A Case for a Stoops buh-BYE.

Two words: Sooner arrogance.

That's right, that good ol' "if we don't hang a half-a-hunnerd and go home or it ain't squat" attitude just might drive Bob Stoops back toward his old stomping grounds of east Ohio--which is just happens to be a couple of hundred miles from "Touchdown Jesus". And don't be fooled: Notre Dame still has major allure--especially for a good catholic like Coach Stoops.

Now, let's pepper that allure with a little realism: OU is a better job--it's a destination job. Notre Dame right now is not, and won't be unless somebody (or somebodies) catapult it back into the BCS title spotlight. But Stoops already has his OU reclamation project skin on his belt--and that's part of the rub that Sooner arrogance has forgotten: it was just 11-years ago that Stoops took over a moribund program that endured four straight losing seasons--a much worse situation than what Notre Dame's next head coach will inherit. Stoops has a national title, and a slew of Big 12 titles, and--unfortuately for him--some embarrassing BCS bowl losses that tarnished his once feared "Big Game Bob" moniker.

But Sooner arrogance turned monstrous--with many fans calling for Stoops' head in lieu of 2009's 7-5 record. Geez. One sub-par season--and let's face it--OU was WAAAY overrated in the preseason polls with that porous offensive line. One sub-par season, a season nowhere near the depths of the John Blake era. One sub-par season, and Sooner arrogance flips its collective nose at Stoops.

And with that in mind, I couldn't blame Stoops for leaving. This is a loyal guy, who could have bolted for Florida earlier in the decade to take over for the guy (Ron Zook) who followed the legend (and his mentor, Steve Spurrier). Look, I'm well aware of the all popular attitude of "what have you done for me lately?" Well, I'll take a page out of the Sooners recruitment of Adrian Peterson--where a Sooner assistant coach's last line to Peterson was reportedly, "You can either play for us, or you can go up against us." Well, given the choice, I'd rather be on Stoops' side--recent lack of success in BCS bowl games notwithstanding. If Stoops could rebuild OU after the Gary Gibbs and aforementioned Blake eras, he could do it at Notre Dame. And Sooner arrogance would be on the hook for the guy who didn't get away--he got chased away.

The "Little Brother Flop"

One's instance was just embarrassing, while the other was just an embarrassment--and that last one involved my alma mater--and that's where I'll start.

Yes, my beloved Oklahoma State Cowboys stunk it up BIGTIME versus the Longhorns last night--and did it in prime time. Zac Robinson picked the wrong time--and the wrong game--to toss four interceptions, with two of them returned for touchdowns. All in all, 28 of the Longhorns' 41-points came off of OSU turnovers. And, barring a victory in the "Bedlam Battle" versus OU on Thanksgiving weekend, this will go down as another season that the Cowboys couldn't score a signature victory over an elite program. And, in my opinion, galvanizes the image of being Oklahoma's major college "little brother". And, it hurts me to say that.

But an even bigger embarrassment came at Baylor, where it looked as much like a Cornhusker "sea of red"--courtesy of visiting Nebraska--than a gold rush of home-team Baylor fans. It confirmed that BU fans pretty much checked out on a season--again. Look I understand that nobody wants to follow a perennially losing program. But even Iowa State fans rolled out to Jack Trice Stadium in Ames during some very lean years to support their Cyclones. But even in the good years in Waco, about the only time Floyd Casey Stadium would sell out would be when UT or A&M would pay a visit--and a good 25-30% of those fans were cheering for the visitors. And I know--I know--I can hear the most common Waco rhetoric right now, "That's they way it's always been, and that's the way it's always going to be.". And, that's the rhetoric of a stagnant fan base. I think the Waco Tribune-Herald columnist Brice Cherry hit the nail on the head in the next to last paragraph of his Sunday, November 1st column on page 6C:

"But it comes down to this: if you so-called Baylor fans want to start beating Nebraska and Texas and Texas A&M, perhaps you should become Nebraska and Texas and Texas A&M. That is, model yourself after their fans. Do what they do."
(WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD, Nov. 1, 2009)

And, what do they do? They follow their team.

Now, to be fair, BU would do well to put a better product on the field on a consistent basis. But Waco in general needs an enema when it comes to this entrenched attitude of "That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it's always going to be.". And, until that enema happens, Central Texas, that kind of limited thinking will continue to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Best of 7 Series Format Proposal: 2-2-2-1

As the World Series approaches, how about adding some drama to the current, and may I add, ridiculous series format?

That's right, ridiculous. The top-seed gets two home games, then the visitors get the middle three, and then, if necessary, the home team gets the last two at its digs. And that's entirely too stacked in one team's favor. How about adding some spice--as in the #2 seed getting the final game if it forces it? That's what a "2-2-2-1" series would do.

It basically reworks the formula to where the top seed gets games 1-and-2, and the 2nd-seed gets the next two, and then the top-seed gets the next two to wrap up the series. If it does not, the 2nd-seed gets the 7th and final game of the series. Wow! Talk about double incentive for both teams to play extra-caliber championship ball! The top-seed knows it HAS to win it in 6-games or it truly loses home field/court advantage. And, it gives the 2nd-seed extra incentive to push the series to a full 7-games. The 2-2-2-1 format would add an extra sense of urgency to both teams, and that would amp things up for the fans and TV viewership as well.

Too bad it'll never happen.

The powers that be would never consider the top-seed not having the last game of the series. And, as usual, the powers that be would be wrong.

Lay Off Stoops (and other Big 12 observations)

He may not longer be "Big Game Bob", but he's still the best coach you're going to have right now, Sooner fan! And you don't have to look far for the reasons why--if you leave unrealistic expectations out of the equation.

Yes, Bob Stoops and the Sooners are having a bad year--3 & 3, with injuries galore (and let's face it--QB Sam Bradford's lost for the year) and a bickering fan base to go along with it. And while the bickering is somewhat justified--with expectations of competing for the national championship gone kaput--some of the calling for Stoops's head is not. Sooner fans aren't really any different from any other that root for a national championship calibre program: they not only want to be in the national championship mix every season, they expect to be. And, that's what Stoops has generally delivered. Now, granted, the Stoops troops have come up goose-eggs since winning the BCS title back in 2000, and has suffered two VERY embarrassing BCS bowl defeats to Boise State and West Virginia--those two losses prompted the joke: "What do OU football and marijuana have in common? ANSWER: "They both get smoked in bowls.".

But Sooner fans also sport short memories. It was a decade ago when Stoops took over a moribund OU program that languished under John Blake in the late 90s--suffered four straight losing seasons--and in just two seasons, resurrected OU to not only elite status, but a national championship. Granted, Stoops won that 2000 title with mostly John Blake's players. But then one must also grant another fact: Blake evidently couldn't coach those players, and Stoops could--therefore, not only good coach, but GREAT coach. Furthermore, factor in two major cogs that were all Stoops: QB Josh Heupel and LB Torrance Marshall.

Now, to be fair, it's been 9-years since that magical year. That's an eternity of time when it comes to bragging rights of a national title. But if the criteria nowadays is, "You win a title or you're going to get fired" is not only absurd, it's unrealistic. Even Florida's Urban Meyer, who's won 2-of-the-last-3, will tell you that. He'd be the first to say that a lot of variables went his way, namely injuries (namely lack of injuries), and a little luck along the way (e.g: losing to Ole Miss at home in 2008 early rather than late). Oh, Sooner fans, how about your own Barry Switzer, "The King"? After winning back-to-back titles in 1974-75, it took another 10-years before tasting title-time in 1985, and did you forget that you were calling for his head after the lean years of the early 1980s and late 80s? Learning lessons of that magitude come very hard, evidently.

But back to 2009. This is a team that has lost three games by a collective five points. I'll go so far to say that the Sooners #3 preseason ranking was entirely too high--considering the losses on the offensive line that gave Bradford Secret Service-like protection in 2008. Sooner fans have gotten spoiled again, and with the rumblings of some calling for the end of the Stoops era, it shows. Get real, Sooner fans. It'll save you a lot of heartache. Besides, I bet you don't want Stoops coaching against you.

OTHER BIG 12 OBSERVATIONS:
>Oklahoma State's defense still resembles Swiss cheese for the most part, but shutting out Missouri in the 2nd-half last week should give it a boost heading into Saturday's showdown at Baylor. Oh, and Baylor: you don't stand a chance as long as you continue to get dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage. And, that's with or without Robert Griffin.

>Texas looks vulnerable, at least offensively. QB Colt McCoy just doens't have the same step he had in 2008. I do think they'll handle Mizzou this Saturday, but unless McCoy and company find some of that 2008 magic, trouble looms at Oklahoma State on All Hallows Eve.

>Texas Tech has to go back to Taylor Potts at QB now that Sheffield's injured. Darn, what a quandry--going BACK to the guy who started for you when the season kicked off.

>I'd talk about the Big 12 North, but there's nothing really to talk about. Nothing remarkable, anyhow. These things go in cycles, but at least for this year, the North plays little brother to the South again.

Transparency In The 1st Person

It's been awhile, and there's good reasons.

Reasons that I don't like to think about much less talk about, but reasons nonetheless that I must get out here before I continue to offer up my observations of the sports world--and it involves something that most of like to think about but really not follow through on: transparency.

Yes, transparency. And to continue to be honest about my observations, I feel it necessary to be honest with my readers. I feel that you need to know why I say what I say and know that my observations come from a genuine place--and not someplace that's trying back-handedly to manipulate you, push your buttons, or promote anybody else's agenda. This is all my own, with 21-years of TV sportscasting, and 2-years of radio hosting and play-by-play experience as my underwriting. But now comes some truth that only some of you know, so here goes.

My 21-years of TV sportscasting came to an end--although I hope not a permanent one--back in March of this year. I was let go from my job, and for the most part, I was the responsibile party. I got careless with my gear and a company vehicle, and in this day of trimming budgets, it made it very easy for my former station's management to invite me to pack up my stuff and leave. I make no bones about the fact that I was careless. I also make no bones about the fact that I was physically and mentally exhausted leading up to my dismissal for various reasons--the big two being the long drag of football and basketball seasons without an extended break, and getting up multiple times on multiple nights of the week for a good three months tending to my two-year old light-sleeping daughter. Lack of sleep and lack of more than a one 3-day break over 8-month period will wear a person down, and I allowed that to happen. But that's where my responsibility stops. My former station's management, whether it can/will admit it or not, bears that small brunt--and I really could care less whether it does or not--it's no longer my problem (and I'm not exhausted anymore!).

Since then, I've been dabbling in many part-time ventures: radio play-by-play, free-lance writing, a part-time sales job for "GreatSavingsHere.com", a discount/special offer coupon website, and of course, my two blogs. And, truth be told, it's been a double edged sword. I've enjoyed having the time to be detailed about my writing, and to get a taste of the business world outside of TV. But, at the same time, it's been MEGA-stressful not having steady income, and quite frankly, pretty disapppointing being strung along by some folks I thought were more than just professional acquaintances. In short, the rest has been nice, and it's been a big learning experience for everything else not TV Sports. But the biggest truth is: it's a sucky time to be out of work. I've applied for a lot of part-time jobs--everything from pouring coffee at Starbucks, to hardware stores, to even stacking boxes at UPS. And guess what? No response. I hope to start substitute teaching here within a week, and I'm studying to earn my personal training certification--I'll take the tests in December. I'm also exploring going back to school. All of this while being primary morning caregiver to my now 2-and-a-half year old. So, I think you can understand why I've been sporadic in my sports world observations lately. But that's not the end of the transparency--no, not at all.

The biggest truth of them all is this: I have not changed one iota since I left the TV airwaves 7-months ago--at least changed as far as my core goes. I still have my opinions, and I'm willing to back them up with solid facts. I'm still the guy with what some call the "pretty boy looks" who revels in the grunt work of the trenches (I almost forgot: one of my other jobs is taking care of a buddy's yard--I enjoy that kind of work). And, I've also noticed that most of my friends' attitudes toward me since I lost my TV job haven't really changed either. And the rest? I really could care less. If my being on TV or my having a high profile in my community is the basis for an friendship and/or acquiantanceship, then that person wasn't really my friend, and don't think for a minute I didn't know that when I was fully employed. In short, other people's attitudes are their problems, not mine--and I refuse to make them mine. In my job search--right or wrong--my attitude is this: if my landing a job is dependent on such shallow things like "the right career track" or the seeming unwritten rule of, "you're more attractive if you have a job while searching for a job", then I really don't want that job--it screams of a culture of limited thinking, and in this day and age, limited thinking is a death knell. And, I don't intend to re-enter the job market on a sinking ship. I have that much faith in Our Lord to negotiate from a position of strength. And if they can't handle that, then screw 'em. I may have to change careers, but it's a job, man. It's only a job. Anything more than that and it becomes a god. The same thing can be said about money, looks, place and power, shoes (ladies, pay attention), etc..

All that having been said, I will be glad to see the year 2009 pass. It's been a stressful & frustrating year as a whole. I miss the world of TV Sports to a degree, but I don't miss the high proportion of stress compared to the low salary. I miss the comraderie but not the back-biting and drama that accompanies a newsroom. I miss telling stories with video and sound, but I don't miss dragging four bags of video/audio/editing gear through an airport by myself--all to save my station thousands of dollars. And I fully don't appreciate being taken for being weak by taking responsibility for my actions--by not "passing the buck". There seems to be some kind of an unwritten rule out there that says, "Hey, if somebody takes responsibility, make him the fall guy for everybody's responsibility". And, if you believe in that philosophy, I think you're a turd--and you know the old saying, "You can't polish a turd". A turd is also anything but transparent. You don't like it? Deal with it. And kiss my ass while you're at it.

How's that for transparency?

I tell you all these things because I deeply feel that you need to know that I have no fear of what people think. I refuse to be hardballed, swayed by position or power, or coddled for anybody's agenda. I'm in the thick of one of the hardest periods in my life. So, I do a lot more praying, a lot more soul searching, and a lot more lifting other people up, a lot more giving. Those are the important things. Sports not only become secondary, they become tertiary. And that gives me license to praise and/or lambaste--and anything in between. Sports on the whole are a diversion. And that point was driven home tonight when my toddler was crying to see her mommy (Mary's in South Dakota for her grandmother's funeral). For those of you who don't know our story, Mary and I adopted Malia from China about 13-months ago, and in Malia's little 2-and-a-half your old mind, she's been abandoned by two mommies: her biological mom and her Foster mom who she lived with for almost a year-and-a-half. So, when Mary goes away, she lives those feelings all over again. She cries for no reason. She has trouble sleeping. And sometimes, she screams in her sleep and she doesn't even know it. When Malis broke out in one of those cries toinght, I cried along with, and just held her until we both stopped. Now, THAT is what's important! Not whether the Cowboys stunk it up at the lowly Chiefs even though they won in overtime, or who wins this Saturday's "Red River Rivalry" in Dallas. My little girl is real life--and tonight, it was a double case of transparency.

Yes, transparency demands that we be real. And I respect my craft, my family, and my Lord enough to be real--and anybody else's approval isn't necessary.

Chicago: Bang-Bang!!

Bang-bang--your 2016 Olympic games hopes are dead--and that's not a bad thing, bruised pride and all.

That's right, I'm glad the Olympics are headed to Rio in 2016. First of all, it'll South America's first foray into hosting the Olympiad--and even though Rio has been seen as the Crime Capital of the Continent, South America needs its shot, and it's got it now. Second, Chicago and the rest of our nation has enough economic problems without another one that would come with the staggering cost (and debt) involved in the years leading up to the games. And third, settling the debt years after the world's best have come and gone. Example? Montreal, site of the 1976 Summer Games--took 30-years to pay off what was called "The Big Owe": $1.5 billion for the stadium, Olympic village, a post-modern apartment building complex, a sports recreation complex, outdoor facilities, parking and the Vélodrome, which has since been refurbished as the Biodome--all pretty much paid for by a special tax on tobacco. But the point is made: more debt for a nation that's drowning in debt.

Furthermore, as for the our country's big-time celebrity presence promoting Chicago at the selection in Copenhagen, Denmark this past week, as in President Obama, Oprah, and athletic legends Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Michael Johnson et.al., I thought it made us look more like Goliath than the Jolly Green Giant. More to the point: I think we would have stood a better chance with the International Olympic Committee if we had taken a more humble approach, simply because this country has its hand(s) in too many pies around the globe.

Or, maybe we can just--as the 1980's movie title says, "Blame It On Rio".

Tough Luck

It's gone from "Sic 'em" to "I'm Sick" for Baylor football fans, as starting sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin's season is done because of a knee injury. And to be truthful, I'm sick for them--to a point.

Make no mistake: the 2009 Bears are Griffin's team, and with him going down, the Bears will likely also go down when Big 12 Conference play commences. There's simply nobody else at QB that matches Griffin's combination of athleticism and leadership. I think the Bears bowl hopes just went to the sidelines with Griffin.

And more truth that may hurt Bears fan a little bit more: this should serve notice that one should not brag after the first game of the season. Yes, Baylor fan, I know you're hungry for a winner. I know you're hungrier for a bowl game. And, I know you're even hungrier for BU's legitimacy as an overall athletic program that a successful football program would deliver. But some Baylor fans were showing their lack of experience of following wins when they declared that the Bears had not only arrived after beating Wake Forest on the road to kick off 2009--but some had actually gone so far as to say that BU had carried the Big 12 in that first week of the season. Newsflash, BU fan: it was one game. And, now 2-games later--your star player and leader gets sidelined. That's how fast things can go south in the mighty Big 12 South--and the rest of major college football.

Look, I'm not looking to pile on here on a bad day for Baylor football. Not at all. I'm just reiterating something I've said since I made Central Texas my home 6-years ago: you can't be satisfied with a couple of key victories here and there. Injuries happen. Bad player and/or coaching decisions happen--and all three can ruin a season. Just as the 2005 Bears after "The Terrance Parks Experiment" that in my opinion cost them a shot at a bowl game and ultimately cost then head coach Guy Morriss his job. Stuff happens. And a big "stuff" just blindsided Baylor's bowl hopes for 2009 with the loss of Griffin. And, that's why one doesn't brag after ONE GAME--and that game being the season opener. All that victory did was make you 1-0, not 6-0 and bowl eligible. Leave the bragging until after your program REACHES a bowl game--or better yet, a New Year's Day-or better bowl game (perhaps even a couple of years in a row). That's what the big boys do. And, BU fan, you do want to be one of the big boys, don't you? Well, the big boys don't put bronze statues of coaches who win 53% of their games outside their stadiums, and they're disapppointed when they reach The Holiday Bowl! Sorry, folks--I know that's going to chide some, but don't let the facts get in the way of, well, the facts.

But, to be fair, I know earning big boy status is a process--most of the time years long. I truly felt that BU was in the beginning stages with the hiring of Art Briles and the arrival of Robert Griffin. And, I still feel that it can still continue--just not this season. And that is truly nothing more than tough luck.

A "Love-Hate" Poem

As an Oklahoma State alumnus, I hate it. As an appreciator of good humor in the form of a poem, I love it. What's to follow is an e-mail my wife got earlier this week, and she was good enough (and snarky enough--she's an OU grad) to send it along to me. And, I'm now sending it to you. And, OSU fans, there's a response after the poem to appease you. Enjoy!

For one week, the streets of Oklahoma were lined with orange and black
With Cowboys and Cowgirls all leading the pack
For one week, it was so glorious to be a Poke
It was finally the Sooners as the butt of the joke
For one week, pistols were firing from Guymon to Meeker
While the outlook in Norman could not have been bleaker
For one week, Crimson and Cream faithful were shedding a tear
As OSU fans proclaimed, "it is finally our year!"
For one week, Stillwater seemed brighter and bolder
While in Norman they worried about Sammy´s sore shoulder
For one week, Zach and Dez were the toast of the town
As poor Kevin Wilson played the role of the clown
For one week, Cowboy Nation had reason to brag
Sports Illustrated even put em´ on the front of their mag
For one week, those fans were boastful and bold
While the air down in Norman got incredibly cold

The problem with one week is it that lasts just seven days
Saturday rolls around and you need to call new plays
The Cowboys went out and they did what they do
They stumbled and bumbled, and fumbled some too
They got behind early as their fans thought "It can´t be!"
"I thought this was our year, where the hell is the D!?"
They had one last chance, but Zach threw a pick
As Coach Gundy had flashbacks to "this makes me sick."
The game had ended and Houston had won
Hope quickly faded from so much to none
Some fans yelled, "This always happens to us Pokes"
"Now we´ll just wait for the heckles and jokes."
"I don´t ask much, one year of glory I seek."
"Why can´t we get there for more than one week?"

For one week it was attention, praise, and some glory
For one week, the Cowboys were a very hot story
Somewhere Boone Pickens gazed up at the sky
And asked the football Gods, "why, oh why?"
"We´ve tried so hard and we´ve done so much"
"A championship trophy I so long to touch"
Boone begged and pleaded, he demanded to know
He wanted more wins for all of his dough
The Gods thought it over and came up with a reply
Boone was so excited he started to cry
"We´ve decided to let you touch football heaven."
"You´ll get one more week....in 2027."

Now, in rebuttal: notice how the author never bothered to mention the Sooners' glorious and hard-fought 64-0 victory over mighty Idaho State. Yep, them's bragging rights for zero-u.

Thursday Joketime, Kind Of

It's been a crappy couple of days for me, but why should you care? Because there's no better way to cure the blues than to send along something funny! That's why. And, once again, this comes from my buddy Rick Pliscott, who I don't always agree with, but I'll gladly send along stuff that tickles the funny bone. Enjoy!















Q. What is an Economic Stimulus payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidge.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
A. Shut up.


Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely: • If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China.
• If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs
• If you purchase a computer, it will go to India.
• If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.
• If you buy a car, it will go to Japan or Korea.
• If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan.
• If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.


Instead, keep the money in America by:

1. spending it at yard sales, or
2. going to ball games, or
3. spending it on prostitutes, or
4. beer or
5. tattoos

(these are the only American businesses still operating in the US)


Suggestion:

Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day!

Tools

No, not the kind one uses to fix things--rather, some folks that need to be fixed.

Yes, three instances of "toolery" in the last week that demands a figurative bending-over-the-knee paddling. First, at last week's President Obama congressional address on health care, South Carolina Representative Joe Nelson shouts out "Liar!" at the president during the address. Then, late Saturday, women's tennis star Serena Williams goes on an explative-addled tirade during her loss to Kim Clijsters--where during her outburst Williams told a lineswoman she was lucky that Williams was not "shoving this ball down your throat". And then to top it off on Sunday night at the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West not only interrupts award winner Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, but takes the mike and tells the world that she didn't deserve the award and that Beyonce did--and then just walks off.

Yeah, the triple-threat of classiness (insert sarcasm here). Parents--and I don't care what color you are or what culture you come from--if you wonder why there's a general respect problem in the good 'ol USA, there's three examples front and center for you. Even Rodney Dangerfield got more respect than the president, the lineswoman and Taylor Swift got on the butt end this past week. And, there's no excuse for any of these examples. Self-centered, self-serving, narcississtic and immature all of them. Now to be fair, Rep. Nelson and Williams have apologized. As of this writing, West has not.

And, truth be told, it's West's stunt that bothers me the most--and more to the point, the laughter reaction his toolery incited from several folks. Yes, there were those that actually thought that the look on Taylor Swift's face after getting dissed was hilarious. To those, I addressed last night--and I'll address again--this: would you think that kind of stuff was funny if it happened to you? Or one of your relatives? Or your close friend(s)? Or your crew or posse?

Yeah, that's what I thought. One person I asked last night via Facebook--who said she laughed her @$$ off--all of a sudden got more of a somber tone and said she would have let West ""have it". Another also got serious, and said she just couldn't believe that West would actually amble up there and do what he did. In both instances, when these people thought about it, West's stunt wasn't funny anymore--when they thought about it hitting closer to home. Ergo, thinking beyond one's own eyeballs. Another person countered that Swift should have stuck up for herself--"represent" was the word they used. Well, I say it is West who needs to "represent"! You're a star, Mr. West, and if you're really that good of an artist beyond your niche, you don't need stunts like that to pump up your sales, buck. Another person--who was firmly in West's corner--compared West to boxing legend Muhummad Ali--both known for their bold bravado. I FIRMLY disagree. Ali was a "showman". West is just a "show off". Ali was known as much for him humanitarian efforts both at home (his hometown of Louisville, KY) and abroad as he was for him bravado and controversial views. But even the West supporter I just referred to admitted that West behaves like a dick. In my opinion, supporting behavior like West's is nothing beyond immature, and that's being kind.

But now back to the bigger picture: what do we do about these kind of outbursts of disrespect where disrespect is not deserved? Well, that's up to each individual--and that's the great thing about our country! Folks like West, Serena and Rep. Wilson have the right of free speech, but so do those that can't and won't stand for their respective tripe of the tongue and will lash back. Rep. Wilson, Williams and West showed they could dish it out--now it's time to see if they can take it. And, for those of you who support any of the three said offenders, remember this: they don't lash out, there's no consquential response. They threw the figurative first punch, and if you don't throw that punch, there's no response. What about that do you NOT understand?

Now, on positive notes, Beyonce showed the class that West did not when, after she won her award at the VMAs, gave the stage to Swift so that Swift could have her moment that West deprived her of earlier in the show. Plus, as I mentioned before, both Williams and Rep. Wilson did apologize for their outbursts. Good starts if those apologies are sincere.

But if they're not, it's time to put "tools" in their place. And that's calling them out for the immature and/or self-serving behavior they choose to exhibit.

College Football Post-Game Observations

Some "Sunday Evening Quarterback" observations from the weekend of college football:

1) My Oklahoma State Cowboys officially joined the "overrated" ranks. I expected a little bit of a hangover from last week's emotional victory over Georgia, but the Pokes looked like they were still suffering the effects of a full-on bender in the first half against Houston--and then again toward the end in the 45-35 loss at home. In between, we did get to see the quick-strike capabilities of the OSU offense, but the defense looked like orange Swiss cheese almost the entire game. Add it all up and you get a team that's closer to number 15 than number 5.

2) It was a good thing for Longhorn fans that UT got a 2nd-quarter scare at Wyoming--before erupting from there to win 41-10. Both collective feet are firmly planted on the ground for Saturday's Big 12 opener against Texas Tech--and you can bet the 'Horns remember how last season's last-second loss in Lubbock shot their season not only in the foot, but the heart, and with a reminder last Saturday that anybody can beat anybody (at least for 2-quarters) on any given day, you know Mack Brown and staff have the team's undivided attention. Plus, ESPN's "College Gameday" will be front and center on "The 40 Acres" as well.

3) Oklahoma got the expected get-well card courtesy of Idaho State, 64-0. So, as Garfield so elequently put it, "Big fat hairy deal".

4) Kansas State's Bill Snyder used to feast on programs like Louisiana-Lafayette during his heyday in the 90s, but that was last decade, and also at home. In 2009, K-State fell to U-LA-LA and in Lafayette. Don't look for Snyder to make road trips like that one as long has he's head coach at Silo Tech.

5) Almost the K-State fate? Missouri, and at home--before pulling one out late against Bowling Green. See also almost Oklahoma State.

6) Kansas, Texas Tech, and Nebraska all won as expected. See Garfield reference above.

8) Finally, A&M & Baylor enjoyed idle weeks at 1-0. I see a lot of Baylor fans are quite the confident bunch heading into the home opener versus UConn this Saturday. Many of those same fans are already counting six notches in the win column. I can see BU winning that many and perhaps more. But Baylor fan? You better cool your jets--UConn almost upended #19 North Carolina in Chapel Hill last Saturday. Yes, Bears fan, you beat Wake Forest on the road--huge win. But look at what happened at Oklahoma State last Saturday, and what almost happened at Mizzou. With your program's history, you're in no position to take ANYTHING for granted, and your head coach Art Briles would be the first to tell you the same.

Now, if I left your team out, nothing intentional. So, get over it.

Hope For Sooner Fan & A Few More College FB Observations

Yes, there is hope after arrogance--and that means trading it for a "chip".

After all the chest-puffing talk of not only belting BYU--but easily covering the 22-point spread--the Sooner nation seems to be on the verge of a suicide watch after watching in horror the 14-13 season opening stunning loss to the Cougars. Well, Sooner fan, take a powder--it's not that bad, and you don't have to go back that far in the storied OU football history for some proof. In fact, just go back to the last time OU won the national title.

Yes, the 2000 season. Why? Simple. Going into the that season--Bob Stoops's 2nd at OU--the pollsters picked OU generally between 15th & 20th. Mind you, this was after a decent '99 season that ended with a close loss at the Independence Bowl to Ole Miss on a last second field goal, and that was okay considering the lean years of the John Blake era. And I was there to cover the last two years of the Blake era, as well as the first four of the Stoops era--and that includes the 2000 national title season--so my observations are not from various stuff I read or heard from other people. No, I was there, at the mid-week press conferences, at some of the practices, on the field at the games (both home & away), and the post-game pressers as well. And, after putting in my time as a working media back then, and thinking back on that time right now--barely 15-hours after OU bowed to BYU--I can see a pattern of Stoops's teams that should give Sooner fans a reason for hope to salvage this season. And that has to do with a "chip".

And that chip back in 2000 was firmly on the Josh Heupel-led men in crimson and cream. Do you remember all the talk of that season's "murderer's row" of an October schedule? Texas, Nebraska at home, and K-State on the road--all in successive weeks? OU wasn't favored in any of them. But not only did the Sooners win, they won big. And at K-State, Heupel was throwing with half an arm due to a wrist injury. OU was still earning back the respect it had lost during the 90s, and it seemed to drive both the coaching staff and the players. As we all saw, the Sooners put the clamps on highly favored Florida State and Heisman winner Chris Wienke 13-2 to take the title--firmly placing OU back on the national stage, and in the elite suite at that.

And truth be told, that chip fell off at that point, and a bit of arrogance has taken its place ever since. Just look at it: the loss to OSU in 2001 at home that would have put them back in the Big 12 title game. The BCS title game losses to LSU, USC and Florida. And sorry, I can't leave out the BCS embarrassments against Boise State and West Virginia. And thebn, last night's punch to the gut courtesy of BYU--Sam Bradford's injury not withstanding.

Now, to be fair, I can't leave out OU winning all thoseBig 12 championships, and Stoops's 82% winning percentage during his tenure. No denying he's an elite coach--even though one can't call him "Big Game Bob" right now. But his teams just don't seem to rise to the occasion when they're either heavily favored or evenly matched (when OU's in the top 5).

Well, Sooner fan, here's your hope right now: you're back in the "earning the respect back" stage. Surely, OU will fall out of the top 10. Surely, with a couple of cream puffs then a trip to Miami and the Big 12 opener at home against upstart Baylor, they'll be a serious underdog to what'll probably be an unbeaten and 2nd-ranked Texas team on October 17 in Dallas. But almost as surely--Stoops will run his troops unmercifully for all those penalties against BYU, all while playing the "earn your respect" card that was so effective back in 2000. Plus, by Red River Rivalry time come October 17, Sam Bradford should be back, and fellow injured super star tight end Jermaine Gresham should also be mended enough to play. The arrogance is gone and chip has returned, and sorry Sooner fan--under Stoops, that's been the formula to your biggest success.

And like it or not, you're going to have to deal with it.

OTHER OPENING WEEK OBSERVATIONS AROUND THE BIG 12:
>Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska won big at home, just as they should have. Missouri won big like hardly like anybody expected 37-9 over Illinois on a neutral field.

>Oklahoma State's vaunted offense didn't look great as hyped, but you have to give props to Bill Clay's new defensive scheme--holding the Bulldogs to 257 total yards and one TD on the day. But, to be fair, it was at home, so I'll become a believer if and when the Pokes shut somebody down on the road.

>Another 400+ yard passing gamor Texas Tech--with Taylor Potts rolling up the yardage instead of Graham Harrell. Only the names change in Lubbock.

>I'm not ready to say that the A&M "Wrecking Crew" is back, but the Aggies did hold New Mexico to 21-yards rushing and 231-total yards in its 41-6 victory. They do that against an Oklahoma or a Texas--or even a Baylor? Then I'll give it more creedence.

>K-State's 21-17 win over UMass at home is not going to remind the Wildcat faithful of those Bill Snyder glory days of the past.

More College Football Favorites

It's just about here folks--the 2009 college football season! 6-days and counting to the first weekend of the season--and you may or may not need me to whet your whistle, but I will anyhow.

And what better way than with tailgaiting, more food and game atmosphere! And right now, I'm going to give you my best and worst over the last 21-years. Now, to review, I've been to my share of venues not all over the Big 12 (I've been to every conference stadium minus Iowa State), and the several around the nation--and not just NCAA Division. This is MY experience only. There may or may not be venues that are better and/or worse than the ones I'll be showing you. You may or may not agree, but I really don't care because, after all, this is my perspective. You can give yours in the comment section.

BEST TAILGATING COLLEGE: Michigan State, 1995. Spartans hosting top-ranked Nebraska in East Lansing, and the Spartans fans got started on Friday night, and by Saturday morning when I arrived at the stadium, they surrounded Spartan stadium by about what seemed like a quarter mile. And I mean ENTIRELY around the stadium! As I trudged my way into the stadium with both arms full of camera gear, I was greeted by several fans--a few of whom offered me both brats and beer (which I gladly partook). By the time I got to the pass gate, I was tipsy after about 5-beers, and put on about a half-inch of fat on my waist from those aforementioned brats. And on top of that, after the game--where the Huskers shellacked MSU 55-14, I was again offered about 5-beers and 5-brats, but this time, I only took the brats--I did have to drive to the airport, after all.
**SIDE NOTE HERE**--For those of you who remember the 1995 season, this was the game where NU's Lawrence Phillips rushed for just over 200-yards, but then after arriving back in Lincoln, dragged his girlfriend down her apartment complex's stairs and got arrested. I found on while on my flight back to Lincoln.

WORST TAILGATING: None. Some places don't do it up as big, but I've never had a bad experience around fans out enjoying food and beverages before supporting their teams. Now, some think they do it better than everybody else, but I guess that just goes with the territory.

LOUDEST VENUE: A 3-Way Tie: Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. And, if I had my drouthers, I'd say K-State. They may only pack in 55-thousand into KSU Stadium, but the field is low enough to where the sound all goes down there, and when I was there for the KSU-Nebraska showdown in 1995, it was absolutely deafening. However, for an overall loud, I have to go with OU because you have 82-thousand plus with a low stadium floor. But A&M gets props for it's closed-in end as the loudest half of a stadium in college ball--it should be sponsored by Miracle Ear or something.

LEAST LOUDEST VENUE: Texas, because DKR-Memorial Stadium is at ground level and some of the sound escapes. But, to be fair, I haven't been there since 2007, and they've added some seats.

MOST RESPECTFUL CROWD: Nebraska. And, this is hardly news. "The Sea of Red" is intimidating to visiting teams, I hardly ever heard a "boo"--and that was for either team playing--and even on occasions when NU lost at home, they'd give the winning visitors a hand as they ran into their locker room (just ask Mack Brown and the 'Horns).

LEAST RESPECTFUL CROWD: Oklahoma. And, yes, Sooner fan, I'm going to pick on you, and before you go getting all defensive and acting like a slug in salt-water, I'll give you an example that's just the opposite of NU: 1999 season opener versus Indiana State, a I-AA team (the sub-division right below NCAA Division I), who basically got paid $500,000 by OU to be a scrimmage--to basically get their heads handed to them. And what does Sooner fan do when the Sycmaores take to Owen Field? ISU got booed. Unmercifully. Almost as loud as when UT storms out of the Cotton Bowl tunnel for the Red River Rivalry. Classless. Oh, and that little thing you do at the end of The National Anthem? You know, ".. and the home of the 'sooners'." The National Anthem? Really? Come on!

WORST MEDIA SPREAD: Now before you think I'm just have a man-crush on all things Nebraska, NU won this one back during the 1996 season on a couple of occasions, when one of the area restaurants (that shall remain un-named--to protect the guilty) basicall mixed up some vegatables and meat--probably left over from the night before--and then put it in mass-mixer with this white cream sauce. Some of us unaffectionately called this concoction, "Cream of Brunch".

BEST MEDIA SPREAD: This is a tough one, because there have been so many. But Ohio State has to take it after the time Buckeyes brass served up prime rib as part of its buffet. However, personally? You couldn't go wrong when the Beef Council catered at OSU, Kansas and K-State, and when Uncle Dan's got the call at Baylor.

BEST MOMENTS FROZEN IN TIME: 1996 Fiesta Bowl, where Nebraska pounded Florida 62-24 to win it's 2nd-straight national title--and in the post-game press conference. The frozen moment? Gators coach Steve Spurrier being the most humble I think anybody had ever seen him. He and his Gators got clocked thoroughly and he knew it, and his 2-minute admission in his opening comments was something I knew I'd probably never, ever see again.
(And, wouldn't you know it? The Gators claimed the national championship the very next year).

MOST MEMORABLE VENUE: Again, so many-- I could go on and on. But on a particular day, one you probably never heard of takes the cake: NCAA Division II Pittsburg State's Brandenburg Field, vs. North Dakota State, 1994 post-season, where they played this one in a torrential rainstorm all day long--and on natural grass, or should I say, natural mud. They still call this one "The Mud Bowl". And, on top of all the sheets of rain that fell the entire game and the sieves of mud it caused, the game went to TRIPLE OVERTIME!!, where visiting ND State won 18-12. But the most tell-tale thing of that day was this. The only way you could tell who was on which team was the color of the helmets--Pitt State's red to NDSU's green. Everthing else was muddy brown. Incredible!

Ah, the memories. And, just think: we only have 6-more days to create some new ones!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Yes, less than 24-hours until--THE KICKOFF!

At least for those of us here in Central Texas--the kickoff of the 2009 high school football season, and this one will be THE MOST unique in my 21-year broadcasting career. Yes, I will have traded in my video camera, computer video system, my Mac Studio Fix make-up (yes, we guys on TV do wear make-up)--traded all of that for a polo and shorts, along with a headset and mike to do radio play-by-play! **Shameless plug here: those of you in Central Texas can listen to the China Spring Cougars at Fairfield broadcast on "Star 92.9 FM--pre-game kicks off at 7:15pm Friday night!***

But back to the uniqueness of 2009. This will be the first time I will have spent Friday night at ONE GAME to start a season. In the small to medium-sized TV markets, a lot of us will go out and shoot parts of up to 4-games on game night. We do it so that we can have as many games on our sportscasts--as well as those of us who have/had 30-minute high school football special programs later the same night. It's exhausting work. But I won't have to worry about that kind of exhaustion this year, and I don't feel like I'm trading it for another kind--not at all. I will say that I have been doing preparations for my play-by-play debut for about a month now. No, I take that back: I've really been preparing for this since I was 8-years old. Back then, I would turn the TV down (back when you only had 3-channels and maybe a PBS) on a Saturday, pick up a pencil, turn it upside down, and pretend the eraser was the head of a microphone. And, I'd do my own play-by-play. My mom & dad will confirm this--because they got a huge kick out of it. So, fast forward 37-years, and what do I do? While driving, I turn the radio off and practice. When I'm home, I put in a cassette of a colleague's play-by-play and listen, and then go into the other room and practice. And then practice some more. Call it a 37-year old love affair with sports broadcasting.

I remember the first football game I ever watched beginning to end was the 1971 Nebraska at Oklahoma "Game of the Century" in Norman, where the top-ranked Huskers, led by Jerry Tagge and Jeff Kinney on offense and Rich Glover on defense, edged the #2 Sooners--where QB Jack Mildren and RB Greg Pruitt led the nation's most prolific offense--by a score of 35-31. I was mesmerized the entire game. But that was TV. I really can't remember the first time I ever heard a game on the radio--probably because I'd surf the old dial much like one would surf the internet nowadays. I would get bits and pieces of games: both football games and baseball games during the fall. Both mediums certainly have their charm.

But I think the reason I'm most looking forward to the radio gig is that I get to draw the picture for the listener--and that's like having a one-on-one conversation with a few thousand folks at once. There's no video and/or pictures to fall back on. It's up to me to be paying enough attention to a number of details and explain them--all while providing the essence of what's going on out there in front of me on the field. And, I have to admit--that's kind of scary. But at the same time, it's exciting. You know the feeling, don't you?

Anyhow, the season kicks off in these parts (Waco, TX) on August 27th, when Waco High and Belton collide in game-1 of the HEB Heart of Texas Kickoff Classic at Waco ISD Stadium. I can't wait to see it. But as I will be sitting there watching that game from the press box, I might just have to pull out that pencil and turn it upside down for a little more practice for my Friday night debut!

"Splitsville"

There's a "split" in dsg-land, folks, and politics and social issues are going their own way!

That's right. Sports talks heads to the right, politics and social issues to the left. In other words, this blog will pretty much be now sports and sports-related issues. And, my new blog, "VE Mod" will tackle politics and social issues--to encourage civil & intelligent debate on those hot-button issues that are WAAAY more important that sports in the grand scheme of things. Both really don't belong in one blog, so that's why we have splitsville.

I'll continue to post jokes on both, and some food for thought on both, but you can count on sports talk here at "dsgvince", and politics and social issues at the following address: http://vinceemod.blogspot.com

So, with that out of the way, sports fans, let's get a little more fired up about the upcoming college football season, shall we??!! The first AP poll came out Saturday (August 22nd), and to nobody's surprise, Florida's number-1. I have yet to really chime in on my picks for the upcoming season, so guess what? Here they are.

>My Top 5: 1) Florida 2) Oklahoma 3) Texas 4) USC 5) Alabama.

>My top 1st-game match-up: Georgia at Oklahoma State. How often do you see UGA leave its own part of the country for any non-conference game? Very rarely. They did trek to Arizona State last season and did win, but only beat a very average Sun Devils team. This OK State monster is a lot different--in what could be the nation's most prolific offense with the 3-headed monster of WR Dez Bryant, QB Zach Robinson and RB Kendall Hunter. The Cowboys must win at home, and the Bulldogs must win--or folks will think they really can't play west of the Mississippi River against any real competition. Very intriguing season opener.

>"The Red River Rivalry" winner? Oklahoma. Those that know me know I have no love for either of these stories programs--so no "homer" talk here, folks. I think both of these teams are very evenly matched, but my decision comes down to this: Oklahoma's defense is a notch better--with 9-returning starters (8 of those up front) to Texas's 6 (with only 4 of those up front). It'll be close, but I see the Sooners pulling out a 4-point victory, 28-24.

>Heisman winner: Colt McCoy, Texas. Last year's winner Sam Bradford won't have the secret-service protection he enjoyed last season--as OU re-tools its offensive line, and Tim Tebow won't put up the gaudy numbers he did 2-years ago because, like last year, he'll play only into the 3rd-quarter of many of his 2009 games--much like last year. McCoy has an experienced line that will protect him in the pocket, and will pancake folks when he decides to run. Colt by a nose over Tebow.

>BCS Title Game: Florida vs. Oklahoma. And, like last year, Florida wins handily.

Got your whistle whetted yet?

Some Sunday Fun!

Michael Vick? Yesterday's news! How about a little bit of "Sunday Fun" after all the heavy talk of Philly's new "Number 7". Today's fun courtesy of my old friend Rick Pliscott, who sent me these via e-mail. Now, once again, these are in much bigger print, so adjust your eyes accordingly. Then, you can let your funny-bone take over. Enjoy!

JOKES THAT CAN BE TOLD IN CHURCH

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, 'Why is the bride dressed in white?'' The mother replied, 'Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.'
The child thought about this for a moment then said, 'So why is the groom wearing black?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!'
While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again! As she ran she once again began to pray, 'Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...but please don't shove me either!'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers.. The first boy says, 'My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50.'
The second boy says, 'That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100.'
The third boy says, 'I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

An elderly woman died last month. Having never married , she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, 'They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead..'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

A police recruit was asked during the exam, 'What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?' He answered, 'Call for backup.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem . A small child replied, 'They couldn't get a baby-sitter.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to 'Honor thy father and thy mother,' she asked, 'Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?' Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, 'Thou shall not kill.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, 'Johnny, what is the matter?' Little Johnny responded, 'I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, 'What do you think about all this Satan stuff?'
The other boy replied, 'Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your Dad.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~

You don't stop laughing because you grow old.
You grow old because you stop laughing!
Take heed and pass these along to people who need a laugh.

I thought you would enjoy this....times are tough right now - for all of us - so we need something to make the day a happy place.
"They" haven't found a way to tax you for laughing yet.

Vince on "Vick"

So, Michael Vick lands an NFL gig sooner than later, and that has sparked fierce debate, and it should. But we're still not dealing with a bigger, underlying issue. So, I will.

But first, let's review. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Vick to a 2-year deal. Year one will pay him $1.6 million, and the second an option year at $5.2 million. The team will hold a press conference on Friday (August 14th).

And, you can bet Vegas money that PETA will be out in force protesting, as well as many other pro-animal groups and individuals. And, good for them--it's their constitutionally-given right to do that. But I also say good for Michael Vick. After all, he served his time--at Leavenworth of all places!!--and is now back looking for a job--a job in a field he worked in before he got convicted of his crimes. Now, I ask you honestly: would you condemn somebody in your own family and/or your circle of friends for doing the same thing? Just asking.

And, I'm also asking you to think about some things that we don't like to think about, and one of them is front and center--albeit invisibly--in the whole Michael Vick thing: sub-culture. Yes, like the sub-culture of dog-fighting that's evidently alive and well in parts of our nation. Much like the cock-fighting sub-culture in other parts, and even the fraternity and/or sorority hazing sub-culture. Oh, yes, hits a little close to home for some, eh? You know--things that go on, but in the shadows and crevices of our society so that we don't have to think badly of ourselves.

Well, Vick--and his sub-culture-- got caught and exposed. Vick got caught lying to his former NFL team owner Arthur Blank, federal prosecutors, and even himself--all for something that's a dirty little sub-culture. And he's paid for it--although not as dearly as some of those dogs that were tortured. Totally reprehensible. Totally wrong. But now comes the age old question: he's paid his debt, but has he really paid it?

I say not yet, but that's no reason to keep him from playing in the NFL when his time comes. I have a feeling that a lot of people out there have a belief that a person convicted of such a crime should never be able to earn the kind of money Vick will with the contract he just landed. If Vick were to go to work in a shoe factory earning--let's say--ten bucks and hour? They'd probably have no problem with it. But big money on the biggest sports stage in the land? NEVER!! And, I think that's totally erroneous. Look, the NFL is about wins, losses and dollar signs. And if a team believes that Michael Vick can help it win and make money? He's in. And, even with all the protests and signs of wounded and tortured dogs that'll be hoisted around Lincoln Financial Field this season, folks will still buy tickets and put their fannies in the seats--and some of them just to see the spectacle that will be Michael Vick once NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell upgrades Vick's conditional reinstatement to full reinstatement in Week 6 (October 18-19, 2009).

There have also been comparisons to guys like Leonard Little and Donte' Stallworth--both of whom have caused the deaths of humans. Stallworth pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter after hitting a man while driving drunk, and has been suspended for the upcoming season. Similary story for Leonard Little back in 1998. He served some jail time, and the NFL suspended him 8-games. Many say both Stallworth and Little should have been banned for life because of their off-field atrocities, and that Vick should be as well. I'm not going to go that far. I do feel strongly that Vick should prove over a year's time that he has changed, and after that, give him a try-out and/or a contract. After all, he's served his time.

But, I also feel as strongly that we have to shine the light on the various sub-cultures that spawn folks like Vick. But that takes some courage and self-examination that no PETA sign can cover up.

Calling "Dr. Love"

And, "Dr. Love" has a last name:















Denton.

Yes, those that went to Northwest Classen High School in the mid-70s through the mid-80s know EXACTLY who I'm talking about. For those of you who don't, I'll introduce you, but not until I tell you why. As you know, I'm writing a book about the 1982 NWC 5A state basketball championship team. And, Assistant Coach Love Denton was a vital part of our success--albeit not a popular part for some. But Love Denton will probably get his own chapter--but I want to find him and talk to the man. And, it'd be the first time in 25-years.

But for now, let's introduce you Dr. Love. Yes, his real name is Love Denton. I don't know the middle name, nor do I care to. The first name of Love says enough. And, he loved Love. Loved saying Love. Called himself "Dr. Love", although many students called him many other things--many of those started with the word "mother". Love Denton was a big man--like "Big Bad Leroy Brown (of the late Jim Croce song), he stood about 6-foot-4--and considered himself as much of a ladies man as Leroy Brown. Loved his big voice. Loved a big paddle he carried around--called it "Cool-Aid"--although any swat(s) from it were anything but cool. Love loved to round up people in the hall who were the slightest bit late to class and giving them the business in that big voice Love loved, and depending on his mood--a little "Cool-Aid" as a chaser. Love loved teaching his phys-ed classes--but that's all I can tell you about that because I never took his phys-ed class. But, I did play two seasons of JV basketball for him, and I credit Love Denton for helping make the me the man I am today.

And, it's there I'll really stick up for him. Love Denton was VERY hard on me. You want examples? First, in my junior year, I thought my name had been changed to "cabbage head". That's what he called me for a good four months. Cabbage head or "Ichabod Crane"--because he said I moved about as slow as Washington Irving's plodding fictional character in "Sleepy Hollow". He also would yank me from the practice floor if I made one mistake during a scrimmage. But the one thing I remember more than anything coming out of Love's mouth was this phrase: "It's hard, but it's fair!". I didn't think so at the time, but he was right. Love knew that I could take it. Love knew that's what I needed even though I didn't know it. Love taught me the love of discipline--of doing what I was afraid of, which at the time was executing the game plan the way it was designed. And, even though many of my teammates might not agree--I believe Love instilled that discipline into all of us. And, it was that discipline, along with head coach Don Piccolo's x's and o's of our offensive and defensive systems--that helped us win the 1982 5A state title, which was no small feat. After all, state of Oklahoma "class of 1982" included three future NBA standouts in Wayman Tisdale, Mark Price and Anthony Bowie, as well as Steve Hale, who started at point guard at North Carolina for 4-years--not to mention Bowie's Tulsa East Central teammates Shawn Baker and William Childs, who went to play division-I ball (Baker at East Central, Childs at West Texas State (which is now West Texas A&M), and Jay Davis, who played as a senior at Oklahoma State. But none of those guys tasted victory at state, but the NWC Knights of '82 did--and we owe a large portion of that title to "Dr. Love".

I know there are many other stories about Love--but there's only one I'm really interested in: WHERE IS HE? Last I heard, he was somewhere near Washington, DC. I want to find him, interview him for the book, and then just sit and shoot the shit for a couple of hours. I want to hear HIS stories--and not just the ones about Dr. Love. I want to show him that I embraced, "It's hard but it's fair!"

So, if anybody can help me--my question remains: Where is the Love?

Crabby About Crabtree

Man, it's sure nice to have the NFL back in action, but not-so-nice that former Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree is pulling a diva act when he hasn't even earned one stripe as a real pro!

Yes, Diva act. Didn't participate in OTA drills in the off-season--as he recovered from off-season foot surgery. But he has now missed the first 8-days of regular training camp. And, one of his "advisors", a cousin named David Wells, says Crabtree is ready to sit out the season should the 49ers--who took Crabtree as the 10th-overall draft pick--not meet his contract demands. And, for the last item, "The San Francisco Chronicle" Scott Ostler crowned Crabtree as "The Knucklehead of the Week". And if the crown fits..

Come on, Michael. Get into camp and earn your spurs, rook. You haven't caught a pass in "The League" yet, you slipped from being a sure-fire top-3 pick all the way to 10th--even the lowly Raiders passed on you to take Darius Heyward-Bey out of Maryland--but is still demanding top-5 money. Uh, hate to tell you, Mr. Crabtree, but the only thing you've proven thus far is that you need to put the muzzle on at least one member of your posse, and it's not your agent.

Come on, Michael. Get into camp, prove that you're healthy and that you can take a hit, bond with your teammates, show your coach Mike Singletary that you can take the heat of the NFL while negotiating your deal and build yourself some leverage. But that seems to be something that the "diva" personality just either doesn't get or just refuses to get. Wide receivers are the NFL's divas (do the names Owens, Ochocinco, and Keyshawn come to mind?).

Look, I know it's becoming pretty common practice for top rookies to hold out. Even the great Emmitt Smith held out on the Cowboys for 48-days back in 1990--and he turned out more than okay. But there were never any questions about Smith's durability coming into the NFL. With Crabtree, there are. He wasn't the same after he rolled an ankle versus Baylor late last season--thus, the off-season foot surgery. And, with a renowned tough guy as his future head coach in Mr. Singletary, holding out doesn't exactly make Mike sport those intense eyes he was known for as the centerpiece of those Bears "Monsters of the Midway" teams.

So, come on, Michael. Sit on your agent to get this deal done, and muzzle your cousin. Or else they're going to create a name-plate for the back of your jersey that says "Crabby"--which will be your disposition for playing catch-up for every day you're not earning your spurs as an NFL player.

New Year's Day?

It is, for some. Yes, as January is the 1st day of the New Year, today was the "1st day" of the year for some rabid college football fans: the first day of major college practice.

Some don't start 'til later, some may have started before, but I really don't care what day--I'll leave that up to those that like to argue for argument's sake (and there are plenty who will waste the energy).

But, I can tell you it was day-1 for defending national champion Florida, and here in Central Texas, the Baylor Bears--and for BU, it was TRULY a new beginning, with the first "Fall Drills" practice on the new on-campus practice facility fields. Now, Baylor isn't anywhere near the Gators when it comes to tradition, and certainly not in the same sentence when it comes to recent success, but the Bears do have the right and the place to feel like they're more than a step closer now that they have state of the art digs right there on campus. Brand new fields, brand new indoor practice facility, and that means a brand new attitude they can take into the season opener at Wake Forest in less than a month.

Now, I know some of you out there will say the new digs won't make a bit of difference--that "Baylor is Baylor, after all". Well, that may or may not be true. But I bet Sooner fans would have a mini-conniption if I said the same thing about their recent bowl game record, so I think you get the picture. I'm certainly not going to make any predictions about the Bears challenging for the Big 12 South--I still think that's years away. What I am saying is that having a state of the art facility to call home will help the team's perception of itself--which has already been improved exponentially by head coach Art Briles and his staff over the last year-and-a-half, and when a team starts thinking of itself well, it starts to play well, and when it starts to play well, it starts to win, and when it wins, hello bowl season! And, again, picking on Sooner fans, I think you can go back to 1999 for an example--after suffering through the John Blake years, a certain Bob Stoops improved the team's attitude in one season--to reach the Independence Bowl. The next year? National title. Now, Baylor's much different. But the principle is the same. Change the attitude? Change the direction of the program. Stoops had the OU tradition to recruit to . Baylor now has practice facilities to lean on not only for now, but for future recruits to look at and think, "Hmmm. I could play here."

Now, as for stadiums? That's a whole 'nother talk show. I'm not going to advocate vacating Floyd Casey Stadium for an on-campus stadium until Baylor fans prove they'll fill up the current digs. But that's another attitude change for another day.

Perhaps another "New Year's Day".

Stupid and Stupider.

And just when you think you've seen it all, someone posts something that just makes you shake your head even more--like this little ditty from another Facebook buddy and former KXXV-TV colleague Ryan Crowe. Enjoy while shaking your head:

(Ryan Crowe): dear random citizen of east fort worth next to me at the gas station. I'm sorry your girlfriend stole $100 from you while you were sleeping, but please, put out the cigarette and hang up the cell phone while you are pumping gas. (via Facebook, August 5, 2009)

Yes, "Stupid is as stupid does", but one could almost imagine--and nobody around the said pump to get hurt--and this doofus's cigarette and/or cell phone would spark that gas. And, he's probably still say afterward--if he survived, "What'd I do?".

Sometimes..

We Have A Winner!!

How about this--a 6:05am (CDT) post? I have to admit, it's inspired--by my Facebook friend Eric Hutchison, who posted what's below on his homepage. Eric, you win the "August 5th Genius Award", although what he says really isn't genius, it's just common sense a lot of folks just don't want to remember:














ERIC JAMES HUTCHISON: would like to propose his plan for health care reform: Get off your lazy ass. Quit smoking. Drive past McDonald's. Don't suck down five sodas just because refills are free. Play with your kids. Don't look for the closest parking spot. Why haven't we started a war on weight? And for those shouting about government running everything I'll bet they're glad we have a GOVERNMENT RUN MILITARY! (via FACEBOOK; August 5, 2009).


I'm still not sure I want government-run health care, but he sure brings up a good point about the military! Well said, Eric!

What Goes Around..

.. comes around. We've all heard it, but evidently only some really believe it. Well, I'm one of those that does. And, so is my good buddy Jermaine Ferrell, who sent me some proof in an e-mail that I posted below. Enjoy!













The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president... Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader.

Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under20his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.
"Let me go, officer. I didn't d o anything.."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.

The manager strode across the cafeteria a nd stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked."What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh.."

The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference."

She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for yo u right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

"Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I
saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich tha t I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my
food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll
find something for you to do around the office."

She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, And20thank you for the coffee."

Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his
Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.

Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it.

God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..
If you need God to open some doors for you...send this on.

Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...

"The Task Ahead of Me is Never as Great as the Power Behind Me!!"


Thanks, Jermaine. May all of you know God's love so that you can freely give it, and freely get it back!

A Message to "The Generations".

Ah, the romanticism of "the good ol' days"!

And, for a lot of us, those good 'ol days were when we were growing up, and for a lot of us, it's either the decade (I consider myself a child of The 70s), or our generation (I'm at the tail-end of The Baby Boomers). Well, no matter your decade or generation, we need to temper our reminiscing with some truth--and that truth is, "Those good 'ol days weren't always so good at the time".

I bring this up after a friend right about my age got stiffed by a baby-sitter for the rest of the summer--and the babysitter didn't tell my friend until she was out the door for the final time--and this baby-sitter is 15. And, my friend was pissed. And, rightfully so. Pissed not only for the inconvenience of having to find a new baby-sitter pronto, but also for the blatant inconsideration of the offense. My friend was--and rightfully so at the time--wondering what the world is coming to these days, with young people so wrapped up in themselves that they can't/don't/won't think of anybody but themselves? After all, it wasn't that way when we were young.

Well, that's where we're amiss.

I remember being around 15, and hearing my parents and most of my seven older siblings say the same kind of things about kids my age. And I would bet that my parents' parents said the same thing about my mom & day way back in the day--and so on & so on.

And, it's here where I get back to the "romanticism" of our youth. Right now, I think of some times in the 70s where you looked forward to Saturday morning cartoons on two of the three channels available on your TV (until about 1977 when we got cable). We also walked to school for four blocks without worrying about a drive-by shooting or kidnapping, and you really lost social points if your mom and/or dad followed you when you went trick-or-treating--in fact, for those kids and the ones who got scared and wanted some of us to walk them home, we took about five handfuls of their candy as payment! Yes, a simpler time--without video games, the Internet or cell phones. But, now, the trade off: I also remember gas lines after the Arab oil embargo of 1973. I also watched the news back then, and remember stories about interest rates being upward of 20%. My dad also made me watch history being made--when Richard Nixon resigned the presidency in 1974. And that's just the beginning.

And, how about the 60s, with the Bay of Pigs, the LA riots, the civil rights movement at its peak, the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the Chicago riots by the hippies & yippies, the Manson Murders, etc.. Even the 50s, with your "Leave It To Beaver" image of that decade--you have McCarthyism, the Korean War, and the proliferation of the Soviet Union. The 40s? World War II and the A-bomb for starters. The 30s? The Great Depression is enough. And to think I'm only two generations removed from people who may not have even had a car--or even knew what one was!

Do you get the picture?

I think every generation generally thinks the newest one is a little softer and spoiled than the it is. And, on some things, it's probably true. But our romanticism with our own generation sometimes blinds us to the fact that the generation before ours said the same thing about ours. And I think we need to remember that as we take some of the wrongs of the current generation to task. If one is really committed to making this a better world, coming from a viewpoint of understanding will go a long way toward righting those kind of wrongs--like the one my friend experienced with her now-former baby-sitter. However, this is NOT license to excuse such behavior. The kind of inconsideration shown by my friend's babysitter is inexcusable no matter the decade or generation. Folks like that need to be called on that kind of crap. I'm suggesting understanding, not approval.

Yes, no matter our generation, we should consider sticking up for what we believe is right, and then live it so that OUR children see it, and then model it. Maybe then the decade and/or generation won't really matter.

And, maybe then, the "good 'ol days" will be the days we get to live in today!

Props to "The Scribes"

A RED LETTER day in my life today, as I officially became "published".

That's right, published. In print. In a magazine. Specifically, the August edition of "Waco Today" magazine--and I'm in good company with many other contributors who have been published a lot more than I have--which brings me to the point: big time props to what I believe are still "the real journalists": what some of us call "the scribes".

Yes, those that write the written word, and that's either for newspaper, magazines or their on-line equivalent(s). These are the people who have to do what those of us in television don't do well at all: they create the pictures in our minds with their words, and spur the imagination. That's why I have had and still have today the utmost respect for the writers--be it news, sports, feature, financial, etc.. To use the old "cake" analogy, those of us in TV are like the frosting, as we deal with more headlines. The writers are like the body of the cake with real eggs mixed in, as they included the details that make the headline what it is. Writers are the real thing, and I think it's high time they get recognized for it.

My first written piece was on "The 5 Central Texas Football Players To Watch in 2009" (check it out at: www.wacotrib.com/wacotoday) . And, let me tell you, writing for print is a whole different animal that writing for TV! Again, I don't have the luxury of moving pictures to tell my story, so I had to draw my own mental picture(s), and then find the best words to describe those pictures so that your mind does the same thing. Trust me--that's not easy. And to think the scribes do that kind of thing every day? Phenominal!

Yes, writing is not necessarily "writing". In TV--and for those of you who need a refresher on my background, I've been a TV sportscaster for 21-years--one writes for what we call "the spoken voice" or "conversational voice". That is, we write the way we talk--basically transferring what we say to our fingers on the keyboard. An anchor is having a conversation with a viewer. In print, one tries to keep it conversational, but it's still more of the written word because the words are in front of you instead of moving pictures--and your words must be gramatically and anatomically correct. If not, the writer look stupid, and if that happens, the writer loses credibility. And once that happens, there's no more writer (or the writer moves into TV--sorry, a little poking fun at my own profession!).

A lot of TV folks don't get along with a lot of the writers, and vice versa. And, that's too bad. We could all learn a lot from each other. But to me, it doesn't matter. My hat is off to the scribes. And, I really don't care if theirs is off to me or not. My work speaks for itself, and it's been generally worthy of respect--TV not withstanding. But I do feel proud that tonight that I can stand with them as one of their own--albeit a rookie.

Trust me--I'll keep earning my spurs. I have that book to write within 3-years, after all!