Thoughts on Parenting and What the NCAA and Brad Pitt have in Common-

The Drive:
      I’m sitting here watching my daughter’s gymnastics class at the Roanoke Academy of Gymnastics, and I am reminded of how important positive self esteem is for our kids…and dare I say—-even more important for girls. No sexism here, just reality. Society is set up to give the guys all the advantages, all the props.  Having confidence thru whatever vehicle you choose, in this case, athletics, is so, so valuable.  My daughter is not yet five, so even though I spend my life watching athletes, I still have no idea if she could be the next—Nastia Liukin, distance runner Catherine White or Speaker Nancy Pelosi. It really doesn’t matter to me, so long as she grows up with the confidence to try whatever she wants, and she isn’t dependent on somebody who belongs in the sequel to Pulp Fiction. Ok, that was an extreme reference but you get my drift.

The Fairway: 
  Wow, the UVA Quarterback situation just gets more bizarre by the minute. Jameel Sewell’s departure was abrupt enough for grades issues, but Peter Lalich’s exit stage left is stunning.  The Times-Dispatch has reported that Virginia’s decision to dismiss Lalich was not solely a reaction to his probation violation. They eluded to “other transgressions” not involving the criminal-justice system. Clearly, this wasn’t just about underage drinking where no crime was committed. If that were the case, about 80 percent of all colleges is America would be empty. That percentage is probably low. (in my opinion).  Now the latest has him at Oregon State, with a possible transfer to the Beavers. Meanwhile, the Hokies only QB problem is that they have two that can play with different styles. Pretty mild by comparison, huh?

The Green: 
    Somebody stop the NCAA before an entire football team storms the home office and burns it to the ground. This whole celebration rule needs to be rewritten, immediately. Give the ref some room for a judgment call. It does not take a Phi-Beta-Kappa to indentify the difference between showboating and pure joy. The NCAA knows what pure joy is…they work dilligently at being able to drain every last drop of it out of the contests they preside over. Wait…is the NCAA related to Brad Pitt? Maybe Brad is the NCAA?  Didn’t Jenn proclaim he was “missing a sensitivity chip?“. That’s the NCAA. Be robots, young athletes, and continue to make us millions. Do another movie…er…uh…BCS season. Keep it up…keep the cash flowing. But please, please…no emotion kids.

The Jar:
    I’m still not drinking the USC cool-aid.  I’ll take the SEC survivor, even with one loss…in a title showdown. Why” They’ll have about five weeks to heal up after a brutal schedule, while USC will go through the entire season playing the “we don’t put athletes on defense league” otherwise known as the PAC –other -9. I’m not saying USC is super-duper talented—what I’m saying is I’ll take battle tested, physical talent over I haven’t gotten my uniform dirty talent any day. I say this assuming Georgia, Florida, LSU or Alabama comes through without any major injuries which change the total complexion of the team.  That said, Penn State has a shot at being undefeated and could get the Joe-Pa votes to sneak in. So could Oklahoma or Missouri….but that road will be tougher, much like the SEC. That’s all of it. Let’s be careful out there.