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2024-03-29T12:02:38Z
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The Quick Scan by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-quick-scan-by-mike-ramey-644
2023-10-23T00:37:18.000Z
2023-10-23T00:37:18.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><u>COACH PRIME: THAT SPIRITUAL SPARK!</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I wanted to put in my .02 on the continuing adventures—and critics—of Coach Prime. I will be doing so, though, from a historical viewpoint that many have overlooked—and I will be more than happy to lay out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I find it highly amazing—but not shocking—that Coach Prime (aka Deion Sanders for those who have been hiding under a rock during his twin careers in football and baseball) has been named the Head Coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. I also am NOT shocked to see that he has been having a rough time of it during his first football season at the university. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This is how REAL Christians are tested for naming the name of Jesus Christ. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mark it, men. Folks are NOT going to like you because you name the name of Jesus and identify on the Lord’s side. The KJV Bible informs us that testing, trial and temptation are going to ‘pop up’ in the Christian life—and it is to be expected. Also, there IS an antichrist spirit alive and well throughout our current society—as the Bible proclaims. Those critics who ‘hate’ on Sanders are doing so MORE for his faith and stand in Jesus Christ that for his actions on the football field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let me throw in another reason for the critics dumping on the Buffaloes. A few decades ago, there was another Christian Head Football Coach by the name of Bill McCartney who was the man on the field for the Colorado team. McCartney, because of his faith, work ethic, and being blessed by the Lord, coached the Buffaloes to national prominence.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> However—according to Internet sources--the first four years coaching the Buffaloes saw the team’s gradual improvement. Yep, I did say FOUR years…with the first year of McCartney’s coaching had the team…at 2-8-1. The second season saw the team rise…to 4-7. The third season mark…was 1-10. McCartney’s contract was extended…and in season four, Coach Mac made some changes and the team rose to 7-4, got a bowl bid—and lost. But this marched them onward to national prominence.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Let me also mention that Promise Keepers was founded by Coach Mac during this period. Full disclosure here: I used to cover Promise Keepers when I was a reporter, and I used to work for them as an Evangelism Trainer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Deion Sanders is part of this great football program—not by accident but by design.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Coach Prime has handled victories humbly and defeats gracefully. He’s the coach. Not the team. McCartney. Lombardi. Dungy. Rockne. Prime is on his way. Any great football coach at the college or pro level lets you know up front that it is the team that gets the job done under good, solid coaching. Further, a coach that has faith in God is carrying a double load and must possess the ‘strength’ and ‘spiritual spark’ to be patient while his team comes together—and waits for the team to ‘gel’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It’s a marathon—not a sprint. It’s a process—not resting solely on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness—for which college athletes can make money while in college sports). It rests on a team of individuals coming together and playing as a team. The coach is the one responsible for bringing the individuals and supplying the equipment needed for them to play (or work) as a team. In the words of Michael Jordan: “At the end of the day, the team has to go out and play.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Sanders, in social media interviews, has let all know that he LOVES the process!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Coach McCartney had the ‘spiritual spark’ to get that team going in his day, plus he listened to the Lord and gave our nation Promise Keepers which ushered in needed pockets of revival in our land during a VERY dark time. Coach Prime seems to be heading in the same direction, with that same ‘spiritual spark’ from Jesus Christ! It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few years—regardless of what the critics have to say.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Colorado is ripe for a miracle from the Lord. All Colorado—and the nation—should do is let God work it out in his own good time and season, and Coach Prime is in the ‘overflow’ so the speak. The Lord is the one who puts the pieces in place. Once the miracle unfolds, expect crickets from the critics, and a big smile from Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes football program. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Keep those prayers flowing folks. This is just year one for Coach Prime. National revival COULD again START in Colorado and run through a football coach and a college program.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"> <em>Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996. To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: </em><a href="mailto:mgmikeramey@yahoo.com"><em>mgmikeramey@yahoo.com</em></a><em>. ©2023 Barnstorm Communications International.</em></span></p></div>
From Player To Coach by Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/from-player-to-coach-by-mike-ramey-1
2019-11-16T15:26:41.000Z
2019-11-16T15:26:41.000Z
Mike Ramey
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/MikeRamey
<div><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> A few years back, Ty Willingham, Head Coach for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, was interviewed about a tough, upcoming game. The TV interviewer seemed more nervous about the game than the coach, as they asked Willingham about his strategy to deal with a very potent opponent’s running and passing game.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> “We’ll adjust our offense, accordingly.” Said Coach Willingham.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The adjustments paid off, as Notre Dame ran over the opposition with little sign of trouble. It was the OTHER team that were having trouble dealing with an Irish team that did not appear in their pre-game films.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> I never forgot that summation from Coach Willingham. While he didn’t last that long at Notre Dame--and did NOT get that much in the way of respect, in my opinion--he left the team better than he found them AND moved on to another coaching opportunity, with a new staff and a new team. More importantly, in the college football ranks, once a coach leaves--traditionally--the incoming coach either gets a new, good crop of players, or a new crop of problems…depending upon the recruiting class that the outgoing coach leaves them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> But, that’s a story for another day, Amen?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> This time around, I’m going to be dealing with a very real issue. This may be a topic that some may find a bit on the painful side. Nonetheless, it is a topic that we hear little about in our current society. It rests upon the issues of competition, promotion, and ‘stepping up’ when God opens the door for you for that next opportunity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> There are some members of your present crew who may not be heading up with you, for one reason or another.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> In coaching, when a coach gets the nod to move up to be a head coach for another team, many of the coaches that he came up with ‘in the ranks’ at his previous jobs don’t make the transition. Furthermore, an incoming head coach--while he may inherit a coaching staff--usually has to start making the calls and sending emails to find coaches that best meet his coaching philosophy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Thus, there will be some people hired, and some people fired.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> It works the same way in business.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> You get the capital together and open your own company. YOU are the ‘head coach’ of YOUR business. Now YOU have to make decisions as to who to bring on board to make your plan and vision work in your favor to make your venture profitable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> NO ONE starts a business to be broke--no matter what you may see on social media. Also, no one enters business and puts their money into the register to ‘give it away’ to tax hungry politicians, incompetent bureaucrats, and social causes that have made themselves rich. In charity causes, just a free piece of advice. Make sure that MOST of your contributions make their way to the cause. Do NOT contribute to causes that swallow up most of your contributions in ‘administrative costs’.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Sure, this advice may ‘sting’ a little…but the truth is the truth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Since YOUR name is on the door, and your money is in the register, there are certain people whom you won’t hire…no matter how ‘cool’ they may be as friends. Couple this with the fact that it takes a new business roughly five years to turn a profit to be counted as truly successful--you further understand why you have to be careful with whom you hire, and with whom you do business. The truth be told…orange is not a flattering color. Neither is being broke.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Here’s one that many young Black men have run into. I’ve had to counsel more than a few young brothers about this one. You have the aptitude and the grades to go on to college. You’ve done well in middle school and high school. You’ve survived the ‘taunts’ and ‘whispering campaigns’ that have been laid across your path. Now it’s time to make that step up. The money is out there, in terms of scholarships IF your grades are 3.0 and above. YOU are going to have to ‘adjust your team’ during your high school career in order to find the blend of supporters who will not only encourage you to go on to college; they NEED to motivate you to finish WITH a degree in four years or less. I know, college isn’t for everyone. However, MOST companies WANT a degree of some kind (especially a four year degree) for future promotions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> What about Trade Schools? Yes, the money is better in the blue collar field…however, there is a LOT in the way of classroom training and apprenticeships BEFORE you can either work for a good company, or, start your own business. Again, when YOUR money and reputation are on the line, you MUST be careful of ‘steering clear’ of those ‘jokers’ in the deck of life, whether they be male or female.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> The ol’ coach reminds you that it is crucial that you not only know HOW to adjust your team; it is critical that you learn WHEN to adjust your team. The business or reputation you could save, may be yours.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"> Mike Ramey is a Minister, Book Reviewer, P-School Ranger, Political Consultant, Modern Street Gangs Specialist and Syndicated Columnist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Feel free to reach him with your comments at manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2019 Barnstorm Communications.</span></p></div>
Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Taj Smith & Panel Speak On: "The Myth, Reality, and Challenges of Black Professional Athletes In Raising A Family."
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/indianapolis-colts-wide-1
2011-03-01T16:30:00.000Z
2011-03-01T16:30:00.000Z
TheBlackList
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/TheBlackList
<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.colts.com/images/news_photos/10_smith%5C2010_0826_gb033_macht.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.colts.com/images/news_photos/10_smith%5C2010_0826_gb033_macht.jpg" alt="10_smith%5C2010_0826_gb033_macht.jpg" /></a>Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Taj Smith joined a panel of current and former NFL athletes for the Young Fathers Program in celebration of Black History Month at UMDNJ in Newark.<br /><br />Topics included life before and after football and what it means to be a “Football Father”.<br />Newark, N.J.—February 28, 2011—On Wednesday February 24, 2011 the Young Fathers Program at UMDNJ joined professionals from the Sports Industry for a presentation on “The Pressure/Impact of Black Professional Athletes in Raising a Family—The Myth, Reality, and Challenges of the Professional Athlete in Raising a Family”.</p>
<p><br />Indianapolis Colts Taj Smith spoke alongside other current and former NFL athletes including a 1984 Olympian about the unseen difficulties of a life in professional sports. The presentation focused on their lives before, during and after a professional sports career. NFL Panelists shared the importance of establishing a career path and financial plan before their career begins to protect them during and after their career in sports. Other panelists shared their experiences on being a father with an career in the NFL.</p>
<p><br />“Never allow yourself to give up because nothing happens without faith, perseverance, hard work, and dedication. I feel it’s my time to share this with people” said Taj Smith.</p>
<p><br />Moderated by Jim Norris, panelists included Oakland Raiders Joe Porter, Seattle Seahawks Jay Alford, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ian Scott, Dallas Cowboys Gary Westberry, Seattle Seahawks Tony Woods, Denver Broncos Jeff Mills, and 1984 Olympian John Marshall.</p>
<p><br />Special guest panelist Dr. F. Kennedy Gordon of Gordon Elite Sports spoke about the athletes’ responsibility of caring for their bodies during their career to prevent future injuries.</p>
<p><br />“I thought it was phenomenal in terms of the content of information. We get an image from media that is glamorous, beautiful, glorified athletes playing the game and it’s so enticing. But today, we got to talk about the real challenges behind the scenes that we never hear, we never talk about and the real afflictions that has come from this NFL professional sports. And I’m kind of taken by the reality and really feeling the emotional pain of these gentleman articulating what has really transpired. I think today was an incredible day. I love the spirit of the panel. Their spirits weren’t broken.” said Mr. Charles Dixon, Director of the Young Fathers Program.</p>
<p><br /><strong>Contact:</strong> <br /><em>Robyn Leigh Butler</em><br /><em>973-652-6657</em><br /><em><a href="http://yahoo.com" target="_blank">indonaye330@yahoo.com</a></em><br /><br /></p></div>
Comparing Apples to Oranges??? Big Ben vs. Mike Vick and Kobe Byrant
https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/comparing-apples-to-oranges
2010-03-09T23:30:00.000Z
2010-03-09T23:30:00.000Z
Corey Washington
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/CoreyWashington
<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MCe7K0XU5C0/S5Xfi3r8QhI/AAAAAAAAABA/jqeKCKA8jdk/s1600-h/vick.jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;width:254px;height:400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MCe7K0XU5C0/S5Xfi3r8QhI/AAAAAAAAABA/jqeKCKA8jdk/s400/vick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446505114531283474" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446505114531283474" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MCe7K0XU5C0/S5Xd8N3pirI/AAAAAAAAAA4/nx_20NKEr9g/s1600-h/ben-roethlisberger.jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;width:400px;height:316px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MCe7K0XU5C0/S5Xd8N3pirI/AAAAAAAAAA4/nx_20NKEr9g/s400/ben-roethlisberger.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446503350959442610" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446503350959442610" /></a><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">With the history of racism and discrimination in the U.S., black people have become very observant. These skills have become very honed and polished over the years due to inequalities in all aspects of life. This is a trait that has led to many a court case being brought to flush out racism, to the benefit of generations to come. Some people have tried to underestimate these observational skills by marginalizing them. This has spawned the phrase"</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">playing the race card</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">".</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When black people point out inequalities in non-essential aspects of life, is that really playing the race card? Not exactly. Equality should be upheld in important things as well as things that may seem trivial. When we talk about equality in the classroom for all races, we also want equality when it comes to portrayal in the media. Equality in the workforce should also translate into equality in the world of high school sports. It may seem like we are comparing apples to oranges, but that is not the case. You see, equality has a climate attached to it. When you taste equality in one area of your life, you want that same equality in other mundane areas of your life, especially when it is fair.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I recognize that there are more important examples of unfair treatment in the world, but I want to highlight a current case in the media to show how many black people become jaded. In my book</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Talk-1-Corey-Washington/dp/144159342X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260252584&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Plain Talk Volume 1</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, I talk about how the media often sensationalizes the mishaps of celebrities of color. I used Michael Jackson, Kanye West, and Serena Williams as examples. I even had an</span> <a href="http://plaintalk2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/piling-it-on-theory-why-kanye-and-not.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">article questioning why the Kanye West/Taylor Swift debacle was overblown in the media, as opposed to the John Mayer incident.</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">If race is not an issue in these cases, it always comes off that way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">That brings me to another situation: the</span> <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-12767-US-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m3d8-Ben-Roethlisberger-to-be-interviewed-by-police-regarding-recent-allegation-of-sexual-assault"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Ben Roethlisberger</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:18px;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-12767-US-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m3d8-Ben-Roethlisberger-to-be-interviewed-by-police-regarding-recent-allegation-of-sexual-assault"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">alleged sexual assault in Georgia</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. Many people of color are monitoring this situation internally to see if Big Ben will be treated the same way that Kobe Bryant of Michael Vick have been treated. So far he has been treated better. There have not been immediate calls for him to be released from his contract. He is still being treated by the media with kid gloves. I can remember when Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault, there was gratuitous coverage on all the cable news shows. Many people were already convicting him of rape. They were talking about Kobe registering as a sex offender in Colorado and what that would do to his life. His personal life was like an open book at that point.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Michael Vick was given the harshest treatment of any current athlete that I have ever seen. At first, he was already convicted of his crime before he went to trial in the court of the media. Once again, an overabundance of Mike Vick dogfighting stories graced the news. It was lopsided as far as race when it came to Vick supporters and detractors. Even after being convicted and serving time in Kansas, many people were still showing hostility towards Mike Vick. To this day, I still read</span> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Eagles-picking-up-Vick-s-bonus-hurt-his-starting;_ylt=Ak7hoAUBvH7ivSYrUYUe03A5nYcB?urn=nfl,226625"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">blogs where people are calling Mike Vick a dog murder and other vile names</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. If Big Ben is found guilty of sexual assault, will they have the same animosity towards him? I don't condone dog fighting or any type of violence towards animals, but does it equate with sexually violating another human being? Are we comparing apples to oranges? I don't want the media to treat Ben Roethlisberger with the same venom that they did Kobe and Vick. My point is, why did the media treat Kobe and Vick the way they did? Am I playing the race card for asking these questions? Am I comparing apples to oranges? You decide!!!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When Big Ben was charged the first time, many wondered why it wasn't being reported in the media. Click</span> <a href="http://highbridnation.com/2009/07/23/rant-espn-neglects-to-report-on-ben-roethlisberger-sex-assault-racist/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">here</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">to read about it.</span></span></span></div></div></div>