Caught Up!

Tressel out as Ohio State head man!

Jim Tressel, who guided Ohio State to its first national title in 34 years, resigned Monday amid NCAA violations from a tattoo-parlor scandal that sullied the image of one of the country's top football programs.
"After meeting with university officials, we agreed that it is in the best interest of Ohio State that I resign as head football coach," Tressel said in a statement released by the university. "The appreciation that [wife] Ellen and I have for the Buckeye Nation is immeasurable." Luke Fickell will be the coach for the 2011 season. He already had been selected to be the interim head coach while Tressel served a five-game suspension.

Like I've said since the beginning of this entire fiasco, it could easily have been any big time program in the country. My only problem with Tressel was that he made the Tatt 5 promise to come back to school and serve out the 5 game suspension. I thought that it was completely bogus of him to do that because that decision should've been up to those kids and their parents to make.

Now he resigns and it’s too late for them to declare for the NFL draft or be drafted because it was last month. Parenting and parental guidance is so important because there is no way that Jim Tressel would've made that decision for my child. That decision would've been completely up to my kid and I to make.

Once the news broke of the tattoo scandal just before the Sugar Bowl you knew that it was only going to get worse because the NCAA wasn't going to let it go. So why make those kids stay in school? They were all draftable players. Even Terrell Pryor who many scouts said wasn't ready to play quarterback in the NFL. Some said that he would be a 3rd or 4th round pick or would probably have to play tight end.

Well... that's better than standing on the sideline at Ohio State for 5 games while serving a suspension. He can't get better standing around for nearly half of the season. That didn't make any since to agree to do. I wrote an article entitled "All Crapped Out" back in March that explained in detail why I had no problem with Tressel not telling the NCAA or the universities compliance office about the tattoo situation.

As a big time college football coach he's gotten hundreds of calls or emails in the middle of the night about some player doing something that he's not supposed to be doing. Do you realize how many times players get into trouble on campus that could result into suspensions or NCAA violations? If he called the NCAA every time he got an email or call about a player. He wouldn't have a anyone to suit up on Saturdays.
Guys get arrested for things that the rest of the world never even finds out about because the arresting officer happens to be a friend of the program or a former player and just brings the kid to the coaches house. It happens all of the time. The coaches have promised these parents that they are going to look out for these kids so they handle a lot of things internally.

If your 5 year old kid went to the store with you and you find out once you've gotten home that he stole something. Would you call the police and have him arrested or would you handle it internally? I'm quite sure you'd handle it internally. When you're driving 20mph over the speed limit today on the expressway are you going to pick up the phone and call 911 on yourself and tell them that you're reckless driving and ask them to come pick you up? Probably not!

If not, why do you think Tressel should've called the NCAA on his players or the program? Everything that was happening under his watch was happening when he got there. I wrote an article entitled "Pump Ya Brakes"  in March as well, that explains how this could easily have been any program in the country under investigation because they all cook with the same ingredients, 18 to 22 year olds and rich boosters that want to win at all costs. You can’t escape it. So before you pile on Ohio State understand that this is a common occurrence in college athletics and don't be so naive to believe that it's only happening at Ohio State.

You Don't Choose The Sport!

Maximizing my potential!

Life is about taking what God has blessed you with and maximizing it. According to my wife, not everybody gets everything. The old school coaches would always say, "Son, you don't choose the sport, the sports chooses you". I never understood what that meant until I went off to college.

I was a standout tailback at Gary Roosevelt High School in the mid 1980's. I finished my career as an All-Conference performer after leading the team in rushing and carries. I set the school record for the longest kick off return of 97 yards at the time. I was also the teams MVP and received the school's highest football award called the Leonard B. Douglas Trophy. Named after one of the legendary coach at the "Velt" as it was so affectionately called.

Keep in mind that the "Velt" was one of the best athletic powerhouses in the country at the time that produced several professional athletes across several sports. It also produced countless division 1 athletes in all sports as well including my older brothers. I say that to make a point that if I was good enough to be one of the best during my time at the "Velt" the sport must have chosen me, right?

Well... not exactly. What I didn't tell you is that I only stood 5'7" and weighed only 140lbs soaking wet and ran a 4.59 forty yard dash as a senior. More importantly, I was born with only one full arm. I was only recruited to play at Butler University even though I was one of the best in a city that probably had more talent than anywhere else in the state. I didn't want to go to a small school because I had too much talent to play with guys that, in my opinion, couldn't play. So I walked on at Purdue.

I learned real fast what, "You don't choose the sport, the sports chooses you" meant. Even though I was talented I didn't have the genetics that the other guys had. It comes down to being born with something that not everybody gets, size, speed and athleticism. Those things can't be taught or coached. Guys were running 4.3's that were 4 to 6 inches taller and 40 to 60 lbs bigger than I was with 39 inch verticals at the same position and that just blew my mind. The first time I ran the ball in a scrimmage a linebacker ran me down before I could turn the corner and he was 100 pounds bigger than I was.

They weren't diagnosing concussions back then but I'm quite sure I’ve had several looking back on it. If you got blown up the coaches would say, "you just got your bell rung, you'll be alright". It was at those moments that I fully understood what that phrase meant.

Of course, I could've gone to Butler but I've always believed that if you're not competing at the highest level that it's a complete waste of time. I learned in the spring of 1987 that I needed to find something else to do. It was difficult to come to grips with but it was necessary. I wasn't going to stand around on the sideline just to say that I was on the team. So I transferred to Indiana University and used the lessons that football taught me to become a student leader including becoming the President of the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Beating the odds!

I've become just as successful in the corporate setting using those same lessons. I've consistently been a leader both nationally and globally in the field of pharmaceutical sales. Understanding, "You don't choose the sport, the sport chooses you" can be a mind blowing experience. Don't ever try to force round pegs into square holes. God doesn't make mistakes he makes masterpieces.

He made me just the way he envisioned me to be. It was up to me to see what he saw in me and I had to learn how to appreciate it. Everybody's got something wrong with them. Many were raised without fathers, others may suffer from mental disorders or have visual impairments, you name it. God has a tendency of using flawed people. Moses was an inarticulate murderer and Noah was a highly intelligent alcoholic. Whatever it is, you've got to over come it. So embrace the philosophy of "you don't choose the sport, the sport chooses you" and then find out what actually chose you and do it. Then I guarantee that you'll find success!

 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygravesreport

How To Watch Sports 101

"Don't watch the game with your heart"

Good morning class I'm professor Graves! I'm here to teach you how to watch sports and cheer for your favorite team without making yourself look stupid. It's OK to have a team that you completely love but please understand that you've got to be able to watch the game with your head and not your heart.
So many times I run into folks that just don't get it. For the purpose of this discussion we will use the Chicago fan because I'm surrounded by so many, living here in the Midwest. In my opinion, they are the most delusional sports fans in the country.

It's important to understand what your team is capable of doing. You have to know what their flaws are and also what they do best. Don't just say that my team will win just because they're playing in the stupid game. When the Bears made it to the playoffs last year every Chicago fan had them going to the Super Bowl. However, they had glaring flaws that couldn't be ignored. Duh, they had no quarterback and the offensive line was terrible! That combination was lethal.

Cutler was the most sacked quarterback in the league and he had been very inconsistent all year. Great defense though. However, you can't win with a quarterback that is consistently on his back that has the tendency to turn the ball over. If you were a real fan of that team you would know that going in.

The Bulls had one player in Derrick Rose that couldn't shoot all year. Yeah he was the MVP but they didn't play the same team in a best of 7 during the year. His whole game is taking you to the rack. You didn't think that Miami wasn't going to figure that out after game one? When you take that away he has no game. If you watch them every night you're supposed to know that.

 I'm not saying don't pull for your team, just understand what your they're capable of doing. That way you don't talk trash all week and have to call off work like most Bulls fans did the other day because they couldn't face their co-workers. If you would have been honest with yourself and just said, "We're good but we're a free agent away! I hope we win but we're suspect right now. Boozer is too inconsistent and Noah gives us no offense. I'll be happy if we can somehow pull it out". If you say that no one would've bothered you after the loss.

I'm a season ticket holder for the OU Sooners. In 2004, they were undefeated and the #1 team in the country. The Sooners were scoring more points than anyone in the history of college football.  I was at nearly every game. However, after each game I said we aren't ready because our defensive secondary is suspect and if we play someone that can throw the ball we'll get destroyed. Both USC and Auburn at the time were undefeated.

 I was hoping to play Auburn because Jason Campbell wasn't the greatest quarterback and he had a tendency of making mistakes. Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and Co. were a well oiled machine and I knew they would blow us out because our secondary hadn't played against a pro-style offense and they couldn't cover. We met USC in the Orange Bowl for the National Title and got blasted 55-19. I didn't have to run from folks because I'd been saying it all year. It's called being an "Objective Observer". I knew what my team was capable of. No one should know your team better than you.

Die hard Cubs fans are completely delusional. Why would you cheer for a  team that consistently loses? They haven't won a title in over 100 years, yet you say this year is the year, every year. C'mon man! Is that by accident? There's no incentive for the Cubs management to win. They sell out every game with a loser on the field. Why go out and pay $100 million for a superstar if people will come anyway. It's ridiculous! The #1 rule to watching sports is to take your heart out of it. That doesn't mean that you can't like a certain team but know what your team can do. That one rule will keep you from looking like an idiot when your team loses!

Granted, there are upsets every now and then, but that's why they call them upsets. Nobody saw that coming! The favorite some how fell asleep at the wheel and the underdog wins the game. Most notably Boise State beats Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl a few years ago. Unless you are a prophet you can't call those types of wins. For the most parts it's not that difficult to figure out whether your team is capable of winning. You should always know what to expect.  Class Dismissed!

Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
 Twitter: @jaygravesreport

"I Told You So"

"Who Got Next!"

Since "The Decision" last summer I've been writing articles to LeBron haters. Now I'm tired of writing the same thing. It's like making left overs and changing the sauce on it. It's like having baked chicken, then chicken and noodles, then chicken a la mode, then chicken sandwiches. It just keeps coming up chicken.   How many times can I say, "I told you he would be just fine and would change the game regardless of what you think of him". Well... at least 10 times. So instead of me writing it again. I'll just give them all back to you. Please don't get sick after hearing me say "I told you so" for seems like the hundredth time!

1. The Enemy of Success May 25, 2011
2. It's Alive May 14, 2011
3. T.E.A.M.  May 13, 2011
4. Can't Knock the Hustle May 10, 2011
5. My Decision is 2-0 right now! May 4, 2011
6. Keeping It All The Way 100: 25% Real 75% Fake April 12, 2011
7."Watch Ya Back Son!" Heat Blast Lakers December 26, 2010
8. Heat Finding Their Groove December 16, 2010
9. LeBron: Letter To My Ex-Girlfriend November 29, 2010
10. Shame On You Cleveland November 10, 2010 although written in July 2010 after "The Decision"

Does it still taste like chicken or has it begun to taste like duck? In my opinion, the Heat could fall apart right now and it wouldn't make a bit of difference. They've accomplished more than the world wanted them to. They made it to the Finals after the 90% of  NBA fans wanted to see them fail. It would make my season to see them win it all in the face of such adversity. I like the hated because they're normally the most ambitious and "Ambition is Mandatory". I love what the Florida Gators always say, "Either you're Gator or Gator Bait!"(In my Larry the Cable Guy voice).


Jay Graves
jaygraves@ the jaygravesreport.com
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygravesreport

The Jordan Effect!

Jordan put the sports marketing game on it's ear!

I constantly hear people saying how dry and bland Derrick Rose is and how he will never be the star that Jordan was because he can't present himself like the former Bulls star did. Look folks, don't panic because he seems not to have any personality because Jordan didn't either at his age. Mike came into the league in 1984 after being in college for three years and still wasn't the polished guy we see today.

However, in 1986 Michael Jordan turned the sports marketing game on it's ear. The Air Jordan shoe came out and the rest is history but if you can remember he didn't do any of the talking in those commercials. Spike Lee as "Mars Blackman" did and Jordan just dunked and hung on the rim. "Do you know, Do you know, Do you know" was the slogan. Sounds funny now but that took off like wild fire and the Jordan Brand was born.

Other professional athletes were already marketing products well before Jordan did but no one had the effect that Jordan had on Madison Ave. I can remember O.J. Simpson running through airports for Hertz in the 1970's. Mean Joe Greene had the coolest Coca Cola commercial with the kid following him down the tunnel after the game and he then throws the kid his jersey. So I'm not saying that Jordan invented the game. He just took it to another level but it took him some time.

Derrick Rose is only in his third year in the league and he only went to college for a year. So he's younger than Jordan was during his third year. He'll be alright in a couple of years. They'll get him up to speed. If you can remember, Jordan was a country kid from North Carolina when he came to the Windy City and he sounded every bit of it. It wasn't long before he lost the southern accent and he was Mr. Sports Marketing.
Rose just needs to hire a strong team of people to get him up to speed vocally. He can speak well now he just needs to come out of his shell. The problem is, most of these kids that come into professional sports don't realize how much money can be made off of the court or field until it's too late.

One person that understood it from day one was Shaq. This guy came into the game with so much charisma that they just threw money at him. I mean he didn't leave an ounce of it on the table. He was making albums regardless of what you thought of his rapping skills. The guy went platinum several times. He was the McDonald's Big Breakfast guy and the Pepsi guy etc. He's even doing Comcast now and he's not even relevant on the court these days. His personality made him a very rich man.

So in my opinion, if D. Rose can get comfortable enough to follow the leads of guys like Deion Sanders, Shaq and even LeBron he'll be alright. Now granted he doesn't have their personalities but if he can just open up Madison Ave will pay him a boat load of money because he plays in a major market. LeBron was in lowly Cleveland and got $90 million dollars from Nike before he even graduated from high school.

There is no reason that any kid playing sports that is pegged as the next "whoever" shouldn't be working on his charm and vocal skills at the same level as his game right now. There is more money in endorsements than there is in playing any sport. However, your game has to be tight to get the endorsement deal.

I'll leave you with this. Jordan only made $3 million per year playing with the Bulls during those championship runs. He made all of his money in endorsements and he was worth more than a half a billion dollars by the time he retired. Also the endorsement don't put wear and tear on the body. If you don't believe me just ask Tiger Woods who at one point was making over $100 million in marketing deals. His extra marital affairs cost him millions in endorsements that he couldn’t win enough tournaments to make up at this point.

 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygravesreport
　

The Enemy Of Success!

Don't let anybody stop you from rising to the top!



"The Big Three" has certainly lived up to all of the hype of last summers "Decision" and more, even if they fall apart right now in my opinion. I didn't expect for them to make it to the Finals when the playoffs started because I thought that they were at least a year away. However, they've stepped that up by a year.
LeBron James scored 35 points, Chris Bosh added 22 and Wade showed up big defensively when all of the marbles were on the table as the Heat went on to beat the Bulls 101-93 in an amazing Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the series.


"You could tell that neither team wanted to lose," Wade said. "Both teams were clawing. If you're a fan of the game, this was a great basketball game. ... This was will." Miami will look to send the Bulls fishing on Thursday in Chicago, where the Heat will take their first trip to the finals since 2006. "It's one game away," James said. "We're not taking anything for granted."

All of the haters in Cleveland and around the country, for that matter, are sick to their stomachs watching LeBron do exactly what he set out to do...Win! Yeah, it hurts to see someone accomplish their goals when you put all of your energy into seeing them fail. The good lesson here is, people can't control what you can become or what you accomplish in life.

Not everybody is going to be happy about your success. I've got two kids that are always looking for people to like them. They many times look for the approval of their peers when they are doing something. I'm constantly reminding them that everybody doesn't want to see you succeed.

One of my favorite lines in a movie was from American Gangster. The old Italian guy told Frank Lucas, "So your success took a shot at you. What are you gonna do now? Are you gonna kill them? Look Frank, you can be successful and have enemies or you can be unsuccessful and have friends." Well... I don't want very many friends.

That was the best line of all-time for me. I learned years ago that you can't satisfy everybody. You've got to be the best that you can be and the decisions that you make have to be genuine. If LeBron felt like going to Miami was best for he and his family and winning was paramount, then the approval of the rest of the world was irrelevant.

The only reason most folks thought "The Decision" was disgraceful was because he decided to leave. If he had stayed "The Decision" would've been pure marketing genius. Again, people that put so much energy into what someone else is doing isn't focused on making moves for themselves. Why would I care what other folks are doing if I'm on my grind?

If I've got time to analyze another man's hustle, I'm way behind the eight ball and I'm losing. Please understand that ambition is mandatory. I don't care what you've accomplished in life you should never reach a point of satisfaction. My older brother once told me when I first graduated from college, "You rest when you die". That simple statement made all of the sense in the world to me.

It's OK to celebrate the success of other folks when you're secure in who and what you are.


If you like it share it! Holla At Ya Boy!

Jay Graves Twitter: @jaygravesreport
Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.

The 1st Amendment Can Get You Hurt!

"Ron Artest was at his limit"

 I'm always blown away by fans that think that they are entitled to act a fool once they buy a ticket to a sporting event. Like the price of admission gives them the right to be disrespectful to players and even other fans. How many times have we seen fans shouting or throwing things at players as they come off of the field or court.

The most memorable of those were when a fan threw a cup of water at then Pacer Ron Artest in Detroit and he immediately dove into the stands after the guy, inciting a riot. Now granted, Artest was completely out of line but the fan was equally as wrong, in my opinion. I wasn't all that mad at Ron for going after the guy.

On Sunday night during the Miami/Chicago series a fan blurted out something to Joakim Noah and he in turn shouted a gay slur back. Now we have no idea what the fan said to Noah as he exited the floor. Does that give the professional athlete(Noah), that is essentially on his job, the right to say something disrespectful? No, not at all,  because he was way out of line. However, the fan has to understand that there is always the potential of catching a guy in the heat of the moment and getting beat down.

What most people don't realize is that majority of the professional basketball and football players in the league grew up in ghetto's all over this country. They haven't always been millionaires. Growing up in that environment wasn't easy and respect is earned by defending yourself verbally and often times physically. Keep in mind that many of these guys aren't that far removed from that environment because they're so young. Therefore, many of these fans should consider themselves lucky that Artest is the only guy that has snapped because the potential is always there.

Yes, the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States gives us the right to freedom of speech. So you have the right to say whatever to whomever you'd like while at the game or anywhere else for that matter. However, just because you have the right to say it doesn't mean that it's a good idea.

It's like the teen that goes to the zoo and aggravates the cheetahs by throwing and spitting things at them. Sure, there's a cage separating the two and it's there to protect the patrons. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. The cats just wait until the juveniles get comfortable enough to approach the cage. Then he claws him to pieces. Again, just because you paid to get in doesn't give you the right to be disrespectful. The fact that they pushed the envelope was the reason that they were sent to the hospital in critical condition.


Going to the game should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Cheer your team on and be as rabbit as possible but please remember that the players are human beings with families and friends. You can't act like the kid at the zoo! You wouldn't want somebody coming to your job shouting expletives and taking the mic out of your hand while you're taking orders at McDonald's would you? So give them the same respect regardless of whether you bought a ticket or not.
 I especially hate going to professional sporting events because they sell alcohol, unlike they do at college games, because people tend to drink too much and it always gets out of hand.  Just recently a  S.F. Giants fan that was brutally attacked by L.A. Dodgers fans outside of Dodger Stadium on Opening Day. The guy suffered brain damage in the attack and remains in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital.

I just believe that people that act like that shouldn't be allowed to have tickets to the games. If you're disrespectful to the players or the fans you should be removed from the arena or stadium immediately and your tickets privileges should be revoked. Have a ball but understand that you can't act like a moron because you've got a ticket.

Holla At Ya Boy
Jay Graves
 Twitter:@jaygravesreport

"Admission Ticket"

"It costs money to get the good Seats"

Everybody dreams of having the best seats in the house. However, it cost money to be the boss or to even look like it. I'm tired of hearing men that have children that don’t live with them saying that their child’s mother is keeping them from seeing their kids. Now I realize that there are some crazy women out there and many times they can be a problem. However, quit blaming them for not being in your child’s life if you haven’t done all that you can do to help raise them. I call it like I see it bruh. Stop acting like you don’t have children just because they don’t live with you.

Start paying your child support every month and spend time with them. Even though you don’t see your children every day they're still growing. I can hear these guys saying, “Child support is not my admission ticket”. Sure, it’s not your admission ticket but it always costs money to go to the game. How can you look your child in the face when you haven’t paid to get in bruh? That’s like jumping over the fence or sneaking in. It’s stealing!

Let me tell you bruh, it costs money to sit court side. Just like it costs money to pop bottles in the club, wear designer clothes and drive fast cars, take your woman/wife on dates, put rims on your car, go to the NBA All-Star game or the Essence Music festival, take vacations, gamble or to go the strip club. C’mon bruh! There isn't a judge in America that won’t tell you to kick rocks. Even the word of Gods says, “A man that doesn’t take care of his family is worse than a non-believer“, Timothy 5:8.

It costs money to have a say in what goes on in your child’s life, but, as long as you keep using stupid excuses like child support shouldn’t be my admission ticket you won’t see them. I wouldn’t let you see my kids either if you didn’t contribute to their well-being. Handle your business and go to court when some trifling woman tries to keep you from seeing your child when you ARE paying child support because custody should already be in writing.

At that point, a woman can’t tell you that you can’t have access to your child or children because she would be in contempt of court. I still hear guys standing outside the stadium saying, “Man it cost money to get a lawyer or to go to court”. Man it costs money to be grown! When you start having children you need to understand that it’s a constant sacrifice to raise them. So stop living like you don’t have mouths to feed. You want to sit on the 50 yard line for free. Keep in mind that this guy has reserved seats but refuses to pay for them and gets upset when some other guy is willing to take his seat. I know I'm talking bruh!

If you want to sit in the luxury box they cost money, and all different types of money too. Money to pay book rental, money for school clothes, money for registration fees, field trip money, before and after care money, health insurance money, mommy can I go money, McDonald's Happy Meals money, I need new shoes money, underwear money, groceries money, lights and gas money, mortgage money or just because it cost money to live money bruh.

Who do you think pays for that? Not only does it cost to get into the game but think about the time that you’re missing in teaching and nurturing your kids. One thing is for certain, if you ignore them they’ll still grow up. However they’ll grow up like wild grass and it has the potential to be stubborn. Now it can be saved but it requires additional work from others because of your absence. So if you want to go to the game and enjoy it you‘ve got to be willing to pay to get in bruh.

 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Grave
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygravesreport

"Play Like it's Your Last!"

Sooner LB Austin Box dead at 22




The proud Sooner Nation is mourning the death of it's team leader, as authorities announced Thursday afternoon that starting linebacker Austin Box has passed away after being transported to Oklahoma City’s Mercy Hospital due to an unknown medical condition. He was unresponsive on Thursday morning at a friends home in El Reno. “The University family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box,” said OU President David L. Boren. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

“This is a devastating day for the OU family,” said athletic director Joe Castiglione. “Austin was incredibly well-liked by his teammates, coaches and fellow students and will be greatly missed by all of us. We’re providing all the appropriate resources necessary to help everyone in his family, and ours, cope during this extremely difficult time.”

More of the same came from head coach Bob Stoops.

“We’re all shocked and heartbroken,” Stoops said. “Austin was a great young man, a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year. As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it’s even more difficult for his  family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

This kid was only 22 years old with his whole life in front him. His family had just watched him earn his degree on last Saturday. He was the stud on campus and the team's leader. However, God had other plans. We never understand what the Almighty is doing and why he does it. All we can do is trust that he doesn't make any mistakes. There is a reason why they call it the "Present" because life is a Gift.

God will call all of us when our time comes. Our goal is to get to Heaven and Austin just got their before we did.  This is a call for us to play the game of life like it's our last everyday. We are only here to make an impact and win souls to the Kingdom of God. Everything else we get to do is bonus.

We get to pass through this life only once. It would be a shame to come and go and no one notices your absence. You don't have to be famous or rich to make an impact. You only have to get involved in other folks lives. Play like it's your last play everyday and don't waste your time while you're on this side of Heaven. R.I.P. Austin and Boomer Sooner!!!

If you like it share it! Holla At Ya Boy!

Jay Graves
jaygraves@thejaygravesreport.com
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygraves
Information from Soonersports.com was used in this article.

"The Definition Of Luck"

Udonis Haslim's lucky break!

Shortly after graduating from college the first thing my new manager asked me was did I believe in luck. I said, "I guess I do". We'll... he went on to say that Luck is the corner where opportunity and preparation meet. I've never forgotten those words and they've proven to be some of the most powerful that anyone has ever spoken to me.

Those same words proved to be true for Miami's Udonis Halsem last night. He hadn't played any significant minutes in nearly six months since undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left foot sustained Nov. 20. He was the spark the Miami Heat needed to even the Eastern Conference finals series at a game apiece.

"He's an absolute championship warrior," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "What he did tonight, it's remarkable. … There was something — a look in his eye. I knew it was time."
While Halsem hadn't been on the floor for the Heat in all of that time however, he continued to drive down the street of preparation. In life we have to always stay on that street. Even though the GPS maybe telling us to turn off onto another street because “Preparation” has too many twists and turns. It may even have an unbelievable incline that seems to be too much to overcome.

Keeping your eyes open for the intersecting street of "Opportunity" is mandatory because it only comes up every now and then. It's important to be prepared when opportunity shows up and Udonis crossed that intersection last night. As a result of being prepared when the opportunity arrived he was able to be successful.

Udonis contributed 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes which don't blow you out of your seat, but they were significant enough to help the Heat even the series. You don't have to be the star to be a winner. It's all about playing your roll in life and being accountable when the team needs you.

Even though Lebron was the man down the stretch to finish with 29 points and Dwyane Wade scored 24 to beat the Chicago Bulls 85-75, Halsem was the X-factor last night. I would bet that he received the game ball after the game.  
Keep in mind folks, this has nothing to do with basketball or sports. This has everything to do with life and living it more abundantly. In order to find success in the world you've got to be willing to prepare yourself for the very few opportunities that will come up in your life.

For six months Udonis prepared himself to play not knowing what God would have in store for him. He remained hungry during his time away from the team and never lost his focus. The word of God says in Proverbs 16:26, "The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on." His appetite allowed him to show up big last night and yours can do the same for you. Be lucky today!

Jay Graves

Hottest Sports "Nicknames" of All-Time!

Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins

In the world of sports, attitude is everything and a players nickname typically gives them the edge. When a guy has a cool handle it takes his game to another level. We all wanted to have a nickname the catches on but very few become that lucky. As I thought about the hottest sports nicknames I landed on this group. Here are the best player nicknames of all-time in my opinion! Let me know what yours are.

Red Grange, "The Galloping Ghost"

Grange was a star college football player in the 1920s, earning All-America status for three straight years while suiting up for the University of Illinois. He then signed a contract with George Halas' Chicago Bears for a barnstorming tour; the 67-day, 19-game tour is largely credited with legitimizing pro football in the United States. Grange's famous nickname was bestowed upon him by legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice, who wrote a poetic description of Grange after one extremely outstanding game.

"Pistol" Pete Maravich

Don't get it twisted! Pete invented the no-look pass. Magic just made it look funky!

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Probably the most exciting player besides Jordan to lace them up. He was Showtime and L.A. was the only place he could've played. Sunshine, Movie Stars and "Magic"! They all went together.

Michael "Air" Jordan

I don't need to give his bio. C'mon Bruh!

Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson

Was an outside linebacker, earning All-Pro honors for the 1977 season. Lawrence Taylor, perhaps the greatest player ever at the position, said that he was inspired to wear 56 because it was Henderson’s number. Henderson earned the nickname "Hollywood" for his flamboyant play and high-visibility lifestyle. "Hollywood" was such a good athlete that the Cowboys used him to run reverses on kickoffs, and he returned one for a touchdown. He was one of the first linebackers to run a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. He helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl XII.


"Broadway" Joe Namath

Need I say more with a name like "Broadway playing in New York. The only thing that could have been better is "The King of New York".


Deion "Prime Time" Sanders

The best cover corner to ever play the game! Ya'll didn't know? This guy was the first corner to shut down half of the field and dared you to throw it. Depending on the day his nickname would change to "Neon Deion". He was swagger before it was even a word!


"Hammering" Hank Aaron

He was baseball bruh! What else can I say and the nickname was the oh so hot!


Billy "White Shoes" Johnson

He invented the Endzone dance. Every kid on the block wanted to do that dance when they scored whether we were playing in the street or organized ball. Billy was one if the first to wear white shoes in the 1970's when it was the norm to have on black shoes.


Renaldo "Captain Sky" Thomas

 He was probably the best player that you've never heard of on a national level. He was a member of the University of Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma that included Clyde Drexler and Hakim Olajuwon. This guy was the best basketball player to ever come out of Gary, In. and one of the best to ever play in the state. Yes I said it! He was even better than the Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson that came out of the same school, Roosevelt High. The only reason "Captain Sky" didn't make it to the NBA was because he was 6'3' and never played guard until he went to college. If he'd been 6'8'' he'd be a Hall of Famer right now. I hear you saying, "Yeah, Yeah whatever, but his nickname was the best I've ever heard because he could jump out of the gym! Do you hear me? This guy could jump and would "Yoke" on anybody on the floor. Back in the G. that's what they called dunking.

Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
 Follow me on Twitter:@jaygravesreport

"Chi-town Hustlers"

"They don't call me the MVP for nothing!"

The one that they call the MVP didn't look like it early on. Frustrated by a rough start, Derrick Rose stood up at halftime and apologized to his teammates. When it was all said and done he'd scored 28 points to put boys on notice that he is in fact the King of Chicago and the NBA's MVP. Also Luol Deng contained LeBron James and the Chicago Bulls struck first in the Eastern Conference finals, pulling away to beat the Miami Heat 103-82 in Game 1 on Sunday night.

The Bulls reminded the Heat that they were in the Windy City and not to forget that they did sweep them 3-0 during the regular season. They went on a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter, then pulled away in the fourth. As the final minutes ticked away, fans chanted "Over-rated!" and "Beat the Heat!"

As for the MVP's apology?
"It was on me," Rose said. "Careless turnovers. You can't do that against this team. When they get into the open court, they're too dangerous. ... I'm the point guard. I've got to do way better." And do better he did. He stepped onto the court in the second half and took over. The kid from the south side of Chi played like it down the stretch. Being born and bread in the Chicago he was obligated to show up and make the hometown crowd proud.

Jordan even played sick!

Of course he didn't win this game by himself. Deng had 21 points. He hit four 3s, had four steals, seven rebounds and shut down "The King", holding James to 15 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Now I normally have LeBron's back but today he's on his own. If you are the man you've got to show up every night. When they call you "The King" a mediocre player like Deng shouldn't hold you to 15 points.

 Players like Jordan and Kobe got theirs every night. The mindset of other teams have always been, "Jordan is going to get his 30 to 40 points we just have to contain everyone else". When the main guy is held to 15 points that's a problem bruh. If you're going to be held in high esteem you've got to show up every night! Sick or dead! Jordan did it, Kobe's done it and now you've got to do it! Otherwise, call yourself  "The Duke" or " The Countess" but never the King because the King shows up and takes over every night!

"Definitely to guard a guy like that the whole defense has to stay focused," Deng said. "There were times we switched and times we forced him into the double. Our bigs were great at forcing him into the front."

Carlos Boozer added 14 points and nine rebounds. Joakim Noah had 14 rebounds and the Bulls pounded the Heat on the glass, 45-33, grabbing 19 on the offensive end while outscoring them 31-8 on second-chance points. Now I was completely surprised by Boozer's outstanding play. He's the type of guy that you just don't know if he's going to show up or not. We'll...last night he did.

One down and three to go according to the Chicago faithful. The Heat won't just go away that easily and I'm sure the Big Three will have a little to say about that. Remember that this is the NBA and it could be the exact opposite result in game two. So keep your popcorn ready because this should get better before it gets worse. Holla At Ya Boy!

Jay Graves
 Twitter:@jaygravesreport
Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.

The Same Dude!

Kevin Durant & Lil' Wayne, "That's my dude right there bruh!"

Every rapper wants to be a ball player and every ball player wants to be a rapper. It's been that way since 1983 when Run DMC released their first album "Rock Box. Now the Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five and others had previously released records starting in 1980. However, Run DMC was the first that stepped on stage without the costumes. They looked like they were right off the block and represented the hood like no other.

They wore jeans, sneakers and the famous fedoras. It was the hood's uniform and the two cultures have been pretty much inseparable every since. The two fell in love because they're typically the same age and run in the same circles. They like the same girls, cars, jewelry and clothes. It was a perfect match right from the beginning. There was no breaking them up once Addidas signed Run DMC to a sneaker deal in 1986.
At that point the lines were blurred bruh!

"My Addidas" became the ballers anthem and the rest is history. It's not surprising to see hip hop's elite with professional sports royalty just hanging at an event or at one another’s jobs. I can vividly remember seeing Tupac with Mike Tyson as "Iron Mike" prepared to enter the MGM to fight the night Pac was shot. Again we ask the question why? They're pretty much are the same dude that grew up in the same hood with the same problems.They both discovered at a very early age that they had a gift that would get them out of the hood so they put in work. 

The hood protected them both from the distractions that hid around every corner like land mines. The understanding was that if you make it, we all make it bruh. That's the anthem because they just want to say that you're from around my way. "Represent the hood and make us look good when you get there. Put us on the map son", is what they'll say. If it wasn't for rappers and athlete's we'd never take an interest in places like Brooklyn, St. Louis, New Orleans, Atlanta or Akron. However, because some kid gave a shout to their hood people want to know what goes on in Miami. Not on South Beach but in Liberty City just for kicks.

Being from the ghetto is the best place in the world to be FROM. Key word here is "from". If you can survive there you can survive anywhere. Athletes and Rappers give those that are interested, a glimpse into a world that many find intriguing without having to visit. Yeah they're the same dude and I'm happy they represent me and my old hood too! Now once you leave, your ghetto pass is always good but you might not want to use it once the landscape changes. So the young "Athletes and Rappers" allow me to take a virtual tour as well. Mad love to the next generation of Athletes and Rappers on the come up!

 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygravesreport

It's Alive!

"Speaking life into the monster"

The one that the media dubbed the "Chosen One" back some ten years ago is alive! Like Dr Frankenstein those that created the monster are now upset that it's running lose in the NBA and they don't like it. The media put this kid on a pedestal when he was a freshmen in high school and told the world that he would become the best to ever play the game. Now that he's well on his way they've turned on him.
LeBron James, "The Chosen One" appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a junior in high school. Going on to become a three-time "Mr. Basketball in Ohio and was highly promoted in the national media as a future NBA superstar.

Not only was he labeled the greatest high school player we've ever seen. He later became the number one pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and signed a lucrative Nike shoe deal worth $90 million before signing his NBA contract as I've stated in previous articles. He’s since lived up to all of the hype.

The media put the heart into the monster and now they’re terrified that the creature lives. I constantly hear people saying that they don't like this kid because he's arrogant etc. I don't see that from him but if he were, what would you expect him to be if you've told him that he was the best you've ever seen since he was 14 years old. Words are powerful and you can speak life or death into peoples lives with them.

He was smart enough to listen to the what people said about him and believed it. Now that the monster is fullfilling his destiny people have the audacity to hate it bruh. Shame on you. I believe that if we spoke more positive words into our children’s lives they would turn out to become more productive people in the end.

How many times do you hear parents speaking death into their children's lives, especially their boys, by telling them that they'll never become anything or that they'll become a dead beat just like their father's etc. Let's use LeBron as an example of what speaking life and value into a person's life will do.

Even though he was raised in an unstable home without a father the words that have been spoken into his life have resulted in his success because he believes that he's worthy of success. Would you rather he'd failed so you could have something to talk about? Would you rather he'd come into the league and became a bust or been some idiot that’s always in the news for getting into trouble?

I know you would, but words are powerful and he only heard those that were positive for more than ten years so now those that are negative can't penetrate his mind because he's conditioned to only absorb those that give him life. That's why all of the venom that has been spit his way hasn't effected him this year. So therefore, he and his teammates made it to Finals. Remember, words have given life to the  monster and I'm happy to see him succeed!

If you like it share it! Holla At Ya Boy!!

Jay Graves
Twitter: @jaygravesreport

T.E.A.M.!

"We're here and there's nothing you can do about it!"

Last summer LeBron James took a lot of heat for wanting to become a part of the Miami Heat. He saw something that very few people could. It takes a team to win at the highest level. Although he and his new teammates haven't won the NBA Championship, they are well on their way.

"Everything went through my mind at that point," James said. "Finally getting over this hump against this team. Everything I went through this summer, with 'The Decision' and deciding to come down here to be a part of this team ... because I knew how important team is to this sport ... and all the backlash I got from it.
"I'd be up here for two hours if I tell you exactly everything that went through my head. Very emotional at that point, you know, and happy we got through it as a team."
The acronym for T.E.A.M. is "Together Everyone Achieves More! LeBron James and his teammates have certainly learned that at this point. It wasn't about the money it was about winning as a team. LeBron actually took a pay cut to ride with the Heat. This kid simply wanted to win and you can't put a price tag on that.

Let's keep it real! Once a guy signs that first big contract after the initial rookie contract of 3 years for $10 million which LeBron did in the summer of 2006 for another 3 years $60 million, money is no longer an issue. Keep in mind that he signed a 5 year $90 million deal with Nike before he'd even graduated for high school. So money shouldn't ever be a reason this guy plays the game!

Playing to win is what it's all about at this point. So many times we as fans fail to realize that because we see so many professional athletes playing for the money and the money alone. Jordan was under paid for most of his career with the Bulls. He made only $3 million a year with Chicago up until his last year or so when they paid him like $30 million. While they were rolling and winning multiple championships etc. Tony Kukoc was the highest paid guy on the team making $12 million. Crazy huh?

My point here is this, LeBron realized early on in his career that in order to win you've got to surround yourself with other capable players to accomplish your goal. Jordan didn't win a title until he had been in the league for 7 years and that was after spending 3 years in college. LeBron's only been in the league for 7 years(drafted 1st overall in 2003) and he didn't go to college. So there's no need to panic here he's right on schedule to win a title. Now of course he ain't Jordan but Jordan wasn't Jordan then either.
James told reporters that he took the blueprint from the Celtic's a few years ago when their "Big Three" joined forces to win a title and it seems to be working in Miami at this point. They're only 4 wins away from the being in The Finals and you can't hate on that!
If you like it share it!
 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves

That Guy!

"Daddy Ball"

It simply blows my mind that people will have the audacity to call only when your team loses when they have no interest one way or the other. You can go months and even years without hearing from them but as soon as your team goes down the phone rings. It's not like your team lost to their team or anything. They just happened to lose. Question is, why does "that guy" care at all!
I'm a huge Oklahoma Sooner football fan and we don't lose but once or twice a year if that. However, every time the Sooners go down I get a phone call from the same two guys that don't even care about college football. My buddies that are Laker fans are getting the same thing now that they've recently lost to Dallas. It's not Mavrick fans calling, however. It's some random guy that they haven't heard from in months.

If you are a real fan of a team you know not to call people and talk trash because you realize that at some point your team is going to go down and you don't want that call. You can't win every game so when you do win enjoy it and move on. You don't call folks and talk trash unless your team has beaten their team and you guys were talking trash anyway.

The question I always ask is, Why do you care that my team just lost?  If they weren't playing against your team it should be irrelevant, right? It's always the guy that's switching teams every year that way you can't talk trash to him. Every time you talk to him he's jumping on the bandwagon of whoever is winning right now. At the beginning of the season they were rolling with the Celtics and now they're hanging out on South Beach with LeBron and D. Wade. Yeah "That Guy"!

When you really peal the onion back it's the guy that's jealous of you  for whatever reason and the only time they can win is when you lose .  What's so crazy is that you have no control over whether your team wins or loses but this freaking guy calls you like you played in the game and fumbled on the goal line or blew the last second shot!

So when they call just understand that this is the only time they feel good about themselves. It's unbelievable that this guy will be at home hoping that your team loses just because it's your team. How pathetic is that?

If you like it share it!

 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves
 Twitter:@jaygravesreport

Can't Knock The Hustle!

I wonder where Cavs owner Dan Gilbert watched the game last night? I would guarantee he was at home with all of the windows and shutters closed tight with a bath robe on, an ice pack on top of his head, holding that stupid letter that he wrote to the ungrateful fans of Cleveland last summer. As a matter of fact, they all were at his house last night laying on the floor saying, "but you promised", referring to this part of the letter.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

We'll...LeBron James scored 35 points, Dwyane Wade had 28 and Chris Bosh had 20 on Monday night to give the Heat a 98-90 overtime victory over the Celtics and move Miami within one game of the Eastern Conference finals. The Heat lead the best-of-seven East semifinals 3-1, with a chance to close out the series in Miami on Wednesday.

"Wednesday night will be our greatest challenge that we've had with this group so far," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We'll get their best games on Wednesday. And we have to be better. If we're real about what we want to do, we have to beat the Boston Celtics at their best."

LeBron is one step closer to getting to the Eastern Conference Finals and possibly winning that championship that so many people don't want to see him win. I've been in his corner all season long. I'm not a Heat fan I just don't like haters and too many folks are hating on a guy that simply wanted to win and Cleveland didn't give him that option.

Home town? C'mon man!

Like I said in July of last year the media hyped his whole free agency up so that it was going to be a TV spectacle either way. They had been talking about him becoming a free agent for over a year. He would've been a fool not to get on national television and make "The Decision". He's a businessman first and a basketball player second. I loved it and everything the guy has done in his career.
We see so many athletes make a fortune of money only to blow it all by making dumb decisions. LeBron has don't nothing but market and promote his brand like a champ since day one. The most gangster move he has made besides going to the Heat was hiring all of his childhood buddies to run his business. They handle every aspect of his brand from negotiating his marketing deals to structuring his NBA contracts. You can't hate on that. We need more guys to understand that at the end of the day it's all business and never personal. My first article ever on this site last year was entitled "Shame On You Cleveland" which detailed how the city of Cleveland took advantage of this kid and then showed no loyalty in the end. It's a must read!

Not everybody is going to like what you do. However, if you're fine with the decision's that you make and you're willing to put in the work to achieve your goal. People can't do anything but respect you. If Dan Gilbert, the Cavs fans and the rest of the jersey burners can't respect you now, they are the chosen lot that will always hate on a man's hustle.

If you like it share it!

Holla At Ya Boy!!
Jay Graves
Twitter: @jaygravesreport
Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.

"Say Uncle!"

"You can beat me fighting though"

  Everybody is talking about the sweep of the Lakers but nobody is talking about the cowardly way they went out. I mean it was terrible to get beat four straight games but to start throwing cheap shots at the end of the game was a straight punk move. It reminded me of playing in the cage in the projects and some guy resorts to fighting because he can't win.

We all know that guy! He talks trash the entire game hoping to get inside your head and when that doesn't work has starts fighting everybody on the court because he can scrap. He's the "I can't beat you but I can beat you up" guy.

Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum just wanted to end it so they figured if I hit one of these guys they'll just throw me out of the game. That way I don't have to stay out here for the last eight minutes and be humiliated. The sad part about it was Kobe was still giving it all he had and his boys folded the tents and were on their way to the airport.

How can you leave the best player in the game on the floor and the best coach in the game hanging because you couldn't take it like a man. It's happens to the best of them from time to time. It just happened to be that time for the Lakers on Sunday night. It is what it is!

I tell you what! If that had been Jordan on the floor, guys wouldn't have quit on him.Otherwise, he would have been fighting too, but only his teammates. They wouldn't have quit on Mike because his teammates had too much respect for him. So what does that say about Kobe at this point in his career? It says that he ain't Mike!

Lastly, to all of the Laker haters out there. I'll say this. If you don't have a team that you call your own. Don't call Laker fans and rub it in especially if you aren't a Mavs fan. That's weak! I don't care who wins the West but I don't like to see bandwagon jumpers talk trash. It's disgusting!

Now it's getting  interesting and I've got my popcorn ready to see how it all plays out.

If you like it share it!

 Holla At Ya Boy!
Jay Graves

 Twitter: @jaygravesreport

Pump Your Brakes!

"This could easy be any school's logo!"

Ohio State's director of compliance is reviewing at least 50 car sales to Buckeyes athletes and relatives to see if they met NCAA rules, The Columbus Dispatch reported Saturday. The newspaper reported that a salesman who received game passes from Ohio State athletes handled many of the deals at two different dealerships. Ohio State has since taken the salesman, Aaron Kniffin, off the pass list.
Athletes are prevented from receiving special deals not available to other students. They are not permitted to trade autographs for discounts. Both dealerships display signed Ohio State memorabilia in their showrooms.

One car, a 2-year-old Chrysler 300 with fewer than 20,000 miles, was titled to then-sophomore defensive player Thaddeus Gibson in 2009. Documents show the purchase price as $0. Gibson said he did not know why the title showed a zero for the purchase price and said he was still paying for the car.

Before all of the Ohio State haters line up to pile on, pump your brakes. If the director of compliance at your particular school pulled the covers back he'd find the same thing. So don't start diving on top of the Buckeyes because Toto exposed the Wizard. This could easily happen at every big time college program in America.

The reason I can say that is because they are all cooking with the same ingredients, 18 to 22 year old immature young adults and fans that just want to be a part of the program. People that want to say that they know Terrell Pryor or some kid of his level and are willing to do favors for them like give them money etc. I don't care if you live in Knoxville, South Bend, Ann Arbor, Norman or anywhere it's happening. If you're willing to look long and hard enough you'll find something that is in violation of NCAA rules.

When winning is all that matters in some communities, people will be willing to break the rules to make sure that it happens. You'll look pretty silly blasting Ohio State because I can assure you that it's happening on or near your beloved campus.

If your star quarterback is riding around campus right now in a new car or somewhat new car and his parents aren't loaded. There is a good chance that he didn't pay for it. If the players show up to the local restaurant and eat until their full on a regular basis. There's a good chance that they aren't picking up the bill. If guys are constantly in the mall shopping and wearing all of the hottest gear. There's a good chance that they didn't pay full price for the merchandise. These are all violations and any number of schools could be found guilty.  I'm just sayin'!

Now does this mean that the university itself is dirty? Not at all. However, if the student-athlete gets involved with a booster or alumni in this manner it's ruled as a violation. The school can be completely oblivious to what's going on and still get into trouble.

Don't be so naive to believe that Ohio State and USC are the only schools that players are being taken care of. In many cases it doesn't have to be major powerhouse programs. Some boosters just like spending money because they want to be down with the players. Sometimes it's as simple as that. Blows my mind but it's true.

Lastly, before all of the Wolverine fans jump the gun and start throwing darts at the Buckeyes. Send them a thank you note for at least allowing you to have a chance at winning "The Game" for the next few years. So before you call some body's radio show or comment on this blog or anyone else's. Remember that whatever school you cheer on is probably guilty too. So don't let "Toto" anywhere near your campus.

If you like it share it! Holla At Ya Boy!

Jay Graves
jaygraves@thejaygravesreport.com
Follow me on Twitter: @jaygravesreport
Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.

Keep It Vanilla!

"I'll think before I Twitter next time!"

With the advent of text messages, Facebook and Twitter I'm constantly telling my son and other young people that you can't write down everything that you're thinking. I need to extend that to a lot of adults I know  as well.  Sometimes you have to use some self control and leave some thoughts in your head because once you write it down it becomes a public record.  

 Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall learned an expensive lesson this week after losing a lucrative endorsement deal with Champion Apparel after sending out controversial comments via Twitter about the death of Osama bin Laden and the events of 9/11. On Monday he tweeted "What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side..."

He also tweeted, in reference to the 9/11 terror attacks: "We'll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style."

In response to the remarks Champion released the following statement:

"While we respect Mr. Mendenhall's right to express sincere thoughts regarding potentially controversial topics, we no longer believe that Mr. Mendenhall can appropriately represent Champion and we have notified Mr. Mendenhall that we are ending our business relationship. Champion has appreciated its association with Mr. Mendenhall during his early professional football career and found him to be a dedicated and conscientious young athlete. We sincerely wish him all the best."

Now this guy has lost money because he made a comment that was at best a complete waste of his time. When are people going to wise up and get it? Social media is a valuable tool if used properly. It's  great for networking etc. but you've got to use common sense when using it. Don't write it down if it's questionable! It's really just that simple.

I'm always blown away when I see people talking crazy and using derogatory language to express themselves like the person that they were talking to is going to be the only one reading it. Employers, colleges and yes parents, are checking Facebook and Twitter. So why say something crazy while using it? Keep everything clean and bland and you'll stay out of trouble. If you've got something that bad to say. Just pick up the phone and give it to them live and direct. That way, it's your word against theirs.

I've seen more people go to jail, get fired or lose out on a job or opportunity because they've said something crazy on the Internet. If you want to find out who the real person is just check their Facebook or Twitter accounts. More often than not if a person lacks good judgement you'll find out on the Internet.

Sure, we all from time to time want to say or do something crazy but that's when good judgement and self-control takes over. We live in a world with rules and regulations that are supposed to be adhered to. People that can't seem to follow them are typically housed in places called penitentiary's. Life is like playing poker. You can't always show your hand. So do me a favor folks,  just keep it Vanilla!

If you like share it! Holla At Ya Boy!

Jay Graves

Follow me on Twitter:@jaygravesreport

"If You Look Good You Play Good!"

"Prime Time" was the King of wearing a uniform!

As a young athlete playing the game of football I had a simple philosophy "If you look good you play good". Years later I found out that Hall Of Famer Deion Sanders felt the same way but he put a twist to it saying, "If you look good you play good and if you play good you get paid good".  I believed with all of my heart that if you looked like a stud you played like a stud. When I was in high school my pants had to be extra tight as a running back so that I could move without the pads sliding and getting in the way. They were so snug that my offensive linemen would hold me in the air and drop me into my pants before the games in the locker room.

My shoes were polished like a brand new car, my rag had to hang just right off of the side of my belt, wrist bands and tape had to be perfect as well. I couldn't put my uniform on like everyone else because I would play like everyone else. It was all mental because 90% of competition is played between the ears. If you're more confident than your opponent you're typically going to win. Unlike Deion, I wasn't always the most talented guy on the field but by being the most confident it took my game to another level and it started with my uniform.



"Always Championship Ready"

If I looked like I knew what I was doing I could get into my opponents head and beat them even if they had more talent. It works the same way in Corporate America. I've been in sales for 22 years and my mission has always been to be the best looking guy in the building when I show up. When that happens my confidence is on another level and I can't lose.

When my competition walks in the door I want to be able to intimidate them by my presence at first glance. You'd be surprised at how effective you can be by just having a strong presence. Therefore, my suits are always tailored and fitting like I was born in them. As a result, I've won multiple regional and national championships over the course of my sales career and counting. Don't get it twisted, if you're competing against me you've got your hands full and they aren't big enough bruh!

I don't care what type of clothes you have to wear to work just make sure that you're the best looking person in those clothes on the job. You'll be surprised at how people treat you and how much respect you'll receive as a result of looking your best. They always say that first impressions are lasting impressions. I always say that today is your opportunity to impress.

It doesn't matter what you do for a living. When you look like the most qualified you typically become the most qualified because of the confidence that you approach your job with. I did an article a few months ago entitled "We talkin' bout...Practice!" about whatever we spend the majority of our time doing we become experts at it. So the question is, what are you willing to become the best at doing and how will you prepare yourself? In my opinion, it starts with your uniform.

People like to do business with people that they are impressed with or those that they have great confidence in. If you look the part you become the part. When you are confident in yourself others pick up on it. Now I know that clothes don't make the person but they sure do make them look more impressive. When you know that you look good in your uniform you're always ready for them to kick it directly to you so that you can run it back 100 yards like Deion Sanders.

 Holla At Ya Boy!!
Jay Graves
Follow me on Twitter:@jaygravesreport