unpackinit_wkof_5_18_13_part2

unpackinit_wkof_5_18_13

EDDIE WILLIAMS FINAL MIXDOWN

It’s insane they aren’t better protected, and I’m shocked this sort of situation doesn’t happen more often. We always talk about the dangers of football and hockey because of the contact, but I’m convinced I would rather get tackled than have a ball fly that fast at my head with very little time to respond. I’m convinced baseball has to find a way to add protection for pitchers – even if actually getting hit is rare.

2. I’m convinced…I was right about Steph Curry when I predicted before the playoffs that he’s a winner. Fans are now recognizing he’s a talented leader, and more and more of them are going to take notice during the playoffs. As we all hop on the Steph Curry bandwagon, and agree he’s a treat to watch, I’m convinced the Warriors will be a perennial playoff team with Steph leading the way. 

I’m also convinced he is the Russel Wilson of the NBA – both the most likeable players in their respective leagues. They are equally grounded, respectful, great in interviews, good teammates, humble, and entertaining to watch. If you ask an average NBA or NFL fan, I don’t think you can find many who will say anything negative about either guy. I just hope they both can keep it up…but I’m convinced they will!

3.  I’m convinced…two things will always be true – sports will have refs or umpires, and those refs and umpires will make mistakes. I’m convinced the umps blew it this past week in a big way, but it wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time. I’m convinced technology should help to get the majority of calls right, and it’s crazy when refs or umps still make blatant mistakes. I’m convinced they should be penalized or suspended when they miss major calls in order to limit those mistakes in the future. However, I am also convinced you can’t reverse the outcome after a game even if you know a call clearly affected the score. There is always a human element when it comes to sports and trying to officiate games. I’m thankful technology has improved the calls, but part of me enjoys the controversy created when calls are missed. In the end, we should be used to those mistakes and realize that based on the officiating and umpiring, our team will both benefit and hurt sometimes.

4. I’m convinced…NBC’s Sunday night football made a great decision to hire Carrie Underwood to sing the pregame intro song each week. I’m convinced this could actually work in my favor because I love Sunday night football and my fiancée, Jodi, is a huge Carrie Underwood fan. I know it’s a stretch, since she isn’t really a football fan, but I’m hoping this pairing might actually convince her to sit down and watch the game with me. The funny thing is, after meeting Jodi in the coffee line at church and neither one of us acknowledging each other when heading home on the same road (to avoid awkwardness), I could hear her listening to Carrie Underwood in her car. Coming full circle after that Sunday, I ended up asking Jodi out…we’re getting married this summer…and hopefully during the upcoming football season we’ll both be listening to Carrie Underwood sing…and watching Sunday night football side by side. It could definitely be a WIN, WIN!

unpackinit_wkof_5_11_13_part2

unpackinit_wkof_5_11_13

Traevon Jackson FINAL

HOME RUN CAROL MATTHEWS FINAL

2. I’m convinced…it’s totally fine for Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel, and Alabama QB, AJ McCarron, to go on vacation together. Of course, they are SEC rivals and two of the best quarterbacks in college football, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends. I think fans have to realize that on-the-field rivalries are awesome, but that guys on different teams can hang out off the field without lessening the intensity of the rivalry. I would actually argue that it’s enhanced when you go up against close friends or even brothers. I’m also convinced it has to be difficult for star athletes, on any level and in any sport, to have friends they can relate to – guys that understand their pressure and mindset. I’m sure Manziel and McCarron relate well and will have a fun time on vacation…and you know McCarron still wants revenge on the field!

3. I’m convinced…Josh Hamilton isn’t having the type of season the Los Angeles Angels hoped he would, but I’m glad to see he’s still doing his best to encourage and inspire fans. A picture surfaced this week of a baseball he signed for a fan that read, “We come to Christ as we are and He is responsible for cleaning us up! We trust; He cleans. Jesus loves you. Love Him.” Most of us know about Josh Hamilton’s battle with drug addiction, and his life transformation because of his faith in Jesus. I’m convinced Hamilton will get it together on the baseball field at some point, but in the meantime, I’m glad he’s willing to make the extra effort when signing a baseball. 

4. I’m convinced…the nickname Redskins is offensive and Washington should have never used it for their football team. However, I side with the four in five Americans who don’t think the team should change their name. I understand why there is a push for a name change, but unfortunately it’s too late.  The name might be offensive on its own, but now it has a different meaning. It stands for the football team in Washington.  When sports fans hear the name, they think of RG III…or Joe Gibbs…or Super Bowl winning teams…or their dedicated fans. Most of the time sports’ nicknames are silly, and I’m convinced fans don’t even think about what they mean. There are names like Heat, Thunder, Jets, and Bobcats. Do you think about a Thunderstorm when you hear Oklahoma City Thunder? I know I don’t. I also don’t think anything derogatory when I hear the word Redskins.  The name is associated with a football team now – not anything unkind toward a group of people. Again, I wish they established a different name at the beginning, but this is the one Washington chose and it doesn’t look like it’s getting changed. We should be more concerned  about our thoughts and feelings toward people, and not so concerned about a sports’ nickname that means no harm.