The Twitter, tweeter, tiddly do has offered the world a new way to share information. Quick 140 character expressions from the likes of neighbors, friends, media, celebrities, and politicians. Most tend to use Twitter in a responsible manner, yet the aggressive competitive nature of the media, especially sports media has turned Twitter into a must have for a sports fanatic, who also must be up to date on the most current news and rumors.
This use of Twitter has almost ruined fact finding in sports media, and area in which there seems to be no accountability to factual reports any longer. These individuals are the same guys who vote on Heisman award winners, MVP's, Rookie of the Year, and in some cases Hall of Fame inductees.
Lets get this straight, the same guy that decides not to vote for Barry Bonds as a Hall of Fame player due to character issues can also report far fetched trades or signings wrongly and not be ridiculed for it? Further, they can see kingly change their strong minded opinion on PED use, and those players, and no one holds them accountable?
Now don't get me wrong, I do not want the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, or any other abuser of Performance Enhancing drugs to be in the hall as a player either. I would like the story to be told. I would like the hall to recognize it. I wouldn't mind if they had a different wing which lists the accomplishments of these players. I however do not think the plaque of one of these types be allowed to be next to the likes of Mickey Mantle, or Yogi Berra, or Ryne Sandberg, or Tony Gywnn.
The difference between my opinions and those in the media, well no one comes to me for news or information which is used to determine their own opinion. This is where the likes of Jon Heyman loses credibility. In an excerpt from a 2011 Sports Illustrated article, Jon says this:
While I do believe Bonds took steroids (whether it was knowingly or not doesn't much matter to me, though if I had to guess, I think he knows everything that goes in his body), I don't believe all steroid users should be excluded from the Hall of Fame. I'm not here to sit in moral judgment of another human being.
[...]
As for Bonds, I don't think anyone could reasonably make the case that he needed drugs to be a Hall of Famer. When Bonds signed with his hometown Giants for $43.75 million in December of 1992 to become the highest-paid player in baseball history he was already the best player in the game, and he earned that contract through only good genes (his dad, Bobby, was also an incredible combination of speed and power) and hard work. He had a small head at the time, and he maintained that, at least in the literal sense, for several years to come.
He also states famously: "a baseball Hall of Fame would be empty without Bonds."
But apparently he is on leaving the ultimate baseball shrine, empty...
This is the same guy who consistently reports on false trades or signings, interested teams, or frontrunners. His apology list is longer than his accomplishment list, well if he would actually apologize. This is a reporter with a success rate lower than your local weatherman (not counting Tom Skilling, he's always right).
This is a guy that gets to judge on your Hall of Fame players. He is a guy that gets to judge others integrity. He is one who ultimately gets to write the baseball history book of this era.
Is he the kind of guy that should wield that power? A guy that so easily says, oops I changed my mind?
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
The new leader, or is he?
Today Chicago woke up to a tweet from Jimmy Johnson from Fox Sports, as well as the guy that lead the Dallas Cowboys to multiple Super Bowls, but more famously known for his perfect head of hair. In this tweet Jimmy claims that the Bears have hired Marc Trestman of the Montreal Alouettes, and a man that lead the likes of Rich Gannon and Steve Young to career and MVP years.
Jimmy is tapped into the NFL and knows both coaches mentioned very well. Jimmy also has no reason to put this information out there without there having some legs to the story. However there is a lot of doubt around Chicago and the league if this is indeed accurate.
Phil Emery, the Chicago Bears General Manager, has stated a very specific interview process and he reportedly has interviews scheduled throughout the weekend with other candidates. This would completely throw out that plan. Could the Bears and Emery be so overly impressed by Trestman that they threw out the script and are jumping on a hire? Could Trestman be strong arming the Bears forcing a move? Could this be a stunt that a longtime friend in Johnson is doing to help Trestman in negotiations with other opportunities?
I can't answer that.
After initially thinking this is the worst case scenario for the Bears, and laughably the most likely. The Bears, one of the most storied franchises in all the land, go out and grab the most under the radar, least likely to succeed coach. Seems that this has been their approach on so many other occasions, Dave Wannstedt, Dick Juron, and even Lovie Smith was a relatively unknown guy. But, after looking at his resume, and seeing what others are saying about Trestman, he just might be the perfect fit for this franchise.
Phil Emery, the Chicago Bears General Manager, has stated a very specific interview process and he reportedly has interviews scheduled throughout the weekend with other candidates. This would completely throw out that plan. Could the Bears and Emery be so overly impressed by Trestman that they threw out the script and are jumping on a hire? Could Trestman be strong arming the Bears forcing a move? Could this be a stunt that a longtime friend in Johnson is doing to help Trestman in negotiations with other opportunities?
I can't answer that.
After initially thinking this is the worst case scenario for the Bears, and laughably the most likely. The Bears, one of the most storied franchises in all the land, go out and grab the most under the radar, least likely to succeed coach. Seems that this has been their approach on so many other occasions, Dave Wannstedt, Dick Juron, and even Lovie Smith was a relatively unknown guy. But, after looking at his resume, and seeing what others are saying about Trestman, he just might be the perfect fit for this franchise.
*Courtesy of the Chicago Sun Times and Neil Hayes
Trestman is an offensive genius (as described by some), a Quarterback guru, would instantly give the Bears validity on the offensive side of the ball, and by all reports elevate the play of Jay Cutler. That's the most important part right? Elevating the play of Jay Cutler?
Some around the league do not think that Jay is willing to elevate his play. They have decided that all he wants to do is run around, buy time, and showcase a big arm. This is especially the sediment of Troy Aikman, another Fox Sports employee, and notable QB as well. Troy has been wishy washy on Cutler over the years, at times backing the QB, and others calling him out. Recently Troy has gone on record saying Culter is who he is, and doesn't look interested in changing.
I take into account what some analyists say, but often times I discredit statements since they aren't around the team, haven't listened to the players, haven't seen them throughout a month, season, career. I see the Jay Cutler that goes out there and competes, and competes to win. A guy that expects excellence from his teammates, and expects them to be where he expects them to be and produce at a high level. Should Jay's lack of production be placed on those around him, or is it on Jay himself for not elevating the play of others?
I think there is a little blame to be placed on everyone, but mostly the finger needs to be pointed at the organization. The organization pulled the trigger on the deal to bring Jay Cutler, franchise Quarterback, to Chicago, but since he has been here they have added 1 offensive piece and subtracted multiple more. Jay hasn't had 3 consecutive seasons working in the same offense in his career. He has had multiple coaches and voices teaching him the game, which typically leaves it up to the player to pull what he's learned and interpret that information.
A guy like Marc Trestman instantly gives the Bears an offensive presence and identity. He would also answer the questions people have on Jay Culter. That is eventually what we, as Bears fans want.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Lovie, the search, blame Cutty
So guys, a lot has happened since my last installment of the worlds toughest to read blog. Either way here's a brief rundown.
Lovie Smith fired after 9 seasons and a 10-6 record.
Bears interviewing 13 different people to be the next Head Coach.
And as always, its Jay Cutler's fault.
First, I don't agree with the Lovie firing, not yet anyways. Here is a guy that has consistently won in Chicago. Has created a top defense in Chicago, and by all accounts is a good guy and role model for those under his wing. Sure he ultimately was held accountable for the teams offensive woes in his 9 years, but his defense was and is one of the best this league has to offer. Why is that? Well because of stability. The Bears defense has had the same approach for 9 seasons. The players know exactly what is expected of them, and if they didn't do what was expected they were gone.
That can't be said for the offense however. Lovie Smith had multiple offensive coordinators, which have brought new terminology and lingo to the team. New processes and blocking schemes, new routes and new reads. None of those offenses worked, and honesty none if them were given an opportunity to work.
We will more than likely have another offense come in (Mike Tice is still employed and has the OC job till the new Head Coach makes a decision) which would give Jay Cutler his 4th offense in a Bears uniform, and 5th in his career. Basically saying, every year the offense is learning something new, and not refining something they know.
I don't like the firing, this year. Years past and possibly next season I agree with it, but now no. Biggest reasoning, this team will NOT hire a better Head Coach this year than Lovie Smith. In fact, I will say Lovie will have better luck with his next job than the next Bears HC will have in this one. Secondly, the roster is in flux. Meaning, it is old with large dollars tied to on the fringe type players. Lance Briggs is climbing the age ladder, Julius Peppers isn't young any longer, Devin Hester has lost something. We have old dollars in the secondary and on both lines. If a new coach comes in, he will have a process of moving players out while transitioning the team to what he wants to do, and that will take time and patience (something we seem to of lost). Why not allow Lovie to finish off his contract, even in a lame duck scenario? Let him move on with his players once its done, or resign him if he succeeded.
Since I learned I didn't have a say in Lovie staying or going, perhaps I'll have a say in who is next to lead this team. We have heard all the big names, Like the Jon Gruden's of the world. We have even heard the name of an old nemesis, Mike Holmgren. I don't want those guys. They are either out of the game, used to plush lifestyles now, or will demand too much money and power. Who I want, is simple, Bruce Arians. Sure he's the hot name right now. Sure those guys rarely pan out. I am telling you though, he is the real deal.
Arians is the guy that Ben Roethlisberger was pissed at when he was let go by the Steelers. He is the guy that helped a rookie QB in Andrew Luck turn into a mature and very good Quarterback, and one that will move into elite status soon. Not only is he able to teach the Bears what a 2013 offense should look like, he has Head Coaching experience. You see, during the 2012 season he was the interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He should get a ton of respect for taking a pretty talentless team to a 10-6 record and into the playoffs. You don't have to work through those first year stumbles cause, he's already done it.
Finally, if all else fails of course we just blame Jay Cutler. ESPN's constant attack of Cutler has continued with them asking, "How much blame to you give Jay Cutler for RGIII's injury?"
Really!? Now I get the premise... Did RGIII stay in the game out of fear for being ridiculed like Cutty was. Thing is, it is always ESPN's prerogative to match Cutler's name negatively with anything. From Tom Jackson saying he's a bad guy cause he didn't say hi to someone, or this new garbage, he just can't win. This is one of the many reasons I've turned away from anything ESPN (outside of Waddle and Silvy) and just don't plan on supporting them any longer. I used to listen religiously to ESPN Radio all day, bought the ESPN Radio iPhone app, watched SportsCenter, followed them on Twitter, all of it. Now however, they push their ideas or push for their ratings. It's no longer about bringing you sports, especially teams you've never seen. They've become opinionists and no longer are reporters.
That's been my 2 cents for the week, hope to be back with more info soon!
Lovie Smith fired after 9 seasons and a 10-6 record.
Bears interviewing 13 different people to be the next Head Coach.
And as always, its Jay Cutler's fault.
First, I don't agree with the Lovie firing, not yet anyways. Here is a guy that has consistently won in Chicago. Has created a top defense in Chicago, and by all accounts is a good guy and role model for those under his wing. Sure he ultimately was held accountable for the teams offensive woes in his 9 years, but his defense was and is one of the best this league has to offer. Why is that? Well because of stability. The Bears defense has had the same approach for 9 seasons. The players know exactly what is expected of them, and if they didn't do what was expected they were gone.
That can't be said for the offense however. Lovie Smith had multiple offensive coordinators, which have brought new terminology and lingo to the team. New processes and blocking schemes, new routes and new reads. None of those offenses worked, and honesty none if them were given an opportunity to work.
We will more than likely have another offense come in (Mike Tice is still employed and has the OC job till the new Head Coach makes a decision) which would give Jay Cutler his 4th offense in a Bears uniform, and 5th in his career. Basically saying, every year the offense is learning something new, and not refining something they know.
I don't like the firing, this year. Years past and possibly next season I agree with it, but now no. Biggest reasoning, this team will NOT hire a better Head Coach this year than Lovie Smith. In fact, I will say Lovie will have better luck with his next job than the next Bears HC will have in this one. Secondly, the roster is in flux. Meaning, it is old with large dollars tied to on the fringe type players. Lance Briggs is climbing the age ladder, Julius Peppers isn't young any longer, Devin Hester has lost something. We have old dollars in the secondary and on both lines. If a new coach comes in, he will have a process of moving players out while transitioning the team to what he wants to do, and that will take time and patience (something we seem to of lost). Why not allow Lovie to finish off his contract, even in a lame duck scenario? Let him move on with his players once its done, or resign him if he succeeded.
Since I learned I didn't have a say in Lovie staying or going, perhaps I'll have a say in who is next to lead this team. We have heard all the big names, Like the Jon Gruden's of the world. We have even heard the name of an old nemesis, Mike Holmgren. I don't want those guys. They are either out of the game, used to plush lifestyles now, or will demand too much money and power. Who I want, is simple, Bruce Arians. Sure he's the hot name right now. Sure those guys rarely pan out. I am telling you though, he is the real deal.
Arians is the guy that Ben Roethlisberger was pissed at when he was let go by the Steelers. He is the guy that helped a rookie QB in Andrew Luck turn into a mature and very good Quarterback, and one that will move into elite status soon. Not only is he able to teach the Bears what a 2013 offense should look like, he has Head Coaching experience. You see, during the 2012 season he was the interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He should get a ton of respect for taking a pretty talentless team to a 10-6 record and into the playoffs. You don't have to work through those first year stumbles cause, he's already done it.
Finally, if all else fails of course we just blame Jay Cutler. ESPN's constant attack of Cutler has continued with them asking, "How much blame to you give Jay Cutler for RGIII's injury?"
Really!? Now I get the premise... Did RGIII stay in the game out of fear for being ridiculed like Cutty was. Thing is, it is always ESPN's prerogative to match Cutler's name negatively with anything. From Tom Jackson saying he's a bad guy cause he didn't say hi to someone, or this new garbage, he just can't win. This is one of the many reasons I've turned away from anything ESPN (outside of Waddle and Silvy) and just don't plan on supporting them any longer. I used to listen religiously to ESPN Radio all day, bought the ESPN Radio iPhone app, watched SportsCenter, followed them on Twitter, all of it. Now however, they push their ideas or push for their ratings. It's no longer about bringing you sports, especially teams you've never seen. They've become opinionists and no longer are reporters.
That's been my 2 cents for the week, hope to be back with more info soon!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Shhh don't tell
What have we learned this baseball offseason? Don't trust a Cubs employee. From Ryan Dempster to Carlos Marmol to Anibel Sanchez, the Chicago Cubs front office is closer to a group of high school girls than the frat boys they're made out to be.
Its an offseason like this that one would hope they make Life-Lock: Baseball Franchise. One would also assume that Carmine, Theo Epstein's computer system doesn't have an anti-virus program.
The Cubs haven't lost out on anything, really. They may have dodged a bullet, and a shock to the rebuilding plan had the signed Sanchez, and although it might have been nice to pull off the Atlanta deal you don't see the Braves make many mistakes when they've decided to deal players.
Baseball fans ask, who related to the Cubs has the loose lips, and apparently girls are hoping Theo and Jed Hoyer have loose lips (Theo has been known to turn some ladies eyes and Jed was named the 5th most sexy baseball GM by Yahoo! Sports).
Undeniable that the Cubs have improved their club this offseason, but at what cost? Will future bigger names think the potential deals that leaked are a negative? Will this deter or cause the Cubs to overspend in the coming years when going to the free agent market?
Well... Who knows for certain, right? I mean blown secrets are one thing and $10 million a year for 4 years is certainly another.
Its an offseason like this that one would hope they make Life-Lock: Baseball Franchise. One would also assume that Carmine, Theo Epstein's computer system doesn't have an anti-virus program.
The Cubs haven't lost out on anything, really. They may have dodged a bullet, and a shock to the rebuilding plan had the signed Sanchez, and although it might have been nice to pull off the Atlanta deal you don't see the Braves make many mistakes when they've decided to deal players.
Baseball fans ask, who related to the Cubs has the loose lips, and apparently girls are hoping Theo and Jed Hoyer have loose lips (Theo has been known to turn some ladies eyes and Jed was named the 5th most sexy baseball GM by Yahoo! Sports).
Undeniable that the Cubs have improved their club this offseason, but at what cost? Will future bigger names think the potential deals that leaked are a negative? Will this deter or cause the Cubs to overspend in the coming years when going to the free agent market?
Well... Who knows for certain, right? I mean blown secrets are one thing and $10 million a year for 4 years is certainly another.
Where do we go now
Well, well, well, the Bears certainly have put themselves in an interesting position haven't they? The team, which didn't address their number 1 concern in the offseason, started off 7-1 and was ranked in the top 5 in all of the NFL (higher in some polls). But even with this, weren't Bears fans a little concerned? I mean there still was no offensive line, we weren't handing the ball off or taking advantage of Matt Forte in the passing game. Jay Cutler has shown signs of being erratic since arriving in Chicago, and the Bears defense wasn't exactly getting younger.
But alas, the Bears were 7-1 and in control of their destiny. The Packers, although beating the Bears early in the season, were an afterthought and the surprising Vikings were the team which posed the biggest first half threat. Lovie Smith was on pace to receive an extension to stay here for at least 3 more years, Jay Cutler would get the same. Heck! Even Brian Urlacher was possibly in line for a new deal. All things were good, and the Bears had just shalacked the Tennessee Titans 51-20.
Boom! Reality.....
The Bears faced a contender in the Houston Texans, and even though teh Bears defense kept them in the game, Houston eventually rolled on with a 13-6 victory and Jay left the game early with a concussion. We still didn't worry cause in the offseason we brought in Jason Campbell, who legitimized the Chicago back-up QB position.
San Francisco rolled on over us, with a rookie QB under center. Picking apart the Bears defense like Tom Brady himself, Colin Kaepernick (ex Chicago Cubs prospective prospect) was thrust upon the national stage, while the Bears defense looked old and Jason Campbell spent more time on the ground that his balls did in the air. Worry at this point is setting in, although chants of MVP began for Jay Cutler...
After a week of questioning if Cutler would make his return, he did, leading the Bears to their 2nd divisional win and further prompting some MVP chatter. Radio stations began to pick this up, and national guys argued for and against the notion. But, don't you worry cause that all ended abruptly as the Bears faced it's 4th contender and 3rd in the last 4 weeks, Seattle. This was a highly contested game, with the Bears leading at the half, but you felt some air leave Soldier Field when the Bears were unable to convert a 4th and 1 which would have extended a drive in their own red zone. In the 2nd half, it was time for Russell Wilson to perform his very own version of Colin Kaepernick. Running an offense which seemed unstopable, Wilson had 3 options, hand off, run it himself, or pass and all 3 would result in what seemed like 12 yard gains. The Bears showed some life with a long pass to Brandon Marshall, but losing the coin flip in overtime did the Bears in as the defense was slow and tired and has become visably old.
The next 2 weeks have gone exactly the same, looked old, tired, and just unable to compete at a professional level. Jay Cutler is under pressure and the only weapon being used, possibly more than anticipated, is Marshall. With the Bears going 3-6 against teams that currently have winning records (all 6 of their losses have been to playoff caliber or competing teams), they have placed themselves in a position which almost all is lost. Lovie's extension is torn to shreds, Cutler went from MVP candidate to maybe not receiving new money, Urlacher went from the newest member of the Bears Middle Linebacker Mount Rushmore to calling out the fans (twice this season) and possibly on his way out of Chicago. Mike Tice is sure to be replaced (his replacement will certainly be the 4th Offensive Coordinator Cutler will have while with the Bears), and if Lovie Smith is gone, the Cover-2 defense will certainly leave as well.
So I ask the questions... Should the Bears invest in Jay Cutler again? What about Lovie Smith? Should he keep his job? Is Urlacher in jeapordy of leaving Chicago? Should Matt Forte be used more in the passing game? Is it time to completely rebuild this franchise? How far can Jay Cutler take us, even with a healthy and good offensive line?
All I know is, if the Bears win a playoff berth or not. If the rebuild or not. If they fire Lovie or not. Come August the Bears will be the center of the Chicago sports world once again, and us Bears fans will scream about this or that, but proclaim that this team will win a Super Bowl.
But alas, the Bears were 7-1 and in control of their destiny. The Packers, although beating the Bears early in the season, were an afterthought and the surprising Vikings were the team which posed the biggest first half threat. Lovie Smith was on pace to receive an extension to stay here for at least 3 more years, Jay Cutler would get the same. Heck! Even Brian Urlacher was possibly in line for a new deal. All things were good, and the Bears had just shalacked the Tennessee Titans 51-20.
Boom! Reality.....
The Bears faced a contender in the Houston Texans, and even though teh Bears defense kept them in the game, Houston eventually rolled on with a 13-6 victory and Jay left the game early with a concussion. We still didn't worry cause in the offseason we brought in Jason Campbell, who legitimized the Chicago back-up QB position.
San Francisco rolled on over us, with a rookie QB under center. Picking apart the Bears defense like Tom Brady himself, Colin Kaepernick (ex Chicago Cubs prospective prospect) was thrust upon the national stage, while the Bears defense looked old and Jason Campbell spent more time on the ground that his balls did in the air. Worry at this point is setting in, although chants of MVP began for Jay Cutler...
After a week of questioning if Cutler would make his return, he did, leading the Bears to their 2nd divisional win and further prompting some MVP chatter. Radio stations began to pick this up, and national guys argued for and against the notion. But, don't you worry cause that all ended abruptly as the Bears faced it's 4th contender and 3rd in the last 4 weeks, Seattle. This was a highly contested game, with the Bears leading at the half, but you felt some air leave Soldier Field when the Bears were unable to convert a 4th and 1 which would have extended a drive in their own red zone. In the 2nd half, it was time for Russell Wilson to perform his very own version of Colin Kaepernick. Running an offense which seemed unstopable, Wilson had 3 options, hand off, run it himself, or pass and all 3 would result in what seemed like 12 yard gains. The Bears showed some life with a long pass to Brandon Marshall, but losing the coin flip in overtime did the Bears in as the defense was slow and tired and has become visably old.
The next 2 weeks have gone exactly the same, looked old, tired, and just unable to compete at a professional level. Jay Cutler is under pressure and the only weapon being used, possibly more than anticipated, is Marshall. With the Bears going 3-6 against teams that currently have winning records (all 6 of their losses have been to playoff caliber or competing teams), they have placed themselves in a position which almost all is lost. Lovie's extension is torn to shreds, Cutler went from MVP candidate to maybe not receiving new money, Urlacher went from the newest member of the Bears Middle Linebacker Mount Rushmore to calling out the fans (twice this season) and possibly on his way out of Chicago. Mike Tice is sure to be replaced (his replacement will certainly be the 4th Offensive Coordinator Cutler will have while with the Bears), and if Lovie Smith is gone, the Cover-2 defense will certainly leave as well.
So I ask the questions... Should the Bears invest in Jay Cutler again? What about Lovie Smith? Should he keep his job? Is Urlacher in jeapordy of leaving Chicago? Should Matt Forte be used more in the passing game? Is it time to completely rebuild this franchise? How far can Jay Cutler take us, even with a healthy and good offensive line?
All I know is, if the Bears win a playoff berth or not. If the rebuild or not. If they fire Lovie or not. Come August the Bears will be the center of the Chicago sports world once again, and us Bears fans will scream about this or that, but proclaim that this team will win a Super Bowl.
Monday, December 17, 2012
We weep
I am still angry, saddened, dazed, confused, and discouraged by the horrendous actions that took place in Sandy Hook Elementary School. I feel a little uneasy today as we sent our children to school or left them in the care of others as we returned for another work week. There is a huge part of me that would like to stay home and shelter my children from all the dangers of the world. Over the next couple paragraphs I want to make abundantly clear, my thoughts and prayers, in fact I believe everyone's thoughts and prayers are with the children, their families, the brave teachers that did everything they could to save them, the kids that will live the rest of their lives with this memory, and the Newtown community.
I am discouraged because we hear about the monster that did this in Connecticut, we hear about the tragic event the same day in China, we hear about the high school basketball game later that night, and we hear about the movie theater incident just last night. As I sat down for the days work a colleague was speaking to a client in Connecticut not far from the event and his children's school was locked down due to suspicious activity at a subway nearby.
I'm not sure about you, but my wife and I decided to keep the news from our children. After all how do you explain to a 1st grader that kids his age were just rifled down in a classroom just like his? I think part of not telling him was also because it would make this event even more real to us as parents. I still sit here imagining the parents staring at their children's rooms, grasping their favorite toy, laying in their blanket. Even more so realizing that in a week it will be Christmas.
People will scream to toughen on gun laws, they already have. This isn't fixing the issue though. It is the people behind the weapon. The monster in Connecticut was a monster, gun or not. The monster in that Colorado theater was a monster, guns or not. The monsters in Columbine were monsters, guns or not. Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, so on and so on and so on. These people were the problem. Their ability to acquire the firearms were the problem. The firearms were not the problem.
To put the sports perspective on it. Brandon Marshall suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. He admittedly has suffered from this possibly his entire life. In most US states he is perfectly qualified to purchase firearms, and in some he can even fit the criteria to be approved for conceal and carry. This is a problem.
Now of course there is a glaring hole in restrictions for people with mental disabilities and owning firearms. Some will say to close that hole and we can fix a lot of what's wrong. Sure, this could possibly stop an incident from happening, but it is more important to identify those with mental illnesses. In Brandon Marshall's case he wasn't diagnosed until sometime in 2011, this was after numerous incidents and outbursts. What if he happened to have a firearm on him during one of these incidents? What if he hadn't of been diagnosed and properly treated? As a 27 year old star athlete, he would have been brushed away as another poor athlete that couldn't handle the pressure of professional sports. But he was diagnosed, and we can do more to help others get treatment they need.
We need to do more to identify individuals that suffer from mental illness. We need to do more to ensure they have the proper care and treatment they need and deserve. We need to make sure that the underprivileged kid that is always starting fights isn't doing it because he has a ticking time bomb in his head. We need to make sure that rich child that has social anxiety isn't this way because he is suffering everyday from deep depression. We owe this to our children, every one of them. Most of all, parents, family members, adults, and anyone else in position of influence needs to make sure they tell and show the kids in their life that they are loved.
I mentioned before that all of our thoughts and prayers need to be with those so impacted by this tragic event. This is so true, but as a caring nation we need to also let them know that they are loved, especially in this time of need.
I am discouraged because we hear about the monster that did this in Connecticut, we hear about the tragic event the same day in China, we hear about the high school basketball game later that night, and we hear about the movie theater incident just last night. As I sat down for the days work a colleague was speaking to a client in Connecticut not far from the event and his children's school was locked down due to suspicious activity at a subway nearby.
I'm not sure about you, but my wife and I decided to keep the news from our children. After all how do you explain to a 1st grader that kids his age were just rifled down in a classroom just like his? I think part of not telling him was also because it would make this event even more real to us as parents. I still sit here imagining the parents staring at their children's rooms, grasping their favorite toy, laying in their blanket. Even more so realizing that in a week it will be Christmas.
People will scream to toughen on gun laws, they already have. This isn't fixing the issue though. It is the people behind the weapon. The monster in Connecticut was a monster, gun or not. The monster in that Colorado theater was a monster, guns or not. The monsters in Columbine were monsters, guns or not. Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, so on and so on and so on. These people were the problem. Their ability to acquire the firearms were the problem. The firearms were not the problem.
To put the sports perspective on it. Brandon Marshall suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. He admittedly has suffered from this possibly his entire life. In most US states he is perfectly qualified to purchase firearms, and in some he can even fit the criteria to be approved for conceal and carry. This is a problem.
Now of course there is a glaring hole in restrictions for people with mental disabilities and owning firearms. Some will say to close that hole and we can fix a lot of what's wrong. Sure, this could possibly stop an incident from happening, but it is more important to identify those with mental illnesses. In Brandon Marshall's case he wasn't diagnosed until sometime in 2011, this was after numerous incidents and outbursts. What if he happened to have a firearm on him during one of these incidents? What if he hadn't of been diagnosed and properly treated? As a 27 year old star athlete, he would have been brushed away as another poor athlete that couldn't handle the pressure of professional sports. But he was diagnosed, and we can do more to help others get treatment they need.
We need to do more to identify individuals that suffer from mental illness. We need to do more to ensure they have the proper care and treatment they need and deserve. We need to make sure that the underprivileged kid that is always starting fights isn't doing it because he has a ticking time bomb in his head. We need to make sure that rich child that has social anxiety isn't this way because he is suffering everyday from deep depression. We owe this to our children, every one of them. Most of all, parents, family members, adults, and anyone else in position of influence needs to make sure they tell and show the kids in their life that they are loved.
I mentioned before that all of our thoughts and prayers need to be with those so impacted by this tragic event. This is so true, but as a caring nation we need to also let them know that they are loved, especially in this time of need.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Chicago Sports: Chicago Sports on the Cubs
Chicago Sports: Chicago Sports on the Cubs: All things Cubs from the all things Chicago guys In case you all missed Darwin Barney's breakout game the other day, here's the highlight...
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