Within the last month, previous owner of the Clippers, Donald Sterling, has been fired, sued, fined, and disgraced by a voice recording that taped him making derogatory statements about African Americans. Every news station, sports channel, and news paper cataloged every step in the process from Clippers owner to just another rich guy. From press releases to his front porch, people and reporters were looking for answers. The story of Sterling and his mistress were on the lips of everyone who knew anything about sports, or who looked at the news, for that matter.The whole issue got blown way up, and get ridiculous.
The fact that people are still involved in this issue is ludicrous. On June 3rd a new article was released called "Second Alleged Mistress Suing Sterling Over Racist, and Sexist Taunts" (Fox Sports). Apparently, Donald Sterling wasn't in the spot light enough and wasn't embarrassed enough the first time around. This article talks about that a supposed second mistress came forward about Sterling exposing more accounts of racist and sexist comments. So, of course, the media jumped all over that. Still, they want to expose this man and make his life everyone's issue.
Unfortunately, there is something to be said about Sterling's recent, and not so recent, behaviors. On the original recording he does seem to make less than favorable comments about African Americans. To "amend" the wrongs he has done, Sterling spent last Sunday at a predominately African American church and hired paparazzi photographers to follow him. This last act of hope was supposed to show his racial-sensitive side, but it just makes him look desperate.
There is a fault broken by Sterling, yes, but the whole issue should have been dealt with and over by now. Were there is blame to be placed, the whole country loves to join in and point fingers at the people who get caught, and who have some power, and these finger pointers will do anything to see this man fall. Hopefully, someday, we wont have to hear about Donald Sterling, and when that day comes I'm sure he'll just fly off in his hovercraft and live on the moon for the rest of his life.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
The Thrill of the Loss
The other day, Norton High had their first loss in two seasons on Monday against Bellingham. Though this loss weighs heavy on all our hearts, is it that bad? The loss against Bellingham (by one point) can now be our driving force for the rest of the season and at the TVL championship.
Losses can be a positive reinforcement for a team or a group. In the 2014 NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Memphis Grizzlies in their Game 2 and lost 111-105. Kevin Durant of the OKC was disgruntled at the outcome of the game, but he didn't let that hinder his positive demeanor. In fact, Durant praised Memphis defender Tony Allen for his quality skills displayed in that game. "He's good...he's been making me work like everyone else would" (Durant to Andrew Gilman of Fox Sports Southwest). Durant used the loss and the competition of what he believes to be an equally matched player to better himself in the game and start playing his advantages.
On all teams: sports, political parties, school related groups, winning is great until you lose sight of competition and start thinking nothing can beat you. Losing gives you an opponent that knows they can win and you work ten times harder to beat them the next time around. Losing is a crucial part to the development of a strong team.
Losses can be a positive reinforcement for a team or a group. In the 2014 NBA playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced the Memphis Grizzlies in their Game 2 and lost 111-105. Kevin Durant of the OKC was disgruntled at the outcome of the game, but he didn't let that hinder his positive demeanor. In fact, Durant praised Memphis defender Tony Allen for his quality skills displayed in that game. "He's good...he's been making me work like everyone else would" (Durant to Andrew Gilman of Fox Sports Southwest). Durant used the loss and the competition of what he believes to be an equally matched player to better himself in the game and start playing his advantages.
On all teams: sports, political parties, school related groups, winning is great until you lose sight of competition and start thinking nothing can beat you. Losing gives you an opponent that knows they can win and you work ten times harder to beat them the next time around. Losing is a crucial part to the development of a strong team.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
On the Road to Victory
The start of the Speing Track season was last Thursday, and Norton High opened up with a bang. The first meet was at Medfield High School and the boys won with 126 to 11 and the girls won 103-35. The boys had the largest win margin in school history, thanks to Mike Tiereny, Brandon Durocher, Justin Ireland, and Cam Stalters. The girls were led my Kassidy Cambell, Amy Pereira, and Brooke-Lynne Williams.
Yesterday was Norton's second meet of the season against Dover-Sherborn. This meet was home and was also a victory for both the boys and the girls. Freshman Brooke-Lynne Williams tied the school record in the 200 meter (which was held by her sister Courtney Williams), and Sophmore Chris Wren qualified for States in the 2 mile race.
This massive opening for the Norton Lancers is a very promising start to the season. Next week Norton is facing Bellingham, which should give each school a run for their money. Stay tuned for more victories to come.
Yesterday was Norton's second meet of the season against Dover-Sherborn. This meet was home and was also a victory for both the boys and the girls. Freshman Brooke-Lynne Williams tied the school record in the 200 meter (which was held by her sister Courtney Williams), and Sophmore Chris Wren qualified for States in the 2 mile race.
This massive opening for the Norton Lancers is a very promising start to the season. Next week Norton is facing Bellingham, which should give each school a run for their money. Stay tuned for more victories to come.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Well of Loneliness
Through research there was no clear hypothesis on this condition. Through the centuries, sports figures and athletes subject themselves to harsh physical demands everyday of their life to be stronger, faster, better. But what happens when this all ends? Athletic depression is a serious concept and should be more known. The idea that a human body under such conditions for a long time will form an emotional attachment to the pain, the rush, the feeling of working the body to its limits, like an adrenaline junkie. If the "supply" is cut off via injury, retiring, the end of a season, a very real sense of physical and mental depression ensues.Sometimes, like in the case of Russian Olympic star Elena Ivashchenko, athletes will commit suicide. Only when the case becomes extreme will that happen though. So, when does it become extreme?
A loss of identity becomes apparent in an off season athlete. As a person being constantly in the spot light, the removal of said spot light can form into an unhealthy realization that this person cannot function without other people. Athletes fame and glory comes from the excitement and feelings from all the other people observing. Extreme stress and PTSD-like symptoms can also occur in athletes. If a large mental trauma is assumed by an athlete it can often lead to mental reverberations for the rest of their life. how can you stop it?
Having interests in a multitude of topics is very important for an athlete. This is because on the off season of on injury, the athlete will be able to perform another hobby so they can keep their brain active and away from suicidal thoughts. Being active can help people physically and mentally, but if unchecked and unconstrained, the hardcore athlete can be at a serious risk when the glory days are over.
A loss of identity becomes apparent in an off season athlete. As a person being constantly in the spot light, the removal of said spot light can form into an unhealthy realization that this person cannot function without other people. Athletes fame and glory comes from the excitement and feelings from all the other people observing. Extreme stress and PTSD-like symptoms can also occur in athletes. If a large mental trauma is assumed by an athlete it can often lead to mental reverberations for the rest of their life. how can you stop it?
Having interests in a multitude of topics is very important for an athlete. This is because on the off season of on injury, the athlete will be able to perform another hobby so they can keep their brain active and away from suicidal thoughts. Being active can help people physically and mentally, but if unchecked and unconstrained, the hardcore athlete can be at a serious risk when the glory days are over.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Darrelle Revis before Vince Wilfork?
The NFL pick up was on Wednesday the 12th. The New England Patriots picked up a player they wouldn't have thought of a few years ago. Star cornerback and Darrelle Revis was approached by the Patriots as there starting cornerback. Revis is a 5 time Pro Bowl allstar, the 2009 AFC defensive player of the year, and he was ranked number 5 in the top 100 players in 2011. With stats like that it's a shock if any team wouldn't want him. Bill Belichick saw this potential early and jumped for it, but at what cost.
Patriot star defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will be at the mercy of this draft, if it goes through. Wilfork is also a 5 time Pro Bowl allstar, was a First Team All Pro in 2012, and went to Super Bowl XXXIX with the Patriots. Unfortunately, if Revis is signed, the contract for Wilfork will be tampered with. Wilfork was re-signed in 2009 for a 5 year $40 million a year contract with $25 million in a guaranteed paycheck. In a game against the Falcons, before Super Bowl XLVIII (2014), Wilfork tore his Achilles tendon. This injury threatened his career and contract.
With the injury, the Patriots needed to look for another exeptionally capable player and adjust Wilforks pay. Revis was asking for $12 million a year, which would be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. Wilfork's asking about being dropped from the Patriots became very real for the Pats. Belichick warned Wilfork of this deal and Wilforks press response was (paraphrasing) "Belichick would drop his own mother from the team if given the chance". So, there are obvious hard feelings about this situation.
Belichick sees this pick as a benefit for the team, and all New England fans would probably agree. With Darrelle Revis on our offensive line and a few other choice round picks, the Patriots offensive line for the next season will be unstoppable.
Patriot star defensive tackle Vince Wilfork will be at the mercy of this draft, if it goes through. Wilfork is also a 5 time Pro Bowl allstar, was a First Team All Pro in 2012, and went to Super Bowl XXXIX with the Patriots. Unfortunately, if Revis is signed, the contract for Wilfork will be tampered with. Wilfork was re-signed in 2009 for a 5 year $40 million a year contract with $25 million in a guaranteed paycheck. In a game against the Falcons, before Super Bowl XLVIII (2014), Wilfork tore his Achilles tendon. This injury threatened his career and contract.
With the injury, the Patriots needed to look for another exeptionally capable player and adjust Wilforks pay. Revis was asking for $12 million a year, which would be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. Wilfork's asking about being dropped from the Patriots became very real for the Pats. Belichick warned Wilfork of this deal and Wilforks press response was (paraphrasing) "Belichick would drop his own mother from the team if given the chance". So, there are obvious hard feelings about this situation.
Belichick sees this pick as a benefit for the team, and all New England fans would probably agree. With Darrelle Revis on our offensive line and a few other choice round picks, the Patriots offensive line for the next season will be unstoppable.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Protect your nose, Batman
In February, Miami Heat forward LeBron James broke his nose during the Oklahoma City Thunder game. That incident left two possibilities: wait for his nose to heal, or play with a face mask. James went with the latter. In the New York Knicks versus Miami Heat game, last Thursday, James wore a "controversial" face mask dubbed by the National Basketball Association.
This mask is a medical face mask that provides structure and protection of the nose on its way to recovery. Generally, if a player was to wear a protective mask, it is translucent (clear). James went with a more conspicuous mask, a black carbon fiber mask.
The NBA was not too happy about James' decision. the NBA asked James to "dispense with his menacing black mask... and switch to a clear protective cover". Though he liked the attention, James complied to the NBA rule. Was it worth it?
The Miami Heat realized the attention and potential for merchandise with James' as a celebrity. They made tee-shirts to sell to the public with James' image on the front. In one week, it had many sales and was very popular. But now, James has a clear, regulation mask, ending his fame as the Batman.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Team Sweepers: Small Town on the Rise to Glory
Norton High School running sports are at an all time high this year. Paving the way with a 9-0 winning streak in the Cross-country and the Winter track seasons, and receiving the TVL Champion banner for both seasons. Norton High also received 2nd place in both TVL Championship meets, exhibiting Norton's excellence in Massachusetts. Norton High's valiant strides has reached far and wide and have quite the reputation behind them. So, who is behind the notable statistics that precedes Norton?
On the face of it all is the incomparable coach, Kent Taylor; a 2 time TVL coach of the year in 6 seasons of Cross-Country, 3 time TVL coach of the year in 7 seasons of Winter track, 4 time TVL coach of the year in 6 seasons of Spring track, 1 time Boston Globe coach of the year, 4 time Taunton Daily Gazette coach of the year track virtuoso has led 3 seasons undefeated so far. With state and national level runners such as Max Marcotte, Billy Sullivan, Michael Tierney and a plethora of other powerful athletes, coach Taylor and his team has pummeled their competitors to the ground.
For the first time in Norton High history the battle between Norton and Hopkinton has swayed towards Norton in a 20-35 win in Cross-Country and a 62-24 victory in Winter track. Also, with the largest point margin of victories in Winter track, Norton High has etched a permanent mark in TVL history. Norton has had a prosperous first two seasons of the year, and with Spring track coming fast, champions and Norton High School will become synonymous.
On the face of it all is the incomparable coach, Kent Taylor; a 2 time TVL coach of the year in 6 seasons of Cross-Country, 3 time TVL coach of the year in 7 seasons of Winter track, 4 time TVL coach of the year in 6 seasons of Spring track, 1 time Boston Globe coach of the year, 4 time Taunton Daily Gazette coach of the year track virtuoso has led 3 seasons undefeated so far. With state and national level runners such as Max Marcotte, Billy Sullivan, Michael Tierney and a plethora of other powerful athletes, coach Taylor and his team has pummeled their competitors to the ground.
For the first time in Norton High history the battle between Norton and Hopkinton has swayed towards Norton in a 20-35 win in Cross-Country and a 62-24 victory in Winter track. Also, with the largest point margin of victories in Winter track, Norton High has etched a permanent mark in TVL history. Norton has had a prosperous first two seasons of the year, and with Spring track coming fast, champions and Norton High School will become synonymous.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)