Hometown Heroes

This offseason second year player and backup quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, did not forget about his duties as a role model. On April 14th the Baltimore Raven, went back to his hometown of Hampton, Virginia to host his inaugural football camp. The free camp was given to over 200 youth between the ages of 9 and 14. With the help of local coaches and trainers, Taylor led the camp through technique and agility drills. The purpose of the camps is to provide a strong offensive and defense foundation for the kids to build upon as they grow through the game of football.

In a league of players who are often only publicized for negative behavior, it is nice to see that the 2010 ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year is giving back to his community. During lunch with the mentees he talked to them about the importance of education, hard work, and avoiding peer pressure. In a world of glorified athletes, it is good that there are some who try to instill positive core values in the community. He also brought in close friend, fellow Hampton native, and also a former Virginia Tech quarterback, Michael Vick, to reiterate the core values that he wanted to teach to the kids. These two quarterbacks are hometown heroes and should be commended for going back to their areas to uplift the youth.

Golden Boy's Adversity

There were many rumors circulating that the most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps, may be fined or stripped of his medals for a Louis Vuitton ad being released during the Olympic games. Rule 40 states that Olympic participants may not promote any non-Olympic Sponsor brand for an almost month long period surrounding the Olympic games. The ad campaign was set to be released August 16th after the period set forth by the International Olympic Committee.

It is still unknown who released the Louis Vuitton ad pictures, but Phelps' agent, Peter Carlisle, assures that he has no issues with the International Olympic Committee. Phelps would only be facing penalties if he permitted use of the picture. Since the source of the photo leaking is unsure, Phelps and his 22 medals are safe, along with his record. Phelps is pictured below in one of the Louis Vuitton ad campaign pictures with former Russian gymnast, Larisa Latynina, whose record for most medals Phelps broke in the London Olympic games.

Courtesy of Yahoo

Courtside Country Pride



Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images

2011-2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler has helped the USA Olympic Basketball Team strike gold in London after defeating Spain 107-100. Chandler thought winning the gold medal was one of the greatest feelings he has ever felt. He was quoted saying,
"It literally felt like, the only way I can describe it, it was like somebody had a bowl of hot water and they were pouring it from the top of my head to the tip of my feet. You had this warm feeling, you got goose bumps of pride. It brought me to tears and a lot of my teammates as well. It's pride for your country." He was also greatly appreciative that his 3 young children were all there to witness this accomplishment. Though they may not understand it now, this was one of his proudest moments as a parent, and he plans to use it to teach them that they can "accomplish anything that they put out to achieve in life."

Chandler who is pictured above with New York Knick teammate and fellow Olympian Carmelo Anthony hopes that they can bring this success back to the NBA this season. Anthony who is often criticized as a selfish player that does not attempt to play defense, seems to have transformed his game in the 2012 London Olympics. Since the end of the NBA regular season he has reportedly lost at least 12 pounds. Also Melo' broke the U.S single game scoring record with 37 points in a Team USA 156-73 victory over Nigeria, while also shooting 10-12 from 3 point range. Knick coach Mike Woodson flew out to London to check in with his star players, and watch a few games. But he like the rest of the world will have to wait until the season starts to see if the Olympic play will transfer to the NBA court. We have a few months before that happens, so until then Chandler and Anthony can enjoy representing there country as Team USA Basketball gold medalist.

Team USA wins the gold 107-100 in rematch against Spain

It seems that Spain is the only team, in the Olympics, that gives the USA basketball team a challenge. I was a little worried and skeptical that they could pull it off by halftime, but they came through and pulled it off. Kevin Durant led the team with 30 points and it was a solid team effort by all. I must admit that I can't help comparing this 2012 team to the 1992 Dream Team. Maybe I shouldn't compare them because they are two totally different teams. The 1992 USA Dream Team consisted of: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Carl Malone, and Larry Bird to name a few. They were in complete domination of their opponents averaging 44 point against their opponents. Maybe, times have changed and the United States isn't as dominant because the rest of the world is catching up!

Chad Johnson gets released from jail and Miami Dolphins

It may come as no shock to hear about the domestic dispute between Chad Johnson and his new wife of a little over a month, Evelyn Lozado, this past weekend. I personally was shocked when I saw the two of them discuss cheating on an episode of Basketball Wives. Evelyn seemed to give him permission to cheat as long as he used protection and told her about it. Really?? Then if that is so, why the argument over a receipt for a box of condoms that were found in his car?? Don't get me wrong, I do not ever condone physical violence of any kind against a man or woman.. It's just sad that Chad would jeopardize his career over some side action. I mean why get married??

USA women's soccer win gold

Yesterday the USA women's soccer team won the gold medal match over there rival Japan. This was a very exciting game that topped off an incredible tournament for the USA. The team went into extra time in the semi finals against a strong Canadian team, both teams not scoring for the 30 minutes of extra time. Then in the last 30 seconds of stoppage time Alex Morgan knocked a header in right over the goalie's grasp to put the USA into the gold medal final. My family and I went absolutely nuts but their quest wasn't over. They lost in penalty kicks to the same Japanese team just last year in the world cup. So revenge was on their minds as they went out and got on the Japanese early getting out to a 2 to 0 lead and eventually holding on to win 2 to 1. The game was really exciting to watch and to see the USA team triumph and get redemption over the same team that beat them in the world cup was awesome. The Olympics are such a great time in athletics and we can't take it for granted.

USA gold in women's beach volleyball

After finishing the readings for the lesson regarding Title IX I thought I would take a look at the Olympic news specifically related to women's victories.  One pair of athletes that were of particular interest was Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings.  They have won their third straight gold medal in the 2012 Olympics.  So for the past twelve years they have been the reigning Olympic champions in women's beach volleyball.  I think their story is incredible.  The amount of team work and understanding they have for each other is unbelievable.  I would argue that in some ways participating in an event that requires a partner adds another level of complexity and need for dedication.  As an athlete you aren't just responsible for yourself, but also how you interact with your teammate.

Here is an article detailing their win and at the bottom are several links to articles about their personal journey: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18907800