The Train Daddy is back, as always, bringing sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk to you, the loyal readers of Middle Tennessee. All aboard!
For nearly a decade I have been creating these articles that some people call masterpieces. I love writing and it’s a hobby that brings me peace of mind. My goal has always been to make you the reader laugh or maybe think twice about a topic. I appreciate the numerous emails I receive from you, the readers.
One example: “Thank you Train for your column and keep thinking outside of the box, from one Titan fan to another, God Bless America.” That email was pleasant, but here is another example.
“Dear Train Daddy, you suck, the Titans suck and no one makes better spaghetti than my wife.” That’s what we call hater mail. I guess he took offense to me bragging over a year ago that the famous Me-Ma’s spaghetti was superior to his wife’s spaghetti. If I have learned one thing over the years writing for the Pulse, it’s this: no matter what you say, someone will always find something to complain about.
For those of you emailing me and whining about how I hurt your feelings, I do thank you. My mama said haters make the most loyal of readers! For any more hater concerns, email me at titanman1984@gmail.com.
On to more pressing matters: It’s October! There isn’t a more beautiful time of the year—rich, deep colors and cool weather. It’s the time of year a man can get lost in the corn maze with his lovely lady, maybe roll around in the pumpkin patch afterwards. Trust me on this, folks, the fall season is a beautiful time for love.
So what shall we discuss? The Titans need to get the run game going, come on, man! It’s not like they have the best offensive line in the league and two powerful running backs.
Also the secondary is giving away yards like a hooker gives away . . . well, you know. Regardless, this team needs to buckle up. They have the talent.
Let’s not forget the Tennessee Volunteers—completely embarrassing! Go ahead and throw Butch Jones in that trash can. No one can say he hasn’t been given the time and talent to make something happen.
How can we not discuss the national anthem protest? You knew I would. Sadly, it’s the hottest topic in sports right now.
It’s too bad I can’t ignore these topics, because I have more respect for the man who ignores these controversial topics than the man who has to discuss it. Well, I can’t help myself, so you get to read my opinion on the matter. Before we dig into this: America is the greatest country in the world. Ninety percent of the world’s population would probably laugh at the problems we have here in the States. It may not diminish the problems we have, but it should make you stop and think about how lucky we are to live in America.
A recent poll of over 1,000 adults pertaining to the anthem protest was conducted by Global Strategy through ESPN, and the results should be of extreme concern to the NFL and its bottom line.
NFL fans were asked if they approved or disapproved of the NFL and its players protesting. Let me hit you with some quick numbers: 51 percent strongly disapproved, while 39 percent strongly approved. More apparent is the race divide on this issue: 54 percent of African-Americans strongly approved and only 17 percent of whites strongly approved of players protesting.
On the other hand, only nine percent of African-Americans strongly disapproved of the protest while 48 percent of whites strongly disapproved of players protesting.
The biggest takeaway for me from this poll and those similar wasn’t the race divide but the high percentage of people claiming their interest in the game has diminished since the protest started. Over 40 percent of the total from this poll claim they are less interested in watching NFL games following the protest.
CNN recently released a poll as well, and this one reported that 24 percent of Americans stated they planned to boycott the NFL because of the protest.
Agree or disagree, the NFL doesn’t care about any of these social issues. Bottom line is they care about their bottom line, money! And 40 percent is no small number. There will be heavy ramifications for the league if they don’t resolve this.
How did this all unravel to the point where it’s at now? I have to give credit where credit is due, and it all started with Colin Kaepernick kneeling last season.
If this is such a just cause, where were the other protesters last season? They left Colin out for the wolves! Kraepernick kneeled alone, facing extreme backlash, while the entire league and all its players and coaches acted as if the topic was toxic to even discuss.
That’s how I know this protest isn’t about unity or seriously protesting against racial injustice and police brutality. If so, they would have joined Kaepernick last season. No, this is very clearly an anti-Trump protest. Trump makes a few stupid comments and boom the entire league becomes a bunch of imitations of Kaepernick.
This protest isn’t about unity; it clearly is creating division unlike any event the league has ever witnessed. Just like when Aaron Rodgers asked the fans at Lambeau Field to link arms during the anthem as a sign of unity. Where was the unity that night? It was quite obvious that nearly 95 percent of the fans in that stadium were booing and saluting all in heavy defiance of what Rodgers was pleading for. Baltimore Ravens fans almost brought their stadium down with boos as their team took a knee.
Even Stephen A. Smith claims the original protest was hijacked for other selfish reasons. Smith (as always, loudly) stated that this protest isn’t about anything other than a deep hate for President Trump. Smith also blames Kaepernick for starting this protest, claiming he started this talk yet has nothing to say with what’s going on now, as Colin has been incognito for months.
Titan talk: Rishard Matthews!
The most productive receiver on the Titans roster right now stated on NFL Live he isn’t participating in the anthem until Trump apologizes. Ha! That possibility is as likely as a group of midgets knocking on your door dressed as the Avengers and demanding a box of Little Debbies!
President Trump was a moron to ever bring this up in the first place. He patronized the league publicly prior to this storm, so what did he expect?
Rishard said this about Trump’s comments: “To keep it honest, he was calling a lot of us, and I feel that he was calling myself, an S.O.B., and that’s not OK and very disrespectful. So I plan to kneel until the president apologizes.”
Most people would assume Rishard Matthews is completely ignorant to the loss and sacrifice made for this country. Is he?
Rishard’s father served in the U.S. military for over two decades, while his brother, a member of the Marine Corps, passed away in service in Afghanistan last year. Matthews even recently dedicated one of his touchdowns to his sibling by giving an earnest salute.
Rishard Matthews and his fallen brother; photo courtesy titansonline.com
Most of these NFL players protesting couldn’t convince you the sky is blue. Ask 100 players why they’re protesting and you may get 100 different answers.
Maybe it’s worth taking Matthews’ point of view and instead of calling him unpatriotic or sending vulgarities his way, maybe try and better understand him. I know racial injustices and police brutality are serious conversations to have, but when you hijack the anthem you shut the door on half the country. Let’s have conversations that are uncomfortable, but do it away from the anthem; protesting during the anthem makes most of the people these players are trying to reach feel uncomfortable.
Delanie Walker; photo courtesy titans online.com
Let’s talk about one more Titans player—one of my favorite players, Delanie Walker, who stupidly decided to tell fans that if they don’t like the protests then don’t come to the games. Good job, Delanie, tell over 50 percent of Titans fans to stay home. He represents the NFL, and the league agreed it’s not in its best interest to tell paying customers not to pay. Walker’s words were at least heavily condemned by staff and sports analysts.
How is it that a sport that once brought us all together is now the staging ground for America’s deepest problems?
I blame ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports and poo! Just look at the programs and the path they have taken over the last decade as they have dived head first into social issues better suited for CNN. Just watch an hour of First Take, and that’s all the proof I need. I still watch ESPN, I still love football as much as ever, but it is disappointing when I personally know people who have given up on both due to these circumstances.
As always, the Train is glad to have you along for the ride. Remember the importance of physical activity—enjoy the outdoors! It is the most beautiful time of year to do so, Tennesseans. So get up, fat-butt. Go outside, eat healthy and take care of yourself. Get the kids away from the tablets and throw a football. Fall is in the air and it smells glorious! Love your family and live life by the 5 F’s—Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends.
Train’s out the station. Choo-choo!
