Show me the movie! (That’s what Cuba Gooding Jr. would have to say about Jerry Maguire.) This movie had me at hello.
In the film, Academy Award Winner, Tom Cruise is high profile sports agent named Jerry Maguire. He is at the top of his game pulling in an enormous amount of money for his firm when his conscious comes back to haunt him. After his epiphany causes him to lose his job, he has to build his own sports agent firm from scratch. He has to build the firm that cares about it’s athletes. By his side is an accountant named Dorothy, played by Academy Award Nominee Renee Zellweger. Dorothy is the single mom just wants to be inspired in life. Academy Award Winning Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. is the high octane, loud mouth, athlete that just wants to get paid. Of course the money wouldn’t be as important to him if it wasn’t all for his family.
This movie will take you on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. You will want to laugh and you will want to cry. Most of all you will find yourself cheering for the cast until the very end.
This is probably one of my favorite movies of all time. I wish I was Ebert & Roeper so that I could give this movie four thumbs up. After watching it several times I still found myself wanting watch it again and again. This is probably one of Tom Cruise’s best performances.
It gives movie watchers a behind the scenes look at what goes on in sports. Jerry Maguire you just how ruthless the sports business has become. Even though it is shot in a playful way, viewers will get the point. The best part though is the morals this movie teaches. The most famous line in the entire movie has nothing to do with it’s lesson’s taught.
“Some me the money!” was the first impression given by Cuba Gooding Jr. Later though we find out how deep his passion for family life is, and that he is a very loyal person. Being one of the smallest wide outs in the NFL, he shows his heart on the field with his fierce style of play. He also shows the value of sacrifice. At the beginning of the movie he does not want to change to help Jerry out at all. In the end though, he sacrifices his pride to show his agent that he can be a team player.
Renee Zellweger’s character has the blind trust and an almost teenage like crush on Jerry Maguire that people only dream of seeing in real life. Dorothy trusts Jerry and follows him to almost where ever life is taking Jerry. She shows that a little bit of trust can go a long way in life.
Jerry Maguire is the man, all thanks to Tom Cruise’s inspirational performance. He leaves the comfort of being in a huge firm to start a new firm that is about quality service. More attention to clients and earn less money. Jerry shows great heart in stopping at nothing to make new client/ friend happy. He also shows a lot of character by keeping his head together and getting through adversity. His friends and colleagues tell him that he is losing his mind and is not able to keep an intimate relationship. He shows character by not letting it consume him.
So if you are looking for a great sports movie then go somewhere else, because this is just a great movie in general. Although, this movie might be more for the romantic comedy fans. The movie is funny but it’s not for the kids.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A Championship and a Rape Charge
I watched a video from E:60 at this url http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3069035
The story was about a freshman that had sex with the starting running back for Northwestern Miami High School. She was legally too young for him but he never got into trouble.
Yes, the girl was only 14 while he was 18, and I know how Iwould feel if she was my daughter but there was obviously more wrong with her than meets the eye. After the starting running back she went on to have sex with multiple people multiple different times. This was about more than some guys taking advantage of a young girl.
Some people in the video were upset that he didn't do any time in jail, instead he put himself in a program to get help. Isn't that why the legal system accepts such programs? Because they work. If the help he got works, then there is no need for jail time.
As for the girl though I hope she gets well and over comes her problems. She is in a mental facility for attmepting suicide twice. I'll keep her in my prayers.
The story was about a freshman that had sex with the starting running back for Northwestern Miami High School. She was legally too young for him but he never got into trouble.
Yes, the girl was only 14 while he was 18, and I know how Iwould feel if she was my daughter but there was obviously more wrong with her than meets the eye. After the starting running back she went on to have sex with multiple people multiple different times. This was about more than some guys taking advantage of a young girl.
Some people in the video were upset that he didn't do any time in jail, instead he put himself in a program to get help. Isn't that why the legal system accepts such programs? Because they work. If the help he got works, then there is no need for jail time.
As for the girl though I hope she gets well and over comes her problems. She is in a mental facility for attmepting suicide twice. I'll keep her in my prayers.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Small Town Star
Almost every dad who played sports in high school and/or college wants his child doing the same and more. It's not just a sport, it's a bond. A bond that goes all the way back to when a father first takes his son or daughter to the backyard to play catch. Once his child goes on to play whatever sports they choose, the dad can say he was a part of that. In a way he can live through his child.
My high school coach, Dave Mahurin, is living the dream in this aspect. As head basketball coach and a principle of his high school, and he has worked for it all the way. He also gets to coach his own son R.J. Mahurin.
Dave played high school ball for Terre Haute South. After dominating for fours years he went on to play Division 2 at Marion College. As a college student he had to balance the rigors of being a starter for the basketball team, and a full time student. An amazing feat for anyone, in my eyes.
His son R. J. has already verbally committed to Indiana State University. As a junior this year he has been traveling all over the country playing against the U.S.A.’s elite basketball players. He has great size and could possibly be in the running for Indiana’s Mr. Basketball this year.
Let’s just say that I saw the kid last year and he was amazing. That was back when he was just getting used to his height. He shot up six inches over one summer. At first he was a little awkward with his new height. Over the following summer he got used to it his size, trust me. He was a single A star for Rockville last season. He made himself known for beating people on back door cuts, catching hot from three point range and an above average post-move from time to time. Now he’s 6’9” swingman that can play anywhere. He doesn’t catch hot from three he is hot from three. The average post move has turned into an in your face dunk, and the backdoor cuts are alley-oops. You can’t stop this guy.
Even though Dave’s days on the court are over he’s enjoying basketball more than ever. Coach Mahurin now gets to mold his own son into a better player than he ever was. Maybe a little tough on him but talent like this can’t go to waste. R. J. is going to need somebody to keep him focused. Yes, Dave Mahurin had a great basketball career but he could have never dreamt this up better for R.J.
People around Parke County or just people who know of young star can’t help but to be reminded of Larry Bird. Small town kid, the classic Indiana style of playing, the fact that he is owning anybody he meets on the court, and do I have to mention where Larry went to school. Now I’m not saying he is or he isn’t but that’s how people talk.
So maybe Larry is a bit of a stretch for some of you fans but ISU’s coach did compare him to the 76ers Kyle Korver. He said that R. J. is better than what Kyle was at this point of his career.
If I haven’t convinced you then just let R. J. convince you. In two years he’ll be at ISU where everyone will get to see him. Until then he will be in Rockville making a name for himself.
As for Dave he will also stay in Rockville as a coach, a principle, and most of all a father.
My high school coach, Dave Mahurin, is living the dream in this aspect. As head basketball coach and a principle of his high school, and he has worked for it all the way. He also gets to coach his own son R.J. Mahurin.
Dave played high school ball for Terre Haute South. After dominating for fours years he went on to play Division 2 at Marion College. As a college student he had to balance the rigors of being a starter for the basketball team, and a full time student. An amazing feat for anyone, in my eyes.
His son R. J. has already verbally committed to Indiana State University. As a junior this year he has been traveling all over the country playing against the U.S.A.’s elite basketball players. He has great size and could possibly be in the running for Indiana’s Mr. Basketball this year.
Let’s just say that I saw the kid last year and he was amazing. That was back when he was just getting used to his height. He shot up six inches over one summer. At first he was a little awkward with his new height. Over the following summer he got used to it his size, trust me. He was a single A star for Rockville last season. He made himself known for beating people on back door cuts, catching hot from three point range and an above average post-move from time to time. Now he’s 6’9” swingman that can play anywhere. He doesn’t catch hot from three he is hot from three. The average post move has turned into an in your face dunk, and the backdoor cuts are alley-oops. You can’t stop this guy.
Even though Dave’s days on the court are over he’s enjoying basketball more than ever. Coach Mahurin now gets to mold his own son into a better player than he ever was. Maybe a little tough on him but talent like this can’t go to waste. R. J. is going to need somebody to keep him focused. Yes, Dave Mahurin had a great basketball career but he could have never dreamt this up better for R.J.
People around Parke County or just people who know of young star can’t help but to be reminded of Larry Bird. Small town kid, the classic Indiana style of playing, the fact that he is owning anybody he meets on the court, and do I have to mention where Larry went to school. Now I’m not saying he is or he isn’t but that’s how people talk.
So maybe Larry is a bit of a stretch for some of you fans but ISU’s coach did compare him to the 76ers Kyle Korver. He said that R. J. is better than what Kyle was at this point of his career.
If I haven’t convinced you then just let R. J. convince you. In two years he’ll be at ISU where everyone will get to see him. Until then he will be in Rockville making a name for himself.
As for Dave he will also stay in Rockville as a coach, a principle, and most of all a father.
Monday, September 17, 2007
O.J.
The contact to the blog I read is hgoldman@bloomnerg.net.
On Sept. 13, O.J. Simpson was charged with armed robbery. He and a couple other armed men went into a Las Vegas hotel to steal some sports memorabilia.
I can't wait to see how this case turns out. Was this an example of how he really is or a desperate attempt to get some money, to help pay his debt to the Goldman's? How is he going to get himself out of this one?
The O.J. jokes are going to multiply by the thousands. The question I have though is is he really the criminal the media is making him out to be? Or is he just a rich athlete abusing his power? I'm going to pay attention to this story, and write more on O.J. as the story devlops.
On Sept. 13, O.J. Simpson was charged with armed robbery. He and a couple other armed men went into a Las Vegas hotel to steal some sports memorabilia.
I can't wait to see how this case turns out. Was this an example of how he really is or a desperate attempt to get some money, to help pay his debt to the Goldman's? How is he going to get himself out of this one?
The O.J. jokes are going to multiply by the thousands. The question I have though is is he really the criminal the media is making him out to be? Or is he just a rich athlete abusing his power? I'm going to pay attention to this story, and write more on O.J. as the story devlops.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
athletes being paid
Today I read a blog about college athletes being paid(http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52615). This blogger was written by someone with the user name brooklynchild155. He had a great point, the colleges are generating a ton of money off of athletics. So maybe the college should give out more money to those athletic programs for scholarships. Paying athletes more than what a full-ride costs is still out of the question.
You do not see kids in pre-med getting paid before they become doctors, and you do not see people in pre-law getting money for cases they over look. If the universties started paying the athletes, the NCAA would turn to into the NBA or the NFL. We'd have hold outs for bigger payoffs. Also if we do pay our college athletes, should the be entitled to an agent? i mean you throw this one element in then it changes all of college sports. It like "opening pandoras box." Once it's started, were does it end?
Then he had the nerve to call college athletics child labor... Are you kidding me he obviously never experianced any such thing. Sport equal to sweat shop?
You do not see kids in pre-med getting paid before they become doctors, and you do not see people in pre-law getting money for cases they over look. If the universties started paying the athletes, the NCAA would turn to into the NBA or the NFL. We'd have hold outs for bigger payoffs. Also if we do pay our college athletes, should the be entitled to an agent? i mean you throw this one element in then it changes all of college sports. It like "opening pandoras box." Once it's started, were does it end?
Then he had the nerve to call college athletics child labor... Are you kidding me he obviously never experianced any such thing. Sport equal to sweat shop?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
athletes for sale
The essay I read today said that there are cases in which good athletes in certain high schools are being "sold" to college programs. Literally the highest bidder get the athlete they want. (Drugs and Sports, Chelsea House Publishers, New York 1987)
In how do you suppose these athletes were persuaded? They got in on the cut. Or they weren't even suppose to make it to a college and the fact that they got into college was payment enough. The "selling" of high school athletes is ridiculous.
This should've been the "final straw" in illegal recruiting. When is the NCAA actually going to crack down on someone. It may look harmless to some but this kind of thing could get much more serious. When players don't show up to camp or when debts need to be paid, how ugly does this get?
In how do you suppose these athletes were persuaded? They got in on the cut. Or they weren't even suppose to make it to a college and the fact that they got into college was payment enough. The "selling" of high school athletes is ridiculous.
This should've been the "final straw" in illegal recruiting. When is the NCAA actually going to crack down on someone. It may look harmless to some but this kind of thing could get much more serious. When players don't show up to camp or when debts need to be paid, how ugly does this get?
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Athletes on TV
Today I read a blog about high school athletes being too exposed by Paul Woody. He said that it not good to expose the athletes at such a young age.
What I took from his article was that he has a general idea that no high school athlete can take the pressures of being on national TV. I agree that those kids are definitely out there, but come on I would have loved to have one of my games televised on ESPN.
He also said it is wrong to give these players their 15 mintues of fame at such a young age. Who ever said there was a time limit on when someone could have their fame? In does being on national TV once mean you won't do anything like that again?
I know this blogger was orginally suppose to be against privleges but not in this case. They televise two rival schools on ESPN because the athletes are entertaining to watch. They televise a National Spelling Bee every year because kids are good at spelling, and brilliance is entertaining to watch. If a group of high schoolers have a gift, I say let them show it off. Teenagers could be doing much worse things than shining in their 15 mintues of fame.
If you would like to read the article I wrote about the URL is http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/football.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-09-02-0138.html
What I took from his article was that he has a general idea that no high school athlete can take the pressures of being on national TV. I agree that those kids are definitely out there, but come on I would have loved to have one of my games televised on ESPN.
He also said it is wrong to give these players their 15 mintues of fame at such a young age. Who ever said there was a time limit on when someone could have their fame? In does being on national TV once mean you won't do anything like that again?
I know this blogger was orginally suppose to be against privleges but not in this case. They televise two rival schools on ESPN because the athletes are entertaining to watch. They televise a National Spelling Bee every year because kids are good at spelling, and brilliance is entertaining to watch. If a group of high schoolers have a gift, I say let them show it off. Teenagers could be doing much worse things than shining in their 15 mintues of fame.
If you would like to read the article I wrote about the URL is http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/football.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-09-02-0138.html
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