January 16, 2014
THE CENTRAL STORY
The Central Sports & Business Report on The Central Story airs tonight, 5:30pm—6:30pm, broadcasting live from Me Pa’s Diner in Central, on WPFC, 1550AM, Baton Rouge and on the Internet at JonFineProductions.com. Host Steve Johnson will be joined by CHS Powerlifting Coach Ken Hilton, Defending State Champion Caleb Clark, and Bowling Coaches Phil Godley and Scott Credeur..
Monday night, it is Destined to Win on The Central Story with Pastor Rocky Bezet of The Rock Church (same Bat time, same Bat channel, same Bat internet).
BROADCASTING SCHEDULE:
Thursday, January 23: 5:30pm—6:30pm: The Central Sports & Business Report (on The Central Story)… with Steve Johnson … broadcasting live from Me’ Pa’s Diner in Central
WPFC, 1550AM, BR
Internet: JonFineProductions.com
Monday, January 27: 5:30pm—6:30pm: Destined To Win (on The Central Story)
Pastor Rocky Bezet, Pastor, The Rock Church
WPFC, 1550AM, BR
Internet: JonFineProductions.com
SportsRadio 1310 Radio, Lake Charles Programming of Interest (also heard on KEZMOnLine.com:
Saturday, January 25: 9AM—10AM: All Things Football with Scott Holtzman
Monday, January 27: 8AM—10AM: The Locker Room with John Goodman and Jim Gazzolo
WE THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR UTMOST TO PATRONIZE SPONSORS OF OUR PROGRAMMING. THIS HELPS US TREMENDOUSLY IN SUSTAINING OUR WEEKLY LINE-UP AND WILL ASSIST US IN ADDING MORE PROGRAMS IN THE FUTURE. KINDLY MAKE AN EFFORT TO LET SPONSORS KNOW YOU HEARD THEIR BUSINESS MENTIONED ON OUR BROADCAST(S).
THE WIZARDRY OF OS
Assistant Basketball Coach and Head Swimming Coach at Central High
There are tons of quotes about adversity and character. Abraham Lincoln said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Another unattributed quote is, "Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it."
Since adversity is defined as a difficult situation, I would say Richard Sherman was in an adverse situation when Erin Andrews interviewed him after the Seahawks win. It is a difficult situation to play an emotional game and answer questions 30 second after the game concludes. I have heard that reasoning and here is my response to that and his apology.
Richard Sherman is a well educated man and a professional who has chosen his career. Sherman was not forced into any situation. In addition, he has declared himself the best player at his position in the league. So act like it. The best at something should not be overwhelmed by the moment. So many athletes and people want the accolades, but aren’t ready to handle the responsibility that accompanies the attention.
The media of course loves his answer because their job is to make headlines. Years ago, the media had the job of reporting news, but now they must create news to fill their massive inventory.
Meanwhile, Sherman has shown to the world that when the team he plays for reaches the pinnacle of his profession that he is focused on being petty and self-centered. When given the opportunity to talk about his contribution to the Seahawks making their second Super Bowl in team history he only wanted to talk about himself and criticize another professional.
Considering Sherman holds a masters degree in communication from Stanford, I need more. Don't deflect your mistake by pointing out how some idiots make racist comments on social media. Show your wisdom and maturity by knowing prejudice exists. Respect those that have come before you by highlighting their accomplishments instead of your own.
Don't talk about how you could have expressed yourself in a better way, and are sorry for how you came across. Say that you blew it. You understand that you are in control of what you say and do. Say that you hope to be in the same situation in the future so you can show what you have learned.
Don't talk about how the world should get to know you off the field, when all YOU talk about is how great YOU are on the field. Start using your attention to acknowledge the greatness of your teammates. Give others credit like you position coach, defensive coordinator, defensive line, linebackers, etc. Don't do it because it is "player speak." Do it because it is true. You Richard Sherman can't cover the whole field by yourself. The only reason you got to show poor character, immaturity, and make a fool of yourself in front of as many people as you did is because of your team's success.
Learn that your plea to be recognized for your achievement on the field is what has taken the focus off your great play. In this situation, your mouth is what is keeping people from recognizing your accomplishment. Henry Kaiser said, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.”
With all that being said, this is a forgiving country and I am a forgiving person. Richard Sherman will have plenty of chances to show he has matured. He should start the first time his team loses, and taking full responsibility. He wants all the credit for a win, so he should take all the credit in a loss. Here's hoping his first chance will be after the Super Bowl.
HEY REF
Before accusations, lies and rumors get out of control, the one thing that’s happening in every NFL front office is the numbers game. Not statistics but money numbers. This is the time of year when teams face the decision to either keep a player or cut ties in some ways.
I say “in some ways” because some players will be either free agents or restricted free agents and on each and every team there’s also a category restricting a player’s ability to move on to another team and that’s of course the “Franchise Tag”. In simplest terms this player is the one that the team claims they just can’t do without. The tag is just another way of keeping a player around until a contract can be worked out or if a team is really interested then they have to pony-up large sums of cash to sign that certain player away from the team that he’s under contract to.
It all comes down to money and you can bet your last dollar that Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has played this game many times in the past. But this year he’s really got to watch the bottom line since the team is reportedly some $12 million or even more above the salary cap approved by both players and owners.
Not only are the Saints above the cap right now but they need to find ways in cutting SALARIES to be where they must be before the annual draft begins. Probably their overall best player and producer on the field for the last couple of years in without any doubt is tight end Jimmy Graham. Loomis has pinned the honor of this year’s franchise tag onto a player that’s earned every cent he’s made.
Graham without any hesitation should be given an extension and hefty pay raise. We can all agree on that but what Loomis is throwing in the mix is the position that Graham plays. Loomis has been quoted as saying “Graham is listed as a tight end and should be paid as a tight end and not a wide receiver”. Loomis claims that should dictate the amount of cash he’s willing to offer Graham to stay a Saint long after his present contract expires next year.
I think most of today’s NFL players are paid too much but when you get a player like Graham that works and produces more than any other as the your number one reason for a pay raise and not his position. But the mistake every team makes is they base pay on what a player has done.
Jimmy Graham should get his raise but the new contract has to contain incentives that reward his future production on the field. This way fans will be assured he’ll continue to strive to be the best because at the end of the day, it all comes down to MONEY!!!
I wasn’t going to comment on the embarrassment that is Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks. He claims he wasn’t committing any crime by his tirade but in “Hey Ref’s” book he did. That crime of course was him not being a PROFESSIONAL like he claims to be. We are judged by our actions and his actions after the game were totally unprofessional. But no one should be surprised because the NFL is nothing but a league if misfits and social disgraces…
Till next week… …
The Rotary Club of Livingston Parish
Rotary Bull
By Ivy Graham
“Service Above Self”
Please visit our website at www.rotaryclublp.org.
This week’s meeting:
• This week’s meeting will be held at Big Mike’s. Fellowship begins at 11:30. The meeting is from 12:00-1:00. This week’s guest speaker is Bob Ingalls. Denham Springs High School would not be the same without Mr. Ingalls’ involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. On Friday, we will learn all about this involvement and just how special it is! (I’m serious.) You don’t want to miss it!
Last week’s meeting:
• Jonathan Whitman told us about growing up in Ruston, his attempts to be a football player, and the army’s plans for his future. Despite his degree in communication, he still suffers from constant foot in month disease; just ask the rest of the leadership team. He has already accomplished some of his dreams like having a family and looks forward to obtaining more of them. Thank you Mr. President for overcoming your fears and showing us just how special you are!
• Our club has a brag jar. Better bring your dollars folks!
• Supply list for animal shelter was distributed. A request for donations was supplied to Lowes.
• Supply lists for the veteran’s house were distributed. It was asked that members follow up with their contacts to see who is willing to donate what items.
Upcoming Events/Projects:
• Feb 21-22 – PETS
• Feb 23 – Rotary’s Birthday
• Mar 28-29 – District Conference
Note from the President:
• January is Rotary Awareness month. How much do you really know about Rotary? Are you sharing that knowledge with your neighbor? Now is the time!
Guest Speakers and General Membership Meeting Dates:
• Jan 24 – Guest Speaker, Bob Ingalls
• Jan 31 – “Who am I” Kay Landry
• Feb 14 – Guest Speaker, Jim Spring
• Feb 28 – Guest Speaker, CEO of LHA, Paul Sallas
• Mar 14 – Guest Speaker, Dr. Hunter Bond
• Apr 11 – Guest Speaker, Dr. Dennis
Brags:
• Best Rotarian of the week award goes to Trey Sanders. He walked off a cruise ship straight to the George Smith Project, well maybe he drove. Incredible commitment to this club. We are lucky to have such a Rotarian!
• Leesha Gleber gave a huge shout out to Shane Lacombe! He helped facilitate Iberia Bank’s contribution to the George Smith Project, volunteered a few weekends, and has continued to supply volunteers from his church. (additionally, he has made our facebook page EXTRA popular) Thank you Shane!
• Darren Blevins has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for WOW. We wish Darren great success in this new role!
• Jonathan Whitman’s new partnership with the Hudson group has grown faster than anticipated. We are all very happy his has exceeded his projected goals. Good Job Country!
• Big thanks to the members who have been hustling this week to book us some guest speakers. Continue most excellent work!
• Keith Stark’s fully up and running design-company has taken off! New clients, contracts, and more people knocking at the door
We only thought Keith was busy before! Best of luck to you Keith; you deserve this success.
•Shane Lacombe will be coaching a youth basketball league at Amite Baptist Church. The league will meet on Saturdays from 8am -1pm. There will also be cheerleading for the girls (or boys). Please contact Shane directly for more details.
Members:
• Your quarterly dues will be emailed. Keep a lookout! AND Please kindly and timely submit your payment to Lisa Casas.
• Shirts for sale only $7.00 for members. These things are selling like hotcakes!
!
Jon Fine owns the cloning rights to Ivy Graham.
JON IS PROUD TO WORK AS A MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE FOR SPORTSRADIO-1310-KEZM-LAKE CHARLES, IN ESTABLSHING THE “DOLLAR A HOLLER” MARKETING PROGRAM AND HELPING SELL SULPHUR HS FOOTBALL BROADCASTS AND BARBE HS BASEBALL PLAYOFF BROADCASTS.