MNF not so Thrilling these Days

I have been a Pittsburgh Steeler fan my entire life. I own a lot of Steeler's merchandise. There was a time when I would never, ever miss a game.  It would be especially unheard of for me to miss a Monday Night Football game against an Division Rival. Apparently things change.

As I am writing this, the Steeler's are facing off against the hated Cincinnati Bengals. This is one of those games that Steeler fans look forward to every year. Not this Steeler fan, at least not this year. I watched the first four games of the season and loved every minute of it. To see Charlie Batch start and win three out of the first four games was awesome. Then Ben Rothelisberger's suspension ended, and so to did my desire to watch Steeler football.

I have no inclination to watch that person play. It upsets me that he is still wearing a Pittsburgh Steeler uniform. How many chances are they going to give this guy? What kind of message are we sending our children when someone like him is allowed to represent one of the greatest franchises in all of sports?

I have daughters, and I am not going to support a man who he allegedly treats women the way that he does. Never-mind the fact how he treats people in the city who's citizens help to pay his salary. Maybe I should not let one person ruin something that I love so much; but, he is there every time the offense has the ball, and I just get agitated. I toyed around with the idea of just watching the Defense play. It just is not the same.

In closing, I would just like to say that even if they win tonight they will be 3-1. That is the exact same record they had under Charlie Batch. That there is one them things that makes you hmmm. I guess winning is the only thing that matters anymore, or at least the prospect of wining. Having good role models in sports is secondary. So tonight, I am in the minority of Pittsburgh residents. I will not turn be turning on the game. Instead, I guess I will catch up on some reading.

Happy Birthday Big Brother

Yesterday I talked about how I think that Saints are good role models. Tonight, I want to talk about role models that are still walking among us here on earth. I am blessed to be able to count my brother as one of my role models.

My parents split-up when I was about five years old, and so, my brother would have been about ten. From that time on, he has always looked out for me. When we were younger, he would include me in some of the things he did with his friends. Even if it was just going over to the neighbor's house and hanging out at the picnic table while they were shooting the breeze, it always made me feel special to be included with the "Big Kids."

Everything was not always smooth sailing. Hey, we were brothers after all. I remember we got into a fist fight in our driveway. He was a teenager; so, I was at least eight. The truth be told, it was not much of a fight. I was really the only one throwing punches. He was holding back. We always had an unwritten rule that you did not throw a punch to the other one's face. I decided to break that rule on that day. My brother was enraged, and I was waiting for the smack down I knew he could levee on me. But, he did not return the favor. He let it go, and taught me a valuable lesson about restraint.

In college, I was struggling for cash and he helped me pay for books on at least one occasion. My brother did not have to do that. It was not in his job description. Besides, he had his own college tuition for which he had to pay. But, that is how he always was. In that instance, he taught me about charity and helping someone in need.

Now, we are adults, and he continues to inspire me. With every problem or struggle that he faces, he finds a solution. His son is lucky to have a father like him. That boy will be able to learn from his Dad the same kindness and caring that he taught to me. I am proud to call my big brother a role model, and I know my children will and do look up to him too.

 Incidently, he is celebrating a milestone birthday today. Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you have done for me. I could not have asked for a better big brother.