Sunday, May 31, 2015

What about Jim Harbaugh's Midlife Crisis ?


Likely by now, everyone has heard the term mid-life or mid-life crisis. However, there is no clear-cut definition as of yet. In the hunter- gatherer phase, the average life expectancy was in the late 20s; 200 years ago the average life expectancy was 35 In the United States; and in 1970, the average American collected Social Security checks approximately 14 months before death. Today, an individual can expect to live in their mid-80s and some predict that 120 will be the new age marker.

Unfortunately, the portrayal of those in mid-life crises has been portrayed very negatively in an unflattering manner in the media, movies and TV. No doubt the realization that one’s life is half over, can be very upsetting. But not all succumb to the stereotypical portrayal of the aging process.

Psychologically, all types of behaviors symbolize the passing of time and defending against one’s own mortality. Not everyone welcomes or looks forward to their demise. Some, purchase Harley-Davidson motorcycles-Corvette Cars; divorce; remarry; begin competing in Ride and Tie –and other extreme sports like the Western States 100 –Tevis Cup, etc. These behaviors have to do with attempting to stop the aging clock or denying the aging process and even denying the inevitability death.

In fact, my first book titled “It Has Nothing to Do with Age” has to do with athletes 65 and older still competing in extreme athletic competitions. Today, I would retitle the book “It Has Everything to Do with Age.” Let me explain about the numerous changes that begin and take place within the 40-65 age group. These changes aren’t happy, but can be a good source of motivation. Physiologically speaking some but not all of the changes include the following: 1. Fatigue 2. Slowing metabolic rate 3. Declining muscle mass. 4. Increased body fat 5. Altered sleep patterns 6. Changes in memory and learning 7. Reduced libido 8. Reduced growth hormone synthesis 9. Reduced neurotransmitter synthesis 10. Reduced cardiac output11. Changes in pulmonary function.

For the past 4-5 years, I have run a 10 mile trail race on New Year’s Day and my New Year’s Eve regime has not changed since I still attend parties. For the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, my trail times have been good in the sense that I have not run this event slower. But this year, my time was slightly slower and I had difficulty subsequently with two 50 K trail runs. Also, my running partner Tony and I have, in the past year, walked more during our training runs-outings. We have remarked that it feels good to walk and that running is certainly more difficult. Then reality hit when I I took this INR continuing education class on mid-life medical changes.

So I have to accept some realistic limitations as far as my running speed. But I do have control and can put more effort into the following in order to slow down the physiological changes taking place in my body: 1. I can eliminate all the night light when retiring-this means wearing a blindfold to block out all the light; I can perform deep muscle relaxation in order to prepare for sleep-sleep can restore and help regenerate brain functioning. 2. I can do weightlifting to restore muscle mass, increase Growth Hormone, increase bone strength, physical strength and increase testosterone. 3. I can make better food choices or nutrition for problems such as with inflammation and weight gain; and wash fruits and vegetables and read labels to eliminate or minimize all the chemical toxins that are added to our food by that industry. Arsenic is used in other countries excluding the United States in the treatment of fruits and vegetables. The notion that there’s more vitamins in the skins is incorrect. A particular study in the 1930s, measured the vitamin content in unwashed apples. They found more iron in the skins. Actually, the iron was from the dirt. Reduce or eliminate the amount of tuna, shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tile because of the high mercury content. 4. I can increase my hydration procedure while running since hydration deficits results in fatigue.


I’m not ready to throw in the towel as my aging fight is not over. I’m more motivated, as I think about my health, and want to continue doing what I’m doing in a way that promotes immortality. I’m selfish about this as I want this process to continue. So, that means I have to change certain behaviors and continue to assess along the way. 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Jim Harbaugh, Recruit Players with Character


Back in the late 60s, when coach Bump Elliott was recruiting, there were no star rankings. There were only local and state rankings and an All-American ranking. Once again, player football ability was the most important and only variable measured. Of course it was subjective back then, and these rankings did not have a sophisticated computer logarithm component built in to it. Then, it was up to the coach and his recruiting staff to evaluate potential high school prospects.

Of the eight players interviewed, in Bo’s Warriors, one central character theme dissects each regardless of player position, racial origin, socioeconomic status, or rural versus urban playing environment . Underneath the extraordinary athletic ability [These athletes excelled in many numerous sports], there was an element of insecurity, and doubt about their ability to play on the big stage. These terrific athletes did not have inflated narcissistic egos nor did they believe they were the King of the castle. Did Bump sense this in his recruiting process and thereby recruited only athletes that had an underlying insecurity? I do not know if my sample of eight is representative of his entire career. However, I do know about these wonderful eight U of M super stars.

I will give two examples of some of the things these players told to me during their interviews with me. I’ll begin with Tom Curtis. Tom was a superstar quarterback from Aurora, Ohio, a small rural community near Cleveland, Ohio. Tom didn’t understand and was irritated that Coach Bo Schembechler, then the head coach at Miami of Ohio, didn’t recruit him out of high school. Tom and his father made sure that Bo got his newspaper clippings. The fact that Tom was somewhat unknown [Based on level of competition] contributed to his insecurity. In fact, Brian Healy, the quarterback from Sandusky, Ohio was the Ohio player of the year and he enrolled at Michigan, also. That didn’t help, Tom’s sense of competence, but only doubted his ability to play quarterback at that prestigious level. Also, In Tom’s sophomore season, his position coach asked him to start at a different cornerback position. It was different from the side he was practicing – he was uncomfortable, afraid and insecure, and made sure he didn’t dare admit that to his coach. Even the town crier spread it around the community that Tom, would not even make the traveling squad at the University of Michigan. Tom never challenged or confronted the man.

Mike Keller was a superstar athlete from Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to Mike, his level of football competition ranked about third in the state behind the Detroit public schools and Lansing area schools. Keller in Grand Rapids was the big fish in a little pond. However, at Michigan, he was the little fish in a big pond. He didn’t place football as a first priority, in his thinking, and wondered why Coach Elliott offered him a football scholarship. In fact, Notre Dame’s Ara Parseghian did not offer him a scholarship but told him he probably would receive one at a later date. Mike Keller saw himself as a student first and was hoping to get his degree, which would set the stage for things to come in his future by becoming an attorney. He said that he was hoping to at least make the traveling squad. Mike played even though he was not a full physical strength because he knew there was somebody behind him ready to take his place and he was afraid of that happening. He did not miss any playing time.

With doubt and insecurity comes anxiety. Anxiety is not pleasant and something to get rid of or reduce if possible. When the anxiety level gets too high or too much, that can result in psychological paralysis. In sports, it is referred to when a player “chokes” during an important play or event during a significant part of the game. When it comes to taking a school exam, and the student does miserably, it’s called test anxiety. On the other hand, another option is to increase the activity level of something physical. It could be by playing the game of solitaire quickly and over and over. It’s not uncommon today to see individuals with some electronic device in their hands, compulsively being a captive. When it comes to sports, physical activity can reduce anxiety, perfectly. This means compulsive weightlifting, running, and bike riding, being on a rowing machine, etc. works well.

For Mike Keller and Tom Curtis, It was playing all sports at all hours in the night and in the day. There was unlikely a day when either was not practicing, playing or improving their skill. Both played basketball and loved to shoot and compete [Both played in the evening-Mike even played in the dark]. So for these two individuals, they reduced their anxiety through the physical activity of sport. They would come home tired because they extended themselves when they played. They played to win [Competition served a good purpose for them because it reduced their anxiety].

Another way to deal with insecurity and anxiety was their submission to the authoritarian dictator like football coach Bo Schembechler. Bo was a tyrant on the field and disrespected the players verbally and physically. He frequently put them down verbally through the use of his colorful street-gutter language. And, initially they disliked, and some even hated the man. They were angry and resentful. In order to deal with their anger, resentment, they had to unconsciously repress those feelings. And by repressing those feelings, they submitted to Bo and became part of the team. That was their way of dealing with their anger and resentment. They had to become the team, the team, the team. It was Bo’s team, and make no mistake about it. And once that happened [It was the fifth game of the season with Minnesota when it happened-team came together],  played as a unit on offense and defense and began to function as a single dynamism with Bo Schembechler as their leader. The anger and resentment toward Bo got displaced and they took it out on each other during practice and especially game time. In fact, in their next 25 regular-season games, they won 24 of them.

Tom Curtis holds the Michigan record for most interceptions; was All-American; and has two Super Bowl rings. Mike Keller holds the Michigan record for outstanding gameplay for three seasons; played in the college All-Star game against the Dallas Cowboys [The team that drafted him] and has  been connected to  football ever since. These men conquered their anxiety, and are simply good guys. Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh can recruit players that have a similar personality structure as both Curtis and Keller. Don’t forget Jim, that’s a mighty important variable to consider. Then, you won’t have to worry about suspensions, dismissals or other breaking of the rules.


Go Blue!

Monday, May 25, 2015

Finding Meaning


 Another article in The New York Times talked about the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail spans 2650 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. This trail has been traversed by many either by hiking, running or on horseback. The trail spans cactus, desert, redwoods with uneven temperature patterns [triple digits to snow] along with having to traverse rivers and deal with rattlesnakes, bears and other wildlife. It’s estimated that fewer individuals have traversed the full Pacific Crest Trail than have reached the summit of Mount Everest. However, the beauty of the adventure is that it can be accomplished in parts or segments. One does not have to do the entire 2650 miles at one time. Moreover, more and more hikers than ever are hitting the trail. In fact, there’s currently a limit of up to 50 thru hikers per day on a journey that begins from the Mexican border.

Perhaps the book by Eric Rybak or different movie versions of “The Wild” are incentives for many of these hikers. Spirituality, as well as camaraderie are other motivations for Americans. Let’s face it, can you think of a better place along this journey to experience spirituality? And because of more and more individuals on the trail, there is a greater opportunity to connect with others along the way. We remain social as well as herd human animals when confronted with awesome endeavors. Individuals have been known to share food, water and one individual even found her husband on this very journey.

Further, perhaps, Luther and Calvin of the Reformation era provided an underlying base for motivation. Their religious philosophy emphasized, in part, the liberation of man, individual initiative, hard work, human autonomy with   dignity. This resulted in a marked change in the psychology of man from the medieval societies. On the other hand, the philosophy of the existentialists such as Kierkegaard and others hypothesized about finding meaning in life through experience and rationality. They saw the human being as lost, separate, conforming, powerless, helpless, anonymous and helpless while becoming more insignificant-a cog in the wheel in the technological advances and mass production taking place in our capitalistic economic society. They also saw the collapsing of formal religion and would have predicted the current phenomena taking place in the United States.

 Perhaps, the drop in traditional church membership might be related to this psychology of man. Apparently there’s no drop in finding one’s own spirituality, only in church attendance. Will this United States trend continue? And, if you researched the numerous people hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, you might find a higher number of individuals who do not attend a physical or traditional church, temple or synagogue. In fact, they may have found a spiritual meaning in their lives. Further, being on the trail is terrific for mental and physical health. Spirituality, meaning, initiative, achievement, hard work, personal bests and friendship are just some of the things that one can find on the trail.


A past post about my nightmare did not foreshadow yesterday’s [19+ miles] Western States 100 training run. The run was good as I did not lose my voice, cramp or suffer any injury. Tony did well on his run. On the ride back to Forest Hill, Tony sat next to an individual who came in fourth place on the Western States 100 run last year. I sat next to woman who won my book “It Has Nothing to Do with Age” on a 50 K trail run two years ago. This years’ experience was good. I’ll catch you on the trail.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Monday nights Nightmare


I had a bad dream last night-a nightmare, In fact. This dream had to do with a trail run and the difficulty experienced, especially at the beginning of this run. For example, one part of the dream had to do with my starting off while being in the water. The water, somehow, was supposed to be about waist high but in the dream, it was up to my chin and I was afraid that I might drown. I quickly was able, somehow, to get out of the water. In another dream sequence, I had to enter and leave through this weird shaped building before I could begin my run. There was a door leading into the building, but, once inside, I had difficulty finding and opening any door to leave -I was stuck inside and unable to begin my run. These two memories stand out while the others have simply faded away. Needless to say, this dream was very disturbing.

The dream suggests my anxiety in running the second day [Sunday -from Forest Hill to White Oak Flat -about 20 miles] of the Western States training run during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I have taken part in Western States training runs over the past 13 years or so. All told, these three day training runs total about 75 miles of the 100 mile one day event.

Some background that explains my concern about this year’s run. During the past few years, the daily temperature has warmed up considerably on those particular Sunday’s. Possibly, not having any significant heat training prior, resulted in my having an extremely tough time for the last 5 miles or so, especially last year. I became tired, dehydrated and had difficulty speaking as I lost my voice. After rest, of course, my voice came back normally. And, this year I haven’t had heat training. Also, I know from previous running experiences, that I don’t do well with high temperatures.

Further, my trail runs this year have been very different. On January 1, I ran this particular 10 mile trail run [Resolution Run] for the fourth or fifth time in a row. And for the last 2-3 years, my trail time has been pretty consistent. This year’s 10 mile event was a little different in that it had an extended uphill loop. Possibly that explained running this event slower compared to the past two years.

After running that January 1 event, I read about sodium bicarbonate and begin using that in preparation for my 50 K in February-I’ve competed in the Jed Smith event for the past 12 or 13 years as well. Well, I’m unhappy to report, that I became extremely tired after 25 miles or so, during the event and essentially walked to the finish. I felt terrible and my running time was the slowest ever for this Jed Smith event.  I attributed my difficulty to possible irregular training, and especially the sodium bicarbonate.

Then, I began preparing for a 50 K Way Too Cool in March-which I’ve done for the past 12 or 13 years. During my February training, I experienced some difficulties with irritation in my groin area. I went to the Monster of Massage, for treatment, and he assured me that I would be fine for my race. I even consulted a medical doctor to get his opinion. He told me to rest and take Aleve until the day of the event. During that 50 K I was cognizant and continued to evaluate my physical condition during my event-I was okay. However, at about 18 miles or so, I started to cramp. My friend Randall joined me on the trail and we headed toward the finish. I did some slow running and walking for the next 7 miles or so and then climbed up the very steep Goat Hill. After leaving the aid station at Goat Hill, I cramped so bad that I went to the ground with a whole lot of tightness and spasms. Randall massaged my cramping leg, and I was then able to stand and continued toward the finish with a lot of walking.  My Way Too Cool trail time on that miserable day was by far my slowest for that event.

I must say that March and April have not been terrific running months for me. Last Saturday, I ran an extremely difficult and tough 10 mile Coloma River trail run-I’ve done this one for last four years. During the run, I felt terrific. This was a marked improvement over my 50 K experiences in February and March. Nothing was bothering me that day and the temperature was terrific for running. It was like there was a heavy burden lifted off my shoulders. I was surprised that my time was slower compared to the past two years. So, initially I felt terrific during and after the run. When I compared my time to the previous year, I was both surprised and disappointed. So far I’ve been consistently slower this year compared to previous years-this just might be my reality.

Well, it makes perfect sense to me that I have concerns regarding my next run. That bad dream brought my anxiety into my reality. I’ll keep you posted as to how the actual run turned out.

PS

Tony had a difficult time on his recent 50 K. He’s taken some time off and we’ll see how it turns out, for him this Sunday as well.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

What Can We Expect For Michigan Football in 2015?



 Is a major reality  distortion  taking place in Ann Arbor with the University of Michigan football. In 2014, the Michigan Wolverines had a disastrous season, comparing it to the previous history of Michigan football. The 2014 team had five wins and seven losses. This is unheard of, and not acceptable. Then, in December 2014, Jim Harbaugh was hired as the new football coach. The hiring of Harbaugh was, in some ways, like the second coming as he was quickly brought from the West Coast to Ann Arbor to lift Michigan football like a phoenix rising from its ashes .  Harbaugh was going to be the Savior and bring Michigan back to its former football greatness. Many believed this was going to happen immediately.

Jim Harbaugh inherited a team that did very poorly. In part, some of the explanation might be placed to when Rich Rodriguez was hired as head coach. Coach Rodriguez brought in a spread offense philosophy that relied on having fast, athletic, mobile lineman. However, Rodriguez wasn’t there long enough to create success. Then Brady Hoke was hired, and his philosophy was more related to a pro-style offense. He even brought in an Alabama coordinator to run that offense. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the necessary 300+ pound lineman to run and control the line the scrimmage. So, last year’s quarterback Devin Gardner, frequently was harassed by the defense and didn’t have enough time to accurately throw the ball. He was often running for his life and trying to elude all those defensive players collapsing on him.

So now we have Coach Jim Harbaugh and his NFL Pro philosophy offense. If his offense is to be successful, he will have to be able to control the line of scrimmage and run the football. Did previous coach Brady Hoke, recruit enough large, talented lineman during his tenure? Is the cupboard bare or is it filled with good stock? If the cupboard is bare, coach Harbaugh and his NFL position coaches have their work cut out for them in order to be successful. As talented as Harbaugh and his staff are, he still needs the horses up front.

In 1969, when Coach Schembechler took over from Coach Elliott, the cupboard was not bare. Because it was well-stocked, Coach Schembechler had immediate success. Names like Dierdorf [NFL Hall of Fame]; Henry Hill, Reggie McKenzie [all Pro]; Jim Mandich-all Americans that made Michigan’s running attack work. And with that, it was 3 yards and a cloud of dust. And don’t forget the others, he had All Americans, Tom Curtis, Billy Taylor, Marty Huff, Mike Taylor and all Pro, Thom Darden as well.

For the Michigan faithful, because of Michigan’s difficult football schedule this year, starting off with Utah and Oregon State .A 6 win and 6 loss record would be terrific, coupled with a win or wins over Michigan State, the Golden Gophers, Penn State, Maryland Terrapins or Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Ohio State is more than out of the question for this year, unless the likes of Darden, Dierdorf, Mandich, Curtis from that historic 1969 team come out of retirement.


Reality might be brutal this year for the Michigan Wolverines. Just wait for different results when Harbaugh gets the horses. In the meantime, Go Blue Go! 

Monday, May 18, 2015

The Psychology of Bo Schembechler


Does This Experiment, In The 1940s, In Any Way Pertain To Bo Schembechler? Remember, For Schembechler It Was About The Team, The Team, And The Team. Let’s Apply Principles From The Mayo Experiment And Superimpose Them On The 1969 Michigan Wolverines Football Team Focusing On Variables Of Social Participation, Aim, Purpose, And Attitude. For Instance, Of The 10 Scheduled Teams For 1969, Only Two Were Circled-Michigan State And Ohio State On Coach Schembechler’s Blackboard. Simply Put, Those Circled Games Were Primary And Major Goals For The 1969 Season. The Players Were Expected To Beat The Other Teams, But A Major Focus Had To Do With The Rivalry Between Those Two Circled Teams.

Schembechler Formed And Created A Cohesive Group To Accomplish His Goals. He Put Up The Sign “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions” Which Clearly Delineated Whether Or Not You Were Either Part Of The Team Or Not Part Of The Team. If You Agreed To Stay, You Were Part Of His Experiment. He Also Reinforced The Team Concept By Telling The Players Something To The Effect That” Son Of A Bitch, You’re Not Red, You’re Not White, You’re Not Blue. You Are Michigan. You Can’t Be Divided; No One From The Outside Is Going To Get Between Us.” So The Players Clearly Realized That They Were Part Of The Team And They Were Expected To Practice, Practice, Practice, Which Meant A Lot Of Repetition And Drudgery [Monotony]. However, Each Player Had To Learn His Position Assignment, Regardless Of Whether It Was Offense Or Defense. Not Only That, The Players Knew That Aside From Knowing Their Assignment, They Had To Execute That Assignment Because That Would Be Important For Many Reasons.

Jim Brandstatter, An Offensive Tackle Not Only Had To Learn His Blocking Assignment, But Also Had To Call Out The Correct Blocking Assignments For Others On The Line. His Call Was Based On The Defensive Scheme And Player Location On The Field Of Play. This Wasn’t An Easy Assignment Since The Defensive Opponents Didn’t Stand In One Place, But Moved About Prior To The Snap. Jim Knew That His Job Was Not Easy, But Highly Significant, And It Had An Aim And Purpose. If He Blocked His Opponent Successfully, And Made The Right Blocking Assignments [By His Call], Then, His Teammates Would Be In A Better Position To Block Their Opponents As Well. And, If The Blocking And The Line Play Was Successfully That Could Result In Making An Important First Down Or Even A Touchdown. If Jim Made A Mistake, Then That Particular Play Would Likely Be Unsuccessful. In Essence, Jim Would Be Letting Down His Teammates, Himself And His Coaches.

Each Player Had A Part To Play, And Through The Combined Efforts Of All Team Members They Could Be Successful. Players Like Brandstatter On Offense And Keller On Defense Did Not Want To Let Their Teammates Down By Not Doing Their Best-By Being Successful. They Did Want To Be Out Of Position, They Did Not Want To Be Beaten By Their Opponent. They Simply Wanted To Excel. Keller’s Calling His Teammates “A Band Of Brothers” Suggests The Cohesiveness Among The Members Of The Team.

This 1969 Team Was A Group That Had A Sense Of Belonging; Had Similar Expectations; Common Interests; Interdependent Goals And Identified With Each Other. This Sense Of Belonging, The Social Aspect Resulted In An Attitude Change. Having Membership In The Group Resulted In A Highly Cohesive Band With Solidarity. These Teammates Socialized Together, Attended Classes Together, Roomed Together, Joined Fraternities Together, And Partied Together. As A Consequence, These Athletes [Friends] Were Motivated To Contribute To Themselves, To Each Other, And To The Team’s Welfare. Their Individual Narcissism Was Appropriately Developed And Held In Check Or In Abeyance As They Became Part Of This Larger Band Of Brothers. They Were Not Individuals Acting Alone. They Were Part Of Something Bigger Than Themselves. They Were A Highly Desirable Bunch With High Value Status. They Were The University Of Michigan Football Team.

In Essence, Bo Schembechler Created, Molded Attitude Change Among His Group [They Became His] Of Highly Motivated Athletes. Schembechler And His Coaches Made Practices Meaningful As Keller Told About The Creativeness Of Position Coach Gary Moeller. Every Player Knew That Their Participation Was Important As Brandstatter Told About His Experience, Going Through The Tunnel To Play Ohio State On November 22, 1969. He Said He Was Walking On Air; In His Heart He Thought That The Wolverines Were Going To Win. He Said His Senses Were Heightened. He Wanted To Get On The Playing Field And He Experienced, And Became Part Of The Moment. Even Though He Was Not A First String Starter, He Knew He Was An Important Component Of The Team, And Made His Contributions To The Team During Practice And By Being A Good Teammate. For Jim; It Was About The Team, The Team, The Team And He Said “I Felt Special.”

Coach Schembechler Knowingly Or Unknowingly Somehow Incorporated The Findings Of Dr.Mayo In That Chicago Factory. Perhaps He Used Research Findings In His Approach To Running The Michigan Wolverines. Or, Perhaps, Others Could Study Schembechler’s On The Field “Experiment” And Find Support For The Earlier Findings. In Any Event, It Is Clear That Schembechler Was Smart, Intelligent And It Was No Accident That He Got The Best Out Of His Players By Employing Sound, Psychological Principles. He Obviously Knew What He Was Doing And His Record At The University Of Michigan Speaks Volumes.

Since You Can’t Converse With Coach Schembechler, I Suggest That You Communicate With Jim Brandstatter, Thom Darden, Fritz Seyferth, Mike Keller, Jim Betts, And Others At Our Book Signing Of Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler And The Transformation Of Michigan Football On September 17 From 6 To 8 PM At Sesi Motors In Ann Arbor. This Band Of Brothers Remains Close To This Day. You’re Invited To Participate In Their Joy.

PS-Go Blue!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Tom Brady and the PSI Nonsense


With the recent PSI controversy in the NFL, it is clear that inequality exists in that venue. The NFL appointed its prosecutor [Ted Wells] to try Tom Brady and then as judge and jury, the NFL found Tom guilty and sentenced the highly touted quarterback, the present and future Patriot team as well as the owner Robert Kraft.

Over the past year or so, the High Commissioner Roger Goodell [what’s “good” about him] has found guilty and sentenced numerous NFL players that have committed some sort of crime. It might have been for spousal abuse-Ray Rice; child abuse-Adrian Peterson; and numerous drug offenses etc. . In each of these player cases, a crime was committed. I don’t have a problem with a consequence when a crime has been committed; although I do question the inequality of NFL sentencing on top of a jury sentencing. This commissioner acted arbitrarily.

From what I’ve heard about the Wells report, Robert Kraft did not commit a crime  nor break a rule; Bill Belichick did not commit a crime nor break a rule; none of the players on  the Patriot team committed a crime nor broke a  rule; equipment managers/personnel did  not commit a crime  nor did Tom Brady commit a crime. Apparently, equipment personnel may have broken a rule, or maybe not. Tom Brady did not break a rule [someone may have heard him say that he likes a little air taken out of the ball]. Certainly, what he may have said didn’t break a rule. He personally didn’t break a rule. For me, breaking a rule is breaking a rule with behavior. Yet, Robert Kraft has a million-dollar fine; the Patriot organization is losing future draft picks and Tom Brady is being suspended for four games or $2 million.

It appears that Mr. Brady’s “crime” was not turning over electronic records to headhunter Ted Wells. Since when is it a crime nor a rule that a player has to comply with the headhunter and give that electronic information to your prosecutor? That prosecutor personally interpreted some nebulous conversation and then concluded that Brady was guilty. Some admit that the Patriots are being punished for previously breaking rules, as well as not complying with league earlier warnings. This whole business is in some ways is like the McCarthy hearings of the 50s. Men are not having difficulty judging other men simply on their terms. The burden of proof or innocent until proven guilty does not apply within this NFL monopoly.

Roger Goodell, you have gone too far. Hopefully for you, it’s not to the point of no return. This case is not about the integrity of the NFL, it’s about you, retaining your job. You’ve had bad press as a result of all these player infractions, as well as past and present player head injuries/concussions. Agreeing with this decision does nothing for your integrity and speaks more to your arbitrary way of thinking. No one, and no one has said or implied that the PSI pressure in any way affected the outcome of that Indianapolis Colt playoff game. The Patriots dominated the line the scrimmage and running back Blount ran through and over the Colts repeatedly. And Brady’s stats were even better in the second half, using, an “official” football. Andrew Luck’s balls were intercepted and just maybe Bill Belichick and staff is superior to the Colts coaching staff.


So NFL high command, you seem, at this point, incapable of establishing equality. Get on the ball and as the cliché says “level the playing field.” Just do it fairly.