#UNAFRAID ANONYMOUS EMAILS #3


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Do you believe that the advent of the 24 hour sports news and media cycle coupled with the over saturation of social media make it harder for coaches and staff to enforce team discipline and unity than it did when we were playing together?

Who would in a foot race between President Trump and Hilary Clinton?

The first thing that comes to my mind is how long is this race. I don’t believe either of them could complete a mile run in a timeframe that would be compelling. So lets assume the race is 200 meters, it’s a sprint but long enough to get some drama.

Trump is an old man with a big gut. I imagine he makes weird heavy breathing noises, is super sweaty, and is on the verge of passing out during sex. The visual I just got of him on top of Melania grossed me out.

Clinton doesn’t look like she’s worked out in decades. I imagine she has one of those chair lifts that takes old people up and down stairs at her home. If she walked up she would have to spot and sit down half way.

The race would be a fight to the finish. I ultimately believe Clinton would win. She lost the election, would rather die than lose again to Trump.


When is it ok to tell a lie?

Simple question but this is tricky as it gets.

My heart and character says that it is never ok to lie, despite the consequences. I tell my kids that character is paramount and it is never ok to tell a lie, unless it’s to protect a good surprise.

I could give you all types of scenarios and justifications of when lying is socially acceptable, but I won’t.

It’s never ok to lie, even when wife asks me does a shirt make her look fat? When I’m trying to “protect someone’s feelings”. Someone tried to convince me there it’s ok to lie when the out come is the “RIGHT Thing”. But how on earth can the right thing happen when it’s based in a lie.
*I occasionally fall into the “justifications” category but I’m trying to do better.


I met this girl at the gym about a year ago. We started talking and hanging out as friends for a few months. A couple months ago we decided to start dating. We are pretty serious now. I am truly in love with this woman and I know I want to marry her.

She brought me out of state to her parent’s house for her moms surprise birthday party. She introduces me to her best friend childhood friend. I initially didn’t recognize her, but about halfway through dinner I remember she was a chick I hooked up with in Vegas off Tinder right before I met my girl.

Through the course of the night, we talked and she asked me to tell my girl. I initially said yes, but I feel bad.

This is the woman I’m supposed to spend my life with. I have to tell her right?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard of random hookup stories coming back to haunt people. They should change the slogan from “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” to “what happens in Vegas shows up 9-12 months later”.

It’s better to bite the bullet and fess up now. If she’s going to leave you for a chick you hooked up with before you met, she will leave you for a lot less eventually anyway. You will be left with your integrity, even though integrity can’t do the things your girl can.

This is a fact of life; there are no secrets that are kept forever. They all eventually come out. It’s usually not immediate but it’s coming. It probably wouldn’t even be you or your friend who lets the cat out of the bag. It will be some random person three years from now who makes a random comment that raises questions. Once that happens your then wife will be pissed that you kept a huge secret. And you might have an ex-wife.

My 16-year-old son plays AAU basketball. His father passed away when he was 2, so he hasn’t had a true father figure around. He has been playing for the same AAU coach for 2 years. He is a great man and treats my son like his own. The man is successful, handsome, single, a great guy, and over the two years he’s really grown on me. I really want to date him, but I don’t want my son to be affected, and things may get weird if they don’t work out with us. What should I do? 

It sounds like you attracted to this man because you want him as a father to your son, and not for all the right reasons.

It is a horrible idea to date your son’s coach. Even if you two go off and get married it will create significant social issues with his teammates and other people in the program.

I once played with a kid in high school that had a “fine” mom. She was gorgeous. Every guy would make comments to him about how fine his mom was. He was always pissed off.

Now imagine the cruel things teenagers would say about what coach is doing to his mom.

My advice to you is this: Your son is 16, and I’m assuming he’s a junior in high school. He will graduate in a year and a half. After he’s done. Go ahead and date the coach. Not one minute before.

Only certain doom and shame can come from doing it before.

#UNAFRAID ANONYMOUS EMAILS


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I need advice– I told my friends I gave up on the NFL but I am still watching am I a hypocrite to myself or my friends?
You are a hypocrite to your friends only. When you told your friends that you weren’t going to watch the NFL, you knew you were going to. You are not alone though.
Most people hang out with people like them, so if your friends told you they aren’t watching football too, they are lying as well. I’m starting to believe there needs to be a support group for people in your position. The ratings prove there are a lot of people who are pretending not to watch. You should not be ashamed, we are all slaves to football.  I do have questions though. Do you watch the games in the bathroom on your phone? Do you pretend like you are sick on Sundays and stay in the room with the television on mute?
Whatever age you are is too old to blame things you do on peer pressure. Grow a pair and walk into the light! If you choose not to, please write back and tell us the hilarious story about how you got caught watching football.
Are you jumping on the idea that many are this year, saying LeBron has the highest chance of getting the MVP award?
Absolutely. The reason why has everything to do with guilt, and nothing to do with LeBron’s actual play. Last year LeBron had one of his best statistical seasons ever but finished 4th in MVP voting. It has become routine for us to see James average 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. His greatness last year was largely overlooked until LeBron “stans” like Nick Wright got on their soapbox and stated yelling like religious zealots on the street corner. I can’t say they were wrong though. Now this year, the MVP is LeBron’s to lose. Writer’s want to give it to him because they will not be accused of overlooking greatness again.
The Casting Couches in Hollywood are in the news with Harvey Weinstein. So many women have come out to tell their stories, but now men have started to come out. We heard from Terry Crews about his uncomfortable grab by a Hollywood creep– does sexual harassment or hazing happen in professional sports? Are players free to come forward? Remember what happened with Martin and Incognito….
I have never seen or heard of any sexual harassment inside of NFL locker rooms. Testosterone and machismo are bouncing off of every corner so any open sexual advances by a teammate or front office would likely be met with a fight.
I did once have a teammate who dressed up as a the SNL character “Mango” who would go around the locker room with sex toys including a 12 inch dildo and make sexually suggestive comments to players.
With women, I would say absolutely athletes get sexually harassed, but for me it was no big deal. It comes more in the form of groping. Ironically, it’s usually 45+ year old women who do it. They are like Stiffler’s mom from American Pie.
In Hollywood though, I have been in a few situations where I felt like a man was taking advantage of a situation and being much to “handsy” with me. I shut it down immediately and made it clear he should never do that again. I felt like it was unfair how I had to handle it. I had to be super discreet for fear of someone hearing me and thinking I was “homophobic” and just imagining sexual harassment because he was a gay and I “believe every gay man wants me”.
Frank Gore, he just passed the great Eric Dickerson for 7th on the all time rushing list. He currently sits at 13,295 yards rushing and trails Jerome Bettis (6th) who has 13,662 yards, then Ladanian Tomlinson (5th) with 13,684. My question is, is this the quietest HOF career you’ve ever seen? And why is Frank Gore not as hyped or talked about as he should be? Even in his prime, he didn’t get the recognition he deserved…I would know, I’m a 9er fan.

Unfortunately, I am not convinced Frank Gore is a Hall of Famer. If he is, it certainly will take a few years to get in. It really sucks because he will likely finish his career 4th or better on the all time in rushing list. The Hall of Fame is somewhat of a popularity contest, and Frank Gore would never win in that category. The only other player inside the top 15 all time in rushing not in the Hall of Fame is Edgerrin James. He and Gore have something in common, underappreciated and a University of Miami running back. For what it’s worth I believe he should be in.

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Comment Below!

Why 2nd Amendment supporters need to support NFL players kneeling!

Gun owners and 2nd amendment rights people who don’t support NFL players right to kneel are short sighted. This affects you in a way that you do not even realize. You should be terrified by the propaganda/PR stunt that Vice President Mike Pence and President Trump orchestrated on Sunday. Kneeling during the anthem in protest of equality and police brutality is protected under the 1st amendment. If you allow people to be fired, exiled, or ostracized for exercising their 1stamendment rights, you are opening Pandora’s box. Nearly all 2ndamendment rights people say they refuse to allow the government to control gun ownership and trample on their individual rights. I understand that many people don’t like, care, or believe what the NFL players are protesting. However, the principle remains the same despite the amendment. If you allow the President to influence you to shut people’s rights down then it will happen to you sooner than later.
Many people will argue that there’s no way the NRA would allow gun control. I would respond by saying that has been said about a lot of issues: civil rights, abortion, prayer in schools, etc. Look at where taking prayer out of schools has led. Kids, teachers, administrators, have been suspended or fired for bringing a bible to school or praying together. Coaches have been fired for kneeling in prayer after games. People get upset about people praying at school or in public, but then want to “Pray” for Las Vegas, Orlando, and Puerto Rico.
All these things go down a slippery slope. And the arrival destination is never where the intended destination was. Many people are frustrated with public sensitivity that has caused restriction on free speech and infringed on their beliefs. I will guarantee you that, if you support any amendment right being stepped on, a right you care about is in line and will be up for grabs soon enough.
The President has convinced us that attacking ourselves as Americans over flag worship is a good idea. There is no NFL player or media person that does anything except honor and support our military. Kneeling is about bringing awareness to police brutality, and inequality in our country. Patriotism is love and support for your country. It is also the honesty to recognize our faults and fix our issues to be the greatest country in the world.

This divisiveness debating patriotism and flag worship is nothing more than propaganda. Today it is about “shutting down disrespect” that is protected under the 1st amendment. If you allow or condone the suppression of people’s amendment rights, the guns and 2ndamendment rights you love will be infringed upon as well.

LaVar Ball to Home School LaMelo Ball: Perfect Parenting

LaVar Ball made headlines again when a report came out that his youngest son LaMelo would no longer be attending Chino Hills High School and instead will be home schooled. LaMelo is a high school junior and the youngest of LaVar’s three sons. This has reignited the debate about LaVar’s parenting. I’m here to tell you, LaVar Ball is making the BEST decision for his son LaMelo by home schooling him. I’m not even sure if LaVar realizes all the reasons his decision is this fantastic, but I got the answers for you:

Education

Fame, popularity, and hype can lead to a loss of focus. Home school offers a potential for a better education, privacy, and teacher(s) dedicated exclusively to him. LaMelo is the most famous high school sophomore athlete of all time. The power of social media adds to his fame. Not even LeBron James received this much press as a 16 year old. So, imagine what school is like for LaMelo… It is very difficult to focus in a learning environment when every move you make, word you write, and things you say are recorded and leaked. We are not too far off from LaMelo’s homework, test, and report cards being leaked to TMZ or blogs. By all accounts, all three of the Ball boys are smart kids and education is a priority. It would be a disservice to his son’s education for LaVar Ball to leave LaMelo in an environment that would hurt his academic progress.

Pro Lifestyle

I’ll throw out a few names for you of pro athletes that were home schooled: Blake Griffin, Maria Sharapova, Tim Tebow, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Carly Patterson etc., etc.
Most elite tennis and golf players are home schooled due to the sheer amount of practice time their sports take. Even in basketball it is common. Most people just don’t realize many of the elite prep schools entire student body is comprised of the basketball team. They use a home school model to build an elite basketball program.
LaMelo is already training with pros on a daily basis. His level of competition is higher on a daily basis that most collegiate athletes. Pros don’t train around a traditional high school bell schedule.

Protection 

All good parents attempt to protect their children from attacks, and things that can derail their future. LaVar is simply protecting LaMelo’s future by taking him out of High school. Nothing about his life suggests a normal high school experience. He is a potential target by girls, teachers, students, and the school board. This reason to home school him is obvious and pretty self-explanatory. Girls will see an opportunity of a meal ticket and good life by being the girlfriend of LaMelo. Some of these young ladies will be willing to do any and everything to gain his affection. Other guys at school will be jealous of the attention, opportunities, and financial status LaMelo has and plot schemes against him. Some teachers and the school board do like the influence, bravado, and confidence the Ball family has. It is hard for many people to accept the level of success of those who they do not feel “deserve” it. And for the good-hearted teachers and members of the school board, they will try to create a culture of  “fairness”. In an attempt to ensure they are not appearing to favor LaMelo and LaVar, they will inadvertently unfair to them.

LaMelo May Not Be Eligible

Many detractors will site a courtside interview with Ramona Shelburne, where LaVar says disputes with the new coach at Chino Hills contributed to LaMelo’s departure. I would argue that is a classic Donald Trump move.
When Donald Trump wants to get something done that may cause political opposition, he distracts everyone by picking a fight. A recent example of this is Trump’s new tax plan. Trump knew that the political analysts could be too critical of the new tax plan so he picked a fight with the NFL owners and Steph Curry. He knew the national news would be dominated by his fight and give minimal attention to the details of the new tax plan. This is exactly what LaVar is doing, distracting from negative press.
A few weeks ago, we learned that Big Baller Brand would be releasing LaMelo’s first signature shoe. An “amateur” athlete having his own shoe creates high school and college eligibility issues. Smart money says that LaMelo was not going to be allowed to compete in high school unless he parted with Big Baller Brand. There was no way that was going to happen. So LaVar picked a fight with the high school coach to distract from negative press surrounding LaMelo’s eligibility issues.

Preparing for No College 

Currently, LaMelo is committed to following in both his brother’s Lonzo and LiAngelo footsteps and attend UCLA on a basketball scholarship in 2019. I do not believe he will play college basketball. All the writing is on the wall. He is being home schooled, training with pros, and has his own shoe, which could interfere with his college eligibility. We have already seen UCF kicker Donald De La Haye ruled in ineligible by the sweatshop NCAA because he refused to shut his YouTube channel down. So, imagine how hard they would come for a household name like LaMelo Ball. LaVar knows this so he had to come up with a way to circumvent the system.

Master Plan

Remember what LaVar’s goal is: to have all his sons playing in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers. We saw how everything fell into place with Lonzo becoming a Laker, but getting the other two on the Lakers will prove more difficult. So, LaVar had to give himself options.
The NBA has a rule stating that you have to be 1 year removed from your high school graduating class to be draft eligible. Conventional wisdom says this leaves the Ball family with one option. LaMelo would play overseas professionally for one year like NBA player Brandon Jennings and come back for the 2020 draft. I have a different solution, and more likely outcome for LaMelo.
By home schooling LaMelo, his high school graduation year can be more easily controlled. We have seen number basketball players including the #1 playing in the nation, Marvin Bagley reclassify from graduating in 2018 to 2017. So technically, LaMelo could either inter college in 2018, 2019, or 2020 depending on what the family feels is his and LiAngelo’s best option for being in Lakers uniforms is.

Overall

Initially I was not a LaVar Ball fan. After I realigned my thinking and really objectively looked at his motivations I came to appreciate him. At the core of everything, he is just like all good men. He is a man who loves his family, and is trying to do everything possible to create a good life for them, and help them achieve their dreams. Some times he comes across as a braggadocios blow-heart, but aren’t all disrupters. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg, and Phil Knight were all market disrupters and visionaries. LaVar is no different.

Lonzo Ball and BBB might just be worth $1 Billion

I have the best idea to change the footwear industry and increase athlete endorsement dollars forever… and it was inspired by Lonzo Ball.  Currently, an NBA player signs a contract with one shoe company and exclusively represents that company through the life of the contract. This is the way things are and no one has dared to challenge that until LaVar Ball came around with Big Baller Brand.
I think we all assumed that Lonzo Ball would wear BBB shoes every game and that would be the end of the story. Not so fast, my friend. During the NBA Summer League, Lonzo wore his own BBB shoes, Nikes, UnderArmour, and Adidas. When he was questioned about wearing other brands besides his own Lonzo said, “At BBB, you can play in what you want.”
This got me thinking…
Imagine if Lonzo (and any other unsigned athlete) was an endorsement mercenary. An athlete beholden to no single company but available to all. What if Lonzo literally sold his feet to the highest bidder for all 82 games? If he plays well, the opportunities are endless. I’ve read that shoe companies are offering him in the neighborhood of $5M per season now. That breaks down to around $61,000 per game. I believe he could average more than that over the course of a season being a mercenary. Why wouldn’t a shoe company pay $50-75k per night to get additional eyeballs on its new shoe? Imagine what Lonzo could get for a primetime national TV game. Besides LeBron, no NBA player is talked about more and watched than Lonzo Ball. 
The Ball family is one of the top three most discussed topics in U.S. sports every week. The entire Ball family has become polarizing figures due to their outstanding play and their fathers’ showmanship. Approximately 70,000 people watched the youngest Ball play an AAU basketball game on Facebook Live. Some fans watch Lonzo and the Ball family to see them fail and some watch to see them succeed. Either way, eyeballs are glued to everything named Ball.
It’s time for athletes to break the mold. Think outside the box. It’s simple, sitting right at their fingertips and to my knowledge no one has mentioned this before I did here:
All commissions on my fantastic idea are expected. My email is on my Twitter Bio.
Ep #117 Lonzo Ball best shoe deal ever. Where do athletes pee? #Unafraid https://t.co/uUFCVyw1PI

— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) July 20, 2017

All commissions on my fantastic idea are expected. My email is on my Twitter Bio.

College Football’s 5 Most Underrated Teams of 2017

The definition of underrate is “to rate or evaluate too low; underestimate.” Here is the 5 college football teams most underestimated for the 2017 season.
Honorable Mention. UCLA- If you have a quarterback you have a chance. If the golden boy Josh Rosen has a good season the Bruins will have a shot to win the Pac-12.
5. Miami– It feels like forever since Miami was good. They fooled you guys in the beginning of last season, but I knew better. This year the Hurricanes return seven starters on a defense that only gave up 18.5 ppg in 2016. Questions about their quarterback have kept expectations low, but their offensive line should be very good. If Miami can get a decent QB out of junior Malik Rosier, true freshmen N’Kosi Perry, Cade Weldon and sophomore Evan Shirreffs, they have a legit shot to win the ACC.
4. NC State– Do not underestimate the quality of this team that finished 7-6 last year. The Wolfpack don’t have the horses to make a run at the ACC Atlantic division, but they have an underrated coach in Dave Doeren. NC State is good enough to hand FSU, Louisville, or Clemson a loss. Last year, the Wolfpack gifted Clemson an overtime victory, and it took a 4th quarter comeback by Florida St to win. Coach Doreen has a veteran offensive line to protect junior QB Ryan Finley. This combo will give the Wolfpack a shot to win every week vs. this tough schedule. A 9-3 finish to the regular season IS possible and would be a huge success, but reality is more around 7-5.
3. Oregon– I can already hear you guys now. Such a homer, of course he says Oregon is underrated. Well, they are. No one has any expectations for the Ducks winning the Pac-12 north after finishing a disaster of a season last year 4-8. The Ducks cleaned house and brought in head coach Willie Taggert from South Florida. Oregon has plenty of talent left on the roster offensively. Justin Herbert showed flashes last year as a true freshman and should have a successful sophomore campaign. Expect to see the Royce Freeman of old running the football. The same cannot be said defensively. The Ducks should be a 9-win team and Pac-12 north champs if they can play a nominal amount of defense this season.
2. Penn St– At the end of the regular season last year, didn’t you feel like Penn St was one of the 4 best teams in the country? I did. This team is good, really good. So how could the Nittany Lions team be underrated? I got two names, Ohio St. and Michigan. It feels like James Franklin is the forgotten man behind Urban Meyer and the Khaki man Jim Harbaugh. Penn St has two of the most exciting players in college football. Their quarterback Trace McSorley reminds me of Johnny Manziel. Defenses can’t tackle RB Saquon Barkley in a phone booth. I am bullish on the scrappy Nittany Lions this year to win the B1G title.
P.S. I hate their non-conference schedule (Akron, Pitt, and Georgia St)!!!

1. Oklahoma St– How bout them COWBOYS! Ok St will come into this season ranking outside of the Top 10, but expect them to finish in the college football playoff. The combination of a light non-conference schedule and playing Baylor, TCU, and Oklahoma at home makes for a perfect recipe for 12-0 or 11-1 regular season. Mason Rudolph will be throwing to the #1 receiving corps in the nation. James Washington, Jalen McCleskey, Marcell Ateman, and Tyron Johnson are all studs. Add in running back Justice Hill and it may take a small army to slow Ok St down offensively. The only thing that can derail the Cowboys is Mike Gundy’s bad luck mullet.

5 Most Overrated Teams in College Football

College football season is only a few weeks away. We are already beginning to be flooded with preseason rankings. Here are the teams that will prove themselves overrated this college football season:
Honorable Mention- Louisville. Lamar Jackson fell apart at the end of the season leaving Heisman voters wishing they could get their votes back. He’s a good kid, elite athlete, but he is not elite enough of a passer to lead this team to an ACC title. The Cardinals will likely get to 10 wins due to a non-conference schedule that would make Washington blush.
5. LSU-Please stop trying to sell me on LSU being able to unseat Bama for the SEC West crown. Not happening. Not even if their quarterback Jalen Hurts gets hurt. The Tigers have to get out of the “run and punt” style of offense they had under Les Miles and step in at least a 2010 offense.
In my mind I like the idea Ed Orgeron was hired as head coach. But if I’m judging from his last time he was a head coach without the interim tag (Ole Miss), I realize things could go badly. Derrius Guice might be the nation’s best running back. And as usual the Tigers are stacked with talent on defense with Arden Key (LB) and Donte Jackson (CB) leading the way. Unfortunately, the SEC is Alabama, and everybody else and LSU is an everybody else.
4. Texas-Tom Herman is in, Charlie Strong is out. Texas is back. Texas is a Top 10 team! Slow all the way down and come back in a year or 2. Expectations of burnt orange fans are completely out of whack. But eclipsing the 5 wins from last year shouldn’t be too difficult with this schedule. The Longhorns have talent but depth is an issue, especially on the offensive line. You already know, if you can’t protect your quarterback, you can’t play football. I really hope Shane Buechele’s parents took out an insurance policy on him. He may be running for his life a lot this season. There is good news though. If Tom Herman can keep his QB upright, they have playmakers in Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay at WR. Todd Orlando is the new defensive coordinator and there’s nowhere to go but up from last years’ Swiss cheese D.
3. Florida- Unless Jim McElwain got a Steve Spurier offensive blood transfusion expect to see another season of non-explosive offensive football. The Gators finished 100th in scoring in 2015 and 107th in 2016. This Florida team is underwhelming. I could name a bunch of defensive players that will keep them in games, but I won’t. This team could very well win the SEC East, but if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it did it really happen?
2. Michigan- Back to back years, this is becoming a trend. Aside from games against Penn St and Ohio St, this schedule looks like a snoozer. George, what about Florida week 1 and the Wisconsin game? What about it? Sounds like 13-10 ballgames with teams below average offenses masquerading as defensive juggernauts. Michigan only returns 5 starters, and will be playing a ton of freshman. There is good news Wolverines fans. Jim Harbaugh is your coach. If anyone can grind out a 10 win season on the backs QB Wilton Speight and RB Chris Evans it’s the khaki man.

1. Washington- The Huskies non-conference games with Rutgers, Montana, and Fresno State is somehow weaker than last years schedule. To make their schedule even easier, UW plays Oregon, Washington St, and Utah all at home, and avoids USC altogether. I believe Chris Peterson is a great coach. I believe Washington will have a good running game with Miles Gaskins and Lavon Coleman. I believe D Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski will be able to field a formidable defense despite losing Budda Baker, Sidney Jones, Kevin King, and Elijah Qualls to the NFL. But they will not be battle tested and will probably lose a game because I DO NOT BELIEVE IN JAKE BROWNING. How could I say that? He threw for 3,430 yards and 43TDs last year. Browning was carried by the Husky defense. They created easy scoring opportunities from short fields. He did not impress in games vs. Arizona, Utah, USC, Colorado, and Alabama. Even if Washington does finish undefeated expect to hear grumblings about leaving them out of the Top 4.

The Truth and Lies About Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick NFL Truth Lies
By now you’ve probably heard a few lies about why Colin Kaepernick is not on an NFL roster… Good thing you have me to set the record straight!

Lie #1: Kaepernick sucks and can’t play anymore

Whoever says that is either towing the company line or doesn’t look at stats. Either way, they will admit that Kaepernick has not helped his case by not speaking publicly and letting the powers that be control the narrative but facts are facts… Kaepernick is being blackballed. He is not being signed due to cowardice, irrational fear, and hypocrisy. Good thing we have easy access to stats to help figure out which of us is right.
Take a look at his stats… Kaepernick is only 29 years old and ranks 11th in career QB rating among active quarterbacks. He’s ahead of Carson Palmer, Derek Carr, Joe Flacco, Andrew Luck, Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, and a bunch of other names you know. He has been to more Super Bowls, NFC championship games than four of the guys I just named.  Coming off injury in 2016, Kaepernick started just 11 games. He threw 16 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions while playing for the 49ers. San Francisco was the team with the least talent in the NFL last season. Kaepernick finished the season with a higher passer rating in 2016 than 13 other starters. If you add in the immense personal and professional pressure he was under, his future looks bright.
Owners, general managers, and coaches regularly tell us they want competition and the best 53 guys on their team. Clearly that’s not true. The numbers speak for themselves. Kaepernick is clearly NFL starter quality, which means he’s absolutely qualified to be a backup. TWENTY-THREE backup quarterbacks have been signed this offseason. NONE of which have the success Kaepernick has. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Case Keenum, Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky, Blaine Gabbert, Kellen Moore, Matt McGloin… Damn, my fingers are getting tired. Some of these guys have proven to us numerous times they have a hard time throwing more TDs than interceptions, even on good teams. These are the things they usually don’t talk about on TV and radio. General managers have anonymously said he is good enough to be a starter. So why isn’t Kaepernick signed? The same reason they need to be anonymous. FEAR.

Lie #2: Kap is bad guy

Did Colin Kaepernick get a DUI, commit domestic abuse, beat his kid, or violate the league drug policy and I missed it? Nope. Franchises regularly sign domestic abusers, and guys with DUI’s despite the public backlash. What makes Kaepernick so different? His protest made people uncomfortable because it brought up an issue that makes non-brown people uncomfortable: social injustice. The copout is Kaepernick’s protest “disrespected our flag and our military”. I really hope you don’t believe that BS. The United States was founded on protest. The protests against the British government were violent and ultimately caused the American Revolutionary War. Less than 100 years later, the Civil War started over protest of slavery and state’s rights. Our service men and women have fought, sacrificed, and died so we could protest. Kaepernick PEACEFULLY protested yet  – for some reason – is considered un-American. This is hypocritical, cowardly, and rooted in irrational fear.

Lie #3: Our military is offended

Both of my grand fathers served in the military. I have also traveled around the world visiting our servicemen and women. I have a great appreciation for our military. I’ve spoken with numerous servicemen and women who said ‘it doesn’t feel good to see someone kneeling at the National Anthem, but we fight to protect these freedoms for everyone’. If many people in the military can accept Kaepernick standing up for what he feels is right, why can’t you?
It makes me angry when people say Kaepernick “disrespected our flag and our military” because of their hypocrisy. Many of our servicemen and women are homeless, unemployed, and struggling when they retire from active duty. Those same people that condemn Kaepernick for “offending” the military don’t lift a finger to help them. They walk by them daily like trash on the street, but you are worried about Kaepernick’s alleged disrespect. Do something. Call your congressman, volunteer, or raise money before you come at anybody else on your soapbox.

Lie #4: Sports are not for protests

Muhammad Ali and other athletes protested the Vietnam War. In 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos protested on the medal stand with a raised fist. In 1980, the U.S. boycotted the Olympics in Moscow in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Billy Jean King and Venus Williams fought for women to get equal pay at Wimbledon… and won. The NBA, MLB, and NFL have all gone on strike. The list goes on and on of successful times, sports has been used for protest.

Lie #5: Kaepernick needs to clean up his image

Maybe if Kaepernick cut his hair he would be signed? What’s wrong with the image of a guy who has never been in trouble, donates millions, does community service, and stands up for the rights of others? His hair?? We appreciate Trump, Hannity, Tapper, and Maddow for standing up for causes they believe in and not wavering through adversity. Why is it such a problem when a black athlete does it, why does he need to be silenced? Shouldn’t we appreciate a person whose opinions can’t be bought, and will stand in the fire and take the bullets for others.
 Ryan Fitzpatrick, Aaron Rodgers, or Andrew Luck hair situation is more palatable for you.
We have to be willing to have these uncomfortable conversations about race and injustice in this country. We know that most police officers are good people trying to do the right thing. We also have to admit that some officers are criminals and they have unjustly murdered American citizens. Those officers/criminals are to blame for dividing our country, not those who stand up and shine a light on the issue.
There’s only ONE reason why Kaepernick is not on an NFL roster: NFL owners are SCARED for ALL of the wrong reasons. I really hope some owner has the balls and courage to do what’s in the best interest of his football team winning games and sign Kaepernick. The owners are terrified that you the fans may get mad about this issue. How about doing something for a change and show them you are pissed Kaepernick hasn’t been signed? Fortune favors the bold.
“The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.” 

― Phil Knight, Shoe Dog

Real Reason Kyrie wants away from LeBron

Kyrie Irving’s desire to leave Cleveland on if face looks like an attempt to get out Cleveland before LeBron does, or a desire for more opportunity for a bigger role. What if it’s neither of those? What if Kyrie is motivated by a desire to play team basketball instead of “LeBron Ball”?
*LeBron Ball- style of basketball where LeBron facilitates all offense and teammates are turned into isolation scorers, or catch and shoot players.
Much of the criticism of Kyrie’s game is centered on him being and isolation scorer and lack of playmaking for teammates. So naturally when he asks to be traded it looks like he wants more spotlight and recognition. I disagree with that idea. I believe Kyrie wants out because he wants to team basketball the right way, not LeBron’s way. Look at the teams reportedly highly desirable trade destinations for Kyrie. San Antonio, Houston, Minnesota, Miami, New York. With the exception of NY (I have no idea why he would want to go there) what do all these teams have in common? He would not be the #1 offensive option on the team, and they all run an offensive system where no 1 player facilitates the entire offense. For 2 decades, no team/coach has empowered his role players, and bench players to be contributors than Popovich in San Antonio. Mike D’Antoni offense in Houston allows very little isolation offense. Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota is known for his defensive prowess and he has no “Superstar” so everyone has to contribute to facilitating offense. The same is true in the post Big 3 era with Spoelstra in Miami.
Kyrie’s list of teams he wants to be traded to clearly demonstrates a desire to play a beautiful brand of basketball. The kind of poetry in motion we see from Golden State, and San Antonio when every player on the team is giving a master class on screening, cutting, and passing to create easy shots.
This may sound like a knock on LeBron, and on some level it might be. But, proof is in the pudding. When the Cleveland Cavaliers do not have LeBron James on the court, even for short stretches, opponents routinely massively outscore them. Why is that? His teammates suck. Nope. His teammates are not empowered to initiate and facilitate offense like other teams. On San Antonio, Houston, Minnesota, and Miami their teams are able to maintain and sometimes extend leads with their stars on the bench because 1 player does not dominate the facilitation of offense. The Cavs don’t score a lot of assisted points (especially in the playoffs) when the pass did not come from LeBron James. Other contenders do. Kyrie is a magnificent scorer and finisher around the rim. Imagine him playing in a system that empowered all his teammates and he occasionally had to isolation score.
Being an isolation scorer takes a lot of energy and long term it makes you a far less efficient scorer. See Kevin Durant’s stats from OKC playoffs vs. GSW playoffs.

Chris Bosh told Kevin Love playing with LeBron is tough. He has found out, so has Kyrie. At least they got a championship in the process. Now can you blame Kyrie for wanting out?

OPEN LETTER TO KOBE BEAN BRYANT

*OPEN LETTER TO KOBE BEAN BRYANT was originally published on Wednesday April 13, 2016 but was updated February 24, 2020.

Wednesday April 13, 2016

Dear Kobe,

My 20 year relationship with you the basketball player is ending. You don’t know it, but we have been tight and linked together for quite some time now. We are like family. We have been through so many ups, downs, triumphs, and failures together. We have won a lot of games, made and missed shots together, and I have been loyal and committed to our bond even when we disagreed, or you did things I didn’t like. When naysayers and detractors come around, I give them the gospel. But, when you were wrong and should have done better I spoke about that too.

Our relationship didn’t really start out on the best note. We were not cool because you were the anti-MJ and a threat to his greatness and Michael Jordan was my hero. In my book, Jordan inspired me and could walk on water so there was no room for anyone else. Plus, you were just an unoriginal Jordan imitation who happened to play for the Lakers. Kind of like a cover band who couldn’t make their own hits. When the Bulls broke up after a 6th championship, it broke my 16 year old heart. The Bulls lost me forever. I needed a new favorite player and team. I searched for years. I tried Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill but the injury bug snuffed them out. I was searching for a player that inspired me and embodied all the things I want to be in life.

The Beginning

April 28, 2002, the day that changed my sports life forever. I was watching TV in my apartment at the University of Oregon, and stumbled upon Beyond The Glory: Kobe Bryant.It gave a three-dimensional view of you – one I had never seen before. I learned who you were and why you were that way. You were a kid who didn’t fit in with all the cool kids socially because you came from a different place. I could relate to that. That was my story. Your fire and desire to compete resonated in my soul. I too hate to lose much more than I like to win. Ever since that day I was all in with you. Over the next 16 years, you would inspire me in ways even Michael Jordan never did.

When I was playing in college or in the league, playing was my safe haven. No matter what was going on personally I could focus for those few hours on the field. I emulated you. Whether you got a high five or flipped off, it never changed you. You worked hard and were willing to sacrifice everything to be the best. Sometimes I have that, sometimes I don’t. But I want it all the time.

I have seen and read about you seeking knowledge from other highly successful people. Unbeknownst to you, you taught me how the principles of highly successful people translate to the field. The one thing I wish I had learned when I was still playing was how important the “process” is. You taught me that. Results are a byproduct of the process.

Today is a sad day, but I am happy for you. I’m proud of you and appreciative for all the greatness you have given me. I am sad because it’s over for us on the court. I’m happy for you because you are being recognized as the hero in this last year that all of us really want to be. I’m proud of you for falling from grace and picking up the pieces to inspire others. I’m appreciative for all the greatness you have given me on the court. Most of all, I thank you for everything that goes unnoticed. You gave ALL OF US more greatness off the court than on. I have had so many great debates and conversations with friends, at the barbershop, on inspired by you. Whether people like you or not, it was greatness. I can’t count the radio and TV shows that I have either watched or been a part of talking about Kobe. You may not realize it but friendships have been forged and people have gotten through tough times because of you.

I can’t tell you how many times I have had people at the house and the time is so much more festive because we were watching you play. To some people you are the villain, some the hero. Either way, we bonded because of you. Who is better, Kobe or LeBron? Is he better than Jordan? Kobe doesn’t make his teammates better. No one wants to play with Kobe. Or does everybody? Is he top 5 all- time? Kobe is the hardest working basketball player ever. He’s such a great player, but he’s a jerk. The list goes on…

Honestly, this season has been rough for me. I’d imagine it’s been pretty humbling and tenuous for you as well. It has been painful to watch. I feel bad for you. Your mind wants to do things your body will no longer allow. I have been through the feeling of your body betraying you as an athlete (mental frustrating). The season hasn’t been rough because my team sucks, but because I still had hope. I still hoped you had a couple more Tim Duncan type seasons left to compete for a championship. I wasn’t ready to let US go. It was so bad that I almost wanted you to leave the Lakers so you could get #6. The fact that your last year is going to end with 65 losses initially seemed criminal. Then I remembered all the praise, love, and appreciation the great fans of other teams have shown you. If you were on a title contending team you would not get the cheers and presents at road games would be nonexistent. All this is a fitting end for you. The ultimate HERO VILLAIN.

Ever since you announced you were retiring, I have been preparing for TODAY. I don’t know what you will do in your final game today, but I know like everything else it will be with all your might.

Thanks for the memories. Thanks for all giving me far more than basketball.

You are welcome,

George Fredrick Wrighster, III