JUST ONE VOTE…, November 5, 2008

Last night history was made in the United States, as the country elected Barack Obama. Regardless of which candidate you voted for this was an historic election, something that our children and grandchildren will learn about in their history classes. Unfortunately one man, Albert Haynesworth of the Tennessee Titans, will not be able to tell his children or grandchildren that he participated in this election.

Yesterday I read the following quote from Haynesworth, “Honestly, I’m not even going to vote, I just don’t believe in it…One man can’t make a difference with his vote. Letting us vote satisfies the feeling, ‘Oh you do have a say in this.’ But not really. I think the government really controls it.” Well Mr. Haynesworth since you don’t believe in the right to vote perhaps you can move to a country where you are not afforded all the freedoms America provides you, such as life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the opportunity to make millions of dollars playing a sport.

Speaking of millions, we may want to start a retirement fund for Haynesworth, he is concerned that Obama will take more of his money since “I only have a small window to make as much money as I possibly can, and if we get somebody in office who’s going to raise taxes 50%, that’s going to hurt. What am I supposed to live on when I’m 60, 70 years old?” Hmmm…however will you survive as you are forced to live on your NFL pension and the millions you made as a young man? Why don’t you pose that question to the millions of Americans who manage to function on pensions that equal about $45,000 a year. Here is a suggestion for you, try not to live above your means, save for a rainy day and plan for the future.

What an insult your views are to the people who fought for the right to vote, for freedom, who left their homelands because of oppression and the soldiers that sacrifice their lives so that you can sit home on voting day. If you do not believe that JUST ONE VOTE can make a difference you are sadly mistaken.

FOR NOW I WILL FOCUS ON THE RECORD SETTING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VOTED BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE ONE VOTE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Run Mom Run! November 3, 2008

If it is a beautiful Sunday in November and the fire truck from FDNY L102 in Bedford Stuyvesant, New York is parked at the corner gas station it must be time for the ING NYC Marathon. Somehow Paula Radcliffe found a way to win the women’s side of the race for the third time in her career, in 2:23:56. (Not sure what most of us did with 2.5 hours of our Sunday, but I am guessing it was not quite as productive). No easy feat if you take into account that she has had a leg injury for the past several months. Last year Radcliffe won the ING Marathon, only ten months months after giving birth to her daughter, so we already know that she is tough as nails.

What is it about mothers that causes them to perform feats that require more hours and time then any 24 hour day has to offer? Perhaps the real success stories of the NYC Marathon are the moms who somehow find a way to run in a marathon, with no coach, no sponsors and only themselves (or perhaps the promise of a quiet hour or two) to hold them accountable to train. Perfect example is my former basketball teammate at Hofstra University, Melanie Carpenter. When we were in college she ran cross country in her spare time because she thought it was fun…slightly different then my idea of fun.

Now twelve years after her last intercollegiate basketball game, she finds herself a founder and partner of I-advize Corporate Communications on Wall Street, as well as a wife and a mom to two children. Seven years have passed since she first ran the NYC Marathon, so with all of her spare time she figured why not run it this year. The last time she prepared for this race, her father would ride his bike while she did her long runs. He has since passed away, so she was on her own as she ran through the streets of Middletown, NJ.

Melanie knew going into the race that she hadn’t trained enough (simply aren’t enough hours in her day) that it would be a tough race and only her mental toughness would allow her to complete the race. Can you imagine lining up to run 26.2 miles, knowing you weren’t fully prepared, but deciding I will just gut it out? Complete it she did, although she said there was no sprinting the last two miles like she did in 2000. (Right now I would pay good money to sprint to the end of my driveway)

I am sure there were thousands of women who completed the NYC Marathon today, who rise everyday at the crack of dawn so that they can run, before their “real” jobs begin as business women, teachers, wives and moms. Never underestimate the strength and desire of a woman!

For now I hope Mel is giving herself the day off tomorrow, if not I will take one for her!

And so Lute goes…, October 24, 2008

Well it seems that Lute Olson is officially retiring. It has been a whirlwind of going, coming, staying, leaving, I am here, I am not here and finally after a year of speculation he has decided to hang up his whistle. I hope that fans across the country don't remember him for this past year, but rather the good he did for college hoops and the fact that among active college coaches only Coach K has more wins then Lute.

We are talking about a man who has won 12 conference titles, 780 games, coached in 5 Final Fours and a National Title. He coached the likes of Steve Kerr, Elliott, Lofton, Miles, Bibby and Dickerson. Players most coaches would give anything for the opportunity to mentor and develop.

Two years ago when my daughter was barely 2 months old, we traveled to Tucson to visit my in laws, while my husband was deployed in Iraq. My father-in-law (Big Papa) was kind enough to get us tickets to a University of Arizona basketball game, fourth row seats if I remember correctly. Big Papa forgot to mention that I would be sitting next to his mother, Grammy M who knows more about coaching the Wildcats then Lute Olson ever did. So my poor daughter had the band playing on her right side, Grammy M screaming on her left side and her new mom wondering if this was the best possible environment for her daughter, who was actually covering her ears. Of course it was! She was surrounded by family that loved her, fans supporting their college, student athletes playing hard and a legend coaching on the sideline. What better environment for an infant?
Now as she grows up, I will be able to tell her that she saw the great Lute Olson coach. I just hope that Grammy M recovers from Lute's recent engagement and retirement. (I think she may have a crush on him).

For now I hope everyone congratulates Lute on a job well done!

THE GREAT AMERICAN WAY, October 23, 2008

I love the United States of America and all the freedoms she affords her citizens. The privilege of Freedom of Speech is an entitlement that millions would die for, but in our country allows false accusers to profit after destroying the lives of others. It has been two and a half years since the so called Duke Lacrosse Team Scandal occurred and come hell or high water, you knew the false accuser, Crystal Mangum would find a way to eventually profit. Today she launches the sale of her book with a title I will not name because I refuse to be a participant in the promotion of profit for her publisher, agent, supporters or her as 47 young men are still rebuilding their lives.

You will have to forgive me if I seem angry or cynical, but when the Duke Lacrosse scandal broke two and a half years ago I was sick to my stomach. Grow up on Long Island and you are surrounded by little boys and girls carrying lacrosse sticks at football, soccer and other lacrosse games. It is a given that you have some connection to a lacrosse family. I worked at Hofstra University with John Danowski, who is now the head coach at Duke and whose nephew was married to my boss. When the story broke, his son Matt was not just a member of the Duke team, he was considered by many to be the best player in the country. Dan Flannery (then Captain of the Duke Lacrosse team) an All-American is the brother of Anya who played high school basketball and soccer with me at Sacred Heart Academy. (Of course the last time I saw him he was an annoying ten year old who wouldn’t leave us alone at his parent’s house). Casey Carroll, a Duke defender (possibly the best in the NCAA) played lacrosse with my cousin at Baldwin High School and became one of his closest friends. All of these student athletes were from good, hard working, dedicated parents, middle class families, not rich elitist families that the media was attempting to portray. None of it seemed to make any sense to me and I remember feeling relieved when Matt, Dan and Casey were not among the three accused, but then feeling appalled at my relief, as I knew three families where having their hearts broken.

As this book is released I implore you to think about the grief this young lady caused the three accused, as well as their team members. According to the press release by her agent "This book is an important tool to discuss race, class, sex and the judicial process. It also provides very important lessons for any young person trying to make good life-choices." Can you say that again please? I am a bit concerned that her agent believes I would read this book and then attempt to apply life lessons from Crystal Mangum’s insights. Hmm… I need to make some extra cash, what would Crystal do in this case? I want to destroy some innocent lives, what would Crystal do in this situation? I need to incite race relations at a particularly tense time, let me think what Crystal would do in this instance. Perhaps President Broadhead of Duke can award her a Master’s Degree, since she is now published. After all the support he showed his own students in their time of need and crisis, perhaps the award of a PhD to Crystal would be more appropriate. I am also wondering if the residents of Durham can sue Crystal directly since she cost them thousands of tax dollars.

As Crystal concocted and changed her story, wrongly accused and innocent team members had their home addresses given out, their pictures posted throughout Durham and their names tarnished forever. Their transgression was their lack of common sense when they hired dancers to come to their house. Crystal’s publisher (as he is laughing his way to the bank) is urging people to follow in the footsteps of the great Dr. Martin Luther King and lend a hand to someone that needs help. Speaking of those that need help, I’m going to presuppose Crystal’s publisher urged her to apologize in her book to all who were affected by her lies and misrepresentations. (Of course I will never know because I will not read her book). Shall I also take for granted that she will be donating all profits from her book to the families who had to lay out thousands of dollars in their quest to defend their sons who were victims of her lies? (I didn’t think so). Will President Broadhead and the “88” Duke faculty members be present outside the book signing issuing apologies because their actions and poor leadership are now helping Crystal profit?

It is a shame that when there are so many true victims of abuse, a false accuser has received so much media attention and is continuing to profit from her ulterior motives. It is the actions of a Crystal Mangum that make it all the more difficult for true victims of rape and abuse.

For now I urge you not to buy her book and allow her to profit off her blatant lies and dishonesty.

JOY TO THE WORLD, October 16, 2008

Two years ago today the world of Women's Basketball lost a wonderful coach in Joy "Kwaz" Swanson to ocular melanoma at the young age of thirty three. More importantly a husband lost his wife, a son his mom and a family their daughter and sister. Approximately 2,000 Americans will develop Ocular Melanoma this year (7 in one million people) of which half will die as the cancerous tumor metastasizes to other parts of the body.

Joy made coaching stops at St. Bonaventure, Army and finally Fairleigh Dickinson. What made her such a special coach was her innate ability to connect with and mentor the players under her charge. There was no middle ground with Joy, she was blunt, to the point and you loved her and responded, or you steered a path clear of her office. Those that responded to her frankness and honesty had a friend, coach and mentor for life. Her door on Bartlett Loop at West Point was always open and no one was denied entry, whatever their reason for stopping to visit. (Her husband Scott most likely never knew a day of quiet in their house).

So many college coaches are focused on their career path, advancing to the next job and reaching the highest possible level. Unfortunately in their quest for "greatness" they forget to embrace their current players and provide the true leadership that so many student athletes need today. A coach reminded me several years ago that our job is so much more than just Xs and Os, it is about the "Johnnies and the Joes". Helping young people embrace their path in life, grow and discover their true selves, while navigating the college years is not an easy undertaking; but one that more often than not is placed on the shoulders of coaches.

When Joy's memorial service was held at the Cadet Chapel at West Point it was crammed full of family, friends, Army student athletes, her team from Fairleigh Dickinson and former players. Listening to her brother and former players eulogize her it was clear that this was a memorial of love, kindness and happiness, not sadness. These were the people who truly knew her, the lives she touched, changed and loved. As painful as it was to watch Joy succumb to her sickness in less than a year, (with more dignity and grace then most of us can ever imagine) I take such happiness in knowing that her spirit lives on in so many people across the country because she took the time to care.

For now I hope everyone takes the time to make a difference in someone else's life this year.

“Here I come to save the day!” October 13, 2008

Mighty Mouse is typically thought of as saving Little Bo Peep’s sheep from becoming wolf stew. Today’s Mighty Mouse doesn’t wear a cape, but he’s in much better shape.

Several nights ago I had the pleasure of celebrating my younger sister's birthday at a Greek Restaurant in Astoria, NY. It has been at least four years since I have even been in the same state during her birthday, let alone shared a birthday meal with her. The entourage for the celebration included my daughter, my father, my sister's fiancé Mike and his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Bosl.

During dinner, I heard about Mighty Mouse; yes folks there is a real Mighty Mouse who will provide hope for all, albeit weekend warrior or elite athletes. Dr. Bosl is probably the most well versed oncologist in the country concerning sports, as he has two sons that participated in college athletics (one now an aspiring tri-athlete) and a daughter that runs marathons. Totally irrelevant in my world is that he is considered one of the world's experts in the treatment of testicular cancer, which is how he found himself lecturing in NYC following a Doctor who lectured about MIGHTY MOUSE.

Mighty Mouse is a group of genetically engineered mice at Case Western University, that can outperform, out run, out live, out eat and out do any other mouse in the world. Apparently these mice have an energy metabolism that over expresses the gene for the enzyme PEPCK-C (Don't ask what it stands for, leave that knowledge to the scientists). What does this have to do with sports or athletics? Well according to Dr. Richard Hanson "These mice are metabolically similar to Lance Armstrong biking up the Pyrenees; they utilize mainly fatty acids for energy and produce little lactic acid". Mighty Mouse has been known to run for up to thirty one minutes on his little mouse treadmill. (Oh yes they do exist, if Michael Vick can have dog treadmills, why not mouse treadmills)?

I do not know what Mighty Mouse means for future generations of athletes, but the experiment certainly goes a long way in explaining Michael Jordan's jumping ability, Lance Armstrong's success on a bike and those Ultimate Racers in the Mojave Desert who consider themselves sane. Perhaps these superior athletes are just genetically engineered with something the rest of the athletic population doesn't possess. Quite realistically their success is not because of steroids, illegal drugs or cheating. They are just Mighty Mouse in the human form.

What does Mighty Mouse mean for my future? He provides hope that I can continue to ingest copious amounts of ice cream, lay on the couch, wait for this baby to arrive and be ready to run the Big Sur Marathon in April. I believe I can have it all, I just need Mighty Mouse to come save my day!

(Keep in mind that this research isn't to create future uber athletes, but rather to find the link between exercise and reducing the risk of cancer).

For now, I am wondering how long it will take sports scientists to capitalize on this gene so I can dunk on my husband.

Lawrence Phillips and so much more… October 6, 2008

I am simply astonished and surprised! Lawrence Phillips, the former great Nebraska football player, was sentenced to ten years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon. He has been jailed for the past few years awaiting sentencing on this charge, but his run ins with the law date all the way back to college. His image was slightly tarnished when he beat the heck out of his girlfriend, but because he was so talented and athletically gifted in football his coaches, athletic director, school president and much of the country were willing to overlook the lapse. (His actions only found him suspended for the 94 spring game.) This current conviction is the result of running down three people with a vehicle after losing a pickup football game…

I can’t even imagine how many people I would have run down by now if after every loss I just ran the winners over. The tally would include that losing record to my brother in backyard pickup basketball games, the stellar win-loss record at Hofstra University and now as I close in on my ninth month of pregnancy, my athletic prowess is in serious jeopardy and even my husband can beat me in pickup basketball – the land would simply be littered with bodies.

Why do we constantly excuse athlete’s actions and unlawful disobedience simply because they can catch, run and score? This isn’t a onetime mistake by Lawrence Phillips; rather it is a serious pattern of behavior occurring for years. In college why wasn’t he held accountable for his actions and thrown off the team? During that same time frame, Christian Peter then an All-Big Eight defensive tackle, was arrested eight times at Nebraska, where he was twice accused of rape — charges resulting in one out-of-court settlement and another conviction for sexual assault. Why would any coach, athletic director or school president condone such actions? Is it because some college sports produce so much revenue that it is easier to overlook players’ transgressions? College coaches are held to a ridiculous standard of success that they often find a way to justify their player’s crimes, convincing themselves it is a onetime mistake. This one time mistake snowballs into two, three and four missteps and the next thing you know the player is signing a pro contract, while their victims struggle to regain the ability to function in everyday life. Until athletic directors, fans and school presidents empower coaches to make the correct decisions in disciplining their players properly (while maintaining their job security), matters will never transform.

What is the purpose of college athletics and the coaches that are charged to mentor student athletes? Coaches should be here to influence young minds, teach morality and develop student athletes not only as a player but also as a person. Clearly some allow their programs simply to be used as an immoral stepping stone to the professional level. Where is Nebraska football today? They had a great run when they won National Championships in 94, 95 and 97 but recently haven’t even been in contention for a National Championship, let alone a national ranking. Is it because the current coaching staff isn’t as good as Tom Osborne, or perhaps they haven’t been cutting corners and overlooking players’ actions. Why aren’t more coaches building a blueprint for success in the manner that Coach K has done at Duke? I am sure there are many outstanding players he could have signed, but chose not to bring into the Duke family, because their morals didn’t fit his needs.

When I think of the possibility of my child one day playing college sports, I always wonder would I prefer them to play for Bobby Knight or Bob Huggins. Not even a contest, at least I know Bobby Knight will hold my child accountable for their actions. As coaches, players and fans we can’t continue to justify and excuse individual’s actions simply because they are blessed with athletic capabilities. Although, for some a national championship, cash and God like status will always factor into their decision making ability.

FOR NOW all of you who beat me on the court should be grateful that I am not Lawrence Phillips.

FOR A SMALL SUM, ALL THIS CAN BE YOURS! CALL TODAY!, September 29, 2008

Attention all parents, call me today at 1-800-I-NEED-ATTENTION and for the small sum of $100 per session (30 per year for the next 12 years please!) we can get to work right away on your Child's Exploitation (sorry, I mean Marketing Plan), guaranteed to get them on You Tube and ESPN. Look what it did for Chikosi and Marquis Walker! Please refer to the following questions and answers for any information you may require concerning what our "PLAN" covers.

Q: What guarantees can you offer that my son will make the NBA if I invest in your Child Exploitation plan?

A: Guarantees? There are no guarantees, only .042% of male HS basketball players make it to the NBA.

Q: What do I have to lose by investing in your program?

A: The cost is negligible; all you are risking is your child's innocence, joy of childhood and future relationship with you.

Q: Marquis Walker had advisers in kindergarten and was also named the number one prospect in the country for kindergartners. Can you provide me with a group of advisers, as well as name my kid the number one prospect for pre-schoolers?

A: We don't provide advisers, however invite your siblings and friends over to your house, tell them Little Marquis needs advisers (not to worry if they have never played basketball ) and you will have a group of well qualified advisers. Currently we are assembling numerous fictitious scouting companies so that we may satisfy all our customers who want their child named "number one prospect in the country" for pre-school basketball players.

Q: In the ESPN interview 8 year old Marquis is asked why he wants to play in the NBA, to which he responds, "To be on the team and make money. It's all about the money, that's me". When asked why he wants to attend college he responds, "Umm I don't know". Will you make sure that when my child is interviewed that his responses are more mature so it doesn't appear that we, his parents, are using him?

A: Of course! The last thing we want is for the public to think we are encouraging the exploitation of their children.

Q: My wife is only 5'3 and I am 5'10, our vertical leap and 40 yard dash are very average, do you think it will impede our son's development?

A: Not at all! Don't get intimidated that the average vertical leap for an NBA player is 28" and Michael Jordan's was 48". Keep hope alive about the short gene you have passed onto your son, look at what Spudd Webb and Speedy Claxton have accomplished. Besides once you appear on You Tube standing next to LeBron James, college coaches won't care if your son can jump over a Sunday morning paper.

Q: Should I be concerned that my son is already 9 years old and I haven't invested in your program yet?

A: You should absolutely be concerned; in fact we can't even accept you into our program. We follow the model of the Walker family and that means you have to sign up with us by the time your child is two years old.

Q: Will my child be allowed to play pickup basketball, since some of my most enjoyable memories are playing pickup in the park after school with my friends and where I really learned how to stand up for myself and be creative on the court as well?

A: Are you not processing what you are reading? We follow the Walker family plan and Mr. Walker has stated, "I don't allow Marquis to play street ball because I have a disdain for it. It is selfish and one sided."

Q: As a parent I am concerned that my young child will feel unnecessary pressure at a young age from his exposure on You Tube and ESPN. How can I shield him from the pressure?

A: Well if you are that concerned about your child's psychological well being, then perhaps you should just wait until you child comes home from school in fourth grade and says, "Dad I think I would like to sign up for basketball this year." He will still have nine years to work hard to earn that college scholarship, of course he won't be making family history by being on ESPN, but he may still talk to you when he is 20 years old.

Q: What valid reason can you give me for starting my two year old on this asinine plan?

A: Next question please.

Q: Should names like Arthur Agee, William Gates, Nicole Kaczmarski, Jennifer Capriati or Della Donne cause any warning bells for me as a parent?

A: Absolutely not!! It is no concern of yours that Della Donne was the National Player of the Year coming out of high school and walked away from one of the top programs in the country before her freshman year. Please don't distress that Kaz attended numerous high schools, two colleges, was a top 5 recruit in the country, doesn't speak to her father and never lived up to her phenom billing. Capriati made millions, who cares about a little shop lifting or drug problem. Arthur Agee and William Gates could you remind me who they are again?

Q: Can your program guarantee that my child will pass all required core courses to satisfy the NCAA, grow taller than 5'10", fix his jump shot (it’s an ugly looking shot that he pushes from his belly, since the ball is still bigger than him) not burn out, not suffer any serious injuries, not fall in love with a girl at 16, not allow any of the current college coaches to retire and finally to make me (I mean my son) a very rich man?

A: Again, our only guarantee is that we will get you your 15 minutes of fame now, after that refer to Answer number 1.

For now I am going to enjoy the last 4 months of my daughters innocence since she will be two in January.

HERO OF THE UNDERGROUND, September 25, 2008

Several weeks ago I stopped by the Sports Byline offices to say hello to Ron Barr and left fifteen pounds heavier, with seven books relating to sports in my possession. As a voracious reader I was absolutely thrilled, but I am sure it was much to the dismay of my husband. He knew it would require his falling asleep with the lamp on and listening to my grumbling the next morning because I stayed up too late reading. Every topic was covered; from Woody Hayes to Mike Mussina to the Olympics. For the most part I managed to get through each book in several days, but one book I kept putting off to read.

Hero of the Underground, by Jason Peter, was deposited off to the side without any legitimate reason as to why I didn’t want to read the book. Conceivably, it was because I knew his brother Christian Peter had played for the NY Giants, but had been arrested 8 times while at the University of Nebraska. Perhaps subconsciously I didn’t want to read another story about a professional athlete who justified his inappropriate actions, even though he had been provided (and worked hard to obtain) every opportunity to have a successful life.

Finally, I gave in and picked up Hero of the Underground. Regrettably, for several hours last weekend I was of no use to my husband. Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down. Jason Peter makes absolutely no apologies for his inadequate choices, he places responsibility on no one but himself and in the process provides one of the most straightforward insights into his life as a high school, college and eventually professional athlete. His ability to make decisions concerning drugs was hindered immensely as his body broke down through football and then allowed him to ingest more drugs than is possible for the majority of the human population. I actually felt discomfort and nausea (could possibly be attributed to 8.5 months of pregnancy) as I read his in-depth accounts of life and his downward spiral from All-America, Co-captain of a National Championship team, first round draft pick in the NFL and finally ex-NFL player. He chronicles his drug use with such clarity and detail it is almost difficult to accept that he was high on cocaine or heroin because his recall is so astoundingly detailed.

Jason Peter writes his story of every kid’s dream turning into every parent’s nightmare with absolute brutal honesty. I am not condoning his choices in life, but rather applauding him for having the guts to put into words what most people would never admit to themselves, let alone their family or the public. His story kept leading me back to the same question: is the adulation and God like status heaped on players at major athletic programs leaving some with the feeling that there is nowhere to go but down? Graduation for most college students provides a time of excitement and opportunity, but the majority of college athletes are facing a life without the adoration and hero worship to which they have grown accustomed. Are college athletes ill prepared to face the reality of everyday life after their athletic careers conclude? Or is this oversimplifying the reactions of spoiled athletes?

One summer I worked basketball camp where several former Final Four participants were also working. One of them was a lost soul whose only intent was to see how unbelievably intoxicated and high he could become each day after camp. In passing, he mentioned to several counselors how life had never been the same since he graduated; that after his college experience there wasn’t much left to look forward to in life. By the time camp ended he had been checked into the hospital, where fortunately he still had many people with a vested interest in helping him. As I went home I was struck with sadness that this poor man truly believed there was nothing left to look forward to in life.

After reading Hero of the Underground, I couldn’t sleep for most of the night because my brain was incapable of shutting down, while trying to process and rationalize the Jason Peter story. At the end of the day, Jason Peter is one of the lucky ones who had the strength, desire and money to fund his recovery and somehow survive. Certainly a must read for any current or former college athlete who is preparing to meet the everyday world.

For now I am going to make up on some lost sleep!

Goodbye Yankee Stadium, September 22, 2008

Last night Yankee Stadium held its final NY Yankee game and sadly I couldn't be there to witness it in person. Yankee Stadium has meant so much for so many people and not only because it is home to the Yankees who are 26 time World Champions. (Don't worry Sox fans you only have 19 more to go!) Over the years Yankee Stadium has played host to numerous events, but more importantly Yankee Stadium has played a significant role in my own family growing up.

My brother, sister and I were raised in New York and between the three of us; we attended the majority of Catholic High Schools on Long Island. Since December 2000 my brother has been a member of the FDNY, my sister and mother are both elementary school teachers on Long Island and my father is a basketball coach at Queens College. People would be hard pressed to find a family that is more willing to give back to the citizens of New York. Several things have remained constant in our lives over the years; our family loyalty and bond, our love for New York and supporting the Yankees.

My father grew up in St. Albans, NY where everyone was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan. Nuns at his Catholic school would turn the radio on during school hours for the duration of the Dodgers' playoffs. Millions of hearts broke when the Dodgers left New York and fans were forced to align their loyalties with another team. Eventually my father ended up a reluctant Yankee fan, but his kids grew up die hard Yankee fans. Ironically my father's first experience at Yankee Stadium was a New York Giant football game against the Cleveland Browns and the great Jim Brown.

Years later we wanted to give my father Yankee season tickets for his birthday, but who the heck could afford them? We settled on a package for all Saturday home games with seats in the bleachers. All I can say is thank God alcohol had already been banned in the bleachers, as my father rarely drinks and my mother has never uttered a curse word in the 34 years I have been alive. At some point that season all of us attended a game with my father and participated in Roll Call with the rest of the bleacher creatures out in Section 39.

My brother is still trying to recover from a broken nose suffered at the hands of his best friend Eddie, when the Yankees played the Mets in October 2000. (First subway series since 1956). The Yankees won that night, so of course Eddie had no choice but to lock Pat out of the house. Undaunted Pat attempted to climb in his bedroom window, where Eddie promptly slammed the window on his head. Team loyalty knows no bounds.

My sister once spent $400 for two tickets (second to last row in the stadium) to take my dad to a Yankee/ Red Sox game to celebrate his birthday. She and my dad got a lot more than they ever imagined after all this was July 1, 2004, the game that Derek Jeter dove into the stands for a foul ball by Trot Nixon in the 12th inning. Thirteen innings and a win later, my dad and sister walked into the late summer night with a memory for the ages.

When my future husband flew into New York in May 2005 to meet my family, we enjoyed a wonderful day with enough family interaction to last him forever. Fortunately he was saved from any other family torture because we had tickets to the Yankee- Red Sox game. Unfortunately the Yankees lost 7-2 that night, but at least he got to experience his first Yankee game with the love of his life.

For so many people it is hard to rationalize tearing down a stadium that signifies the history of baseball. So much greatness is housed within the confines of Yankee stadium that it can not be appropriately described, but the old stadium will always be the House that Ruth built and that can never be altered. What we have to understand is that records are made to broken, history is intended to be made and it is time for current players and coaches to be given the opportunity to create new magic for future generations.

For now since I couldn't be home in New York to witness the final game at Yankee Stadium the following verse comes to mind: "We'll I'm NYC born and raised, but now a days I'm lost between two shores, L.A.'s fine but it ain't home, New York's home but it ain't mine no more" from I AM I SAID Neil Diamond

End of an Error?! September 19, 2008

The NY Times is reporting that the Knicks are getting ready to waive PG Stephon Marbury. Last season I didn’t even watch one Knicks game because I had better things to do with my time, such as watching the grass grow in our front yard. Growing up a NY Knicks fan, the past 7 dysfunctional, losing seasons have been absolutely torturous. The only good resulting from this debacle is that it has eased the pain from the night of June 2, 1993. I can recall sitting in my seat at Madison Square Garden, feeling as if the E train to Jamaica just ran me over, absolutely stunned at what had just occurred. If you weren’t there or can’t remember the game, it was Game 5 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals against the Bulls; Charles Smith missed 4 put backs in the final seconds of a game when the Knicks were down by one point.

Fifteen years later and I am actually yearning for that June night because at least those NY Knicks were hardnosed and in the playoffs. The downward spiral of the Knicks was set in motion before the hiring of Isiah Thomas as team president, however once Isiah was on board the Knicks quickly became a runaway train headed for disaster. The owner of the NY Knicks, James Dolan thought hiring a man who had run the CBA into the ground, killed the Raptors and couldn’t get the Indiana Pacers past the first round of the playoffs would actually be a quality hire. Perhaps Dolan should have conducted some basic due diligence before hiring Thomas (just a suggestion) since a Hall of Fame playing career doesn’t necessarily translate into good management skills. This chaos was only compounded when Stephon Marbury was signed in 2004, bringing a total lack of commitment, chemistry and selfishness to an already struggling team. I have to believe that the Knicks were receiving payback for not allowing Patrick Ewing to finish his career in a NY Knicks uniform.

I have friends who have not been able to give tickets away to Knicks games, but hold onto their season tickets and eat thousands of dollars a year, because they believe that change is inevitable. (Save me a ticket to opening night Mainland!) This is NY after all, the city that has the largest payroll for sports, millions of devoted fans and illustrious history. I am hopeful that as Stephon Marbury laces up his Starbury sneakers and heads out of New York, that he takes the last remaining pieces of this catastrophe with him. Please let this be the end of an error because there is only so much one fan can handle.

Perhaps if Coach Mike D’Antonio and team President Donnie Walsh don’t get the job done, then the people of NY can petition for James Dolan to be waived.

For now I am wishing that Isiah and Stephon had handled their adversity with the grace and dignity that Charles Smith possessed.

Dumb and Dumber, September 18, 2008

I know I am supposed to be mature and set a good example, especially since I have a daughter, but it appears I just can’t help myself. This week the world of athletics is asking for sarcastic remarks and comments on the lack of common sense that appears to be plaguing athletes. Clearly it is my duty to hand out awards to those athletes who have the least amount of common sense. (I wanted to call them idiots, but in my attempt to be mature, I won’t).

The first award goes to Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks. The great rapper, Los took video of Josh at Allen Iverson’s celebrity football game, during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, which eventually made its way onto… You Tube. What a surprise! (Glad to see you were paying attention during the anthem as well Los). In this video clip Josh tells the world, “Star-Spangled Banner going on right now, I don’t celebrate that (expletive). I’m black.” Josh let me be the first to say, I am so proud that you learned your colors in first grade. Good thing people before you fought to abolish slavery, gain civil rights and fight for freedom, so that you could establish that you are indeed black. I believe you are the guy who admitted during an interview to smoking pot… and they say smoking pot doesn’t cause brain damage. Fortunately Maverick’s owner Mark Cuban explained to Josh that “cellphone cameras are not your friend.” I have to say Mark, those are harsh words, but I think you are really helping a young player develop the mental skills he needs to be a leader and a role model. Please David Stern, just send Josh and Mark to the European League. In all reality this isn’t Josh’s fault; most public schools don’t even allow the pledge of allegiance before the start of class each day. In the meantime I have to thank all the brave men and women in the armed forces for defending America and protecting Josh Howard’s right to free speech. Glad you are risking your life so this guy can express his innermost thoughts so eloquently. In the meantime Josh, you are so stupid you needed a haircut and went to the Clippers game.

My second award hands down, (I mean pants down) goes to Chris Cooley of the Washington Redskins. He enjoys studying his playbook in the nude (already too much information) but in this case he snapped a picture of his quiz on the Saints to post on his blog. Unfortunately studying, not wearing pants and picture taking is never a good combination. Is it asking too much for Chris to have learned from the incident where he posted his check routing number on his blog. For this I say you are so stupid you thought a Quarterback was a refund.

Next up is the elusive Mark Ingram, formerly of the NY Giants, who was sentenced to 7 years for money laundering. Since it will be his third term behind bars, I am guessing the rehabilitation part of jail is not working out so well for him. Mark did say, “It hurts me to my core. This is not who I am.” Great Mark, if you don’t know who you are, we certainly don’t either. In this instance you believed you were actually a head of state, enjoying diplomatic immunity and immune from prosecution. And I am Heidi Klum. For this I say you are so stupid that when the judge said “Order in the Court” you said, “I’ll have a hamburger and a Coke.”

Lane Kiffin, Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders had to make the list just for being stupid enough to take a job working for Al Davis. People ask how anyone could turn down a head coaching job in the NFL; but there are good jobs, bad jobs and jobs you have to be insane to accept. A number of years ago I was offered my first head coaching job at the collegiate level. Several people called to inform me that the school president was a loose cannon and that I should not take the job. I thought I can make anything work, no problem. Lesson learned, when the guy in charge is not in touch with reality it doesn’t matter how hard you work, you will hit the pavement sooner or later. After all isn’t Al Davis the guy that sent Mike Shanahan on his way? So Lane, no matter what you do, you will eventually be kicked out the door. For even taking the job with the Raiders, I say you are so stupid when your contract said sign here, you put Libra.

Kim Willoughby, Olympic Silver Medalist in Volleyball was charged with first degree assault, for an incident outside the Pipeline Café in Honolulu in September of 2006. Her attorney said, “Anyone that knows Kim, knows that she is not a trouble maker.” Now I do not know Kim, so I can’t vouch for her status as a “non-trouble maker” but I am guessing her attorney missed her 3rd degree assault charge from June 8, 2001, for abuse of a family or household member. The 25 hours of community service, the mental health assessment and treatment doesn’t really seem to have had the desired effect. At least she can wear her silver medal around jail. For learning absolutely nothing from your past actions, I say you are so stupid you thought a lawsuit was something you wear to work

This list could go on and on, but I am 8 months pregnant and have Oreos and ice cream to eat.

For now I am teaching my daughter the value of possessing common sense.

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