I must admit, the constant conversation about concussions in the NFL gets old after a while. This is probably because I love watching football and don’t want to know what’s wrong with it. But every day it seems like there is another story about the dangers of concussions, the cover-up by the NFL, studies about the effects of head trauma, and lawsuits coming from different sides. The whole situation has many layers, but the one word that seems to really capture what’s going on is “denial.” There is a book…
Monthly Archives: March, 2016
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League of Denial
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Access to a Coach
Continue ReadingThe Virginia Cavaliers lost a heart-breaking game to Syracuse on Sunday, which ended a strong season and an incredible run for this senior class. Players like Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill were really impressive, but one of their key role players (especially in the tournament) was senior Mike Tobey. Sunday during the broadcast, a cool story was shared about this 7-footer’s up and down UVA career. Tobey wasn’t seeing a lot of playing time throughout the season, so he decided to schedule a lunch with the head coach, Tony Bennett, before the…
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Want it for Somebody Else
Continue ReadingThe UNC Tar Heels are heading to another Final Four. It’s been a special run for this team, as they have been led by key seniors Brice Johnson (what a name!) and Marcus Paige. North Carolina seems to have a really close-knit team and a tight relationship with head coach, Roy Williams. They have been through a lot together as a team, and even though Williams has already been to seven other Final Fours and won two NCAA championships, getting to this year’s Final Four in Houston was really important to…
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Survive and Advance
Continue ReadingAll throughout the NCAA Tournament, it’s hard to hear a post-game interview without a winning coach or player mention something like, “We survive and advance” or “We live to see another day.” Many of these games are tight and both teams are in a position to win, but one must hang on and persevere to victory. The winning teams do what is necessary to survive the tight defense, the missed shots, and the intense pressure, and when they do, they advance to face their next opponent. Teams must love the…
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The Name on the Jersey
Continue ReadingI love watching the NCAA Tournament, but one of my biggest frustrations is when some teams don’t have players’ names on the back of their jerseys. Although I buy into the team mentality that is supposed to be conveyed, I’m not a fan of these “nameless” jerseys because players miss out on the full opportunity to honor their own name. Plus, as a viewer, I’d like to see the names of players instead of waiting for the announcers to say them. A guy can still be a team player with…
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The RG3 Story
Continue ReadingQuarterback Robert Griffin III is one of the most intriguing players in the NFL. He’s had quite the roller coaster ride – winning the Heisman Trophy and Rookie of the Year and being drafted 2nd overall. He’s also had major injuries, lost his starting position, and was released by the Redskins. It must be very humbling to go from being the face of the franchise and seen in multiple commercials, to being given “walking papers.” There were many problems during his time in Washington, but it’s hard to know exactly the…
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Miracles of March
Continue ReadingTwo rounds into the NCAA tournament and we have already seen a half-court game-winning shot…a 3-point buzzer-beater from the corner…countless comebacks…and a 15-seed beating one of the tournament favorites. Moving forward, we know anything can happen because of the madness and potential miracles. Duke’s Coach, Mike Krzyzewski, described the tournament’s upsets and close games like this: “People always believe in miracles during this time, and they don’t believe that they’re ever out of it.” Coach K’s words ring true. The underdogs believe they can shock the top seeds, and every…
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How Did That Happen?
Continue ReadingThe most memorable game played during the tremendous weekend of basketball was between 3-seeded Texas A&M and 11-seeded Northern Iowa. With A&M down 12 points with 33 seconds left in regulation, they ended up tying the game to force overtime. One overtime wasn’t enough, so they headed to another and A&M pulled out the incredible win 92-88! Responses to this classic ending and historic comeback are: “That’s unbelievable,” “You’ve got to be kidding me,” and “That’s impossible – Northern Iowa had the game won.” This type of crazy and shocking finish…
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Basketball and Busyness
Continue ReadingThe first Thursday and Friday of the NCAA tournament are my two favorite days on the sports calendar. With 16 games played each day, it is non-stop basketball. As soon as one game ends, I shift my attention to the next matchup without having much time to process the one I just watched. Afraid of missing out on seeing a buzzer-beater, I don’t get much “rest” over these two intense days during March Madness. For two days out of the year, I enjoy the busyness of watching continuous basketball. Unfortunately,…
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Exciting Anxiety
Continue ReadingAt noon today, Duke and UNCW get the NCAA tournament officially started while other games continuously tip-off in succession. I know how excited I am, so I can only imagine how the players and coaches must feel. Playing and winning on this big stage has probably been the dream of most of these athletes, and this may be their one and only chance. Along with positive and enthusiastic emotions, I’m sure they also have feelings of anxiety, pressure, and worry. Not wanting to let their family or the fans down, and realizing their NBA chances…
