The Good, The Bad, The Nutty – Seahawks Links for Thursday
Each week I share stories with you, our readers, on a variety of topics. Always included is information on the Seattle Seahawks. The rest are news and notes from the sporting world. I share with you those things that “Grinds My Gears”, as well as those stories with good news.
The Good
Here at 12th Man Rising we encourage common sense in all things. If you agree, read this from The Baltimore Sun:
A subcommittee of the regents of the University of Maryland and other Maryland public universities has proposed a policy that would deny performance bonuses to coaches “if their players fail to meet academic benchmarks.”
Incredibly, this policy is not at every university in this great nation. It’s time our institutions of higher learning make it clear, that education is the top priority. Congratulations to the regents of Maryland’s public universities.
Have you ever seen a video from the 80s group, Wham!? If not, take some time to see the one for the song, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” You will smile. You’re welcome.
Russell Wilson is one of those fortunate athletes who was taught well by his family. His father saw greatness in his son, but not just on the diamond or football field. He knew opportunities would present themselves for Russell to excel in the community. And wow has he done that.
In October Wilson started ‘Pass The Peace’ to help end domestic violence. As usual, his challenge to fans and celebrities was met with enthusiasm. Wilson’s charitable foundation, Why Not You, supports this cause.
Take time today to find out what you can do. If you’re not in a position to donate money, donate time. We need to stop this world wide epidemic. Woman and children should never be in fear of abuse. Especially by the hands of those who should be protecting them.
These Really Grind My Gears!
From CNN: For 18 years, thousands of students at the prestigious University of North Carolina took fake “paper classes,” and advisers funneled athletes into the program to keep them eligible, according to a scathing independent report released Wednesday.
Is it too much to ask that our kids be held to a higher standard? This story goes as far as saying, some athletes didn’t have the skills to read above a grade school level. Really? Will we ever see the day when an athletes future means more than ticket sales?
My colleague, Paul Novak, posted an article yesterday about Russell Wilson not being black enough for certain teammates. Not black enough? What in the name of Paul Allen does that even mean? I understand being “White and Nerdy” because, well, I am. This is a humorous Weird Al classic that is, in no way, offensive. Not black enough is nothing short of reprehensible.
Hate to break it to you, human race, but the way African Americans are depicted by the media is not accurate. There are far more athletes like Kevin Durant than there are troubled stars. Time to grow up Seahawks who may have said that.
Percy Harvin could’ve been a great Seahawk. Pete Carroll, who only sees the good in a player, tried to guide this amazing athlete past previous issues. Unfortunately Harvin wasn’t willing to make changes. So now what? If he can’t fit on a Pete Carroll lead team, where will he fit?
Both Percy Harvin and the Seahawks have to be sick over this failure.
Boy I feel much better now, getting my frustrations out. Thanks for reading. On to Carolina!
GO HAWKS!