Bleacher Report - Articles by Gray Ghost

B/R's Cameon Shiflett Needs Our Prayers

Gray Ghost — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:30:16 -0400

Dear B/R Friends,

One of B/R's best needs our prayers right now.

Cameon Shiflett was in a very bad car accident this past weekend and is in ICU. She was coming home from a band competition on Saturday night and was hit by a drunk driver.

The report given to me from someone who has been at the hospital with her seems to indicate that they think she is going to be OK, but that her condition is obviously serious. She has some broken ribs and is pretty bruised up. I will try and keep everyone updated as best I can.

Crossing paths with Cameon has been one of the best things about my involvement here on B/R. Though still in high school, she has a depth of character that has earned her the respect of people many years her senior.

She represents the best of her generation. Her parents must be extremely proud of her. Her courage and conviction is evident in her writing, as is her love for the Alabama Crimson Tide. She is known around these parts as the "Bama Chick."

There are a lot of great young writers here on B/R, and Cameon is among the best of the best. I am proud to call her my friend, and my family sends our love and prayers to her. Please join me in praying for a full and speedy recovery.

The Ethics of Posting on Bulletin Boards: You Decide

Gray Ghost — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:43:43 -0500

In the past few weeks, I have read quite a bit on B/R about how one should, or should not, go about establishing himself here as a writer.

There has been a great deal said about people who post their articles on other people's bulletin boards, and there seems to be a bit of banter about those who have reached “Senior Writer” status and whether they are deserving of such a title.

There are certain guidelines on B/R that most of us are well aware of. Those state that we are not “to contribute any Content that is infringing, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, abusive, offensive” and can be found under “User Content” in the Terms of Use. Posting on someone’s board does not fall under any of those prohibited activities.

What most of this really boils down to is ethics, and since the founders of this wonderfully open forum have not chiseled out these ethical guidelines for us, it is up to each of us to decide for ourselves what our ethical parameters will be.

When I first discovered B/R and began writing my first articles, I began just like everyone else does on this site. I was a newbie. If you care to go back and look at my early articles, you will see that in two of them I garnered a whopping four comments apiece.

I think that my “America vs. China! When The World Goes Home” article was one of my best, but only 14 people commented on it. I wasn’t exactly burning up the reads either.

One of the things that is essential in feeling at home here is realizing that it is more than just about writing ability. It is great if you have been blessed with the ability to craft words into a picture, but B/R is more than just a sports section of a daily paper.

This is a community of people. I found that as I got out into the community and read other people's articles and commented on what they had written, I began to meet people and develop relationships.

If you stay indoors all the time and never find out who is living in your neighborhood, no one is going to know who you are, nor will they ever hear what you have to say.

When I was a boy growing up in the south, every house had a front porch, and after supper (that’s the evening meal), families would sit outside together. Sometimes the neighbors would come over and sit a spell. We knew everyone in our neighborhood! Nowadays, most people have no idea who lives two doors down from them.

Hermits impact no one. My best advice to those of you who are trying to get established here is to get out of the house and meet the neighbors.

As I began to walk the streets of this cyber-community and meet people, I began to gain some friends and pick up some fans, and as I wrote articles I posted to their boards, and they posted to mine. I wanted them to post me because I was interested in them and in what they had to say.

I do not think that is “whoring out” articles, nor do I consider it “prostituting” one’s writing integrity. We write to be read, and every author promotes their book. I write because I love it, but I love it most when it reaches a heart or brings a smile. An unread book touches no one.

Whether or not posting is ethical should be determined on an individual basis between the poster and the posted. If you don’t want to be posted, say so. That is your privilege, and it should be respected and honored.

My ethical boundary is this: I only post on the walls of those who have signed on as a fan. I ask them to do the same for me. I also realize that I can’t always get to every article I am posted with. I do my best, but can’t feel guilty about those I don’t get to read.

As for the “Senior Writers,” I am one. You made me one. I could write until I am blue in the face, but if you weren’t kind enough to read my articles and gracious enough to give me a POTD once in a while, I wouldn’t wear that label on my profile.

I write and comment, not according to what I am, but according to who I am. I have spent my entire adult life trying to encourage people, and that is not fabricated—it is who I am. I have no desire to be condescending and arrogant. All ground is equal as far as I am concerned.

I respect you regardless of whether you are a Senior Writer, an Analyst, a Contributor, or even a Gator (it hurts to say that!). I don’t care if you are a high school senior or a college professor; I will read what you write and will treat you with respect.

I want you to know that your friendship means more to me than any ranking I may be given, or any accolades that may come my way. Thanks...and feel free to post me any time!

Calling All College Football Losers! Cut the Excuses and Try These on for Size

Gray Ghost — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:48:19 -0500

This has been an interesting college football season to say the least! There have been some great football games, and some we would just as soon forget. We, as fans, have certain things in common besides our love of the game and loyalty to our team. Almost all of us, with a tip of the hat to the Utes, have at some point this year experienced the agony of defeat.

We may have been defeated by a team that we were supposed to lose to, or it could have been the more disturbing scenario of losing to a team that we thought was destined for the “W” column. While the repercussions among the alumni association may be more dramatic in the latter, the fact remains that both result in a loss.

No one enjoys and respects team loyalty any more than I do. In fact, being on B/R has helped me connect with fans from other teams and learn that they have a deep passion for their teams and the rivalries that stir their part of the nation.

In my profile I proudly state that “I bleed Bulldog red and black.” I love the Dawgs!!! Hey, I named my middle daughter “Georgia”. I get ribbed here in Idaho about my Georgia Bulldog mailbox, and my boy’s room/playroom is painted and decorated with Bulldog colors and accessories—including autographed pictures of Herschel and Knowshon.

The problem is that we fans sometimes boast loyalty to a team, when in reality we are being loyal to ourselves. We go to such extremes to express our disrespect for the opposing team, that if we lose to them we lose face ourselves. Which really bothers us most? Are we really sad that our beloved team was defeated, or that we now must face those we have been trashing in the days preceding the game?

I cannot lose face if the Georgia Bulldogs lose any game or every game. I don’t suit up. I don’t take the field. I throw no passes and I make no tackles. Where I can lose face is when I act like a pompous know-it-all who can’t eat crow and admit that I was wrong and my team lost. Period.

Save the excuses. Cut the whining. I heard somewhere that the Dawgs lost 14 players to season ending injuries this year. That does absolutely nothing to erase the losses to Alabama, Florida, or Georgia Tech. Better luck next year. Build a bridge and get over it. We lost—plain and simple. It is what it is. You can only play the hand that’s dealt you.

The fans who do lose face are those obnoxious ones who gloat over every victory to the point of humiliating the fans of the losing team, and those equally obnoxious ones who don’t have the class to step up to the plate and look you in the eye (monitor?) and say “We lost, you won. No excuses. Congrats!”

In order to help add some class to our college football community, I have included 10 admissions of defeat that can be used when your team loses. These are not copyrighted and can be freely used by teams of every conference—because we all lose sometimes...don’t we? I have included a brief definition for those of you who may not be familiar with these expressions.

1. “We got the tar beat out of us!”

Evidently this came from some scientist that discovered that we all have at least 10 percent tar in our chemical make-up. It must be vital to our health because people make such a fuss when it gets beat out of them.

2. “We got skunked!”

If you have ever had a skunk splattered on the road if front of your house you need no explanation of this at all. Suffice it to say that it stinks the entire place up for quite some time. It produces an odor that’s hard to get rid of. See our game against Florida for further illustration.

3. “We got smoked!”

For you left-coast people, getting smoked has nothing to do with lighting up the funny weed, it’s more like what’s left after the bomb goes off. All that’s left is the smoke and the crater to climb out of.

4. “We got a butt-whuppin’!”

If you don’t know the difference between a “whippin” and a “whuppin” you are probably from above the Mason-Dixon line and never learned the fine art of expressing pain. It’s basically the difference between an in-grown toenail and open-heart surgery.

5. “We got our clock cleaned!”

You don’t clean a clock with a hammer and chisel. This means a very meticulous dismantling and a piece by piece exposure of our flaws. It’s slow and it’s humiliating!

6. “We got our rear-end hiked!”

This has nothing to do with going on a stroll through the woods on a Boy Scout outing. This kind of hike is when you get kicked by the opposing team so hard that your rump in relocated somewhere between the base of the neck and the shoulder-blades. It is painful, but makes it much harder for someone to steal your wallet.

7. “We got taken to the woodshed!”

In the old days, every southern house had a front porch and a woodshed. Sitting on the front porch was like heaven, but being taken to the woodshed was like…well, you get the idea.

8. “We got our lunch ate!”

This is the shock of having the lunchroom bully take your chair and clean your plate. You sit there listening to your stomach growling as he struts off. (If I had ever let this happen my Pop would’ve “whupped” me when I got home.)

9. “We were demonstrably and decisively devastated!”

This is for you upper-echelon sissies that don’t like colloquial slang. This means that your tea cup was more than just chipped—it was crushed.

10. “We got debuttitated!”

I thought I would revive one of my linguistic creations. It is the same as being decapitated, except it applies to the other end. It’s the only thing worse that a butt-whuppin’!

The next time your team loses, use one of these expressions to gain the respect of those who are waiting to see how you handle defeat. It’s better than losing face with excuses.

The Team Concept of College Football

Gray Ghost — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:31:55 -0500

One of the things I love most about college football is the team concept that is still evident. It is the continuation of a concept that has been promoted from Pee Wee to junior high to high school and on into college football. It’s not a concept that is easily embraced by the players. Coaches constantly have to reiterate the need for team play.

One reason is that we are born with an inherent selfishness that is hard to shake. My six children all have their different qualities, but one thing they share in common (to different degrees) is that, when they were infants, they demanded attention. A parent quickly learns to distinguish between the “I am hungry” cry, and the “I am perturbed that I am not being held!” cry.

That cry meant “hold me now!” and as soon as they were picked up they stopped their verbal protest. It was all about them. While that attitude can be expected from a child, if left unchecked it produces a quite boorish adult.

Have you ever met an adult who thinks the universe revolves around them? Have you ever seen an adult pitch a temper tantrum? Have you ever known an adult who demands that the spotlight be on them? Have you ever met an adult who walks around with a chip on their shoulder, thinking the world owes them something?

It’s just a child trapped in an adult’s body. The body grew up, but the child inside never did. They never learned that life isn’t about any one person.

Later, my children learned that there were other people in the world besides just them. Toys had to be shared, and they had to learn to blend with their siblings and others who were playing with them. How often I would admonish them to “be a team player.” It doesn’t happen overnight, but it is important that they learn the value of cooperation.

While the concept of team play (hopefully) begins in the home, it was, at least when I was growing up, reinforced on the ball fields of every level of competition. My high school coach would not allow end zone celebrations. “When you get in the end zone,” he would tell us, “act like you’ve been there before!”

He reminded us that there were 10 others guys who had busted their backside to get us there and we had better not act like we had done it alone—or we would be on the bench. That may seem archaic to many, but my coaches taught me a team concept that has stayed with me long after my days on the playing field have ended.

People who live for themselves end up cold and lonely when the winter of life sets in. They may live in a mansion and have staff to wait on their every need, but the coldness I speak of is of the heart.

There is something to be said for living for a cause that is bigger than oneself. People who never learn to harmonize with those around them are confined to listen to their own familiar voice playing like a broken record. Others nod and smile, but no one really listens.

Life isn’t a solo—it’s a symphony!

It is when we learn to become aware of those around us, and to reach out to them, that the lessons of the ball field are transferred into the arena of life. We learn that there is no “I” in team. We learn to weep when nothing bad has happened to us, but because it has happened to someone else. We learn to rejoice when we have not benefited, but because someone else has.

We learn to not insist on identicalness. That just as in football, there are different positions in life that are essential to the team as a whole. That it is more than just one player, no matter how talented, that brings success to a team. It is the whole lot—the starters down to the practice squad—that makes up the team.

College football is the final step before a player can cash his talent in at the bank. It may also be the last chance someone has to impact his philosophy of life. He will soon be on his own, and for those most talented, the world will be watching.

Those who never learn the team concept can be seen on Sunday ranting and raving at teammates and coaches—demanding the attention they think they deserve. Others will complain their life away out in the work-a-day world, oblivious to anyone but the man in the mirror.

They sing solo, but their song blesses no one.

Keep Driving! Who Needs a College Football Potty Stop?

Gray Ghost — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:34:46 -0500

When I was a boy, my family would take a two-week vacation every summer to St. Petersburg, Florida. We would stay in the Sea Breeze Cottages at Madera Beach right on the St. John’s Pass, where the river met the Gulf of Mexico. It wasn’t anything very fancy, but to me it was paradise. I lived for those two weeks of the summer!

Pop was a railroad man, and worked hard for a living, but there wasn’t enough money to finance our extra-curricular activities. He would do roofing or build boats to save the money needed for our summer excursions to Florida. I will always be grateful to Pop for the time of togetherness he provided for us. We were creating memories that still flood our minds even though he has been gone now for six years.

The days before vacation began we would begin our preparations. We would make sure our fishing gear was in good shape, and see to it that we had what we needed for the two weeks. I remember being so stoked with anticipation that I could hardly sleep the night before. Mom always tried to convince us that if we didn’t go to sleep the morning would never arrive.

We got up early before the sun came up, and began our journey to my childhood paradise. I won’t bore you with the details of the trip, but the highlights were eating breakfast in Callahan, and the yearly stop at the Orange Shop in Calhoun. That was it.

Oh yeah, and were we kid’s thrilled whenever Mom would ask Pop to take a potty stop! Pop was so intent on reaching our destination that potty stops were viewed as a necessary evil. Bathroom time was wasted time. To this day, I am certain that I have oversized kidneys from the stretching they took on those trips.

I learned something valuable during those summer adventures: For every destination that we desire, there is a journey that leads us there.

With my own kids during our vacation travels, I have tried to make the journey as enjoyable as possible, but regardless—the journey is still essential to arriving at the destination. You can’t just be there, you have to go there (which is why preseason polls are stupid!).

Everybody wants the destination, but few are willing to take the journey that leads them there. I recently spoke at a large marriage conference and there were many who wanted to arrive at the destination of a happy marriage, but how many are willing to take the journey that leads them there?

As I watch my own children mature into respected adults and assume their place in society, I cannot help but be reminded that there was a long and patient journey that brought them and us to this rewarding destination.

On Jan. 8, in Miami, a football team will be crowned national champions of the college football world. At that moment, those young men, their coaches, their school, and their families will have reached the destination they so longed to realize.

They are not the only ones who have reached their desired destination. Other teams realistically set a goal of winning their conference championship, and they did. Some seniors, like those on Georgia Tech, set a goal of beating their in-state rival for the first time in years—and they did it. For others, this year was about arriving at a winning season and getting back on track.

Whatever the desired destination, don’t think for one minute that those gridiron gladiators don’t remember the journey that got them to where they are. The two-a-days, the early morning runs, the never-ending drills, the pain—the destination they enjoyed made the journey worth enduring.

After the lights go out at Dolphin Stadium on that January night in Miami, the college football season will be over. Does that hit you in the pit of the stomach like it does me?

What happens to this community of friends that meet here on B/R and talk college football? Do we all plan to jump off the roof at the same agreed time? Do we stare at our blank computer screens—not knowing what to write or say? I think not.

On Jan. 9, the journey begins again. Hope revives. The destination becomes a possibility all over again. Everyone is equal in the W-L column. New recruits begin to pick their schools. Fans begin to recover from a disappointing season, and preseason trash-talk begins long before spring camp opens.

So soak up the bowl games—watch as many as you can. Don’t miss the national championship and all of the fanfare that goes with it. But whatever you do, don’t think that college football ends in January. On the contraire! College football 2009 will just be beginning!

Get the car packed, and go to the bathroom now while you can—we don't want to waste time on potty stops. Plan on getting an early start....

Did you hear about the No. 2 quarterback in the nation that has committed to Georgia?

Georgia-Florida: College Football's Greatest Rivalry

Gray Ghost — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:56:27 -0400

I am not going to bore you with stats and records from past games in this series. I’m not even going to give you a breakdown of how I think this game will play out on the field this coming Saturday. There will be more than enough of that to go around in the week ahead.

I want to speak for all of the fans, both Dawg and Gator, who are scattered from sea to shining sea across this great nation. Though we are separated by the many miles that lie between us and that close-to-the-border town, you can bet the bank that we will all be there in Jacksonville this Saturday.

We may be sitting in our recliners or on our couches in Idaho or Montana or Wisconsin or New York or North Dakota or where-ever, but our hearts will be in Jacksonville and our eyes will be glued to THE GAME. We will cheer and we will yell and we will plead, and for sixty minutes of football the world around us will stop.

I am not attempting to diminish the great rivalries of college football, and there are some great ones. I enjoy them and look forward to the buildup to those games each year, as well as the game itself.

I also do not mean to diminish the toughness and importance of the other teams that Georgia and Florida play each year. You may get sick of hearing it, but we don’t get too many “breathers” in the SEC. We really do respect each other.

But truth be known, Georgia and Florida both have two seasons. The first is when we play everyone else, and the second is when we play each other.

There have been times when we have had a mediocre year and had to struggle our way through, but things were salvaged if we beat Florida. The disappointment of the regular season was eased by winning the "Florida Season".

The Gators that I know feel the same way. And no matter what success a season brings, losing that game always leaves a bitter taste that can only be removed by a victory in the following year.

We like to talk about the pass from Buck Belue to “Run Lindsay!” Scott. Florida likes to talk about Spurrier and how he owned us for all of those years, and did he ever! Over the years I have learned to respect the Ol’ Ball Coach, and I miss the dynamics he brought to this game. And Herschel’s gone, but Knowshon is making a name for himself.

The legends of the past are no longer in uniform. There will be no runs by Emmitt Smith and no interceptions by Terry Hoage. Wilbur Marshall and David Pollack will make no bone-jarring hits.

Coaches and players come and go. The names may change, but the intensity and passion of this one game remains the same year after year.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, I don’t know, but I find myself admiring the players at both schools who never fail to give their best. The field will belong to them on Saturday. It is theirs to win or lose. Make no mistake about it, this will be a well fought battle between two of college footballs best programs.

So, with kindest regards to the rest of the College Football world, if you will pardon us—Georgia and Florida have another season to play this weekend in Jacksonville. We’ll join back with you next week after the smoke has cleared from the greatest rivalry in all of college football.

One final note: GO DAWGS!!!

The Young Guns of the B/R College Football Community

Gray Ghost — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:27:13 -0400

When I was a boy growing up in Savannah, Ga., my family would take trips to visit some kinfolk who lived on a farm near Norway, S.C.

My Mom was from a little South Carolina town called Tarborough, and we had relatives throughout the low country. I knew exactly what it meant when we kids were told we were going to “the country.”

I always relished the opportunity to immerse myself in farm life, even though I grew up directly across from a small farm in Georgia.

The farm in Carolina was so big that I felt like I was the first explorer to discover some of the “nooks and crannies” of that vast real estate. Even now, it is a place that I retreat to in my mind and find peaceful memories of days gone by.

When water was needed, it either came from the hand pump or was drawn from the well. I remember peering over the edge of that well and thinking that it led to the center of the earth.

We thrilled at being able to drop the bucket into that well and pull up a bucketful of cool water to quench our thirst.

I have often thought about that well and the lessons it taught me about life.

In teaching my children, I would use that old well as an object lesson to show that the way a person speaks reveals the content of his or her heart. The tongue is nothing more than a bucket that draws from our inner reservoir and brings it to the surface for all to hear.

You won’t draw clear water from a polluted well.

I have worked in Youth Detention Centers where I have met kids who were acting out what they had been told. They believed that they were good for nothing and would never accomplish anything worthwhile because someone convinced them it was so.

Our words, whether spoken or blogged, are rarely neutral in their impact. They can be constructive or destructive. They can refresh or poison. They can add or subtract.

Do you remember the coach or the teacher who had confidence in you and believed you had value? Do you remember how they encouraged you with their words?

I hope you had someone like that in your life. Whether we received it or not, we all needed some encouragement along the journey.

I will never forget a Little League coach who made me feel like I could conquer the world. He would drop to one knee to be on my level, and he would look me in the eye.

He told me that he believed in me, and he made me believe I could get the job done. I love that man to this day.

That brings me to my point. We have, right here in our College Football Community, some writers who are younger than most. In fact, they are in High School and are remarkable writers. I am absolutely amazed at the quality of work that they put out.

They are asking for no freebies. If you read their articles, they will gain your respect by their knowledge, passion, and ability. They have what it takes.

If you have not already met them, I want to introduce them to you. They are my friends, and I am proud of them and ask you to read their articles, become their fans, and encourage them to keep on writing.

If you know someone that has been overlooked, shine the spotlight on them in your comments.

I list them in no particular order, except ladies first.

Cameon Shiflett

This 16-year-old Southern Belle is from Birmingham, Ala., and has been a member of B/R for one month. The self-proclaimed “Bama Chick” is an excellent writer and lives out her enthusiasm by working for Bama Fever.

Warning! Don’t get lured in by her charm—she will swap barbs with you in a second should you decide to question her beloved Crimson Tide. Roll Tide! My favorite article of hers, on "closet" Bama fans, can be found here.

Micah Green

This 14-year-old Gator fan now lives in Idaho. He has been a member of B/R for two months. He writes with a passion and is a voracious defender the boys from The Swamp.

He can be found on the threads challenging people who might question Superman and Co. He’s not afraid to jump into controversy.

Notice his picture? He is staring you down. Chomp! Chomp! My favorite article of his, on college football's top rivalries, can be found here.

Dino

Talk about a great guy! The Eyes of Texas are on this 17-year-old high school junior, who has been a member of B/R for three months. He is a die-hard fan of the Texas Longhorns and the gun called Colt McCoy.

He is quickly winning the respect of his readers. Read his work and you’ll know why. His writing is absolutely outstanding. Hook ‘em! My favorite, on the bonding power of college football, can be found here.

Joseph Morgan

This is my home state buddy! He is a high school junior and has been a member of B/R for six months. He now lives in Virginia but is originally from Titletown, USA
(Valdosta, Ga).

That is a picture of him sitting on the home field of the most famous high school football team in history. Sadly, he is a Gator fan! Ouch! But he's an incredible writer! My favorite article, which details a bitter high school football rivalry, can be found here.

Anthony Elias

This 16-year-old newcomer to B/R has been featured on SI.com from time to time. Anthony is an excellent writer, and his enthusiasm can be felt in everything he writes. He loves Penn State and will tell you so in a heartbeat!

He has a great attitude and is going to be a welcomed addition to our community. My favorite article by him, which discusses the Nittany Lions' running game, can be found here.

Jared Lilly

This is a classy young man. This 15-year-old high school sophomore has been a member of B/R for seven months. He is an avid West Virginia fan and is feeling a bit blue about his Mountaineers!

WVU should be proud to have such a good young writer as a fan. Now if they’ll just give him something to write about! He has earned my respect. My favorite of his articles, where he bemoans the current state of WVU football, can be found here.

Gustavo Destro

This high school senior has been a member of B/R for six months. He was born in Brazil and now lives in Canada.

He loves college football, and my favorite article of his tells us why. It is an excellent read, and he is an excellent writer! It can be found here.

Cody Dockens

This High School senior has been a member of B/R for just under a month and plans on enrolling in the University of Alabama next year. Guess who his favorite team is? You got it! Roll Tide!

Another talented teen writer, Cody is not afraid to tackle the media darlings! Check this article out to see what I mean.

Gray Ghost Speaks Out to the College Football Community

Gray Ghost — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:08:47 -0400

No man is an island unto himself.

Yes, there are times when the human spirit reaches deep within itself and gives us the wherewithal to do something so singular and remarkable that all of the world sits up and takes notice. The names of the honored can be found written in our books of history, and their deeds are rehearsed in the revered tones reserved for legends.

For most of us, that occasion to set ourselves apart from the masses that surround us never happens. We are the Everyday Joe’s of the world. We go about our business day-in and day-out. Our names will never make the history books, and no one will ever speak of us in tones of reverence.

The sum total of who we are is the little bits and pieces of those who have crossed our path and invested themselves in us. Life is like a continuous assembly line, and we are actually being built as we live. We add to each other. We are completing each other. We need each other.

Our true value is not found in serving self, but in serving others who walk this same journey that we call life. When we die, part of us remains in those we have touched. It is called influence. When we invest ourselves in another, we add to who they become.

None of us have a neutral effect on those we truly come in contact with. We either add to who they are, or we subtract.

And so, while our deeds may not become legend, and our names will probably never be known outside of our smallish circle of life, we do make a difference. I would rather have my name stamped upon the hearts of my friends that have granted me the privilege to influence them, than to have it etched in a lifeless book that collects dust on a shelf.

That is why I write this article. I write it to my friends here in this College Football Community.

Though I have never spoken with you face to face, I have felt your pulse as you put your heart into your words. We have laughed together. We have argued our points, and then shook our heads that we still disagreed on the rankings. We have confronted each other, and we have defended each other. We have even cried together. That’s what friends do.

As you know, Bleacher Report announced a contest within our College Football Community that was both ambitious and attractive. It changed the dynamics that existed within our close-knit group.

While Picks of the Day are intangible, a trip to the big dance in Miami is not. Real competition was something that we had not dealt with before, and newness always has its kinks that must be worked out.

I will not rehash the controversy that we are all too familiar with by now. Lisa Horne’s article opened the shades so that we could all see the “floaties” that were in the room. I, for one, am grateful that she was willing to say out loud what some were whispering. Issues that are not discussed can never be resolved. She did us well.

If there is to be a finger pointed in all of this, I ask that it be pointed at me. I failed to help us navigate a situation that was unfamiliar to us. I am not a bigwig here on B/R, and I am not a part of the wonderful administration that keeps this place up and running, nor do I wish to be.

But I am a voice, and sometimes leadership needs a common voice to speak up. When I should have been calling us together, I was off standing my ground, even when I was sure that nothing dishonest had been done.

Principles can change into pride without our even recognizing it.

I want to offer my apologies to Justin for suspecting him before I gave him the right to set the record straight. Through our private emails, I have come to know a little bit of who he really is. The truth is that Justin is a man of honesty and integrity.

There could be no better person to represent B/R in Miami, and I would be honored to place behind him in the rankings. He did not cheat, and there is no reason for him to drop out of this contest.

Zander, I have always tried to be the “go back for you” type of guy who wouldn’t let his buddy lie fallen on the field. I sort of walked away from you and let you bleed a bit. My apologies, my friend. I appreciate your leadership, and value your friendship. You are a good and honest man.

This may be too strong of a choice of words for some of you who feel removed because you look into a screen rather than a face, but I have grown to love Justin and Lisa and BT and Mitch and TC and 12 and KG and JC and Michael Cline and Daniel Cox and Bama Chick and Robert and Dawg and all the rest of you with whom I spend a portion of my day.

Maybe it’s because I have been involved in ministry since I was 17 years old, and my life has been intertwined with people from every possible walk of life. Maybe it’s because I’m a Christian and the Book that I hold dear teaches me to love unconditionally. Maybe it’s because I taught high school for 20-plus years, and realized it’s hard to really help someone you’re afraid to love.

I can’t help it—I love y'all. You’ve touched me with your words, and now I am asking you to let me reach you with mine.

Justin and Lisa: I ask you to stay a vital part of B/R and to please come back into the contest. We need you both with us as we continue to grow as a community of friends. I cannot imagine Bleacher Report without the both of you.

Justin, you should be thankful for family and friends who love you enough to come on and read your work. Don’t disappoint them by giving in to suspicions. Please accept our assurance that we know you did nothing wrong. If you win, take plenty of pictures to show the kid one day, and eat a bag of bald peanuts for me.

I was a part of the problem, I am asking you both to be a part of the solution. Please, get back in the contest and keep on writing.

To the rest of you who have watched and commented and asked “What in the flying cat-hair is going on?” Remember that reacting takes no gray matter whatsoever, but in order to respond you have to engage your brain. Mine has been in park for several days now. Sorry about that.

I hope we can move on and enjoy the rest of the football season.

Finally, my thanks to Jared Lilley, a 15-year-old sophomore whose post on my bulletin board helped me clear the fog that had settled in my mind. This 53-year-old man needed the wisdom of a 15-year-old boy to make things clear. Jared, you are a true friend.

BTW, my real name is Dean. My wife calls me Deano. But I think Gray Ghost sounds cool. She refuses to call me Gray Ghost. Ministers don’t often get to be cool. Whatever!

My Student: My Hero!

Gray Ghost — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:22:14 -0400

This past Friday began as a struggle for me. Quite honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to my normal Saturday of college football, or anything else, for that matter. It had nothing to do with my Georgia Bulldogs having a bye week, or even the fact that they had slipped in the polls after the loss to Alabama. None of that seemed to matter because Friday was October 3rd.

It was the anniversary of a day that I wish had never dawned, and one that I am certain I shall never forget. The news report simply said that on October 3, 2005, a Marine had been killed in Karabaliah, Iraq, the first to die in Operation Iron Fist. That Marine was Corporal John Stalvey, with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division.

I was in an electronics store in Atlanta when the call came that morning and broke my heart. I put my face in my hands and wept. John Stalvey was not just another picture on the evening news of some mother’s son who had died in a far-away land.

This one hit home in a personal way.

I learned something that day—behind every cold statistic of war there is a broken and weeping family, an empty room, a host of hurting friends, and a story. I was a part of his story.

I taught John history in high school, but our friendship went beyond the normal teacher-student relationship. He became a dear friend of our family, and called me once from Afghanistan to ask some advice and to thank me for the impact I had on his life.

If only he knew it was he who impacted me.

John was an all-American type kid. He was “Mr. Hustle” in every sport he participated in, and could have been a hard-nose defensive back had he chosen to go to college, but to no one's surprise John joined the Marines.

Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” John Stalvey was never the type to do nothing.

The decisions to wage war belong to the politicians, but the honor belongs to the soldiers—those actually engaged in the struggle of the battlefield. They are the real heroes. It has always been the soldier who made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom.

Freedom’s worth can never be measured by the unfathomable amounts of money spent to finance the wars that have been fought to secure our independence and to sustain our liberty. The worth of freedom can only be measured by the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price.

If you want to glimpse the price of freedom, go stand amidst the hush of Arlington National Cemetery, or walk the beaches of Normandy where the blood of America’s brave sons once mingled with the waters of the mighty Atlantic. Walk the hallowed fields of Manassas and remember that our nation once struggled as brother against brother.

Hear the weeping children whose father never returned from war, or the broken-hearted parents who welcomed home a flag-draped casket. Look into the eyes of a young wife who with trembling hands receives a folded flag on behalf of a grateful nation.

It would do us well to remember that freedom is never free. The little things we so enjoy, like standing in a stadium packed with screaming people watching our favorite college team take the field, or gathering for a backyard barbeque just before tuning into the next “biggest game of the year,” are privileges of freedom that should never be taken for granted.

May we also remember that the battles we write about on Bleacher Report, those between the Dawgs and the Gators, Alabama and Auburn, Texas and Oklahoma—those are not the ones that really matter the most. Far away from the safety of home and the cheers of an appreciative crowd, there is a battle going on where winning and losing is measured in life and death rather than numbers on a scoreboard. They should never be far from our thoughts and always in our prayers.

As I thought about the weekend before me, I knew John would not have me dress in black and immerse my life in a funeral dirge. He would forbid me to spend the weekend in mourning. I said a prayer of thanks for my friend and for my freedom, and then I enjoyed the gift of life.

I ran, I laughed, I lived, I watched college football with my family, and I went to church.

That’s how John would have wanted it.

Semper Fi, John. I love you, my friend!

College Football Serves Up Southern-Style Humble Pie—Yours Is in the Oven!

Gray Ghost — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:32:22 -0400

I love southern cooking! It really doesn’t get much better than a plate of southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans (slow cooked with some ham hock), corn-on-the-cob, cat-head biscuits with Georgia cane syrup, a tall glass of sweet tea, and a bowl of banana pudding waiting on the side!

Put a plate of that on top of your head and your tongue will beat your brains out trying to get to it!

I love almost everything that is cooked southern style—everything, that is, except for what I was served this past Saturday afternoon. Let me explain.

I wasn’t feeling very well for some strange reason. One minute I was watching the Georgia–Alabama game, and the next thing I knew paramedics were working feverishly over me.

As I began to revive, I noticed my family gathered around with looks of concern on their faces. Someone mentioned that I had had a black out, and I immediately started feeling queasy again.

My wife suggested that I needed something to eat just around the time that the doorbell rang. Moments later my son ran into the room with two platters in his hand, and the thought of a home-cooked meal began to perk me up.

A card had been delivered with the platters, and I wondered who could have possibly known so quickly that I had been ill. The note simply said “Enjoy” and was signed, “Your Bama Buds: Timothy Croley, 12, and Cameon Shiflett.”

Wow! What friends! I was already beginning to feel better!

My son handed me the first platter, with steam crawling out from under the silver lid. As soon as I lifted the lid my wife screamed and dropped like a bad habit. One of the paramedics began to feel sick and had to take a knee.

On that platter, bruised and battered and still simmering from the smoking it had taken, was my caboose. My Bama Buddies had handed me my rear end on a platter. No wonder I felt so bad—I had been debuttitated! I was grateful that at least they had the courtesy to leave my Bulldawg boxers on.

Next platter, please. I lifted the lid, this time knowing what to expect. Sure enough, there it was—a big fat slice of humble pie, cooked Alabama style!

At least it was just a slice. At halftime I thought I would be eating the whole dang pie.

Now, I don’t mean to leave the impression that humble pie is exclusively a southern food. My California friends tell me that up in Oregon State they can find humble pie cooked the same way by the same chefs anytime they’re passing through.

Rumor has it that Ole Miss delivers to your door if you live in a Gator Swamp. Talk about service with a smile!

You can find humble pie in Ann Arbor, in South Bend, in Columbus...shucks, you can find humble pie anywhere college football is played. Guaranteed!

Truth is, every team cooks it and every team has tasted it—and that goes for the fans too. Laugh at me if you will, but chances are at some point this season you are going to be served your own fat slice of humble pie.

To some it will be just an appetizer. Choke it down and move on to the good stuff.

To some it will be the main course. Better get used to it, because that’s all you’ll be getting!

To others it will be dessert. You’ll find it served in a bowl at the end of the season.

I’m hoping mine is just an appetizer, but only time will tell. I reckon if I must eat it, I might as well “enjoy,” as my Alabama friends suggested.

Would someone please pass the sweet tea?

Four Ways To Earn Your Props in the B/R College Football Community

Gray Ghost — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:35:05 -0400

Let me establish from the beginning that this is not another “Let’s take Bleacher Report to the next level” article. However well-meaning those may be, that is not the intent of this article. My purpose is simply to offer some suggestions on how you can gain a hearing from your peers.

What you do with it is entirely up to you. You may want to print this off and blow your nose on it. If that is the case, I feel my duty is to warn you about the perils of a paper cut on the nostril. Not only is it painful, but it can also be a severe hindrance to any pathological nose-pickers we may have in this community. So please be careful.

I am addressing this to those of us who have two things in common: We love college football with a passion, and we also love the opportunity that Bleacher Report has afforded us to connect with people of like passion. This comfy place has become our cyber-home!

Having been blessed with six wonderful children, I am somewhat of a shade-tree psychologist, but more importantly a referee.

Rule No. 1: You are not allowed to kill each other. Rule No. 2: If you send your brother or sister to the emergency room, the hospital bill will come out of your allowance.

One of our favorite times is around the supper table. (For those of you from up North, supper is the evening meal. First breakfast, then lunch/dinner, then it's suppertime!) Long after the meal is finished, we are still sitting at the table talking.

We talk football, we talk politics, we talk Bible, we talk religion, we talk favorite movies, we talk who is the best ever at...whatever. You name it—we’ve discussed it.

It is in this setting that my children have learned (are learning) to articulate, to engage in conversation, to express feeling and conviction, to listen to another’s point of view and consider what is being said.

The rule at these table debates is simple: No yelling, no name calling, and no personal insults. Sort of like a verbal hockey game, if that rule is broken during our debates the offending party is exiled from the discussion until he, or she, cools their jets and is ready to talk civilly again.

It’s never good to run the mouth when the brain has been shut off!

That is a sure sign of someone who has been intellectually bested and now must resort to a verbal smokescreen in hopes of covering up their inability to contribute anything else of value.

For a little over two months and 13 articles, I have been a member of Bleacher Report, and in particular, the community of fans and writers who love college football.

We bring many different things to the table. We are from the North, the South, the East, and the West. We are also wired somewhat differently. Some are positive, some are negative, some are analytical, and some don’t want to be confused with facts.

We all love our teams, and those of us from the SEC even love our conference (as if you didn’t know!).

With all of these variations, how do we keep from verbally killing each other? Please don’t hurl the “Content Nazi” label at me. Remember: these are merely suggestions on how to gain a hearing from your peers here on B/R. You may write whatever you please, but we don’t have to read, or reply.

Don’t Insist on Identicalness

My Dawgs play Bama this weekend. Does that mean that Timothy Croley is a @*%#&**! No, TC is my bud. When the dust clears, I will wish him better luck next time. (Sorry Timothy, I couldn’t resist!)

His cyber-friendship means more to me than trying to best him in a verbal slugfest over which team is going to triumph this weekend. That will be settled between the hedges, not on Bleacher Report.

Debate is great, but cutthroat comments won’t add one point to your team's score. What those types of comments will do is destroy your credibility with thinking people.

Don’t Overstate Your Importance

I am a B/R peon—an officially unofficial no-body. You don’t have to read my articles, and if I decide to act like the south end of a northbound armadillo, you probably won’t.

I will give you my opinion when I comment on your articles, and I hope you will take the time to consider what I say, but I will not attempt to force my opinion down your throat. I have always despised a bully and have had my fair share of trips to the principal’s office because I stood up for someone who was getting shoved around.

A keyboard bully is no less reprehensible to me.

Think

There is a difference between reacting and responding. Reaction requires no real thought process. You hit me, I hit you—we both deal with the consequences later. Graveyards are full of reactionaries.

Response, on the other hand, requires that we engage our gray matter—that we take the time to consider our next move.

That’s it! Take a deep breath! Feel the blood pressure dropping... Now, do they have a valid point? At least consider what they say. If you are convinced they are wrong, remember this is Bleacher Report, not a life or death forum. Keep breathing...it’s healthy.

Everyone knows something I don’t know—therefore I can learn something from everyone.

Respect

I am always amazed at people who signed up 45 minutes ago and suddenly launch an all-out verbal onslaught against a respected B/R writer. You might consider visiting their bio page before you trash them, see how long they have been in our community, how many articles they have written, and how many fans they have (a sure sign of community respect).

We are a community, and we expect to have to earn our stripes. We do not ask that anything be handed to us. We may not agree on some of the issues that arise on the various threads of this site, and we may argue from time to time, but we will have each other's back.

If you want respect, then show respect. If you want to feel accepted here, be willing to accept others—regardless of how their opinion differs from yours.

Now, go ahead and print this article, and empty both nostrils, but remember—those paper cuts hurt!

Home Boys: 10 Reasons the Georgia Bulldogs Don't Like To Travel

Gray Ghost — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:46:04 -0400

This won’t be a touchy-feel-good article! I’m angry! I’m talkin’ let’s throw it down country-boy mad!

First of all, for those of you who don’t know me, I am a dyed-in-the-wool, Dawg lovin’, Georgia Boy! As I said in my profile: I bleed red and black. I named my middle daughter “Georgia.” Need I say more?

I was Georgia born

And Georgia bred,

And when I’m dead

I’ll be Georgia dead!

I’m just waitin’ on the day that Herschel runs for President! Knowshon in the VP spot, Terry Hoage as Secretary of Defense, David Pollack over Homeland Security……Son! Whatchew talkin’ bout!

Anyhow, as to why I’m upset: Certain writers on this here Bleacher Report are takin’ shots at my Dawgs for hardly ever travelin’ very far from home for a ball game. How many times have I heard that it has been “40-plus years” since they headed across the fruited plain to play a ball game?

I’m sick of the lack of professionalism!

Lisa throw’d the c*pc*ke accusation at us again, and then made some snide remarks about us drinkin’ Kool-Aid. What an insult! She knows full well that we drink sweet tea! When my cousin Booger gets through law school, I’m slappin’ a lawsuit on that woman so fast! Of course, it may be a while—he’s been stuck in fifth grade for nine years.

You can take this to the bank: While we respect the teams out west or up north, we sho’nuff ain’t afeard to play them! Do your dad-gum research people!!!

In an attempt to erase this lack of learnin’, I’m gonna share with you exactly why my beloved Dawgs rarely ever travel very far for a game.

10. Canine Confusion

This one really has us concerned for this Saturday’s game in the desert! Animal Planet has warned us what would happen to the North American animal kingdom if UGA VII ever bred with a Western coyote. Something called a Bullyote! Runs like greased lightnin’ and will bite the heck out of you!

9. Culinary Confusion

Rumors are out that “those people” serve frozen milk rather than grits in their waffle-cones! No wonder their young’uns can’t plow a straight field! When you ask for “bald” peanuts, they just stare at you and then give you directions to the nearest barbershop!

8. Language Barrier

It’s tough enough to play ball and do your studies without having to beef-up on some foreign language just so you can communicate. Example: In some places a “boggin” is something you’re looking for in a store—to us it’s something we do with our pick-up trucks down at the mud-hole on Friday nights.

7. Passport Problems

Our Georgia Passports (hunting knives) keep settin’ off the metal detectors in stadiums that are lackin’ in modern technology. Most backwards universities will not allow our players to carry them durin’ the game. Can you imagine?! Our guys would feel naked!

6. Financial Considerations

Besides the cost of the trip, we have to send State Troopers with the team for security purposes. That leaves us short handed at our speed traps, and the coffers run low quickly.

5. The Mason-Dixon Line

Need I say more? Everybody that lives below it knows exactly what I’m talking bout! Bad things happen to Southern boys who cross that line—just ask General Pickett!

4. Air Travel

The Georgia players like to hang their arms out the windows when they travel. These gal-darn windows ain’t even got cranks on them!

3. Distance

We know how to calculate! Some smart-aleck lady called my Uncle Percy last week and as soon as he picked up the phone, all she said was “Long distance, Chicago,” to which Uncle P replied “No-duh!” He had to hang up on her six times in five minutes before she finally quit callin’!

We know our geography, and we know if you are a long distance from us! If we travel, we’re tired—if you have to travel...welcome between the hedges boys!

2. Hostile Environment

The further away from home you get—the less you’re liked! We like playing our neighbors!

Heck yeah! We wanna beat Bama, but we will never forget that when Allatoona Dam broke it was Bear Bryant that came and parted the waters and led our people through on dry ground!

And after all, Tennessee gave us Davy Crockett!

In Florida we play at what is called a neutral site. One-third is for us, one third is for them, and one-third is so drunk they don’t know who they are or who they’re for.

1. Invasion

The War of Northern Aggression wasn’t that long ago, and we figure it’s a trap to get all the men folk away so the Yankee’s can burn Hotlanta again! Never again!

Fool me once, shame on you—fool me twice, shame on you again (we will always blame the Yankees!).

College Football's "Grunts" of the Gridiron Are Just Everyday Joes

Gray Ghost — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:13:26 -0400

In his double pick-of-the-day article, Thomas Leemon did a wonderful job of pointing out that sports was one of the things that helped our nation return to normalcy after the unthinkable happened on September 11, 2001.

If you haven’t read his article, you should.

The sight of the burning Twin Towers, the people running down the streets of New York City, the burning Pentagon, and the wreckage in that Pennsylvania field will forever be etched in our minds.

In many ways, America has never been the same.

The feeling that our nation was a safe haven disappeared, to some degree, in the smoldering ashes of Ground Zero. We quickly became familiar with Code Red. Airport security became more intense and less convenient, and our borders have become a greater concern for many Americans.

Yet some of the changes go beyond passports and baggage checks.

You can tell a great deal about a people by those they choose to honor, and 9/11 changed the way we defined what is truly honorable. We learned something that day. We learned who our real heroes were.

In a nation that had been so enamored with celebrities and superstars, we found our heroes not on the red carpet of high society, but on the asphalt and concrete of everyday life.

In our greatest hour of tragedy, it was the “Grunt” who came to our rescue.

It was the blue-collar guy—the policeman, the fireman, the city worker, and those of the EMS. It was the “Everyday Joe” who happened to be in the wrong place at the right time, who waded into the ash and rubble and snatched life from the jaws of death.

It was fitting that the celebrities and politicians and superstars lost center stage in the hearts of this wounded nation, and the grunts stood head and shoulders above us all. They still do.

I think that is one of the things that attracts me so much to college football. While football is a game, and the results are seen on a scoreboard rather than in an obituary column, there are some reflections of real life that are, in my opinion, peculiar to the college game.

It is a stage where the grunts belong.

Yes, we have our Tim Tebows, our Knowshon Morenos, and our Chase Daniels, but the blue-chip athlete is going nowhere without the blue-collar boys. They are the “no-names” that make up the majority of every college team in America, and a part of that very large percentage of college football players who will never turn pro.

They are the grunts of college football: the “boy from back home” that gets to feel the rush of emotion as he runs onto the field showered by the cheers of a stadium full of people who have come to watch him play.

Who is it that fills those stadiums Saturday after Saturday? They are more than just faceless people we call “fans.” They are tens of thousands of moms and dads and brothers and sisters and neighbors and friends—all who have come to root for the team, and especially for their favorite grunt.

This is the guy whose name may never be mentioned on ESPN, and if, by some wild chance, he makes a highlight clip on a postgame show, the family cell phones will be ringing all the way home from friends calling to congratulate.

He will never benefit from jersey sales or be hounded for his autograph, and if he ever goes to Canton, he will have to buy a ticket. He will never hire an agent, and he won’t be waiting on a phone call on draft day.

The blue-chip stars will hopefully go on to a fat paycheck and the bright stage of the NFL. The grunt will fade back into the real world and get a job. His office will become a shrine to the alma mater that he will always feel privileged to have played for.

Where will his kids go to college? Are you kidding? To him, there is only one college!

He won’t mind answering questions down at the barbershop about what it was like to play with the guy who has become a star in the big leagues. He has a quiet pride that he contributed, and until the day that he dies, he will carry with him the memories of every Saturday he put on the pads—and the satisfaction that he brought his lunch pail with him.

College Football Saturdays: The Empty Chair

Gray Ghost — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:48:28 -0400

It washed over me again this weekend as I was watching my Georgia Bulldogs play football. It was that unexpected wave of inner emotion that always leaves me flooded with memories of days gone by.

In a moment that was driven more by reflex than by conscious thought, I turned to say something to my Dad about the game, and I felt that piercing realization that he was gone.

His chair was empty, and the silence was deafening.

Pop (as we boys called him) passed away several years ago from Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. That’s a $25 dollar word for a multi-million dollar disease. Plain and simple, it is cancer of the bone marrow.

As a boy, he was a star running back at Savannah High School, and was good enough to be offered a scholarship to Georgia Tech.

When I was young, and before I had learned of his gridiron exploits, I remember him smiling at Mom and singing “You’ve got to be a football hero to get along with the beautiful girls!” Mom would smile back, and we kids would laugh.

It wasn’t until after I was grown that I realized how much of a “football hero” this humble man had really been. Searching the newspaper archives took me on a journey of discovery, and I felt as though I had been transported back in time.

There he was, in article after article, applauded for leading his team to another win.

As for the scholarship, Pop turned it down, married his high school sweetheart on Christmas Day, and, like so many boys of his generation, went off to war. He came home a man, and worked like one the rest of his life.

But not on Saturdays! Those were reserved for fishing and college football. We would plot our viewing strategy during the week, and then settle in on Saturday to watch the game together.

Pop was always amused at how animated I would get about a call or a bad play, and he would invariably share some insight into the situation that would bring my blood pressure back to normal. He taught me to recognize good football, regardless of which team was playing.

A father and his son. It doesn’t get any better than that. Those Saturdays together made us lifelong friends.

When Pop’s health was getting worse, and I knew he was slipping away, I would drive the 70 miles to Savannah just to enjoy the time we had left. I can’t remember who was playing in the last game we watched together. At that point, every game was a big one.

He left us in the middle of the season.

I missed him yesterday, and I would trade a lifetime of tailgating, and a seat on the 50-yard line of every championship game I could ever see, just for one more Saturday of college football with the greatest man I have ever known.

I hope you enjoy college football this season, and remember that there are some things more important than the BCS rankings.

Do not take for granted the unspeakable gift of being with the ones you love. Enjoy the togetherness that makes every game a special one.

College Football Fans, Help Me Save Bleacher Report!

Gray Ghost — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:52:06 -0400

Yes, my fellow Bleacher Creatures, that is the face of anger!!!

This article could very well save the future of our beloved website!

Some of the most highly respected writers on Bleacher Report, as well as those in the national media, are in danger of facing serious litigation, unless they refrain from using the word c*pc*ke in their articles.

This seems to be especially true of those who write, and those who comment, about college football.

The flagrant use of that word has evoked the wrath of loyal fans who are incensed that their teams have been referred to as c*pc*kes, and also those whose teams have been accused of scheduling c*pc*kes.

Unfortunately, the anger is not confined to the world of college football. Chefs, mothers, home-ec. teachers, and party store owners, are all outraged over how such a culinary delight could possibly be compared to such crappy teams.

Future Homemakers of America is also getting involved. They have reportedly contacted the same team of lawyers that successfully represented Dunkin' Donuts in proving that the word “cre*m-puf*s” should not be used in referring to out-of-shape football coaches.

We are obviously dealing with a highly offensive term.

In an attempt to help all of us who love college football avoid a nasty court-room battle, I am providing a list that will eliminate the need to use the “you-know-what” word.

These new terms were inspired by a visit to a local candy aisle, and are derived from the products of corporate giants who are too busy to be concerned with sports terminology.

Instead of saying “They played a c*pc*ke!”, you would choose one of the terms listed below as a respectable replacement. Here they are:

Junior Mints

All FCS schools.

Butterfingers

Refers to those teams who once had a top ranking, but were unable to hold on. Clemson gets a free year's supply.

Snickers

Say what?! You’re (snicker!) playing who? (snicker!) What a joke!

Zero

This refers to how many spots you will climb if you play this team. It’s the worst possible team to play if you need help in the polls.

Goo Goo Clusters

“Goo Goo” is the sound a baby makes. This handle is reserved for a very young team with no experience.

Nerds

The School is noted for academics, not athletics. The team is loaded with academic All-Americans. Champs at Madden NCAA 08 – but chumps on Saturdays.

Hershey’s Hugs

Refers to a “friendly” opponent that is genuinely liked. This explains the low score. The excuse is that you really didn’t want to run the score up on them (unless you are Steve Spurrier).

Reese’s Pieces

Refers to teams that have suffered serious injuries that derailed their season.

Milk Duds

Teams that start out looking real good, but melt in the heat of high expectations.

Three Musketeers

They have a few good players, but the rest of the team stinks.

The 2007 Fiesta Bowl: How The DAWGS Helped Boise State Beat Oklahoma.

Gray Ghost — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:48:05 -0400

That’s my mailbox here in Idaho. As far as I know, it is the only Georgia mailbox in the entire state.

I put it up shortly after the Dawgs spanked Boise State pretty thoroughly in Athens. There wasn’t much southern hospitality shown in that game, and I did receive my share of unfavorable comments about my mailbox display.

In reality, Boise State fans should realize that the road to the Fiesta Bowl victory began that humid September day in Sanford Stadium.

What happened to them that day helped prepare them for the biggest stage and the most important game they ever played, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Almost 3 years ago I moved from my beloved Georgia all the way across the fruited plain to the high desert of Idaho—the Treasure Valley to be exact. The capital city of Boise is located here in the valley.

It was quite a trip for the six of us who made it. We left Georgia on a Monday and arrived in Idaho the next Saturday night. I won’t bore you with details of our trip, but if you’re ever in Amarillo, eat at the Big Texan.

The worst part of such a move is leaving friends of a lifetime, people whose lives were intertwined with my own. I also miss fishing the salt-water rivers that snake their way along the coastline.

The best part of such a move is leaving the humidity, the sand-gnats, and the huge mosquitoes that are considered to be the state bird of Georgia.

Once we got settled, it didn’t take long to realize that some things were different from what we were used to “back home”. We found out that in Idaho you cook on a barbecue (a grill), back home we ate barbecue.

All I have to do in a store is say the word “Y'all” and I am immediately surrounded by people from the South who have been longing to hear someone speak proper English. People here still stare at me when I tell them that “I’m fixin” to do something.

On the trip out, my boys and I talked about college football, and whether we would be able to hear Larry Munson, “The Legendary Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs”, plead the Dawgs to victory again.

We quickly found out that the people here shared our love of college football, and, even though the blue and orange reminded us of the Gators, we appreciated their loyalty to their beloved Boise State Bronco’s.

We were aware of Boise State and had followed them in 2004 when they had an 11-1 record, won the WAC, and lost to a tough Louisville team (44-40) in the Liberty Bowl. They were led by a young gunslinger of a QB named Jared Zabransky.

It didn’t take us long to enjoy some games on the blue field, and to experience the passion that the greater-Boise area exhibited for the Broncos. Though small by SEC standards, the stadium is always packed and very enthusiastic.

2005 saw them go 9-4, win the WAC, and lose the MPC Computers Bowl to Boston College (27-21). It was a tough year that began by them getting blasted 48-13 by my Dawgs. It was a lesson they would not soon forget.

In football, as in life, you can allow defeat to become a final resting place, or you can use it as a stepping stone to better things. When hard times come, it pays to take good notes. You’ll need them the next time you face a similar situation.

That time wasn’t far down the road for Boise State.

In 2006, the Bronco’s went 13-0, and won the WAC. I was at the game when BSU waxed Oregon State by a score of 42-14. It was Ian Johnson’s breakout game with 261 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns. The Beavers went on to defeat 3rd ranked USC, and beat Missouri (39-38) in the Sun Bowl.

The game, of course, was the Fiesta Bowl, in which BSU beat Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime. While much has been made of the “trick” plays, the Broncos played solid football from start to finish and were especially impressive on their offensive line.

This was a far cry from the shell-shocked team that was blown away in Georgia. It was evident from the moment they walked on the field that they were not intimidated by their surroundings, or their opponent.

I have no doubt that Boise State drew from their experience between the hedges when they faced a SEC powerhouse, and had 92,746 rabid fans screaming down on them. The next time they faced such a predicament was at the Fiesta Bowl.

With the nation watching, they played the mighty Sooners and matched them blow for blow—and then some. Give them, and their coaches, credit for learning from their past mistakes, and for being ready to play their best game when it mattered most.

Who knows? If not for that fateful day between the hedges, maybe Boise State wouldn’t have been veterans to the pressure that they faced under the Arizona lights. They sure acted like they had been there before.

Tomorrow, August 30th, is my birthday, and my boys are taking me to a ballgame. No, we aren't going to Athens. That is too far and too expensive. I'll catch the Dawgs on TV.

I am going to watch my team away from “home” play. Somewhere in the stands above the blue turf, there will be an old Dawg cheering the Broncos to victory.

Fumbling the Mic: Football's 10 Worst TV Commentators

Gray Ghost — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:25:07 -0400

The main job of the man behind the microphone at a football game, or at any other sporting event, is to contribute information that is vital to the viewers understanding of the game.

Sometimes this deals with more than just what takes place between the lines. Interviews, history, injury reports, and game day analysis -- how the teams match up and what is at stake, all add to the viewers insight and enjoyment of the game.

Today, with twenty-four hour coverage just a click-of-the-remote away, we get more opinion and prediction than we do viable information.

With so much air-time, we can expect some filler that will contain more fluff than content. It keeps us entertained until the game begins.

That brings us to the subject at hand: the personalities that man the microphones and face the cameras during football season.

The best TV commentators leave you talking about what you saw during the game, not what you heard from the booth.

Radio, of course, is different. The man behind the radio mic has to make you see what is happening down on the field.

Some of these camera-loving TV guys would starve to death if they had to paint a picture with words.

The broadcast booth and studio are there to assist the fan -- to be an extension of the game, not to provide a platform where has-been players and former coaches jockey for the spotlight.

Even the interview should provide information for the fans rather than seeking to advance the personal ego and agenda of the person conducting the interview.

Everyone sports fan has this list. The people on your list will vary from mine, and the reasons will vary. It could be something as simple as the sound of their voice, or the irritation of their “I’m always right” personality, or the fact that they see themselves as being bigger than the game they cover.

Here is my list, and some of the reasons they made my top ten. It contains some who no longer work the mic, and some who unfortunately (in my opinion) still do.

It includes some who work play-by-play, color commentary, analysis, and some who are known for their commentary on sports other than just football.

10. Jim Lampley: NBC

Plastic. Made by Mattel. Glue not included. Uses 4AA batteries.

Jim should audition for the lead roll of Woody when Toy Story hits Broadway.

9. Todd Blackledge: ESPN

As the QB at Penn State, Blackledge guided the Nittany Lions to a 31-5 record including a national championship in 1982. He has never gotten over it.

Perhaps he has also never gotten over his failure to make the grade in the NFL, and therefore overcompensates by posturing as the authority in all things pertaining to his old position.

With his food tastes being such a hit, maybe he should consider becoming a chef.

8. Jerry Glanville: Fox

The little coach who couldn’t is attempting to coach again. Pray for Portland State! His black attire symbolized the mourning that he put Falcon fans through during his years as head fist-fight coach, and also what happened to the TV screen when he masqueraded as a commentator.

Question: Who would you rather have at QB, Brett Favre or Billy Joe Tolliver? If your answer was Billy Joe, please consider taking up broom hockey.

I think he should apply for the head groundskeeper position at Graceland.

7. Dennis Miller: ABC Monday Night Football

Dennis is a good guy, but his use of humorous comparisons was way over the top. I always had the feeling he was loaded and waiting for the right moment to fire his one-liners such as “He dropped that pass like it was a bad habit!”

His “Millerism’s” grew old quickly.

6. Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson: CBS

Their ability to co-ruin a good game is so legendary among SEC fans that I include them here as one horrific pick. Why are they working together? Why is the worst team of announcers assigned to cover the SEC? Why aren’t they covering fish-spearing in the remote areas of the Amazon?

Thank goodness for Larry Munson and radio!

5. Dan Dierdorf: CBS

He seems to be a genuinely nice guy. The problem is he tends to over-state his own opinion and can come across as condescending. If you listen closely, you will think that he played every position on the field – and was All-America at each. He spends valuable air-time discussing matters that are completely non-essential to the game.

His foray into boxing almost caused me to forsake the sport completely!

4. Chris Collinsworth: NBC. NFL Network

That perpetual smirk! An excellent player in college and the pro’s, but so obnoxious and smug behind a mic. "OK Chris, we know you played the game". It gets worse when he strays into other sports.

The smirk was on full display when he asked Kobe Bryant (at the Olympics no-less!), “Is that a ‘cool’ thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you’re fighting for the red, white and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by.”

Say what? Was that a trick question or just Collinsworth at his worst?

3. Jim Gray: Westwood One's Monday Night Football

With Gray exiled to radio coverage of the NFL, at least we won’t have to watch his abrasive tactics. History shows that his insulting style is no respecter of sports. One thing you have to hand to him, he mecahnically pursues his interview. It almost got him decapitated by Mike Tyson.

His lack of professionalism during his interview of Pete Rose at game two of the 1999 World Series, after Rose was introduced as a member of the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, angered fans and athletes alike.

It should be shown in journalism classes across the nation as an example of how to look classless in front of a camera. He actually made Rose look good.

2. Louis Leo Holtz: ESPN

Fingers on a chalk-board!! This guy is the world’s largest source of unusable knowledge. Does ESPN keep him on for the comic relief? His weekly upset picks are as ridiculous as his attempt to coach in the SEC.

When Lou starts talking it is a perfect time to take a potty-break.

Maybe he should consider coaching in the NFL. Wait a minute! He already tried that with the Jets in 76….resulting in a record of 3-10. My bad!

1. Bryant Gumble: NFL Network

No doubt about it! The worst ever! At least Lou has an engaging personality.

Gumble is probably the most conceited announcer to ever stand behind a mic of any kind. His disastrous stint with the NFL Network was a reminder that a haughty spirit precedes a fall.

I suggest that he should confine himself to doing documentaries about himself.

Where Is Mark Spitz? Michael Phelps, History, and a Lack of Class!

Gray Ghost — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:51:41 -0400

Where is Mark Spitz? Uninvited? Unwanted? Unseen? He has not yet been invited to Beijing, and if that remains the case, it will be because Olympic organizers are lacking, among others things, a sense of history and propriety.

It goes without saying that Mark Spitz holds the 36 year record of seven gold medals from a single Olympics. It should also be remembered that he broke the world record in all seven events. This is the granddaddy of all swimming records—and Phelps is expected to break it. Shouldn’t Spitz be there to watch it happen?

There is no need to go into detail about how that the Maris family was there to see McGuire break Roger’s single season HR record, or that Hammerin' Hank was invited to watch Bonds break his career mark. It is something called class, and that seems to be lacking, thus far, among the powers at the 2008 Olympics.

This is Phelps' time in the sun. No one can deny him center stage in what will arguably be the greatest feat in Olympics history, but it was Spitz who built the stage. Without Mark Spitz, there would be no record to shoot for.

Phelps and Spitz have lived in the same sentence from the day that we realized that Michael was something far beyond the exceptional. It has been Spitz and Phelps, and Phelps and Spitz, and it should be no different if the record falls as expected.

Mark Spitz has been a class act throughout Phelps' career—publicly stating that he is cheering for Michael as he chases down his hallowed record. Let’s hope that the Olympic Committee garners some class of its own and rolls out the red carpet for Spitz.

The passing of this baton should be done while the world watches. When it’s over, Mark Spitz will forever vanish from our view. He deserves to walk across center stage one final time—a stage that may belong to Michael Phelps forever.

As Good As Gold!: My 20 Favorite Olympic Memories

Gray Ghost — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:08:41 -0400

Now that the 2008 Summer Olympics are upon us, I want to say, without apology, that I am red, white, and blue! Go USA! What a great time for all nations to cheer for their best athletes as they feel that surge of patriotism the Olympics brings out in us.

I began to think back on all of the great Olympic moments that I had witnessed in my lifetime of 52 years. I remember cheering, exhorting, pleading, sometimes weeping, and always trying to help will the American to victory. Sometimes getting so caught up in the moment that I felt fatigue when it was over.

Here are the athletes, their accomplishments, and the memories that stirred the Americanism within me. The events are listed by year.

The 2008 Games will, no doubt, add to the list. Let the games begin!

George Foreman

1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Foreman, who had only fought in 18 matches before the Olympics, won the super heavyweight gold. In an Olympics marked by protests, I will never forget Foreman walking around the ring holding the American flag.

Mark Spitz

1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.

What an Olympics he had! He swam his way into the record books by setting the record for most gold medals won in a single Olympic Games (seven). He remains the only Olympic athlete to win a gold medal in every (individual) event he entered in a given year. He is also the only Olympian to set a new world record in each such event. He set the bar very high. Can Phelps do it? We shall see.

Team USA Boxing

1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada.

The 1976 is often called our greatest Olympic boxing team, and for good reason. Five American boxers—Sugar Ray Leonard, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks, Leo Randolph, and Howard Davis Jr.—won gold medals in boxing, and out of the five American gold medalists in boxing, all but Davis went on to become professional world champions.

In addition to the gold, Big John Tate won bronze and Charles Mooney took home the silver. Who will ever forget the wars these guys fought? Leonard was especially impressive in his win over Cuba's Andres Aldama.

Bruce Jenner

1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada.

Referred to as “The World’s Greatest Athlete”, Jenner won gold in the decathlon, setting a world record of 8,634 points. The lasting image came after his victory when Jenner was handed a large American flag from a bystander in the audience as he spontaneously ran a celebratory victory lap, a gesture that has been emulated frequently since that time.

In 1976, he went on to win the James E. Sullivan Award, as the top amateur athlete in the United States and was also the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 1976.

Dorothy Hamill

1976 Winter Olympics in Montreal, Canada.

In an Olympics that provided plenty of stars, none received more adoration than Dorothy Hamill. She won the hearts of her nation by her graceful skating and her sweet personality.

Dorothy's signature move was known as the "Hamill camel”, and her famous "wedge" hairstyle was copied by young girls everywhere. She will forever be known as “America’s Sweetheart”.

Hockey Team USA

1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

Do you believe in miracles? This may be the most incredibly unbelievable team victory in the history of the Olympics! For a South Georgia boy who had never watched a hockey game in his life (the only frozen ice that far south was found in sweet tea), I was glued to the television for every game.

I remember weeping with emotion as we defeated the mighty Russian machine. That single game sent a surge of patriotism and national pride sweeping across this nation like no sporting event before or since. The gold medal was icing on the cake. Go rent the movie!

Joan Benoit-Samuelson

1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Joan won the first Olympic women's marathon in a time of 2:24.52 in hot and smoggy conditions, finishing more than a minute ahead of her rivals. She had arthroscopic surgery on her knee 17 days before the trials earlier that year.

The athletes behind her were Grete Waitz, Rosa Mota, and Ingrid Kristiansen, all marathon legends in their own right. She is an icon and an inspiration for all of us who strap on our shoes and run.

Mary Lou Retton

1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

After winning her second American Cup, the US Nationals, and the US Olympic Trials in 1984, Retton suffered a knee injury that forced her to undergo an operation. However, she recovered just in time for the Olympics.

In the competition, Retton engaged in a close battle with Ecaterin Szabó of Romaniafor for the all-around title, to the delight of the patriotic audience. Trailing Szabó (after bars and beam) and with just two events to go, Retton scored perfect 10s on floor exercise and vault to win the all-around title by just 0.05 points. She was the darling of America.

Carl Lewis

1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

Not much drama here. Lewis was a machine, winning four gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100m and long jump) in Los Angeles, equaling the mark set by Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Games.

Bonnie Blair

Winter Olympics: 1988 in Calgary; 92 in Alberta, France; 94 in Lillehammer, Norway.

Blair appeared at her first Olympic games in Sarajevo in 1984. She failed to medal, but showed promise by finishing eighth in the 500 meters at only 19 years of age.

At the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, Blair won gold in the 500 meters by setting a world record. She also won a bronze in the 1000 meters. She would win again at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France in both the 500 and 1000 meters.

It was the Olympics in Lillehammer where Blair was crowned Queen of the Ice. She again won gold in the 500 meters and 1000 meters races, in dominating fashion. Her margin of victory in the 1000 meters race is the history of the event. In the process she became the first American woman to win five gold medals.

Florence Griffith Joyner

1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea.

Flo-Jo came, ran, and kicked rump! She won gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, and claimed silver in the 4x400m relay. She was lightning.

Janet Evans and Matt Biondi

1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea.

They, together, turned all eyes to the pool that year. No way could I leave either one out. Evans won three swimming golds at the 1988 Seoul Games, winning the 400m IM and the 400m and 800m freestyle events.

Biondi came up short in his bid to match Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics, but he still claimed five golds, a silver, and a bronze.

The Dream Team

1992 Summer Olympic in Barcelona, Spain.

After winning bronze at the 1988 Olympics, the U.S. men's basketball team soars back into first with the "Dream Team." After years of watching our college players go up against the European “pros”, it was great to see our best against their best.

Dan Jansen

1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.

There is a story behind this one that reaches the heart. Dan’s first Olympic competition was in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia when he was 18 years old. He finished fourth in the 500 meters, just 16 seconds away form a bronze medal.

At the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Dan was the favored speed skater, but on the day he was to race in the 500 meters, his sister Jane died from Leukemia. That evening Dan readied himself as best he could in hopes of winning the race for his sister.

100 meters into the race, Dan fell. He fell again, four days later, in the 1000 meter race while on a world record pace. Everyone who watched hurt for him.

Dan’s third Winter Olympics occurred in 1992 in Albertville, France. He finished a disappointing fourth in the 500 meters and 26th in the 1000 meter. Again, the chance to win an Olympic medal eluded him.

Dan’s last shot at an Olympic Medal came at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Again the favorite in the 500, Dan was on another world record pace when the unfathomable happened again. A slip in the final turn cost him a medal.

Four days later, Dan skated in his last Olympic race, the 1000 meter. Skating in the fourth pair, Dan put to rest the Olympic Jinx. He raced to a world record and the gold medal. You could almost hear the cheering from coast to coast. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

Kerri Strug

1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

This one was all about the team. Strug was cute as the youngest Olympian at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain at age 14, but she captured America's spirit at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

As the team competition neared its end, Kerri was up last on vault. After shocking spectators by falling and injuring her ankle on her first vault, she managed to stick the landing on her second vault before collapsing in pain, helping to secure gold for the American team.

Who can forget the sight of an injured Kerri Strug being carried to the podium by Coach Bela Karolyi to receive her team gold medal? It was a moment that was captured on the front page of newspapers around the world and inspired all who watched.

Women’s Team USA Soccer

1996 Summer Olympic in Atlanta, Georgia.

For a guy who grew up thinking that soccer was a communist plot to over-throw America (just a joke), I was glued to the soccer field every time Team USA had a game. They inspired an entire generation of young girls to play the game, and probably advanced their sport more than they ever thought possible. When they defeated China in the final to win gold, the nation celebrated with them.

Michael Johnson

1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Johnson became the first man to win gold in the 200m and 400m. He wins the 200m in world-record time. It was the gold shoes that did it!

Amy Van Dyken

1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Van Dyken became the first American woman to win four golds at a single Games when she won the 50m freestyle, 100m butterfly and was a part of two gold-medal winning relay teams at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Rulon Gardner

2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

American Greco-Roman wrestler Rulon Gardner—who grew up on a dairy farm in Wyoming—entered the gold-medal match a heavy underdog. His opponent, Russian Aleksandr Karelin, entered the 2000 Olympics trying to become wrestling's first four-time Olympic champion and remain undefeated in his 13-year international career. But résumé’s don’t win matches and Gardner won the match in overtime.

Michael Phelps

2004 Summer Olympic in Athens, Greece.

Could he do it? That question dominated the coverage of the ‘04 games. Though Phelps fell short in his attempt to match Mark Spitz's mark of seven gold medals in a single Olympics, he did tie the record for most medals at a single Olympics when he hauled in eight jewels at the Athens Games. Included in that were six gold medals. Pull up your chair—he’s back!

The Top 10 Heisman Fumbles of All Time: Who Should Have Won

Gray Ghost — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:37:15 -0400

While Tim Tebow was the first to break the unspoken rule that only juniors and seniors could win the Heisman, there were others before him that should have won—and one of them was a freshman!

There's no doubt in my mind that Tim Tebow deserved the Heisman after such an unparalleled year—but that can't be said about all of the Heisman winners.

These selections caused varying degrees of controversy when they were announced, and they still do today.

Some of those I listed as "should be winners" did not even place second in the balloting, but they were deserving nonetheless. They are listed according to year.

1944

The Winner: Les Horvath, QB, Ohio State

The Robbed: Glenn Davis, RB, Army

This is another case of the best player in the nation being denied the Heisman because he was not a junior or a senior. Horvath was an excellent player on offense and defense. He rushed for 924 yards and led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season.

But Davis, a sophomore, was incredible. He set NCAA records by averaging 11.5 yards a carry and by scoring 20 touchdowns in nine games. For his efforts, Davis won the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Trophy as player of the year.

1946

The Winner: Glenn Davis, RB, Army

The Robbed: Charlie Trippi, RB, Georgia

Davis should have already won the Heisman as a sophomore. Although destined to become a legend, this was a somewhat subpar season for Davis.

Trippi captained the undefeated, SEC champion Georgia team that defeated North Carolina in the Sugar Bowl, 20-10. He was also an outstanding defensive player at safety for the Bulldogs. Georgia Tech coach Bobby Dodd once called him the "best safety the South ever had."

Along with his defense, Trippi led the SEC in scoring his senior year with 84 points (14 TDs), rushed for 744 yards on 115 carries, and passed for 622 yards. He was a unanimous All-America choice and was the Maxwell Award winner.

1956

The Winner: Paul Hornung, QB, Notre Dame

The Robbed: Johnny Majors, RB, Tennessee

The very versatile Hornung was a good player who became a great one, but he profited from the ND aura on this one. The only Heisman winner from a losing team, he only ran for 420 yards and racked up 1,337 yards of total offense. The Irish had a record of 2-8.

Majors led Tennessee to a 10-0 undefeated season, was a consensus All- American, and was named by UPI as Back of the Year, along with SEC Player of the Year honors. He passed, ran, punted, and returned punts and kickoffs.

1966

The Winner: Steve Spurrier, QB, Florida

The Robbed: Bob Griese, QB, Purdue

Superior, I mean Spurrier, had an excellent season—passing for over 2,000 yards and 20 TDs before losing to Missouri in the Sugar Bowl. His most memorable play that season was a 40-yard field goal that won a dramatic battle against Auburn.

Griese, a consensus All-American, passed for 1,888 yards and rushed for 230 more. He led Purdue to a Rose Bowl victory over USC, where he completed 10 of 18 and kicked two PATs. Griese went on to earn legendary status as the QB of the NFL’s all-time greatest team.

As a successful coach, Spurrier got more grass stains on his sun-visor than he ever had on his uniform as a player. LSU nicknamed him “Ol’ Shiny Pants."

1969

The Winner: Steve Owens, FB, Oklahoma

The Robbed: Archie Manning, QB, Mississippi

Steve Owens was an exceptionally durable running back who rushed that year for 1,523 yards. He was a workhorse, carrying the ball 358 times for 23 TDs, but the Sooners only went 6-4.

Owens was not a bad pick, but how does Archie Manning finish his career without ever winning college football's most prestigious award? He was the complete package. He could pass and run.

In '69, he passed for 1,762 yards and ran for 502 more. Against Alabama, he passed for 436 yards and ran for another 104. Those 540 yards tied an SEC record. Bear Bryant said that Archie was the best college QB he had ever seen.

1975

The Winner: Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State

The Robbed: Chuck Muncie, RB, Cal

No way that Archie should have won his second Heisman. The voters went for the novelty of having a two-timer. He rushed for only four TDs, and put up a 46-yard performance against Michigan.

Chuck Muncie ran for 1,460 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry with 13 touchdowns. Griffin wins two and Herschel wins one? Get outta here!

1980

The Winner: George Rogers, RB, South Carolina

The Robbed: Herschel Walker, RB, Georgia

Rogers led the nation with 1,781 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He was an excellent running back—but not the best. That distinction belonged to a freshman that was causing quite a commotion across the college football scene. Had Herschel not been a freshman, he would have won the Heisman.

He ran for 1,616 yards and 15 TDs, and that was after sitting out 11 quarters because Vince Dooley didn’t want to run up the score on opponents. He could run over you (ask Bill Bates) or around you (he had touchdown runs of 76, 75, 72, 65, 53, and 48 yards).

Walker and Rogers met on the field, and on national TV, he out-dueled George Rogers, 219 yards to 168. Everyone remembers Lindsay Scott's catch against Florida, but let’s not forget that Herschel had a TD and 238 yards rushing in that game.

Against the Irish in the Sugar Bowl, and with the National Championship on the line, Herschel was at his best. While the Irish held the rest of the team to -23 yards, Herschel gained 150 yards and scored both TDs in a 17-10 victory.

Herschel deserved the Heisman. The worst part is he came in third behind Hugh Green, a DE from Pittsburgh.

1989

The Winner: Andre Ware, QB, Houston

The Robbed: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida

Yes, Ware put up incredible numbers (4,699 yards and 46 touchdowns while guiding the Cougars to a nine-win season and a national ranking), but he did it against a suspect schedule.

Emmitt Smith had 1,599 yards rushing, a 145.4 per game average carrying the ball against the blood and guts defenses of the SEC. He topped 100 yards nine times that year.

The really ridiculous part is that Emmitt wound up seventh in the voting that year! He, of course, went on to NFL fame, but he should have the '89 Heisman in his trophy case.

1992

The Winner: Gino Torretta, QB, U of Miami

The Robbed: Garrison Hearst, RB, Georgia

Gino had a decent year, throwing for 3,060 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions before losing in the Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama. He enjoyed a stable of fast-track receivers who made him look good. He was average at best.

Hearst set Southeastern Conference records for points scored in a season (126), total touchdowns (21), rushing touchdowns (19), and average yards per carry (6.8).

Hearst was a consensus All-America selection, the Doak Walker Award recipient, ESPN's ESPY Winner for Outstanding Collegiate Athlete, and SEC Player of the year in 1992. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Torretta and Marshall Faulk.

1997

The Winner: Charles Woodson, CB, Michigan

The Robbed: Peyton Manning, QB, Tennessee

Woodson was an extremely versatile player who also saw time as a receiver on offense and as a dangerous punt returner on special teams. As a CB he finished the season with eight interceptions.

Manning passed for 3,819 yards (523 against Kentucky) and 37 TDs, along with completing over 60 percent of his passes. Come on sports fans! Woodson was the media darling—Manning was the real Heisman winner! This one was a joke.

Michael Vick and PETA: And We Thought Mike Was the Sick One!

Gray Ghost — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:43:50 -0400

Let me begin by saying that I am no fan of Mike Vick. Never have been. His string of bad judgments emanated from his bad character.

The Bible says that, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10). It seems clear to me that this scripture teaches that how a man treats his animals is an obvious indication of his character.

A righteous man will show regard (the word means to “observe with care”) for the animals under his supervision. On the other hand, a man who is cruel to his animals reveals a much deeper character flaw than just insensitivity.

I don’t think that Mike Vick has ever been mistaken for a righteous man. One can only hope that he will walk a different path once he feels the rush of freedom again.

But, this isn’t really about Mike Vick or the arrogance that made him think that it was alright to kill dogs. It isn’t about the Falcons, the fans, or the NFL. Football is a game—just a game. This is about something much deeper than sports and the stars who fall from their silvery pedestals where we, the fans, have elevated them. This is about how we, as a civilized society, view life.

The animal rights activists aggressively used the Mike Vick scandal as a platform to promote the "animal rights" concept that drives their worldview. They weren’t just trying to sack a QB that had long been scrambling from the truth of who he really was on the inside.

They were trying to force their warped agenda on the rest of us. The closer you look, the more you see the deep conflicts in core values that fracture our society.

A perfect example of this warped logic is PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) who asks us not to eat fish because they "are smart, interesting animals with their own unique personalities." PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk explains that "when it comes to pain, love, joy, loneliness, and fear, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy."

In truth, they place greater value on the rat and the pig and the dog than they do on the boy. Why is it that the abuse of dogs is outrageous to so many who feel no similar outrage in the 800,000-plus abortions that occur in the United States each year? Do we really care more about our animals and our trees than we do our children?

The PETA site refers to the writings of Princeton philosopher Peter Singer. According to Singer, parents should be permitted to kill a baby born with a tragic illness or defect. He argues that "the fact that a being is a human being, in the sense of a member of the species Homo-sapiens, is not relevant to the wrongness of killing it; it is, rather, characteristics like rationality, autonomy, and self-consciousness that make a difference."

"Infants lack these characteristics. Killing them, therefore, cannot be equated with killing normal human beings, or any other self-conscious beings.”

And we thought Mike Vick was sick! The idea that animal abuse is wrong, but the murder of pre-born children is acceptable is an indication of how far this nation has declined morally. It is very important to realize that our conclusions are only as good as the premises we start with. If we begin with a faulty premise then we are often led down a road of twisted logic that dead-ends at a wrong conclusion.

Mike Vick broke the law and is doing his time, but we should all be reminded that there is a greater law and a higher Judge that we must all stand before one day. He knows the difference between animal life and human life.