It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
12/31/15
As another year comes to a close, I realize that I am wrapping up 2015 and bringing in 2016 the same way I have for the past 20 plus years…with college football bowl season! I have a long standing love for football and love sitting by a fire watching game after game throughout the day on the first and last day of the year.
Today, I begin my viewing with the first of two play-off games, Clemson vs. Oklahoma. I have lots of mixed emotions as I watch this game. I have never been a big OU fan (apologies to my good friends and clients – you know who you are!). On the other hand, I have always liked Clemson for some reason. (Don’t bother to ask why because I have no idea!) Yet, this day, I am definitely pulling for Oklahoma. Shortly after the game began, I found myself responding positively to a Clemson play. My husband was quick to reprimand me as he questioned my lack of support for the Sooners and the Big XII. I acknowledged this very real problem I face when I watch anyone other than Texas Tech. I tend to battle internally between my head and heart as I watch games between two schools that I have no ties or allegiance. My natural response is to always go with my heart which is usually FOR whichever program I naturally like. In a game such as this one, where my heart and head are in two different places, I end up with my head yelling at my heart, that I know better and that I need to remember I’m cheering for OU! But then Baker Mayfield does something fabulous in the eyes of the announcers and my stomach churns. (I don’t think it’s from what I ate at lunch but one can never be sure!) There is some history between Mayfield and Texas Tech. While I have prided myself (always a dangerous thing) with being able to acknowledge outstanding play by outstanding players regardless of the jersey they wear; Mayfield is one I struggle a bit with embracing.
I told you I had mixed emotions about this game!
Earlier today, social media was lighting up about the arrest of TCU’s quarterback Trevone Boykin. Boykin reportedly was arrested after an incident outside a San Antonio bar days before he was to play in the Alamo Bowl. I was floored by all of the comments on social media around this. Not that they should be for or against this young man, but floored that people comment as if they know the ends and outs of the situation. I was bothered by the comments but couldn’t put my finger on what bothered me most – other than the question why people would comment and share such information. I wonder if it’s a strong dislike for the team represented and love to see the downfall that would prompt such posts. I am in no way excusing or condoning the actions surrounding this situation – that’s an entirely different discussion. It just brings me to wonder, why do people post and comment about it on social media?
So on the heels of the Trevone Boykin incident, I have to wonder, is my Baker Mayfield response any different? When did the love of the game and friendly competition bring out such an ugly side in so many of us?
Back in the day, the good ole’ 1990’s, I helped Texas Tech recruit an outstanding athlete and running back from DeSoto, TX in Byron Hanspard. Byron, or “B Han” has we called him, became an All-American and the winner of the Doak Walker award before ending his career in controversy around an early departure from Tech and single semester GPA of 0.0. I recall people from other conference schools chiming in with such authority as to the events of this situation and Byron as a person. I remember being appalled with the joy it seemed others took at the demise of this young man. It truly sickened me. I had graduated by the time these events happened so I wasn’t in the know of the situation. However, I did personally know B Han and could attest to not knowing a finer individual. He had a love for family, his school and most importantly God. He was one of the most humble athletes, next to the O-line, that I have ever met. I hated listening to the comments and the attacks of someone I truly respected.
I share the story of B Han because while I was closer to the situation than the average fan, I didn’t really know the ends and outs of the situation. I’m reminded that these are 18-22 year old young men. Yes, they are in the spotlight. Yes, they have the opportunity to positively make a difference. Yes, they are on scholarship (don’t let anyone say it’s a free ride – my husband and his teammates are still paying for their football education 20 plus years later). Yes, it’s a wonderful opportunity that is painful to watch young men waste. But somewhere along the way we either put these kids on a pedestal if they play for our favorite team or we can’t wait to take them down if they play for our rival school. They are kids, trying to find their way and sometimes they do or say things that may not reflect a wise decision. Lord knows I did some stupid things during this time in my life!
So, what’s the point in me rambling about Baker, Trevone, B Han? These phenomenal athletes and play-makers are just kids. No matter if they do something truly stupid or if they are involved in circumstances that rub us wrong, may we not mistaken our love of the game and the love of our school as a green light to bash and hate-on these kids. May we show them some grace when they make a mistake on or off of the field. Get ready for the gasp…they are just kids and it’s just a game!!!
In taking my own advice…let’s kick some butt, Baker! Go OU!
