Sofa Soccer

On the TunneySide of Sports October 29, 2018 #716.1 Up next...” Sofa Soccer”On The TunneySide of Sports October 29, 2018 #716 Up next… Sofa Soccer

After further review… If you love sports, as I do, you have to love the month of October! Not only is it a month of wonderful weather (except for those in the path of hurricane Michael), but so many sports were in play: NFL in mid-season, NBA and NHL just under way, MLB into World Series mode, college football approaching mid-season, and college basketball “tips-off” at the end of the month. Soccer? Well, that sport never ends.

Readers have long noted that soccer and/or hockey are not often a subject in this column. That’s mostly because they are somewhat foreign to me. Yes, they’re terrific sports. It’s just that growing-up in southern California, they never got much notice. However, those of you who love soccer will enjoy this piece by journalist, Pulitzer Prize author and humorists, Dave Barry:

“Recently I played in a soccer game (or match) on a regulation soccer field (or pitch), and I wound up fearing for the safety of my most sensitive male anatomical parts (or “Roscoes”). Allow me, as a big believer in the benefits of exercise, to offer you these words of encouragement: Get back on the sofa!”

“I remember playing intramural soccer in college as a casual relaxing activity, which is why I was asked, along with my wife to play in a media vs the staff of the Miami Fusion some years ago. I was an idiot. I realized this the instant we arrived at the stadium. Most of the other people were serious, cleat-wearing soccer players. They were shouting Spanish soccer expressions that translate roughly to, ‘I shall “keek” the ball with great “velocidad,” so stand clear, lest it pass through your torso.’ The other problem was the size of the playing field. From the press box, where I am usually, it looked about the size of a football field, but when I actually stood on it. I realized that it was much closer to the square footage of Kansas.”

“Finally, after about a month, the game ended. I admit that the Fusion staff team was much better. But since the media got to write the story, we won 151 to 3, and I personally scored nine touchdowns. I look forward to playing soccer again, when they pry my cold, dead butt off the sofa.” Dave Barry describes soccer about the way I feel!

Will you log-in your experience or story about soccer?

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These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.comThank you!

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Building a Legacy!

On the TunneySide of Sports October 22, 2018 #715 Up next...Building a Legacy!On The TunneySide of Sports October 22, 2018 #715 Up next… Building a Legacy!

After further review…  Heading into my fifth year as an NFL official, a new official joined our officiating corps, namely Burl Abron Toler, an African American. That’s an important addition to Toler’s name, since he then became the first African American on-field NFL official. He was chosen from the NCAA Pacific Coast Conference (now called the Pac-12). I had known Toler since I also had officiated in the PCC.  As an NFL rookie, Toler was placed in the on-field position of Head Linesman and assigned to the crew of veteran referee Dr. Norm Schachter.

A few years later, Toler was re-assigned to the crew where I was the referee. We spent 11 years as crew mates. I became part of Toler’s family; he had six children, and he and wife Melvia accepted me as I did them. Toler was an educator as was I, so we had a lot in common. We had many memorable NFL games together, but none so infamous as Monday, November 27, 1978 – a MNF game in San Francisco’s Candlestick Park with the Steelers and the 49ers. About one hour before game time, NFL security entered our dressing room to announce that San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in their offices late that afternoon. The decision to play or postpone the game was in the hands of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, but also of great concern was the fact that Toler, who was with us in that locker room, had been working in those same downtown San Francisco offices. While the game was allowed to go on, my concern was more for Toler and his impending on-field job. He performed, as he always did, at his best, yet knowing what lay ahead for him the next day.

The personal strength and character of Toler is what continues as his family legacy. His principalship at Ben Franklin Middle School was so significant that in 2006 the school was renamed in his honor. Although Toler died in 2009, his legacy lives on though Burl Jr., Burl III, and now Burl IV. He always told them “Do your best and your best will be good enough.” Burl Jr. was good athlete at University of California, Berkeley (Bears) as was Burl lll, who is now Cal’s running back coach. During a recent game at Cal’s Memorial Stadium, Burl Jr. accepted the Glenn Seaborg Award, in his dad’s honor, while Burl III prowled the Bears sideline.

Will you assure your family’s legacy in the manner that Burl Toler, Sr. did?

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Supplies are running low…

Get 4 books authored by Jim Tunney, 1 DVD and Jim Tunney’s Bobblehead for the low price of $59 plus $14 Priority Mail Shipping (USA only) while supplies last.

If you would like this bundle shipped outside of the USA please contact Jim at jim@jimtunney.com for a shipping quote.

Buy Now

Tunney

 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com.

Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports

Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly.

These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.comThank you!

Posted in NFL, Sports, Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Leave a comment

A Privilege or a Right?

Mychal-Kendricks-Insider-e1536288670593-800x445On The TunneySide of Sports October 15, 2018 #714 Up next… A Privilege or a Right?

After further review… While On the TunneySide of Sports takes issues and stories from all sports, it attempts to focus on current topics, suggesting that they be transformed into positive messages for everyday living. This column often discusses the NFL, because it is currently in-play and the writer spent much of his life involved with issues therein.

As this is being written Mychal Kendricks has been suspended by the NFL for “insider trading of stocks”. He was charged and admitted that he did so knowing it was illegal. He stated “I worked my tail off since I was 5 years old to become the player I am today. While I was drawn to the allure of being more than just a football player, I knew it was wrong and wholeheartedly regret my actions.” He profited by more than $1.2 million! While his admission is admirable, it will still get him jail time. Insider trading is a felony. When it came to light, the Cleveland Browns released him. Between the time of his release and his sentencing, the Seattle Seahawks picked him up (he was legally eligible to play) where he played in three games making 13 solo tackles and 3 sacks. Huh? Is playing In the NFL a privilege or a right?

The Seahawks made the headlines again recently, when free safety Earl Thomas was injured suffering a lower leg fracture in a game vs the Arizona Cardinals, ending his short season. As he left the field on a cart, Thomas gave “the finger,” which was visible to fans and the TV audience alike. It is reported that Thomas was unhappy with the Seahawks management over his contract. He was scheduled to make $8.5 million this year, and while he will be paid that amount, he was angry that his contract dispute should have paid him more. Huh? Is playing in the NFL a privilege or a right?

It has been reported that since 2000 there have been a total of 656 arrests of NFL players among 32 teams. With approximately 1700 current NFL players that means some 38% were involved in these arrests. Having spent 31 years (1960-1990) working with players on the field, I have had great respect for the character of those with whom I worked. This latest trend casts a pall on a league that has been a symbol of integrity for nearly a century. Huh? Is playing in the NFL a privilege or a right?

Will you log-in your thoughts on privilege vs rights in playing in the NFL?

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CORRECTION

Many readers responded to the question of the NFL being a privilege or a right from this column.

Thank you for that. However, it was pointed out that the arrest statistics were incorrect. And for that I apologize. Due diligence was not done correctly. My error. It was also mentioned that some, maybe many, believe in giving a second chance to those who redeem themselves by correcting their misbegotten ways. I believe that as well. I also believe for the 31 years I was on the field with thousands of these athletes, that they held themselves to the NFL standard of civility and integrity. It is and always has been a small percentage that create this disparity.

The TunneySide, at times maybe controversial, strives for accuracy and will continue to do so.

Thank you!

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Supplies are running low…

Get 4 books authored by Jim Tunney, 1 DVD and Jim Tunney’s Bobblehead for the low price of $59 plus $14 Priority Mail Shipping (USA only) while supplies last.

If you would like this bundle shipped outside of the USA please contact Jim at jim@jimtunney.com for a shipping quote.

Buy Now

Tunney

 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com.

Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.

Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports

Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly.

These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others.

Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.comThank you!

Posted in Current Affairs, NFL, Sports, Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Tagged | Leave a comment