Chasing Dreams

There's a lot to be said for people who have held a strong and steady belief in others and their dreams. I'm so unbelievably blessed to count a large number of people who believe in me and have encouraged me to chase my dreams of working as an on-camera sports reporter. I have the incredible Laura Okmin and incomparable Celeste Gehring who have served as incredible mentors for me. I've been honored to have the support of Jay Adams, managing editor of AtlantaFalcons.com and all around badass, as well as LaMar Campbell, formerly of the Detroit Lions who currently has his own radio show "Life After the Game" and is a CNN contributor. I have incredible friends and family who have told me never to give up - and for all of you I'm so thankful. And then I have those who don't know me, like Amber Lee, who continues to include me in her BleacherReport.com countdowns. I'm honored to be #5 on her list of top 20 women who deserve a job in sports. Maybe...just maybe...I'll have some news to share soon....

Check out the Bleacher Report Countdown here.


Til next time...
S.

Meeting An Athlete...

I'm lucky, that's for sure. I've met a fair share of athletes and incredibly talented journalists as of late - and I've been able to learn about their stories and hear about their goals and learn more about what made them pursue a life in sports or sports journalism. There are amazing people like Charles Davis, who is an incredible talent and broadcaster and a personal mentor for me. I'm also lucky enough to say that the one and only Laura Okmin, has taken an active interest in me (and my career) and believes in me enough to continue to coach me on how to talk to athletes, how to learn their stories, and how to understand their love of sports and report it in a way that does them justice. There's also guys like my friend LaMar Campbell, who are working to achieve their own dreams outside of the gridiron who are pursuing their own dreams who inspire me.

Danielle & Carlos Boozer - Dukies Unite!

Then, there's the alternative, which is meeting an athlete in passing or with random circumstances,  like last night, when I was lucky enough to briefly meet Duke alum and Chicago Bulls power forward, Carlos Boozer. What a nice guy...seriously. I went to the Hawks v. Bulls game last night as a guest of my friend Danielle (who, as I've mentioned previously, is a die-hard Dukie). The Duke alumni club here in Atlanta had set up a meet-and-greet after the game, which she also kindly took me to. It was so interesting hearing him talk to these alumni about the campus, reminiscing about his time at Duke, on the team, and the campus. He talked about the team's future and made it clear he's a Dukie forever. I could see these alumni light up as he talked to them - such a special thing to witness. Now, of course, there was a drawing to win a Boozer jersey, and who wins? The non-Dukie, naturally. So looks like I'm getting a signed jersey...that's going straight to Danielle - it means far more to her. The point of this, though, is that it's always so great to see an athlete who has achieved great success be so willing to talk to those who helped propel him to that position. Fans and supporters are such a huge part of sports, and it's great to see that Boozer recognized that. He's one of the good ones, and it's always so great to see.

...Until next time.
S.

Breaking News Wednesday - It's an NFL Circus!

Holy breaking NFL news, Batman! What a crazy day, and it's only 1pm! Let's start with the Saints, yes?

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell brought the hammer down on the New Orleans Saints for their "bounty system" that Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams headed. This disgusting system was finally brought to light, and we all knew that there were going to be serious consequences. I'll be honest, though, I didn't think they'd be this intense. Head Coach Sean Payton is now suspended for the 2012 season without pay beginning April 1, the team will be fined $500k, they will lose a second round draft pick in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, as expected, Williams is suspended indefinitely, which to me, says he's out for eternity. The Saints' general manager, Mickey Loomis, will also be suspended without pay the first eight games of this year's regular season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended (again, without pay) for the first six games of the 2012 regular season. For more specific information on the penalties, suspensions and overall picture of the sheer amount of trouble the Saints are in, read Adam Caplan's overview here. As a Falcons fan, this brings me immense amounts of satisfaction, but let's be honest, we always want a strong competition with the Saints. It's sad to see a team have this kind of serious infraction, and even harder to watch the fallout after. What happens to Brees and the rest of the Saints is up in the air. Without Payton, this team will undoubtedly be lost. He's one of the best coaches in the league, and it's really unfortunate to see this happen on his watch. However, there is a price to pay for such egregious acts such as this so-called "bounty system" that Williams had in place, and this is the result. We're still waiting to see if there will be individual player fines and suspensions handed out - my guess is it's just a matter of time. Was Goddell too heavy handed? I don't know, but it sure sends a very clear message. 

Moving on to the second piece of serious breaking news...Tim Tebow has officially been traded to the New York Jets for fourth and sixth round draft picks (the Broncos will also receive a seventh round pick). Fourth round?! SIXTH?! That's IT?! Wow. If that ain't a slap in the face. BUT, the Jets may just be a good fit for him, now that I think about it. Either that or (as my friend Jess and I discussed) Rex Ryan is asking to be fired, but whatever. He'll compete with Mark Sanchez (who is having his own set of issues right now) for a starting job that he may just get. I hope Tebow is prepared for New York fans, they're slightly different from the fickle Denver fan. Sanchez, hope you have your big boy pants on...get ready for Tebowmania, part two...this time, with the colorful Jets. Let's hope he has some Jets branded earmuffs for Rex Ryan's meetings, we know Tebows ears aren't prepared for the language he uses.

Days like this make me fall even more in love with football and the NFL (if even possible). This game is full of ups and downs and will throw you for a loop when you're not even remotely prepared for it. It's the business of it, the love for what happens on the field, and the thrilling fact that...well, it's pure entertainment. Keep your eyes glued to ESPN, friends, I'm sure there's more to come (and of course, you know I'll cover it).

Til next time...
S.

**UPDATE** There has been a snag in the Tebow-to-New York Jets trade. Apparently, Tebow has $5 million worth of recapture language...this means the Jets would have to pay back money to Denver. Jets have said they are unwilling to do this. If they can't get through this hang-up, Tebow would be back on the market and the trade would be nullified. Reportedly, the Rams are interested in him and would be willing to be a new trade parter with the Broncos, but if this is true, the terms of the trade change and of course, the question becomes "What of Sam Bradford?" Stay tuned, folks. He may just end up in Jacksonville, after all. Here's the latest from Pro Football Talk.

**UPDATE II**  It's official. The Jets now have Tim Tebow on their roster, for now, as Mark Sanchez's backup. The Jets have agreed to pay half of the $5 million to Denver, which apparently was good enough for them. "Dear Timmy, you're not worth more than a 4th and 6th round pick and half of the $5 mil we wanted. So. See ya. Love, the Broncos." Ouch. Well, here goes. The all-mighty Tim Tebow is now going to be tabloid fodder (Page 6 has to be in heaven right now) and will have to face hungry Jets fans. I'm sure Ryan will use him in the Wildcat - how successful that will actually be remains to be seen. Once again, Pro Football Talk has a great breakdown, which you should read.

Peyton Manning is a Bronco

Photo Credit: USAToday.com

There aren't enough words to describe my excitement about Peyton Manning's choice of becoming the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Right, I know, I'm such a homer for the team I grew up watching. But how could a Denver native not be excited about this? I wrote about Peyton visiting Denver, but never really thought he'd actually end up there. As he was choosing between the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos, every part of me assumed he'd end up in San Fran under Jim Harbaugh, but it after some thought it actually makes a lot of sense as to why he chose Denver.

Manning has always said he wanted to stay in the AFC, and the Broncos fit that requirement. He also reportedly felt more comfortable with Denver's front office  - he has a strong rapport with John Elway and head coach John Fox is willing to hand him the keys to the offense (along with a 5-year and 90-million-dollar contract) and just...well, drive. Manning is one of the most prolific quarterbacks of recent NFL history, but certainly (and inarguably) one of the best ever. The Denver Broncos also have a young group of receivers, and there are rumors floating around about some free agents that are now visiting Denver as a result of the Peyton acquisition (there are also rumors that veteran center and former teammate of Manning, Jeff Saturday, is now visiting with the Broncos). Also worth noting, Eric Decker is about to have a monster season. I'm calling it now.

Yesterday, I was on my friend LaMar's incredible radio program, Life After the Game (listen to yesterday's show here), and talked about everything Petyon. LaMar made a great point that Peyton Manning turns his receivers into Pro Bowlers. Truth, my friend. The Broncos are now instant Super Bowl contenders (even Vegas agreed). All this Petyon chatter is great, but lest we forget the once chosen one, Tim Tebow. In my opinion (and as I said on LATG), the Broncos will trade him. Tebow just isn't the answer, and John Elway has made it well known that he isn't his biggest fan. Sure, he surprised a lot of us, including me, with his run this year, but he's not the long term answer. He needs a different role and a different offensive scheme. I think the obvious needs to be stated - Jacksonville would be a great fit for him. Yes, he'd be the hometown hero, only hours away from where he played college football at UF, but he'd put people in the seats of a stadium and franchise that desperately needs it. It's marketing brilliance. However, there are new reports of him being looked at by big time teams like the Packers and Patriots. We'll see where he lands, but it's safe to say he's out of Denver.

As a Denver native, this is exciting, and I think expectations are high for Manning - pressure can be a blessing and a curse, but I can't wait to see where this season takes the Broncos with him at the helm. Where the rest of the chips fall, especially with Tebow, remains to be seen, but you can bet it'll be a big story.

Well lookie here

This is my second time in Bleacher Report - very cool! I adore Amber Lee - she regularly features Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders in her columns and I feel honored to have made one of her countdowns for the second time! You can check it out here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1092382-winters-100-steamiest-sports-hottie-twit-pics/page/95

So. Peyton's in Denver.

How 'bout that, kids. Sounds like Petyon Manning just landed in the Mile High City...simultaneously giving every Bronco fan a heart attack from pure joy. Move aside, Tebow.

Ok. Jokes aside for the moment. Before I launch into what's really on my mind, I feel it necessary to address Manning's press conference as he parted ways from the Colts. There is no question...this guy is a straight up class act. There are a lot of athletes that could really take notes from him (here's looking at you, LeBron). His departure was bittersweet - for him and the organization - and he expressed his thoughts with grace and eloquence. I think it's safe to say most everyone thinks Mannning is a standup guy and would welcome him to their organization with open arms. But is Manning the right choice for my hometown team? Let's analyze further.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Manning's people are saying nothing's serious, he's just looking around at various cities and facilities who are interested, but let's be real. He's doing his due diligence and he knows there are at least 10 teams interested in his services at QB. Free agency starts next week, and from what I've been reading. it sounds like he wants to make a decision by next week, too. That's quick.

Photo Credit: John Leyba - The Denver Post

Denver really needs a quarterback (apologies, Tebow lovers, but he's not the guy to lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl). However, I'm not convinced Manning is the answer, either. He's a prolific quarterback, immensely talented to a point that is almost outrageous. He's a future Hall of Fame player. So what's not to love? Well. He's 35 and has had neck surgery three times and missed all of last season. I want to believe that if anyone can bounce back, it's him; however, it's neck surgery. That, my friends, is pretty damn serious, especially in the position he's in. At 35, he's no spring chicken (sorry to sound like a grandma) but we need to be realistic here. So, what do Elway, Fox and Xanders do here? My opinion? It's worth the risk. Peyton Manning is a player on par with the greatest of all time. I think it's worth looking into what he can do now. He's been working out, rehabbing and mentally preparing for an entire year, now. He's ready to face the next season and prove he's still got it. Maybe I'm biased (ever so slightly), but I think he's a fantastic fit for Denver and is well matched with John Fox as a head coach. Excuse my excitement over what could potentially not happen, but I'm giddy. We need someone who will be a strong leader. Maybe (just maybe) Manning could be a mentor and teacher for Tebow. This could really be a great move for the Broncos. I'll reserve a total meltdown of pure, unadulterated joy (or disappointment) until there's official word next week, but in the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed.

Just because I think he's awesome...here's the press conference I mentioned earlier. Class, grace and eloquence that everyone could learn from.

Suh's Bad Behavior

Andrew Weber/US Presswire

Part of me wants to make a snarky, "well it's because he went to Nebraska" comment, but I'll reserve bias because it really doesn't have anything to do with it (maybe).

Yesterday, as I was watching the Packers vs. Lions game, all I could see was a whole lot of nothing the first half, and then a whole lot of self destruction by way of penalties and bad decisions the second half for the Lions. This post, however, has nothing to do with the Lions late-season self destruction or thinning secondary due to injury. This is all about Ndamukong Suh.

Suh was ejected from the game after he pounded the head of Packers' offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, followed by a giant stomp on him.

Hold up. 

I'm sorry, in what world is that okay behavior? Grow up, Suh. He said later about his behavior, "I want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches and true fans for allowing the refs to have an opportunity to take me out of this game." Right...okay. He continued, "What I did was remove myself from the situation the best way I felt, with me being held down." I'm sorry, is it just me or is this just a giant "I'm the victim" play by Suh? He has lost his mind if he thinks anyone thought this wasn't intentional. To me, the worst part of this is he genuinely feels like he didn't do anything wrong. I hate to say it, but all of America would have to disagree here.  As ESPN.com blogger Kevin Seifert said, "...if Suh didn't intend to do what he did Thursday, he needs to be examined for involuntary leg and arm movement." While I got a small laugh out of this, it's incredibly true. There's no room for any sort of doubt in this situation. Suh has established himself as a dirty player. Once you go there, there's no going back.

Let's do a reality check here, real quick. Obviously things happen. Football isn't exactly a delicate sport, but there really is no place for behavior or actions like Suh's. Period. End of story. This situation makes me disappointed for a number of reasons. I liked Suh (despite that whole he-went-to-Nebraska thing) and actually found him rather interesting and well-spoken. Above all else, though, he was a bad-ass player with so much talent he almost didn't know what to do with it. Impressive. He single-handedly changed the Detroit Lions' defense and their team as a whole. Now, he's changing it for different reasons. Suh has been fined many, many times - last year for hits on Jay Cutler and Jake Delhomme, this year for a nasty hit on Andy Dalton in the preseason.

Let's talk numbers, now. Suh has now received three personal foul penalties this season alone, making his total number seven since his rookie season last year. He's now tied (ironically) with his teammate, Cliff Avril for the most personal foul penalties in the league since last year. Suh can say backwards, forwards, upside-down and sideways that he was justified in what he did and that there was reason for it...fine, let him. He's wrong. Obviously Suh doesn't care about his public perception and has a total lack of respect for the rules of the game, his coaches, teammates, fellow players and the NFL as a whole. Unbelievable.

My opinion? Suspend him for the rest of the season. It's time for Roger Goodell to make a point, and Lions coach Jim Schwartz needs to step in and back him up. There is no room in this game for actions like Suh's. His talent is undeniable, his behavior is unacceptable. Let him learn his lesson.

Until next time...
S.

University of Miami and New Allegations...The Fallout

Let me start by saying as a University of Miami Hurricane fan, my heart breaks. It breaks for new Head Coach Al Golden, who stepped away from a blossoming program at Temple to lead the new era for the U, it breaks for his new coaching staff who also came to Miami thinking they would usher in the new winning era for the team, and it breaks for those kids not involved in this. This is a disgusting display of an out of control booster, wrongdoing by coaches, and most importantly, administrators at the University.

I won't re-hash the allegations against Miami - you can read all the gory details here, as uncovered by Senior Investigative Reporter for Yahoo! Sports, Charles Robinson. It's so bad you want to look away. This very well could be the end for the Hurricanes football program. There are so many players and coaches involved in this thing, it wouldn't shock me to see the death penalty a la SMU. In my opinion, though, I think what happens to the U will be worse than death. I see a sentence far worse than what we see at USC and Ohio State, or any other school dealing with major NCAA infractions. It will be close to the brink, so much so, that they will be unable to recruit, unable to retain, and unable to reestablish. A fate, in my opinion, worse than death for the once great program.

Quite frankly, I'm at a total loss for words when it comes to the University of Miami administration's actions...especially those of UM President Donna Shalala. The administration KNEW that Nevin Shapiro had been illicitly involved with UM student-athletes. They knew that he was not a standup guy (altercations with the head of Compliance?! How was this not investigated?!) and knew of his transgressions...for over a year. How dare this program not tell Al Golden and his staff? It blows my mind.

The only statement UM can muster? "As stated this morning, the University of Miami takes any allegations seriously and will continue to cooperate fully in a joint investigation with the NCAA." Oh, so NOW you cooperate. Sounds good, Miami. This morning, more news comes pouring out from Shapiro's lawyer, stating that now former football head coaches Randy Shannon and Larry Coker were involved and knew full well of Shapiro's activity from 2002-2010. How is this man, currently incarcerated for being a crook and criminal, doing this? How could UM not have said "perhaps we should keep this guy away from our kids?" How could an administration knowingly not take action. There is so much wrong here, so many people wrong. To see guys that I respected as men and players on "the list" of those who interacted with him - Frank Gore, Willis McGahee, Jonathan Vilma, Devin Hester, Sean Spence, Kellen Winslow, Jr, etc... is a brutal reality that this happened...and that it continued to happen and affects players currently on the roster (ie: Jacory Harris, Ray Ray Armstrong, et. al.). Unbelievable.

The University of Miami administration needs to step up and get in front of microphones and cameras and talk. This responsibility should not fall on Al Golden. Period. End of story. In his presser this morning, Golden showed grace and class in this whirlwind of chaos and said "How did this guy, if he did, how did he get around our players like that? Me, as a head coach, wants to know." You're damn right he wants to know, and deserves to know what the hell kind of mess he just walked into.

What now? What about the kids who have been sold on Coach Golden and his staff...the new "Golden Era" at UM? It's reality check time. It won't exist. Al Golden was the future of this program, and because of past actions and disgusting behavior from previous coaches, administrators, and players, it is ruined. When I became a UM fan, I learned of the "U Family." My boyfriend of 4 years grew up in the Orange Bowl. He grew up loving guys like Ken Dorsey. He held the winning ideology of the program to his heart and he learned toughness from watching players like Devin Hester, Willis McGahee, and Frank Gore. Where are they at a time like this? As he said, "Some U family this is." He's beside himself. He has been a fan since he was a small boy, a lover of the orange and green, though the good and the bad. He truly loves Miami. He feels cheated, slighted, and is without words. You know what? He's right and he's justified in this feeling. Where is the U Family? Why aren't we working together as a family to prop each other up? This is beyond sad...it's heartbreaking.

I fear that we will soon learn more and become inundated with "Thug U" all over again. It's like a flashback, but worse this time around. There are more than just Miami players and coaches involved, here, and I'm sure they will be feeling the pressure soon (word is Clint Hurtt is already in deep). I'll be keeping my eye on this story and updating as I can...I'm sure it will be in our faces for some time.

Below is Coach Golden's presser this morning. Classy, tasteful, strong.



Until next time...
S.

New Horizons, Finding a Mentor, and an Interview with Charles Davis

I hate to deviate from my normal format - write about sports stories, be opinionated, make you laugh, make a point, and call it a day....but I feel compelled to share my story from this past weekend. Have you ever felt like you were on the precipice of something truly amazing? I think I had a major breakthrough. For those people who know me well, they know that I've been in a lull. I hit a major plateau (as Charles would say - but we'll get there in due time). I couldn't pick myself up. I was frustrated, unable to truly chase the bigger dream. If you've been reading my blog (here, or from another site I write for, or you are my friend/family member forced into reading), then you know all I really want in life is to be a sports reporter and broadcaster. I want nothing more than to write, report, produce, and most of all, impact. Let's go back two and a half years.

I was working in retail while between jobs. I had just left CNN and had no idea what was next for me, other than total terror in the direction my life had taken. I was unsure of myself, who I was, and how to figure out what I needed to do to go where I wanted. I took a job in retail to pay the bills when Laura Okmin walked through the door. Don't know Laura? You should. She's one of the most accomplished and well respected reporters in the sports industry. She stands as an example of everything a strong woman working in the world of gridiron and testosterone should be. Of course I knew who she was - we talked Falcons and college ball, I sold her a pair of jeans and she left. Imagine my surprise when she came back into the store. We talked sports again, no doubt I began to irritate her, and she left. Finally, by the third time Laura came in, I shared with her that I was a pro cheerleader in the NFL. We talked a bit longer and said our goodbyes. That Sunday, she happened to be assigned to the sidelines right by me. Thus began a mentorship and friendship I would have never seen coming.

I had to tell this story to explain where I'm at. I stayed in touch with Laura. In early June, I reached a point where emotionally, mentally, and physically I had reached the bottom out point. Contacting Laura was like throwing out a proverbial life preserver. I sent it out with a hope and a prayer. A few days later I was on the phone with her, having a conversation I would have never expected. Laura had gone from someone I respected and admired to someone who wanted to mentor me. Talk about finding the light when you needed it most. Laura had seen my life preserver, grabbed it, and gave me floaties. In every sense of the word, she is my lifesaver.

I spent time with Laura, her best friend and executive producer at FOX Sports, Celeste, and a few other young women at various ages and points in their lives and careers over the weekend. I could have never anticipated the effect that this would have on me. Not only do I have a new lease on life, a completely and total renewed sense of self, and a fire lit inside of me that cannot be extinguished. I realize how cheesy that must all sound but it is so 100% true.

Without going into the nitty-gritty (and emotional) details, I feel so motivated, driven, and compelled to make sports reporting, writing, and broadcasting a career. I genuinely feel such a passion for this that it gives me butterflies. I love everything about it and I am excited to fight for success no matter what curveballs get thrown at me. I'll leave it at that, but I am so thankful and so very blessed to have people (like you!) reading my blog and supporting and cheering me on to achieve these dreams.

As a part of this adventure, I had the opportunity to spend time with Charles Davis and interview him on camera about his life in broadcasting, how he got to where he is, and his incredible barrier breaking achievements. Charles is the kind of guy you just relate to - if you don't feel connected to him then there is something wrong with you. He's personable and charismatic, and best of all, patient. I loved hearing about his path from college football standout at the University of Tennessee to broadcasting all-star. He has had his fair share of bumps in the road, struggles, and as he says, plateaus. He broke barriers as the first African-American PGA Tour Director, as well as the first to call a BCS National Championship game. Another challenge he overcame? Not having NFL experience...yet he is one of the top NFL analysts and broadcasters in the industry. How 'bout that, eh? When I sat down with him, I asked him about the surprising turns his career has taken and learned just how important his network really has been in his success. I took away a greater understanding of him as a person, an athlete, and a broadcaster. Impressive, to say the least.

I feel inspired. I can take on the world. I can do this. And I am so thankful for YOUR support as I do it. It's scary to chase a dream - as Celeste said yesterday, it is so much easier to rely on the easy times, but when you're really challenged is when you're in times of difficulty. Sometimes, you just have to leap, even without knowing where that net is. So off I go, jumping and praying for that net to appear, but deep down, I know it will. I'm so lucky to have amazing women in my life like Laura and Celeste who I know will fight tooth and nail to help see me succeed...what a rarity. They truly are more than just mentors - they're friends.

Off I go to pursue this dream with everything I have, and I've never been more ready.

Until next time...
S.

Role Models and Athletics...they DO exist!

In the midst of hearing about probation violations and new arrests, who is left on the 'role model' list? LeBron said it best..."I'm not a role model." Well, that's for damn sure. In a world filled with superstar athletes who keep doing dumb things, it's hard to find a real role model. Pacman Jones was recently arrested for disorderly conduct while intoxicated and resisting arrest (adding to an ever growing list of legal offenses). Even Hines Ward, who I always had a lot of respect for, was just arrested on a DUI charge. With the Plaxico Burresses, Kobe Bryants, LeBron Jameses, and Michael Vicks of the athletic world, it's hard to find a real role model in the mix.

Then again, for every guy who doesn't want to be labeled a role model, you'll find one who does. My thoughts go straight to Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Brian Waters, and Madieu Williams. Then there are the guys who have reformed in major ways to come around and are the embodiment of "full circle" stories you always hear about...case in point being Josh Hamilton who inspires me every time I hear his story. Speaking of being inspired, what about Tom Watson's performance at the British Open? He's 61 years old and he became the oldest man to make the cut. Now that is pretty amazing. A role model to keep playing? I'd certainly say so. Guys like Watson (and Phil Mickelson) sure make up for the tragedy in golf that became Tiger Woods (that fall from grace and 'role model-hood' is a whole different story).

More recently, I find myself going to the Women's World Cup soccer team. All of these ladies played exceedingly hard and fought to get to that final round against Japan. Despite a loss, they won in the eyes of many Americans. Events like this bring our country together - we all have one team, one goal, and cheer at the same time. It's a beautiful thing! The major stars of the team - Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Lauren Cheney, Alex Morgan, and of course, Coach Pia Sundhage, have rocketed to the forefront of sporting news, giving little girls everywhere strong, athletic women to look up to.

Here's another story of doing good. Ex-NBA player Brian Grant has taken on the cause of finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease...something he suffers from. Or what about the inspiring story of Anthony Robles, who was honored at this year's ESPY awards with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance? Born without his right leg, Robles fought hard to prove his worth in the world of wrestling. As a champion on the Arizona State wrestling team, he did more than prove his worth. His motto? "Be unstoppable." This young man embodies everything Jimmy V stood for when he said "don't give up! Don't ever give up!" Speaking of Jim Valvano, he's the ultimate in inspiration and perseverance and may be the ultimate role model.

Here's the point I'm trying to make: even with all the negative that goes on in our major sporting leagues today, there are those who genuinely want to make a difference. There are those who want nothing more than to use their star power for good (aside from putting points on the board). Those are the men and women we should look to for inspiration (see my post on Eric LeGrand and overcoming against all odds). Without the negative we see in the papers, online, and on TV, we'd never really know how great the good guys are. With every arrest comes someone else who wants to combat that image. To me, that's what sports are all about -- the ability to take negative and turn it to positive. Pass it on.

Until next time...
-S

Overcoming.

I hear it all the time. My friend Kimberly actually said it today..."you don't want to live your life regretting not following your dreams." My dance coach always says that it is never too late to chase down the things that make you happy.

Ain't that the truth...

There are remarkable stories left and right about athletes who have given up everything to chase the dream of making it to the bigs, or perhaps even more inspiring, those who have lost everything and want to work back to it.

That brings me to a bigger point, what are we willing to risk, to give up, just to chase down a dream? For many, they sacrifice everything. Those who know me well can attest that I am hard headed and stubborn, and when it comes to pursuing something I'm passionate about...well you can't hold me back. Obnoxious?? Maybe, but I like to think it's one of my more redeeming qualities. At any rate, I feel inspired today to achieve my goals and to chase down my dreams til I can hold them in my hands.

I was just reading an update on Eric LeGrand's condition (which spurred all this, by the way). If you don't know, LeGrand was a stud defensive tackle for the Rutgers football team when tragedy struck. He went in for a major play last year against Army and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors initially told him that he'd never move again and would potentially be on a ventilator for the remainder of his life. Not only is he off a ventilator, he's slowly (but surely) regaining strength and beginning to have slow movement in his arms again. Pretty incredible. He said he'd walk again, and I'll be damned if he doesn't achieve it. Guys like Eric LeGrand inspire me to be better as a person, and continue to teach the age-old lesson of "never give up, always persevere."

What about Mike James? He may not be a household name, but the kid is a strong RB from the University of Miami. Last year, just a few days before Christmas, he lost his mother in a fatal car accident. Not only was this right before the holiday, but it was also mere days before UM was slated to play in the Sun Bowl. Adding onto an already emotional and tragic situation, the funeral was then planned for the day of the bowl game. Mike decided that he would play, in honor of his mother. I can't imagine what a difficult and emotional decision that had to have been. It's beautiful to me, though. His mother was his biggest fan. She was at every single UM game, cheering her little boy on as he ran into the end zone. She was his inspiration, and for that I think it was a beautifully touching thing that he played in that game. Despite a loss, he did what she would have wanted him to do. Pursue and chase his dream. Maybe it hits close to home for me, and maybe it holds extra weight because of the loss I've experienced with my own mother, but I remember hearing about James' story last year, and my heart breaking for him, and understanding every gut wrenching decision he made. That, my friends, is inspirational.

There are stories of tragedy to triumph and overcoming to achieve dreams everywhere you look -- Joannie Rochette competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics two days after her mom suddenly passed away to win a bronze, The Los Angeles Angels baseball team truly became one and went on to win the AL West in 2009 after their fallen teammate, Nick Adenhart, was killed in drunk driving accident; and of course, most famously, Michael Oher's rise from poverty to NFL star, by way of a loving adoptive family.

Regardless of the story, the bottom line stays the same: overcome and you shall succeed. I keep this in the back of my head, that even on the worst days, I can do this. Even if only one person finds value in my writing or sees my passion, then it's worth the exhaustive effort. Chasing dreams is something a lot of people are scared of...me included! If we can all take a cue from these athletes who have incredibly inspirational stories, then maybe we can all find our own level of success, no matter how big or small it may be.

Until next time...
S.

It's About Time...

I'm so thrilled to bring you my very own blog...it's long overdue, I know. Maybe you wandered here by way of my work on AtlantaFalcons.com, the wonderful PinkCleats blog, or I popped up in your Google search (or, more likely, you're a friend and/or family and I've forced you here...tough!).

Generally speaking, I'm a nitty-gritty type gal, I love to dig deep and bring out the real issues in the sports world. I'm blunt, bold, and always have an opinion (generally of the strong variety). This time around, though, I'm going to speak a little bit to what motivates and drives me.

Writing is something I've always loved. I remember as a child, my grandmother would give me a pen and paper to entertain myself...I have literally been writing from the moment I was capable. I just a kid when I fell in love with sports, watching John Elway carry the Denver Broncos to two SuperBowl victories and standing in the Stanley Cup parade when the Avalanche took home the ultimate title. Nuggets games sustained me during the football off-season and I lived for sitting in the "Rock Pile" at Coors Field watching the Rockies play, regardless of how terrible they were. There's something special about the Denver sports scene that pulls you in and never lets go (yes, I still root for my poor, ailing Colorado Buffaloes). It was growing up in the whirlwind of Denver sports that made me fall in love with everything that breathed a mention or hint of athleticism. I've now taken on additional sports loves (read: the Atlanta Falcons) and have found joy in learning about the subtlties of talking about sports...it's truly a universal language.

In the past few years, I've realized that combining two of my greatest loves - writing and sports - makes me supremely happy (I've also heard, and it may just be a rumor, that some people actually enjoy my writing, to that I say "thank you!"). I can only hope to turn this passion of sports writing and journalism into my career, and I'm glad to have you along for the ride.

Expect lots of entertaining conversation here on this blog, and I welcome comments, questions, concerns, criticism, blatant hatred of what I write...whatever, it's all free speech, right? I'm seriously blessed to have this outlet, and even luckier to have been able to come this far.

On another note, I obviously have the most amazing family in the world...my father deserves an epic pat on the back for hearing me talk about this crazy dream of being a sports journalist nonstop. The best part? He's nothing but completely supportive. Same goes for everyone else in my life. I don't know what I've done to deserve such an outpouring of incredible support, but I have it, and believe me, I am beyond thankful for it.

So, enough with the mushy stuff, let's get down to business. Stay tuned for more from me on an obnoxiously regular basis.

Cheers!
S