My Take on NFL Media Day

Today, on television, I heard several media personnel say that not following the NFL rule of talking to the media didn't set a good example for kids, and that following rules was important for role models. What I believe they are really upset about is that their press pass didn't get them an up close and personal meeting with Beast Mode, who showed up twice for 5 minutes repeating a statement about being there so he wouldn't get fined, at what I believe is called the NFL Experience. 

My understanding is that fans buy tickets just to sit in seats around the outside barrier of the media access area hoping to catch a glimpse of their football heroes. I doubt they get any interaction with the players, and I doubt they can hear what any of them are saying. Meanwhile the lamest questions that have little, if anything, to do with football get tossed around the arena as simultaneous interviews happen for the press, who get to speak for their sponsors and affiliations via popular culture type questions.

What follows are a sample of four actual questions that were posed to the athletes. Think about who might stand to gain from them.

Can you name all five of the Kardashian ladies? 

What is your favorite stuffed animal?  

Who is the best dancer?

What's your favorite Katy Perry song?

It's all silliness, and I don't blame ANY of the players for not talking to the press during the media days. As for the TV commentators who think defying authority and breaking the rules set a bad example, I would like to remind them that defying authority peacefully is what our great country is built upon. I am thinking of Martain Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Alice Paul, or Susan B. Anthony off the top of my head. 

My Letter to the NFL

Dear Sirs,

I am a huge fan of the NFL. However, It makes me feel miserable when you fine Marshawn Lynch. or any other footbal players for that matter. I understand why anyone wouldn't want to talk to the media, and I'm sure you do too.  If not - take the time to look at all those cameras pointed at you. When you fine Marshawn for not talking, or other silly things, it makes me feel ashamed that I love NFL football. I believe somebody needs to take the high road and stop this feud. Why not you? From what I have read about Marshawn's character, I believe you might be surprised at how he would respond to kindness instead of punishment, and what I feel is abuse. You say you want to change your image, yet you continue to act like you don't. Please consider my advocacy on his part, and think about the real reasons why he might be hunkering down against you the way he is. Why not set a better example of leadership for him instead of punishment all the time? Why not reward him for doing an interview with a respected person of color? In any case, I wish you the best in however you decide to move forward on this issue.

Respectfully,

Ms. Kingsley
Retired 2nd Grade Public School Teacher




http://www.nfl.com/contact-us

If I'm Not Mistaken

During the Seattle at Arizona football game a stat was flashed after Richard Sherman's interception. The score was Seattle 28, Arizona 6, when Arizona's 3rd string quarterback, Ryan Lindley, dropped back and lofted a pass just a bit long to intended receiver, Larry Fitzgerald. Up pops Sherman snatching the football at Arizona's 8 yard line, who runs the ball up to the 20, then cuts right down to the 40 and along the right sideline to Seattle's 40 yard line, where he steps out of bounds. Not long after, a stat flashed on the television screen.

NFL Most Interceptions in First 4 Seasons

Since 1970

L. Hayes, Raiders, 1977-80, 25

E. Walls, Cowboys, 1981-84, 25

K. Easley, Seahawks, 1981-84, 24

R. Sherman, Seahawks, 2011-14, 24

After yesterday's game against Carolina, I believe Richard Sherman is now the leader of the aforementioned pack. 

Just sayin'

New Year Questions

Now that the new year is in full swing, I offer up these 10 questions with the intent to bring about a more peaceful and harmonious relationship between family members.

If your family behaved exactly the way you wanted, what would that look like?

How does it serve you to foster ill will towards your sibling(s)?

Where does the competition, rivalry, and anger toward your sibling(s) stem from?

What part do you play in keeping your family disjointed and polarized? 

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

If you could change one thing about your behavior towards your family members, what would it be?

If you believe you are being treated poorly or unfairly, what do you believe to be the culprit?

What do you think you can do to make things better?

If you died today, would you be proud of the way you treated your loved ones and family members?

Finally: If your parents are still living...

In what way(s) do you communicate gratitude and respect towards your parents?