If you question how we got to the point of misunderstanding over who stands for the National Anthem, and who doesn’t, understand the the issue is as raw and open as our individual sensitivities…to almost everything!

It took five weeks and some Texas ‘crawdaddin’, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finally put his foot down Sunday. You either stand for the National Anthem, or you don’t play for the Cowboys!

We all have those days when you ask yourself why you try so hard, and what’s the reward? Today, a punch to the gut, and a tribute to one of our best PPM friends.

Whether you’re actually spiritual or not, Monday was a day when you couldn’t help but reach out to a hoped-for higher power – a day when it seemed that hope was all that was left for everyone.

A week after all the fuss over NFL protests during the national anthem, did your disgust translate into abstinance…and watching the product out of habit? Mine did.

Rick Pitino was fired yesterday, the basketball cat that finally ran through his nine lives. But why is it such a big thing relative to other national problems. And why should you and I care?

He died yesterday at 91. And who’s not surprised that he lasted that long. But Hugh Hefner, like him or not, lived by at least one mantra that defines success for anyone, and everyone.

You dread terrible news of any kind, but the story behind the news I received last week is what I’m sharing…and what you’ll remember.

Sunday was it…the end of the line for many who’ve had enough of social protest in the name of football; and, for the leniency on touchdown celebrations that permit ‘role models’ to act like dogs. I’ll explain.

When I was young I thought my dad had an inexhaustible number of sibling brothers that would always be here. But to the folly of youth, life doesn’t work that way, as each passing year seems to serve as a painful reminder.

If you’re over 50, and your squeamish about prostate checkups, you gotta’ get over that. Because the technology available now can not only find prostate cancer, but help you live with it for a long, long time.

I fell far short in a previous blog on why Colin Kaepernick’s views on the national anthem have kept him sidelined. Here’s more.

If some activist NFL players can’t understand why the Colin Kaepernick movement still hasn’t gained traction, or enough respect, don’t blame management for not caring. It’s just business.

Given their history and some of the personalities…you wonder how it could happen. But it did. The Bengals show a new level of disappointment in opening loss to Baltimore.

If you don’t have them you can’t become anything. And if they all come true you’ll never learn to handle adversity. Life, it seems, is all about what you do about ‘dreams’.

After a week of college, and two weeks of high school football, some thoughts on trends, looks, and behavior we could all do without.

For those who already have their tickets…they’re numb already, or will turn a deaf ear. But if you’re thinking about seeing the Buckeyes in person this year…start collecting your couch change.

Proponents of competitive balance will say, “I told you so.” But proponents of Dave Miller will also tell you after his win over Alter in Thursday’s opener, “I told you so.”

Like with any new parent, I’ve found the first weeks of being a dad are a mix of emotions, sleep deprivation, frustration, and that senseless of hope of the world becoming a better place…all because my offspring represents a new generation that will hopefully tackle and resolve all the world’s problems. Uh, not likely.

Some words on a young man who chose the tougher path and higher expectations in order to play college football…and our best wishes to another whose heart and will to live is fighting to do just that.