It May Be All About You - After All

Ryan Leaf was one of the biggest disappointments in the history of professional sports. Neal and I reviewed his case a few minutes yesterday through the miracle (yes, I am that old) of the Internet.

Leaf became famous, fast, as a college junior at Washington State University. I remember seeing him play in the Rose Bowl in 1998. I was amazed at his arm strength and quick release. The big debate was over who would be a better pro, Payton Manning or Ryan Leaf. Leaf was chosen second, after Manning, in the 1998 NFL draft, by the San Diego Chargers. He threw 14 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions in 25 NFL games. He is now quarterbacks and golf coach at West Texas State University.

Sometimes the purpose of our lives is to serve as a warning for others. I read that somewhere once. On my bad days, I think, at least I can be a warning. Point here: self-maintenance and practice is more important than game time. Our guilt-driven, out of balance lives are really ego driven, my thrill comes in front of the crowd, and that is all that matters. That applies to me (although I do not have a strong arm or quick release) and you, more than Ryan Leaf. Who we are happens in private. How we "perform" on game day begins in secret places.

Columbia and Aiken yesterday. Joel Rainey, Richard Swift, and Neal McGlohon were among the movement makers I hung out with. We were not in front of any crowds, but that is a pretty elite group of players (you know what I mean).