Ref First, Female Second (Chris Paul)

Chris Paul; Picture Courtesy via NBA.com

Chris Paul has been and will always be one of the greats of our generation in basketball. There's no doubt about that and there's no telling what the future will bring as he continues his career. He's one of the most defined leaders but lately, there has been some talk about Paul's mindset. He's been called a dirty player and now he's in a situation people will talk about for the next week or so.

Chris Paul, stated that in the game against the Cleveland Cavs, that he was trying to get on a fast pace with the game, when Lauren Holtkamp, NBA Ref, would hold him up from in bounding the ball. He stated that he asked her to give up the ball so that he would get the offense going and she would hold him. He also stated that when doing so, she would say "uh-uh" and he would state back "why, uh-uh?" and then he was hit with a technical foul. He felt that the call was unfair and didn't understand why it was called.

Later after the game, the question was asked about what had taken place with the situation and he referred to the situation as it happened and explained that the call was "ridiculous, if that's the case, then this might not be for her". This would officially open a conversation between the NBPA and the NBRA. The NBPA is lead by new direct Michele Roberts, who made a statement saying "any suggestion that Chris Paul would ever conduct himself in a disrespectful manner towards women is utterly ridiculous, outrageous and patently false."
 The NBRA would also make their statement saying, "The NBRA deplores the personal and unprofessional comments made by Chris Paul. She belongs".

The question now is, was this about gender or about the call itself. Chris Paul would state in an interview the next day that the situation had nothing to do with the gender but more about the situation that it was a bad call. The way he talks about the situations seems like he's stating that regardless if it was a man or woman, the argument about the call would be the same. Doc Rivers and Becky Hammon have also come out to state that they feel Chris Paul did nothing wrong in what he said and was referring the play itself.

Even though, gender is not the case, if every time a woman enters situations controlled by men and they are questioned, does the questions have to continue about personal feelings towards women or the actual situation itself. Because for all that, should women be removed from the environment so that this doesn't continue?

Could this stick to his career? (Jerry Rice)

Jerry Rice; Picture Courtesy via slumz.boxden.com

Jerry Rice is known as the greatest wide receiver of all time has accomplished so much in career. A wide receiver known for his career from 85 to 05, mainly with the San Fransisco 49ers. Rice is a 13 year Pro Bowler, 3x Super Bowl Winner, and holds multiple records such as receptions and more than 6000 yards ahead in the receiving yards category.

Jerry Rice to many is known as the greatest NFL player of all time, in regards to his ability to change the dynamics of the wide receiver position and not known for dropping passes. The dropping of the passes come from so many different factors, such as large hands, great hand eye coordinator and even some give credit to the precise throwing ability of Steve Young. Rice has been able to be an example to so many guys for some many years and made catches to solidify himself as one of the greatest Hall of Famers.

There's one big issue that has arrived at center stage. Has he cheated the game? This usually comes up in every greats journey through their life as an athlete. I mean, he did come from a small college in Mississippi Valley State, where he was nicknamed "World" because there wasn't a ball in the world he couldn't catch. But there seems to be something to that. Nobody really knows much dirt on him and in the media world we live in, there has to be.

Well, Mr. Rice did an interview and stated that he had used stickum on his gloves to get a different feel for the ball when he was able to catch it. The question that comes is, does that separate itself from cheating? Stickum was banned in the NFL in 1981. Has Jerry Rice put the asterisk next to his name now because he has announced it? I'm not sure what the situation will become of this but we will soon find out the results? 

ESPN's CHARACTER!

Stuart Scott, Picture Courtesy of thepouchtimes.com

There never seems to be enough support or the right support for any situation. People tend to overlook the little things and never acknowledge what's right in front of them. I started my own hashtag #GreatnessStartsEarly about a few years ago and have ran with it in stride. I can only hold true to that statement because of the connection I have with people I have never met and people that I have. I don't normally praise people I don't know but there are a few people that I have this hire respect for that has created avenues and awareness to my future in sports. I was given the opportunity as a blessing to study sports management in my 4 years and I not just feel, I know that Stuart Scott is one of the biggest reasons why.

I never really wanted to get involved with sports writing/media but somewhere down the line I gravitated to it. Stuart Scott, was the first voice I remember recognizing in the sports world and I was never able to explain why he was so unforgettable. Scott, was a 49 year old sports anchor that lead ESPN/SportsCenter to new heights and you could see the impact he had in so many lives. Scott in 2007 was diagnosed with cancer and would go the next 7 years battling good spirit. He would earn an ESPY for his dedication efforts to remaining strong through the entire time and inspiring so many people.

Stuart Scott, is a Chicago native who attended North Carolina University and has 2 daughters. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. Fraternity. He is known for joining ESPN in 1993 and giving us the phrases "Boo-yah" and "as cool as the other side of the pillow". Scott was able to interview some of the greatest minds that were involved and played in sports. His dedication to sports is everything that people could dream of. He was able to take his ability to bring his personality to ESPN and not give up on himself, even against the normal standard.

Last but not least (which is the main reason I'm writing this)... STUART SCOTT IS THE VOICE OF ESPN. ESPN is a network that was created to bring attention to sports. Scott was able to bring the attention to ESPN. People looked at sports like they needed ESPN and not the other way around. Scott was the character to sports throughout the world. He gave people energy, effort and efficiency. He never let anybody down with his personality and ability to give the company a name. People come in and out of our lives everyday but I'm not sure this is one person we will ever be able to imitate or replace.

"Thank you Stuart Scott for giving purpose to sports"