This past week's NFL draft really created buzz not only around the country, as many eager fans watched to see which star college football players would be drafted to their favorite NFL teams, but also across UGA's campus. There are a number of things that students can do to bring recognition to their beloved university such as receive a national scholastic award, win a national championship, develop cures for diseases, or sail the world but none of which brings as much attention and pride to the school as being drafted into the NFL. This past week, UGA had a total of eight players taken in the three day 2013 NFL draft.
Leading up to the event, people all across campus engaged in conversations on social media voicing their predictions of who would go where and when. Both linebackers Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree headlined the Georgia draft class as they were taken with the 17th and 30th picks of the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively. Other draftees from UGA included nose guard John Jenkins (New Orleans), safety Shawn Williams (Cincinnati), Sander Cummings (Kansas City), Tavarres King (Denver), Cornelius Washington (Chicago), and Bacarri Rambo (Washington). Georgia's eight players drafted in this year's draft ties a school-record set back in 2002 and such an accomplishment has been of high talk all across town.
As a student at UGA, we are proud of these boys and the recognition they brought to our prestigious university. Way to bring back some Georgia Pride! Continue to represent the red and black with pride! GO DAWGS!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Down for the Count
The world of Twitter has been blown up with news of Kobe Bryant's injury. Friday night during the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Golden State Warriors, super star Kobe Bryant tore his achilles tendon. He will be completely shut down for 6-8 months which makes getting to the playoffs seem a lot harder for the Lakers.
Many tweeters expressed their sympathy for the notorious basketball player but one of the biggest topics of discussion was the Laker's Amnesty clause available that must be used by July 1-9 window. Kobe signed with the Lakers through next season, but amnesty clause provides the power to mitigate that contract. The Lakers could save $60 million in luxury tax fees if they do exercise the amnesty clause. If they do not amnesty Bryant, they Lakers would still have the highest payroll in the NBA and take on $85 million in luxury tax fees next season.
But is it always about the money? If it were, it would be a no brainer for the Lakers. Only time will tell just how much one player is worth to the New York Yankees of the NBA.
Many tweeters expressed their sympathy for the notorious basketball player but one of the biggest topics of discussion was the Laker's Amnesty clause available that must be used by July 1-9 window. Kobe signed with the Lakers through next season, but amnesty clause provides the power to mitigate that contract. The Lakers could save $60 million in luxury tax fees if they do exercise the amnesty clause. If they do not amnesty Bryant, they Lakers would still have the highest payroll in the NBA and take on $85 million in luxury tax fees next season.
But is it always about the money? If it were, it would be a no brainer for the Lakers. Only time will tell just how much one player is worth to the New York Yankees of the NBA.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Auburn Athletics
One athletic program that has really been making headline is Auburn University. But these recent news stories aren't exactly revealing Auburn in a good light but instead revealing what appears to be a lack of integrity from both coaches and athletes.
This first article exposes many alleged violations including the coaches directly and indirectly paying players. Everyone knows you can't do that! Former players spoke of many NCAA violations which also included grade changes for one of their star players, Mike Dyer. According to the article, Dyer should have been deemed ineligible because of his grades (therefore, would not have been the MVP of the BCS National Championship game because he wouldn't have been eligible to play) but Auburn somehow found a way to "make him eligible".
Who is to say if without their super star playing that Auburn would have still won that National Championship. Sounds like to me, that the NCAA has a long investigation ahead of them and who knows, Auburn might even be stripped of their National Championship title.
With all the lies, deceit, and rule breaking that coaches are partaking in and encouraging just to have a leg up, it isn't surprising that similar characteristics are arising in their players. Leadership from coaches is very important and can deeply impact players. I believe that coaches help guide and mold athletes during some of the their most influential years.
This next article from Sports Illustrated tells of an ex-Auburn player who has plead guilty to first degree robbery. Mike McNeil was a member of Auburns 2010 Championship winning team but was released in 2011 after is arrest and faces 21 years in prison. Three other Auburn players were also arrested at the same time, Dakota Mosley, Shaun Kitchens and Antonio Goodwin.
There have been numerous acts of bad behavior and crime on Auburn's football team as well as many other football teams across the country but I strongly believe that coaches should be held to the highest standards in terms of their morals and behavior and the example they set for their players. Some players will fall off the boat no matter what measures are taken or how much good influence is provided but poor leadership from coaches lacking in morals and standards, almost guarantees a higher number of players who will get in trouble. Although winning is important, I think its safe to say, that winning never trumps 21 years in prison and great coaches can lead their players down paths of long-term success after their playing days are over.
This first article exposes many alleged violations including the coaches directly and indirectly paying players. Everyone knows you can't do that! Former players spoke of many NCAA violations which also included grade changes for one of their star players, Mike Dyer. According to the article, Dyer should have been deemed ineligible because of his grades (therefore, would not have been the MVP of the BCS National Championship game because he wouldn't have been eligible to play) but Auburn somehow found a way to "make him eligible".
Who is to say if without their super star playing that Auburn would have still won that National Championship. Sounds like to me, that the NCAA has a long investigation ahead of them and who knows, Auburn might even be stripped of their National Championship title.
With all the lies, deceit, and rule breaking that coaches are partaking in and encouraging just to have a leg up, it isn't surprising that similar characteristics are arising in their players. Leadership from coaches is very important and can deeply impact players. I believe that coaches help guide and mold athletes during some of the their most influential years.
This next article from Sports Illustrated tells of an ex-Auburn player who has plead guilty to first degree robbery. Mike McNeil was a member of Auburns 2010 Championship winning team but was released in 2011 after is arrest and faces 21 years in prison. Three other Auburn players were also arrested at the same time, Dakota Mosley, Shaun Kitchens and Antonio Goodwin.
There have been numerous acts of bad behavior and crime on Auburn's football team as well as many other football teams across the country but I strongly believe that coaches should be held to the highest standards in terms of their morals and behavior and the example they set for their players. Some players will fall off the boat no matter what measures are taken or how much good influence is provided but poor leadership from coaches lacking in morals and standards, almost guarantees a higher number of players who will get in trouble. Although winning is important, I think its safe to say, that winning never trumps 21 years in prison and great coaches can lead their players down paths of long-term success after their playing days are over.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)