There are few, if any, better husbands in existence than yours truly. Why you may ask? Simple.
Four years ago this month my wife and I were on the verge of welcoming our first child into this world. Our son, Sawyer, was born at 11:14 p.m. on June 29, 2010. We checked into the hospital early that morning to begin the process of inducing Meagan.
Being the outstanding spouse that I am, I forced my wife to watch the knockout stage games of the World Cup in South Africa that were taking place that day while she was in labor.
Hey, you can't blame me. It only happens every four years! She understood...
All jokes aside, the month of June every fourth year truly is a special time for me. The memories that come flooding back are sometimes overwhelming and emotional, and I don't want to forget them.
The first morning home from the hospital, Sawyer being just 2 days old at the time, I was up nice and early, snuggling my little bundle of joy on the couch as we watched the World Cup. The event transformed into more than just sports for me. At that moment it became something I would always have with him.
As the World Cup in Brazil kicked off Thursday, I grabbed Sawyer, sat down on the couch and shared a quick snuggle with my now 4-year-old wiggly and energetic boy. He may not understand what those few seconds meant to me -- or what this soccer event signifies -- but I sure did.
My love for soccer began in 2006 while I was serving a Spanish-speaking LDS mission in San Bernardino, Calif. The excitement and emotion from the mainly Mexican people I served with was contagious. I caught on to the nuances and pageantry of the game as I watched match after match and saw Italy win the whole thing, beating France in penalties.
Fast forward four years and I was finally able to share my love for the greatest sporting event in the world, first with my wife and then with my newborn son.
Now in our second World Cup as a family, I love the significance it has for us. Well, at least for me and the wonderful feelings and thoughts it brings back. I can't help but smile.
(Note: I picked Argentina to win the World Cup, beating Germany in the final. Feel free to harass me when my prediction inevitably goes wrong.)
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
My story: The life and times of a former small-town sports journalist
Stepping out of my car, I quickly tightened my maroon and blue-striped tie up against my neck to the point if almost choking myself, made sure my shirt was tucked in evenly and advanced toward the door.
The brisk, January eastern Idaho wind made me shiver. I looked up and saw Jay Heater for the first time, a man who would become my boss in a matter of weeks.
"Go ahead and leave the tie in the car," Jay said, half joking. "We're pretty casual around here."
That anecdote was my first encounter with the newspaper business. I met Jay Heater in January of 2011. He, then the sports editor for the Idaho State Journal, was looking for a full-time desk person who would have opportunities to write as needed. I applied and Jay contacted me and wanted to do an interview.
I made the drive from Wendell, Idaho, to frigid Pocatello that day in January, with my wife and 8-month-old son in tow. Jay's first comments to me were just what I wanted to hear. What's better than a job that lets you wear shorts and a T-shirt everyday? Oh, and watching sports while doing it?
It wasn't as much of an interview with Jay as it was us discussing the logistics of when I would start and what was expected of me. I was eager to get to work.
I had grandiose plans of taking the world by storm, starting with Pocatello. I wanted to be wined and dined in press boxes and watch football. What I had in mind was taking over Stewart Mandel's job at Sports Illustrated someday. My goals were lofty.
When I finally started at the Journal on February 8, 2011, I was sent out to cover a high school boys basketball game. My "limited writing opportunities" turned into almost daily game coverage and writing.
I was a sports journalist. My dream was coming true.
My first opinion piece was about the Boise State football team getting screwed over by the NCAA because of "Couchgate." I found out later that mentioning the Broncos in Idaho State Bengal territory was a no-no; a jealousy-filled no-no, but a no-no nonetheless.
Six months later -- me being pretty green still -- Jay left for a job in California. I found myself in a great, albeit inexperienced position to take over. I had worked hard to learn the computer system and graphic design program as well as how to be a journalist.
I was ready.
In a matter of days I was named interim sports editor and a few months later the interim tag was removed. I was in hog heaven. Could this really be happening to me? I was eager to dig in.
Reality then set in. My work load doubled and I had to deal with angry readers and the business side of the business. It didn't help that we were down a person for almost a year before we could get a permanent solution on board.
I faced a very steep learning curve, but I adjusted and began to feel better in my new skin many months later.
That casual, wear-shorts-and-T-shirts feeling was gone. It was a grind. I embraced it and pushed forward. I loved a lot of what I did, but that grind wears on you. There's no way to avoid it. Some people manage it differently than others.
Fast forward a couple of years and I am no longer working for a newspaper. But, it was as much my choice as it was that of the business.
Here's why: My family.
You see, we added another child to the fold in October of 2012 and I wanted nothing more than to spend every waking second with my beautiful wife and two incredible, loving kids.
But that cut into my career, a profession that expects more than 40 hours a week. Try 50 or 60 during slow season. Oh, and you generally don't get paid for that extra time.
I tried to find a balance. It was difficult. Every time I would leave the house I could hear my kids crying and yelling, "Daddy!" Try going through that on Christmas Day. Yeah, it sucks.
And I kept having to leave earlier and earlier in the day and staying later and later into the night. A journalist is always on the clock. Your schedule is not set. It's constantly fluctuating and growing. It's like drinking from a hose that's on full blast.
The truth is I loved my daily interactions with the people I got to meet. I loved crafting game stories into living, breathing works of word art. I loved telling people's stories. I loved taking the ISU football beat and making it my own. I loved getting my hands dirty and pissing people off in order to write and create investigative pieces. I won awards for my writing. I was good at it.
But I hated the bureaucratic, red tape-laced politics of navigating a newsroom, especially under a boss looking to save his own butt at the expense of others. But, most of all, I hated not seeing my family. Fifteen-hour Saturdays will do that to you.
The truth is I eventually began sacrificing time at work to be with my family. I made a choice. I had seen too many people lose their families because journalism became their life. It wasn't going to happen to me.
And in the end, it cost me my job. A younger, hungrier person who was willing to work those extra, money-less hours took over.
The truth is I hung on too long. My wife and I wanted to make a change, but we weren't sure where to go or how to get out. The fun-loving days of working with Jay Heater were gone.
The truth is the newspaper business chewed me up and spit me back out. It wasn't for me. My family is for me. That is what's important.
Maybe I wasn't cut out for the newspaper business. On the other hand, maybe the newspaper business wasn't cut out for me.
Fortunately I was able to find a writing gig on the side thanks to
Kevin Hiatt at BroncoCountry.com. It's the fun part of being a sports journalist with none of the politics. It's the shorts-and-T-shirt portion.
I made a choice: My wife and kids mean more to me than reaching a Sports Illustrated-level goal. It might not be as glamorous, but it's certainly more fulfilling.
So there's the truth. My life is a product of the choices I make and the people I choose to be around. My quality of life depends on what I deem as the most crucial parts of it.
And, right now, life is good.
The brisk, January eastern Idaho wind made me shiver. I looked up and saw Jay Heater for the first time, a man who would become my boss in a matter of weeks.
"Go ahead and leave the tie in the car," Jay said, half joking. "We're pretty casual around here."
That anecdote was my first encounter with the newspaper business. I met Jay Heater in January of 2011. He, then the sports editor for the Idaho State Journal, was looking for a full-time desk person who would have opportunities to write as needed. I applied and Jay contacted me and wanted to do an interview.
I made the drive from Wendell, Idaho, to frigid Pocatello that day in January, with my wife and 8-month-old son in tow. Jay's first comments to me were just what I wanted to hear. What's better than a job that lets you wear shorts and a T-shirt everyday? Oh, and watching sports while doing it?
It wasn't as much of an interview with Jay as it was us discussing the logistics of when I would start and what was expected of me. I was eager to get to work.
I had grandiose plans of taking the world by storm, starting with Pocatello. I wanted to be wined and dined in press boxes and watch football. What I had in mind was taking over Stewart Mandel's job at Sports Illustrated someday. My goals were lofty.
When I finally started at the Journal on February 8, 2011, I was sent out to cover a high school boys basketball game. My "limited writing opportunities" turned into almost daily game coverage and writing.
I was a sports journalist. My dream was coming true.
My first opinion piece was about the Boise State football team getting screwed over by the NCAA because of "Couchgate." I found out later that mentioning the Broncos in Idaho State Bengal territory was a no-no; a jealousy-filled no-no, but a no-no nonetheless.
Six months later -- me being pretty green still -- Jay left for a job in California. I found myself in a great, albeit inexperienced position to take over. I had worked hard to learn the computer system and graphic design program as well as how to be a journalist.
I was ready.
In a matter of days I was named interim sports editor and a few months later the interim tag was removed. I was in hog heaven. Could this really be happening to me? I was eager to dig in.
Reality then set in. My work load doubled and I had to deal with angry readers and the business side of the business. It didn't help that we were down a person for almost a year before we could get a permanent solution on board.
I faced a very steep learning curve, but I adjusted and began to feel better in my new skin many months later.
That casual, wear-shorts-and-T-shirts feeling was gone. It was a grind. I embraced it and pushed forward. I loved a lot of what I did, but that grind wears on you. There's no way to avoid it. Some people manage it differently than others.
Fast forward a couple of years and I am no longer working for a newspaper. But, it was as much my choice as it was that of the business.
Here's why: My family.
You see, we added another child to the fold in October of 2012 and I wanted nothing more than to spend every waking second with my beautiful wife and two incredible, loving kids.
But that cut into my career, a profession that expects more than 40 hours a week. Try 50 or 60 during slow season. Oh, and you generally don't get paid for that extra time.
I tried to find a balance. It was difficult. Every time I would leave the house I could hear my kids crying and yelling, "Daddy!" Try going through that on Christmas Day. Yeah, it sucks.
And I kept having to leave earlier and earlier in the day and staying later and later into the night. A journalist is always on the clock. Your schedule is not set. It's constantly fluctuating and growing. It's like drinking from a hose that's on full blast.
The truth is I loved my daily interactions with the people I got to meet. I loved crafting game stories into living, breathing works of word art. I loved telling people's stories. I loved taking the ISU football beat and making it my own. I loved getting my hands dirty and pissing people off in order to write and create investigative pieces. I won awards for my writing. I was good at it.
But I hated the bureaucratic, red tape-laced politics of navigating a newsroom, especially under a boss looking to save his own butt at the expense of others. But, most of all, I hated not seeing my family. Fifteen-hour Saturdays will do that to you.
The truth is I eventually began sacrificing time at work to be with my family. I made a choice. I had seen too many people lose their families because journalism became their life. It wasn't going to happen to me.
And in the end, it cost me my job. A younger, hungrier person who was willing to work those extra, money-less hours took over.
The truth is I hung on too long. My wife and I wanted to make a change, but we weren't sure where to go or how to get out. The fun-loving days of working with Jay Heater were gone.
The truth is the newspaper business chewed me up and spit me back out. It wasn't for me. My family is for me. That is what's important.
Maybe I wasn't cut out for the newspaper business. On the other hand, maybe the newspaper business wasn't cut out for me.
Fortunately I was able to find a writing gig on the side thanks to
Kevin Hiatt at BroncoCountry.com. It's the fun part of being a sports journalist with none of the politics. It's the shorts-and-T-shirt portion.
I made a choice: My wife and kids mean more to me than reaching a Sports Illustrated-level goal. It might not be as glamorous, but it's certainly more fulfilling.
So there's the truth. My life is a product of the choices I make and the people I choose to be around. My quality of life depends on what I deem as the most crucial parts of it.
And, right now, life is good.
Friday, May 30, 2014
It's not me Pocatello, it's you: A fond farewell to the Gate City
As I sit in my office on my very last night in a building I've spent over three years in, I can't help but let my mind wander.
Tomorrow morning (Saturday) my family and I pack up everything we own to leave Pocatello for good. It's very much bittersweet in that we will leave behind relationships, routines and familiarity behind us. But at the same time, this is what is best for us.
As I have said, my time with the Idaho State Journal abruptly came to an end when I was moved to a different position in the office. It was abundantly clear at that point that it was time to advance to the next phase of my life. My wife and I had been talking about it for a while, but the change forced our hand.
I certainly have bitter feelings toward the situation, but it was exactly what I needed. My anger has been washed away and replaced by excitement and nervousness. There is no room in my heart for bitterness.
Back to the mind wandering thing. I have met so many incredible people and had the opportunity to do some cool things as a sports writer. I think about all the coaches who I became close with — Tony Green at Highland, Vinnie Benavidez at Pocatello and Pauline Thiros at Century, just to name a few — are people I will stay in contact with for years to come.
Then there are the players. I got really close with a lot of them. Some that come to mind immediately are Kyler Manu at Highland (Boise State football commit), Malek Harwell at Century, Mikayla Kanawyer at Highland and Andy Burtenshaw at Pocatello. There are many, many others. The point is these athletes and coaches became a part of my life, people I looked forward to talking to after their games. That experience and those people will be sorely missed.
All good things must come to an end, right? That's something I absolutely believe in. I'm also a believer in new beginnings. Sometimes when God closes a door He opens one the size of a house. That's how I feel now. With a house purchase underway and jobs lined up for my wife and I (I start Monday, actually), life could not be sweeter.
Thanks to all who were part of my journey in Pocatello. I will sincerely miss you. If you're ever in the Twin Falls area, hit me up. I'll buy you a Mountain Dew and we can catch up!
Tomorrow morning (Saturday) my family and I pack up everything we own to leave Pocatello for good. It's very much bittersweet in that we will leave behind relationships, routines and familiarity behind us. But at the same time, this is what is best for us.
As I have said, my time with the Idaho State Journal abruptly came to an end when I was moved to a different position in the office. It was abundantly clear at that point that it was time to advance to the next phase of my life. My wife and I had been talking about it for a while, but the change forced our hand.
I certainly have bitter feelings toward the situation, but it was exactly what I needed. My anger has been washed away and replaced by excitement and nervousness. There is no room in my heart for bitterness.
Back to the mind wandering thing. I have met so many incredible people and had the opportunity to do some cool things as a sports writer. I think about all the coaches who I became close with — Tony Green at Highland, Vinnie Benavidez at Pocatello and Pauline Thiros at Century, just to name a few — are people I will stay in contact with for years to come.
Then there are the players. I got really close with a lot of them. Some that come to mind immediately are Kyler Manu at Highland (Boise State football commit), Malek Harwell at Century, Mikayla Kanawyer at Highland and Andy Burtenshaw at Pocatello. There are many, many others. The point is these athletes and coaches became a part of my life, people I looked forward to talking to after their games. That experience and those people will be sorely missed.
All good things must come to an end, right? That's something I absolutely believe in. I'm also a believer in new beginnings. Sometimes when God closes a door He opens one the size of a house. That's how I feel now. With a house purchase underway and jobs lined up for my wife and I (I start Monday, actually), life could not be sweeter.
Thanks to all who were part of my journey in Pocatello. I will sincerely miss you. If you're ever in the Twin Falls area, hit me up. I'll buy you a Mountain Dew and we can catch up!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
I used to work for Albertsons, that makes me part owner of the stadium, right?
I mean, I practically ran the place while I was there.
As Twitter, Facebook and the Boise media have been all over Wednesday, the Boise State football-playing facility formerly knows as Bronco Stadium will now be known as Albertsons Stadium.
To be honest, I actually like it. Joe Albertson is from Boise and he started a national grocery chain that still has its offices in the City of Trees.
Even more exciting is Albertsons paying $12.5 million over 15 years is a great sign. It wasn't that long ago that the company was struggling financially, even being sold to Cerberus Capital Management in 2006. The 2013 merger with Safeway stabilized the business and Albertsons is thriving.
Hence the hefty cash payment(s) to Boise State to hold naming rights of the stadium with its iconic Blue Turf.
Albertsons now has its name on BSU's library — a place I spent many hours "studying" and "researching" — and the stadium.
I would have been upset if it had been branded by some random, non-local entity. Taco Bell Arena is bad enough. I couldn't handle Carl's Jr. Stadium or Wendy's Coliseum.
Boise State got it right by going with a Boise company that has given so much to the community. From education to football, Albertsons deserves one of the highest spots in Treasure Valley lore. Having the name and logo on the former Bronco Stadium is a great start.
A rendering of Albertsons Stadium, the new
name for Boise State's football stadium. The school will add Albertsons
signage before the 2014 football season.
COURTESY BOISE STATE
As Twitter, Facebook and the Boise media have been all over Wednesday, the Boise State football-playing facility formerly knows as Bronco Stadium will now be known as Albertsons Stadium.
To be honest, I actually like it. Joe Albertson is from Boise and he started a national grocery chain that still has its offices in the City of Trees.
Even more exciting is Albertsons paying $12.5 million over 15 years is a great sign. It wasn't that long ago that the company was struggling financially, even being sold to Cerberus Capital Management in 2006. The 2013 merger with Safeway stabilized the business and Albertsons is thriving.
Hence the hefty cash payment(s) to Boise State to hold naming rights of the stadium with its iconic Blue Turf.
Albertsons now has its name on BSU's library — a place I spent many hours "studying" and "researching" — and the stadium.
I would have been upset if it had been branded by some random, non-local entity. Taco Bell Arena is bad enough. I couldn't handle Carl's Jr. Stadium or Wendy's Coliseum.
Boise State got it right by going with a Boise company that has given so much to the community. From education to football, Albertsons deserves one of the highest spots in Treasure Valley lore. Having the name and logo on the former Bronco Stadium is a great start.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
The end is (thankfully) near
As I finish up my work Saturday night (early Sunday morning, really), it dawns on me that I have less than two weeks left at the Idaho State Journal.
Way less than two weeks. And I couldn't be happier.
I will work my regular four days next week, but then I am off the Las Vegas with my wife and kids to see my mother. (Note: She doesn't care about me anymore. She wants to see her grandchildren!) My vacation comes at an opportune time as I am super anxious to leave this newspaper and move on to the next chapter of my life.
It also means I only have to work one day of my last week.
The closer I get to the end the more trunky I become. May 30th cannot get here fast enough. Well, except for the days when I get to be on vacation. They can take their sweet time.
Anyway, this is a short post, but it comes with a lovely picture of my family. It's a little old, but the cuteness factor of my children is clearly visible — it's equally obvious they get their looks from their mother.
Way less than two weeks. And I couldn't be happier.
I will work my regular four days next week, but then I am off the Las Vegas with my wife and kids to see my mother. (Note: She doesn't care about me anymore. She wants to see her grandchildren!) My vacation comes at an opportune time as I am super anxious to leave this newspaper and move on to the next chapter of my life.
It also means I only have to work one day of my last week.
The closer I get to the end the more trunky I become. May 30th cannot get here fast enough. Well, except for the days when I get to be on vacation. They can take their sweet time.
Anyway, this is a short post, but it comes with a lovely picture of my family. It's a little old, but the cuteness factor of my children is clearly visible — it's equally obvious they get their looks from their mother.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Did a blind squirrel just find a nut?
Quicker than cleaning your laminate wood floor with a Swiffer, the NCAA made the most correct decision in the history of the world.
One day after Boise State applied for a waiver to help homeless incoming recruit Antoine Turner, the hypocrites did something no one expected: They said, "OK."
As of Wednesday, May 14, Boise State University are immediately able to get Turner out of dirty hotels and his girlfriend's car and into a more comfortable, cockroach-less abode. You know, something like the Holiday Inn Express by the Boise Airport.
Finally, humanity is found in the largest collegiate athletics governing body. Finally, a logical, understanding and compassionate decision. I'm not sure what's more surprising, the fact that the NCAA actually made a good choice, or how fast it was completed.
There must be a shortage of red tape at their Indianapolis offices.
So, my question to you is; did a blind squirrel find a nut or is the NCAA actually trying to turn over a new leaf?
Antoine Turner (Photo from KTVB)
One day after Boise State applied for a waiver to help homeless incoming recruit Antoine Turner, the hypocrites did something no one expected: They said, "OK."
As of Wednesday, May 14, Boise State University are immediately able to get Turner out of dirty hotels and his girlfriend's car and into a more comfortable, cockroach-less abode. You know, something like the Holiday Inn Express by the Boise Airport.
Finally, humanity is found in the largest collegiate athletics governing body. Finally, a logical, understanding and compassionate decision. I'm not sure what's more surprising, the fact that the NCAA actually made a good choice, or how fast it was completed.
There must be a shortage of red tape at their Indianapolis offices.
So, my question to you is; did a blind squirrel find a nut or is the NCAA actually trying to turn over a new leaf?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
In which I make a comparison of biblical proportions: The folks at the NCAA are the new Pharisees and Sadducees
Time to let you in on a little secret: If I wasn't a sports writer or teaching, I would be doing something with religion. The historical combined with the theological are very interesting to me.
Bet ya' didn't know that about me!
Luckily, I can combine all the things that I enjoy right now. It's my blog and I'll do it if I want to.
Anyway, this weekend, Jay Tust of KTVB produced one of the finest stories I have ever read. It was, of course, his story on incoming Boise State junior college recruit Antoine Turner. Reading his background and that he's currently homeless until the NCAA says he can arrive on campus made me upset. It brought back bitter, angry memories of BSU's Couchgate and other such injustices.
Frankly, it pissed me off.
Miami gets off easy after a rogue booster provided cash, drugs, hookers and who knows what else to student-athletes who already have more than enough, but Turner can't get any sort of help from Boise State until a time approved by the NCAA.
And the NCAA has its student-athletes' best interests in mind. Right. And letting a 20-year-old live in a car while there are ample resources to remedy the situation just reeks of being charitable, intelligent and is clearly in his "best interest." Give him a place to stay.
As long as it's not on a couch, right?
The blatant and unashamed hypocrisy are palpable. Has there ever been a group of people in the history if the world more two-faced, phony or pretentious than the NCAA?
Here's where my interest in religious history comes into play.
In the New Testament (in the Bible), a group of people called the Pharisees and the Sadducees were in charge of the Jewish people at the time Jesus Christ was on the earth. Quick background info. here; the Pharisees and Sadducees were a political party/social movement that was originally tasked with keeping the Law of Moses, which is a very strict set of guidelines for the Jews.
What became the calling card for the Pharisees and Sadducees made sure the Law of Moses was followed. But they did it in a way that spawned a common saying: They keep the letter of the law and ignore the spirit of the law. Meaning, the strict rules of the Law of Moses were to be followed regardless. Any emotion, logic or sense is taken out of the process. Meanwhile, they do what they want, be it in accordance with or against the established laws.
You know, kind of like the NCAA. Let's make it up as we go and hope no one notices.
The Pharisees and Sadducees taught about God, but did not love God (read the Book of Matthew, chapter 23). The NCAA teaches amateurism, but makes bank off the images and success of the amateurs.
The Pharisees and Sadducees tithed spices and regulated how many steps a person can take on the Sabbath Day (seriously), but did it all in a one-size-fits-all approach and ignored the crucial points of the Law of Moses, such as mercy, love and justice. The NCAA penalizes schools when a player/prospect receives an "impermissible" hamburger, sleeps on a couch, hitches a ride to the store, is given a piece of gum or a handful of sunflower seeds, all while truly needy student-athletes live on the street or in a car.
The Pharisees and Sadducees feigned the appearance of being clean, wholesome and endearing while in reality they were selfish, ungrateful and into some really freaky, sexual things. The NCAA fakes its love for "maintaining an appropriate balance of values" (see president Mark Emmert's speech regarding the unprecedented Penn State sanctions) in regards to student-athletes while at the same time Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel escape real punishment because of loopholes.
The Pharisees and Sadducees stoned and killed people who they saw as unfit to be in their presence. The NCAA uses people like Big 10 commissioner Jim Delaney as a spokesperson, and they demean, belittle and dismiss anyone who calls into question the fallibility of the NCAA legislation in a laughing, you're-not-worth-my-time-or-energy manner.
Basically, it all comes down to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the NCAA being a bunch of lying hypocrites who don't want to escape the status quo for fear of losing their lofty status.
Just in case you need more reason to strongly dislike the NCAA, read this wonderful piece by "The NCAA's Theatre Of The Absurd."
Care to share your own ideas? Feel free.
Bet ya' didn't know that about me!
Luckily, I can combine all the things that I enjoy right now. It's my blog and I'll do it if I want to.
Anyway, this weekend, Jay Tust of KTVB produced one of the finest stories I have ever read. It was, of course, his story on incoming Boise State junior college recruit Antoine Turner. Reading his background and that he's currently homeless until the NCAA says he can arrive on campus made me upset. It brought back bitter, angry memories of BSU's Couchgate and other such injustices.
Frankly, it pissed me off.
Miami gets off easy after a rogue booster provided cash, drugs, hookers and who knows what else to student-athletes who already have more than enough, but Turner can't get any sort of help from Boise State until a time approved by the NCAA.
And the NCAA has its student-athletes' best interests in mind. Right. And letting a 20-year-old live in a car while there are ample resources to remedy the situation just reeks of being charitable, intelligent and is clearly in his "best interest." Give him a place to stay.
As long as it's not on a couch, right?
The blatant and unashamed hypocrisy are palpable. Has there ever been a group of people in the history if the world more two-faced, phony or pretentious than the NCAA?
Here's where my interest in religious history comes into play.
In the New Testament (in the Bible), a group of people called the Pharisees and the Sadducees were in charge of the Jewish people at the time Jesus Christ was on the earth. Quick background info. here; the Pharisees and Sadducees were a political party/social movement that was originally tasked with keeping the Law of Moses, which is a very strict set of guidelines for the Jews.
What became the calling card for the Pharisees and Sadducees made sure the Law of Moses was followed. But they did it in a way that spawned a common saying: They keep the letter of the law and ignore the spirit of the law. Meaning, the strict rules of the Law of Moses were to be followed regardless. Any emotion, logic or sense is taken out of the process. Meanwhile, they do what they want, be it in accordance with or against the established laws.
You know, kind of like the NCAA. Let's make it up as we go and hope no one notices.
The Pharisees and Sadducees taught about God, but did not love God (read the Book of Matthew, chapter 23). The NCAA teaches amateurism, but makes bank off the images and success of the amateurs.
The Pharisees and Sadducees tithed spices and regulated how many steps a person can take on the Sabbath Day (seriously), but did it all in a one-size-fits-all approach and ignored the crucial points of the Law of Moses, such as mercy, love and justice. The NCAA penalizes schools when a player/prospect receives an "impermissible" hamburger, sleeps on a couch, hitches a ride to the store, is given a piece of gum or a handful of sunflower seeds, all while truly needy student-athletes live on the street or in a car.
The Pharisees and Sadducees feigned the appearance of being clean, wholesome and endearing while in reality they were selfish, ungrateful and into some really freaky, sexual things. The NCAA fakes its love for "maintaining an appropriate balance of values" (see president Mark Emmert's speech regarding the unprecedented Penn State sanctions) in regards to student-athletes while at the same time Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel escape real punishment because of loopholes.
The Pharisees and Sadducees stoned and killed people who they saw as unfit to be in their presence. The NCAA uses people like Big 10 commissioner Jim Delaney as a spokesperson, and they demean, belittle and dismiss anyone who calls into question the fallibility of the NCAA legislation in a laughing, you're-not-worth-my-time-or-energy manner.
Basically, it all comes down to the Pharisees and Sadducees and the NCAA being a bunch of lying hypocrites who don't want to escape the status quo for fear of losing their lofty status.
Just in case you need more reason to strongly dislike the NCAA, read this wonderful piece by "The NCAA's Theatre Of The Absurd."
Care to share your own ideas? Feel free.
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