Sportsmanship Was On Display

The opening night of the high school football the four main points of emphasis by the referees were  on display this past Friday night.  Working the sidelines with the chains and being on the sidelines of South Granville there was one thing that was very noticeable and that was how calm the sidelines were.  The NCHSAA has made vulgar language on the field of play or the sidelines a personal foul and ejection from the game for just one word.  How refreshing it was that I never heard one word all night from players or coaches that could get anyone tossed out of the game.  The only question I have is why has it taken so long for this to be part of the game again.

The double team chop block by lineman has been outlawed but there was not one called all night. I don't pay that much attention to the line during the game so I can't tell you whether that is still an issue or not. The other two points are minor and one is the clear or white mouth pieces is allowable these days.  The other point was all pads have to be covered by the uniform they can no longer stick out and seen.  Didn't notice one all night.  There were two helmets knocked off during play and on both incidents each player gather his helmet and ran off the field for the one play required to sit out.

Josh Hamilton from Raleigh was released by the Texas Rangers yesterday possibly ending a career that had the makings of superstardom but drugs reduced his career to just a really good ball player.  1999 Hamilton was the number one draft pick but by 2004 was out of baseball from drugs.

Hamilton was never able to shake free of the desire for a drink or drugs so when he returned to baseball in 2007 he had to have an escort to take him home after every game because he would stop by a bar for a drink or buy drugs if left alone.

His return saw five years making the all star team including one as the MVP of the league.  His greatest moment was the home run derby competition in which he hit close to fifty home runs but failed to win the night.

Hamilton has been plagued this season with knee problems and the Rangers say that this release has been done in order that the Rangers can negotiate during the off season with Hamilton to return next season after his knees have healed.  I hope he gets well enough to keep in baseball and only time will tell.