"The General" blasts Kentucky coach John Calipari

No doubt, after the dust settled earlier this after John Calipari signed an 8-year, $31.65 million deal to coach the University of Kentucky basketball team, eventually the day would come where he would have to address past suspicious actions at his former schools.
Little did he know such criticism would come early in his first season at the helm in Lexington, a time when the Wildcats are undefeated and again one of the nation's premier teams.
During an Indiana Hall of Fame fundraiser earlier this week, the all-time leader in mens' college basketball coaching win Bobby Knight took a few shots at the Kentucky head man, claiming Calipari was "lacking in integrity" and does not understand why he is still coaching.
"We've gotten into this situation where integrity is really lacking and that's why I'm glad I'm not coaching," Knight said. "You see we've got a coach at Kentucky who put two schools on probation and he's still coaching. I really don't understand that."
Previous coaching stints at Massachusetts and Memphis though successful, were shrouded in controversy, both schools sanctioned by the NCAA for violations occurring during Calipari's time on campus.
After making a run to the 1996 Final Four with UMass, the team's record was wiped from the books after the NCAA discovered former Minuteman player Marcus Camby accepted money and gifts from an agent.
More recently, the NCAA looked into allegations a player on the 2007-08 Memphis team knowingly had another person complete his SAT exam. The player, later identified as talented guard Derrick Rose, would force the Tigers to vacate the entire season in which he played, including a trip to the national title game in 2008 which was lost in overtime to Kansas.
In addition, allegations of Rose's brother being allowed to travel with the team during road games at no charge also came to the forefront.
However, by this time Calipari had moved on to Lexington and his job of delivering another championship to Kentucky. The NCAA also informed the coach that he was not considered a person of interest in its investigation.
In the wake of Memphis having to drop NCAA and school records, it seemed the issue would roll right into the season and possibly affect his first year in the Bluegrass State. But time seemed to heal wounds, and for an extended period little news was heard out of the program aside from what was happening on the hardwood.
Unfortunately for the Kentucky head man, one person - Knight - was taking notes.
Few others pushed the boundaries in college basketball the past few decades than the former Indiana and Texas Tech coach.
Known for his blow-ups at the media and questionable method of coaching, there was a time that he was in Calipari's shoes, his every move magnified and scrutinized.
Enduring similar issues during his own career, it was very surprising to hear "The General" criticize the Wildcats coach.
No matter how controversial though, Knight never bailed out on one of his programs in the face of sanctions, his own personal matters usually having little to do with the welfare of his employer (the university) or his players.
The accomplishments of two schools were wiped out because Calipari got caught sleep behind the wheel. Not to say he will do the same at Kentucky, but his past record of managing programs is less than dazzling.
Wins will sure make past indiscretions fade away - at least for the time being.
No matter though, Knight has more wins than any other men's basketball coach; we have definitely not heard the last from him.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

A fan's letter to the Dallas Cowboys ...

It's about time I bought another hat.
Sitting for the past few years in the back of my car as a token of reverence to my team, the Dallas Cowboys,once a sharp royal blue has been sapped of its color, faded from the sun beaming on it day after day.
Similarly, the team emblazoned on it has somewhat become jaded in recent years, blinded by tales of past glory.
It almost seems like yesterday Dallas was navigating its way through the NFL, rising from the depths of a 1-15 season to the Super Bowl only a few years later.
That bright January day at Pasadena's Rose Bowl would be the first of three trips for the Cowboys to the big game, each of which were victories for the team dubbed "America's Team."
The trio of quarterback Troy Aikman, NFL all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith and hall of fame wide receiver Michael Irvin reminded Dallas fans of the glory days in which Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett roamed freely at Texas Stadium, while coach Tom Landry roamed the sidelines.
Headed into the 1995 season, there were high hopes of a fourth championship in a five-year span. Dallas would finish 10-6 that year, just enough to get past rival Philadelphia to earn the NFC East title.
The team would start the playoffs on a high note, defeating Minnesota 40-15 and seemingly on a collision course with Green Bay in the NFC Championship game.
For Cowboys fans, that day - Dec. 28, 1996 - sticks with us even as we prepare to begin the second decade in the 21st century.
It was the last time Dallas won a playoff game. Kerry Collins and an upstart Carolina Panthers club would bounce the Cowboys out of the postseason the next week, beginning a bad trend of December and January flame outs by the team.
Going into each year, the question remains, "Can Dallas win in December?"
The calendar's final month is the most important in the NFL season, separating the real from fake and solidifying playoff positioning.
During the past 13+ years, however, the Cowboys have found ways to dismantle their hope of earning a championship ring.
Unfortunately, these are the facts the team and us fans live with everyday:
- more than 4,700 days since the team's last playoff win in 1996, losers of its last five postseason games
- Dallas has not experienced a winning December since 1996.
Tough pill to swallow, without a doubt. After last season's swoon, in particular the 44-6 drubbing at the hands of the Eagles with a playoff bid on the line, the faith a lot of us has been shaken, always wondering when the woes will end.
With each failed opportunity to rid themselves of December's past, doubt creeps into players' minds as well.
The only way to dispel the notion of flame outs in the season's final month is simple - WIN!
Dallas has three final opportunities to change its notoriety of being a team that seems to "finish first" - in the bad way.
Making it happen this year will be difficult, with games at unbeaten New Orleans in addition to renewing acquaintances with division rivals Washington and Philadelphia.
As is always the case this time of year, my Cowboys will show what they are made of.
Hopefully, the results are good, beaming radiantly like the Dallas star logo etched to the brand new cap residing in my car.

R.I.P. Chris Henry 1983-2009

It's at these times the games don't really matter.
I literally tossed and turned last night, sick from the news that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry had been in a serious accident in Charlotte.
Following a domestic dispute, the five-year pro jumped into the bed of the pickup his fiancee was driving away from the residence. At some part of the ride, Henry was ejected, suffering fatal injuries the result of the incident.
He was 26.
At that age, the belief for most of us is that we're only showing signs of our future potential.
Henry was certainly beginning to blossom, getting his life turned around after being classified as one of the NFL's "thugs," a guinea pig along with former NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones of Commissioner Roger Goodell's league Personal Conduct Policy.
At one point, it seemed he had exhausted his final opportunity to stay in the league after multiple arrests.
But Henry turned his life around. With the help of his girlfriend, it seemed the Bengals receiver was on the right track.
Often crediting her with his turnaround in interviews, Henry convinced all of us he was serious about making a change. A father of three kids, it was apparent to those in NFL circles this young man wanted to be an example to not only his children, but use his status to maybe help that youth looking for someone to look up to.
But on an overcast day in Charlotte, that all was flushed away from him; so quickly, so suddenly.
Reading and seeing the reaction of his teammates and fellow NFL players, it really put into perspective how X's and O's took a backseat to the welfare of a team and a family who has lost a loved one.
Regarded to some as an "organized fight," players often build a certain hate for rivals on the other sideline. But the loss of a life or an unfortunate occurrence in one's life brings out the best in NFL stars, showing there is more to making millions, being paid to play a "boy's game" and entertain us.
Underneath that tough exterior, there is a heart.
Understandably, the hearts of Cincinnati Bengals players, management and fans broke this morning learning of Henry's death. For someone who seemingly had a bright future ahead of him, the receiver's passing is a bitter pill to swallow.
It will definitely be hard for the team to focus and prepare for its pivotal matchup with San Diego this Sunday. As big as this game is toward the Bengals' common goal of a Super Bowl, it lacks importance to the loss of a teammate, brother and friend.
My prayers go out to Henry's family, the Cincinnati Bengals organization, and those affected by his loss.

Reflections on NFL Week 14

Hitting the stretch run toward the NFL playoffs, week 14 was dubbed as "Show and Prove" weekend for many teams. Wanting to make a statement as well as jockey for positioning in their respective conferences, a win was critical for those with sights set on a date in February on South Beach and Super Bowl XLIV.
Five questions going into this weekend of action:

1. Could Indianapolis and New Orleans continue their respective pursuits of perfection?
At no time in NFL history had two teams been 13-0 in the same season.
The Colts and Saints changed all that on Sunday, remaining perfect after late runs by their opponents.
Indianapolis' defense had trouble defending Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who set a record by hauling in 21 receptions during the game. However, his effort was not enough as Peyton Manning despite throwing three interceptions led the Colts to a 28-16 win.
The victory earned Indianapolis (13-0) the AFC's top seed and homefield advantage throughout the postseason. It also was the Colts' 22nd consecutive victory during regular season play, breaking the record of 21 set by New England earlier this decade.
It may not always look pretty, but New Orleans continues to find ways to win.
Surviving a late flurry from Atlanta, the Saints got a 38-yard field goal from Garrett Hartley and made enough plays on defense at the end to remain undefeated, defeating the Falcons 26-23.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns in the win, two of which went to Reggie Bush.
The win gives New Orleans (13-0) the NFC South title and a first round bye in the NFC playoffs. It also keeps the Saints two games in front of Minnesota for the conference's top seed and homefield advantage throughout the postseason.
Going into the final three weeks of the season, it will be interesting to see if these teams will continue to pursue perfection, or try to rest starters for the playoffs.
New Orleans has a favorable schedule (vs. DAL, vs. TB, @ CAR), while the Colts' road is a bit tougher facing tough defensive matchups in Jacksonville and the New YOrk Jets the next two weeks.
Indianapolis ends the season with a trip to Buffalo.

2. Could San Diego continue its December roll, or would Dallas put an end to its late season woes?
It's not always about how you start, but how you finish.
Over the past several seasons, San Diego has proven this time and again, making late season runs propelling the team into the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Cowboys have had their troubles in December, watching seasons with hopes of success disintegrate in the year's final month.
The trend for both teams continued Sunday as San Diego rode the arm of Phillip Rivers to a 20-17 victory Sunday at Cowboys Stadium.
Rivers completed 21 of 32 passes for 272 yards against Dallas Sunday, with a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates breaking a 10-10 tie in the fourth quarter.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo did not have a bad day, completing 19 of 30 passed for 249 yards and two touchdowns. But Dallas did not make the most of its opportunities, wasting opportunities in the red zone,including not being able to score after getting three cracks from the 1-yard line.
The loss drops the Cowboys (8-5) out of first place in the NFL East, falling a game behind Philadelphia with three games to go. Wins are necessary for the team to have any chance of earning a playoff berth, and that will be tough considering Dallas must travel to New Orleans and Washington before ending the season at the rival Eagles.
San Diego (10-3) on the other hand can earn the AFC's no. 2 seed and a first round bye by beating Cincinnati this Sunday. The Chargers also won their 16th straight game in December, an NFL record.

3. Who would take control of the NFC East?
Knowing Dallas had lost earlier on in the day, Philadelphia and New York knew the teams' meeting at Giants Stadium had added incetive - first place in the division.
A rivalry noted for its many defensive struggles, Sunday's contest wound up with the offenses taking center stage.
However, no one's star shone more brightly than Eagles' second year receiver DeSean Jackson, making two trips to the end zone to lead Philadelphia to a 45-38 win over the Giants.
Jackson caught six balls for 178 yards, including a 60-yard bomb from Donavon McNabb that helped the Eagles regain the lead after New York jumped in front 31-30 midway through the third quarter. He also had a 72-yard punt return go for a score, adding to his notoriety as one of the league's most dangerous players.
The Giants, who were hoping to create a logjam at the top of the NFC East, fell to 7-6 with the loss. New York has lost 6 of its last 8 games after a 5-0 start to the season.
If a playoff run is in the Giants' future, it will almost likely have to run the table against Washington, Carolina and Minnesota, which may rest players to prep for the playoffs in week 17.
Philadelphia (9-4) can really take advantage of the division in the next few weeks, getting San Francisco and Denver at home before ending the regular season in Dallas.

4. Could New England end its losing streak?
Losing streaks of any kind are rare for the New England Patriots.
Suffering two straight losses at the hands of New Orleans and Miami, New England was looking to get back in the win column against Carolina.
The Patriots found things a bit tougher than expected, however, having to work to put away a scrappy squad of Panthers 20-10.
Tom Brady threw for 192 yards and his third quarter touchdown pass to Ben Watson broke a 7-7 tie, giving the Patriots a lead they would not relinquish.
Carolina had no answer for New England receiver Wes Welker, who went over 100 receptions for the season in the contest after hauling in 10 passes in the game.
Surprisingly, Randy Moss was a non-factor in the game, only making one catch for 16 yards. Moss would lose a fumble on the play, and would be targeted only a few more times in the contest.
The win helps the Patriots (8-5) keep their one game advantage over Miami and the New York Jets, both 7-6.

5. Could Brett Favre and Minnesota keep the heat on unbeaten New Orleans in the race for the NFC's top seed?
Brett Favre only threw for 192 yards in Minnesota's contest with Cincinnati Sunday.
However, it was all that was needed to lead the Vikings to their 11th win of the season, claiming a 30-10 victory over the Bengals.
In what was arguably the team's best performance of the year, Minnesota held Cincinnati to 210 total yards, which included holding Carson Palmer to 92 yards passing.
Sidney Rice continued to be a thorn in the side of opposing defenses, making his fifth touchdown grab of 2009. The South Carolina product has caught 67 passes this year for 1,075 yards.
The Vikings will try to clinch the NFC North Sunday when the team travels to Carolina for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

A dream fulfilled

All it took was one play for Mark Ingram Sr. to turn around the biggest game of his career, Super Bowl XXV.
Faced with third and long inside Buffalo territory during the third quarter of the contest, New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler completed a short pass across the middle to Ingram, primarily in an attempt to get his team in position to at least kick a field goal.
The slippery New York receiver had other ideas however, turning what seemingly would wind up a field goal attempt into a drive-saving play, eluding tackles by several Bills defenders before making a last-second lunge for the markers and a first down.
It was only a matter of inches, but that's all it took for the Giants to continue a drive that saw them consume more than eight minutes of game time, ending with an O.J. Anderson 1-yard touchdown run to give New York a 17-12 lead in the contest.
New York would eventually win its second Super Bowl title, needing every second to down Buffalo, 20-19.
If only life could had proven as easy for Ingram as that pivotal play.
Waiting to be formally sentenced on bank fraud and money laundering charges, Ingram was captured as a fugitive early this year. He now faces 10 years behind bars.
Having to share the remote with fellow inmates at a New York City jail, it likely was difficult for him to consistently watch his son, Mark Jr., become one of college football's top players at Alabama. But from the few portions he was able to see, it is likely he saw a lot of himself out there on the gridiron.
Blessed with breakaway speed, power and balance making him hard for even the biggest of linemen to bring down, Mark Jr.'s sophomore season was one to remember in the "Heart of Dixie," setting Alabama rushing records and helping the Crimson Tide to a 12-0 record and the program's first SEC title since 1998.
As with all good players, Mark Jr.'s best performances usually came when his team needed him most.
Struggling to put points on the board against a stout South Carolina defense the running back put the Tide on his back.
On that drive, Mark Jr. carried the ball six plays in a row — most in the "Wildcat" formation — leading 'Bama 68 yards down the field en route to a touchdown sealing a 20-6 victory over the Gamecocks.
He also came up big in a SEC Championship game rematch with rival Florida, gashing what was then the nation's top ranked defense for 189 total yards. The Tide won the game 32-13, earning a trip to the National Championship Game vs. Texas next month in Pasadena, Calif.
Such clutch performances against top notch competition were likely enough to put Mark Jr. over the top in the eyes of Heisman Trophy voters, making him the 75th member of college football's elite fraternity.
He is Alabama's first Heisman winner, accomplishing a feat Tide greats like Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Jay Barker, Shaun Alexander and others failed to do in their time in Tuscaloosa.
While his son was standing at the podium in New York City last weekend accepting college football's highest honor, I wonder whether Mark Sr. flashed back more than a decade ago to when his son said "Dad, I'm going to become a better player than you."
For most fathers, the goal is for their children to exceed everything they did during their lifetime. Tears of joy likely flowed from the eyes of Mark Sr. Saturday night, knowing his son's wildest dreams had been fulfilled.

College Football's Forgotten Field General

Bursting onto the scene his freshman year in 2006 at a pivotal juncture of his team's rivalry game against Tennessee, Florida's Tim Tebow pushing for the first down began a decorated chapter in school and NCAA history.
Tebow's Gator squad would win the first of two national titles won during his time in Gainesville that year, a play that was the beginning of a career in which he gained 8,803 total yards and 85 touchdowns, still with a New Year's Day tilt with Cincinnati at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. As a starter, he led Florida to a 34-6 record, and became the first Heisman Trophy winner at the school since quarterback Danny Wuerffel in 1996.
Characterized not by his play on the field but his faith, Tebow earned the respect and admiration of football fans and those who knew little about the sport.
While the Florida quarterback was causing problems for SEC defenses on a weekly basis, a young man hailing from Greenwood, S.C., was doing the same - albeit in front of a smaller audience.
Armanti Edwards turned down scholarships from southern powerhouses Clemson and Georgia to attend Appalachian State University, a Division I-AA school located in the small mountain town of Boone, N.C.
Wanting the chance to prove he could play quarterback at a high level, Edwards immediately seized the job upon arrival at the school in 2006. Taking over for Richie Williams, who led the Mountaineers to a national title the previous year, he had big shoes to fill.
But Edwards would cast his image over the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS, formerly known as Division I-AA). In his first two years on campus, he would lead ASU to two more national titles, doing his part to help the program accomplish a feat few others have accomplished - a 3-peat.
Edwards would win the 2008 Walter Payton Award, given to the FCS's most outstanding player, in addition to being a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year as well as a three-time all conference performer.
He also led Mountaineers to one of the biggest upsets in college football histor, a 34-32 victory over Michigan, which at the time was among the top five teams in the nation.
Edwards' dazzling collegiate career came to an end Saturday, falling 24-17 to Montana, a game short of the FCS championship game. During his time in Boone, he gained 10,039 yards and 74 touchdowns.
The ultimate dual threat, teams literally had to build a gameplan around him - much like Tebow.
Hopefully like the Florida quarterback, Edwards' place in college football history is not easily buried in the pit of forgetfulness.

As Tiger's World Spins ...

Funny, huh?
Not long ago, Tiger Woods was a media darling, given the keys to the mansion because of his success on the golf course.
Who could argue? The golfer is on pace to become the most successful golfer of all-time, not to mention his success of the links, being able to garner millions of sponsorship dollars.
But as the Notorious B.I.G. said, "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems." In Tiger's case, the celebrity brought more problems than even he could take on.
Recently confessing to extramarital affairs, Woods is doing his best to plug as many leaks as possible, with new allegations coming out everyday.
This week, a number of mistresses have come out of hiding, alleging they have had a relationship at one point with the golf legend while being married to Elin Nordegren.
For a guy trying to heal from a car wreck, the dismantling of his public image and most importantly his relationship with his wife and kids, the past few weeks have been a sobering pill to swallow.
We've heard nothing from Woods aside from a personal statement revealing his transgressions and that the matter should be one dealt with only in the confines of his own home. Hopefully within time they can reconcile their differences, doing what's best for their two children.
It's nothing that he didn't bring on himself, however. Your words and actions are all you have on this earth, and unfortunately he didn't used a few hours or days of his life wisely.
But aren't we a society of second chances? Let me ask you another question: are you a Kobe Bryant fan?
If so, you remember a few years ago that Bryant was similarly crucified by the media and society in general in 2003 after being accused of sexual assault at a hotel in Edwards, Colo., by a hotel employee.
Kobe admitted committing the act of adultery, though he claimed the encounter was "consensual." The case would later by dropped after the accuser informed prosecutors she was unwilling to testify, though a separate suit against the Lakers star was settled out of court.
It's easy to forget this when you see an impersonation of Bryant on the "Most Valuable Puppets" commercials now part of a Nike marketing campaign.
Tiger can and likely will redeem himself, win a few more major titles and maybe make some more sponsorship dollars. But time will tell, and Woods is the only one who can provide the end of the script.

Hitting the right notes

By JOE L. HUGHES II
The Gaffney Ledger
joe@gaffneyledger.com

A house rarely is built in a day, needing as many people and tools available to ensure the safety and comfort of those planning to make the structure their home.
In their quest to find the perfect tune, bands also will employ the use of an array of instruments and talents, wanting to provide audiences with quality entertainment and something to "groove" to.
Monday was not your typical business day at a Logan Street barber shop, as the sound of clippers and chatter were replaced by that of drums, the strumming of guitars and voices of several local talents.
"3 ... 2 ... 1..., let's go!," yelled bassist Earl Vernon to members of Tha Band, signaling the beginning of a musical journey whipping listeners back to the soulful sounds of the 1960s and '70s, playing the tunes of artists like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross and the Commodores, eventually taking on the more recent tunes of Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild and Jill Scott.
"We're trying to cover all the bases," said Michael Logan, keyboardist/bassist for Tha Band. "It's a goal of ours to appeal to both the young and the old."
Music is a way of life for the group, which includes Vernon, Logan, saxaphonist Lamar Peeler, vocalists Ike Bridges, Shaun "Terri" Hall, Melody Harris and Jamarcus Littlejohn, bassist Ben Gaffney, drummer Vince Hambright, keyboardist Josh McDowell and guitarist Kendall Kirby.
Tha Band was formed four years ago, a collection of ministers of music, lead musicians and vocalists from local churches and music groups.
"We all have our own thing going on, but always come back together to make good music," Bridges said. "A lot of us have been good friends for a long time, and it's only right for good people to make good music together. (Music) is what we do."
A love rooted from their days as youths sitting in pews listening to choirs at local places of worship, the group has taken its act around the Upstate.
Tha Band will be jammin' for a cause Saturday, performing at the M&I Productions Christmas Ball in Blacksburg with proceeds going to help the Cherokee Children's Home.
For the past 20 years, the private, nonprofit organization has served as an emergency shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children up to 17 years of age.
"It's all a part of trying to do something good this Christmas season," Bridges said.
Also scheduled to perform at the Christmas Ball are Floyd's Passion, Meechie and Letroune Allen, Kent Oglesby and DJ Snowball.
Soul food will be available at the event and drawings for door prizes will be held.
The Christmas Ball will take place at Iron City Place, located on South John Street in Blacksburg.
Festivities begin at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event.
For more information, call Logan at (864) 425-6675, Bridges at (864) 202-2907, or Vernon at (864) 425-3998.

Second chances

First time, shame on me; the second time, shame on you.

It’s a statement so many of us have heard in times past, leading some to believe that they can mess up once yet get another chance to redeem themselves.

In our society however, such could not be further from the truth. Single moments are opportunities and rarely are they given twice.

Positive thoughts about hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy above his head after kicking a 47-yard field goal through the uprights was likely the only thing on the mind of Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood in Super Bowl XXV nearly 20 years ago. Unfortunately for him, the way he envisioned things took a twist as the ball ended up to the right of the intended target.

A moment that lives in infamy for Bills fans across the country, the shame and feeling of guilt for not coming through in the clutch is a burden Norwood has shouldered since that late January day in 1991. As good as he was during his 7-year NFL career, making more than 72 percent of his field goal attempts (133 of 184), someone so reliable to his team is unjustly associated with failure.

At least he was able to get another opportunity to give his confidence a boost, shaking off past missteps and kicking the ball through the uprights. For a lot of others, one mistake can put you behind for years, some for life.

Marriage vows are an example of this, a verbal and written contract by two people dedicating themselves to that certain significant other for the rest of their lives. A relationship that sometimes took many years to build can crumble quickly however, and be put on display for the world to see.

But after catching their significant other with pie on their face, how many would be strong enough to stick with that person? There aren’t many who would.

A lot of people cannot stand Hillary Clinton, or in particular, her politics. But it took a lot for her to stick with her husband, former president Bill Clinton, after his muchpublicized troubles.

While painful, the two of them were able to put the past behind them and build for the future, one in which she has risen to one of the nation’s highest posts as Secretary of State.

In the Bible, we’re reminded that there is punishment for sin, but God is willing and just to forgive us of our missteps, casting them as far as the east is from the west. Why can’t we do the same?

I have always admired longtime Florida State Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden. Everyone likes a winner, but there is more to him than his accomplishments on the field.

Always willing to share his Christian values with his coaching staff and players, he has earned their respect by backing up his words with actions.

Ten years ago, Bowden was faced with a difficult choice after one of his best players, Peter Warrick, and a teammate allegedly purchased clothes valued at more than $400 for $21.40, a discount so large it is considered shoplifting in the state of Florida. The Seminoles were one of the top teams in the country that year, and Warrick in the upper echelon of players, being highly considered for the Heisman Trophy.

Most coaches would have done away with Warrick at that moment, deciding the student-athlete’s actions made him no longer worthy of a scholarship from the institution — a just punishment considering the alleged incident. Others may have done nothing, giving the player preferential treatment due to how much he meant to the team.

Though not popular at the time, Bowden maneuvered between both options, deciding to suspend Warrick two games and all but ending the talented athlete’s Heisman dreams. But it earned the coach the trust of his players, being looked at as a father-figure, feeling a sense of guilt if they were to disappoint him.

Florida State would wind up undefeated that season, claiming the national title in the 2000 Sugar Bowl. Warrick also played a part in the contest, accounting for 160 yards and three touchdowns en route to being named the game’s most valuable player.

For the both of them, I can almost bet it was sweet redemption after having their names dragged through the dirt months earlier.

I’m not saying that we should clean out the jails in the name of second chances. They are doing that behind bars, earning that opportunity through good behavior and morale.

But more stories like that of Warrick and Oregon running back Lagarrette Blount need to be told, letting children know that one mistake does not equate to failure.

Blount, who earlier this season was suspended by the university following a post-game fracas in which he punched a Boise State football player, was recently reinstated by head coach Chip Kelly.

The move allowed the senior running back to join teammates for the remaining games on their schedule, including the Ducks’ “Civil War” matchup with rival Oregon State.

Blount would score a touchdown in the contest, playing a vital role in helping the team win its conference and advance to the 2010 Rose Bowl.

More importantly however, he is getting the opportunity to restore his name.

I see it everyday, especially in this line of work, instances in which people’s missteps are aired out to a mass audience. Their intentions may have been innocent, but something along the way didn’t go as expected.

I can think of dozens of friends, family or acquaintances that wish certain moments of their life could be done differently. A perfect picture, it’s unlikely they would like the movie of their life to include times of embarrassment or hurt.

But if everything is so sunny and bright, when can we appreciate the rain that washes away grudges and missteps we incur along the way?

Mistakes can and will happen, and all of us fail at some point. It’s how we pick ourselves up from those errors in judgment that are a true measure of character.

All they want is another chance to prove themselves worthy of our trust; are you willing to let them do so?