Made the most of what he had in college. Didn't have much in the pros. Pretty much the definition of any option QB to ever play at Nebraska. But, he does look like <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQqpXnwvj4HU0X6Z5h36a9tj2ZPtfYWosh6ZEV2GOgFqtKujTXVdOfpvtyJRRbibGyDizBXOTf65JyWjrDs4bSnkYammCSLw9p8UYoA3eb_q5gUFizJ1OGDvxze8f-x4xWRw10RrfPfc/s1600/487075_res4_doug.jpg">Doug from 'The Hangover,'</a> so at least he's got that going for him. Even though Doug is in about 5-percent of those movies, so then again, maybe not.<br />
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2002 - <b>Carson Palmer</b> - This felt like more of a lifetime achievement award for a guy who pretty much stunk compared to expectations in his first three years at USC. Norm Chow should have gotten a piece of the award. Oh, and Palmer beat out Brad Banks who finished 2nd. That's right, a QB from IOWA came in 2nd (This argument will come back to bite me, see 1985). Not a heavy year for competition.<br />
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2003 - <b>Jason White</b> - The man wasn't even drafted in the NFL. But you know what other quarterbacks were picked that year, Dan Orlovsky, David Greene, and Andrew Walter. Truly elite talent...and by elite I mean at holding clip boards.<br />
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2006 - <b>Troy Smith</b> - A runaway Heisman winner who had a pretty remarkable career. But, Smith ended his stint with the Buckeyes getting absolutely HAMMERED by Florida in the title game. I need a champion as my Heisman. Plus, no visible tattoos?! C'mon Troy, you went to Ohio State, I need to know that you took full advantage of your opportunities. Although, he gets a lot of credit for beating those rodents in Ann Arbor in the "Game of the Century."<br />
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2008 -<b> Sam Bradford</b> - Eh. Passing era QB who lit up the stat sheet. But another guy who is a casualty of a loss to Florida in the National Championship game. As Mike Singletary famously said "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB5-yJM3vJc">I need winners</a>."<br />
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2009 - <b>Mark Ingram</b> - Most recognizable player on a team that's defense was probably more deserving of a Heisman than anything. Plus, he loses points for picking 'Bama over my alma mater Michigan State. Bias in full effect. No ballot for you.<br />
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2011 - <b>Robert Griffin III</b> - Too soon to give him icon status. Plus, Baylor didn't even make a BCS game. I need more than that out of my ultimate Heisman. Also, I can't pick a guy who is still rocking the same haircut as Doug E. Doug in <a href="http://www.moviespad.com/photos/doug-e-doug-cool-runnings-b8dd6.jpg">Cool Runnings</a>. Nice socks though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://o.seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2010/08/21/2012691079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://o.seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2010/08/21/2012691079.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly Joey Harrington's Heisman was never awarded</td></tr>
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With 16 out, that leaves a dozen left. Of the remaining winners, there is a group of eight that is intriguing, but something is still missing to really entice me.<br />
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1984 - <b>Doug Flutie</b> - The Hail Mary is incredible. His limited size is commendable. But, I can't put the weight of my Heisman legend on the shoulders of a man who spent the prime of his pro career north of the border.<br />
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1986 - <b>Vinny Testaverde</b> - Vinny help put Miami on the map. He was prolific and a winner. He helped the 'U' cement their 'Swag'...a Swag that looked like this...<br />
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So for that, Vinny gets a ton of kudos. But, he also pulled a Gino and threw five INT's in a game that would have secured the National Title for the 'Canes. Plop. Adios.<br />
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1993 - <b>Charlie Ward</b> - Ward is one of my favorite players on this list. I loved Florida State at the time and love that they snuck around Notre Dame to play in the National Title game that year, despite a head-to-head loss to the Irish.<br />
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But, as much as I loved Chuck on the gridiron, I appreciated him more on the basketball court. He created one of the legendary backcourts (not debatable) with him and future Pistons legend <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_limbvbKVun1qbxp0io1_400.jpg">Bob Sura</a> carrying the 'Noles to the Final Four. But, in the NBA, he let P<a href="http://www.frequency.com/video/nba-fight-pj-brown-flips-vs-charlie-ward/34594074">.J Brown Brock Lesner him in a brawl in the playoffs</a>. That can't be overlooked. P.J Brown?! And, there are rumors that he may be anti-Semitic. Certainly can't have that. Sorry Charlie.<br />
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1995 - <b>Eddie George</b> - A physical runner in an era where great running backs could carry the load by themselves. But, fumble-itis costs him and the Buckeyes a shot at the playing for the National Title. And then post-career, Eddie got sloppy with his <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2012/03/08/eddie-george-rachel-connor-not-cheating-wife-tamara-taj-johnson/">extra marital affairs</a>. I've seen how that worked out for Tiger Woods. O-H-I-OHHH hell no you don't make the top of the list.<br />
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1998 - <b>Ricky Williams</b> - Watching Ricky Williams break the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7nSNJiF-m8">NCAA Rushing record</a> the day after Thanksgiving is, to this day, one of my favorite moments in college football. He was far and away the most potent runner of his era. That's probably why Mike Ditka mortgaged the Saints future to draft him. Statistically he was a freak. He holds the record of most 200 yard rushing games with the legend Marcus Allen and the offensive lineman Ron Dayne. As a college runner, only a man later on this list who ran through Stillwater, OK was better, in my opinion.<br />
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But, I can't give my ultimate Heisman elite status if when he pees it's cloudier than the sky in Seattle. I am glad to see Ricky appears to have turned his life around. But, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuqtIlpaO1M&feature=related">there was a long time when I wasn't convinced he knew he was living on planet earth</a>. And to be honest, he probably didn't either. The guy is different. Nothing wrong with that. But, I can't put the title of ultimate Heisman in the hands of a man who often flies higher off the field than on it.<br />
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2004 - <b>Matt Leinert </b>- Honestly, there is a lot to like about Leinart's college career. He had a Bromance with one of the underrated boy band lead singers, Nick Lachey while at the same time pulling some serious <a href="http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/matt-leinart-partying.jpg">lady talent</a>. Plus, he won a pair of National Titles and was never really targeted for getting extra benefits like his teammate Reggie Bush. College was the good life for Matty.<br />
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But, like the rest of us who leave the confines of campus, the adult world hit him like a ton of bricks and blitzes. Leinert is a garbage pro. I imagine with the mental anguish of simply playing awful, coupled with his known love of partying, it's just a matter of time before I read that Leinart is dating and/or working for Heide Flice while auditioning for the next season of Celebrity Rehab.<br />
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Too much off field baggage. Fight On Matt, but do so away from my team.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxntEUFYql0-hHgjsp7babCZyiD7GsAneRpoItSqW_yxG1QP6k3GduW4euHJD3PCErY22GhgTsdExeWhNH6cm5ilkgFUNw8h9tuxRNawqy3Z8-iJK9xSRjzJXAHzVneE16_17xVAyOoxU/s1600/reggie-bush-heisman1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxntEUFYql0-hHgjsp7babCZyiD7GsAneRpoItSqW_yxG1QP6k3GduW4euHJD3PCErY22GhgTsdExeWhNH6cm5ilkgFUNw8h9tuxRNawqy3Z8-iJK9xSRjzJXAHzVneE16_17xVAyOoxU/s320/reggie-bush-heisman1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2005 - <b>Reggie Bush</b> - Vacated. So I won't take the time to make my case
for him, but will leave you with a view at one of his crowning career
achievements.<br />
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You're welcome. Heisman.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8UPjOpS51xQK6k87Xniy25usWtyVeIrwaglbrUXPCaSVuXDgB2Ta7Ffbd__Y_CRk6pPdhWpBDus5tcJZXvYLIOxR6M-bLc3BEex2wv7PQPH-KG7aUfhUUEQDK2Sg-a7mJ82P3kdRJsQ/s1600/TebowHeisman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8UPjOpS51xQK6k87Xniy25usWtyVeIrwaglbrUXPCaSVuXDgB2Ta7Ffbd__Y_CRk6pPdhWpBDus5tcJZXvYLIOxR6M-bLc3BEex2wv7PQPH-KG7aUfhUUEQDK2Sg-a7mJ82P3kdRJsQ/s320/TebowHeisman.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
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2007 - <b>Tim Tebow</b> - As impressive as his college career was, including two National Titles, Tebow won the Heisman in a relatively off-year for the Gators. He is cultural icon and I personally have no issue with him. But, I can't stand his groupies. And he doesn't have the fun groupies like the ones that pop champagne with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLLlYVVN_vU">Rozay, Wayne, and Drake</a>. He has Skip Bayless. I support Groupie Love if done appropriately. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMK9FKMG3Nc">Skip Bayless</a> is not appropriate.<br />
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Tebow may be one of the greatest players ever in college football, but to no fault of his own, I can't put him on the next level because there isn't enough Advil or alcohol in the world for me to stomach hearing Bayless talk about him any more than he already does. (Yes, I am assuming Bayless will read this and will use it as a top topic on First Take).<br />
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Final Four time. Tom Izzo helped me get here. It's what he does. I broke the first 24 down chronologically. These four will be ranked in descending order (No. 4 - No. 1). The winner gets the honor of being crowned as my ultimate Heisman. That probably isn't worth much. The gift bag includes some skittles, a case of 312 beer, and the first season of "Saved By the Bell" on DVD. Come to think of it, that's a pretty good Saturday night. So away we go...<br />
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#4 - <b>Charles Woodson</b> - All who know me know I bleed Green and White. I am a diehard Michigan State fan (that's what happens when you drop that much tuition on a school). But, there was a time in my younger, uneducated youth when I used to...dare I say it...cheer for the other school in Ann Arbor. We all do dumb things when we are young. I have since wised up.<br />
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But, before I made the one of my best life decisions, I had a semi-man crush on Charles Woodson. I played cornerback in pee wee football and idolized #2. I did the shoulder shimmy, wore the headband around my neck, and even had a shrine of him on my bedroom wall. So, I can't deny there is a lot of respect for Chuck.<br />
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But, really, can a cornerback/kick returner be THE Heisman. No. He wouldn't get have the ball enough and in the age of pass happy offenses, defenses are more susceptible at getting burned. But, C-Woodson does post an impressive resume.<br />
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#3 - <b>Bo Jackson</b> - Bo Knows. Bo Knows how to be a beast. The multi-sport phenom statistically doesn't even top some of the players behind him on this list, but think about this... In a year when he won the Heisman, he also batted .401 for Auburn's baseball team and launched 17 Home Runs and drove in 43 RBI. He also qualified for the U.S Nationals in the 100 meter dash. <br />
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Bo averaged nearly 6.5 yards per carry in his final year with the Tigers and ran for 17 Touchdowns. That's strong.<br />
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The real reason I put Bo so high on the list is the man was insanely marketable. And in this era of college sports being more about money than, you know that other thing - education - I want a player that can bring in TV cameras and alumni wallets. <br />
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"Bo Knows" was a genius campaign and his skill set in Tecmo Bowl is probably the most dominant sports video game character ever created. If you picked the Raiders with Bo in Tecmo Bowl, you might as well put on a blind fold, tie one hand behind your back, and sit upside down, because that is the only way your opponent would even have a chance.<br />
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That's the type of talent I want out of my ultimate Heisman, but on the field, he still doesn't quite live up to the greatness of these next two. Starting with...<br />
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#2 - <b>Barry Sanders</b> - Not having him at Number One hurts because every Sunday in the fall and winter I still wear this man's #20 Detroit Lions jersey. Sanders could do things with his legs only Michael Jackson (the '<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f6/Off_the_wall.jpg/220px-Off_the_wall.jpg">Off The Wall</a>' years) could do. And, college was no exception.<br />
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Barry was as electrifying of a running back as there has ever been. The elders will point to O.J Simpson, but I deduct points for murder, seems logical.<br />
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Despite being Thurman "Fumble Hands" Thomas' backup early in his career at Oklahoma State, Sanders was able to emerge as his own star. In his senior year, the man ran for 2,850 yards. That's not a typo. He was 150 yards from a 3,000 yard rushing season. To put that in context, in the NFL, which is now primarily a passing league, of the top 40 quarterbacks in passing yards in 2012, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/passing">20 of them through for less than</a> Sanders ran for in 1988. THAT's HALF!.<br />
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During his Heisman campaign, Sanders averaged 7.6 yards per carry and scored 42 of his 44 touchdowns on the ground. He probably single-handedly keep sod laying companies in business in the Stillwater area with the amount of grass he tore up.<br />
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The ONLY reason, Barry doesn't get the nod as the top man on my list is because during that season, the Cowboys lost two of their three games to ranked opponents, including against big time rivals Nebraska and Oklahoma. Therefore, my favorite football player of all time has to settle for second best behind....<br />
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#1 <b>Cam Newton</b> - I know, I know. I can hear the arguments against this pick already. Cam probably broke a few rules to get to Auburn and the memory of his season is so recent it may be hard to gauge the true historical perspective of what he did, but I'll try.<br />
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Newton played one year at Auburn. He came in, immediately stepped up, led a group of all new teammates, and got them to buy in. The man is a natural leader. And his leadership and dominance never faltered despite a year immersed in off-field controversy. <br />
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His mental toughness and desire to get better as a player is almost unparalleled. <br />
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In the 2010 season, Newton became just the third player in NCAA FBS history with 20-rushing
and 20-passing touchdowns in a single season. He threw for more than
2,000 yards and ran for more than 1,000. That's never been done in the
history-rich SEC.<br />
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Newton rallied his team from 24-points down to beat
arch-rival Alabama. He tossed a career-best six touchdowns in the SEC
title game. And to top it all off, he torched Oregon for more than
300-total yards and two-touchdowns in the National Championship, which his team won.<br />
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He put together an individual season that is almost unheard of, from what he had to weather away from the gridiron to the epic performances he displayed when on it.<br />
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It wasn't long ago and most of us remember it, but, even a century from now, it wouldn't surprise me if historians still look back at Cam Newton's 2010 Heisman season as one of the greatest ever in college football history.<br />
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<br />Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-45420026095429421332012-06-22T07:26:00.004-04:002012-06-22T07:45:45.803-04:00A Closer Look Needed to Find Champion Character<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's something we do every day. We all look in the mirror. Maybe it's just a glance or maybe we give ourselves a full "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqY1TLuZ06Y">Mirror, Mirror on the wall...Jean Claude Van Damme I'm Fine</a>" look. Whichever it is, it's routine and usually done just to make sure everything is in order.<br />
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But, there are times when the full length door mirror simply won't do. There are moments when we must break out the magnifying mirror. Sometimes a quick gander is all we can stomach because what we see is humbling. Zits, wrinkles, gray hairs, baggy eyes, and receding hairlines (ahem) that are often hard to detect with the normal mirror are not only exposed, but unavoidable. The magnifying mirror gives us an honest look at who we really are.<br />
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<a href="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/745/706/146233096_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/745/706/146233096_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75" width="320" /></a>Twelve months ago, the Dallas Mavericks forced LeBron James to step away from the bathroom mirror and take a long, hard look into the 10x one. Today, he is better for it.<br />
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James' poor performance against the Mavs in last year's NBA Finals and the circus he created leading up to that series was representative of an immature, arrogant, pompous young man who had never been forced to face failure in the eye.<br />
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When he was 16, Sports Illustrated anointed him "<a href="http://www.prosebeforehos.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/lebron-james-chosen-one-si-cover.jpg">The Chosen One</a>." He was heralded as a franchise savior when drafted first overall by his hometown Clevaland Cavaliers. Even when he struggled in his last series as a Cav, he received the red carpet treatment from every other team and fan base in the world the following summer as probably the most coveted free agent in NBA history. He selfishly announced he would "take (his) talents to South Beach" during a nationally televised, hour-long special on ESPN.<br />
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LeBron had become the King of basketball, if not only by talent, but by popularity. The sports world watched his every move closer than teenage boys in the 80s watched <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4czfr15Ijc">Phoebe Cates get out of a pool</a>.<br />
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And he bought into it. To be fair, it's hard to receive that kind of attention and not lose yourself a bit, especially in your mid-20s, but LeBron, who is an intelligent person, handled his popularity without class or poise.<br />
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What LeBron bought into was different from reality.<br />
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At the time, LeBron acted as though champions were <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM">crowned by expectations, not performance</a>. The loss to the Mavericks was a vivid realization that he wasn't invincible. He is just like the rest of us, flawed, not loved by all, and capable of being humbled.<br />
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This season, LeBron changed. He came out hungry and with a title or bust mentality, different from his first season in Miami when he was concerned more with the bright lights of fame than the shine of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.<br />
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LeBron's talent was never really the problem, but he became a stronger, more well-rounded player. But what changed the most was the muscle between his ears. LeBron thought before he spoke or acted. He acted like a professional. He was a leader in the huddle, a voice of reason in press conferences, and conducted himself as the face of the league's most popular franchise.<br />
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That demeanor carried over to a more poised, mature player on the floor. While he wasn't perfect, he was pretty close. LeBron put together a playoff run that statistically is one of the best ever. He almost averaged a triple-double in the Finals and made key plays at key moments, which was an aspect of his game that was greatly lacking just a year prior.<br />
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The saying goes, "you can't truly succeed, until you experience failure." LeBron James failed early in his career. He failed as a player, especially in the clutch. He failed as a leader and he failed as a professional.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sohh.com/img/lebron-james-2012-06-22-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sohh.com/img/lebron-james-2012-06-22-300x300.jpg" /></a>Over the past year, LeBron stripped himself down, stood in front of life's mirror and decided to correct the flaws that were keeping him from true greatness. He embraced where he fell short previously and took the necessary steps to make himself better, both in talent and character.<br />
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Now when LeBron James looks into that mirror, he will see a man who turned arrogance and failure into humility and success. In other words, he will be looking back at a true champion.<br />
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<br />Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-28902555132459678012012-06-07T01:24:00.001-04:002012-06-07T01:50:31.620-04:00A Thunderous Transformation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've all experienced that moment. That moment we thought could happen, but are still in awe of when it actually does.<br />
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For example, in grade school, high school, or even college, there was always that girl who was cool, down to earth, and had a great personality. She was cute in her own way but, you never really looked at her in THAT way. Then one day she transforms. She starts out as<a href="http://i.qkme.me/3pi05y.jpg"> just some girl who you sit next to</a> and then the next moment she is a Rumble-Young-Man-Rumble <a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/pc/Model+UFC+Ring+Girl+Brittney+Palmer+celebrates+Sf5l43_VM93l.jpg">KNOCKOUT</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.massappealnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Thunder-wins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.massappealnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Thunder-wins.jpg" width="320" /></a>There were signs the whole time, but once the transformation is complete, you can't help but realize you should have realized it sooner.</div>
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The NBA's new hottie is the Oklahoma City Thunder. In less than two short weeks, they went from braces and saddle shoes to makeup and heels.<br />
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They matured and in impressive fashion.</div>
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Oklahoma City is one of the youngest teams in the league, with an average age of about 25.5 years old. There are only four teams with more youth and none of them made the playoffs, let alone the NBA Finals.</div>
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But, for what these young'ins lack in birthdays, they make up for in teachability.</div>
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<a href="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/j9yEG39EWu.tQIpmGFhCeQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zNTc7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2012-06-05T021709Z_1920650152_LM2E86506CL01_RTRMADP_3_NBA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/j9yEG39EWu.tQIpmGFhCeQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zNTc7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2012-06-05T021709Z_1920650152_LM2E86506CL01_RTRMADP_3_NBA.JPG" width="320" /></a>Throughout the first two games of the Western Conference Finals, OKC's opponent, the San Antonio Spurs put on a clinic. They moved the ball as well as any team can. They played balanced and were poised. In other words, they won as winners do. That is to be expected of a franchise with four titles in the past 13-years, maybe the greatest power forward of all time, a hall-of-fame-coach, and an MVP candidate point guard.</div>
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During the first two games in San Antonio, the Spurs showed the Thunder exactly what a champion looks like.</div>
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A lot of young teams would have accepted this butt whooping as a learning experience, folded, and said they would use those lessons learned and apply them next year.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lmwlostmyway.com/uploads/5/8/9/9/5899532/1379305.jpg?548" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.lmwlostmyway.com/uploads/5/8/9/9/5899532/1379305.jpg?548" width="320" /></a>But, in sports and life, nothing is guaranteed NEXT year. Carpe Diem. The Thunder threw their books down, stood on their desks, yelled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdXhWS7lLvs">"Oh Captain, My Captain"</a> and seized the opportunity.</div>
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They changed from a team full of one-on-one players in the opening two games, to a team that made passing contagious. Everyone bought into their roles. <br />
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Russell Westbrook played under control. James Harden was a spark plug off the bench. Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins played fast and aggressive. Thabo Sefolosha defended and hustled like a mad man. Derek Fisher hit big shots as he has done throughout his career. And Kevin Durant...well, Kevin Durant went from a dangerous threat to a full on,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGOGFZfQ8Ss"> cold-blooded, sleep with both eyes wide open, killer assassin</a>.</div>
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Head coach Scott Brooks deserves a lot of credit, too. He was able to get his team of 'kids' to react as men and buy into the teaching moment their opponents provided in the first two games. As opposed to being stubborn and insisting on playing the "Thunder" way, Oklahoma City used the model of success the Spurs have laid out for over a decade and made it their own.</div>
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<a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/wcfcourier.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/da/9da2038c-ad2c-11e1-9028-0019bb2963f4/4fcadaa2d69da.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/wcfcourier.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/da/9da2038c-ad2c-11e1-9028-0019bb2963f4/4fcadaa2d69da.image.jpg" width="285" /></a>OKC became the better passing team. They set the tempo and they made the hustle plays. The Thunder shed who they were, forgot about egos and previous misfortunes, and grew into something better.<br />
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Growth sometimes comes natural and sometimes it comes through paying attention, looking in the mirror and realizing you want to see something different. <br />
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Oklahoma City always had the talent, but they didn't know what to do with it, until now. They went from a cute, fun team with potential to the team no one can take their eyes off of. </div>
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And no one wants to take their eyes off a winner. </div>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-80939947038921398552012-06-01T14:23:00.001-04:002012-06-01T22:08:39.196-04:00Scholarship Outrage Insults Combs' Efforts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite songs of all time is "Victory" by Notorious B.I.G, Busta Rhymes, and Diddy. <br />
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The song is powerful. It masterfully blends the booming bass of hip-hop with the dramatic violins of classical music. Biggy goes hard on the verses. Busta's hook is epic and Diddy adds the perfect mix of flavor, bars, and commentary.<br />
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My favorite part of the song that is all about rising to success comes at the very end when Puff hits the autotune (the song was released in 1998, before autotune became huge) and yells 'What am I going to do now, huh? What am I going to do now? It's all F***ed up now.' <br />
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I imagine Mr. Sean Combs is thinking similar sentiments today as critics chastise his son, Justin, for accepting a $54,000 a year athletic scholarship to play football at UCLA. They argue that, because Diddy is worth more than a half-billion-dollars, he should cover the expenses of his son attending and playing football at the next level.<br />
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However, sports scholarships come primarily through revenue earned by the athletic program. They are not funded by tax payer money, instead by corporate partnerships, media contracts and private donations. Financial need is not taken into account.<br />
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Also, football revenue is usually one of the driving financial forces of a university. Hundreds of thousands of fans pack UCLA's Rose Bowl for home games every year. That money is used to help other students come to the school for free or reduced prices, so it's beneficial to all Bruins for the team to have a successful football program. If the school thinks Justin Combs will help enhance that product and believes a scholarship is the only way to bring him in (mind you, he had other offers including at Illinois and Wyomig) then that is what the team is supposed to do.<br />
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Sports scholarships are intended to reward students with high athletic ability that also meet the academic requirements. Justin Combs meets both, with ease. He is not only a highly touted football player, but the young man has a 3.75 grade point average. <br />
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According to a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/sports/10scholarships.html?pagewanted=all">2008 New York Times report</a>, about two-percent of nearly six-and-a-half-million students who play high school sports receive a scholarship to continue their athletic careers at the next level. That is an elite group who must make a lot of sacrifices and put in a lot of hard work to be recruited in such a way.<br />
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Justin Combs is part of the lucky few.<br />
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<a href="http://www.manageyourshapeblog.com/.a/6a00e54f9153e08833016766f65917970b-600wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.manageyourshapeblog.com/.a/6a00e54f9153e08833016766f65917970b-600wi" width="320" /></a>Yes, he lives a life of great privilege and yes, he has probably had access to opportunities that made his athletic and academic success easier than others, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he put himself in a position to make his own mark without being "Diddy's Son" his whole life.<br />
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I thought Mike Wilbon made a great point while debating this issue on "Pardon the Interruption," Thursday. He said, there are probably tons of Wall Street millionaires whose kids go to elite high schools who are given full ride scholarships, yet, there aren't people screaming 'outrage' and calling for those kids to return the financial aid.<br />
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I personally went to a private high school and know students whose parents were beyond wealthy who received full ride scholarships and no way were they returning the money. And these weren't athletic scholarships, these were scholarships funded in part by student fees that could have gone to other, more needy students.<br />
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Calling for the Combs family to reject the rewards of their son's work is unfair.<br />
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Society, myself certainly included, is constantly harping on the lack of young people today striking a balance between athletics and academics. AAU teams and high schools have become factories for developing dreams of the Big Leagues, while at the same time states are cutting budgets for public school teachers, books, and educational field trips.<br />
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Sports are seen as a means to an end with school often overlooked.<br />
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<a href="http://a.espncdn.com/espnradiostations/i/espnnewyork/radio/features/Combs_Justin_action111003_576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://a.espncdn.com/espnradiostations/i/espnnewyork/radio/features/Combs_Justin_action111003_576.jpg" width="320" /></a>Justin Combs has found a balance between school and sports. He is not in trouble with the law. He is a typical teenager hoping to receive some acknowledgment for his dedication to class and football.<br />
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Telling him to reject the scholarship essentially sends a message to kids whose parents are wealthy that you don't need to develop a work ethic because your road is already paved for you. That's a dangerous precedent and likely will lead to an even more entitled culture, which is already a national problem.<br />
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Justin Combs is the son of a man who was born and raised in Harlem's public housing projects. Diddy dropped out of college only to work hard enough to build a multi-million dollar entertainment empire. He made the most of his opportunities, including <a href="http://bossip.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/diddy-jlo-e1311953117630.jpeg?w=591">dating J. Lo for awhile</a>, probably his finest accomplishment to date. He wasn't handed anything, he worked for it.<br />
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I have to believe a man like that doesn't raise his son as someone allowed to rest on the success of his father. Anyone who has ever listened to Diddy in an interview or seen his reality shows knows the man is all about business and not cutting corners.<br />
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Justin Combs' success on and off the field proves he has bought into his father's expectations. He did the work that was required of him, went above and beyond, and should be able to reap the rewards.<br />
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Those so appalled by his receiving a scholarship should instead focus their energy on more pressing needs in America's flawed education system, such as limited access to books for children in our inner cities, sky rocketing student loan rates that hinder financial prosperity after graduation, and an overall perversion of college sports recruiting that involves administrators using PUBLIC funds to pay for alluring top notch athletes with suspect GPA's or <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7834133/former-arkansas-coach-bobby-petrino-detailed-affair-jessica-dorrell-boss-firing">covering up sex scandals</a>.<br />
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Those issues cost more kids access to college than ONE millionaire's son getting a football scholarship.<br />
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Personally, if I were the Combs family, I would give the scholarship back. But, I don't think that should be expected.<br />
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Justin Combs worked his butt off and made the most of his opportunities. We shouldn't look down on him for being rewarded for doing so, instead we should commend his efforts and let him be proud of his "VICTORY."<br />
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<br />Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-67942633284031434802012-05-30T13:03:00.002-04:002012-05-30T13:48:05.459-04:00Spurs Endorse Winning, Not Themselves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It feels like every time I turn on the TV, I see a commercial with an athlete pitching some kind of product.<br />
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Blake Griffin is telling a KIA to play the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-AxWRVqE1E">Best of George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars</a>," LeBron wants me to WITNESS (and I have, his 4th quarter meltdowns), and Dwyane Wade is gliding through a Gotham City knockoff in some kind of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbjbGCwh-Qs">flying squirrel suit while talking to his equivalent of Lucius Fox, Kevin Hart</a>. (For the record, no one is Lucius Fox besides Morgan Freeman. It should be considered a crime for anyone to even try to mimic that, but I digress).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JVOeiMQ1oywk4hM8njhMkgSSPlB7bXUfstzG92gUzlkJPY_hoa8YWGLWYiBEDV7CqQAgmIM1qZYhxIwerBJKN5ZMcGicHBQquc0p63o-NN1aSPJfNEzcjIfgl9vOg2GUrxxBe3IcrLo9/s1600/lebron-james-new-york-yankees-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JVOeiMQ1oywk4hM8njhMkgSSPlB7bXUfstzG92gUzlkJPY_hoa8YWGLWYiBEDV7CqQAgmIM1qZYhxIwerBJKN5ZMcGicHBQquc0p63o-NN1aSPJfNEzcjIfgl9vOg2GUrxxBe3IcrLo9/s320/lebron-james-new-york-yankees-9.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Griffin, Bron, and Wade are just three athletes who constantly fill commercials breaks while I'm watching games or reruns of Saved By the Bell. And that's just basketball. I can't forget about Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Chad Ochocinco. Even Brett Favre still finds his way onto my TV screen from time to time, ironically selling <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82IhpVRbGlWdRPGy5ASSxZXkmaRpGNA78TFxktG01YEsUOUtqcuOJS9SmEW4HFWv1NQV9j0m89N_7cPD4mf-Od2YHiwh77EgoBqC_P6xg7K74mKyqF-LckEkQBfQP23KOIWRQjC0VddA/s1600/Brett+Favre+Wrangler+Dog.jpg">jeans that are zipped all the way up</a>, which let's me know he doesn't properly utilize the product he endorses. Alexander Ovechkin, Andy Roddick, and Joe Mauer also make their commercial rounds often.<br />
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These athletes are exciting and fun to watch, making it easy for them to push products.<br />
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But, let's do some math. Add up the championships of all of those players. The number you get is five. Wade - 1, Manning -1, Rodgers -1, Favre - 1, and Roddick - 1 Major. The rest have a collective, ZERO. Five titles out of a group of "Superstar" athletes.<br />
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Tim Duncan alone has four and, if things keep going the way the are, he is going to start rocking an <a href="http://killyoself.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/bishop-don-magic-juan3.jpg">Archbishop Don Magic Juan</a>-type thumb ring very soon.<br />
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Yet, the Mad Men-style board rooms aren't banging down the door for the Big Fundamental, or any of his teammates, to sell their products. Duncan is seen as dull and "boring." But, as my good friend (although he doesn't know this) Jason Whitlock, <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/San-Antonio-Spurs-winners-not-boring-Miami-Heat-culture-clash-America-needs-David-Stern-Michael-Jordan-052712">so articulately points out</a>, there is nothing boring about winning.<br />
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Tim Duncan is a winner. He has been the face of the San Antonio Spurs for a more than a decade and during that time has made the franchise into the NBA equivalent of the New England Patriots, who often get labeled a DYNASTY. Except, Duncan and the Spurs, have even more titles (four) than <a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/main.stylelist.com/media/2010/06/tom-brady-justin-bieber-hair-nba-playoffs-590sc061410.jpg">Bieber and the Boys</a>. ahem I mean, Brady and the Boys (three).<br />
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I am an NBA fan to the core. I start watching when the season starts, not just after the All-Star break. I am going to do a very un-Spurish thing now, and toot my own horn. I've been on the record as predicting the Spurs would win the title since February, assuming they stayed healthy. They are the most balanced team, who can play at any pace, and match up with any lineup.<br />
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So, to me, it's remarkable that they are so often overlooked.<br />
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It's almost cliche now to say the reason the Spurs don't get the attention they deserve because they are "boring." I'm not sure if Webster's Dictionary has redefined the word, but, to me, boring is not a team that averages more than 100 points a game, has a mix of young and old talent gelling perfectly, and a coach who likes his things "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5xM8Z618zI">Nasty</a>." I recall a certain <a href="http://ftrsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/rex-ryan-is-fat.jpg">fluffy football coach in New York </a>who liked things, specifically feet, a little "NASTY" and the sports world flipped on its head in excitement. And, that coach's team didn't even make the postseason, let alone win every game for almost two months like Gregg Popovich and the Spurs have done.<br />
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<a href="http://www.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0614/nba_g_parker4_395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://www.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0614/nba_g_parker4_395.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Spurs aren't boring, they are unusual. Which is not an insult to them, but to the rest of society.<br />
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San Antonio has become an anomaly, with Tim Duncan as its leader. He has set a standard of a solid, consistent work ethic, without seeking out the praise for doing the job he is paid handsomely to do. His teammates have followed suit.<br />
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Tony Parker, who has been an all-star for years, raised his level of play this year to an MVP-caliber. He stayed hungry. Manu Ginobili is an international star, but continues to play within the system, while adding his own flair. Then guys like Danny Green, who was cut by the CAVALIERS, let me reiterate that, DANNY GREEN, WHO WAS WAIVED THE FALL BEFORE THE CAVS BECAME THE WORST TEAM IN BASKETBALL two years ago, is now a KEY STARTER for the BEST TEAM IN BASKETBALL.<br />
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Tim Duncan and the Spurs have established a culture of winning that is so abnormal in the modern sports world. San Antonio is all about WE not ME.<br />
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I imagine some of the reason the Spurs don't get the attention of teams such as the Heat, Lakers, or Oklahoma City is that they push away from it. Their players aren't at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID7962/images/rsz_lebron_james_at_tao.jpg">Vegas parties</a> giving dap to Lil Wayne, or changing their name to Metta World Peace, or <a href="http://yodonbleekraps.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/russell-westbrook-red-glasses-lacoste-fish-hook-print-polo-shirt.jpg">dressing like a cross</a> between <a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bugs/images/msfriz.gif">Ms. Frizzle</a> and <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Sally_Jesse_Raphael_2012_Shankbone.JPG/220px-Sally_Jesse_Raphael_2012_Shankbone.JPG">Sally Jesse Raphael</a>. In other words, they aren't self promoters.<br />
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The sports world buys into the gimmicks of commercials, crazy fashion, and outrageous antics because it makes for easy talking points. It's fun. But, breaking down the Spurs 90-plus pick-n-rolls a game isn't sexy. It's monotonous and we live in a culture where doing things consistently is outweighed by doing things with flash, no matter the end result.<br />
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The Spurs handle business on the court and then act like businessmen off it. They don't promote a champion persona through hype, they promote through performance.<br />
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They want to be known as winners and getting caught up in anything else is a distraction. That's not the Spurs way.<br />
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San Antonio still has a way to go if they hope to win their fifth title in 13 years, but for teams that are trying to become champions, they should model themselves after a winner's winner, Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich, and the San Antonio Spurs.<br />
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The Spurs don't have to sell themselves, because their winning does it for them. <br />
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<br />Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-43093120901390788402012-05-09T15:18:00.002-04:002012-05-09T15:22:02.298-04:00Josh Hamilton: Star Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the surface, Josh Hamilton looks like anything but a role-model. A former alchoholic with tattoo sleeves is not exactly the type of guy moms want their sons hanging posters of, but the Rangers outfielder is the definition of what a sports hero should be.<br />
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Last night, Hamilton blasted a Major League record-tying four two-run home runs against a hot Orioles ballclub. He is the best player on the best team in baseball. But, it's not Hamilton's arm or bat that separates him from other modern day "superstar" athletes, it's his ability to battle through setbacks.<br />
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Off-field stories are usually not a good sign for pro athletes. Mug shots, infidelity, and over-the-top spending seem more apart of sports culture today than what happens on gameday. Athletes are celebrities. The best are groomed to be in the spotlight at an early age.<br />
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Josh Hamilton is no different. His story is well documented. He was an all-world prospect who flamed out early in his career because of drug and alcohol addictions. He then turned his life around becoming an annual MVP candidate and leading the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/913/072/josh.hamilton2_display_image.jpg?1329152681" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/913/072/josh.hamilton2_display_image.jpg?1329152681" width="158" /></a>But, over the past year, Hamilton's life had a pair of turning points that could have derailed his recovery. The first came on a perfectly sunny afternoon at the ballpark when he was trying to make a young fan's day by flipping him a ball. The boy's dad went to grab it, flipped over the rail, and fell to his death. Hamilton is in no way to blame for the tragedy, but it no doubt weighed on him heavily.<br />
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Then, during the off-season just months after his team essentially gave away a world championship, Hamilton relapsed and had a few drinks at a bar.<br />
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What he did following that setback was the most impressive showing by an athlete I've seen in quite some time. He sat in front of the media and took the heat. He made a mistake and talked openly about it in a press conference. He didn't try to hide his problem or blame others for his lapse in judgement. Hamilton stood in there just as tough as he does in the batters box and met the critiscism and concern head on.<br />
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<a href="http://keepthatfocus.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/hamilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://keepthatfocus.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/hamilton.jpg" width="185" /></a>Hamilton was voice for millions of others who are dealing with their own form of addiction. He is a monster athlete who showed he too can be torn down by something bigger. But, committing to overcome that problem, and doing so somewhat publicly, proved Hamilton is more than just a strong man, he is a role-model. <br />
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That was months ago and his demons, I imagine, still haunt him daily. But, at least on the field Hamilton has cast those aside and is putting together another remarkable season.<br />
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He leads all of baseball, both the American and National Leagues, in batting average (.406), home runs (14), and runs batted in (36). <br />
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Sports is in an era where its stars are babied and pampered. Excuses are made more frequently than clutch performances. Stars tell us how great they are and then often are just the opposite.<br />
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Josh Hamilton is different. He talks openly about his flaws and struggles. He knows his star sometimes flickers, but he is an example of how good can prevail if you accept that life is a constant battle to get better.<br />
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Hamilton will go through slumps on and off the field again, that is almost guaranteed. But, how he has handled all of his setbacks proves in the end he will still be standing and unfortunately for Major League Baseball pitchers, standing tall and strong in the batters box continuing to belt homers near the stars like he did Tuesday night. That's appropriate, considering Hamilton is as bright of a star as there is today.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-7540830368366803932012-04-19T22:05:00.003-04:002012-04-20T17:50:51.983-04:00Running Through Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44vSfPQrqUpo91n2kKrPZF7w_MsU7NouUqt38w-SDmR2NBpkIImKTRwR9JammkPWP4xz5W8EJh6jEynoJ9kZ5swdPXgaPmrbWDS9Rk_e7EHbhqHObYpgvRtykah0-rzR5yupa3dxLSLs/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44vSfPQrqUpo91n2kKrPZF7w_MsU7NouUqt38w-SDmR2NBpkIImKTRwR9JammkPWP4xz5W8EJh6jEynoJ9kZ5swdPXgaPmrbWDS9Rk_e7EHbhqHObYpgvRtykah0-rzR5yupa3dxLSLs/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Pain is temporary.<br />
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For the past four months, I have pounded this mantra through my mind, legs, and feet. I am running my first marathon this weekend and the concept of pain being temporary runs, pardon the pun, deeper than just the physical and emotional investment it's taken to get ready for the race. <br />
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I wanted to feel pain. I wanted to feel the pain of waking up before the sun on winter mornings and bundling up to get in a few miles. I wanted to feel the pain of feeling my legs gradually give out midway through my longest training run. I embraced this pain not because I am some kind of masochist, but because I wanted to prove to myself that there is no pain too crippling to overcome. And, I wanted to be able to use the physical challenges of running a marathon to pass this message along to my little brother, Jayden.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Yg1bda-jzf_ZDkFNawE7Q9qHdN6C89f7CGNkdPTRFxWe0b4V18TVWIFhJicWtN7TBrjJj9uOtth9LcCKQu7D9d4Rl7PChz9AZzYGwocPamjyPBfaCxPSW4qT9GhtV_lh-64SOiAJfU/s1600/jayden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Yg1bda-jzf_ZDkFNawE7Q9qHdN6C89f7CGNkdPTRFxWe0b4V18TVWIFhJicWtN7TBrjJj9uOtth9LcCKQu7D9d4Rl7PChz9AZzYGwocPamjyPBfaCxPSW4qT9GhtV_lh-64SOiAJfU/s320/jayden.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayden and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jayden is the reason I am running the marathon. He and I aren't brothers by blood, but <a href="http://www.bbbslaf.org/1/post/2012/03/match-of-the-month-march.html">I don't know if that would make us any closer</a>. He and I were matched as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in August 2010. A year-and-a-half later, he has become one of my greatest motivators.<br />
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To say Jayden's life has been difficult would be an understatement. I won't detail his hardships, but his almost 15 years on this earth have been anything but easy. He has experienced plenty of pain, pain no run of 26.2 miles can duplicate.<br />
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But, all pain is temporary and even though it doesn't last forever, the lessons learned from it can.<br />
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Throughout my training I reflected on some of my life's most painful moments. It's amazing how running can jog your memory. What I found most unbelievable is that I often thought about the toughest times during the most challenging runs. When the pain hit its apex, my mind went to a memory that hurt the most.<br />
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I thought of my grandfather who passed away last year. I thought about my biological father leaving my mom three weeks after I was born. I thought about Rasheed Wallace not defending Robert Horry on the inbounds pass in 2005, essentially costing the Pistons back-to-back NBA titles. I thought about buying an engagement ring weeks before finding out my girlfriend at the time was cheating on me. And, most of all, I thought about my cousin, Zack.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnHOO4zA293xofPMsnoZ3w4rndnLfHQl3HTK5KijTxG-Ox6nLelaAnwejxDBw4FoE4BezKUeRnIVpc7yMlbGq2l4iA7C91l3MtDBtW5xvVbovg_x4iWQQ_V7t_Pkx87gtz24k5-R-hO0/s1600/zack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnHOO4zA293xofPMsnoZ3w4rndnLfHQl3HTK5KijTxG-Ox6nLelaAnwejxDBw4FoE4BezKUeRnIVpc7yMlbGq2l4iA7C91l3MtDBtW5xvVbovg_x4iWQQ_V7t_Pkx87gtz24k5-R-hO0/s320/zack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam and Zack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Like Jayden and I, Zack and I were as close as brothers could be. We did everything as a pair as kids. We went to camps together, fought, played sports, gawked at girls, and simply talked about life. Zack was the greatest friend and brother I could imagine.<br />
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He passed away when he was just 19 years young. Saturday's marathon will mark, to the day, the six year anniversary of his funeral.<br />
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The pain from that day will forever haunt me and the rest of my family. I remember the sounds and smoke created by the 21 gun salute honoring him. I remember watching a procession of Zack's friends and family line up to say goodbye as the Beatles' "Let It Be" played. I remember watching my aunt nearly collapse as the casket of her eldest son was brought into the church. I remember watching my other cousin, Zack's brother, attempt to fight back tears because his big brother always told him to be tough. That was painful.<br />
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But, the pain of that day inspired others to be better. Zack died of a drug overdose while on leave from the Marines. Zack isn't a martyr, but his story has been used to save lives of others. Whether it be through the discussion forums held by my uncle, Zack's dad, to encourage other teens to choose a different path or the closer bonds formed within the family after his passing, Zack's legacy remains. He always wanted to make those around him happy while on earth, but could never exactly figure out how. Through his death, Zack has opened eyes and hearts and turned pain into positives.<br />
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Memories of Zack and the others still sting. But, and I noticed this more than ever while training, I always came out of these painful situations stronger. During those moments, the pain was unbearable, but learning to grow from those setbacks and not let them deter my progress toward life's finish line makes me appreciate each experience. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pSxvJWhagkUtSu4OSgaIggx-3uYbEjvx8vsrUf33c_-Z5q_xcaWw-Dwi6YFeel6XxBjuHNpI_McOIti6CdyF-K_Xl9w8SIcnNhtvia-6xVZe-x6Vw-Ko1OlWVF2B7oMP2m7DIJhne1s/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pSxvJWhagkUtSu4OSgaIggx-3uYbEjvx8vsrUf33c_-Z5q_xcaWw-Dwi6YFeel6XxBjuHNpI_McOIti6CdyF-K_Xl9w8SIcnNhtvia-6xVZe-x6Vw-Ko1OlWVF2B7oMP2m7DIJhne1s/s1600/blog2.jpg" /></a></div>Pain is temporary.<br />
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My greatest fear is Jayden not being able to find positives out of his pains. He is exceptionally talented and unbelievably intelligent. And, I don't just say this as a proud older brother. Anyone who meets him feeds off his personality. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gutDuxh7eik&feature=related">This is a personality that needs to shine</a>. It is one of which hardships should not be able to hold down.<br />
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I decided to run the marathon as a way to raise money for a college savings account I started for Jayden. In three years when he is walking across the podium to accept his high school diploma, officially making him a college freshman, I don't want there to be any financial pains waiting for him. To even get to that point he will have already had to overcome plenty of hurdles.<br />
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I will put my body through probably its most painful experience, Saturday. In fact, I type this while downing several gallons of bottled water in preparation. But, once I cross the finish line, I know the pain will be worth it. Because the experience has made me better and will make Jayden's path to college a little easier and hopefully serve as a vivid example for him that no matter what the obstacle, he can overcome and succeed.<br />
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Pain is temporary. At the end of pain is success. Success is divine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEEpcKbzfix2XyN26VWFLzx9KlO78bdhp7tDR5ZzRHfqyyb25SDCCHt5EV-uA0Lpsgr2_3tWySk_eFdJZuL3vgrj7wnCHIwNB9UyPa-2mp0hlMRb4apDdUmgcrRjaWbJAfxYeB8ZrHcU/s1600/blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEEpcKbzfix2XyN26VWFLzx9KlO78bdhp7tDR5ZzRHfqyyb25SDCCHt5EV-uA0Lpsgr2_3tWySk_eFdJZuL3vgrj7wnCHIwNB9UyPa-2mp0hlMRb4apDdUmgcrRjaWbJAfxYeB8ZrHcU/s320/blog+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-12701683723994374082012-04-12T16:49:00.000-04:002012-04-12T16:49:57.497-04:00Wade Poor for Asking for Olympic Pay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gossiponthis.com/wp-content/themes/got/scripts/timthumb.php?w=550&zc=1&src=http://gossiponthis.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wade1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://gossiponthis.com/wp-content/themes/got/scripts/timthumb.php?w=550&zc=1&src=http://gossiponthis.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/wade1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Some things don't have a price tag. Pride and honor are two of them. Dwyane Wade lacks both.<br />
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The Miami Heat All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist is a great basketball player. He will probably find his name in the National Basketball Association Hall-of-Fame one day. But, Dwyane Wade is not a good American. Maybe that is too harsh. Dwyane Wade is an uninformed, arrogant, thoughtless American.<br />
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<a href="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-on/2012/04/12/dwx-inset-community.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/game-on/2012/04/12/dwx-inset-community.jpg" /></a>Wade recently stated that he thinks NBA players who compete in the Olympic games should be compensated for doing so. He argues that after a long season, it's taxing for these world-class athletes to have to be back on the court, competing hard with very little rest for free. Wade says playing in the Olympics is "not about the dollar, but it would be nice if you would get compensated." <br />
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Since when is having the privilege of being one of a select few people in the world, picked to represent the country with the greatest advantages in the world, not compensation enough? <br />
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Wade will compete on a team this summer made up a players from all different backgrounds, whose combination of God-given talent and hard work have resulted in them earning a living that is dreamlike. I don't blame them for that. They have put themselves in a position to make that kind of money for their on-court play in the NBA and marketed themselves in a way to make even more in endorsements. That is the American dream.<br />
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But, part of being a great American and living the American dream is understanding privilege and opportunity. Dwyane Wade didn't grow up with a platinum spoon in his mouth. He came from a humble background in Chicago and worked his way into worldwide icon status. Somewhere along that journey he lost perspective.<br />
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The Olympics represent one of the oldest, greatest, yet dying, aspects of our world, the opportunity to compete for the sake of competing. The event was built on the concept of personal and national pride. Have athletes cashed in on their Olympic performances after the games? Absolutely. But, wanting money TO compete is a perversion. It lessens the intent of what the Olympics are all about.<br />
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Not only are the five-multi colored rings about competing, they represent a chance for countries to highlight their successes and work together to try to improve the failures.<br />
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Dwyane Wade's comments point to the worldwide perception that Americans are greedy.<br />
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The world is consumed with financial problems. European nations such as Greece and Portugal are swimming in a sea of debt. Most of Africa defines wealth as the ability to get a healthy and full meal everyday. Even thousands of Americans are still taking low paying jobs simply to keep food on the table. <br />
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Yet, here is Wade, a multi-millionaire asking for more. He made more than $25-million last year. How much does he need? <br />
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Wade, along with his other superstar teammates in Miami, has a history of entitlement. He is one of the biggest whiners in the league, held a preseason title celebration, only to lose in the Finals months later, and never shys away from moments to let the spotlight shine on his individual success.<br />
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There is no place for any of that in the Olympics. That is a platform for selflessness and national pride.<br />
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<a href="http://www.donberryman.info/BrassUnion/BrassUnion1968_Olympics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.donberryman.info/BrassUnion/BrassUnion1968_Olympics.jpg" width="216" /></a>Ask Tommie Smith and John Carlos. <br />
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In the 1968 Olympics, the two men finished first (Smith, who also set a world record at the time) and third (Smith) in the 200 meter dash. Both Smith and Carlos are African American and rose to Olympic prominence during the height of the civil rights movement. <br />
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After accepting their medals on the podium in Mexico City, they each raised one clenched fist in the air. At the time, many people thought it was to symbolize black power and defiance. In fact, the U.S turned its back on them and both were kicked off the team because of the outrage. <br />
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But, Smith and Carlos didn't apologize for their fists. They displayed the gesture not for self promotion, but for national and international unity. It was their way of denouncing racism and a symbol asking for all people coming together as one. They used the Olympic stage to send this powerful message.<br />
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The image of Smith and Carlos with their fists raised high is iconic. Their actions were selfless and helped push the nation's conversation of racial equality forward.<br />
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<a href="http://sports.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/team-usa-olympics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sports.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/team-usa-olympics.jpg" width="212" /></a>Those men represent what the Olympics are all about.<br />
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Dwyane Wade needs to learn from their example. The Olympics aren't about a petty paycheck. They are about encouraging others to rise to the best in their profession. They are about representing what is great about competition. For American athletes, they are about being proud and honored to be a citizen of the most affluent and privileged nation in the world and representing it on the world's greatest stage.<br />
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Money is replaceable. It can buy a lot, but it can't buy pride and respect, which are the foundations of the Olympic games. Wade asking for more shows how poor he really is.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-10328361929484692712012-04-05T18:16:00.001-04:002012-04-05T18:22:03.744-04:00Experimenting in College: A Start for the NCAA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/12/45/04/2773261/3/628x471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/12/45/04/2773261/3/628x471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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To say college athletes don't value education would be disingenuous. It's simply not true. Every season there are great stories of those who play under the bright lights on campus while performing equally well, or even more impressively, in the classroom. Kirk Cousins, Myron Rolle, and Robbie Hummel immediately come to mind.<br />
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But, it is fair to say that the concept of the student-athlete is broken. Change is imperative.<br />
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Two stories over the past week reaffirmed my concern that young men are being used as financial pawns in the game of college athletics.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/AP12010609260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/AP12010609260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>LSU safety and future NFL first round draft pick, Morris Claibrone, recently scored a four out of 50 on the NFL's standardized Wonderlic test. A FOUR!<br />
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Claiborne is blessed with God-given talent and undoubtedly worked very hard to become one of the best players in the game, but at what cost? The cost of a lack of education.<br />
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The Wonderlic isn't exactly the Bar Exam. It isn't meant to identify a player as a genius, only competent. Claiborne's abysmal low score is a testament to his and LSU's commitment to education. It was non-existent. Scoring a four basically indicates Claiborne either has a learning disability or has not been given the most BASIC tools to use his mind effectively anywhere but the football field.<br />
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Surely someone identified these problems in his three years at a Division 1 university. He had tutors, coaches, and professors who must have noticed he struggled academically. But, all obviously turned a blind eye because Claiborne had skill that translated to wins and subsequent revenue.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/Morris-Claiborne-one-knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/Morris-Claiborne-one-knee.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>But, and I by no means hope this happens, but what if Claiborne blows out his knee in the preseason and can never play another down of football in his life. Now what is left? A young man is his early 20s with basically no educational foundation. There are thousands of top notch college graduates who are sleeping in their parents basement because the jobs market is still brittle. If Claiborne is without football and forced into a game where his mind is the primary muscle, he is not only not a star, heck, Claiborne isn't even in the arena.<br />
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He has all his eggs in one basket, football. If they start to crack, he will be without a fallback option because he failed to take education seriously despite having a prime opportunity and those around him let him squander it because they were benefiting from his natural ability.<br />
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A disgrace.<br />
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Monday night, I watched confetti fall, smiles shine bright, and trophies held high as Kentucky completed a dominating season in men's college basketball and claimed another National Championship in the school's storied history and first for head coach John Calipari.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/5110363/67985_APTOPIX_Louisville_Kentucky_Basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/photo_images/5110363/67985_APTOPIX_Louisville_Kentucky_Basketball.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>The team, like others that Calipari took to Final Fours, was highlighted with standout freshmen. Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist both won't be able to legally drink alcohol for another three years, and even another year in Canada, yet they were responsible for not only carrying a team in front of a national audience, but also making their University, TV networks, and their coach endless amounts of money.<br />
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Both of these men will both be millionaires themselves shortly, and I have no reason to believe they don't take academics seriously. But, they are puppets and the NCAA is pulling the strings.<br />
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Kentucky jerseys with Davis' number 23 could be seen in the stands throughout the tournament. His famous/infamous unibrow was used as a marketing tool and what did he get? A nine month stay on Lexington's campus before jumping to the NBA.<br />
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I don't fault players like Davis and MKG for leaving after a year to make millions of dollars playing a game they have dedicated their life to, but college is an experience all students, athlete and other, should savor. It's four years to grow and find yourself.<br />
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The NCAA makes BILLIONS, with a B, of dollars on the success of "student"-athletes. There is plenty of cash to go around. For an organization that prides itself on "EDUCATION" you would think the NCAA would do more to push that aspect and one way to do so is money.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YTV0B9c9GhbpPco9u5_8aTH-NHkN6LXdIWnM1DcvdosZAr4sDROkrk8xP1Si7rwuFpQHBPVhEPr2gC894_rlWwNd3oKuXYD2IrRSIos7gXfsJQgQ2_5SaARr-YFI-2eArcRrOwUL2Tg/s908/display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YTV0B9c9GhbpPco9u5_8aTH-NHkN6LXdIWnM1DcvdosZAr4sDROkrk8xP1Si7rwuFpQHBPVhEPr2gC894_rlWwNd3oKuXYD2IrRSIos7gXfsJQgQ2_5SaARr-YFI-2eArcRrOwUL2Tg/s320/display_image.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Anthony Davis would probably go to the NBA after a year regardless, even if he was given an increased stipend. He is physically and talent-wise ready for the pros. But there are many who make the jump who aren't. Michigan State's Marcus Taylor comes to mind. He had a lot of college talent, but left too early for the money grab in the NBA. He was drafted, but never hit it big.<br />
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If the NCAA increases the amount it pays to college student-athletes or reforms the rules for them to make money from their talent, it is more likely players like Taylor will stay on campus longer, develop their skill on the floor and in the classroom further, and be more well rounded when they GRADUATE.<br />
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The NCAA makes money on talents of those such as Davis, so why shouldn't Davis? If he signs an autograph on a jersey with HIS number and sells it, Davis sits out for the season. If the NCAA sells the same jersey, it pockets the money. That seems unjust.<br />
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A physics student can make money doing research on cells and equations. They have skills that translate to cash. Davis and other athletes have their own set of skills, it's time to let them cash in while at the same time enjoying the benefits of college education.<br />
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<a href="http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/p/sp/getty/68/fullj.815d23b355f40ee0111b48e357456fc1/815d23b355f40ee0111b48e357456fc1-getty-142352733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/p/sp/getty/68/fullj.815d23b355f40ee0111b48e357456fc1/815d23b355f40ee0111b48e357456fc1-getty-142352733.jpg" width="240" /></a>I'm not asking for these players to make millions while on campus, but instead, a small percentage of the revenue generated from their sport or a scale set for what would be comparable to a part-time campus job. That's fair.<br />
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I acknowledge this won't resolve all the problems in college sports. But it's a start. College is all about experimenting and learning, and things won't get better until the NCAA starts doing so.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-15761621744891356532012-03-12T02:17:00.001-04:002012-03-12T11:24:08.631-04:00Spartans Display Champion Resilience, Hunger in Big Ten Tournament Title Run<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Tkh4nIa6_jBsMxCDHYDV-F6qeWicwFGZU8jic4yPUnL_g7iQN2VXTXnMFjru4QIrnJp8FGTj3vCfCfBHNxCD1LWsHbxclbGRhGH9SCkwRP9Qe3T8Dz-P7ipx86Ah86jDKLQc9MeuXo4/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Tkh4nIa6_jBsMxCDHYDV-F6qeWicwFGZU8jic4yPUnL_g7iQN2VXTXnMFjru4QIrnJp8FGTj3vCfCfBHNxCD1LWsHbxclbGRhGH9SCkwRP9Qe3T8Dz-P7ipx86Ah86jDKLQc9MeuXo4/s320/200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Failure is a part of sports and every other part of life. No athlete or person is immune from it. But, Champions rise. They learn from failure. Champions use setbacks as fuel to get better and grow stronger.<br />
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The Michigan State Spartans are Champions. The Big Ten Tournament trophy they were holding after Sunday's 68-64 win over Ohio State is a tangible symbol of that, but the Spartans champion persona runs much deeper than a shiny, heavy mixture of metal and glass.<br />
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"Everyone buying in and everyone understanding that our goal was to win three games in three days. We haven't been able to do that in a long time," said Austin Thorton. "It's a special group of guys."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74hAax_yUNSyWtxCy5rL603TEy1teUlZfTAgPXLmYAgdBqoJEX4KQqLe_U58KAx6Mth_xAQPqME4i48X3WrT_FLKbjDUKmVTMttpEAGhHorNxSZGWBjUtxTTPNPTwrSCOR1lG6hl-U_c/s1600/222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74hAax_yUNSyWtxCy5rL603TEy1teUlZfTAgPXLmYAgdBqoJEX4KQqLe_U58KAx6Mth_xAQPqME4i48X3WrT_FLKbjDUKmVTMttpEAGhHorNxSZGWBjUtxTTPNPTwrSCOR1lG6hl-U_c/s320/222.JPG" width="320" /></a>A week ago, the Spartans weren't feeling so special. In fact, they felt miserable. <br />
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Michigan State squandered a chance to claim the outright Big Ten regular season title when Ohio State spoiled senior day in East Lansing with a 72-70 win. During that game, the Spartans surrendered a double-digit lead and lost standout freshman Branden Dawson for the season with a torn ACL. The most painful part of loss was the fact that Michigan State had to share the regular season crown with two of its fiercest rivals, the Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines.<br />
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"That's something that at the end of the season you will look back on and still be upset about," said Draymond Green.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWj1n22Cq6AZmJy013qjKmYvq86cyRnjgo0WaW-6Z_oBTvNwa_tJhyphenhyphen7r2WV1UIgqH4yKpgPK4fOLjs_vgsOWjO833uLhEz9Gc1G-ZwMOvzMahOddnMwuV1N54mIew2eqQq7O5PIw-Lcc/s1600/msu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWj1n22Cq6AZmJy013qjKmYvq86cyRnjgo0WaW-6Z_oBTvNwa_tJhyphenhyphen7r2WV1UIgqH4yKpgPK4fOLjs_vgsOWjO833uLhEz9Gc1G-ZwMOvzMahOddnMwuV1N54mIew2eqQq7O5PIw-Lcc/s320/msu.jpg" width="320" /></a>But, instead of dwelling on everything that went wrong during the first Sunday of March, Michigan State took a look in the mirror and decided to take care of business.<br />
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They started the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis with a convincing 17 point win over a pesky Iowa team trying to get a signature win to pad their NCAA Tournament resume. The following night, the Spartans used a 28-5 run late in the first half and early in the second half to knock off Wisconsin for the third time this season.<br />
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The win over the Badgers gave Michigan State a rare berth to the tournament championship game and a chance to redeem themselves against the team that put a heavy damper on their season.<br />
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"To know that you are playing for something should motivate everybody, players and coaches, to know that you are still playing for a championship," said Derrick Nix. "If that doesn't motivate you, you shouldn't be playing basketball."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYvknRjPlM1X273do_22LmDP-gedGZ10efxTeTG-jB46FmGTtLs3tg7Cf6dJipVAD9oxBIfUFq_SVTEPQoxYXVYnoQtvbXch7xC0i58mxlCv1m_dBRi1K_GCCqNly1VxyYCD7_xRgo-U/s1600/msu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYvknRjPlM1X273do_22LmDP-gedGZ10efxTeTG-jB46FmGTtLs3tg7Cf6dJipVAD9oxBIfUFq_SVTEPQoxYXVYnoQtvbXch7xC0i58mxlCv1m_dBRi1K_GCCqNly1VxyYCD7_xRgo-U/s320/msu1.jpg" width="240" /></a>It was easy to tell that both the Spartans and Buckeyes were playing for more than a title. They were playing for pride, bragging rights, and a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.<br />
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The Spartans reveled in the challenge.<br />
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"Man, this game was so physical," said Green. "Coach told us at halftime, 'fellas, this game is a war and we don't lose wars' and we came out and proved that."<br />
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The Spartans and Buckeyes exchanged blows throughout the game. There were 16 lead changes. Ohio State's largest advantage came with 14:06 to play. The Buckeyes racked off a 16-6 run capped by a DeShaun Thomas three pointer after Keith Appling missed a layup. That gave Ohio State a 52-45 edge. After Thomas' triple, Green went to the ground in pain and was forced to go to the bench.<br />
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With their All-American leader sidelined momentarily with an injury and Ohio State in full control of momentum, Michigan State was looking at a championship slip through its fingers for the second weekend in a row.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiyoHMlcEA_adIA5u7pZ7aZyFCu1Spk0oM2nKtYKCeY9QvkgWR_Gm-Jjn4tf7ZuGDPo2sIHTA6g_Vd3md6Gu-gBU4jbY_aXeKiIDeBqA0rBiIeBtgrcu0dMGbCn86pTyBaPkkyDEC8jQ/s1600/205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiyoHMlcEA_adIA5u7pZ7aZyFCu1Spk0oM2nKtYKCeY9QvkgWR_Gm-Jjn4tf7ZuGDPo2sIHTA6g_Vd3md6Gu-gBU4jbY_aXeKiIDeBqA0rBiIeBtgrcu0dMGbCn86pTyBaPkkyDEC8jQ/s320/205.JPG" width="320" /></a>But, the Spartans kept their poise and answered with a 10-0 run of their own. Brandon Wood found Nix for a dunk. Then Wood, who scored a season-high 21 points, connected on back-to-back three pointers and freshman Brandon Kearney made a layup.<br />
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"Like last Sunday, we made the plays, we made the shots. Today, they did," said Ohio State coach Thad Matta. "It was a back-and-forth battle. That 10-0 run they had on us when we got up by seven was a big key."<br />
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The Spartans extended their lead to five, their largest advantage of the day. But, Ohio State didn't bow out. They pushed back and drew within two with about a-minute-and-a-half to play. The Buckeyes missed several shots that would have tied the game or given them the lead. That left the door open for Michigan State to deliver the knockout blow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcFUU1hfXygRnS62thSmf2zbM_E82_3u-tQxb4lY2L1zPrsWCCjTBRtR3cKiMd5r9MjU3eCiiOMxlCJRiS_NS5KBS6Gg8CFDMcX1cHYqHHwbKtsGB3eTa9-Wd_xi7WNrZFMODdkgVgP4/s1600/msu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcFUU1hfXygRnS62thSmf2zbM_E82_3u-tQxb4lY2L1zPrsWCCjTBRtR3cKiMd5r9MjU3eCiiOMxlCJRiS_NS5KBS6Gg8CFDMcX1cHYqHHwbKtsGB3eTa9-Wd_xi7WNrZFMODdkgVgP4/s320/msu3.jpg" width="240" /></a>Draymond Green, the Big Ten Player of the Year, had an awful game by his standards. He was just 4-15 from the field with 12 points. But, with the game and title on the line, Michigan State's captain hit the biggest shot of the season. He took a pass from Appling and drilled a three that put the Spartans ahead 67-62. <br />
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"Coach always tells me, 'you're my horse.' He always tells me, 'you're my horse and I am riding with you. Take those shots when you've got them in the big moments,' " said Green.<br />
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"Keith (Appling), what he won't get credit for, the pass was right in the shooters pocket. I didn't have to adjust the ball not one inch, not one centimeter. So, I just caught it and fired it. I knew once I let it go it was going in."<br />
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Ohio State's Aaron Craft would make it a one possession game with a layup, but Thorton knocked down one of two free throws to seal the game and secure Michigan State's first Big Ten Tournament title since the turn of the century.<br />
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"We wanted some vindication for the way (OSU) came into our place and beat us in the situation which it was and we were able to get them today. It feels great," said Thorton.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm7GnbiP_GmxoD0YjF4FGEDhK7h_zP3H1iMIuc_lh-lmbui91N8-lESJeQeAvBIUGNwZYlv1z8BcUvX2T-kg5gJ7HvuTL88aj54dTmmMERYvQOdqkOtA0g9RnwOfZKXx8hRrOsJ-vJyA/s1600/208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm7GnbiP_GmxoD0YjF4FGEDhK7h_zP3H1iMIuc_lh-lmbui91N8-lESJeQeAvBIUGNwZYlv1z8BcUvX2T-kg5gJ7HvuTL88aj54dTmmMERYvQOdqkOtA0g9RnwOfZKXx8hRrOsJ-vJyA/s320/208.JPG" width="320" /></a>Over the course of a week, the Spartans have felt brutal heartache and triumph. They have experienced both highs and lows. It's how they have managed all scenarios that resulted in them standing, and in Adreian Payne's case - dancing, atop the podium at Bankers Life Fieldhouse basking in confetti.<br />
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"That's what we all come here to do is hang banners and get rings," said Wood. "Today was another opportunity to put a footprint in the program and that's what we did."<br />
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The Spartans also have a number one seed in the West Regional to go with the new banner and rings. It's a reward for showing resiliency and determination, especially over the past seven days. But, Michigan State is anything but content with simply being the best in the Big Ten Conference, they want the whole country to know they are champions.<br />
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"We're not done yet. We're not satisfied with a co-championship and we're not satisfied with the Big Ten Championship," said Green. "This year has been -- this program has been based around hanging banners. And there's no banner better than the National Championship banner and we haven't got that feeling yet, so that's what we're pushing for."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFoDMQzBdAD4b6wtqLkAdrX-9HPZbFkssfl9e6TB6CHwOUeW5yWyr43jToQfWwCCHFDqjpur3eRUGRGGN7J849LuLxjRRdxs00KaBAtdslVhqqRXzubBrsbV3fQ5L4eG-StdhNL3KcJ0/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFoDMQzBdAD4b6wtqLkAdrX-9HPZbFkssfl9e6TB6CHwOUeW5yWyr43jToQfWwCCHFDqjpur3eRUGRGGN7J849LuLxjRRdxs00KaBAtdslVhqqRXzubBrsbV3fQ5L4eG-StdhNL3KcJ0/s320/195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-60452945611734706352012-03-10T17:36:00.000-05:002012-03-10T17:36:33.610-05:00Spartans With A Chance to Claim a Title of Their Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/598/003/132966345_crop_650x440.jpg?1330981384" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/598/003/132966345_crop_650x440.jpg?1330981384" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Michigan State has been one of the most successful teams in the NCAA Tournament over the past decade-and-a-half. Tom Izzo has guided the Spartans to six Final Fours since 1999. But, when playing against familiar conference foes in the Big Ten Tournament, the story has been different.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Michigan State hadn’t won a semifinal game in the event since 2000, but that drought ended with Saturday’s 65-52 victory over Wisconsin.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“A lot of people always say coach Izzo takes off the Big Ten tournament to get ready for the NCAA Tournament. That’s such a myth,” said Draymond Green. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“One thing we have talked about with this group is really focusing in on and trying to get wins, because it’s something that hasn’t been done here (in the Big Ten Tournament) in a long time. And when you talk about leaving a footprint in the sand, it’s just another way to get it done.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a slow start that put Wisconsin up 20-9, Michigan State hit the ‘on’ button both offensively and defensively. The Spartans held Wisconsin without a field goal for the final 10:21 of the first half and for nearly two minutes at the start of the second half, en route to a 28-5 run. And, Michigan State made the surge with its All-American, Draymond Green, scoring just two points and committing four turnovers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“There have been times all year when guys haven’t been playing as well, or guys going down with injuries, or guys not playing as much and other guys have stepped up and increased their roles,” said Austin Thorton. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">“That’s what a team is supposed to do and a great job (today) by our guys stepping up and making plays.” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thorton sparked the Spartans’ streak, hitting three consecutive three-pointers. He finished the game with 12-points and a career-high four baskets from downtown.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">“This team wouldn’t be where it is without Austin,” said Draymond Green. “Today everybody saw what he was capable of doing. I started off the game struggling very bad and he hit a few big three’s and got us back in the game and from then on we were all able to pick it up.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">During its run in the first half and early into the second, Michigan State hit 15-of-19 shots after starting 1-9 from the field. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Badgers used a 13-0 run of their own claw back within six with just over 12-minutes to play, but after struggling for much of the game, Green came alive. The Big Ten Player of the Year accounted for 13 of the Spartans final 19-points, including ten of his own and an assist on a Keith Appling three-pointer. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At the same time Green warmed up, Wisconsin went cold. The Badgers failed to make a field goal for nine minutes after trimming the deficit to a half dozen and were never able to recover.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wisconsin shot 34-percent from the field for the game. Jordan Taylor scored 19-points and Ryan Evans had 18, but no other Badger had more than six. Rob Wilson, who scored 30-points in Wisconsin’s quarterfinal win over Indiana, was held to just one basket.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It was a complete team effort,” said Green of Michigan State’s defensive performance. “You have to give this game to our guards because they did a great job offensively carry this team and also did a great job defensively of stopping those guards from shooting those threes.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Green finished with his conference best 19<sup>th</sup> double-double, 14-points and 16-rebounds, as well as five assists. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Derrick Nix kept the Spartans in the game early scoring the team’s first seven points. He and Brandon Wood both ended with nine.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Keith Appling continued his solid play in Indianapolis. After a 12-point, six assists performance in the quarterfinals against Iowa, the sophomore point guard added 13-points, five assists, and only one turnover against the Badgers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It’s tournament time. I have to take care of the ball and make plays for my team and that’s what I did all night long,” he said. “When the opportunity was given, I was able to get a couple baskets.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Spartans are in the Big Ten Tournament title game for the first time since 2000 when they captured their second consecutive crown and then went on to win the National Championship.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last weekend, Michigan State lost to Ohio State on senior day in East Lansing and was forced to share the Big Ten regular season title with the Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday is a chance for redemption. The Spartans have no interest in sharing anymore and expect to leave Indianapolis with a title they can call their own.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I was ecstatic about the win. It’s been eleven years, I think, since we have been in the championship game and I’m going to try to enjoy this,“ said Izzo. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be in the championship game, no matter who we play. We could play the Pacers, I don’t care.”<o:p></o:p></div>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-1401934039732183282012-03-04T21:10:00.003-05:002012-03-04T21:12:11.282-05:00From Europe to Indy: Purdue's Title a True Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8D9Yu_RAgbo2djMEKYCAsx1CsyiSEMBBF5IrqqC7p4kB-IpweOt2Q9A4JPgIFwb0IS26ZtsGlgHwNZHovbWWonoWyhyphenhyphenoZzReTgMoYHQKNXtGskcLdzVEZpAGi7foO8xux8JV5OVOoKY/s1600/Pdwbb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8D9Yu_RAgbo2djMEKYCAsx1CsyiSEMBBF5IrqqC7p4kB-IpweOt2Q9A4JPgIFwb0IS26ZtsGlgHwNZHovbWWonoWyhyphenhyphenoZzReTgMoYHQKNXtGskcLdzVEZpAGi7foO8xux8JV5OVOoKY/s320/Pdwbb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Purdue women’s basketball team’s quest for a Big Ten title ended Sunday as they hoped, with a win in the conference’s tournament championship game. But, it started months ago halfway around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Boilermakers beat 24th-ranked Nebraska, 74-70, in double overtime to win their 8th tournament crown in 15 seasons. It was just as they pictured when they envisioned the moment last summer thousands of miles away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“We sat down by a river in Europe, I still remember the moment, and we talked about goals and this was one of our goals,” said guard Courtney Moses. “We are living the dream right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Boilermakers dream was set during their eleven day European tour in August when they played games in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria. It came true because of three days of complete team basketball. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In their Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal win over Michigan State, Brittany Rayburn carried the Boilers with 29-points. The next night, Moses’ 21 points and Antionette Howard’s career-high 13 rebounds sparked them past top-seeded Penn State, with help from a last second game winning shot by Rayburn. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Sunday, it seemed like every Boilermaker did their part to secure the trophy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“We definitely had some issues with some of their perimeter kids,” said Nebraska head coach Connie Yori. “We did a good job on Moses and Rayburn, but they’ve got good players, KK (Houser) is a good player. (Chantel) Poston is a good player. Howard is a good player. They’ve got good players. They’ve got a lot of kids who can score the ball.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Poston had a double-double (11pts, 10 rebs), as well as five blocks and hit a critical late free throw with three seconds left to give Purdue a two possession lead. Moses scored eight. Alex Guyton scored seven. Chelsea Jones had two key blocks. Sam Ostarello grabbed ten rebounds. The Boilermakers’ performance defined team play.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“There were never moments in the game where we were like ‘we are going to lose.’ We were always, always thinking positive, always going to win that game,” said Ostarello.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Purdue’s best game came on the biggest stage and KK Houser shined brightest. She had her finest 40-minutes of the weekend against Nebraska with 19-points and five steals. Most importantly, the redshirt sophomore point guard had no turnovers, after eight in the first two games.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“I just came in to today thinking that, we have six seniors that I have to play for, we deserve this,” said Houser. “I just played hard and thought nothing of my turnovers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Houser’s performance earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Her teammate, and one of the seniors she played so hard for, Brittany Rayburn, also made the All-Tournament team and earned the Most Valuable Player award.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Without the play of the Attica native, it’s unlikely the Boilermakers would have even been in Sunday’s title game. Like she’s done throughout her illustrious career at Purdue, Rayburn made critical plays at critical moments in the team’s wins over Michigan State and Penn State.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Against Nebraska she struggled, scoring nine points, which is six below her season average, and made just one field goal. But, Rayburn points to that as one of the reason this Purdue team is special. When one player has an off night, someone else is there to step up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“We have a very, very deep team. Anybody on any day can go off,” she said. “We’re all very unselfish people. When somebody is on, we get it back to them. KK (Houser) was on tonight. It was great we needed it. And I think it obviously shows what a great all around team that we have.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The team first mentality was planted sitting near a river in Europe, but blossomed as the season progressed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Whether it was a season ending injury to their captain Drey Mingo, tough back-to-back losses to Notre Dame and Central Michigan in December, or overtime losses to Nebraska and Michigan State in February, this group of Boilermakers stuck together and stayed focused on one of their primary goals set overseas in August.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“We were in Europe and coach (Sharon Versyp) sat us down right before we were about to leave. We were all in a circle and we went down and said what we wanted to accomplish by each milestone and right now we’ve accomplished the Big Ten Tournament, and that was one of our goals. I am so glad we got to it,” said sophomore guard Dee Dee Williams. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“It’s been a long road. We’ve had sicknesses. We’ve had injuries. This, that. I feel like this team has just been through so much adversity. I feel like that has really helped us get to where we are now. We stuck together and we are here and we did it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">From a river in Europe to a title in Indianapolis, the Boilermakers are living their dream and are now champions.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIt-U_vQOC_40gDWhfrctiPpUuOV8s_YtvorVpGk-9EqzUb_0tHUDyiYnVxuE0YEcy2om4dYnwxiW0bXQLoxI2no0mjK33UJjNEH4cc8M-evyJI0i-0-0Gw7N5B7VapFYQU6VVBOw0l4/s1600/Purdue+WBALL+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIt-U_vQOC_40gDWhfrctiPpUuOV8s_YtvorVpGk-9EqzUb_0tHUDyiYnVxuE0YEcy2om4dYnwxiW0bXQLoxI2no0mjK33UJjNEH4cc8M-evyJI0i-0-0Gw7N5B7VapFYQU6VVBOw0l4/s320/Purdue+WBALL+title.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; line-height: 16.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-59527244890836261682012-02-13T00:31:00.003-05:002012-02-13T01:30:12.914-05:00Why Lin is Lovable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2012/02/11/Whole-world-taken-with-Knicks-star-Jeremy-Lin-NNVT7BU-x-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2012/02/11/Whole-world-taken-with-Knicks-star-Jeremy-Lin-NNVT7BU-x-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Love is in the air my friends, whether you like it or not. It's Valentine's Day-week, which means for those who have that special someone, it's time to get all mushy and cuddly, and for those currently going Jason Derulo-style and ridin' solo, it's probably a week of eating or drinking away the pain with a bucket of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCWvVSE0WMk">Ben-N-Jerry's or a fifth of something strong</a>.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Theoretically, I should be in the latter group. I am super single and Valentine's Day, historically, has been a nightmare for me, low-lighted by having an ex-girlfriend cheat on me ON the "day of love."</div><div><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-ki97xnNP3uJA5tEepKmhUwZ4dwh1ko_nHAZWed4RpKZC7BozCpaEPQzwaUKGqt4LgDeiU01C0o0VgQAGbEgkYQYocwbNr6Jl6I8qedXjbF1DQQ1b8LNwyQ6CUlHc84N3xj7GOSL/s1600/notebook_106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-ki97xnNP3uJA5tEepKmhUwZ4dwh1ko_nHAZWed4RpKZC7BozCpaEPQzwaUKGqt4LgDeiU01C0o0VgQAGbEgkYQYocwbNr6Jl6I8qedXjbF1DQQ1b8LNwyQ6CUlHc84N3xj7GOSL/s320/notebook_106.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Classic Love Story"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Despite, my romantic ups-and-more downs, I remain a fan of Valentine's Day. I like the idea of people celebrating the fact that they have, or think they have, found their soul mate. Sure it's more of a made-up holiday, but I see nothing wrong with dedicating 24-hours to reflect on the greatest feeling in life, love.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Love really can't be defined, but the emotions you get from it are unparalleled, especially in the early stages. There is a sense of newness, excitement, and the yearning to want more of each other. It makes us do silly, stupid things and disregard sensibility.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The search for love is the same reason the sports world has be throwing on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBmoe1fgvnI">Barry White 8-tracks</a>, lighting some candles, and heating up the body oils over the past week.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static8.businessinsider.com/image/4f31479d69bedd0605000012/jeremy-lin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static8.businessinsider.com/image/4f31479d69bedd0605000012/jeremy-lin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Jeremy Lin has captivated our hearts because he is unlike anyone we've ever seen. He isn't just another notch on the NBA bed post. He is different. We want to get to know him. Why? Because he evokes the same feelings of new love. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We, as sports fans, will always lust for the uber sexiness of a high-flyer like Blake Griffin or the showman like LeBron. But, these players are like the hottest girl in the club, she may look all good with her skin-tight dress and ample assets, but that's fantasy, not reality. </div><div><br />
</div><div>In sports and love, we all want someone we can relate to. It's unlikely I will ever charm <a href="http://www.fashion-tips.co.uk/image.axd?picture=cat+eye+makeup+rihanna.jpg">Rihanna</a> and the vast majority of us will never be 6'9, 260 pounds with a 50-inch vertical. But 6'3, 200 pounds with an average jump-shot seems a little more understandable to the rec-league community.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Jeremy Lin helps bring normality to a game dominated by superstars. He is, by NBA standards, below average-size, a brainiac (I hear it's quite a challenge to be accepted to Harvard), one of the first Asian-American players in the league, and humble. Those characteristics are the antithesis of what the NBA has become.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com/j/NBCSports/Components/Video/_NEW/s_nbc_nba_sportstalknyklin_120209_4x3.300w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com/j/NBCSports/Components/Video/_NEW/s_nbc_nba_sportstalknyklin_120209_4x3.300w.jpg" /></a></div><div>The National Basketball Association is a me first league where it's best players have been labeled 'stars' since middle school. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Until last week, Jeremy Lin was basically an unknown. Even though he won state championships in high school and was highly successful playing Division I basketball, his ability was overlooked. But, passing on Lin was not like letting 199 picks go ahead of Tom Brady. Coming out of Harvard, he was a player with a lot of game to develop, flamed out in his first short stint in the NBA with the Warriors, and even now struggles to consistently make jump shots.</div><div><br />
</div><div>He is not perfect, but he cares. (Love.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>During the Knicks' recent five game winning streak, Lin has competed harder than any player on the floor. He has made other "average" players raise their level of play and energy, and has deferred complements their way as opposed to <a href="http://artsyspot.com/img/misc/worst-tan/worst-tan10.jpg">basking</a> in the spotlight. He is playing to show he belongs, not to show off. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Jeremy Lin overcame "Pirates-Win-Back-To-Back-World-Series" odds. He believes in himself and is making the best of a rare opportunity. He's committed to making his dream come true.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/496563/thumbs/s-JEREMY-LIN-KNICKS-LAKERS-large300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/496563/thumbs/s-JEREMY-LIN-KNICKS-LAKERS-large300.jpg" /></a></div><div>Love is said to overcome all obstacles. At it's finest, it can rise above any challenge, but it takes time and dedication. The Jeremy Lin story is one of love and in the spirit of this week should be celebrated.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Like love, the ride Jeremy Lin is on may not last. This may be just a fling that was wrongfully identified as special because of it's early excitement level. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpp930f_fhU">While rushing to pick up our belongings and quietly sneak out the door</a>, we may look back and say "how did I ever let Lin's play entice me?" Many a player has had great streaks, (ahem, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az_zCQzSkjI">Flip Murray in Seattle</a>), but Lin's has been special for its unlikeliness and his commitment. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So for those who roll your eyes at the thought of Valentine's Day and are losing faith in the concept of love, look to Jeremy Lin as a reason to believe, you'll be rejuvenated and love what you see.</div><div><br />
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</div>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-6403291633216068382012-01-31T16:33:00.004-05:002012-01-31T18:25:01.472-05:00A Lesson in Rising: Griffin's Jam More Than Just a Dunk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/926697/BLAKE-GRIFFIN-DOMINATION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/926697/BLAKE-GRIFFIN-DOMINATION.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I don't think it's a coincidence that President Obama announced he would start scaling back NASA's space travel around the same time Blake Griffin entered the NBA.<br />
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The Clippers second year forward is flying places humans have never been. There is simply no longer a need to fund expensive rockets when one human can explore the great unknown by himself. Monday, against the Thunder, was Griffin's latest, most exciting mission into space.<br />
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But, before I analyze what is already being labeled the 'Dunk of the Year,' let's recap how we got here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad2cTslFc-0LjG-2GTE_nWnKGvYSUmuDxwFrMGH8suQ52NqraB7Zhrs87Tm4ktzPR7kNdBbf6VuZdHWiZ5cb-sPEgf-3xawX6RJMtthFQpWxN0LDWCxg8XrjDFbJcVldLLC3x48M8hyLP/s1600/LA_Clippers_Fans.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad2cTslFc-0LjG-2GTE_nWnKGvYSUmuDxwFrMGH8suQ52NqraB7Zhrs87Tm4ktzPR7kNdBbf6VuZdHWiZ5cb-sPEgf-3xawX6RJMtthFQpWxN0LDWCxg8XrjDFbJcVldLLC3x48M8hyLP/s320/LA_Clippers_Fans.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>The Clippers are historically one of the worst franchises not just in the NBA, but in all of sports. They play in the same city (and stadium) as the Lakers, who are arguably the most popular franchise in basketball. <a href="http://images.checkoutmycards.com/zoom/34381ef2-cf7e-403d-8078-508b7178108c.jpg">Michael Olowokandi</a>, anyone? Their owner, Donald Sterling,<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/110905&sportCat=nba"> is nuts</a>, and maybe the best player in team history is nicknamed after a <a href="http://mynbacards.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/is_85b.jpg">Bowel Movement</a>. It's been crappy to be a Clippers fan, pardon the pun.<br />
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But, ever since Blake Griffin threw on that red, white, and blue jersey and set foot on the Staples Center floor, there has been a different feeling surrounding the franchise. He has become a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFbVPaz-YLw">mainstay on ESPN's Top Ten highlights</a>. He has a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdRnmAk8300">contagious personality</a>. And most importantly, he is focused on winning. He is the model player to be the face of a franchise.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/2920202/118062_Thunder_Clippers_Basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/2920202/118062_Thunder_Clippers_Basketball.jpg" width="320" /></a>Griffin's success and talent helped recruit another elite, young player this off season, Chris Paul. Two years ago, the thought of maybe the NBA's best point guard moving to Los Angeles to play for a team not named the Lakers would you been absurd. If you would have offered up that suggestion, the basketball world would have had you thrown into the same halfway house that *NSYNC called home in the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikI-4D_1s-c">I Drive Myself Crazy</a>" video. (You're welcome for the reference Joey Fatone fans everywhere).<br />
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The Clippers have never been a sexy franchise. There was little alluring about joining the team for free agents. Blake Griffin has changed that stigma and made the Paper Clips <a href="http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/picture/Sofia_Vergara/ActressSofia_J__McCart_15554190.jpg">Sofia Vergara-esque</a>.<br />
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Enter, Monday night.<br />
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<a href="http://urbanchristiannews.com/ucn/chris-paul-blake-griffin-los-angeles-clippers-VS-golden-state-warriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://urbanchristiannews.com/ucn/chris-paul-blake-griffin-los-angeles-clippers-VS-golden-state-warriors.jpg" width="320" /></a>Chris Paul, who as previously mentioned is now a Clipper in part because of Griffin (and David Stern....), was running a pick-and-roll. The threat CP3 poses helped to draw three Thunder defenders to the top of the key. Paul, like a surgeon, threaded the needle between the OKC defense with a perfect bounce pass to Griffin who set the initial pick. Because of the attention to Paul, Blake was looking at an open lane with just Kendrick Perkins between he and the basket, and so begins the fun.<br />
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As Griffin gets the ball, he doesn't even really make a move toward the basket, he takes two steps to position himself and then just rises. AND I MEAN RISES.<br />
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Kendrick Perkins isn't a leaper, but he is built like a mountain, almost immovable. Griffin knew this and went all '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSAeyAV85UM&feature=related">Price is Right</a>' on Perk and instead of going through the mountain, went over the top and threw the ball down so violently at the basket you would have thought that little orange rim stole $20 from Griffin, married his sister, cheated on her, and then stole Blake's girlfriend. There was anger in that jam. Utterly violent.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.singleblackmale.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PosterGriffinPerk-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.singleblackmale.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PosterGriffinPerk-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>Griffin was in the air so long, not only did he jump before Perkins, but he was still rising as Perkins came down to the floor. That type of elevation defies logic.<br />
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The reactions following the dunk are as epic as the dunk.<br />
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The second Neil Armstrong Griffin comes back down from space, DeAndre Jordan runs over and <a href="http://www.the700level.com/images/657338.jpg">grabs Blake as if he needed to be held down from an exorcism</a>, just holding him until the demon that just abused Perkins could fully leave Griffin's soul. Blake rips off Jordan as though it can't.<br />
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And then there is a man in a blue shirt sitting baseline behind the basket who puts his hand over his mouth and looks up to the heavens. No sir, you are not dreaming. You did in fact just see something mythical. A man just flew right before your eyes. <br />
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<a href="http://mediaoutrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Kendrick-Perkins1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://mediaoutrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Kendrick-Perkins1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then the camera pans over to Perkins. His face is priceless.<br />
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As he lines up on the free throw line (oh yea, the dunk was an And 1, just to make things worse) he has a look of pure bewilderment. "What just happened? Why did that happen? Where am I?" And then you hear the crowd's reaction when they see the replay on the jumbotron and Perkins' bottom lip gets a little stiff and you can see he wants to let out a <a href="http://cdn2.screenjunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/cuba.jpg">grown man cry</a>. He knows his career highlight reel now starts with him getting victimized.<br />
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And you know what? Perk has no one to blame but himself. Do some research. Blake's dunk on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4t6U_pN6M4&feature=fvst">Timothy Mazgov last season</a> came on a very similar play and Perkins himself knows the pure embarrassment of letting someone go Jimmy Hendrix on you to "Kiss the Sky," when D-Wade <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YckTXZ3WjA0">put him in a Purple Haze in Miami</a>. I know defense is important. But so too is your self worth, and if Perkins keeps letting guys boom on him like this, he is going to have to get <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NAv-KMMExs">some voice lessons and try to turn poverty into wealth in other ways</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1014469.1327992719%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1014469.1327992719%21/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/image.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yet, Monday's classic jam was all about Griffin. His dunk is a microcosm of what he means to the Clippers organization.<br />
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He is the reason an annually pathetic team is not just watchable, but competitive. The man who set up the dunk was recruited to the Clippers because of Blake and the fact that the Clips ended up winning the game, against the team with the best record in the league, is another example of the rise, both literally and figuratively, of the Clippers and Blake Griffin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AbyOevVAYQI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-78447101635553124492012-01-23T17:39:00.001-05:002012-01-23T18:45:13.052-05:00Joe Paterno's Broken Legacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ftrsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/joe-paterno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" src="http://ftrsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/joe-paterno.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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The greatest coach in all of college sports is John Wooden. This is a statement of fact, not opinion. The famed UCLA basketball coach based his career, both on and off the court, on 15 "Building Blocks" which he called the "Pyramid of Success." The one that stands out the most to me is "Be At Your Best When Your Best Is Needed."<br />
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It's a message that resonates beyond sports. It can be incorporated into any facet of life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lobshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/psu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="http://www.lobshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/psu.jpg" width="320px" /></a>If John Wooden is the greatest coach ever, Joe Paterno isn't too far behind and is probably the best in college football history. However, after a career in which he lived and coached in step with Wooden's famed mantra, the one time he didn't likely cost Joe Pa's permanent legacy.<br />
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Joe Paterno passed away this weekend at the age of 85. I was always a fan of his. I grew up in Big Ten country and watched Paterno put together quality teams, for the most part, year-after-year. Even when people thought he was washed up and the game had passed he and his coaching style by, Paterno responded with superb seasons and proved doubters wrong.<br />
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<a href="http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jerry-sandusky-joe-paterno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273px" src="http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jerry-sandusky-joe-paterno.jpg" width="320px" /></a>Simply put, on the field, Joe Paterno knew how to win. In fact, he knew how to do so better than any coach in College Football history.<br />
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But, the scandal that cost him his job paints a grayer picture of a career that otherwise would be defined as a masterpiece. The sexual abuse allegations against his former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, of which Paterno allegedly knew about but failed to act on appropriately, make Paterno look more like a man who put football ahead of life.<br />
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No one can argue Penn State's legendary coach changed the lives of countless individuals. If a person impacts the lives of one-one-hundredth of those that Paterno did, they have lived a great life. But, Paterno also turned his back on those who needed him the most, child victims.<br />
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We all make mistakes. No one is perfect. It's easy to forgive those who try to make amends for their setbacks and there in lies the problem with Paterno.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lehighvalleylive.com/sports_impact/photo/joe-paterno-medal-69faebd4fc0e646b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226px" src="http://media.lehighvalleylive.com/sports_impact/photo/joe-paterno-medal-69faebd4fc0e646b.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Joe Pa never tried to correct the mistake of not reporting what he heard about Sandusky until it came out publicly. He tried to mask a serious problem that he knew would ruin his program's otherwise sterling reputation. Paterno put his legacy and Penn State's in front of doing what was right and that is inexcusable. Not only did he not try to help vulnerable kids when he first heard of the allegations, but he sat on the information for nearly a decade and therefore allowed these heinous crimes to continue, when they could have easily been avoided.<br />
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Paterno led Penn State to 409 wins, two National Championships, a multitude of conference titles, and 24 Bowl victories, but he failed to lead when it was most needed and those are the moments that define a career and life.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114223119215030183.post-86862712199485274902012-01-08T22:59:00.002-05:002012-01-08T23:08:10.718-05:00Tebow's Belief in Tebow Keys His Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepenaltyflagblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Tim_Tebow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://thepenaltyflagblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Tim_Tebow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The Denver Broncos are in the second round of the NFL playoffs and divine intervention has nothing to do with it.<br />
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It's become cliche to talk about Tim Tebow and his faith and what role it may or may not have on his athletic successes and failures. The Broncos quarterback's belief in God is not why he and his teammates are two games away from the Super Bowl. It's his belief in himself that's helped them get to this point.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2010/09/08/Steelers_Broncos_Football_t607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2010/09/08/Steelers_Broncos_Football_t607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tebow is an average quarterback. Actually, according to his season numbers, which were some of the worst EVER among NFL starting quarterbacks, he is below average. But, as any player, coach, or analyst will tell you, skill is only a part, albeit a very important part, but only part, of being a successful quarterback.<br />
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The other key piece is being a great leader and while there is plenty left to be desired from Tebow's throwing motion, accuracy, and timing, his ability to inspire is elite.<br />
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And I don't mean inspire in a religious sense. I understand Tebow's religious beliefs and morals have helped enhance his reputation and notoriety, but I don't think he is getting any special treatment from the man upstairs. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMrKpGjgp_8">Although I'm not entirely ruling out a Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd 'Angels in the Outfield'-type situation</a>).<br />
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Timmy Touchdown inspires through his confidence in himself. He has been scrutinized, and praised, more than any player in the League this season. Yet, he never lost sight of himself or belief in his own abilities. If he did, it never showed.<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/files/2011/01/Tim_Tebow_ESPN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/files/2011/01/Tim_Tebow_ESPN.jpg" width="320" /></a>His post game press conferences were always the same. Tebow, rocking a <a href="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2010/12/explore_deadspin_videos_310.jpg">b-boy winter hat</a>, talked about Team Unity, Focus, Getting Better, and Continuing to Work. It was boring and predictable, but unlike guys like Bill Belichick or Tiger Woods who are intentionally vague, it appears Tebow really buys into these concepts.<br />
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He has proven it throughout his career. At Florida he stepped in and played a specific role on a National Championship team as a freshman. He let the senior Chris Leak lead and he paid attention and learned. The following year he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and, the year after that, returned the Gators to another National Title.<br />
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He was a first round draft pick in the NFL only to sit the majority of the early part of his career on the bench being told he should convert to a tight end or running back because he didn't fit the mold of the traditional quarterback. But, Tebow never wavered from his belief that he could start and thrive at the position he's always played. He put in the work and vowed to be ready when his opportunity arouse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedeucefo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tebow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://thedeucefo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tebow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This year, he got his opportunity and even though there have been ups and downs, Tebow is one of eight starting quarterback still playing this season.<br />
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His overtime winning throw against the defending AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers is his signature career moment. He was not expected to excel against the Steelers' vaunted defense. In the game, he didn't complete 50-percent of his throws, but he made plays when it mattered most.<br />
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As a teammate, that's inspiring. <br />
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Quarterback is considered the most difficult position in ALL of sports. When a QB can get the job done with the game on the line, it encourages those around him to continue to fight harder and dig deeper because they know there is always a chance to win.<br />
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Confidence is contagious. Tim Tebow oozes it. He is as mentally tough as they come. He doesn't let critics change how he approaches the game and doesn't buy into the praise either. He exemplifies balance and those who are balanced rarely stumble.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2012-01/67241760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2012-01/67241760.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A basic theme of Christianity is "Love Thy Self." Tebow lives up to this message by trying to get the most out of his abilities and because of that, believes he can achieve whatever he sets his mind to. That's the mark of a leader.<br />
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A football player doesn't part seas, walk on water, or turn water into whine. They play a game one day a week. But, Tebow proves obstacles can be overcome through resiliency and faith in oneself. That message resonates on and off the field, for everyone.<br />
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That is inspiring.Sam Klemethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146715786045345511noreply@blogger.com1