Ungrateful Souls

Professional athletes are some of the most well-known characters in the world. Names like Manning, Jordan, Palmer, and Jeter are familiar to almost anyone, not only sports fans. Other than their extraordinary talents, these athletes get paid millions of dollars to play a game. Often times they use this money to live lives of luxury and class, as well as giving back to their communities and helping those in need. Some, like Chad Ochocinco, spend 6 months and undisclosed amounts of cash to build their dream vehicle. Most of us can only dream about what a life like that would be and often can envy what they have and what we do not have or scof at how wasteful and thankless these figures appear to be sometimes. What strikes me most though, is how incredibly reckless and dangerous these members of society can be. A little less then a month ago, an NBA star by the name of Gilbert Arenas pulled out a gun in his team's locker room, as a joke apparently, and is now facing a felony charge for not having a license. He has since pleaded guilty and entered a plea bargain, but will most likely not be sentenced for another two months. These kinds of stories infuriate most when it comes to professional athletes. I guess we should all be used to this kind of behavior by now, but I just expected these citizens to hold themselves to a higher standard. Once great talents are now known for activities out of the sports arena rather than in. Men such as Vick, Burress, Harrison, Jayson Williams, and now Arenas have tainted their careers and names by being either convicted or related to criminal acts. Everyone on that list except Vick has been involved in some story involving gun violence. While Harrison has not be charged or convicted, he is still being investigated. It makes no sense to me why these superstars feel the need to carry guns with them where they travel. If you feel like you are in danger then maybe you should go to someone who can help you, rather then buying something that can get you thrown in prison. And further, don't put yourself in a situation that would result in you having to use a firearm. They have all the advantages in the world and still resort back to these activities. I know it is hare to break habits or be torn away from your roots, but there are times when you can say, "hey, i'm in a better place now and would rather not screw it up." Usually people who have these issues pull themselves out of that situation rather than being on top and then digressing backwards. My point is that these athletes have an obligation to take some responsibility for their lives and maybe create a new view of professional athletes. There are many out there who do keep their nose clean and contribute much of their time and money to help others, but eventually they get overshadowed by the ones who do something stupid. Also, this rule just doesn't apply to those who break the law, but for those who set a poor example to those kids who look up to them as role-models. People like Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Barry Bonds, and others have been in the news for things not necessarily illegal, but not what those people in that position should do. I doubt that these issues will ever stop, but it would be so nice if that were the case. Children deserve to have heroes and dreams that aren't wrecked by infidelity scandals and dog fighting charges. So please, shape up.

Wildcard Weekend

32 teams started the football season with the goal of reaching the Super Bowl in sunny Miami, but now only 12 have that goal for this season. Wildcard weekend kicks off tomorrow with a double header beginning with the Jets and Bengals and the nightcap includes the Eagles and Cowboys. And no it's not deja vu, both of these match-ups happened last week. Followed by the Cards and Pack and the Ravens and Patriots playing Sunday. Even though the Jets trounced the Bengals last week, the Bengals are simply the better team. While the Jets have an amazing defense, their offense can be suspect with rookie Mark Sanchez at the helm. Besides, I'd be looking to embarass the team that embarrassed me just the week before. I think the game will be close, but the Bengals playing at home and having more experience at the most important position will take the victory.

I also like the Eagles to beat the Cowboys. I just think the 'Boys are meant to win in the playoffs anytime soon. They are like the dysfunctional marriage of the NFL. The rich dad gives everybody what they want, but is not really the one to enforce the rules to make everyone appreciate what they have. So when they get to the playoffs, it is like they feel they are entitled to win and thus don't end up working for the victory. Philly wins.

I'm not sure any pick has pained me more, but the Patriots will beat the Ravens. While the offense suffers greatly with Wes Welker out, the Ravens do not have the fire power to climb that hill. Ed Reed may end up with a pick six or two, but the offense is inconsistent. Ray Rice is a strong running back, but he can't be run every down. Meanwhile Brady and Moss have connected for four touchdowns and it's not even a game. The Pats win, but that's the only one they get.

The last game of the weekend will hopefully bring me the most joy. Another match-up from the previous week with the Cards and the Pack. Since I am a Bears fan I most definitely have a anti-Green Bay bias, but that's not the only reason I'm picking them. One the Packers showed their hand last week while the Cards showed very little. It is true that Arizona has some injury issues, but their offense has many different weapons and something they didn't have last year... a run game. The Packers aren't bad, but they aren't great. And number 12 is no number 4.

A Resolution More Resolute

Every new year is almost a new beginning to most. It is a time to reflect back on the year past and correct those mistakes which you met along the way. It is also a time to figure out what to change and what to keep the same. There be years which do not need a lot changed and others when all you want is to be somebody different. We set out on our quest for change by declaring a new year's resolution. A fresh new beginning and a fresh new goal. Or maybe it's the same goal you set last year and you re-new it like old wedding vows. The most common one I hear is to lose weight, eat better, go on a diet, work out, get in shape, you get the idea. Most resolutions are to fix what is on the outside and not what's on the inside. More often than not this is the part of people that needs fixing most. My theory is that people want you to be so concerned with what you see on the outside so that others will ignore or forgive anything faulty past skin deep.

This year I think I went through about seven different things that could be my resolution. In the end I didn't think that any of them would be sustained for an entire year. It's not really a good way to think when making a goal, but sometimes it's better to be honest and set a reasonable goal than to not reach one at all. So here it is. Hopefully I will be able to post at least once a week about those things that are on my mind. I'm not sure I've ever fulfilled a resolution to the fullest, but I figure now is the perfect to start. I've notoriously lost interest in new projects and books that take more than a week to read, but this year hopefully I will begin to mend that flaw by writing here at least 52 times in the new year. If not, then I can just begin again next year...