Please Share this With Jameis Winston: Florida State Quaterback

    For the many of you that may know of  or perhaps never heard of the star studded quarterback Jameis Winston, he is a force to be reckoned with. Like many other great quarterbacks that have come through the college game of football, Jameis is different. For one, Jameis won the Heisman trophy in 2013. The winning of this trophy is not only a high accomplishment but in part, it sets his athletic abilities at a different level.
     There is no doubt that Jameis is a gifted football player. No one can argue that fact. However, as one look throughout the history of Jameis's life, there are things that are bothersome and perhaps he is either unaware of them, or there is no one in his circle that is willing to challenge his actions. So, as you continue to read this article, think of it as an article in which you would like to share with our good friend Jameis Winston and hope that he is willing to read this.
     Hello Jameis, my name is Christopher. I have been a fan of your talent for several years now, but lately, I'm rethinking the whole ideal of what it means to be a fan, especially a good fan. Although I'm a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I felt it necessary to share this important piece of information with you and others.
   
     There are some things that are concerning me with your behavior. Perhaps some things that you could care less to know, or perhaps your humility has been denounced and you are willing to go at it on your own. I've seen so many other good players that followed this route and in the end, they come out the losers. Jameis, I want you to understand that you should never allow your actions to  speak differently than what you say you heart truly is. I'm sure you would say, "I have a good heart" right? Well, many of us will say this, but the end results are found within the actions in which you display.
   
       For example, you should never allow your talent to take you places in which your Character can not keep you. This is of the utmost importance. Why do I say this? The reason I say this is because your character is reflective on your school's organization. It is not about you Jameis. You are simply lending your talent and you musn't forget that your talent can be replaced at anytime. Having said that, this is your time to shine. If this is your time to shine, then you should allow this illumination to be with all humility and not ignorance.

      When I read the article that brought about your 1 game suspension, I thought, really..., again Jameis? You see Jameis, the organization of football is larger than you could ever imagine. Even the financial contributors that pour in on an annual basis for both college and the NFL are larger than you could ever imagine. Why do I mention this? Well, because I would like for you to know that it's a team effort and one bad player can easily be replaced. When I think of the billions and I do mean billions of dollars in which financial donors give each year to sports, the question then becomes, ...do they really expect to see an outstanding football player act like a fool? Think about it Jameis. You have a talent that can easily become minimal with a "bad" hit or some unexplainable illness, why not use it to the best of your ability. If you decide not to act in good character, then its' ok. They will just replace you. You must remember, YOU NEED THEM, MORE THAN THEY NEED YOU. At this time, you are somewhat iconic in your own way, but this can easily be removed depending on your actions. You must understand this: When your talent is long gone, it will be your dignity and character that people will remember you by the most. You should never have the attitude of : "I don't care, or screw them" because the fans are the ones that have the ability to either accept you or deny you. In other words, it maybe your future and talent but negative characteristics can dissolve any and everything you may build during your college years in football or your NFL years to come. IF you don't believe me, think of the many great college players that have fallen by the waist side....Then ask yourself, why is it they failed?

The Mike Brown Case: A case of value and racism. Where do you stand?

“Anything that has value is something worth having. Anything that is perceived of lesser value, is often-times overlooked.”

    First, I would like to introduce you to the understanding of self- value vs. racism. When one is born into this world, he or she comes here with an extraordinary amount of worth. Their worth can be found in their mere existence, no matter who you are or what family they belong to. Whether people accept it or not, we all carry a substantial amount of worth and its’ our primary duty to extend this in the most positive way possible towards everyone.

 As we grow up in this ever changing world, there is one thing we know for sure and that is, just as we are born, we must die. The statement then becomes, must we die from the hands of those that misunderstand the value of someone else? Once we recognize the value of the other person, this recognition should have nothing to do with what color the person is, but it has everything to do with that individual’s self-worth and value.

This leads to the next question concerning racism. What exactly is racism and why is it still an issue in a country that is struggling to heal from such past atrocities? First, racism doesn’t have any one particular color it extracts itself from the heart of those that are truly incomplete and lack the knowledge of total love.  Racism can be expressed from any ethic group and it is “the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.” Secondly, racism is, “Discrimination or prejudice based on race.”

When it comes down to demonstrating or recognizing self-value, one must understand that it starts with the individual, not their race. The color of one’s skin must be internalized as an invisible sheath, if America is to grow from such negativity as racism. Also, as a black American myself, I realize that whites come under scrutiny for racism, whereas blacks (black man killing a white) are rarely coined racist.  (Hmm).

    In the case surrounding Michael Brown out of Ferguson, Missouri, I can see where both sides can learn from this tragic event. I make mention of both sides, because this tragic event has been perceived to be a racial issue instead of, in my opinion, “forced police brutality.” The killing of Michael Brown has gained national attention primarily because of what the masses are focused upon, rather than what the police department out of Ferguson has failed to recognize and that is, the value of the individual.

Onward, if the majority of blacks perceives any white person who may be associated with police dept., corporation, etc., to be racist when black citizens are killed by white citizens, then whites should be able to decry the same thing when black citizens kill white citizens.  In other words, the law of reciprocity concerning racism should be seen from both sides, instead of one side. (By the way, crying racism back and forth when murders occur from one group to the other will never solve anything.)

Secondly, the police department in Ferguson and throughout the United States can learn from this tragic event only if they close their minds to perceiving any one race of people to be vastly different from the other race. In other words, we are all human beings and we all deserve a chance at life.  I would like to think that any mother or father who may have lost their son to being shot at over 10 times and hit 6  while unarmed could only consider this as forced police brutality.

In conclusion, we must realize that the law (police, etc.) is set in place for the protections of all. Not only that, but it exist for the purpose of maintaining peaceful living amongst law abiding citizens. I make such notion because when an officer gives an order, then, citizens should abide by such order. There should be no argument, pushing, disrespect, etc., going on between the law and citizens. Anything against a police order should be challenged in court and not having to risk one’s life on the streets. Remember, they (the police) are in a sense, “the law.” Last, when trained officers are placed onto the streets to serve and protect, one must remember that no one person’s life has more value than the next, especially when the end results are to “serve and protect” all citizens under this great Nation.

 

By Christopher Ty:

http://www.Christopher-Ty.com