A Thin Line Between Love and Hate: The True Kobe Bryant Story

G.O.A.T. It is not just any other phrase or saying. In translation the four letters make up, “The Greatest of All Time.” Everything that inhabits this earth has a purpose. In human terms everyone that exists in this society as it is has something that they possess individually that sets them apart from the rest. The ability of that individual to perfect whatever it is that is their specialty is truly a decision that is up to them. To be as politically correct as possible, one can choose to do the right thing with talent and embrace it, keeping their dreams alive or they can do wrong by it and let it wither and in wastefully doing so kill their dreams.

            In the basketball world all the aforementioned and the purpose of lines as such originates with one man and his personal plight to be the best that ever played the game, Michael Jordan. His vision for himself defined a culture, a league and would become the prototype to which all would aspire to follow. In all essence, “I want to be like Mike, right? Michael Jordan’s departure from the league left a huge void to be filled. Who would be the NEXT Michael Jordan? The answer to this question was far from the simplest. It is not like the question being asked here was, what is 2+2? Anyways, many names were brought into the equation to “possibly” be the “one.” Grant Hill and Vince Carter were names thrown out their just to name a few, but there was only one man that emerged to undoubtedly fit the crown of being NEXT. If Michael Jordan is gone, who can come close? There is a pause, the audience gets silent, the curtains open and ladies and gentleman Kobe Bean Bryant appears.

            No matter what way you slice it, flip it, rub it down, when concerning oneself with the next to the G.O.A.T looking at someone other than Kobe Bryant is purely disrespectful. It is absurd. Furthermore, it is like going to Pizza Hut and asking for a cheese pizza and they say they do not have any cheese. Disrespectful! The interesting thing about this comparison is that Michael Jordan rose up in the ranks at a time where the NBA and its culture were looking for someone to be its face. The true definition of the late 80’s to late 90’s was him. It is clear to say that everyone loves Michael Jordan and he is respected and even if one has a small inclination of hate, which it would be very small, it is best to be kept a secret. On the other hand his predecessor has not had the same reputation. When it comes to Kobe Bryant drawing the line between love and hate is truly astronomical.

            His body of work on the court cannot be denied. His resume includes an Olympic gold medal, five NBA Championships, three All-Star MVPs, two NBA Finals MVPs and one regular season MVP. The list also continues to display a man that has gone on to score 81 points in a game, 34 game winning shots and his latest height, the greatest of all,  having 32,310 points, which surpasses his idol Michael Jordan for the 3^rd All-Time Leader in scoring. How impressive! Yes, M.J may have a much more impressive resume of course, however, it does not matter how long it took him to do it or how he did it, Kobe passed him. That is a lot of basketball and a lot of time spent dedicated. Ironically, the jury is still out on Kobe Bryant. Where does the discernment for the man originate? In all actuality, coming to the love/hate factor with the man requires that one take the time to evaluate the man himself. The divide is depicted by everyone’s inability to understand who in fact “Is Kobe Bryant? The realization for most is that they respect what he does on the court, but cannot stand the guy that he is. Needless to say none of the accolades mentioned previously are the reason for this. What is it? Maybe it was his feud with Shaq? Maybe he is too arrogant for some? Maybe he is too egotistical? Maybe his leadership tactics need to be rearranged? In a nut shell no one likes him.

            It is amazing to listen to the conversation that people have about him. When a person comes out and proclaims a dislike for another person it normally stems from the fact that they know the person on a personal level and has found them not to be their cup of tea. They may also receive information that may find the other person discrediting, which may leave them a bad taste about them in their mouth. People proclaim they don’t like Kobe Bryant as if they know him. That is wild.

How do you not like a person you’ve never met in person? All the information gathered in regards to this man and brought to the world is from what is heard and seen through the media and even that can be distorted at times. Let’s keep it real here the line between love and hate serves no purpose. It is not like the man has lied to anyone or pretended to be something that he is not. Moreover, Bryant has made no mistake about who he is and what he is about since he was seventeen years old and a fresh face to the eyes of everyone. In totality he has been the same guy whose attitude not just to his sport of choice, but to his life has never been changed. Without thinking he has ironically made the blueprint in understanding him crystal clear. To a man that has become such an enigma, his very nature has been portrayed publicly and consistently for all to see. Maybe it is time the world pays attention to the notion that Kobe is not the one with the problem, it is them.

Kobe Bryant is: Egotistical, cocky, cannot always be the best teammate and arrogant. However, what his critics will not tell you is the story of a man whose ideologies are not praised as much as they should. Being Kobe Bryant takes a lot of guts. To be able to stand up to Shaquille O’neal at a time in his career where he was the most dominant player in the game and stake your claim on a team that was indeed his takes a lot of confidence. Hey, what if Scottie Pippen had told M.J in his years of glory that he was no longer willing to stand behind his shadows? To say I am not playing the Robin to your Batman anymore. Kobe did just that. It takes a person with a lot of zeal to hold the record for the most missed field goals in the NBA at 13,421. In order to be the best you also have to be willing to be the worst and that takes a lot. It is not easy being the man that everyone counts on and do it so effortlessly at times. To understand the multitude of scrutiny/pressure that comes to being a guy of his caliber is crazy. Most would crumble with the stakes stacked against them so high.

Kobe’s tactics may not always have been the best and yes having the mentality that he has, has him portrayed as America’s favorite “NBA villain.” “I hate Kobe,” Remember?? But, if one is busting their behind so much it is impossible for those around not to get motivated to do the same. Some people cannot handle matching such tenacity. Bryant’s rise to greatness should be used as a catalyst to inspire others. His story is the true essence of what it means to have total direction in life. Even his former coach, the great Phil Jackson, is quoted in his book “Eleven Rings” as saying, “I’ve always been impressed by Kobe’s resilience and ironclad self-confidence.” He goes on to further note, “Kobe never let the thoughts of self-doubt cross his mind.” Lastly, he states, “If someone set the bar at ten feet, he’d jump eleven, even if no one had done it before .” That is pure heart and determination. Doing things the nay sayers do not expect you to do. Shout out to that whole 6,000 assist thing and not passing.

Sadly, Kobe Bryant will not be respected to the highest until he leaves the game. The question of who is next to the G.O.A.T is solved, however, the new question that now eludes us of an answer is, who will be the next Kobe Bryant? Interestingly enough that “Next” may never be found.

Kudos to the Black Mamba, not for being an enigma everyone cannot understand, but one people just need to learn to get with.

#Respect

           

Washington Redskins: It's not Good. It's not Bad, It's just Ugly

There is no surprise that football and controversy go hand in hand in the Nation’s Capital. In a city that houses the most influential man in our country and a society that thrives on consistently being the center of everything when it comes to making decisions that are correct for the nation, why wouldn’t it be? Another season has come where the Washington Redskins instead of proving critics wrong and making moves in the NFC East have found themselves in a losing spiral that shows the team’s inability to get over the hump. Moreover, they are caught in the midst of an internal firestorm that has become the National Football League’s weekly rendition of the Days of Our Lives. Something the fans of the organization know too well.

It is crazy to believe that at one point two years ago, 2012 to be exact; this was a team on the move. It has become a regularity to be frustrated with the management of the organization over the years. Daniel Snyder has not always proven himself a mastermind when it has come to the constructing of his squad. Moreover, for a man that has proven himself to be the man with the big bucks, it has not always resignated to him being the big man on campus in a sense. The question that continues to lerk around that everyone wants to know is whether or not he is really in this because he wants to build a successful franchise? Or is the money that he can make off of them the only benefit he sees? Well, needless to say that year he put his money where his mouth was, finally, and did something that was needed for the team. Robert Griffin III was delivered by the football Gods to the Skins’ front door and the culture was changed. His emergence indeed ignited the flame that would have that squad clicking.  Aw man, they were clicking! They would go on a 7-0 run to finish the season, actually win the division and made it to the playoffs. The true greatness of all of this would be the backdrop of a beautiful scene showcasing the rejuvenation of the city and its faithful and proving that football was back in DC.

Fast forward to the past two previous seasons and all of that translates to a myth. The personnel that runs on the field every Sunday does not embody the same zeal as the squad they were two years ago and although the seats may be continuously filled in FedEx Field, it is not with happy campers. We can dissolve ourselves in this saga that has played out recently between Coach Jay Gruden and RGIII or we can get to the bottom of things, which will flat out show anyone that the Washington Redskins just are not a team PERIOD. When you look at the organization and its body of work this season, it truly demonstrates there is a lack of cohesiveness and comradary from the coaching staff down. The true ideology of what the word team really represents is a group of people associated in some joint action. Whether one is a part of the NFL, NHL, NBA or MLB the purpose of what is done is to portray a joint effort in reaching the goal of being the best team in that sport and win. Fans go out and support their favorite teams, key word being TEAM. Sitting at the bottom of the NFC East at 3-10, they do not embody this concept. There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Who is the real leader of the team?  Who is going to stand up and take responsibility for the debacle that has become their season?

The very nature to which people tune into football is to see competition, not to watch two grown men going back and forth with each other via numerous media outlets like women bickering like Jay Gruden and RGIII have. The dynamic between the man who calls the plays and man that executes them has definitely served as the catalyst that has broken the team. Instead of trying to prove supremacy and trying to maintain while one individually is above being the problem, let the discussion be about how both have contributed to the problem. That confession, however, may be too above neither to come to the conclusion to. On the other hand, if either had the best interest of the team at heart it is something that would not be, right?? Let’s proclaim the first public service announcement to Jay Gruden. Honestly, you were brought to DC to change the culture of an organization to something that is to be looked upon as a winner. Instead, the hype that has surrounded your system has been one that has not lived up to the hype. Ironically, taking the time to optimize the talent that was presented to you as a coach already was not done and you denounce that you ever had anything to work with. This particularly pertains to the quarterback. Granted it is only his first year as a coach, but if his verdict is not yet sold on Griffin, what does that say about his own verdict as far as coaching abilities go? To what degree do the Redskin faithful have in believing in him?

In switching gears to public service announcement number two that leads us to RGIII. The reason you are not the man of choice is because of your own doing. Jay and his coaching staff have a point when they say that RGIII has not performed to a level this season that deems him adequate enough to lead the team week in and week out. Instead of showing he deserves the top spot, it is almost as if he truly believes he deserves it and the title should be handed to him with a silver spoon as such. Reality check RGIII, 2012 is over and its time you come down from that high that you have developed that has led to a bad spiral of lack of maturity and big-headedness on your behalf. Most recently, in reports to combat his coach’s disdain he has come out and proclaimed “It is my team and I will lead it,” well if that is the case young man do that, but be responsible enough to admit your faults in doing so. Gain control of the people that look to you and gain their trust. Until you do that statement has no validity.

The Skins’ can continue to utilize Colt McCoy and Kirk Cousins all it wants to. When it comes to the whole notion of the “Real QB” in the city standing up straying away from RGIII is not the answer. Jay Gruden please pay attention to the fact that the QB to lead your team is standing right in front of you. It is in you to inspire and hone his craft and be the positive authority figure he has yet to see in his professional tenure. The title is RGIII’s. Not to discredit the work of Kirk Cousins or Colt McCoy. In Kirk’s tenure at the helm 1,710 yards and 10TDs speak volumes in their own right and no one can forget about the “Cinderella story” that is Colt McCoy. On that Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys he stood tall and led his team at the time and beat one of the best teams in the NFL and a NFC East rival. In DC that game means a lot to people and he allowed them to feel good about the rest of their week. That night he helped the Redskins not only stun every sports conosciour, but the nation and for that he should keep his head held high. On the flip side of that as much as respect is given to both these men, at the same time both did what they were supposed to do as a backup quarterback and that is to win and sustain order when the starter is down. Quite frankly, it is not like both came out publicly demanding the job of starter in their own rights. In fact, when that is done then that is where the true controversy begins. It is extremely hard to believe regardless of the relationship that has been known to define the RGIII/Gruden era in the Nation’s Capital that these two men cannot co-exist as a unit that provides structure for the rest of the team and an all-around winning environment. Moreover, if both would take the time to harness the dynamic that is in front of them things can move right along. For Jay, Robert being a read option quarterback poses a problem for his system. But, it is hard to fathom the idea that Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks can be the only ones to create a winning system that involves a QB as such. Ding Ding!!! That system is what got happy seats in the stadium in the first place two years ago.

In the grander scale of things 82 men are built on a football roster. One man or one coach does not make the whole team and for that point alone EVERYONE that has on a Redskin jersey and helmet should feel some type of way about losing. The defensive line and offensive line, special teams and so forth should have a burning desire to shake this monkey off their backs. Being a true professional of the sport means that one takes the time to soak in the good and the bad and realizes both are meant to be taken on as a unit. “In any war, you put your back to mine; I put my back to yours, and let’s do what we gotta do.” Words of a wise man known as Ray Lewis and words said to define a team that would go on to greatness. In this statement you see a man totally take himself out of the equation and in rewinding back to the Washington Redskins just remember until all holds on this degree and bands together, the unfortunate thing is that it will not be good or bad in DC, it will just continue to be just plain ugly.

Allen Iverson: Is it really a "Tragedy?"

Hello people!!! For the most part what you have gotten from me has been strictly football.  I want to change the tides this week. My focus takes me to Basketball. Recently, I was at work and a co-worker and I were having a conversation about basketball and we were discussing the 30 for 30 Film called Broke. The film's main concern was giving exposure to the mis-managing of funds by major athletes during their career. It showed how some players are left with nearly nothing when they walk away from the games that have made them famous. As the conversation continued to develop Allen Iverson's name came up. The moment his name was revealed my co-worker shook his head and said, "What a Tragedy!" He explained that "tragedy" was used in a sense to express his discomfort for young black males in particular who make a lot of money and lose in such a dramatic fashion. He could not understand how these guys work so hard to get to where they are in their lives only to take advantage of it and lose it. I understood why he would say such things, however, as I walked away from him, the thought of the word "tragedy" used in the same breathe in response to Allen Iverson was crazy to me. I pondered the rest of the shift that night in regards to its absurdity. From that moment on I decided to give my own piece on the topic.

 The next day as I sat down to put my mind to the computer I discovered the article written on Allen Iverson by Bomani Jones. This helped me to understand that my co-worker was not alone in his ideology on Iverson. Jones' article portrays Allen Iverson as a man that rose to fame with talent and a phenomenal sense of style that spoke to the masses only to end up with nothing. He finishes the article with "He went from nothing in this world, and now Allen Iverson may be back to nothing again. Literally, figuratively, and tragically." There is that word again, "Tragic." Tragedy should not be the word specifically defined to explain what Allen Iverson's life has come to be about. Unfortunate maybe, but not tragic. Tragic is defined as something that is extremely mournful, melancholy, or pathetic. Quite frankly when you put things into that type of context it brings upon the notion of death. Basically we’ve put together and stapled the obituary of Allen Iverson to the Sports World.

 We are going to differentiate between Allen Iverson the basketball player and Allen Iverson the man. In all retrospect the one thing that makes Allen Iverson a "tragedy" in the eyes of some is his financial woes, basketball is a non-factor. A.I is merely just another statistic. He alongside a lot of other athletes in his shoes have fallen victim to how vein our society has become. In this world money means power and respect and when it is gone it makes you no longer a factor.

In a further attempt to make this clear what people need to grasp is that losing financial status has caused for Iverson’s demise as a man and that is what may make him a tragedy. Everyone in this world has a choice and it was his personal choice to mis-manage his own funds. It was his choice to gamble his money away; it was his choice to drink himself into oblivion. Because of these things we get those stories about how a judge garnished his bank account to pay his debts and how he was banned from casinos in Atlantic City and Detroit. Furthermore, Stephen A. Smith was even quoted in 2010 saying that "according to numerous NBA sources" Allen Iverson would either "drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away." He went on to add how Iverson's wife even separated from him after eight years of marriage. Obviously, this is a man in dire need of some assistance.

 
Instead of throwing in the towel, I am going to extend my hand to him. I am defiantly putting an end to all of this “tragedy” nonsense and letting everyone know that it is time to let it go. There is a bigger picture that is being missed. Allen Iverson is not a tragedy…PERIOD! Allen Iverson is an icon and a survivor. How many personal triumphs does this man have to overcome? Before Georgetown, the NBA and the money, the early stages of his life find him in the heart of struggle. His personal history starts with him being born to a single 15-year old mother and we all cannot forget about the mob trial that almost sent him to jail for 15 years. Eventually he would go on to only serve four months, however, Allen did not succumb to what was ahead of him he took his punishment like a man. In regards to his time spent in prison he was quoted as saying, “I had to use the whole jail situation as something positive. Going to jail, someone sees something weak in you, they’ll exploit it. I never showed any weakness. I just kept going strong until I came out.”

 
If money has become the root of all evil in regards to A.I, it is ironic because through watching him in the past it never seemed as though it was even as issue. Everyone knows about the t-shirts, the seat pants, the do-rags, the rap music. Those things of course are what drew everyone to him. It is true when those critical of him say that Iverson had an innate ability to connect with the masses because of the fact that people felt as though he was just like them, especially black males. However, I disagree with the fact that this was the only thing that helped to construct everyone’s opinion. I believe that Allen’s success came from how he in a positively defiant way snarled at those who tried to change him. What made Allen Iverson a prevalent icon was his ability to do things his way, and on his own terms. Not being afraid to stand up and be who he was. Nonetheless, his individuality made him shine and gave kids like me growing up and adults as well confidence. Leadership and his name have never been spoken of in the same sentence. I guess that was thrown out with his ideology on practice. I mean who can forget that. However, Iverson was a true leader on and off the court. Money was just something that he made because of what he did.

 
It was hard watching the later parts of his career. When Iverson finally realized that he could not do the same things he could when he was younger it began to discourage him. He could not connect with the notion that he had to form some type of new game for himself as a veteran. I mean what team wouldn’t want to have Iverson as an arsenal coming off the bench. When teams like Detroit tried to implement this new look Allen Iverson he could not understand. Most look at it as rebellion. No one could understand his lack of humbleness. His ultimate defiance of this role was not taken lightly by critics. Allen never let his star shine within him. In his eyes he was a starter and how dare anyone look at him any less. Aging gracefully was out of the question. He got a chance to restore this fact coming back to Philadelphia finally in the 2009-2010 season. He was quoted as saying, “I strongly feel that I can compete at the highest level.” Unfortunately, it did not work out for him. I feel that when he figured out that he would never reach the top again this is when his demise began.

 
If anything when his skills faltered, basketball was finally taken away and his appeal seemed to wither the only thing he had was his money. Sitting on that resource alone he used it like drug to diminish his pain. I agree with Bomani when he says in a sense that as famous as A.I became that is as obsolete to the sports world he would become. However, what the article and comments such as the ones made by Stephen A. do not give is a guide as to how to come together to ratify the problem. I stand wholeheartedly behind the comment I made previously about how everyone has basically come forth and signed the obituary of Iverson to the Sports World. When someone in a family is a drug addict and they show signs of no returning back to his or herself, at some point their family makes an attempt to do something. Where is the intervention? Where is Allen Iverson’s intervention? Surprisingly, there is none. Instead, backs have been turned and written things have come about that just add to the problem. My question is what happened to all the fans.

 All of those people that had pictures of him on their walls just like me and grabbed every magazine with him on the cover. Those young men that grew their hair out because of him, who had young girls braid their hair in styles that they saw on his head. Who dressed the way they dressed because of him. Who practiced the crossover and installed it within their own personal games because of him. Those who gave him the nickname “THE ANSWER.” The people to who cheered when he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1996-97 season. Those who rose to their feet and scream when he hoisted the Most Valuable Player trophy in the 2001 season and led the Sixers to the NBA Finals the same year. Where is everyone who cast their ballots for him and made him an eleven time All-Star and watched him win two All Star MVP awards. Those who watched him win the NBA Scoring Title for four consecutive seasons. Ultimately, I am looking for those fans who watched his relentlessness in the finals when trying to shake the defense of then Laker Tyron Lue. I watched this man fight for positioning with Lue and create space out of nothing and make a difficult shot. He would look down as Lue as he was on the ground like, How dare you try to guard me?  Who will ever forget that? Let everyone remember man to man defense was invented for Iverson alone.
Where are his colleagues? Players within the league who shook when the 76ers was on the roster because they knew it was going to be a long night ahead of them trying to contain Iverson. Who started wearing the sleeve because him. Those he talked trash with during the game. WHERE ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE!

 He may have been a small guy, six feet to be exact, but he never shied away from contact. This man was not afraid to hit the floor for the play. Allen Iverson was one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA. His regular season scoring average, which is 26.7 points per game, ranks sixth all-time in the NBA, and his all-time playoff average of 29.7 points are second only to Michael Jordan. The numbers don’t lie people. What everyone needs to do is remember all of these things I have mentioned. Whether people believe or not, they are Allen’s extended family. As family let’s intervene and rescue our fallen soldier. There is still hope. Now don’t get me wrong I am not saying that he will come back and take over the league. To be frank at this point it would be totally impossible. What I am saying is that in extending our hands to him we rejoice in what his career meant to the sport at which he loved and the people that loved him. We show him that he is still a factor. Life after Ball does not have to end for him as it has. Instead of shaking our heads to his demise, we cheer for him when he is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

 Allen Iverson came from NOTHING but still has SOMETHING. Allen as someone that grew up adoring you I quickly hopes you realize that. In closing I leave everyone with this quote to think about:

 

ALLEN IVERSON=SWAG…NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.

Signed hopeful sports diva

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bounce Back

Hello Sports World. Here it is another football week in the books that finds your girl in front the computer again. Last week I left the web agitated and worried. Not only was an upsetting feeling left within me after the 24 to 17 loss the Redskins were dealt at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, but to make matters worse rookie quarterback Robert Griffen III suffered a concussion in the same game. Personally, I believe if RGIII had had a chance to stay in the game the team would have ended up victorious. I mean the very play that caused his concussion was indeed the play that helped the Redskins go up by a field goal. Unfortunately, this game does not leave time for "what ifs."

Anyways, it was another Skins lost and uncertainty filled the air in regards to their quarterback. Would RGIII even be able to play in week 6. as to whether or not their quarterback would even play. Redskin faithful were happy to get the news that RGIII would in fact give it a go against the Minnesota Vikings.   Hopefully the young quarterback would go into his next game in learning a lesson. Most importantly, when deciding to leave the pocket he would protect himself and get out of the bounds. A scrambling quarterback's best friend is indeed the sideline and if he wanted any chance of staying with the team and being productive throughout the rest of the season he would utilize it.

The Skins showed up to play and were complete control of game, impressively connecting on all cylinders. The overall consensus around the NFL is that Robert Griffen III is a young quarterback with great potential. All believe that he has the ability to be a one of the top quarterbacks of the future in this league. Out of the games he has played thus far I am pinpointing this one as his coming out party. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. Not only did he put up numbers in the air. He put in his own personal numbers on the grounds as well rushing for over 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. Let the Records come!!! With 379 rushing yards as a quarterback on the season he now holds the team rushing record by a quarterback in a single season. This total surpasses Harry Gilmer's 365 rushing yards and served as both quarterback and running back. The highest numbers before that were held by Joe Theisman in 1984, who rushed for 314 yards and mainly played QB. As if this was not enough to take in their was more.

Ironically, the man who left with a concussion last game's glory came from him being productive rushing. Even though it certain instances you can tell that he was nervous, RGIII would keep both composure in the pocket and he can run with a flash within him that puts him in conversations involving running backs. His ability to get the ball, see the whole and just go for it without any hesitation makes him amazing. The play of the game he runs for a 76 year touchdown.
Amidst a room full of Redskin haters I reigned victorious as I put my hands in the air in utter celebration of watching RGIII run in for a touchdown. TOUCHDOWN!!!!! Aw man it was great to watch FedEX field erupt as it did. That 76 yard touchdown was just the icing on the cake making it the longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in team history and the longest by a NFL QB since PittsBurgh Steeler Kordell Stewart who rushed for 80 yards on December 22, 1996 against the Panthers. I could go on and on with the accalades, but its no point to gloat for the man because the work speaks for itself. ROOKIE OF THE WEEK! No doubt about it.

At 3-3 the Redskins are now have the the same record with the Eagles. the positioning now as it is in the NFC East puts Philadelphia above the Skins, but in all actuality the second and third spot is a toss up. Everyone falls behind the New York Giants who sit above everyone at 4-2. Week 7's matchup against the Giants could be the catalyst of what the Redskins season will ultimately shape up to be. It has a lot of strong implications involved in it. The New York Giants for the last couple of years have held the NFC East in the palm of their hands. I do not understand why everybody does not get the NFC East. The same thing happens every year. The Cowboys and the Eagles always end up in a toss up, the Redskins never can seem to get it together and the Giants themselves always reign supreme with a strong ending. The Giants know how to win point blank period. They are not SuperBowl Champions for nothing. With a quarterback like Eli Manning winning becomes expected. Eli Manning always pulls his team out of tough situations. With him at the healm the game is never over and he is notorious for his late 4th Quarter comebacks. He is heroic when the Giants have their backs against the wall. Not to mention weapons like Victor Cruz add to the Giants ability to be dangerous. Not to mention their defense. When dealing with a team that has the capacity to be fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball, how could you not go into a chest match with them not in an optimistic manner. this is a Redskin team that is trying to get some Respect in this league. Its funny every team goes through a patch of time where they have not been able to produce quality play and wins. every team has a rough period, but it seems like people will never let the Redskins live for some reason. The Redskins will always be the Deadskins and it does not matter what they do, they will never come back from being looked at as I refer to it as the "scum" of the league.

Its obvious that the tide has changed a bit in DC. The Skins have a new look, new sound, new attitude. However, even with such the early success of the team in general and RGIII they get no Respect. The game against the Giants will be this statement. If they are able to pull out a win they get get Respect and prove to the division and naysayers that they are legitimate contenders. the Washington Redskins will be a force in this league again. On the other hand of this if they lose they prove the notion that they are all talk. That all they do is get people to get their hopes up for nothing. I am not surprised if everyone takes the Giants. Its amazing watching pre games on Fox and seeing Jimmy, Howie and the boys always pick the Redskins opponents. Im sure they are going to pick New York as well. The Redskins need to prepare for a battle. Their name is at stake, pride is at stake, respect is at stake. Put on your helmets, this week should be interesting.

Signing out ready for week 7

Sunday Hurt Day

Happy Tuesday People! However, even though it is Tuesday in my world its always football sunday so lets recap this one's events shall we. The Washington Redskins(2-2) faced the rolling 5-0 Atlanta Falcons. If anyone out there is a TRUE Redskin fan they see the progress that the Redskins have made in every game win or lose. However, one still is optimistic going into every game. Lets face it to the rest of the world the Red in Redskins stands for Dead. so typically on paper its the Deadskins vs the Atlanta Falcons and it should be a no brainer as to who takes the contest. the Redskins start off strong. Ryan Kerrigan intercepts a pass from Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and runs it 28 yeards for the TD and the Redskins go up 7 to nothing. Later on in the 2nd Quarter the Falcons would score off a 1yard touchdown pass from Ryan to Tony Gonzalez, which would tie the game. Everything seemed to be pretty neck and neck at the beginning stages of the game.

Going into the second half the objective of course is to keep the motor running. Then you notice in an instant everything can change. Skins quarterback Robert Griffen III tries to get a first down for his team and ends up getting hit hard by Falcons defensive back Sean Witherspoons. BOOM!!! Just like that everyone in FedEx field's heart dropped. I have been one to criticize RGIII's inability to make up his mind on whether or not he wants to stay in the pocket or not. I mean in this league nowadays you either are a pocket quarterback or not. You either play like Tom Brady or you play like Michael Vick. Furthermore, if you go on to ask me I think the league needs to recognize the change in tides when it comes to the quarterback postition. Where players like Mike Vick and Cam Newton are showing their athleticism and showing that when it comes down to making it happen for their respective teams it does not always lie in how long you can stay behind the offensive line.

Anyways, that is a discussion for another time. RGIII unfortunately gets hit and RGIII unfortunately he would not return. He would in fact suffer a mild concussion.I understand trying to make things happen for your team, but in certain situations you have to learn when to take thr rope by the hands and when to pull the plug. This is a prime example of a young quarterback not knowing when to pull the plug. The synopsis is that RGIII does not know how to run out of bounds. I believe he learned his lesson. However, I must give him Kudos that whatever it takes mentality, especially coming from a Washington Redskins quarterback is commendable. That is the sense of urgency that has been lacking for so long in that position for the team. Someone willing to go guts for guts glory for glory and be a leader for this team. Concussion or not he gave his team a profound message and that is he will do whatever it takes for victory to prevail for the Redskins. All others naturally should follow suit. There is a passion in the team I feel that can be united from that one play.

The redskins would actually take the lead in the 3rd from a Billy Cundiff 23 yard field goal. Backup quarterback, rookie out of Michigan State, Kirk Cousins, would come in for the injured RGIII. For a minute he seem to be picking off from where Griffen left off. Completing a 77-yard gain to Santana Moss. After this destruction begins Kirk Cousins would get picked off twice and Matt Ryan would go on to lead three scoring drives helping the Falcons to take total control over the game. Post RGIII turned out to be a disaster for the Redskins who would lose 24 to 17. All this seems so tragic, but the Skins ONLY lost by 7. It seems like they lost by more than just that. But, in
Redskin land where losing seems to be more reoccuring than winning it is tragic.

The Brightside out of all this is that Griffen will be ready for next week's game against the Vikings. Hopefully, order can be restored and the Redskins can get a win before hey face NFC East Rivals/Superbowl Champ New York Giants. The Giants game will be a statement game for the Redskins...It WILL be there chance to show  that they are indeed legitimate contenders in the NFC East. Beating the Giants will prove that the Redskins are geared to change and there is a new order in the Nation's capital. My advice to RGIII is put on a hard hat and get outta bounds. They need you young fellow.

Signing off Sports Diva in distress....

Late Mistakes...smh

Sorry for the delay on this Blog people, but im back. The delay must be from the fact that the Redskins lost on sunday to the Rams. Its crazy how a football game on a sunday can effect your whole outlook on a week. Anyways, needless to say I did wake up a little disturbed on Monday morning. The Redskins rolled into week two on a little bit of a high. I mean you had RGIII's impressive Rookie debut and you beat a team that really no one expected you to keep up with. Needless to say Redskin nation was in full effect going into sunday's game against the Rams.

The Redskins started off continuing to perfect what they finished last week. Basically controlling the first three quarters of the game and then they let the Rams come back. Mind you there were some quuestionable calls by the refs. I do not know what's worse a player lockout or a referree lockout. The calls they should make are no brainers, which they should make and the calls that they make  can make no sense. These interim referees have shown that its going to be a long season. anywho, im going to redirect my tirant back to the Redskins. Its obvious that you have the game in the palm of your hands and you let a team like the Rams sneak right back into it. In the NFL you must not only get a lead you must sustain it and the Redskins did not do that.

The Redskins have been known for unraveling and I hope this is not a preview of what is to come this season. Im looking for the Redskins to be consistant for once and competitive for once. Games like this do not prove any of those adjectives to be true at all. Ok so once you get over the fact that they let the Rams back into the game they have a chance to still win the game despite their faults and someone makes an untimely penalty.

I understand that football is a very emotional sport. Personally, I tell people all the time I do not see how anyone can go into a football stadium and feel absolutely nothing. Its too much electricity in the sport that eventually it just takes over you. However,with that said with your team a field goal away from a win a misorderly conduct call is something that is just unacceptable. You have to have beeter judgement than that. Josh Morgan has to keep a level head. Instead of a field goal in possible field goal range for Cundiff you push him back to a spot, which from the beginning looked like a no brainer that he would miss. That field goal didnt stand a chance thats for sure.

Ok so the Redskins lost. However, the kicker doesn't just go for sunday it goes for overall. The defense takes a HUGE blow with the injuries of Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker.Its not like they will be gone for a week or so were talkin the season. The lost of Orakpo is seriously going to hurt the Redskin defensive front. I mean this is a guy coming into this game had one sack in two games and led the Redskins in sacks a year ago.

With a sigh I only hope that this doesnt mean things will get worse. Quite frankly im sick of the same sob story every year. Ultimately, I hope it isnt time to throw in the towel when it comes to the Redskins and its only week 2. Come on guys stay aggressive and level headed and you shall prevail. Redskin nation im lookin for a comeback against the Bucs in week 3.

Until next sunday im signing off as aggitated :/

Redskins Prevail...for right now?

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Redskin fan. Growing up in the Metropolitan area I do not see how people do not bleed burgundy and gold. I sure do without a doubt. We all know the history of the Redskins, which takes us back to the glory days of Joe Gibbs, Art Monk and the win of the the 80's and the early 90s. However, as I have made my transition into this beautiful world my team has showed me nothing but a horrendous showing. I DONT KNOW AT all those glory day and I say this with huge capitol letters. I mean the last time the redskins won the superbowl I was nothing but a couple of months old with no knowledge of it all.

With all that said is it the safe to say that the Redskins are finally making the turnaround that I have dreamed of since a little girl. Ok maybe my dreams of the Superbowl this year are too much of a close call so far, but I must say I woke up this morning Monday feeling like I had my swag back when it came to football. I could clearly walk one foot in front of the other confidently with my head held high knowing that my team produced a sunday win worthy of getting me through the week and making me feel productive. I mean come on people its nothing like when your team wins on sunday...all football fans know this too well.

RGIII's debut puts a bright eye in all Redskin fans eyes. After years of oblivian when it comes to the qurterback division in DC its seems as though we have finally found the glue that we have needed. Granted its about time Dan Snyder made the right offseason acquisition. I do not know what it is about Dan Synder. with all that money that he has his football persoective could use a little bit of a boast. Sometimes you worry about his dedication to the Redskins based on where he puts his money alone. However, the man FINALLY did the right thing and it showed through Robert Giffen III performance. Looking poised and as if he had been doing this for years as a professional. Ironically, this is a guy whose impact on the team was questioned to a degree. Adrew Luck was expected to do alot more. I mean his debut is ranked 4th overall in all NFL debuts and with 320 yrds throwing the ball I clearly will not shoot down any comments saying that the redskins have no offense. Can RGIII be the next Cam Newton this year? Could he not only do that, but as a Rookie  propell his team into postseason glory? My heart says yes, but my instinct says to wait. Nonetheless in week one the grade is A.

What I will say is Football has come BACK to DC(in my Rock voice)! :) the Metropolitan area has something to smile about again. I will go out on a further limb and say not only is it back but its a force to be wreckin with in the NFC East. The Redskin people have a chance to win the divison. On the otherhand we all know the Redskins and its hard to take them serioudly. they start off great and then go throgh the Great Depression every year in the month of November. No one is ever concerned with the Redskins. Its the Giants sneak attack every year and everyone worried about what the Eagles and Cowboys are able to muster. I put it this way the Washington Redskins can be the team to mbeat if they can stay productive. Its about time that the Redskins are in conversations. On paper this team was not expected to win this game. That was even considered New Orleans Bounty scandal or not.  We all know how hard it is to go into the Superdome and win. Not only did they win, but they competed with a Drew Brees team that puts points on the board. When is the last time have you seen the Redskins put up 32????? I havent seen it SMH. Im excited and next week against the Rams the locomotive will continue to run. I can go on for days, instead what I will say is the DEAD is Gone and the Red is BACK in REDSKINS! That is Mr.REDSKIN to you!

Until next week signing off Mykell Ramos...