White Lives Matter, Where Are You Now?

Where are they now? 

Photo courtesy of USA TODAY (Trevor Hughes) 

A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes the old adage. However, silence is oft times louder than the words screamed by an angry protestor, or is it possible that silence is so loud it screams what the anti-protestor has been saying all along? "We are who we say we aren't!" Is it possible that some just don't know how truly racist they are? Possibility vs. Probability, where's your money?

So where are they now? The fine folks that were so tore up over the Black Lives Matter (#BLM) movement. Again, to clarify the #BLM wasn't an acronym for forget the White, Red, Orange, or other. As one participant of the movement has been quoted by many now, "Save the whales doesn't mean screw the shrimp!" So, where are you now, anti-protestor? Now that there are "White Lives Matter," movements taking place, why haven't you comeback with the cry of "All Lives Matter," while they're gaining national attention? Christians first. Jesus proved 2,ooo years ago that all lives matter, but He also proved that not everyone felt that way, it would seem that ONLY He felt that way. I think He's proving it again in 2017.

For months no one could watch an NFL football game comfortably due to the bickering of certain players kneeling during the anthem. First it was the Colin Kaepernick show, then it blossomed into "the ones kneeling," and finally the harvest of protest yielded the fruit of NFL players being given the permission to begin the "My Cleats, My Cause," campaign, and there was in the end somewhat of a hush. I will go on record to say that I was not in favor of kneeling during the anthem. I have uncles that were Marines, my grandfather was a Ranger in the US Army, and I have a host of other family and friends considered my extended family that served during times of war, and in times of non war, in various branches of service, not to mention the fact that I am a proud American that has overcome the adversity of racism in every form, due to men and women who have fought in various forms so that I have the privileges that I enjoy to this day. So I am not a fan of kneeling during the anthem, I am however, a fan of taking a stand, #even_if it means taking a controversial one. It was controversial that Rosa Parks was accused of civil disobedience, and arrested for sitting in the front a transit bus. It was more shocking than controversial that the arrest and conviction were overturned by the highest court in the land after coming to the conclusion that her being arrested for sitting where she chose was unconstitutional. Her "civil resistance" exploited an uncivilized portion of our population that woke up the rest of this great nation. A nation that is not looking to be "great again," but to be even greater as one. A nation where all lives are seen as lives that matter, and that life is to be treasured among all as one. God bless America, and all who make her great.

Why in the NFL would you say that?!

Photo Courtesy of: GoTravvy (IG: wynstagrams_power2thepixel), the Carolina Panthers, and the NFL (Not intended for sale or reproduction)

The NFL in my way of seeing it...

Way down South.

Why would I say that it's easier to win the Southern Division in the NFC than a Wildcard spot? Because any team can go 8 - 8 in the South and be champs! Also, because history has a way of repeating itself. Quinn is a hard nosed coach, but Riverboat Ron hasn't won 3 straight divisional titles for no reason. He utilizes talent that he doesn't even have to win games! The Cats still have an outside shot of finishing 5 - 2 in the last seven, while Atlanta with a struggle outside of the conference could crumble and finish a dismal 3 - 4, or possibly even 2 - 5 down the stretch. I'm just saying... ca-razier things have happened, and they could happen again.

To close out the rest of the division... the Saints have already come marching in, and are marching on their way out. They will make more changes after this season, I am sure.

The young Bucs are just that, young and growing. Under the leadership of their new QB, Jameis Winston (which is not bad, but certainly not that of Dak Prescott), they have done well. They are not yet ready to dethrone anyone, or step up and claim a prize that will not go unclaimed, however. Which leads us to the East.

"To the East my brotha to the East..."

Dethroning their arch nemesis, the Redskins has come to fruition for the bad guys this year. Barring a miracle (come on miracle), the Cowboys will win the East walking away. Painfully said, enough said.

The Frozen Tundra.

Unless you're a Bear anything is possible in the NFC North. If you're a Bear it's time to den, and no you can't share the one that the Lions are occupying. The healing Pack with experience will ultimately take charge and win the North by a clipped wing and a prayer.

How the West was won.

We thought the new Sheriff in town was from LA, but an ex-collegiate con from LA will have stolen the show again this year with a whole host of Badgers led by Mr. Wilson in the Pacific northwest. Whew, that was a mouthful! With that said, unless the red bird of the desert shows up like the menace, then the water fowl should prevail. Regardless, they'll all taste like chicken when the post Thanksgiving portion of the season gives way to the new year.

The AFC...

East.

Almost as painful as coughing up blood... the Pats (again), have the East sealed.

The not so Great North.

Does anyone care? Just kidding Ravens, and Steeler fam. Bengal and Browns... The Bengals haven't had much to talk about since the days of the flying squirrel, "Boomer" Esiason, and Mr. Woods, not Tiger of course, although it is ironic enough that he played for a team with a tiger for a mascot. I would have been more accepting of being called Tiger rather than being called, Ickey. It must have been the dance that earned Mr. Woods such a title? Which is the only "cold cut" I have for him today. Then there's Cleveland, who according to Drew Carey, "Rocks!" Cleveland according to the NFL, "Got rocked!" Again!!! Can we talk Jim Brown out of retirement? I'm taking the Ravens winning the North by a little, with the Steelers looking for a Wildcard.

Way down South, Part II.

Everything is bigger in Texas, losing included. Losing will reshape the football state again, but so will winning. They will always be second in Texas. There will be more changes, but especially if the Titans take the crown. A Texans loss to the Raiders in Mexico City could make that momentum change, and personnel change very likely.

How the West was won, Part II.

#JustWinBaby #JustWIN ... Nuff said.

In case you don't understand the hashtags above, or don't know the late Al Davis, and his philosophies... it's the Raiders division to lose. Now you know.

Three Cities, Three Weeks, Three Part Blog

The walk through practices can say just as much about a team as one in full pads. You can see the swagger, or lack of in walk through practices.  

This session displayed younger players that were humble, and some veteran players that looked like they could care less. 

Veteran linemen looked disgruntled, while the younger linemen looked concerned, not anxiety ridden, but definitely concerned. The backers were the typical  smiling faces that most are. So there's no confusion they're not friendly smiling faces, but rather menacing smiling faces that translate to say, "Welcome to Hades, my names Satan, and I'll be roasting your buns all day today... order 25 up!" The corners and db's were relaxed and having fun, laughing among themselves stretching and walking through drills. They did so until practice began to wind down. 

A few rookie linebackers signed (mandatory) autographs after practice, while a few other up coming players stayed after to enjoy the fans. Jalen Collins the former LSU standout was one such player, and gracious enough to stay after for a bit. It has been rumored that Jalen had a few woes in his collegiate days, and that his camp was not his strongest showing. However, I feel based on his character, that Jalen is confident, and happy, and will be a round for a while. 

Closing on the coaches corner. Coach Quinn wore his "all business face," only being chummy with one person that he knew from his prior coaching experience. They looked poised to have a great year in camp and started the season off that way. What's happened, or is happening since? Time has told and will continue to tell. 

Three Cities, Three Weeks, Three NFL Camps II

Part two brings the Lexus TravIS300 to a halt in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Home to Atlanta's Dirty Bird Training Camp. As I had mentioned in the first of my NFL Training Camp blogs, we're in the South visiting camps. The southern region of the finest nation in the world, and home to footballs, Falcons Nation. 

This blog, like the first, will also cover culture, cuisine, and gridiron craziness. I'll give you a look at an NFL following from a birds eye view. A Falcons view to be exact. 

Culture: 

Southern Hospitality; where the rainbow meets the sun, where manners are a way of life, and it's all instilled in a Southerner before they learn to walk.

 

 

The Falcons culture was much like the culture found in Redskins territory. A nicely collaborative gathering of ethnic diversity where the only language spoken was "Dirty Bird!" One thing different was that there didn't appear to be as many women at the Falcons training camp, but there seemed to be more couples. Regardless of the single female populous, people were friendly enough, and no rival fans bothered showing up at Flowery Branch. 

The day that I chose to attend was a gorgeous, mid eighties type of day. The sun had shone brightly all morning, but was not overbearing. The event was well planned, and organizers prepared to make this a memorable occasion for its fans. Trolleys transported people from the lot to the gate, which also helped with keeping the day as cool as possible. However, just in case it was a bit too hot still, and people needed a proper distraction from the heat, the facility greeted all of their supporters with sprinklers, and the teams motto at the front gate, "Rise Up!"

First things first... Food, and drink! No rain to put a damper on this camp, so folks looked for drinks over food, and organizers had it covered. $1.00 water, or Gatorade! GoTravvy was already liking this training camp. Cue the commercial voice, "but wait, there's more!" Not only was the Falcon faithful blessed with a 20 oz. dranky drank for a buck, but flame kissed burgers, with all the trimmings were only a dollar to match! It's worth the trip just to get the yard burger and drink. 

 The food was very reasonable, the souvenirs on the other hand, well let's just say that the NFL is proud of its gear. $40 and up for a t-shirt is not the way to go if you're an everyday average Joe. But the staff was friendly. So you're paying a great deal for service with a smile. 

Go Travvy has camera, will travel. 

More pics, and players to come. 

Weekend Activities:

Biking
Is totally stoked that NC is working on their Trail Systems, and bike paths! I just found a great ride that will allow me to traverse the once ensurpassable mountain that links the two counties I need to travel. At one time the freeway, and/or a gravel mountain road were the only ways to cross the mountain. The paved bike/walking/running path, now allows riders, walkers, runners, and hikers a safe passage through the mountains. It's wooded so cyclists have to ride cautiously, the wet autumn leaves could prove to be fatal. The open views to the mountains and valleys below are breath taking, and the ride is not a difficult one. It is a gradual climb to the west, and a sweet steady descend to the east. I wish that I had known about the trail earlier in the season!


NCAA Soccer That Matters
Tar Heels vs Devils Mens soccer... The two schools collided literally on Friday night. The conference foes both nationally ranked played fast and physical. The highlight for Duke fans, was the skirmish that saw Jordan McCrary red carded. He was ejected from the game. The Duke player that retaliated with a punch was not. So goes life, but we still didn't give up a W! They say that a tie is like kissing your sister. If that is the case, then tying Duke is like a kiss on the mouth from her, just after a vurp! Yes, it is just that nasty!

NCAA Football That Matters
Tar Heel Football... 35-20 Victory over East Carolina, in a win that could not be labeled as pretty. East Carolina, had more first down conversions, more total yards from scrimmage, and scored late to cut the lead to 15. A W is a W, but sloppy football will catch up with you!

Wisconsin, flexed their muscle in a very impressive victory against Nebraska. Wisconsin had big performances again from Montee "Let's Make A Deal" Ball, and Russell "Let's Move From NCSU To Wisconsin" Wilson. Wilson is now being mentioned among the Heisman hopefuls. 48-17 over a Top 10 Nebraska team, should boost their ranking a bit... I mean after all this wasn't Nebraska Community College, it was the Cornhuskerdoo's...

UPsets
Again Auburn was considered an underdog, and this game labeled an upset, but just because Cam Newton, is not involved in this college football program, doesn't make them dead! 16-13 Tigers over Gamecocks.

Speaking of Tigers... South Carolina's other football program went to Blacksburg and had a little Turkey! 23-3 drubbing of Virginia Tech, yeah should do a little somethin, somethin, for Death Valley's Jungle Tabby's ranking as well.

Pitt takes down South Florida, Arkansas recovers their own fumble for a TD, and defeats the Aggies of Texas A&M, and Baylor after upsetting TCU earlier in the season, was upset by Dorothy's State Kitty, the Kansas State Wildcats....

MLB That Matters

Brewers serve the Snakes a cold one. Nuff said.

NFL That Matters

Packers take on the Broncos, and I am going to say it now, this will be the week that John Fox makes a QB change, just sayin'! Here comes the Tebow express, so beware.

The Raiders will have their hands full with the Pats, and the odds are very much against them. Has Bilicheat's Pats ever lost three straight since winning a Super Bowl? Well if not, hopefully the Raiders will be the second defeat for them that leads to three, if not more.

Last but not least, it would be good to see Carolina walk all over the Bears, and Benedict Peppers. Again Nuff said!!!

#1 or One #?

My Philosophy is: You never know what one is capable of, until that one has done it.

Heisman jinx, Jamarcus Russell comparisons, and all of the negative press you can throw at Carolina's new adopted football son. Who is this manchild? Cam Newton that's who. His father took full responsibility for possible commitment to NCAA rules violations, and was banned from his sons biggest game, the NCAA National Championship. To show that he's a man of integrity (said with heavy sarcasm) he shows up abruptly on National Television to give Cam a hug after he and his team win. So, this goes to show you how much his father cares about his son. Hmmm be selfish and turn this into an all about me event and help scar my sons reputation a bit more, yeah the run down to the field is worth it. Sorry, I am just not a fan of greed, or stupidity. Most critics have said that Carolina has made a crucial mistake. The so called experts have rated Cam as a C+ pick. So did Carolina make such a huge mistake after all? Cam is no slouch, but is Coach Rivera the Cus D'Amato of the new era NFL? And can he fuel the fire in a QB that will have to be the Mike Tyson of the new era NFL to make Carolina a success? Charlotte is not NY, or LA, the fans won't pay top dollar in the Dirty South just to boo you. No instead they will stop going to games. So now Mr. Richardson did you indeed make the right choice? Back to our QB, Mr. Newton how do you silence the critics? The same way Cus and Iron Mike did... by swelling the mouths of the nay sayers shut by knocking opponents out! The only factor here is Cus dealt with a fatherless Mike Tyson like Mike was a D'Amato, like his own son. Cam on the other hand has a corrupt father that he is very close to. For the sake of the Panther Nation I pray that the Panthers have a game plan to sign that ego of Cams and a plan to keep daddy far, far away from the negotiations table. It's already evident that Cam's father is caring of one thing... money! How do I justify saying that? For grins and giggles let's say the money that he took costs Cam his collegiate career. Dad has a fist full of dollars and Cam has no shot at a Heisman or #1 draft slot. So, you tell me it wasn't 'bout the Benjamins! Cam I wish you well and to your father all I can say for him is that I'm praying!

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The Critical Bowl...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/01/AR2010020102067.html

Even the ladies appreciate Tebow! And not just Gator fans, but fans of life, and fans of humanitarianism. He has a bad game in the SEC Championship. He had a bad outing at the Senior Bowl, and still people say that this hurt his stock in the NFL Draft. Name one QB that had stellar performances, in either of the last two games that I just mentioned, and has done anything productive in the NFL. Peyton Manning maybe? Nope no championships for Mr. Manning, but he and Timmy Te do have one thing in common, and that's heart! Manning stayed his Senior year when he could have left early, and made his money a year early. He and Tebow are motivators. Tebow doesn't have to throw a touchdown on every third completion, he only needs to keep that big body strong and healthy, and his mind even healthier. He may not be Peyton, he's much more mobile, and he is a winner, and a leader, so time will tell. I wish him well in his endeavor as a player, and even more as a Christian. He is a winner on the playing field of LIFE.