This Is how I see it: Over Too Soon Marcus Lattimore

This Is how I see it: Over Too Soon:       Webster defines an ending as a  conclusion or termination.  There are happy endings ( get your mind out of the gutter people ), such a...

Marcus Lattimore

Over Too Soon http://tjkelly1977.blogspot.com/2014/11/over-too-soon.html

Over Too Soon

      Webster defines an ending as a conclusion or termination.  There are happy endings ( get your mind out of the gutter people ), such as college graduation or ending your work day on a Friday evening. But there are also endings that are not so joyful. Death, loss of a job, and a fun filled weekend just to name a few. Endings are inevitable. We all must answer to our God when all is said and done. The key to how we are accepted is determined by how we well conduct ourselves with our time on this Earth. The same can be said about your career, whether you are an engineer, a business manager, like me a process operator, or a professional athlete. 

     How many of us dreamed of being the next Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Barry Sanders,  John Elway, or Lawrence Taylor as kids. I know I did. Instead of my body growing more vertically. It grew more horizontally, in a bad way. Ok maybe I am embellishing a bit. But you get the point. Marcus Lattimore had similar dreams and was well on his way to achieving them until that unforgettable Saturday afternoon against The University of Tennessee . I remember watching the game in shock as were the fans in the stadium. You wonder why kids deserve to be paid while playing ball in college look no further than this kid. Raised by a single parent, being a 1st round draft pick would have gone a long way in securing he and his family's future. But as a result of the system implemented by the NCAA he had to put himself at risk for just a full scholarship. I'm not saying that's anything to sneeze at. Thousands of people are paying off student loans nearly twenty years after they've left college. But to see the amount of revenue generated by his jersey sales (which he gets no part of) is appalling and is no comparison to a 4 year scholarship. 

       The unforgettable image of seeing his kneecap out of socket is forever entrenched in my brain. The injury was as gore as Joe Theisman's injury that ended his career at the hands of Lawrence Taylor on Monday Night Football nearly 30 years ago.  But here he was an All-American Junior Running back that most draft pundits had graded as a 1st round pick prior to this, his 2nd knee injury and was driven off in a cart in tears fearing the worst. A player with can't miss potential. Similar to his former college teammate and this past year's NFL 1# draft pick Jadeveon Clowney. Instead this would result in him being drafted in the 4th round by the San Francisco 49ers and despite the class and patience exhibited by the 49ers organization to nurse Lattimore back to health, and Marcus's faith and perseverance the injury that he sustained, is as of this week be the reason he will now retire from football. 

       A little background on Mr Lattimore. He was Mr Football in SC his senior year in high school. He was rated the 2nd best running back prospect in the nation out of high school  and chose the University of South Carolina to play his college ball over nearby Clemson University. His Freshman year he was named national Freshman of the year. I recall a SI article stating he was the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson. That's high praise.  From all accounts he was just as good a person off the field as he was as a player on the field. His football exploits didn't boost his ego, he was and is a man of faith. Which is why many fans, not just Gamecock fans, continue to admire him. It saddens me to see such an awesome talent have to lose his career to something he couldn't control. While drug and alcohol abuse ruins players careers, that punishment is self inflicted and is easier to accept because you have a choice to make. Lattimore didn't ask to have his kneecap turned in the opposite direction. Fate said so. In many ways it is unfair. When you look at how childish guys like Johhny Manziel and Jameis Winston act and acted during there college careers it makes you appreciate how special Marcus Lattimore was. 

       Although his football playing career is over I am sure there's no shortage of options coming his way. Coach Spurrier has already said there's a position waiting on him at USC. He also can be an analyst on the SEC network along with other former SEC players who' s pro careers didn't pan out the way they planned for one reason or another such as Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy. So all is not lost. Just because one chapter of ones life has ended doesn't mean life doesn't move on.  Perhaps God has a bigger calling on his life thru his foundation and other works. But why did this happen to Marcus Lattimore? This young man stayed out of trouble off the field. He wasn't a PED or recreational drug user. Coach Spurrier and the 49ers training staff echoed that his work ethic was matched by very few. The reply to the above question. Why not Marcus Lattimore? Very few others could persevere through such extreme adversity and if such actions bring you closer to Christ there's no gift on this Earth that can top that.

C'Mon Men

         Competition is defined as a person or group that you are trying to succeed against.  It is a word that resides at the core of some of the most iconic figures of our time.  On a daily basis we hear about “Twitter Wars”. News stations compete for the breaking news. Politicians compete for public offices. Apple and Samsung compete for advantages in developing new technological gadgets. But there is probably no better depiction of competition than in the Sports Arena. It is well chronicled about how competitive Michael Jordan was and it is what drove him to become the success he is. Great athletes exemplify a will to win that can’t be measured.  But that same competitive edge is what drives some of these athletes to exhibit behaviors unbecoming of a man, especially in the sport of football where for 7 seconds your job is to maul the man in the opposite jersey color on at least 100 occasions within a game.

        1 Peter 3:7 states ;Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. A closer look at this scripture shows that God designed a man to be stronger, to be a leader, and to treat your wife with the care and love of the finest jewel on earth.  Men are made to be the bigger, stronger beings and with that we are to support our female counterparts.  Not exude of superiority and domination.  Even in Boxing and MMA the participants are broken down into weight classes because the bigger participant would be physically superior.  

        This brings me to the question. Why would a man want to beat a woman?  This issue is not one that athletes alone share but one that has been brought to the forefront by the recent video release of Ray Rice and his now wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. Domestic disputes are shown on a daily basis on shows like “Cops”. So this is nothing new in our society, but when you see such a public figure who kids look up to and try to emulate commit such a heinous act it sounds an alarm that resonates throughout all corners of the earth.  

         First of all a man is competitive by nature and when he feels he is threatened, he has a natural tendency to defend his turf. Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. So as a man if you feel your wife or significant other is one who has a habit of being antagonizing or combative it is better to stray away from her than to constantly quarrel with her.  These characteristics tend to lead to altercations that can sometimes become problematic for both parties involved.  As men we are supposed to be the protectors, not abusers of our women. Some men have a hard time grasping this fact.  Women much like kids can’t physically defeat a man of equal stature.  Who among us doesn’t believe WNBA basketball player BritneyGriner wouldn’t be able to defeat a man such as Richard Simmons. Those two examples are the exceptions and not the rule but hopefully you see my point. But when you get a NFL football player who is in supreme physical condition up against an average woman, the physical disparity is even more of a pronounced.  

          The video of Ray Rice and the altercation between his wife is in one word is, appalling. It is something no man should be proud to see or emulate.  Prior to entering the infamous elevator,  it appears Mr. Rice and his now wife were sharing verbal jabs with one another. A competitive fire came over Mr. Rice which led him to viciously strike his then fiancé.  I don’t know if his judgment was clouded by alcohol or by some other means, but for him to throw that punch was something unbecoming of a real man. No matter how much a woman especially a physically inferior one, insults you. You have to be the bigger person and walk away.

           What Mr Rice did to his wife was indefensible and for us, the viewing public to see it play out unfortunately for him has possibly cost him not only millions of dollars but his football career. The NFL and other sports leagues have had several instances of their players being associated with domestic disputes but after receiving heat from the media over Rice's initial punishment of 2 games the NFL instituted a rule to punish their players about this particular issue.  This seems to be a step in the right direction but the leniency that the league exhibited at first in this matter is disturbing.  I don't know what they thought happened in the elevator,  but he sure didn't read her a bed time story. So to be surprised when we saw what occurred on the new tape should not have caused them to change their stance so drastically. For them to believe 2 games was sufficient was asinine to begin with. 

       In lieu of this incident there has been lots of reaction from not just the sports world but from media outlets of all sorts. One response was from Floyd Mayweather , a boxer. He stated the league overreacted.  Frankly I think he's been hit in the head a few too many times,  but I'll leave it at that. As a father I shudder at the thought of some coward beating on my defenseless daughter. Trust me there have been times throughout my marriage relationship where me and my wife have had disagreements that were less than pleasant. But due to me holding on to my morals, striking her in a violent manner never crossed my mind. Also I realize the importance that law enforcement places on this issue.   I had an instance where my wife became ill, I thought to call 911. She stated she would be okay and I promptly hung up the phone.  Unbeknownst to me 15 minutes later a knock was at the door. Of course it was the cops. They talked to me and my wife separately to ensure our story matched which it did. It goes to show your intentions can be good but the authorities go the extra mile to ensure domestic violence isn't tolerated. 

       Going forward I pray the the Rice family can overcome this ordeal. Judging from a post by Janay Rice it seems as though this wound had all but healed completely but now it's reopened and it's causing she and the man she subsequently married, to relive this tumultuous event all over again.  I imagine this has to be tough for the both of them.  I would hope they have received thorough counseling before they actually got married. This is possibly their testimony and you can't have testimony without a test. For them to not just be together but be married to each other after this incident speaks volumes. Maybe this is a way for God to put his awesomeness on display. To bring two embattled young lovers with relationship issues to a place of peace is only a small sampling of what God can do.  Of course an interview with Oprah or someone of her ilk would go a long way in restoring some good will for Mr. Rice and I trust that he will attempt to cleanse the immense stain on his image. 2nd Chronicles 7:14  states ,If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. So who are we to condemn him. Remember he that is without sin cast the 1st stone.  

       While no sin is greater than the next, restoration is possible no matter how heinous the act. While it's true domestic violence is very prevalent in today's society, we all must do our part in eradicating this epidemic. Let's pray that this incident turns out to have a positive effect on Mr Rice. Kobe Bryant, Ray Lewis and Michael Vick are 3 professional athletes that come to mind in regards to having their public images restored. So I am sure he can bounce back. But look no further than OJ Simpson to see how domestic disputes can escalate and lead to alot bigger problems down the road if you don't address them. Imagine if someone hit your wife, your daughter,your mom, or your sister.  Be a MAN about it.

        

      

     

This Is how I see it: Served not protected

This Is how I see it: Served not protected:      There are lots of serious issues going on in today's current events. The Ebola virus outbreak, conflict in the Middle East, domesti...

This Is how I see it: Served not protected

This Is how I see it: Served not protected:      There are lots of serious issues going on in today's current events. The Ebola virus outbreak, conflict in the Middle East, domesti...

Served not protected

     There are lots of serious issues going on in today's current events. The Ebola virus outbreak, conflict in the Middle East, domestic violence, just to name a few. But there is one reoccurring issue that hits entirely too close to home for me to ignore. It is the senseless shootings and beatings of unarmed black Americans specifically males.  

     Facts give us a lot of disparaging news. Such as blacks are the 3rd highest ethnic group in the US but more blacks are incarcerated than any other ethnic group in the country. Our healthcare is awful, education, and poverty rate are also putrid. Some have said when America gets a cold, Blacks get pneumonia. This is an epidemic of sorts but just like any other racial group we all have societal problems. It is often said desperate times call for desperate measures. This tends to play a part in the angst of the plight of some blacks.  

      I can honestly say God has favored me in several situations, I won't elaborate in detail but I wouldn't be where I am today if not for his mercifulness. I have never been arrested, unless you count traffic tickets, I have a respectable job, I am a devoted family man. I had parents who cared for me and steered me on the right track to stay away from a life of crime and all that it entails. I recall my mama saying selling drugs will either put you in jail or put you 6 feet under.  A question I ask myself is am I an anomaly ? No, there are a multitude of blacks doing positive things in our society this tends to get ignored at times. God's word gives us guidance in all areas of our life. For instance, Proverbs  13:3 says " The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips  to ruin." How many times have you been confronted by someone a boss, a coworker, family member friend , etc and you've had an altercation that could've been squashed had you humbled yourself and took the high road. This doesn't make you a punk or coward. This means you can foresee  how much  more immflammatory  your altercation can become if you don't quicken yourself.

         That being said what are some sterotypes of blacks, they are aggressive, commit violent crimes, they steal, sell drugs, like rap music, etc. But every race of people has folks that exhibit these behaviors. But who can ignore the gang fighting going on in Chicago. This isn't George Zimmerman but young gangsters killing one another, we can't blame America for that. In fact more shootings of blacks are executed by one another. So before we tell someone to clean up their act, we need to police our own as well.  America doesn't tell us to drop out of high school or have children before we're ready. We choose that.  But the actions of a few skews the perception of the whole bunch or so it appears. 

     I was once told to leave a store because I was looking at basketball cards as a teen. No package was open and at the time I had nothing in my hand, but because some other black kids had stolen these cards, the store manager figured it was only a matter of time before I stole some too. I was livid, in hindsight I should've told my parents to seek litigation. I left cooperatively, never to return to that store again. If I would've acted like I felt, I might've gotten arrested for assault, but I maintained my saltiness and chose not to make this situation any bigger over some basketball cards. Similarly, Trayvon Martin was in a way, collateral damage. A black kid in a hoodie has to be a thug right, so it seems by many, but faced with confrontation he made the situation bigger than it had to be. It seems unfair and in many aspects it is, but we must be cognizant of the fact that some folks have an inherent fear of black men. The more you can do to deviate from these preconceived sterotypes the more tolerable and less formidable you appear. You lessen the chances of you getting assaulted or even worst, shot. 

      It's like the fact some folks are scared of  all snakes , and will kill any one they see in their yard whether it be a harmless garden snake or a venomous rattler snake. They assume the worst and any acts that look the slightest bit suspicious they get very defensive.  Maintaining a calm demeanor and following orders lessens the chance of you getting shot innocently by a cop or want to be cop.  If they are abusing their authority just remember God is the final judge ( Galatians 6:7 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. ) I am not saying the chances of you being a victim will diminish completely but your chances would be more favorable.

         Comedian Chris Rock made a skit a few years back about how not to get beat down by the cops. Although it was intended to be humorous. It was spot on.  The way you speak to officers goes a long way in determining whether are not they deem you to be a threat to them.  Be cooperative and avoid saying any inflammatory remarks. So why did NYPD cops choke out Eric Garner? He was a gargantuan man who became aggressive. His actions resulted in strangulation by officers. Similarly pro football player Sam Montgomery was arrested for speeding in SC. The officer was within the law to arrest him but the video cam showed this cop did all he could to antagonize Mr Montgomery. He appeared to have an itchy trigger finger and he wanted to use it. He was later suspended for his incendiary actions during the traffic stop. Had Mr Montgomery become the least bit aggressive towards the cop who knows how that story would ended. Instead he played it cool and is still here today.

         The facts in the story about the kid, Mike Brown near St Louis are still sketchy. But one thing's for sure he had no weapon and deadly force was used? It's easy to see the pain from his mother , I could only imagine the sorrow she feels. The very ones who are to protect and serve are taking our lives with little to no consequences. This can't be accepted. From the cop in nearby Bellaire, TX who shot the baseball prospect Robbie Tolen in his parents driveway, to the Charlotte , NC cop who shot the former FAMU football player 10 times from close range after it was discovered he like the Renisha Mcbride story in Michigan was in a traumatic state due to a car wreck and was desperately seeking help. It's frustrating, especially when most areas in the workforce have put in protective measures to avoid having repeats of of such tragic events. But not law enforcement. Don't get me wrong there are some folks who have killed cops as well and I realize the slippery slope that cops have to take. Sometimes it's killed or be killed, unfortunately they guess wrong sometimes but I think their approach to handling situations like these needs to be reevaluated because this is happening way too often. 

     I have a 8 year old son with autism. He doesn't always comprehend things the way most folks do but there are some things like historical facts he is a wiz, that's another story. But I want to feel secure that some overprotective  guy or super cop doesn't want to blow his brains out before trying to find out what's going on with him. Proverbs 22:6 states Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. I am doing my part to try and convey to him that being calm and maintaining your cool, allows you a chance to survive whatever tenuous situations you come across envolving law enforcement ( the George Zimmerman case is another issue because he had no real authority, but that's neither here nor there ), hence the cliche, cooler heads prevail. 

         Being aggressive and antagonistic leads to potentially devasting circumstances to one or both parties involved. Think about this, Kevin Ward the dirt track driver, who was sadly run over by Nascar driver Tony Stewart during the middle of an ongoing race this past weekend. Tony appeared to run his car off the track, Mr Ward took exception to what happened, based on Tony's history, and got out of his vehicle on to the track to spite him. Had he thought about the fact that there were several cars going at a high rate of speed on this particular track , maybe he would have understood the danger and that he could be trampled. Had he just been content just losing the race. He could've voiced his displeasure after the race to Mr Stewart and go on competing  and living his life. Sadly his family must now move on without him.

      I say all this to say give us the benefit of a doubt. Not saying all people think this way but it feels like  a lot of people feel that blacks are guilty until proven innocent. Emotions are triggered from lots of factors, surviving a car wreck spikes your adrenaline and makes you feel discombobulated. Not necessarily meaning bad intentions.  Imagine what Trayvon Martin could tell us if the dead could talk. Unfortunately he can't tell us his side of the story because someone assumed something about him based on how he looked and consequently saw fit to do what only God should have the power to do. It's not right, it's not ok. But what should we do?

   

The Next Career Step

     Millions of kids across the world wake up everyday dreaming they will one day become a star athlete, especially some in the urban community. A lot of times athletics provides a way out for one's family from impoverished conditions. A way to escape the drugs, the gangs, and other such deplorable surroundings. Two such examples are former NBA teammates Allen Iverson and Kevin Ollie. 

      Iverson, was arguably , pound for pound the best player in league history. A former number 1 overall pick, he was an all out warrior on the court. For someone of such a small stature, he impacted the game in ways, most of this big man's game,  couldn't. He was box office, a former MVP and an All-star regular for many years. His on the court accolades spoke for themself, but it was his off the court shenanigans that left his detractors baffled. I'm not going to even bring up the practice episode, but for much of the reasons millions loved him,  is why many  where very critical of him. Case in point the tatt less photoshopped magazine cover. He had and image he wanted to uphold. Unlike his predecessors  such as Jordan and Magic for whom  designer suits were the norm. He chose the new age hip hop look. Hat cocked to the side , jerseys, big chains, etc. He was an icon and his popularity, led to an eventual dress code enforcement rule in the NBA.

       All that being said,  over the span of his illustrious  career, AI has blown thru over 100 million dollars in endorsements and game checks. Usually you would expect someone blessed enough to earn those types riches should have acquired enough money to make his children's children rich, but due to Iverson being so irresponsible over his career, he has lost most of it. As a result he desperately tried to hold on to his playing career , leading him to playing over in Turkey which was fruitless, as well as some botched attempts to return to the NBA in a reduced role.

        Mr Iverson's reluctance to grow up ultimately has hurt him in his current status. Recently the 76ers retired his jersey and his attire at the ceremony left a lot to be desired. Personally I think he must be allergic to a suit. I thought I saw Drake wear the same thing during  one of his performances. Someone with his credentials should still be involved in the game, whether in an analyst or coaching capacity ala Kevin McHale or Charles Barkley, but no such opportunities exist probably because he would have to wear a suit.

     Such is the dilemma for young men especially in the black community. If you dress well or talk proper you are looked as superficial. You are not a real brotha. Grant Hill is not real, Michael Jordan is not real, yes they are. One is an analyst on TNT and the other owns a professional sports franchise. They are still able to provide generational wealth. But the hardcore Iverson has not found his post career as promising. Too often our youth aspire to be more like Iverson and only work at being a player and not thinking of what they can do when those feet don't move as fast and body doesn't jump as high, which is why education is important.  By contrast there was a former teammate of Iverson's in Philly who has been very successful in his post NBA career, his name is coach Kevin Ollie. 

     On April 7th, 2014, Ollie led his college alma mater , Connecticut to their 4th national championship. His playing career was a struggle. He was undrafted and had to play his way thru the CBA and multiple 10 day contracts in the NBA never becoming more than a role player.But he wouldn't be dismayed. Hard work was instilled in him by his parents. His mother being an associate minister, helped instill the faith he needed to get thru the challenges he was confronted with. His father taught him about hard work. This created a focus that led Ollie to being the man he is today. Not only did he play with Iverson but he also played with some other greats like Lebron and Kevin Durant. Although he was a mere role player his leadership was evident in the lockeroom. He was planting the seed for the next phase of his career.

      As a result of his career exploits he returned to his alma mater to coach under his former head coach,  Jim Calhoun. Probation and deteriorating health caused Calhoun to resign after the 2012 season and he hand picked Ollie to replace him. This fringe NBA basketball player from the mean streets of South Central LA had escaped the ruins of the hood and had taken over one of the preeminent college basketball programs in America. Not because his reluctance to fit in, but his reluctance to give in. He now has as many National Championships as coaching greats like Jim Boeheim, Bill Self, and John Callapari, and at the fledgling age of 41. His coaching career is in its infancy and with one championship already, his future appears very bright. Let's hope Iverson can be half as successful in his post playing career.

       

Playing by Different Rules

I could be immature and say there's a reason Michael Sam led the SEC in sacks because he loved to get after those dudes. Ok that's corny and childish I know, but you don't excell in the best conference in America without exceptional talent . For that reason I'd give him a shot in one of the later rounds. In society we look at that as a black eye on a person and depending on what side of the fence you're on then it's wrong. God's word says it's morally and spiritually wrong but just as well it mentions womanizers, fornicators, and performance enhancing drug users.  People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. How many kids does Antonio Cromartie have out of wed lock. Both are equally bad in the eyes of God. If we accept that, then I guess we can't have a double standard especially under our current Presidential Administration. It is what it is. I personally won't condone it but I can exist with it because Jesus shed his blood for all of mankind and as long as someone of Michael Sam's ilk has life in their body they too can align themselves in the word and live a life of salvation. I know I am far from perfect so I don't condemn anyone for their life style.  As Saints we are to let our light shine so that others see the impact that God has made in our life. Not scold or punish others for what we don't agree on and let's not be selective. No sin is greater than the next. Michael Sam deserves a chance. Should he be appalled if his teammates don't shower in his presence, for obvious reasons I hope not. But if he can do the job at at a high level you only hurt yourself by not employing him. Any team devoid of suffucient talent at his position has no excuse to take a lesser talented player over him. Rest assured the circus will come to town wherever he's at but at the end of the day football is a results oriented business and if he  helps you win games that's all you need him to do for you.

Woe is A Cowboys Fan

With all the winds of change occurring around the National Football League a few things seem to be a constant. The Patriots are good. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are passing aficionados. But the most automatic thing is the the mediocrity of America's most polarizing team the Dallas Cowboys. Thanks to Romo's big game ineptitude and poor defensive play under the direction of one Jesus's disciples Monte Kiffin. The Cowboys are once again 8-8 and are on the outside looking in to the playoffs. 

     A true sign of ignorance is continuing to do the same thing with the expectation of a different result. Well my friends, Mr Ignorant in this case is non other than Jerry Jones.  Some people are wired in a manner where their way is always right. An egotistical maniac. Mr Jones  is the epitome of such. With other strong personalities such as Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells in the fold the Cowboys have had their most success under Jones. But due to his overbearing ways, being the genius has driven these coaches away. Don't get me wrong Mr Jones does do some things well. For starters I am on on my couch living my modest life commenting on a man who is a multi billionaire and owns the most lucrative franchise in American Sports because he is a marketing genius. But he still is hindering this franchise because he won't hire qualified individuals to conduct the Cowboys football operations. I am not a Cowboys fan but I feel their frustration. Mr Jones if you see this ,swallow your pride. You will always be the boss as long as you own the Cowboys just loosen the reigns a little and then maybe you and Cowboys Nation may once again bask in glory. For now  being average is not acceptable.