"All in the Game"

RICKY WILLIAMS WILL LIVE TO REGRET THIS DECISION

It's all coming to light now. Miami Dolphin running back Ricky
Williams wasn't ready to give up his beloved marijuana habit for the
opportunity to become one of the great stars of the National Football
League and in the process earning millions of dollars.

It appears that Williams already had three strikes against him and
knew that he would flunk again if the test came. It's hard for a
country boy like me who stays broke to understand the logic, or lack
of it, that some egomaniacs use. This decision not only affects
Williams but his young children as well.

Way to go Virginia Tech. Finally, a university that will tell its
superstar that they have to obey the rules like everyone also. Marcus
Vick, brother of Atlanta Falcon quarterback Michael, has been charged
with reckless driving, possession of marijuana and contributing to the
delinquency of a minor, and had the riot act read to him by the Tech
administration. He is not only suspended from the football team for a
year, he is also suspended from school. Other schools, some of them
close to Cumberland County, might ought to stand up and take notice.

Congratulations are in order for Pat Head Summitt. She was voted
number five on ESPN's list of top coaches over the past 25 years. The
best part of all this is that she was ranked ahead of UConn's Geno
Auriemma. There can't be much arguing about the number one selection,
former University of North Carolina coach Dean Smith.

Are you the parent of a youngster that plays softball or baseball?
Have you ever been to a game, even on the tee ball level when a parent
goes berserk and goes off on an umpire? I coached for a couple of
years and would probably still be doing it if not for the win-at-all
costs attitude of many. I may be wrong (heaven forbid) but I believe
that up to a certain age teaching and helping the kids become better
athletes and sports persons should be placed above winning. Roger
Clemens, if he's guilty of the behavior he's accused of, is really
setting a good example for his son and his teammates and their
parents. He says he's not guilty but usually where there's smoke,
there's just a little fire. After all he is the same ballplayer that
threw part of a bat at an opponent.

What's up with Quincy Carter? It appears that Coach Parcells and the
Cowboy organization did everything they could to help the young
quarterback but he just couldn't break away from whatever he was
doing. Hopefully it's not too late for him and he can salvage a very
promising career.

Is the rest of the world really improving in basketball that much?
It's hard for me to imagine the professional athletes that we
assembled getting beaten soundly by an Italian team. Oh well, at least
it wasn't a French team, that would really have been the final straw.

Football continues to get closer to being a reality here on the
Plateau and around the country and Phillip Fulmer continues to have
distractions thrown his way. Come on Alabama fans and attorneys, do
something or just shut up and take your punishment.

Don't forget "Meet the Jets" night on Aug. 14 at the stadium at 5 p.m.
It will mean a lot to the team if a large crowd shows up. I understand
that sizewise we may be a little down this year, but remember, "It's
not the size of the dog in the fight."

Come on football!!! Go Jets!!!